tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80208713164010829302024-03-11T17:35:52.330+00:00Emerald CottageCrochet and crafts Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-90094049281714085872024-03-08T15:27:00.003+00:002024-03-08T15:59:15.104+00:00Podcast Episode 9<p style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif">Hello and thankyou for visiting! Episode 9 of the Emerald Cottage podcast is now available, and you can find it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETy4zoM4rLI" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif">. I must apologise for the variable sound quality, I am hoping to have this improved by episode 10!</span></p><div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl01qYUrTAGvGA3UEL9kVwdALPD3sKLh3Gr_XxpKjoZxnKrV19UhbPCwXExvQ9iVE59s4P2DAB2kJVhr0s5cxXZ8ot857k8XhZ7Kc_ebZNcJ9QkK-FoMRoEEQzu1zCcIfPcNHHa-jHedY1RDrh2st1bdNlP4MaW-i8L7MQACcbfDNH1MFHhuk88a0X-4ZB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="357" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl01qYUrTAGvGA3UEL9kVwdALPD3sKLh3Gr_XxpKjoZxnKrV19UhbPCwXExvQ9iVE59s4P2DAB2kJVhr0s5cxXZ8ot857k8XhZ7Kc_ebZNcJ9QkK-FoMRoEEQzu1zCcIfPcNHHa-jHedY1RDrh2st1bdNlP4MaW-i8L7MQACcbfDNH1MFHhuk88a0X-4ZB" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheeky Monkey - this is from Love Crochet magazine which is no longer printed but can be found on ebay</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Longwave Neckwarmer - this is from "45 Crochet Patterns" which is no longer printed but can be found on ebay - <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363264860680?itmmeta=01HRFAJGFWVTTKB2F1CP85G56R&hash=item549445e208:g:GYEAAOSwuChgCGda&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwNr%2FAhxsgFNd9Ld1yDwsMGL1qkKhwNtCi7%2Fzdb6n%2BBvAvsu3nD%2FJ0a3P36fBr8Z6sNcT9k8xXRUKGablFQYhBDgZBOD7KJlX0zoqtJUaru1ddPgOW68xpRjReFvK%2B4Y1%2B8ygXzDHPEBWxXhIknv7Ulkr8if6OwkJ6Rj2FIdFHKGT2n0bCJmY9ZrTorKZ6IUG845yP8RXClpVl9jypMRTslSPtQaPjFgDJ99hXP4Psfg1dvUY8YvBhTCSQgmak6BmlQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yIyurDYw" target="_blank">here</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She's A Brick House top - this pattern is currently being tested - the designer is on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cindymakes_withyarn/">https://www.instagram.com/cindymakes_withyarn/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hobbii yarn - <a href="https://hobbii.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://hobbii.co.uk/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dyeing Made Easy - <a href="https://www.dyeingmadeeasy.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.dyeingmadeeasy.co.uk/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></p> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-3036635287363197502024-02-24T15:09:00.001+00:002024-02-24T15:39:06.330+00:00Podcast Episode 8<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Hello and thankyou for visiting! Episode 8 of the Emerald Cottage podcast is now available, and you can find it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQyQjd-Ds9c" target="_blank">here</a></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WIStZ85rckKuMv2I4Wn3yB0M88ktuxdhNaI1YEuhr1ezfq02XclwqlBbd5m5M-BDjiK98BAHQ7sckQv7VINHesnqGAf2mAut9Yh4S3HxUvbNKMFSxNEJwTe2b5m2_J-5X1hIJ-HjJ5v5p7PIBlyYflhD9OiET6OQmB-nno7z2MsYcp7sKAc_t_7s1nFu/s2436/IMG_0725.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WIStZ85rckKuMv2I4Wn3yB0M88ktuxdhNaI1YEuhr1ezfq02XclwqlBbd5m5M-BDjiK98BAHQ7sckQv7VINHesnqGAf2mAut9Yh4S3HxUvbNKMFSxNEJwTe2b5m2_J-5X1hIJ-HjJ5v5p7PIBlyYflhD9OiET6OQmB-nno7z2MsYcp7sKAc_t_7s1nFu/s320/IMG_0725.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Cross-stitches I mention:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://thepatternclub.com/product/halloween-2023-sal/" target="_blank">Halloween 2023 SAL by Alyssa Westhoek of Stitchonomy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://www.tapestrymarket.com/products/four-seasons-14ct-stamped-counted-cross-stitch-27-26cm?spm=..collection_f75f5e07-fe6a-4c75-aa88-e785e8c4e0c9.collection_detail_1.13" target="_blank">4 Seasons kit</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://cloudsfactory.net/magical-creatures-calendar.html" target="_blank">Magical Creatures by CloudsFactory</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stitcher's Paradise by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DureneJonesCrossStitch/" target="_blank">Durene Jones</a> in <a href="https://www.magazine.co.uk/magazines/the-world-of-cross-stitching-magazine" target="_blank">World of Cross-stitching magazine</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://peppermintpurple.com/pages/peppermint-purple-free-sals" target="_blank">2024 Blackwork SAL by Clare Ardali of Peppermint Purple</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cloudsfactory.net/products/counted-cross-stitch-kits/fairy-tales-cross-stitch-2024-sal.html" target="_blank">Fairy Tales 2024 SAL by Cloudsfactory</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crochet Patterns I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://sirdar.com/en/products/week1-coronation-keepsake-cal-blanket-pattern" target="_blank">Coronation CAL</a></div><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elephant-feb-mcal" target="_blank">Amigurumi Elephant by Amy's Crochet Cave</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-a-whirl-scarf" target="_blank">In a Whirl scarf</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gratitude-wrap" target="_blank">Gratitude Wrap</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blog.bellacococrochet.com/corner-to-corner-stitch/" target="_blank">Corner-to-corner (C2C) tutorial by Bella Coco</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/v-stitch-stripe.html" target="_blank">V-stitch pattern with Attic24</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Other things I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.makeamasterpiece.co.uk/" target="_blank">Make A Masterepiece painting evenings</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2793878010722368" target="_blank">Blankets Made with Love Berkshire</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farnhammaltings.com/artists-and-makers/craft/festivals/unravel" target="_blank">Unravel festival</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecraftybird22/" target="_blank">The Crafty Bird</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theurbanpurl/" target="_blank">The Urban Purl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theyarnbadger/" target="_blank">The Yarn Badger</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/botanicalyarn/" target="_blank">Botanical Yarn</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hebrideanfibrecompany/" target="_blank">Hebridean Fibre Company</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.littlewoolshop.com/cygnet-colour-rush-dk-100g-13104-p.asp" target="_blank">Cygnet Colour Rush DK in Waterfall from LittleWoolShop</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarnsmiths-pebble-haze-dk-prints-saltburn-2d100-150g" target="_blank">Yarnsmiths Pebble Haze in Saltburn from Wool Warehouse</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-23073367580718298722023-09-17T13:08:00.006+01:002023-09-17T13:08:53.189+01:00Mint Summer Shawl<p>Hello and thanks for visiting! Back in August I signed up to do a pattern test for <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/yulia-tkachenkos-ravelry-store">Yulia of Semklitas_stitch</a>. The <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mint-summer">Mint Summer</a> pattern was for a shawl using one ball of Scheepjes whirl yarn, and I had a couple in my stash. One was called Minty Black Velvet and so this seemed perfect for the Mint Summer shawl. I worked on this the first week of September and had it competed in a few days. Its quite a dense pattern in that its not lacy, there are very few holes, and so there is a LOT of stitching.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyAVN4cHjHFqhw2WBJKAu4hnc_SQDuL4BNOvkV2RTLC-94z15c632CY4e3vnyi_EMYValRQtYmHBZHnltGcfmcK6gR3-HeirYzbjvB5mTuUuLo7egTPBQnhDNKN-brXVROSBcStggNXhnIx-7icZmSJZol-jLOLOpR9mMbHx_hjKxdvqHiZVPVv6e58Phy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyAVN4cHjHFqhw2WBJKAu4hnc_SQDuL4BNOvkV2RTLC-94z15c632CY4e3vnyi_EMYValRQtYmHBZHnltGcfmcK6gR3-HeirYzbjvB5mTuUuLo7egTPBQnhDNKN-brXVROSBcStggNXhnIx-7icZmSJZol-jLOLOpR9mMbHx_hjKxdvqHiZVPVv6e58Phy" width="550" /></a></div><br />One of the stitches was this groovy thing where you work a dc2tog into the stitch itself and the next stitch, I have never seen this done before so this was a new one to learn. With a 4 row pattern repeat and no counting it was fairly easy, and an adventurous beginner could easily tackle this one.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHO7W1rbdq3VWHW1fWPNxuxyzchTyreYN-w1D-0VVNPK1IqNR8NXdSvnQvPYHn9oZrORFCYNN58jmiIEQ1ogKMpUlLMSWbcj8455Ac7J74A8aVIB0XFLOhElkUMVI-Hh0kLiOq4biuN_SDP29e4JB5bZ_hNQkvVXKTagRzJAWk3bU1GochfsnSZB8ZMOlv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHO7W1rbdq3VWHW1fWPNxuxyzchTyreYN-w1D-0VVNPK1IqNR8NXdSvnQvPYHn9oZrORFCYNN58jmiIEQ1ogKMpUlLMSWbcj8455Ac7J74A8aVIB0XFLOhElkUMVI-Hh0kLiOq4biuN_SDP29e4JB5bZ_hNQkvVXKTagRzJAWk3bU1GochfsnSZB8ZMOlv" width="550" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I love how the colour changes so gradually in a whirl, its very clever how its done. And when blocked it has a beautiful drape.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_9Jp51zYcCWHfPaAZjLnJNseDm6UavFWT_zLzNdVC39p8-G3uATODatSSS1aHgmPDJ-0VHVYJ1Zef9cykwmOdIpBM1WxDFPmplXdAhgosWx0fO3m_U8H0sAqrOX_WEPvIkU9hVe5ZXVzAoyXkGqemjeidoIUj5AYmtVfWizXBMhHMcK0sPAXCBdD4RIKh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_9Jp51zYcCWHfPaAZjLnJNseDm6UavFWT_zLzNdVC39p8-G3uATODatSSS1aHgmPDJ-0VHVYJ1Zef9cykwmOdIpBM1WxDFPmplXdAhgosWx0fO3m_U8H0sAqrOX_WEPvIkU9hVe5ZXVzAoyXkGqemjeidoIUj5AYmtVfWizXBMhHMcK0sPAXCBdD4RIKh" width="550" /></a></div><br />I used a 4mm hook, and ran out of yarn so I suspect I should've used a 3.5 mm or smaller. But running out of yarn doesn't seem to have affected the outcome, I think its gorgeous and its a lovely light, breathable shawl as its a cotton-acrylic blend.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLBZI2njk7DrFJ80y0Fzi_gPQmF2of77rfPmID360I2rGKHel5Krg-krg0HIWCkWKzp7VPPbt7oL4Ha3zfeZ6ZRR4FUckkF4FjDXd4gTNbWTKuhQUTiTs3fcINt085tUd3Hud55S3v0xcfoqnveziTtAPY4WVMiZj_ycNwgrHTmGB7cMiFg_vcP6dPFPj8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLBZI2njk7DrFJ80y0Fzi_gPQmF2of77rfPmID360I2rGKHel5Krg-krg0HIWCkWKzp7VPPbt7oL4Ha3zfeZ6ZRR4FUckkF4FjDXd4gTNbWTKuhQUTiTs3fcINt085tUd3Hud55S3v0xcfoqnveziTtAPY4WVMiZj_ycNwgrHTmGB7cMiFg_vcP6dPFPj8" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'll be back soon with a lovely scarf to show you, see you then,<p></p><p>Jillxxxx</p> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-21647222874073758212023-09-17T12:47:00.001+01:002023-09-17T13:10:03.176+01:00Podcast Episode 7<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Hello and thankyou for visiting! Episode 7 of the Emerald Cottage podcast is now available, and you can find it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deCFtd1wJTA">here</a>.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8PjXF9uS2abcO8rxjQaKZ3je_-GArjVLpFQNA_pLoSOg0Ipd2AH1nMZ7wvOHEy5kBEwWRGWtyb_TYhysuTXyhiX2x3YTbOBfreMV8CtstO9D5srOoTHP8yWvn8ZsCgDWRnxnsQt2HMewtGNChxUKI3SEVlOvRlO_CrGfJ8AK7Jtm7QVM2e_0qqX6VaD1u" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1125" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8PjXF9uS2abcO8rxjQaKZ3je_-GArjVLpFQNA_pLoSOg0Ipd2AH1nMZ7wvOHEy5kBEwWRGWtyb_TYhysuTXyhiX2x3YTbOBfreMV8CtstO9D5srOoTHP8yWvn8ZsCgDWRnxnsQt2HMewtGNChxUKI3SEVlOvRlO_CrGfJ8AK7Jtm7QVM2e_0qqX6VaD1u" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Patterns I mention: </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Mint Summer Shawl - this is in testing so no pattern available yet</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Papyrus scarf - this is in testing so no pattern available yet</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1513676916/crochet-pattern-for-doll-rapunzelpdf?