Daisy May's crochet workshops Join me at Daisy May's in Wareham for:
Beginners & Intermediate Crochet. Call Fiona or Karen for information on upcoming courses 01929 551185.
Crochet @ The Olive Tree Easter courses for children & grown ups, come & crochet some egg cosies & pretty flowers at The Olive Tree. Plus, a four week summer course (one date per month, giving you plenty of time to work on your skills in between classes!), where we'll be putting together a gorgeous summer throw, amongst other projects. Call 01929 477260 for dates and details.
... brief follow up on my 'simple treasures' post, I felt a bit remiss not sharing any crochet or craft with you, although I know you won't mind a bit. But when The Sicilian put up a washing line earlier this week, I looked longingly at the grey skies wondering if I would ever air my laundry in the warm sunshine. Well, the day arrived sooner than I thought and whilst hanging said laundry and watching it blow in the wind, I couldn't help but admire my washing line and think how perfect it would be for photographing some of my projects.
I have been writing a monthly column for 'Inside Crochet' magazine for six months now and thought that it would be good to share said projects with those of you who maybe don't get the magazine. So, here's what I've been up to....
Right to left: Adoree arm warmers; tea cosy; chunky cowl; star lap blanket; primrose coasters; dreamcatcher; craft apron.
And here they are in the sun!
And the washing dried too!!! Who'd have thought a washing line would be such a pleasure ;) xxx
ps. Let me know if you'd like to see any of the projects in more detail - I took lots of pics!
... Spring is finally settling in here at the cottage. My precious magnolia, so carefully transplated by The Sicilian, is breaking into flower - I love the delicate white blossoms bursting forth from their little fur coats...
And the structure within is fascinating - it's moments like this when I remember back to one of my 'what I want to be when I grow up' plans. This one being a botanical artist, capturing the detail of flora in all it's wonderful, natural detail - maybe put that one in the think tank for future exploration!
Another bloom turning my head this week is my mother's Viburnum 'Eve Price'. It probably has something to do with my passion for pom poms! In this case, the prettiest pink buds, exploding into delicate white blossoms, all wrapped up with a beautiful, delicate scent, another one for my 'must have in my garden' list!
And just in case you've stumbled across my blog via Pinterest or similar, thinking you'd find a whole heap of crochet, then apologies on this occasion. There is invariably a large dollop of yarn and hooks but I've been so busy designing and making of late, I've decided to dedicate this post to the countryside in which I'm nestled and give you an insight into what inspires me on a daily basis.
My childhood was spent on long country walks or sailing the harbour waves. My children's time is spent wandering the beautiful estate that sits literally on our doorstep. They are forever stumbling across 'treasures' which they methodically bury in their pockets and bring home for closer inspection. In the absence of a 'nature table' at their school, I've decided to create one of our own.
Pipi's collection of feathers is filling out beautifully. Dante is more inclined to gather stones - mainly large, predominantly non-descript, but in a departure from the norm, he stumbled upon an interesting little bone (we suspect it's part of a duck's skull with what looks like a long bill) and a skeletal leaf...
All fascinating, inspiring and great for engaging the children with their environment. You see, it's these simple pleasures - gardening, walking, collecting and sharing - that inspire me. And don't worry, the crochet is in hand, although this morning I downed hook and picked up the needles again - 4 of them to be precise!!! One of the wonderful girls at the Wednesday Wool Workshop in Corfe Castle, Anna, ran the first part of her 'sock' class. I have knitted socks before, but on two needles, and this time I was determined to crack the 4 needle casting on method. With huge thanks to the endlessly patient Beverly, sock knitter extraordinaire Anna and the other determined ladies, I now have 60 stitches spread across three needles with a fourth needle in hand ready to knit - amazing!
And in case you need a crochet 'fix', check out the lovely, talented Emma Varnam's blog, where she too has been knitting socks and with her left over yarn she's whipped up the 'Amore' jug cover from my book 'Simple Crochet'. I love seeing my projects 'made up' and I'm honoured that designer/writer Emma has chosen this project, thank you!
