By Helen

a quick crochet project...

Yesterday I was in the mood for a really quick crochet project, one that I could start and finish in the afternoon and that looked really great at the end of it.  After a delightful couple of hours browsing through my crochet books and magazines I decided to make up a pattern by the very talented Helda Panagary, which was featured in the January addition of Inside Crochet.  You might remember Helda's designs from the scarf I made a while ago.  This time the pattern was for a wonderful cowl...

I have to confess that I did make one change to Helda's pattern.  I hope she doesn't mind?  In the pattern you work with double yarn.  I decided to just work with a single yarn, so that the cowl was not overly chunky.  I want to be able to wear the cowl into spring: and just felt making it from double yarn, might make it a little too warm to be able to do this.  I am one of those strange people who prefers to be cold rather than too warm.

The pattern was really well written and very easy to follow.  I can't wait to start wearing it...

shop, shop, shopping...

My post is slightly late today, because I have just got home from a truly fabulous day out.  Me and my friends have been to the Knitting Show in Harrogate where we have, quite literally, shopped until we have dropped.  Here is what I have bought...

A lovely selection of sparkly wool, wool to turn into Christmas decorations (I will, will, will find the time to make, for this Christmas), an embroidery kit, a crochet kit to make a bag, a magazine and a scarf. 

What was wonderful was seeing the vast amount of yarn that there is out there and thinking of all the possibilities of what can be made.  It was also fantastic to see so many people there and seeing their inspirational work, some of which I will post here later in the week. 

For now, it is time to settle down with my very tired feet and lots of cups of tea (thank you Si) and look at all the amazing purchases I have made. 

A very happy place...

crochet book...

I thought that I would share with you one of my very favourite crochet books...

 
As the photo tells the book is 100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet by the very talented Lesley Stanfield.  This is one of my  most well used crochet books as the damage to the spine will testify for.

The book is (as the title suggests) dedicated to both knitting and crocheting: it is split into the two sections, with equal time spent on each craft.  This can be a rarity - as crochet so often made to feel like knitting's poor relation.  Not in this book. 

I can't really comment on the knitting sections (I can knit - just choose not to, in favour of the flexibility and freedom of crochet), but the crochet section is FANTASTIC.  It is even themed into basic, intermediate and advance patterns, so there is truly something for all.  The patterns are charted, for those of us who prefer not to read: as crochet patterns can be scarily wordy in places.  The results are always, as the worked-up photographs show.  Perfect!

This book should take pride of place on the bookshelves of all knitters and crocheters. 

a little treat...

I decided I needed a little treat, who doesn't from time-to-time, so I bought myself this...

It is brought to us by Angel Adorre from the Vintage Patisserie and I really do think that this should be on everyone's bookshelf. 

The book is full of inspirational ideas for (you guessed it) hosting your own tea party.  Many of the ideas will work outside the tea-party and soon become part of everyday life.  Or at least they will in thishousehold.  From delicious recipes, to how to do your hair (this might take some doing) there really is something in this book for everyone and every occasion.

Now I wonder, is it too early for a Tea Tini..?

the crochet collection

Yesterday I popped into town and brought this...

The magazine is published by the same lovely people who bring us the monthly Inside Crochet. 

In the shop I didn't have time to flick though the magazine, so when I got home, settled down with a cup of tea, I sat down to a treat.  The magazine is great.  I would recommend it.  In fact - it looks like that is what I am doing at this very moment in time.

There are some brilliant patterns in there.  Ok - I should quantify: given that I have told you about my dislike of patterns: there are some brilliant designs inside the magazine.  A good mixture of clothing, toys, accessorise and things for the home.

The magazine brings together designs from the brilliant Irene Strange she has kindly included Noodle the Elephant which I made a few weeks ago .  There are also designs by the amazing Melody Griffiths.  And the equally fabulous Lesley Stanfield.  And many many more!

The only down side to the magazine is, if you avidly buy Inside Crochet, there is some repeat designs and interviews.  However, if you are like me: this is good news: some of the designs that are in The Crochet Collection feature in copies of the magazine which are now out of print.

There are some terrific things in this magazine.  Well worth the money.

The only major issue with the magazine is where to start.  As ever so much crochet, so little time!

at risk of becoming a groupie...

at risk of becoming a groupie...

Ok, so this posting does make me an official reeneegurumi crochet critters groupie.  But I love her crochet designs!  She makes the cutest creatures.  What is more she writes the most amazing patterns.  Trust me, this is quite a thing for me to say.  I am not a fan of patterns.  I tend to view them more as guidelines than as absolutes.  Especially given the freedom crochet gives you. 

Irene's patterns are on the very verge of converting me.  The patterns have it all.  Written instructions, yes!  Photographs, yes!  Charts, yes!  Annotations, yes!

And at the end of it all you make yourself something very lovely indeed.  See crochet time at last for example.

So here is another of her patterns that I followed.  I'm so very proud to introduce to you Percy The Elephant

 
Go on give her patterns ago.  The only thing you need to remember is that crochet stitches are American.   So convert them first! 

Happy crocheting!