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=rapunzel+crochet&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&pro=1&bes=1&dd=1&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Rapunzel</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cari-keyhole-scarf" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cari Keyhole Scarf</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1167405079/miranda-shawl-pattern?click_key=4734337e453dadefc79bc0dae7fadf42ee6d0a17%3A1167405079&click_sum=4dc8926f&ref=shop_home_active_14&crt=1" target="_blank">Miranda Cowl</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/queen-of-may-wrap-2" target="_blank">Queen of May wrap</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-a-whirl-scarf" target="_blank">In A Whirl scarf</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Podcasts I mention:</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@crochetknitlovebyjo" target="_blank">Crochetknitlovebyjo</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Books I mention:</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fair-Isle-Knitting-Practical-Inspirational/dp/1782215808/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ROH5OHYUEJXZ&keywords=fairisle+knitting+monica+russell&qid=1694950921&sprefix=faitisle+knitting+monica+russel%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Fairisle Knitting by Monica Russel</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Etsy Shops I mention</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LauretteCraftsUK" target="_blank">laurettecraftsuk</a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FairyRealmYarns" target="_blank">fairyrealms yarn</a></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-69959580716836846772023-09-01T10:22:00.002+01:002023-09-01T10:24:06.383+01:00Dr Dog<p> Hi lovelies,</p><p>Just a really quick post from me today. Last week I pattern tested "Dr Dog" for the lovely Olga of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/craftsbyolga/" target="_blank">@crafts_by_olga</a> on instagram. Isn't he cute ?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-1k3tKfjNFX8r3w-VZVCWZZIobCUI0rE1vw2WhaTdyef90yj15z_MK_XvM8SeUth1cHGhXm72TT_IXQ_K9Bl7477qX8HYrA-FPABngeG8FYHRo3MYdnqmfmNr7Tyex-BlGCKxyDQR8Kyr0ra7qayEJwgMRr5vs4jjVruVUorIufeqSm2k3NTHdmWfN8hB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-1k3tKfjNFX8r3w-VZVCWZZIobCUI0rE1vw2WhaTdyef90yj15z_MK_XvM8SeUth1cHGhXm72TT_IXQ_K9Bl7477qX8HYrA-FPABngeG8FYHRo3MYdnqmfmNr7Tyex-BlGCKxyDQR8Kyr0ra7qayEJwgMRr5vs4jjVruVUorIufeqSm2k3NTHdmWfN8hB" width="550" /></a></div><br />He was made using Ricorumi 100% cotton with a 3mm hook. Here's a photo of me with my new Ricorumi set ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfF45zCqeemfYTn7J2spcFUNjx_o2kUEsW6FUzzshD5Uj2Bxz1suiZZpRcvvjuV3j9bdB-C-advB1VC7LTiY2HMDKAZoegRo-vxmTCMIgr7QWWdlW8hg5xsSUuJr3sx4_6t0rMAtbfoEbzWCvE3b9UsV8Vtv3hRWgHgq5sPws124UFFgAWUX8yVy3Tj5S1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfF45zCqeemfYTn7J2spcFUNjx_o2kUEsW6FUzzshD5Uj2Bxz1suiZZpRcvvjuV3j9bdB-C-advB1VC7LTiY2HMDKAZoegRo-vxmTCMIgr7QWWdlW8hg5xsSUuJr3sx4_6t0rMAtbfoEbzWCvE3b9UsV8Vtv3hRWgHgq5sPws124UFFgAWUX8yVy3Tj5S1" width="550" /></a></div><br />... I treated myself to the Ricorumi pack specifically for doing amigurumi, the pack contains 60 x 25g balls in every colour imaginable. Divine! I found it quite hard to break into it as I just wanted to gaze at its beauty!<p></p><p>Anyway Dr Dog was very quick to make: head, ears, arms, tail all separate and then sewn onto the body which was all one piece with the legs. His coat was then separate and the pattern called for a little name tag to be hand embroidered ...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvuATBQZ34RZPgUiIsLzRx8M5PC5Rdfm8Pe6xO4WxkJ4LpjA8TGs1YFyUFp02J2xT1rkfeOA3XspbG_hCuYFqBknOdBmkjf6hr1zNqXt9-jf3RFTGdg_f27-N3-Kx0IDc4DZy9PmSjsu5H7Q7AJomM_RczPN8P2Dpl8SQ_r5I3Qk_NHiFTCEJhe0KcBvH_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvuATBQZ34RZPgUiIsLzRx8M5PC5Rdfm8Pe6xO4WxkJ4LpjA8TGs1YFyUFp02J2xT1rkfeOA3XspbG_hCuYFqBknOdBmkjf6hr1zNqXt9-jf3RFTGdg_f27-N3-Kx0IDc4DZy9PmSjsu5H7Q7AJomM_RczPN8P2Dpl8SQ_r5I3Qk_NHiFTCEJhe0KcBvH_" width="550" /></a></div><p></p><p>He even has a little stethoscope (which was very fiddly to do!) ...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq7NSYuqgzmimK2sgLNl8cnqx-A6G2BOIVFikCG2FP3SGAEK1-8OAZsArKTnF64iSgLrBNWrnqV8WPPA-e3rYGeLGvF0M9dsYL5NbDv6gnQ1dLtIkhk_1c24lc1V7iN8Cf9H3_nKv0nJN30BSWUjA8U1bcQiqsbSZe0YCaZs5MQ7m7P5SS4Yd1zb90-Ug_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq7NSYuqgzmimK2sgLNl8cnqx-A6G2BOIVFikCG2FP3SGAEK1-8OAZsArKTnF64iSgLrBNWrnqV8WPPA-e3rYGeLGvF0M9dsYL5NbDv6gnQ1dLtIkhk_1c24lc1V7iN8Cf9H3_nKv0nJN30BSWUjA8U1bcQiqsbSZe0YCaZs5MQ7m7P5SS4Yd1zb90-Ug_" width="550" /></a></div><br />.. and his glasses were fashioned from some jewellery wire that I had sitting in a random box in my craft room. They're a bit skew-whiff but I think it adds to his character. Overall I totally love him, and he has already been claimed by child number 2 (who is now 18 by the way!).<p></p><p>Til next time,</p><p>Jillxxx</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-14285962149218327592023-08-31T15:50:00.002+01:002023-08-31T16:09:56.455+01:00Podcast Episode 6<p>Hello and thankyou for visiting! Episode 6 of the Emerald Cottage podcast is now available, and you can find it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ZnIzSLp80&t=7s">here</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheYMwR3P4eIwk3qqytld5ho--w8sIxFxI-UC1xmOViST3r8U0jYuJhjPU5LV2r2AoycoANfCbUjEnlzhnJxgOLurEWNXtc1tTtjyfX4pqodreZhDB51nrxyRDb6vHENigM8lVR6nivsTnm_PXAvT5oxxPJv05FDwIGi9m_42-09CbD6Hj-1l30CaB-GGhP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1380" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheYMwR3P4eIwk3qqytld5ho--w8sIxFxI-UC1xmOViST3r8U0jYuJhjPU5LV2r2AoycoANfCbUjEnlzhnJxgOLurEWNXtc1tTtjyfX4pqodreZhDB51nrxyRDb6vHENigM8lVR6nivsTnm_PXAvT5oxxPJv05FDwIGi9m_42-09CbD6Hj-1l30CaB-GGhP" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Patterns I mention: </div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cari-keyhole-scarf" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cari Keyhole Scarf</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cascadeyarns.com/pattern/trillium-shawl" target="_blank">Trillium Shawl</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gratitude-wrap" target="_blank">Barbie Scarf - Gratitude Wrap</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Mint Summer Shawl - this is in testing so no pattern available yet</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Papyrus scarf - this is in testing so no pattern available yet</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thecrochetproject.com/products/copy-of-the-shawl-project-book-3-five-crochet-shawl-patterns-using-mini-skeins" target="_blank">Wisteria Trellis Shawl</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Books I mention:</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thecrochetproject.com/products/copy-of-the-shawl-project-book-3-five-crochet-shawl-patterns-using-mini-skeins">The Shawl Project book 3</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">Other things I mention:</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftpod.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; color: #2acdff;" target="_blank">craftpod</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.southernwoolshow.co.uk/">Southern Wool Show</a></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-68959850285496169352023-08-19T13:54:00.001+01:002023-08-19T13:54:30.461+01:00Cari Keyhole Scarf<p> Hello, dear readers and friends :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqGKRAmqoOoa8wbfHN3KxL84RVYvFD5gEjOL5N0uY0UeauR_YmHWhx42DBJwT7y7HFPcJqEGitLwvFAZVz5P3RvF-KaNe1GsrnebRnvKPUw7SZUWDZQYRfu8oPA5Oixe5gbvyosyoQeTSf63k7LJlIwKmw4_Bj94RvoO_tIyP7o3PCRXgXistCF2dldvY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqGKRAmqoOoa8wbfHN3KxL84RVYvFD5gEjOL5N0uY0UeauR_YmHWhx42DBJwT7y7HFPcJqEGitLwvFAZVz5P3RvF-KaNe1GsrnebRnvKPUw7SZUWDZQYRfu8oPA5Oixe5gbvyosyoQeTSf63k7LJlIwKmw4_Bj94RvoO_tIyP7o3PCRXgXistCF2dldvY" width="550" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">Well it may be August, but that doesn't necessarily mean that its summer, apparently! This was the view out of my window yesterday ...</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjblsaoUQNgHmgrCN1KX623nD7YLmRPpLg3GaNd-VBKOj5KZRab3GTfu1bUlFyZGvbqAmLqvdj3k5vR0nxCRLolMMjfxqF6obH7PlswW_Ksuv1tSOnFez_SIw-ofvVWMXbKq37tXqlLdDVxSyjzRxsqRlOAE8c5UGEQd0XPLOf2Ekie2wGVAlXavE7ZFWsI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjblsaoUQNgHmgrCN1KX623nD7YLmRPpLg3GaNd-VBKOj5KZRab3GTfu1bUlFyZGvbqAmLqvdj3k5vR0nxCRLolMMjfxqF6obH7PlswW_Ksuv1tSOnFez_SIw-ofvVWMXbKq37tXqlLdDVxSyjzRxsqRlOAE8c5UGEQd0XPLOf2Ekie2wGVAlXavE7ZFWsI" width="550" /></a></div><br />Admittedly the sun is shining now, but that's not to say it won't bucket down again later, who knows?<p></p><p>In the meantime I've been working on some autumnal projects for friends. My friend Helen posted on facebook a picture of a scarf that she'd seen, and another friend, Pauleen, commented that she'd have loved one of these but that her Mum was no longer here to crochet it for her. So I offered to make her one. I had just the right yarn in my stash, <a href="https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarn/james-c-brett-marble-chunky-all-colours" target="_blank">this gorgeous marble chunky</a> by James C Brett, in a lovely turquoise-grey mix. The scarf pattern is the Cari Keyhole Scarf, by Angela Wilson. It's about £7 on Ravelry, you can find it <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cari-keyhole-scarf" target="_blank">here</a>. Its a really easy pattern, and produces this wonderful keyhole effect once its assembled. I say assembled, there really isn't much to do - it looks more complicated than it actually is.</p><p>I love how the marble chunky gives the effect of stripes.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8eVucX2fQTaaw4ovSQYl6N64CwnTlnKv8LSr6dijarO7Nga7ajeEkwx7o_NgdlFYMFAp5u34tqawhLfesaCz17vjuUJnUknPc3TYI_gtaLoZZZsJqZUB4gDCA4CeI93wPBzjOZXCAl3v88RHXjRV5VSXFswTrypS3RYNoKTKBgTLmC-WkNZzEu-KvmDrO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8eVucX2fQTaaw4ovSQYl6N64CwnTlnKv8LSr6dijarO7Nga7ajeEkwx7o_NgdlFYMFAp5u34tqawhLfesaCz17vjuUJnUknPc3TYI_gtaLoZZZsJqZUB4gDCA4CeI93wPBzjOZXCAl3v88RHXjRV5VSXFswTrypS3RYNoKTKBgTLmC-WkNZzEu-KvmDrO" width="550" /></a></div><br />And making the tassel is great fun!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtr35X-9NLQr5gnPL9rPQ7viZI6Q4LObGv9crccsUHsS36FVLF7fPRgTRtl-r5bIcaxS1HuocTD63UiLq0NB7dl_4c7C4o4z_9VGrYPczCBAj_46xR2H7SwFJ1BTpjs3lm8S2W8vZdc1aj-cbE0MXp191asdNvmd94c6l_L5DLCf0hhitVYbkDlSmvLno0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtr35X-9NLQr5gnPL9rPQ7viZI6Q4LObGv9crccsUHsS36FVLF7fPRgTRtl-r5bIcaxS1HuocTD63UiLq0NB7dl_4c7C4o4z_9VGrYPczCBAj_46xR2H7SwFJ1BTpjs3lm8S2W8vZdc1aj-cbE0MXp191asdNvmd94c6l_L5DLCf0hhitVYbkDlSmvLno0" width="550" /></a></div><br />I can't wait to give it to Pauleen :)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHmF8bE2YR53YL7BhG5aC4-z_nN3m56pD1jhJJ30sfuPBSTsdGfKKeWpi5B-tyu0qkZHaLpwpanUjPfz-wNWmM3S6s5KQWa9ei0gyY0ymnxqk75wjHKotpfyrBUYOVaq6v9aNqUD6Tg-odniHqQKlywXc5yj_gKyQsnM3_00Kx5Ztw1yqqnD5Ekqgxu5v6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHmF8bE2YR53YL7BhG5aC4-z_nN3m56pD1jhJJ30sfuPBSTsdGfKKeWpi5B-tyu0qkZHaLpwpanUjPfz-wNWmM3S6s5KQWa9ei0gyY0ymnxqk75wjHKotpfyrBUYOVaq6v9aNqUD6Tg-odniHqQKlywXc5yj_gKyQsnM3_00Kx5Ztw1yqqnD5Ekqgxu5v6" width="550" /></a></div><br />In the meantime, yet another friend, Nicki, had commented on Pauleen's comment (are you keping up) saying she'd love one too ... so of course I messaged her and offered to make her one as well. Nicki loves purple and I had another ball of marble chunky in my stash that is this perfect pinky purple combo ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkWIdUGb0Sav5my7V_qRCjDzpfsEGJGEpBzWr8BNkxxHKt4vlzMSu4tJIzm0nuq1KGhaucadKCADvGpVdaxq_pKefWEWBXiRGLVqdJHiwng_XX_QF0BtZU8nYsFPJiTJvMc-KGeMxzYBYtLJUfaAldFe-hg72ecnmdH41Ehq35LJLVdnB_DW3vMjvXaY0D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkWIdUGb0Sav5my7V_qRCjDzpfsEGJGEpBzWr8BNkxxHKt4vlzMSu4tJIzm0nuq1KGhaucadKCADvGpVdaxq_pKefWEWBXiRGLVqdJHiwng_XX_QF0BtZU8nYsFPJiTJvMc-KGeMxzYBYtLJUfaAldFe-hg72ecnmdH41Ehq35LJLVdnB_DW3vMjvXaY0D" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div>The great thing about crocheting with chunky yarn is how quickly it works up, I was able to complete each scarf in a couple of days. Nicki's scarf is ready for her to collect too .....<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQu3SG-d18JPmGEmBBOHyCoSCf5pCxSIG6ygKeH6eV1vgYeevddwO49v1xS-bF_n0n8UoRTxD7vabYLfWKhVamq22e6l5vWgE0uIFCqzEdJmc1aO_PwkwuTPN3-c_Nw9HO_NqXyTNJugd2tbbtdc84L2Cq9B7zOwThOIQ35sEGiG26nOAs1LS7t1_nCYvW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQu3SG-d18JPmGEmBBOHyCoSCf5pCxSIG6ygKeH6eV1vgYeevddwO49v1xS-bF_n0n8UoRTxD7vabYLfWKhVamq22e6l5vWgE0uIFCqzEdJmc1aO_PwkwuTPN3-c_Nw9HO_NqXyTNJugd2tbbtdc84L2Cq9B7zOwThOIQ35sEGiG26nOAs1LS7t1_nCYvW" width="550" /></a></div><br />And ... you guessed it ... yet another friend, Mary has requested one too! So I'm currently working on a lovely bright pink and rich purple one for her. They are certainly keeping me busy!<p>Til next time,</p><p>Jillxxx</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-53430560734616922452023-08-12T17:56:00.000+01:002023-08-12T17:56:26.375+01:00The Lacy Scarf by The Posh Crochet<p>Hello dear readers and friends, I hope you are all well. If you have followed me for any amount of time you will know that I am a very bad and inconsistent blogger - sorry!! Consequently I have some projects that were finished a while ago which I have yet to blog about. So I hope you won't mind if I indulge myself by writing about one of them now ?</p><p>This project, which I completed some time ago now, is "The Lacy Scarf". It is, as the name suggests, a lacy scarf (obviously), and the pattern is by The Posh Crochet, who is Olga, a designer from Ukraine. You can purchase the pattern on etsy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/465877505/easy-crochet-lace-scarf-shawl-pattern?click_key=a72068584075554d6834123b59661d6cbfb462de%3A465877505&click_sum=5b96b2cc&ref=shop_home_active_69&pro=1&sts=1">here</a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEg-UWc3PNNxZY4a0BMuTzfWRTyLxf7aInU_36W3D0BFzZoovhsiDYPnVbFCcl5Sp3yVdtcVezQj9TqHEA3qLtoX7aoFFcAVbgwnQ9NHPrFoMRZAGq1LWa3YRaapYcMq3CjgbunUkuo5YU1f8seuBSXMEuusHjUWABfBiJfWlnMn5E3y4qENPo6BcTmAEj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEg-UWc3PNNxZY4a0BMuTzfWRTyLxf7aInU_36W3D0BFzZoovhsiDYPnVbFCcl5Sp3yVdtcVezQj9TqHEA3qLtoX7aoFFcAVbgwnQ9NHPrFoMRZAGq1LWa3YRaapYcMq3CjgbunUkuo5YU1f8seuBSXMEuusHjUWABfBiJfWlnMn5E3y4qENPo6BcTmAEj" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Its a beautiful open lacy scarf pattern which really opens up with a good blocking. </div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv0t-Ghmrh4fmSSvRrC4032wwwuwTVWbS0XUuHYMMHMxmaKslcAplUQ8XTYCLdtzkuVqephDbGLxmVvSTq_gtH_ZZd6v4rDyWYgLzL0EG57kcTVCqtB8k8s5_TNkoXGZWwLEPeZx-D1Nx50Daxrmb5oEEQI3aw8ClCEtaYNAry-M_ZXvP2ifzpt6zRICwJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv0t-Ghmrh4fmSSvRrC4032wwwuwTVWbS0XUuHYMMHMxmaKslcAplUQ8XTYCLdtzkuVqephDbGLxmVvSTq_gtH_ZZd6v4rDyWYgLzL0EG57kcTVCqtB8k8s5_TNkoXGZWwLEPeZx-D1Nx50Daxrmb5oEEQI3aw8ClCEtaYNAry-M_ZXvP2ifzpt6zRICwJ" width="550" /></a></div><br />The pattern is worked along the length of the scarf so each row is very long; this suits me as I can really get into the pattern before having to change for the next row.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjbqzgw1llxCpURv4K6_TloR9L-oYIizNFZg0P3YAu25SD_jCiwQSF6727uV5EUDW2oq5UvRKjJ7YKXhPIZBIpcuD5-SwQir5q9yPm9WxG1LPMyWov0iPgelbPQiDIqs_t-voN_H_ybvBD5VcpN9HvDOY-RsuLNcz16AddumgGt9LOD73kPu1qkxKMq2c9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjbqzgw1llxCpURv4K6_TloR9L-oYIizNFZg0P3YAu25SD_jCiwQSF6727uV5EUDW2oq5UvRKjJ7YKXhPIZBIpcuD5-SwQir5q9yPm9WxG1LPMyWov0iPgelbPQiDIqs_t-voN_H_ybvBD5VcpN9HvDOY-RsuLNcz16AddumgGt9LOD73kPu1qkxKMq2c9" width="550" /></a></div><br />I love how the clever increases make it twirl around on itself.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfagBNMGYNkaQcb-U40R_boOLo_Ad1yluVotUQDZAtUQLd9goxWhKGjg4R6FbfZspfTOJTd2P6vuygr9S-rYFalfSdEpeF2UDb39h45T_AmjulShoPcqGSrrcwiFYiRqIT-VTtB-EKwScPTsBlPUco90wA9mbVFKVpXDSKYPVZJxU7EGHFeexBS85oNocx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfagBNMGYNkaQcb-U40R_boOLo_Ad1yluVotUQDZAtUQLd9goxWhKGjg4R6FbfZspfTOJTd2P6vuygr9S-rYFalfSdEpeF2UDb39h45T_AmjulShoPcqGSrrcwiFYiRqIT-VTtB-EKwScPTsBlPUco90wA9mbVFKVpXDSKYPVZJxU7EGHFeexBS85oNocx" width="550" /></a></div><br />The yarn is by <a href="https://thedyeshack.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Dye Shack</a>, I purchased it at a yarn show - don't ask me which one though, I have a terrible memory - I should really write on the ball band where I bought it but I always forget<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDfRFZSet6g1Vo-zHeylBzNqIiiyxiJqsE92rILzg4awfRT8fZyX7mK1mu3gS_jX_d0XY2j_OUB9H0p6CvZG7L9rSGkuzIbB0oLC_-LspMz9S88ESVKO_W0jbVZaN-t_QKRBlBS21fxpccW351H_nqyzk8SEsaUrQ-BrieaPFFSB1b9E6wDqyGWo8cIBim" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDfRFZSet6g1Vo-zHeylBzNqIiiyxiJqsE92rILzg4awfRT8fZyX7mK1mu3gS_jX_d0XY2j_OUB9H0p6CvZG7L9rSGkuzIbB0oLC_-LspMz9S88ESVKO_W0jbVZaN-t_QKRBlBS21fxpccW351H_nqyzk8SEsaUrQ-BrieaPFFSB1b9E6wDqyGWo8cIBim" width="550" /></a></div><p>Oh and by the way I also spoke about this pattern in <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2023/03/podcast-episode-2.html">episode 2 of my podcast</a>.</p><p><br />I loved working on this shawl. The combination of the long rows and stunning yarn made it an absolute pleasure to crochet. And in fact I may even use it again with another skein! Watch this space!</p><p>Til next time,</p><p>Jillxo</p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-32085390650211562042023-08-12T14:57:00.001+01:002023-08-12T15:18:42.565+01:00Podcast Episode 5<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Hello and thanks for visiting! Episode 5 of my podcast is now available, you can find it</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lr3wsOFjNU&t=27s" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyzsAfu4ZdEwHIZ3FPs3gtNqCZlZyBeimkr395pSXnKHrvDpvgr2LdvVoYgL7mJm92mZylFmedB05FYDKS8BfyXAVqrzAJgQR6g8RCEljBX5aA6sQ-QLNiRb6N59eY1IcJxKsll_LeId3KYtMLEr_hX1sS_Vi86REwImZWUIkGwZ8-D6TGNdPfcPpcsWgJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="419" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyzsAfu4ZdEwHIZ3FPs3gtNqCZlZyBeimkr395pSXnKHrvDpvgr2LdvVoYgL7mJm92mZylFmedB05FYDKS8BfyXAVqrzAJgQR6g8RCEljBX5aA6sQ-QLNiRb6N59eY1IcJxKsll_LeId3KYtMLEr_hX1sS_Vi86REwImZWUIkGwZ8-D6TGNdPfcPpcsWgJ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-74006463970116213" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Patterns I mention: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftstash.co.uk/crochet-now-magazine-92.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6ShBhCMARIsAH9A0qX_jbKvi6TagRjRyzahNAtQFV9mbAYS7wG4LA2HZHrnKy73bXt3wzgaAmnyEALw_wcB" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;">Heatwave Cowl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-One-Skein-Wonders%C2%AE-Projects-Crocheters-ebook/dp/B0B5L85RYV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HEZAQVRVD5C9&keywords=one+skein+wonders&qid=1691847928&sprefix=one+skein+wonders%2Caps%2C434&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Astra Gloves</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opheliatalkscrochet.com/ophelia-talks-crochet-patterns/summer-haze-shawl-pattern" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;">Summer Haze Shawl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cari-keyhole-scarf" target="_blank">Cari Keyhole Scarf</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sirdar.com/en/products/week1-coronation-keepsake-cal-blanket-pattern" target="_blank">Coronation CAL</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Books I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-One-Skein-Wonders%C2%AE-Projects-Crocheters-ebook/dp/B0B5L85RYV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2HEZAQVRVD5C9&keywords=one+skein+wonders&qid=1691847928&sprefix=one+skein+wonders%2Caps%2C434&sr=8-2" target="_blank">One Skein Wonders</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Your-Own-Crochet-Projects/dp/1612126588/ref=sr_1_10?crid=9MA45M80904T&keywords=crochet+design&qid=1691848024&sprefix=crochet+design%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-10" target="_blank">Design Your Own Crochet Projects</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/100-Mini-Cross-Stitch-Designs/dp/1784946273/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FQ4MEQ4MM9RA&keywords=100+mini+cross+stitch+designs&qid=1691848128&sprefix=100+mini+crossstitch+designs%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1" target="_blank">100 Mini Cross-stitch Designs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Other things I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftpod.co.uk/" target="_blank">craftpod</a></div></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-740064639701162132023-04-16T17:09:00.005+01:002023-04-16T21:09:26.877+01:00Podcast Episode 4<p>Hello and thanks for visiting! Episode 4 of my podcast is now available, you can find it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0iGOy3W-RQ" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavt0aqChF_d5WKLlN5DF2MDt-WcjQuEL8vfuQ2r5PmSHsJ6mu7nvOPlgf4qBWU8Sibcmw34BVOFOf-RW_eebZlTQqzThd3-AKuXxqTS17iPeyMHRwOYCjl0FFIS3HD7ziRk2DCE6on64VoYHpE4oW3nkNsxdSKjro0YBxB_KOzVK3N2LZYk2w3MrJWg/s3088/IMG_8799.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavt0aqChF_d5WKLlN5DF2MDt-WcjQuEL8vfuQ2r5PmSHsJ6mu7nvOPlgf4qBWU8Sibcmw34BVOFOf-RW_eebZlTQqzThd3-AKuXxqTS17iPeyMHRwOYCjl0FFIS3HD7ziRk2DCE6on64VoYHpE4oW3nkNsxdSKjro0YBxB_KOzVK3N2LZYk2w3MrJWg/s320/IMG_8799.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Patterns: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/SusieQ2002/coming-soon----devin-hat">Devin Hat</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coronation-crown">Coronation Crown</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opheliatalkscrochet.com/ophelia-talks-crochet-patterns/summer-haze-shawl-pattern">Summer Haze Shawl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftstash.co.uk/crochet-now-magazine-92.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6ShBhCMARIsAH9A0qX_jbKvi6TagRjRyzahNAtQFV9mbAYS7wG4LA2HZHrnKy73bXt3wzgaAmnyEALw_wcB">Heatwave Cowl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">People I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWunYsUKTmmCkZD_60zG9A">Ophelia Talks Crochet youtube channel</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opheliatalkscrochet.com/blog">Ophelia Talks Crochet Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.skeinqueenyarns.co.uk/">Skein Queen</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shops I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.yarnfest.online/">Yarnfest</a></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-67883635631598994202023-04-02T12:20:00.001+01:002023-04-02T12:46:08.309+01:00Podcast Episode 3<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;">Podcast Episode 3</h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-755834592686055969" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 570px;"><p>Thanks for visiting me here at my blog. I've just uploaded another episode of my podcast - episode 3 - hope you enjoy it :)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hujJd9mC7Q&t=8s">Podcast Episode 3</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMWR3rDjgzvgkQlzzbDWRvKGWGDHEgjQ3ImOfrvJV_XQdxp0jotGcvkuwUudU40O6kSPZPihnmBRiQVy-saIzckOU2kqaxkYSoVbZGv6_zANa7mwli3036lUUNtlh1E0YM6dg1LARyg6m0-beQY4gQjkqHP2c8lmstmL2lC63lnIcBy0hj8Db13b4CA/s1973/IMG_8758.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1973" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMWR3rDjgzvgkQlzzbDWRvKGWGDHEgjQ3ImOfrvJV_XQdxp0jotGcvkuwUudU40O6kSPZPihnmBRiQVy-saIzckOU2kqaxkYSoVbZGv6_zANa7mwli3036lUUNtlh1E0YM6dg1LARyg6m0-beQY4gQjkqHP2c8lmstmL2lC63lnIcBy0hj8Db13b4CA/s320/IMG_8758.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Patterns: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hug-monster-3" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;">Hug Monster pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftstash.co.uk/crochet-now-magazine-92.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwz6ShBhCMARIsAH9A0qX_jbKvi6TagRjRyzahNAtQFV9mbAYS7wG4LA2HZHrnKy73bXt3wzgaAmnyEALw_wcB">Blueberry Picking Shawl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sirdar.com/en/products/week1-coronation-keepsake-cal-blanket-pattern" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;">Coronation Blanket Crochet-Along</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opheliatalkscrochet.com/ophelia-talks-crochet-patterns/summer-haze-shawl-pattern">Summer Haze Shawl</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1412776142/king-charles-iii-coronation-gnome?ref=yr_purchases">King Charles III gonk pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1161461238/coronation-crown-crochet-pattern?ref=yr_purchases">Coronation Crown pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Books I mentioned:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cross-Stitcher-CELEBRATIONS-Magazine-Designs/dp/B00BR5F1GK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R61629Q1O3UT&keywords=cross+stitcher+celebrations&qid=1680433354&sprefix=crossstitcher+celebrations%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1" target="_blank">CrossStitcher Celebrations</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">People I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRWunYsUKTmmCkZD_60zG9A">Ophelia Talks Crochet youtube channel</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.opheliatalkscrochet.com/blog">Ophelia Talks Crochet Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Days Out I mention:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thestitchfestival.co.uk/the-stitch-festival-2023-sew-over-50/">The Stitch Festival</a></div></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-21134610012257120712023-03-21T09:56:00.001+00:002023-03-21T09:56:08.106+00:00Elephants for Mosaic Family Support<p>Just a quick little post from me today. I saw a post on facebook from <a href="https://mosaicfamilysupport.org/">Mosaic Family Support</a> (a charity for bereaved children) that they were looking for some crocheted elephants. I figured I could do a couple so I messaged them for the pattern, which they sent me straight away. It's a free pattern adapted from one by <a href="http://www.amyscrochetcave.com/">Amy's Crochet Cave</a>, and you can find it <a href="https://mosaicfamilysupport.org/images/Elephant%20Crochet%20Pattern.pdf">here</a>.</p><p>They were such fun to crochet, I love doing amigurumi, mainly because small things, fiddly as they may be, work up quite quickly so its a quick gratification which suits my impatient mind!</p><p>Here they are ...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQd_0OqOPyMRKvcM40Z7nC3DMEFT5zvaEujG-vF3i7NMoLO9Ne7Thh_sS6G678bnhF6m8RJ0TShUJqzfnnUZiwo5HnoUSJ_GtqWz0NxT4o0NYQ1vZSNFDlqibv2m6dtchSFXJYCNN-jGB72jCZKFkvpS9wExbdoUUivXxR5XmcyXz70EWL5P6telT4vA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQd_0OqOPyMRKvcM40Z7nC3DMEFT5zvaEujG-vF3i7NMoLO9Ne7Thh_sS6G678bnhF6m8RJ0TShUJqzfnnUZiwo5HnoUSJ_GtqWz0NxT4o0NYQ1vZSNFDlqibv2m6dtchSFXJYCNN-jGB72jCZKFkvpS9wExbdoUUivXxR5XmcyXz70EWL5P6telT4vA" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfheZhwlm_6yTw3mWQh_VK55b1rjCgz5AuBqsg1mwU-uE0TT--VOqezSMXTMfZG1i9IxvBgnSnfjkvgSUaa92pJZVxp2VOaMkYQl9vgToT7PjhaavhFLnmpLia_t5WfHJzd01GRoVMj0ykLBQyKW1YoA5uluXEeU2SXb-voe_ZqsdvPXyoNghPuFvRpQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfheZhwlm_6yTw3mWQh_VK55b1rjCgz5AuBqsg1mwU-uE0TT--VOqezSMXTMfZG1i9IxvBgnSnfjkvgSUaa92pJZVxp2VOaMkYQl9vgToT7PjhaavhFLnmpLia_t5WfHJzd01GRoVMj0ykLBQyKW1YoA5uluXEeU2SXb-voe_ZqsdvPXyoNghPuFvRpQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHrHJWnhC4h6NTuOdECPIy-r4EHCa9lNz_V2nCzqqVqAf5MzWmmzLIPDcYSKlRncOsP89yNR0c-pXsv91631oG34c4YSnQ6iNU9cIdvEYVbRSOZgMySL43HGo8V2pOa8nP-rjwTGVev41HSNCggEOU-MlJj0UuwWC6z8t_YJ7hyhyZnwqWHAea8wJrRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHrHJWnhC4h6NTuOdECPIy-r4EHCa9lNz_V2nCzqqVqAf5MzWmmzLIPDcYSKlRncOsP89yNR0c-pXsv91631oG34c4YSnQ6iNU9cIdvEYVbRSOZgMySL43HGo8V2pOa8nP-rjwTGVev41HSNCggEOU-MlJj0UuwWC6z8t_YJ7hyhyZnwqWHAea8wJrRw" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Soooo cute!<div><br /></div><div>That's it from me today, don't forget to go and check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8I6LwYxSho">second podcast episode</a> and drop me a comment or give me a thumbs up :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Jillxxx<br /><br /><p></p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-7558345926860559692023-03-19T15:35:00.001+00:002023-03-19T16:18:23.309+00:00Podcast Episode 2<p>Thanks for visiting me here at my blog. I've finally recorded episode 2 only a year after episode 1 - oops! Hope you enjoy it :)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8I6LwYxSho">Podcast Episode 2</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEGnmvAuJZbWc5edmILq4thMxc-wiKWq9BIkizb32oFtd4PPxBmYnjVX-B72J2Bv3b47duHQaG-NvXuhNa7dlwgxHXUKAiW1zNYDuJsA68qu7v4I8rnK8Yc5DMJMpMLABs9fzFD6hECbSovIQFIYPef8dl6-YCJgCDoc5bebRwDZcu4cDbIOYA83jLA/s1800/IMG_8659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEGnmvAuJZbWc5edmILq4thMxc-wiKWq9BIkizb32oFtd4PPxBmYnjVX-B72J2Bv3b47duHQaG-NvXuhNa7dlwgxHXUKAiW1zNYDuJsA68qu7v4I8rnK8Yc5DMJMpMLABs9fzFD6hECbSovIQFIYPef8dl6-YCJgCDoc5bebRwDZcu4cDbIOYA83jLA/s320/IMG_8659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Patterns: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mosaicfamilysupport.org/images/Elephant%20Crochet%20Pattern.pdf"><span style="color: #1f98ad;">Crochet elephant pattern</span> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/01/harbour-blanket-cal-part-1.html" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Harbour blanket pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/fireside-blanket.html">Fireside blanket pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2023/01/springfrost-blanket-cal-part-1.html">Springfrost blanket pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hug-monster-3">Hug Monster pattern</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sirdar.com/en/products/week1-coronation-keepsake-cal-blanket-pattern">Coronation Blanket Crochet-Along</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/465877505/crochet-scarf-patterndetailed?click_key=074c7b92d290f12c216ecd297c941488076bac6d%3A465877505&click_sum=c117b951&ref=shop_home_recs_1" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Posh Crochet Lacy scarf </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" style="color: #1f98ad; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Charities I mentioned:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mosaicfamilysupport.org/">Mosaic Family Support</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thecowshed.org/">The Cowshed</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.campmohawk.org.uk/">Camp Mohawk</a></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-3998473774667088092022-11-09T10:49:00.002+00:002022-11-09T10:49:20.867+00:00Recovery<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhltuj-WaHJMyb4qkT5RvTrf6DO7d99E3kEkP_81vsBmFHpHknpiWPl0Zr-Rhfu3AaZ4lc_YRLkx9IkOYLniyHaFY6B9mr3zwzxuqJYg2Q06acneVDoMjYbQygAWZ_SndiBy9p3PZZl2WqDzEedrX6lG4ZiLFOAnJQt_g3f7IgIOfaao4z_hy_EdbxQdQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhltuj-WaHJMyb4qkT5RvTrf6DO7d99E3kEkP_81vsBmFHpHknpiWPl0Zr-Rhfu3AaZ4lc_YRLkx9IkOYLniyHaFY6B9mr3zwzxuqJYg2Q06acneVDoMjYbQygAWZ_SndiBy9p3PZZl2WqDzEedrX6lG4ZiLFOAnJQt_g3f7IgIOfaao4z_hy_EdbxQdQ" width="550" /></a></div><p></p><p>I mentioned in my last post that I was going into hospital last week to have my gall bladder removed, and thankyou so much for all your kind wishes. I'm happy to report that the surgery went really well and I'm recovering nicely. My tummy is still very sore (and VERY bruised) but other than that I'm feeling fine. I'd read a lot about gas pain afterwards, from the air that they "inflate" you with during the surgery, but I was lucky and didn't have any of that. Lifting is still a big no-no, I can't bend very well, and feel like I've done a million sit ups, but all things considered I feel really well.</p><p>Of course whilst recovering I've been able to craft - thank goodness - and I've made a good start on making my Christmas cards...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTj_QHdaLize-gmbKjeFenu0wEmMEOo-VYL3hU9vNqYYKaRSe3-d21GyuHb8ioQ_MqiW04ZFWfPq_nItTyFI1TZhASYOFM3eYY2SZwYArlGtlvqYBrZZ4oWzQ8FkEHkurfkxwT4XI92V83mmTELP11YnPLEcIfl_xTwm1QvZH5d-siqoieO1RMzsaGPQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTj_QHdaLize-gmbKjeFenu0wEmMEOo-VYL3hU9vNqYYKaRSe3-d21GyuHb8ioQ_MqiW04ZFWfPq_nItTyFI1TZhASYOFM3eYY2SZwYArlGtlvqYBrZZ4oWzQ8FkEHkurfkxwT4XI92V83mmTELP11YnPLEcIfl_xTwm1QvZH5d-siqoieO1RMzsaGPQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'm aiming to make 4 a day throughout the remainder of November which will give me the hundred or so that I need.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfC52VuNbidUD1Dge9-17bNaAxecQSljH0ulDMGS09SpW1b51atd1yQ3LOzLB4wFEVRa1ygkadDP3mvfmFDWrpKK2es2pGBveOtmZu02MU-T-hmCnzD_MtgF6u06uD3az4SGJ11VDYjFUMFTtT4bJrdVVFB1gnBHZhbXPCUk_HTZgIy9JdyMbwgSAdAA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfC52VuNbidUD1Dge9-17bNaAxecQSljH0ulDMGS09SpW1b51atd1yQ3LOzLB4wFEVRa1ygkadDP3mvfmFDWrpKK2es2pGBveOtmZu02MU-T-hmCnzD_MtgF6u06uD3az4SGJ11VDYjFUMFTtT4bJrdVVFB1gnBHZhbXPCUk_HTZgIy9JdyMbwgSAdAA" width="550" /></a></div><br />On the morning of my operation there was a fair amount of waiting around, and I'd taken some crochet with me - of course - so I rustled up lots of little granny squares ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzD6frrHqggx4YSsai6mWr-RWoiM_RpZBrpwso4CEJOHBmfRmyTFVCRNyhCsN9ImVkC1vrn-JdYx-t_ivYtWFjXWXbd2eiLMtVIvZxk5FZGKOe3X-lLyThb-pLwWkeoVHlRpdgH2WpLj9CLeqlR_-9eStak6KFvKwqD_Wpo2_apgwYuwsvo7cr3vcFBg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzD6frrHqggx4YSsai6mWr-RWoiM_RpZBrpwso4CEJOHBmfRmyTFVCRNyhCsN9ImVkC1vrn-JdYx-t_ivYtWFjXWXbd2eiLMtVIvZxk5FZGKOe3X-lLyThb-pLwWkeoVHlRpdgH2WpLj9CLeqlR_-9eStak6KFvKwqD_Wpo2_apgwYuwsvo7cr3vcFBg" width="550" /></a></div><br />They're made from the leftover Scheepjes minis that I received on the <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/10/carcassonne-crochet-retreat.html" target="_blank">Carcassonne crochet retreat</a> ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnSrW3eLEQzXcKpcq6v3fkn2lZ3HT7xsCVOZtg56DqlcBV-S_8LpSSFRIkKR_ChfNisW3pB2O_vCyDnKsqQOPKucr5Noebrt322lh_4HQMtAaAicprgcDBxeqBAWi1breZsLsgG-Kke8hys5sCePUJngMqwTYNLl-9AZ9yEky_oN9UrdZs_Y9JJsaUg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRnSrW3eLEQzXcKpcq6v3fkn2lZ3HT7xsCVOZtg56DqlcBV-S_8LpSSFRIkKR_ChfNisW3pB2O_vCyDnKsqQOPKucr5Noebrt322lh_4HQMtAaAicprgcDBxeqBAWi1breZsLsgG-Kke8hys5sCePUJngMqwTYNLl-9AZ9yEky_oN9UrdZs_Y9JJsaUg" width="550" /></a></div><p>They are going to be turned into a blanket at some point, and I think I will edge them in cream and join using continuous join-as-you-go. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) this will necessitate the purchase of more yarn! </p><p>Since I got home I've been working away on my <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/fireside-blanket.html" target="_blank">Fireside blanket</a> ...</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1srLdwdOnjkiUA_J5bss4qjuiGuCFkUqHWSNXm_4TAVfHqSL0UK7_ZzBBkr6vHtbduy35-u3JOqBsj8VRuhNW9DI2V49jotnlsyqxewhKf8ZsV09YIeIhVOpQClcHrnTqqBbgZceiGxe8R3U9q2bDiQ_ovaxSSIPXasnYXKiqqJ3lQd2BHwkv6D-2Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgk1srLdwdOnjkiUA_J5bss4qjuiGuCFkUqHWSNXm_4TAVfHqSL0UK7_ZzBBkr6vHtbduy35-u3JOqBsj8VRuhNW9DI2V49jotnlsyqxewhKf8ZsV09YIeIhVOpQClcHrnTqqBbgZceiGxe8R3U9q2bDiQ_ovaxSSIPXasnYXKiqqJ3lQd2BHwkv6D-2Q" width="550" /></a></div><br />I just love the gorgeous colours, they're so cosy ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj09CW5kvha3VVTVGuHItOEXpQmGwMxcDx1uLHBEWUlZTbK0fJWZ7JWzFJtzwolzqinXfMV3jqQiu9qN-kh4JfTq4tHTBSS9qPtgAi0S-fYgUtpXbtvv0lo3BU_IPyASC9hcyACrwOXfn9tpbWhZnytBE-6Tcpyck3R-qxAn3kURbxYS34vDn9dD6SaNg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj09CW5kvha3VVTVGuHItOEXpQmGwMxcDx1uLHBEWUlZTbK0fJWZ7JWzFJtzwolzqinXfMV3jqQiu9qN-kh4JfTq4tHTBSS9qPtgAi0S-fYgUtpXbtvv0lo3BU_IPyASC9hcyACrwOXfn9tpbWhZnytBE-6Tcpyck3R-qxAn3kURbxYS34vDn9dD6SaNg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Its coming along nicely, and I'm a good 2/3 of the way through, not counting the border. I'm loving how its looking, and its working up very quickly indeed. Enforced rest is very good for crochet-time!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlnWSBcggb0-rguKDmLWYiN9MwT2oi59vIMeh8T1VGA8wKqSku5owdW2Z350lhmJNQXJO0YQLL3vu7IkRlMSWZHOtKpjNgGdO2uqX1o80JtQn6zGVTu5ndUWw_KV0csQCbrkUAjis7AzUM7kFwi87ZhP_H1Mm7IJuCc_pRPt-op4Un5zGBj03XYTBQ7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlnWSBcggb0-rguKDmLWYiN9MwT2oi59vIMeh8T1VGA8wKqSku5owdW2Z350lhmJNQXJO0YQLL3vu7IkRlMSWZHOtKpjNgGdO2uqX1o80JtQn6zGVTu5ndUWw_KV0csQCbrkUAjis7AzUM7kFwi87ZhP_H1Mm7IJuCc_pRPt-op4Un5zGBj03XYTBQ7A" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoodYKLPNS4O2XodYGcHhzVgDS5Bs0maoJM6tXouB0ktX7g8G2Ebi_e1mnPVOVneqVkCsXS7byF_jsfJzykWSJDLabMYEGHtLHUGWrtLgy53Z6Kl5rakLmJxRmahUQ1WKsvyv9SK2ESwGoCNIxDJZZYHW9dhJw1OEme7-Fcfguu9Lir9TM1LJ6Bm2H6Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoodYKLPNS4O2XodYGcHhzVgDS5Bs0maoJM6tXouB0ktX7g8G2Ebi_e1mnPVOVneqVkCsXS7byF_jsfJzykWSJDLabMYEGHtLHUGWrtLgy53Z6Kl5rakLmJxRmahUQ1WKsvyv9SK2ESwGoCNIxDJZZYHW9dhJw1OEme7-Fcfguu9Lir9TM1LJ6Bm2H6Q" width="550" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEZ7QnuEsCoBj0TiRAn2InNN-CLyR8ID5Ju6bmTBj8JbY_Z2wAfSASsdCg1abuXWAeWvvMiG4BaTJjvA_5e-xLhXzgxuNPxZSC_qukelcNEO7Kx_fQ4zQHH1Z1pjSzlTPRRBG0dtWBxoZdMZBvy3mxDedsIVXAUPkCNfHgi8Jun-GjUgh8lqkvVZpiyA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEZ7QnuEsCoBj0TiRAn2InNN-CLyR8ID5Ju6bmTBj8JbY_Z2wAfSASsdCg1abuXWAeWvvMiG4BaTJjvA_5e-xLhXzgxuNPxZSC_qukelcNEO7Kx_fQ4zQHH1Z1pjSzlTPRRBG0dtWBxoZdMZBvy3mxDedsIVXAUPkCNfHgi8Jun-GjUgh8lqkvVZpiyA" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'm on a mission to get it finished ASAP mainly as I have so many other things I want to make! Crochet baubles to name one, every year I say I'm going to make them, every year I don't get round to it, I even have the baubles to cover, so maybe this is the year that I'll get them done.<p></p><p>That's it from me for this week, as you can imagine it's been a fairly quiet one as I am being kind to my body, giving it lots of rest in order to recover fully. Thanks again for all the good wishes,</p><p>Til next time</p><p>Jillxxx</p> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-33691661240664729862022-11-02T15:36:00.002+00:002022-11-02T15:36:19.320+00:00Reindeer Chocolate Orange Cover<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjols_5hJrwnd0FegFbz4OetdUsTvued16NHvOaSm1JVFTVDmfSJ8U-n-uuvKcwthrER3-cMLJt3gKpFyS82Z8fYWolj5NOaLfD2z8DpD6-2uV0LF_ggACzy0w__pyt4So2tadtOD1hJOKdS1IGdtdq2BUV8HDkheZ_JMF8JO1-q-aWzrAksALYsDCUkQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjols_5hJrwnd0FegFbz4OetdUsTvued16NHvOaSm1JVFTVDmfSJ8U-n-uuvKcwthrER3-cMLJt3gKpFyS82Z8fYWolj5NOaLfD2z8DpD6-2uV0LF_ggACzy0w__pyt4So2tadtOD1hJOKdS1IGdtdq2BUV8HDkheZ_JMF8JO1-q-aWzrAksALYsDCUkQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Every Christmas we get together with 6 other couples for a Christmas lunch, which usually turns into a day long very boozy affair - its great fun. One couple always hosts and boy do they host! There is Bucks Fizz upon arrival, an absolutely amazing Christmas meal and several heavenly desserts, including, of course, a Christmas pudding which is lit with brandy. All very yummy!<p></p><p>This year I decided to make some little gifts for all the girls (don't feel sorry for the boys, they would not appreciate my hard work I can assure you). Whilst on the <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/10/carcassonne-crochet-retreat.html" target="_blank">retreat in Carcassonne</a> I had got chatting to one of the other ladies who said that every year she makes chocolate orange covers for the girls at her work, and I thought that that sounded like a perfect little token gift, to which I knew I could give that personal touch by making them, knowing noone else would bring anything similar - none of the group are crocheters. Or crafters even. What's wrong with them ? Don't they know what they're missing out on?!)</p><p>I had a look on Etsy and found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1095491889/crochet-deer-chocolate-orange-cover" target="_blank">this sweet little pattern for a baby reindeer chocolate orange cover</a> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MakeDoAndCraftUk?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1095491889" target="_blank">Make Do and Craft</a>. Have a look at her shop, she has the cutest little crochet patterns, and the one I bought was very well written and easy to follow.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzgtqYgZZgbezTA5yz33Sk385bVd_N0perKPxMZ0EKfDy_kZYQ1Vb0F-gpmG4Tbje0HqCoSJnPD6Ue8fxMFl8PXbRDGRCvaciF_nY8FrCG-WkiB37MFLlC03LPfiVX7wDr8vQ_IKLFkhoOOLm1jUyHunXk5IJzg_kochSigIS9iV8jfS7H0yYwvWpkw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzgtqYgZZgbezTA5yz33Sk385bVd_N0perKPxMZ0EKfDy_kZYQ1Vb0F-gpmG4Tbje0HqCoSJnPD6Ue8fxMFl8PXbRDGRCvaciF_nY8FrCG-WkiB37MFLlC03LPfiVX7wDr8vQ_IKLFkhoOOLm1jUyHunXk5IJzg_kochSigIS9iV8jfS7H0yYwvWpkw" width="550" /></a></div><br />Oh by the way, if you're not from the UK you might be thinking "what the heck is a chocolate orange anyway ?". Well its like it says really, its chocolate in the shape of an orange.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGdqdwiKeBCK-4ge6tmOwYCgRlc_SYejy8zpfcPsd25Rrg--5ljhA77IH64Uwt-7DG6BY4mEtfMwnhczIQDSTl81BIl1fA0J-aQYtM9A4nErsDzbVEM7L4Z90iyecKcjRzYsVvNLsqX4FoSko8VaO1umOrzmF_G_uUrrT_6PtGFxmRxucSiQ4QB4nFTw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGdqdwiKeBCK-4ge6tmOwYCgRlc_SYejy8zpfcPsd25Rrg--5ljhA77IH64Uwt-7DG6BY4mEtfMwnhczIQDSTl81BIl1fA0J-aQYtM9A4nErsDzbVEM7L4Z90iyecKcjRzYsVvNLsqX4FoSko8VaO1umOrzmF_G_uUrrT_6PtGFxmRxucSiQ4QB4nFTw" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm-jI-9xJf-R7S7ic__4OLUe6Sb_BYS6mteSLYtZSHX9krBeSBVR4ZR8SAY0N50NBdh4t69VpTEb-PFl5htkJ7Qdg2QSXhC2ROSM2MU7bfDz-WOfehQei-rm3BSAPnTGKanQfQ5UH2wIrtHdG5c83JhRlS4dphF-TbkiUg60XkInZwiBmPBalnaBZWcg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm-jI-9xJf-R7S7ic__4OLUe6Sb_BYS6mteSLYtZSHX9krBeSBVR4ZR8SAY0N50NBdh4t69VpTEb-PFl5htkJ7Qdg2QSXhC2ROSM2MU7bfDz-WOfehQei-rm3BSAPnTGKanQfQ5UH2wIrtHdG5c83JhRlS4dphF-TbkiUg60XkInZwiBmPBalnaBZWcg" width="550" /></a></div><br />When you open it up it has about 20 segments, and the chocolate is orange flavoured and simply DiViNe. As a child I always had a chocolate orange in my stocking, and it just wasn't Christmas without one. So I trotted off to the supermarket and bought 6 chocolate oranges. And I can report that I did not even eat any of them!! How's that for self-restraint!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PVNe85vVfOgkE97kOIhQFYxY_BQZgnwXmf4IyT69pCRWjEiAaRCJc3VTGNgqocRHfVbLNMAgihVcMtvUXwIuYHAyAwZqo3sB5wnFrPVtsL54FgUt1321eH340nlIjU8gv8ozikhgMguNVuy4zGyVZc1hHkghDqzm-nxVulQ9FSm1EwboczPg3VTSeQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PVNe85vVfOgkE97kOIhQFYxY_BQZgnwXmf4IyT69pCRWjEiAaRCJc3VTGNgqocRHfVbLNMAgihVcMtvUXwIuYHAyAwZqo3sB5wnFrPVtsL54FgUt1321eH340nlIjU8gv8ozikhgMguNVuy4zGyVZc1hHkghDqzm-nxVulQ9FSm1EwboczPg3VTSeQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizOpou7N6L8E4lT_r0Jr9ZlceBzRmvzL7r9UVdcG_ipdjfy9Q2JCMNEe-REsVMZArBXAEG-EcJrUdOgsYyntO67VFBaRfFI44Cwv8c6OzZx53yHfdZWGYB_r6Koq3uQb7K8zkbkOItErzb8GqDk6vgfFmpoaLjTymPdfXhfoYUZJa9-Li4w6ros2WTKA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizOpou7N6L8E4lT_r0Jr9ZlceBzRmvzL7r9UVdcG_ipdjfy9Q2JCMNEe-REsVMZArBXAEG-EcJrUdOgsYyntO67VFBaRfFI44Cwv8c6OzZx53yHfdZWGYB_r6Koq3uQb7K8zkbkOItErzb8GqDk6vgfFmpoaLjTymPdfXhfoYUZJa9-Li4w6ros2WTKA" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Over the last week or so I've been working away on the various reindeer body parts.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitRU2g8aknnxcrlMaQZhiOc8eGqew8EiMjRWVN20WZxbeyHYrhvc55pHNo3p86gnCLCyiS6GjNbRoz04NmI0a0-PAPuoBrk3R-Bw4q88wXbNxIH89iWc1YvRGcV0KFKM5zPIq7N2EhUfGfC6sL5UkjjE_-pYGbd2IeldhId2ZbeYtEUVvvFrQFi6aqwQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitRU2g8aknnxcrlMaQZhiOc8eGqew8EiMjRWVN20WZxbeyHYrhvc55pHNo3p86gnCLCyiS6GjNbRoz04NmI0a0-PAPuoBrk3R-Bw4q88wXbNxIH89iWc1YvRGcV0KFKM5zPIq7N2EhUfGfC6sL5UkjjE_-pYGbd2IeldhId2ZbeYtEUVvvFrQFi6aqwQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />OMG those antler pieces were SUPER-FIDDLY to do, there were 24 pieces altogether, I was going cross-eyed one evening working on those. The main piece is a round ball shape that fits snugly over the orange.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL77XAQBlCOhdjTz0LS1eAUCYpFcM_GlTX980tp-CoPRSA4kMa7LZtO_aGR4VcGr1SY9sp2mkjWzA9vQvB0RewOrFVFbqYtT23UXXiyjJKUlUqGcDXSCcNEw7PtMCKOqY0CMMS7tPhdVJEMityUAWXNPAA8G_yPBfKC1PiwCbMjCiaGx28Zmdskhl4-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL77XAQBlCOhdjTz0LS1eAUCYpFcM_GlTX980tp-CoPRSA4kMa7LZtO_aGR4VcGr1SY9sp2mkjWzA9vQvB0RewOrFVFbqYtT23UXXiyjJKUlUqGcDXSCcNEw7PtMCKOqY0CMMS7tPhdVJEMityUAWXNPAA8G_yPBfKC1PiwCbMjCiaGx28Zmdskhl4-Q" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then the mask sits on top of that and is sewn on ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIvfBDv_fka0iuvQgFuozKu3wKQhaBZz_Y8YAv8rItB89EtqWVrfdlPFg5ujALDIlaNZxVrM_ThjOGmFv_QASnHUdNzvlPzNcnlQ3YF3QBa78W78O0qoLZ3C5t5jEaRArSHfkgzYJY8MtGA-M1bVqAnfIT3-rnK_NKz0Xr39ZPUWfyqyRyEN4vVBcxRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIvfBDv_fka0iuvQgFuozKu3wKQhaBZz_Y8YAv8rItB89EtqWVrfdlPFg5ujALDIlaNZxVrM_ThjOGmFv_QASnHUdNzvlPzNcnlQ3YF3QBa78W78O0qoLZ3C5t5jEaRArSHfkgzYJY8MtGA-M1bVqAnfIT3-rnK_NKz0Xr39ZPUWfyqyRyEN4vVBcxRw" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then the other pieces are all sewn into place to make a sweet little reindeer ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqR5BAYvMql6Rlc4j3b0FoNSQeG1xBMx4eat_dX9X82UHizJEytSNQAJL7JrbbuzW33ffxo5p0F9OEIouxa-VHh8aV6ZC7cd-8x2MxDMioSFITsfGNeJtcF1haintZkN25eS4d1BD9tRSGpzLMEuTYHe-hS-RLbaOTFAYNvbaH0GEIg-Qlx3IggzYrWQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqR5BAYvMql6Rlc4j3b0FoNSQeG1xBMx4eat_dX9X82UHizJEytSNQAJL7JrbbuzW33ffxo5p0F9OEIouxa-VHh8aV6ZC7cd-8x2MxDMioSFITsfGNeJtcF1haintZkN25eS4d1BD9tRSGpzLMEuTYHe-hS-RLbaOTFAYNvbaH0GEIg-Qlx3IggzYrWQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Isn't he so cute ? I think these are even cuter than the <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/10/3-little-pigs-plus-few-more.html" target="_blank">pigs in blankets</a> that I made :) <p></p><p>Next I wanted to make some lovely little Christmassy fabric gift bags to wrap them in. I coudn't find my Christmas fabric anywhere (I've no clue where loads of stuff is since we moved house last year) but I did find a pack of tartan fat quarters which I thought would fit the bill.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxw75onk77snNoBDsA7mkN5mQDdQRgfsjpi7NXCSvfIwAWMj4GbaelOZy3vzbBqPOFtCk2Wg-4WWmZL_XJbbEDzGJJoB-Sq5Ks5JOTbisy9WkoCepMuAtHYhpW-qsJlxAUjtCm_AJKp7INEPWjx6AwsOtTyZYQRsou2vUhq0a2lDgeJncEJC2RDCjCcQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxw75onk77snNoBDsA7mkN5mQDdQRgfsjpi7NXCSvfIwAWMj4GbaelOZy3vzbBqPOFtCk2Wg-4WWmZL_XJbbEDzGJJoB-Sq5Ks5JOTbisy9WkoCepMuAtHYhpW-qsJlxAUjtCm_AJKp7INEPWjx6AwsOtTyZYQRsou2vUhq0a2lDgeJncEJC2RDCjCcQ" width="550" /></a></div><p>Doesn't it just scream Christmas ?? I especially love this one ... makes me think of cosy pyjamas ...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHXiIA6JFT3xNCryVzIrLEU3c3iedep252CDqgXCm_UQqpFiq2YJN49RjZfOuBj8c2scB8KuvsrO675t-AVk6p8eA1UymRDDMKMXm8kNx1gPbo-oYjaU8bsqCjGENkZTjEjq-97lFcWIT_05Xw5QflkGwoof6YrHOPjf1JuV16LEROuv1yPFZOg7EpzA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHXiIA6JFT3xNCryVzIrLEU3c3iedep252CDqgXCm_UQqpFiq2YJN49RjZfOuBj8c2scB8KuvsrO675t-AVk6p8eA1UymRDDMKMXm8kNx1gPbo-oYjaU8bsqCjGENkZTjEjq-97lFcWIT_05Xw5QflkGwoof6YrHOPjf1JuV16LEROuv1yPFZOg7EpzA" width="550" /></a></div><br />I am a very messy sewist, so don't look too closely, but I managed to turn the fat quarters into some little drawstring bags ...<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEita1RINIDC9sSNGy0iZX1VVlSd81yUue9vmwjf40CciFrYyGPXdLxTblKLTjsaztj34A8jlAPJub3FGdvOcYNoKfwZVI7nJRqrGa7lkgCQ7PlP8bTYFYjizGRDBThoOERZ0TJC2jorCcRNxSYVH1WGNvxTECt_HPMvqFULnAprcsf-v7x1Rft6rlcQXg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEita1RINIDC9sSNGy0iZX1VVlSd81yUue9vmwjf40CciFrYyGPXdLxTblKLTjsaztj34A8jlAPJub3FGdvOcYNoKfwZVI7nJRqrGa7lkgCQ7PlP8bTYFYjizGRDBThoOERZ0TJC2jorCcRNxSYVH1WGNvxTECt_HPMvqFULnAprcsf-v7x1Rft6rlcQXg" width="550" /></a></div><br />.. and finally I made some little tags to go on the bags. The crocheted holly leaf is a pattern from <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/" target="_blank">Attic24</a>, you can find it <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/holly-leaves.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Bit of hot glue and a red button and - ta-da - some cute little gift tags...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQOva_5eKHoNutPcFeM44GOx7mRTJDhkn_r_2uSVzhrf-L4qQe8vR7X7SPrNR3Vu6SwWQx-hHJTP3KbUo0ZZaKfi_KE2eIH1g5qR2PwwtYFwt1NFNuB7JMovB16xdjLY63G2IXuqwKJQqR-rPJP6RV4v6O7qEUwrGN7PmQu6OKO67aBfxuAL7rNR_cdQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQOva_5eKHoNutPcFeM44GOx7mRTJDhkn_r_2uSVzhrf-L4qQe8vR7X7SPrNR3Vu6SwWQx-hHJTP3KbUo0ZZaKfi_KE2eIH1g5qR2PwwtYFwt1NFNuB7JMovB16xdjLY63G2IXuqwKJQqR-rPJP6RV4v6O7qEUwrGN7PmQu6OKO67aBfxuAL7rNR_cdQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />I bagged up the oranges, and attached the tags, and here they are all ready for Christmas ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimtysQPX1azR3S6jMzGLn6MXCfbnspIwEpYCHZpjncBaFv5TDkDrP3TIPPZXS8gLELD3Jw85w_pa3Bh7YDD6aOM8EN8bm-k3GWXs3wIMNUYy2E68VW1PWeiEETDvqUcjTLmsXzOFRwMarRv9k9SyyF_8gO7VrEOoQfZLVd--BptXWA7X5oGLQq9CJt4Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimtysQPX1azR3S6jMzGLn6MXCfbnspIwEpYCHZpjncBaFv5TDkDrP3TIPPZXS8gLELD3Jw85w_pa3Bh7YDD6aOM8EN8bm-k3GWXs3wIMNUYy2E68VW1PWeiEETDvqUcjTLmsXzOFRwMarRv9k9SyyF_8gO7VrEOoQfZLVd--BptXWA7X5oGLQq9CJt4Q" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I couldn't help myself but take a load of photos of the little reindeer though, they are very photogenic! ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmB2ZYmy9BQb5cC2PHkwui_ZbAHA2d-6YKVEWtS3nZISpo-B29JbBSJLqSmP-2sleoGasq44Z6bG4dfNJmKHHFpmtXUOzcIj7DWM10X7CGD54-T3gT5H4vi7eAtiwdqczhmI59s8yA0NeczJj8G72-v8f8ZE2JJDUxZQzCAabu0xjvjf3b_Vtvz5Swg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJmB2ZYmy9BQb5cC2PHkwui_ZbAHA2d-6YKVEWtS3nZISpo-B29JbBSJLqSmP-2sleoGasq44Z6bG4dfNJmKHHFpmtXUOzcIj7DWM10X7CGD54-T3gT5H4vi7eAtiwdqczhmI59s8yA0NeczJj8G72-v8f8ZE2JJDUxZQzCAabu0xjvjf3b_Vtvz5Swg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht-ZbofXWDw-j8fvXRwL9IG5oaDgpvvFoFCwnyYNpp7xgZo7WiQb4Bs9Kp0d9kTvJaiDYNwDyJ--ll-dBiQOFEV2SyvT69Vh4900m8d6BJtzfe-TOYR9iW84e5a0qX-rAdXQ-0WFD6v98pDxpm4VlrebNeAF3ddSqqxBwaVR4v6lw5NNaR5LIzFSaNww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht-ZbofXWDw-j8fvXRwL9IG5oaDgpvvFoFCwnyYNpp7xgZo7WiQb4Bs9Kp0d9kTvJaiDYNwDyJ--ll-dBiQOFEV2SyvT69Vh4900m8d6BJtzfe-TOYR9iW84e5a0qX-rAdXQ-0WFD6v98pDxpm4VlrebNeAF3ddSqqxBwaVR4v6lw5NNaR5LIzFSaNww" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp2-tF9n82zRMvfqg3p22G6P4_tjGWLUhHBNfLVIBAr226oECcxKfnfL8yOv2RHHW3dYgm_O4dVcR_N4rFbU_cf4rnpcxz8mjMpLNz7hY87nOBrBbBSz-qzYjKxZJUuxRUa9fA7z1JexDUzuDmHfbIVhaLdzUkrzqmXJeAFnqa1Y5B9bQ9MR7maMTDFQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjp2-tF9n82zRMvfqg3p22G6P4_tjGWLUhHBNfLVIBAr226oECcxKfnfL8yOv2RHHW3dYgm_O4dVcR_N4rFbU_cf4rnpcxz8mjMpLNz7hY87nOBrBbBSz-qzYjKxZJUuxRUa9fA7z1JexDUzuDmHfbIVhaLdzUkrzqmXJeAFnqa1Y5B9bQ9MR7maMTDFQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLBImYOEIRkGbEAQsZdSw_ku7FnPMkNMgjEOhpr6949qyw27HKiRHHRicrJivDI7QBaX7vtTYFdyBgNYert4NOqKh5X_T6z446Pad5mmuHlp9wIp2woxnYG4v7zZ2WBHNjK5lQ10Mwclps9KXbRE7Ve1FmdKtzL9a_Hk7qoo27ZeEaPA4BXhi-b4a7kA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLBImYOEIRkGbEAQsZdSw_ku7FnPMkNMgjEOhpr6949qyw27HKiRHHRicrJivDI7QBaX7vtTYFdyBgNYert4NOqKh5X_T6z446Pad5mmuHlp9wIp2woxnYG4v7zZ2WBHNjK5lQ10Mwclps9KXbRE7Ve1FmdKtzL9a_Hk7qoo27ZeEaPA4BXhi-b4a7kA" width="550" /></a></div><br />I'm not normally organised enough to have hand-crafted Christmas presents done in early November, but I have a deadline to work to - tomorrow I'm going into hospital to have my gallbladder removed. Its done by keyhole and I should be home the same day, and hopefully will recover within a couple of weeks. I'm hoping Mr EC will step up and do the cooking, laundry and taxiing the kids around, meanwhile I'm going to use the enforced rest to crack on with my <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/09/the-fireside-blanket-ta-dah.html" target="_blank">fireside blanket</a>, I've been saving it especially for this reason :) Wish me luck!<div><p></p><p>Til next time have lots of crafty fun,</p><p>Jillxxx</p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-66122275829655833892022-10-27T09:55:00.000+01:002022-10-27T09:55:03.654+01:003 Little Pigs - plus a few more<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxAyehU2i_Y4j7ygtUhasn0pt_tqCqr5wJAYu6T-fws5BKWvbYFdHad53t-Mn2UZHKD24-_9gzT6leLmY_E6OysRVdlgg7bsNNAjGBDS-XpOESjwefYzAlL3pX5YtuTpWoJrKctyTlXKZQijnEM6bJdcW23uOkS2HY_l0p7HCS1Y1AmIpz_BcXCtaZPQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxAyehU2i_Y4j7ygtUhasn0pt_tqCqr5wJAYu6T-fws5BKWvbYFdHad53t-Mn2UZHKD24-_9gzT6leLmY_E6OysRVdlgg7bsNNAjGBDS-XpOESjwefYzAlL3pX5YtuTpWoJrKctyTlXKZQijnEM6bJdcW23uOkS2HY_l0p7HCS1Y1AmIpz_BcXCtaZPQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Hello and how are you all ? I am very well and have had a great week of crochet - more about that in a minute. Its a very rainy day here at ECHQ, I'm going walking with a friend later so I'm hoping it clears up. This week I've been enjoying these beautiful pink roses which are very appropriate for the crochet I've been doing as you will see shortly. I've been crocheting for a local charity, <a href="http://thecowshed.org" target="_blank">The Cowshed</a>, who describe themselves as "<span face="Lato, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px;">a new charity which provides support to people of all backgrounds in a time of personal crisis</span>".</div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_CgRZUAji1QXb41RuHCU87A0h5UWtrW5xynIIWV-FLbbYSK0rVVOR6diRacpUVdPcnwXzkJs4jQ_-lnKfL3lhCBH9sYfHbyh2eX-oZ9L-PZ3ZF6CvQ_vl07wN7VyvYSrGzCUArg4VYCvuof6qwLAMnEbbvTc5VGHsPz3uiwXdjaovF95gCGCs5Meg7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_CgRZUAji1QXb41RuHCU87A0h5UWtrW5xynIIWV-FLbbYSK0rVVOR6diRacpUVdPcnwXzkJs4jQ_-lnKfL3lhCBH9sYfHbyh2eX-oZ9L-PZ3ZF6CvQ_vl07wN7VyvYSrGzCUArg4VYCvuof6qwLAMnEbbvTc5VGHsPz3uiwXdjaovF95gCGCs5Meg7g" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The support they provide is largely by way of items of clothing, and they take donations of good, pre-loved clothes which are all washed and ironed by a team of volunteers who do an amazing job getting the clothes ready and displaying them beautifully for clients (who are referred to them) to come and choose from, and try on. They also provide toys for children at Christmas and have a wishlist which you can find <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/19V4Y5A1C5ZR4/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?fbclid=IwAR1mEqNjU_JIdKUAotbrRlXGZVe26T-rzL9qBvFWvb3hlPxPYBA6RNE10q8">here</a>. I've decided this year to buy three items from the wishlist and buy less for my own three children as they already have so much.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSSpbMDHIsqL3SpP341dpFQMqZkdDt8BPaCpxlzlywyzYbH-FN9GI3_xYcueQbt9TSRVVQcdSE35cvopLxZdTz90twm1EW7gMwd3S-HMDll29hu6jB-nxl1gv6OC1tBWk_E2UOpetpnAGkVjDJ0kvOd4aHWUwnJnz9MSXeJLvHrEHfOHsb3_jOR1ILGQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSSpbMDHIsqL3SpP341dpFQMqZkdDt8BPaCpxlzlywyzYbH-FN9GI3_xYcueQbt9TSRVVQcdSE35cvopLxZdTz90twm1EW7gMwd3S-HMDll29hu6jB-nxl1gv6OC1tBWk_E2UOpetpnAGkVjDJ0kvOd4aHWUwnJnz9MSXeJLvHrEHfOHsb3_jOR1ILGQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />The Cowshed also raise money by doing craft fairs, and they have a craft club which I've been to a couple of times and made bunting for stock for their stalls. Doesn't their stall look great ? I'm not in the photo by the way. Helping at their craft fairs is something I intend to do next year.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv6yR8i-cg-JNjDkAsf7Sae404XAzLS-dc3KvPh63y0mdZqLKNR7qbupi5jRSHU15AOm94eBGN45MdNEqbjJnsMIFP4gNJIA46gjmwoNAwIOb0HeRXsXh0x9NL6M9bJETQN7wYGhk7190FQOA35CJXJOnJcVOJYnG-u_6iy7Xa5ziuPtXScliww2P-BA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv6yR8i-cg-JNjDkAsf7Sae404XAzLS-dc3KvPh63y0mdZqLKNR7qbupi5jRSHU15AOm94eBGN45MdNEqbjJnsMIFP4gNJIA46gjmwoNAwIOb0HeRXsXh0x9NL6M9bJETQN7wYGhk7190FQOA35CJXJOnJcVOJYnG-u_6iy7Xa5ziuPtXScliww2P-BA" width="550" /></a></div><br />Anyway, onto the crochet! So I've been crocheting little pigs in blankets ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8rlWL5pkLlWpNkoHGNon5bHJ8ce19PSh34QgD6Sy0O_Yd56o-Srt8uI-FzzNkkLTRERtI5-8txQpkP8pygMscyl0Hzd0lP-3AQJcXhoZCuFxsoTJn7GIW7wVF3RqhVZ2lsppYd8lk8mzwcpncVS3rF2t5EFpmEQ9-DP4_Us3xPZAj0FlRSH0liCb_zA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8rlWL5pkLlWpNkoHGNon5bHJ8ce19PSh34QgD6Sy0O_Yd56o-Srt8uI-FzzNkkLTRERtI5-8txQpkP8pygMscyl0Hzd0lP-3AQJcXhoZCuFxsoTJn7GIW7wVF3RqhVZ2lsppYd8lk8mzwcpncVS3rF2t5EFpmEQ9-DP4_Us3xPZAj0FlRSH0liCb_zA" width="550" /></a></div><br />Just look at him! How super-cute is he! My local crochet group, The Barkham Hookers, asked us to make these for the Cowshed so I set to and managed to get three out of the yarn which they had provided ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiuSHb7Tb-ngudYV-vFyGiT0as487VFqhymMAJBeOltUNg8DUVJd5sNzPg9f8CtM1sWeBS3W4gWybghcWlrFRXb_wiXGEeD1x2JOZfCdX00mKaV1cUCFLkbCyVYCXVWrz7VStTTZWfkSXwJufkAigTZOiKhmekosgc0luyw0GK1yTFPqvkNSdKhvdf7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiuSHb7Tb-ngudYV-vFyGiT0as487VFqhymMAJBeOltUNg8DUVJd5sNzPg9f8CtM1sWeBS3W4gWybghcWlrFRXb_wiXGEeD1x2JOZfCdX00mKaV1cUCFLkbCyVYCXVWrz7VStTTZWfkSXwJufkAigTZOiKhmekosgc0luyw0GK1yTFPqvkNSdKhvdf7g" width="550" /></a></div><br />These three have gone off to the Cowshed already, apparently they have lots of orders to fulfill. I then posted about them on facebook and have had orders for another 7! Luckily I had more pink yarn so I've been non-stop piggy-making all week, with a little production line going for things like noses and ears ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDz99LZGmMjZMgDQrsCacNQ2nLebntJKgEo3kYMKo9J-7bImTnOP-Soa0cUxn98y1f7YJV_907TCTDCKsdM95Be0xZW_y9A_FN9yfvR6SevfNhomGXDCiuDCP_6u8OJ0tlok4_ZXUbH-cXjlSM18WguJt4zEj0zG7jY2nYmYQHVAyileBbRfgZ1PxfHQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDz99LZGmMjZMgDQrsCacNQ2nLebntJKgEo3kYMKo9J-7bImTnOP-Soa0cUxn98y1f7YJV_907TCTDCKsdM95Be0xZW_y9A_FN9yfvR6SevfNhomGXDCiuDCP_6u8OJ0tlok4_ZXUbH-cXjlSM18WguJt4zEj0zG7jY2nYmYQHVAyileBbRfgZ1PxfHQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Here they are, starting to take shape ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8_fTyApV3gom3RZQ9vsZGC7rhkzkKH8pG0ex02mq1IQOICct2YLMORF4ZXICWdRLqK6tjxsGXYveMDFah5uutVjkXuVDGY7KTFwcG1uoZQIckCW7wIXb6AyVDP46a4cjb827nbLSo9F30ibyMhplcfMOxjx4DreRLEFSb6LOiZ0oZNecG6fbA3K4LIw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8_fTyApV3gom3RZQ9vsZGC7rhkzkKH8pG0ex02mq1IQOICct2YLMORF4ZXICWdRLqK6tjxsGXYveMDFah5uutVjkXuVDGY7KTFwcG1uoZQIckCW7wIXb6AyVDP46a4cjb827nbLSo9F30ibyMhplcfMOxjx4DreRLEFSb6LOiZ0oZNecG6fbA3K4LIw" width="550" /></a></div><br />I ran out of the Christmassy red and green yarn for the blankets but I think the purple and blue ones are just as nice ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsyS-e9fdpoPbZLg8l38SBAU0NHlvVcxaI8O7DgofGgUAlgakcBCmnpFdonLpwrHSpcsc63v1yciT_4Z6KaOHFS5EH1Bohxv7bZzTb6yQ2KcGPtQRLlbXh8s5Bch5t_qQ-FiZYHbVxl-CzN4duNgYpiHSXxZnF0nf7e0JvqUXrq-T9V_g41TqYvnnmRg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsyS-e9fdpoPbZLg8l38SBAU0NHlvVcxaI8O7DgofGgUAlgakcBCmnpFdonLpwrHSpcsc63v1yciT_4Z6KaOHFS5EH1Bohxv7bZzTb6yQ2KcGPtQRLlbXh8s5Bch5t_qQ-FiZYHbVxl-CzN4duNgYpiHSXxZnF0nf7e0JvqUXrq-T9V_g41TqYvnnmRg" width="550" /></a></div><br />They've such funny little faces, I'm sure they each have their own little personality ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2EPIZ43wseL5TxXmWYrjCig7788VRciOXewnklwyTsj7FzuDqxtUGFS_8AJdtIdxWEWSdhtxVXD6MG4VIwZ7FjHLD_ew5UMQI1rLoKP5GLlJ-mGWPZBLmd1sXdYZ-AZzE5jufhUNNYpfyPuGh74K-LYkQ3iu9rG3e0PQziTugO9FnaLwZa-_g8olmxg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2EPIZ43wseL5TxXmWYrjCig7788VRciOXewnklwyTsj7FzuDqxtUGFS_8AJdtIdxWEWSdhtxVXD6MG4VIwZ7FjHLD_ew5UMQI1rLoKP5GLlJ-mGWPZBLmd1sXdYZ-AZzE5jufhUNNYpfyPuGh74K-LYkQ3iu9rG3e0PQziTugO9FnaLwZa-_g8olmxg" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern is by A Right Good Hook and you can find it <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pig-in-a-granny-square-blanket">here</a> on ravelry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA_rw3CZJNBzE3CGweYdQcosHP_b7ohV-OqnB5r2VzhumBAmzU6yy7AQhTEjeMifH0S_WNJQKc4joRTvqgEdqhk64ubSljxIQPyt4By3QxLE9OT-IWhlubPqWMyuQEUFIMSmqpOEZXxeljaaP80NWnr7ey1Pj-dP3PffNq_kkSuukJmF6Wcd6gfiW9bA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA_rw3CZJNBzE3CGweYdQcosHP_b7ohV-OqnB5r2VzhumBAmzU6yy7AQhTEjeMifH0S_WNJQKc4joRTvqgEdqhk64ubSljxIQPyt4By3QxLE9OT-IWhlubPqWMyuQEUFIMSmqpOEZXxeljaaP80NWnr7ey1Pj-dP3PffNq_kkSuukJmF6Wcd6gfiW9bA" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLL5DT6GBuDYwKs7mlFBVDpGI3-VRalxub-XX5ddprU0FmrLP-q5qpa9deqT7DgP-AWOuT0Q3X_lQntJPIPd_bURf62HIdjF6BqExvL-VwziAOwyX123lQQksOeDkcpVDKkQQSXBiUAcBf6Dz-pNQbC_XinB2m20ogypoMBfEGEISSGcSn0ccACsCEBQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLL5DT6GBuDYwKs7mlFBVDpGI3-VRalxub-XX5ddprU0FmrLP-q5qpa9deqT7DgP-AWOuT0Q3X_lQntJPIPd_bURf62HIdjF6BqExvL-VwziAOwyX123lQQksOeDkcpVDKkQQSXBiUAcBf6Dz-pNQbC_XinB2m20ogypoMBfEGEISSGcSn0ccACsCEBQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRW0vqllgp8w_a_K_BG5Xes581lUZqgN4udRyLFP-5VLXM7daPLE11XbCUoG5oTUKqGs2z3B5nt1r8erBulr4wGLFcA1lBBFEdNJ_vTz42Cjmr0IYAamjraeWI5Yt0kJ0TQaCDQscUUodHNBg689VyI0XZrjAxjr6ZFGoGY0PhMhxKdcwbDvUQa5vYdA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRW0vqllgp8w_a_K_BG5Xes581lUZqgN4udRyLFP-5VLXM7daPLE11XbCUoG5oTUKqGs2z3B5nt1r8erBulr4wGLFcA1lBBFEdNJ_vTz42Cjmr0IYAamjraeWI5Yt0kJ0TQaCDQscUUodHNBg689VyI0XZrjAxjr6ZFGoGY0PhMhxKdcwbDvUQa5vYdA" width="550" /></a></div><br />It was a great pattern to follow, very well written and no mistakes! Lots of fun to crochet, but I must say after doing 10 of them - yikes! - I am now looking forward to moving onto another project. </div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time, hope you all have some crafty fun,</div><div>Jillxo</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-34484856671552281972022-10-24T14:29:00.000+01:002022-10-24T14:29:15.563+01:00Autumn Days<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJMGiUaWU2S4NtHA-8-3eDHxORlccJd8ewJKZzQaezITJIBDi7tS0Rub5bTVfoWH1ALkptGBk6s4YuR7AlIcjTemAPx9fnBaz9FLwRtVIHOnurPqjEbr7fqsdpcrectl_6gHObH22CXziSwlRxYqOVMUgkmdMWJFwSPtLt_S5tNeeLZ-lVdkTY9iImBQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJMGiUaWU2S4NtHA-8-3eDHxORlccJd8ewJKZzQaezITJIBDi7tS0Rub5bTVfoWH1ALkptGBk6s4YuR7AlIcjTemAPx9fnBaz9FLwRtVIHOnurPqjEbr7fqsdpcrectl_6gHObH22CXziSwlRxYqOVMUgkmdMWJFwSPtLt_S5tNeeLZ-lVdkTY9iImBQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Mr EC and I were out walking the other day and he said to me "I'm sure there weren't this many acorns last year". "Don't be ridiculous" I said, "a tree will produce roughly the same amount each year" and suitably told off he said no more about it. Several days later whilst scrolling through facebook I noticed a post from a friend, talking about a "mast" year. Have you ever heard of this ? A mast year is when certain species of trees produce an unusually large amount of nuts or fruit, and this year is a mast year. You can read about it <a href="https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/blickling-estate-trees-mast-yea-9335482">here</a>, but basically it happens every few years, as a way for trees to ensure they produce more nuts than animals can eat, thereby ensuring their propagation and survival. It's also thought that due to the extreme heat during the summer this year, trees were under stress and a larger amount than usual of nuts has been produced, again to ensure their survival. I was really surprised to read about this, I've never heard of it before, so it turns out, much to my annoyance, that Mr EC was right. I was very magnanimous and did tell him though.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQPIWAoQaItSeQR5R2oI_a5-MWaFTX7NmPirAxztSDHuQ1-5LJ1zVHWIa2JfExkV__LtF4MBp0IdMS5qVDoRgV8OKewT0JKFMIEN3dxAyVPY-lDp9vEFvjmlEbgUlKfz-CqnDjszLVUl3MelMWPtNmOkuiRx6PKx-mNYQziNR0rOs5SpfGYAv2kGRZaw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQPIWAoQaItSeQR5R2oI_a5-MWaFTX7NmPirAxztSDHuQ1-5LJ1zVHWIa2JfExkV__LtF4MBp0IdMS5qVDoRgV8OKewT0JKFMIEN3dxAyVPY-lDp9vEFvjmlEbgUlKfz-CqnDjszLVUl3MelMWPtNmOkuiRx6PKx-mNYQziNR0rOs5SpfGYAv2kGRZaw" width="550" /></a></div><br />And actually, now I come to think of it when we are out walking Pixie, we are crunching our way through paths loaded with acorns, they are everywhere. Pixie is very camera shy. when my phone goes anywhere near her she looks away, the photo above is as good as it gets. She is super cute though.</div><div><br /></div><div>We walked round our local nature reserve, <a href="https://www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/dinton-pastures-country-park/">Dinton Pastures</a>, last week. There are a few lakes there, and we walked round the largest one, Black Swan Lake. No idea why its called that, there are no black swans - does such a thing even exist ? Clearly, as was evidenced by the mast year knowledge (or lack thereof), I am not to be trusted when it comes to nature-y things! There was plenty of other wildlife though ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYVfQ_-CpXFe9RbhGOPR1FANDaJFW45xOM--iBnz_sYc4edatmjHFYWi1SqU5aIinkQGvwtTI9TmKN0tmOHfdaIJ0VSbYFV8IF40QJCi_B2Vqauhle5uIiIYQfztvvtBMPnj5NMpE6kiJueBz_v9LVJO4lptWdKWzaozQVWXLZLanYeXe9uoHm70RBJA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYVfQ_-CpXFe9RbhGOPR1FANDaJFW45xOM--iBnz_sYc4edatmjHFYWi1SqU5aIinkQGvwtTI9TmKN0tmOHfdaIJ0VSbYFV8IF40QJCi_B2Vqauhle5uIiIYQfztvvtBMPnj5NMpE6kiJueBz_v9LVJO4lptWdKWzaozQVWXLZLanYeXe9uoHm70RBJA" width="550" /></a></div><br />... and lots of beautiful tree-lined paths to explore ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg67qFl0nSdKlfinCwRg2qVElc274H9d13Y_QVS98puEDW8KwypFawlaXdgGncf4Nmb4PAZym_Z6civwi2e2pK0YX6xPGUxAotXk2H12jRyVN3hqjCxHWfJRv6sey_ZBr1ZJ9_ktc-CjsMKbxMIF9RTAkaAoaXhg2S5GXJHLkLynGbp0lZzH5U88xnwQg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg67qFl0nSdKlfinCwRg2qVElc274H9d13Y_QVS98puEDW8KwypFawlaXdgGncf4Nmb4PAZym_Z6civwi2e2pK0YX6xPGUxAotXk2H12jRyVN3hqjCxHWfJRv6sey_ZBr1ZJ9_ktc-CjsMKbxMIF9RTAkaAoaXhg2S5GXJHLkLynGbp0lZzH5U88xnwQg" width="550" /></a></div><br />... the trees are glorious at this time of year with leaves in every shade ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgin_s4JDQcTPIiPHnp2BPLl0bZtWI9QPfA-U2Pel-fhNhCIuw3F2V2p8TVYGcW1doz9DjD5U0XqMnXmht4Ybzxi3AxuXQo7ZWyN_jXZGUik31Do9gKawi4ezM55T-KAvzlgjwLn1T869q0dsZC3CwNj-Kl_FMNaQo9hSqtgFT7fyiWwme2dvYK4ORGZQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgin_s4JDQcTPIiPHnp2BPLl0bZtWI9QPfA-U2Pel-fhNhCIuw3F2V2p8TVYGcW1doz9DjD5U0XqMnXmht4Ybzxi3AxuXQo7ZWyN_jXZGUik31Do9gKawi4ezM55T-KAvzlgjwLn1T869q0dsZC3CwNj-Kl_FMNaQo9hSqtgFT7fyiWwme2dvYK4ORGZQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />... we grabbed a quick coffee to have on the go ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq8pMBAy2nciDHRogq2C1NusVmYaWY5Il8SNUpDvgBi9Hd8cqqEJAjaGUyvxdpy8hvlLjJPzJrN6v2-UGYl2LGMY7DwW0Nn1eX7kFOj3NIFRpucffDIpx4dmjjDUUJMRTp_5H7HihIr56St1FXAN4A0GY6rQpuD7Sa7slC_R3ZehMVwPHBTN-i9GdBtg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq8pMBAy2nciDHRogq2C1NusVmYaWY5Il8SNUpDvgBi9Hd8cqqEJAjaGUyvxdpy8hvlLjJPzJrN6v2-UGYl2LGMY7DwW0Nn1eX7kFOj3NIFRpucffDIpx4dmjjDUUJMRTp_5H7HihIr56St1FXAN4A0GY6rQpuD7Sa7slC_R3ZehMVwPHBTN-i9GdBtg" width="550" /></a></div><br />... and walked back via the <a href="https://www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/activities/">activity centre</a> ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwJi3yYLmAuIXZ0CW-1LHQq1mB1YVpsaXCX756qlXmvNZk180jVNBce20iXh_eXLOv5al9ic8_Ctz0fzYI8FUyMfFl2lcyU7J2-mWqvJHJD1S6Zlclwlpd2GQoLIQGsVZkk0wFU855W68dCOcZG8iCMh_c1C-sxjukKijHretaJwFPAU0wgkqQ7S3dPg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwJi3yYLmAuIXZ0CW-1LHQq1mB1YVpsaXCX756qlXmvNZk180jVNBce20iXh_eXLOv5al9ic8_Ctz0fzYI8FUyMfFl2lcyU7J2-mWqvJHJD1S6Zlclwlpd2GQoLIQGsVZkk0wFU855W68dCOcZG8iCMh_c1C-sxjukKijHretaJwFPAU0wgkqQ7S3dPg" width="550" /></a></div><br />... bit too cold for anyone to be out boating though ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhZsvA3Um8874EfvKJ8KRfMpO5aKLUp5EO_foa4dZjFzV3nGt1xvHpnNTHRQR4YecP81Sh_reQWo3QMuSrsHlUNNIs2iAP6so5WsV6EEz5bzcYZNR6i4SzdgzWVmGmCODvKKDqZfLvEry-N7XKXAliMOxj0lloIO1hdYvOEMfvgp1ObGpjpC_PEGtvQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhZsvA3Um8874EfvKJ8KRfMpO5aKLUp5EO_foa4dZjFzV3nGt1xvHpnNTHRQR4YecP81Sh_reQWo3QMuSrsHlUNNIs2iAP6so5WsV6EEz5bzcYZNR6i4SzdgzWVmGmCODvKKDqZfLvEry-N7XKXAliMOxj0lloIO1hdYvOEMfvgp1ObGpjpC_PEGtvQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Back home I took a quick wander round the garden. There are still some flowers blooming - are these a type of chrysanthemum ? Can anyone tell me ? They were planted by the previous owners of our house so I'm not sure. They are so pretty though ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSXdgl_uzsIEsaKRnkc1rlOD-NSOLPNvkuO1lmBV8vmi70Yw8YJt_P1irVY7SoZI8-bneWKmpibC1bFTqTICRXyM38635cGmBp9BvVLp70h8dHRrce0PweU73_fC-W6so9LffueU0shxpyxuk0GvT8M3iSj1ps2RK2QdzJKVWmSVFfcNOYGcsioCYQAQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSXdgl_uzsIEsaKRnkc1rlOD-NSOLPNvkuO1lmBV8vmi70Yw8YJt_P1irVY7SoZI8-bneWKmpibC1bFTqTICRXyM38635cGmBp9BvVLp70h8dHRrce0PweU73_fC-W6so9LffueU0shxpyxuk0GvT8M3iSj1ps2RK2QdzJKVWmSVFfcNOYGcsioCYQAQ" width="550" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyn6FNXt6DChEAejjni5pduzhjoYocobhY6XdVKgQ9JJzzzFZhLAANnxYA6dBQE43frLsSf4toZ4m2WOQmnoWGGz7VgBm1tuDdp016bpmW51q53T-uNs5avX49sCE0ma8JhGttHT1W_O9yXILoLEfKjZWAm9Mq0zV_c31q9oXjQq1oWNfSsoHWe31RwQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyn6FNXt6DChEAejjni5pduzhjoYocobhY6XdVKgQ9JJzzzFZhLAANnxYA6dBQE43frLsSf4toZ4m2WOQmnoWGGz7VgBm1tuDdp016bpmW51q53T-uNs5avX49sCE0ma8JhGttHT1W_O9yXILoLEfKjZWAm9Mq0zV_c31q9oXjQq1oWNfSsoHWe31RwQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD3uc34fHpEnEt-Ok77AjjFCMQM_ewGtkwsuRcK7qTzWz4NTkhpZpE_3JfLWZ2O_p_CZYwzIDlft_XyxDzGvuDZWXZ0l0o9GYErRy_spIXYlmVfPKqMxb_-V-GJQTnK9Ye__xmy6CKu6qW2EHNVV3R_Rouxp3CYwTAiFXcSBcX7L0HN_ToyaUSwyO-mA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD3uc34fHpEnEt-Ok77AjjFCMQM_ewGtkwsuRcK7qTzWz4NTkhpZpE_3JfLWZ2O_p_CZYwzIDlft_XyxDzGvuDZWXZ0l0o9GYErRy_spIXYlmVfPKqMxb_-V-GJQTnK9Ye__xmy6CKu6qW2EHNVV3R_Rouxp3CYwTAiFXcSBcX7L0HN_ToyaUSwyO-mA" width="550" /></a></div><br />.. and this rose is still hanging on, just about ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbNpT0DLflCJnJ-GumLxvQTm5UTQNwIIkL5XmH37i4nQnOJF98wlvdpBOO7fy-yHaJzPFZ8ofuk9afypF9VBRxBVZXhuk-Wnt9iNEY7PxxkUnW-OK9dD-7-PVtL8tLpq8F0z1o4wsDvulPg3p8oEgj31o8iDp7uXU53KAEw19AZHLO7jd7owD33iHI_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbNpT0DLflCJnJ-GumLxvQTm5UTQNwIIkL5XmH37i4nQnOJF98wlvdpBOO7fy-yHaJzPFZ8ofuk9afypF9VBRxBVZXhuk-Wnt9iNEY7PxxkUnW-OK9dD-7-PVtL8tLpq8F0z1o4wsDvulPg3p8oEgj31o8iDp7uXU53KAEw19AZHLO7jd7owD33iHI_w" width="550" /></a></div><br />We even have some grapes growing! They're delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjouTtFqCv0T2fPKEp2pyx5xvz3wEUB-8T0JDTITxBcc0BKoFNmEqJ4PtpSQ4j7K4MtOXGp9vunmVn52-PfqZ2m-d6xt457e4-O882syEwcjdA6FgZxYXHjSFqTXhKQcqLVbB63p1EyIy7S3NrCf1lzrbSfEBCIYZrpa6TXTv02anHSF8Q5qe34xk570A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjouTtFqCv0T2fPKEp2pyx5xvz3wEUB-8T0JDTITxBcc0BKoFNmEqJ4PtpSQ4j7K4MtOXGp9vunmVn52-PfqZ2m-d6xt457e4-O882syEwcjdA6FgZxYXHjSFqTXhKQcqLVbB63p1EyIy7S3NrCf1lzrbSfEBCIYZrpa6TXTv02anHSF8Q5qe34xk570A" width="550" /></a></div><br />... and the acer is looking fabulous ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDgJrQRBJpXJHXuNs0hnwOEQE5Hzv0D8gYefK9A2KxUF2AkHZNeH2Z4Dj0FKpfP26z7viwj6DcsC3mGsCaAmPEm7hUCm7z0xb_dkyVUomVy0YpjMmvkzMFVUVA67FAZSm1nSdJwzIeEFvwDGrSojrK9rppcCv1pvxfmnkFYWoJw8oI9BlQ_OJN-898Fg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDgJrQRBJpXJHXuNs0hnwOEQE5Hzv0D8gYefK9A2KxUF2AkHZNeH2Z4Dj0FKpfP26z7viwj6DcsC3mGsCaAmPEm7hUCm7z0xb_dkyVUomVy0YpjMmvkzMFVUVA67FAZSm1nSdJwzIeEFvwDGrSojrK9rppcCv1pvxfmnkFYWoJw8oI9BlQ_OJN-898Fg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Back inside I've been progressing my Millenium cross stitch, and yesterday I finished the William Shakespeare motif. This only leaves 2 motifs to do, then some backstitching in the centre, and backstitched lettering to do round the central border, and it will be all done. I can see the end at the light of the tunnel now. It may even get done this year which would be amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJwmHvq4q7OpqHV-p2LQ-Fvs8nYk03Su41uqWUOF51fcyru00N6V2NvyJdttsjxkAzD-04LyNQVlWlNHsbcx4VEaVredfW2Lpi_SV_xjguKcg4XbShbYV0C6oxy-JKAywOdkZfWTzMoaC73kLAXdNyY9rpP5PNqGtDaYnOKvKkmW34eCxeyq5Gthm-Rw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJwmHvq4q7OpqHV-p2LQ-Fvs8nYk03Su41uqWUOF51fcyru00N6V2NvyJdttsjxkAzD-04LyNQVlWlNHsbcx4VEaVredfW2Lpi_SV_xjguKcg4XbShbYV0C6oxy-JKAywOdkZfWTzMoaC73kLAXdNyY9rpP5PNqGtDaYnOKvKkmW34eCxeyq5Gthm-Rw" width="550" /></a></div><br />Taking a break from the big kit I worked on a really quick little design for Halloweeen ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq861uRJbbNrYxk7U070BBYsxPIrK8gbSvy__7Rs9lly-UVWlY2e4MNeYcRNuDLfWtzYK80U5Q1w7PxrRdnL20sweA4U-od_CH9gIKVFyhMGJfKbIL0VJik6sesc-Otym6kVXItQGSYIRpRuErqoyqRCbVLLYWHoPC-IKAV18BGsLNmjM4sGHfI8q-uQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq861uRJbbNrYxk7U070BBYsxPIrK8gbSvy__7Rs9lly-UVWlY2e4MNeYcRNuDLfWtzYK80U5Q1w7PxrRdnL20sweA4U-od_CH9gIKVFyhMGJfKbIL0VJik6sesc-Otym6kVXItQGSYIRpRuErqoyqRCbVLLYWHoPC-IKAV18BGsLNmjM4sGHfI8q-uQ" width="550" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>... I decided to make it into a card for Mr EC. The pattern is a free one that I found on pinterest.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij5wGWWHFLjGWdPzU_xCrOF2FCYkBcVXisNQzZwMJVyi52HEOSQcWK5_WttS73CxYulxQrlYFDbkjnzSgikk71DTK_UOGFEnYC9n4scewpRRgJ5ym_IkoTCQHLG1HLhYPDWoFjNMEBxg4pqK8-mWkkGYvQZ6suPi_MVpw80MInxXpEShQOwdZ4q-dgWA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij5wGWWHFLjGWdPzU_xCrOF2FCYkBcVXisNQzZwMJVyi52HEOSQcWK5_WttS73CxYulxQrlYFDbkjnzSgikk71DTK_UOGFEnYC9n4scewpRRgJ5ym_IkoTCQHLG1HLhYPDWoFjNMEBxg4pqK8-mWkkGYvQZ6suPi_MVpw80MInxXpEShQOwdZ4q-dgWA" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Do you like my new Halloween mug above ? Isn't it so sweet ? I had a trawl through the cheapy shops - Poundland, Home Bargains etc - this morning for some Halloweeny bits to decorate our front room but I'll show you more of that another day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time, happy crafting,</div><div>Jillxx<br /><br /></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-68273293152313012572022-10-21T12:59:00.007+01:002022-10-21T13:31:21.265+01:00Cross-stitch roundup<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLg55Krakrh55a-xKdCDN0EVsYZeNjq04YCN-yhl11UYDcV2rgqWWXkk2BwK-bqJ3G0QiXYRogUZ6JB-wKux7ZP8ABEGgJckweTmkl01___fv8UkNpL4HxFbDayqpl1trEMA_i50hGq_o_TBIBfFZ3NooIXnQUE7UGQNOmJ8IaVKnt6Nl0Zh6HitKbjA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLg55Krakrh55a-xKdCDN0EVsYZeNjq04YCN-yhl11UYDcV2rgqWWXkk2BwK-bqJ3G0QiXYRogUZ6JB-wKux7ZP8ABEGgJckweTmkl01___fv8UkNpL4HxFbDayqpl1trEMA_i50hGq_o_TBIBfFZ3NooIXnQUE7UGQNOmJ8IaVKnt6Nl0Zh6HitKbjA" width="550" /></a></div><br />When I got home from Carcassonne my crojo was screaming at me to crochet: I've bought Lucy of <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/">Attic24</a>'s <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/09/the-fireside-blanket-ta-dah.html">Fireside blanket</a> pack, and I was desperate to get it out and get started. BUT before I went away I had started a Hallowe'en stitch-along and I was determined to get it finished and not leave it languishing in the ever -growing UFO pile. As you'll see from this blog post I have form when it comes to not-completing cross-stitches. I definitely suffer from startitis - starting shiny new projects before the previous one is complete. So this past week I've been a very good stitcher and carried on with the stitch-along - I had gotten behind on the holiday week so I had lots to catch up on. Its the "Cabinet of Curiosities" stitchalong by Alyssa Westhoek of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/StitchonomySAL">Stitchonomy</a> - she has a <a href="https://thepatternclub.com/">pattern club</a> of which I am a member, and for $8 a month you get access to all her patterns, and then several times a year she runs a free stitchalong, one of which is the Cabinet of Curiosities. Alyssa releases a little image pattern every day over a month or so and then you end up with something like this ...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgBfO6bsTRfguG2fJSSkr3bTSVbBq1j8bQL_lfgD-cMuZfX8nTvHzeAE8C7K7yys1FZe7npsckRkkkDouSxKWTUj1Fi4ML5MypHbIEVFMfMwMIRfAau2fRCw_6QDpR7iRXLgl2cWDiCG8lJfmVO3JRC9nEVmCefm2c13m26Q1TgakPu9QsKSK_ewlA2Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgBfO6bsTRfguG2fJSSkr3bTSVbBq1j8bQL_lfgD-cMuZfX8nTvHzeAE8C7K7yys1FZe7npsckRkkkDouSxKWTUj1Fi4ML5MypHbIEVFMfMwMIRfAau2fRCw_6QDpR7iRXLgl2cWDiCG8lJfmVO3JRC9nEVmCefm2c13m26Q1TgakPu9QsKSK_ewlA2Q" width="550" /></a></div><br />Don't you love it ?! Aren't the little picture so cute ?! Which is your favourite ? Mine has to be either the brain in a jar - such fun! or the phoenix feathers. Some of them are a little hard to tell what they are - frogs legs and mandrake I'm looking at you here, but I think most of them are fairly obvious. This cross-stitch is going to be framed and given to my all-things-Hallowe'en-loving son for his birthday.<p></p><p>Finishing this gave me such a sense of achievement I decided to root through the UFO pile and finish some more. So next is this wedding cross-stitch which I did for my cousin's wedding 5 YEARS AGO! I'm a terrible person. I never gave it to them (obvs seeing as it was incomplete). All I had to finish was the bits and piece hanging off the back of the car so the end was really nearly in sight. However when I got it out of the cupboard I found to my horror it's got a massive stain on it !!!! Noooo!!!I have no idea what it is (tea maybe?) or how it got there but I'm fairly sure after 5 years it won't be coming out any time soon, so I've decided to stitch over it with some green to make it look like grass below the car. So this one isn't quite done yet (though I did finish the bits and pieces at the bottom).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2_MgZaPRD3QvfonqT1d-1HWVsqut0WQzVgh0MQl8cNDLCbWW_AekrGnR24fGSKRDr5FSO3TVtsEC7DAX7toQSdsTf7Xwk2cvd2604FGLmpytguQCArNClAecilOAnJsIFFCpoFxr7Eztf8YBcg3ShTDBY2xA4KVJseAMr65ctl-4AXc7KWcQK31DiPw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2_MgZaPRD3QvfonqT1d-1HWVsqut0WQzVgh0MQl8cNDLCbWW_AekrGnR24fGSKRDr5FSO3TVtsEC7DAX7toQSdsTf7Xwk2cvd2604FGLmpytguQCArNClAecilOAnJsIFFCpoFxr7Eztf8YBcg3ShTDBY2xA4KVJseAMr65ctl-4AXc7KWcQK31DiPw" width="550" /></a></div><br />Next we have another wedding one. This time for friends of ours who got married 3 years ago. Can you see a pattern emerging here ? Honestly, I put so much work into these then sort of fall at the last hurdle. No idea why, but its really annoying. Anyway, I discovered that this one is actually complete so all it needs is framing and then it can be gifted to the lucky (?) couple.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjenEnDudOhDFi4Ep88w1zmVejWQv9WX0MweKMZgvghwig30gZqP1GoYOfBMCyOle6Az_K-nRZPw2OF1OtNFV9y4VEPQRY1y0INA6AzLXFuVVS7H45ruczjh0kVJ_sdttAdztmvXBkgKoKmjiTGsCC2_Oj_53vGECAay6IBD2id30zRFaWJa3EeFwtlQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjenEnDudOhDFi4Ep88w1zmVejWQv9WX0MweKMZgvghwig30gZqP1GoYOfBMCyOle6Az_K-nRZPw2OF1OtNFV9y4VEPQRY1y0INA6AzLXFuVVS7H45ruczjh0kVJ_sdttAdztmvXBkgKoKmjiTGsCC2_Oj_53vGECAay6IBD2id30zRFaWJa3EeFwtlQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />Now we have a slightly smaller one, and again I found this one to be complete. Its a picture of Dornoch Cathedral, a cathedral in the highlands of Scotland and actually where Madonna and Elon Musk got married (but not to each other!). It's for my Mum for her birthday - Dornoch is the place where we spent our childhood holidays. We used to go every year with some other families from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - we only all knew each other from going to the same hotel in Dornoch every year. Every summer spent 2 weeks there, from when I was 5 until I was about 30 and I stopped going. My parents kept going though for another 20 odd years, until my Dad passed away. It was great fun, in the group there were about 20 children and we had a blissful time playing golf and tennis, going to the beach, swimming, playing in the hotel gardens, it was wonderfully freeing, and I feel very blessed to have grown up with such memories. So Dornoch is very dear to our hearts. The cross-stitch, small as it is, is very definitely recognisable as Dornoch Cathedral, so I know my Mum will love it. Again it just needs framing. (All this framing is going to cost small fortune!)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQqxPnV5X4ILwgBYsr9HoLviRMOPkuPQo2e-ADyMGZro1GnvjkxPJXcB_lMoaiRodhG3ht_vZraKFmCcEdFyNdfevIgtaO12wB2fPxi_0SZq_O65l_mr6EpuVOAGQ8a_BRMfgapWoj45mXfDQX7NnmRsMCx4fzlyu0tjhkWI2ly_wtbn0KF7GIR-qDQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxQqxPnV5X4ILwgBYsr9HoLviRMOPkuPQo2e-ADyMGZro1GnvjkxPJXcB_lMoaiRodhG3ht_vZraKFmCcEdFyNdfevIgtaO12wB2fPxi_0SZq_O65l_mr6EpuVOAGQ8a_BRMfgapWoj45mXfDQX7NnmRsMCx4fzlyu0tjhkWI2ly_wtbn0KF7GIR-qDQ" width="550" /></a></div><br />This next one is actually just for myself, and I spent a few happy hours finishing it off this week. It's just a Christmas sampler which I started a few years ago. When I dug it out I realised there wasn't really a huge amount left to do - just from the sort of house shape downwards wasn't done, but the top 2/3 was all complete. I'm not sure what I'll do with this one, maybe get it framed and hang it up just at Christmas when we decorate the house.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ05U5NdMe80cg7W1ktuGcKdXRkOBuwWIWwlfhd46AoV-I6zoAap5eIQyWCjeu_kM6TstG4l4r44BtWQySj-TM4hlOEskkt2eiLgGkev0obMVQGvkwHCTA-EPiMyXLirREI7qXH4zfWQX97ARWQG0u_VgaMrqz2EXRnNIT6Fr1mxi-Xl-6tmNUfxm4Lg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ05U5NdMe80cg7W1ktuGcKdXRkOBuwWIWwlfhd46AoV-I6zoAap5eIQyWCjeu_kM6TstG4l4r44BtWQySj-TM4hlOEskkt2eiLgGkev0obMVQGvkwHCTA-EPiMyXLirREI7qXH4zfWQX97ARWQG0u_VgaMrqz2EXRnNIT6Fr1mxi-Xl-6tmNUfxm4Lg" width="550" /></a></div><br />And finally we have my ongoing project (excuse the creases!), which I may have blogged about before. This one is a real labour of love (and secretly I hate it a tiny bit ...). It's a Millenium cross-stitch which my Mum bought me for Christmas in the year of, yes, you guessed it, the millenium, back in 1999 (gosh that feels weird to write a year beginning with 19!). So I've been working on it, on and off, for 22 years! To be fair it has been packed in a box during two house moves and I've had 3 babies since then so life has had other priorities, but I dig it out every so often to work on it. I do feel now that the end is in sight. As you can see there are 16 little images and I've only got 3 left to do. So near yet so far!<div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfKOjUaw72ZwK7qQABbzQDRgSfFXXD5rt3A7k6uIBmM1_PHOLEWzJUJw-zGOerczEOxBA9bXBr8eFBaUYOY4dPRxMU74NT7c344at3yabWEgJvx7sXvRMDjo02tUu2YMrPEc7wsUDFXGPAyvGq4ZZtkU8XT3Zfk8ATwVCHgEaG1Ivy4liUiTX9JfKuQ/s720/IMG_7938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfKOjUaw72ZwK7qQABbzQDRgSfFXXD5rt3A7k6uIBmM1_PHOLEWzJUJw-zGOerczEOxBA9bXBr8eFBaUYOY4dPRxMU74NT7c344at3yabWEgJvx7sXvRMDjo02tUu2YMrPEc7wsUDFXGPAyvGq4ZZtkU8XT3Zfk8ATwVCHgEaG1Ivy4liUiTX9JfKuQ/s320/IMG_7938.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Once this is finished its definitely getting framed and I might give it to my Mum for Christmas if I can finish it by then! We shall see!</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's a roundup of my current cross-stitch progress. I still have a few incomplete ones but I shall leave those for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time, have some crafty fun,</div><div>Jillxxx</div></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-66684536645473675862022-10-19T17:50:00.003+01:002022-10-19T17:50:33.535+01:00Carcassonne Crochet RetreatDuring the first week of October I was lucky enough to go away on holidays to France on my own for a week. I say on my own but actually I was with my bestest oldest friend (we have known each other for 49 years!!!) and a group of 12 others on a lovely relaxing crochet retreat. The retreat, which was organised by <a href="https://www.arenatravel.com/craft-holidays/" target="_blank">Stitchtopia</a> and run by the wonderful Lucy of <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Attic24</a> fame, took place in the beautiful city of Carcassonne in southern France.<div><br /></div><div>We set off very early (I got up at 2:30am - yikes!) on a Monday morning and got off to a great start with bucks fizz for breakfast at the airport...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV8QaY07LOjvEqxn8fUYHGP3TxmTLA3SkuXOhxkmDiYPLOIVR54m1WBtcBInFB3ckuURyoM5r2e99-3-q_XqDXpAYTCJWHLw1sEqGSNyTM0YHfDfbs-D8OOA2XffNwvd-OkuArTxyAEmclZpCixelz__FuMThGv4AQbxm_Rm9SRYCuVXNuzR18856YLA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV8QaY07LOjvEqxn8fUYHGP3TxmTLA3SkuXOhxkmDiYPLOIVR54m1WBtcBInFB3ckuURyoM5r2e99-3-q_XqDXpAYTCJWHLw1sEqGSNyTM0YHfDfbs-D8OOA2XffNwvd-OkuArTxyAEmclZpCixelz__FuMThGv4AQbxm_Rm9SRYCuVXNuzR18856YLA" width="550" /></a></div><br />We met everybody at the departure gate and before long we were touching down in Toulouse to beautiful sunny weather. An hour or so on the coach and we were afforded our first view of beautiful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcassonne">Carcassonne</a>...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgumE-tBUSZrLdSRgAxFnvyTfGjzOKnSgrFiGYJJwyW1pDorgHD968NoNh5Muj-kG8ZTfEcD6zfOhcM5gJX88ey0qVQLZ23jfuBbcFnotoF4Xh9hQRlArlc2tq9RDEfWyy-Fgsu1fU0fTaFugvmN46AwYcgkbEZNP1RYH8GwCFhvINcBKoE1e33ijWZ_g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgumE-tBUSZrLdSRgAxFnvyTfGjzOKnSgrFiGYJJwyW1pDorgHD968NoNh5Muj-kG8ZTfEcD6zfOhcM5gJX88ey0qVQLZ23jfuBbcFnotoF4Xh9hQRlArlc2tq9RDEfWyy-Fgsu1fU0fTaFugvmN46AwYcgkbEZNP1RYH8GwCFhvINcBKoE1e33ijWZ_g" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... and yes it really does look like that - just WoW - a beautiful, historic, medieval, walled city perched on a hill surrounded by rolling green fields. (Well on a few sides anyway, there is also a newer area of town but we'll come to that later.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Entering the city is by way of a huge gate which would have had a portcullis and drawbridge, as there is a dry moat ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvHD_KN-v442Y7f4fREOM9T4Y4IAYp3vvqyuzXIssfFm8Bh5Omnq-4IE6GCgjd7QrY79j-MrH9-1GuFZHFHo-lI5WOutGXszkjvQ4CAnjSXq_ux2Ivbui7H5v5UZyOlwX0zNSxTWqUAeGhgNn0sheNRXOvU3O01nq2D8l6JVCvGL3qxC5z-v_pTx54Jg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvHD_KN-v442Y7f4fREOM9T4Y4IAYp3vvqyuzXIssfFm8Bh5Omnq-4IE6GCgjd7QrY79j-MrH9-1GuFZHFHo-lI5WOutGXszkjvQ4CAnjSXq_ux2Ivbui7H5v5UZyOlwX0zNSxTWqUAeGhgNn0sheNRXOvU3O01nq2D8l6JVCvGL3qxC5z-v_pTx54Jg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Once inside the city, which is made up of lots of little winding roads and alleyways made of cobblestones, its very peaceful and quiet as there is no traffic (hence no traffic noise), and of course everywhere is safe for pedestrians. Everywhere you look there are little restaurants and boutique shops, its just so quaint and pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSQqYyMmTpzYNxyPmJbaGPEhO2a3PJljrtJVTXaSfQHYFAmbALpKoUlIBDTHpolmdJBygazyVnmkYywNpYr9umvrPk4HQjWXUVSKWCfxkTyi4kjXrlEVGlPP2lfPGP-EvhgCmrr2IPw0a391u5UnC2IkuoFn-S74AVizX754ft99t3Qa7CN2NymtapPA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSQqYyMmTpzYNxyPmJbaGPEhO2a3PJljrtJVTXaSfQHYFAmbALpKoUlIBDTHpolmdJBygazyVnmkYywNpYr9umvrPk4HQjWXUVSKWCfxkTyi4kjXrlEVGlPP2lfPGP-EvhgCmrr2IPw0a391u5UnC2IkuoFn-S74AVizX754ft99t3Qa7CN2NymtapPA" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNWfktjkahJjvfkIt1BcGsAIPMVSBvXGzvwDyR7Eq8k_vpz7PbnNDtN0wraOzoVd2rl9HnjT5jtGJ3MGlN6zzwLTrMpIPe68OZKYgWvIOm9hy7zLVQkt_KpqBi4ZjSLKw8gukm7PnmD8-lCE62WqC3SK2TWEMhw8XplHYa6gJqSPgOaLG4zFRqeyiwBw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNWfktjkahJjvfkIt1BcGsAIPMVSBvXGzvwDyR7Eq8k_vpz7PbnNDtN0wraOzoVd2rl9HnjT5jtGJ3MGlN6zzwLTrMpIPe68OZKYgWvIOm9hy7zLVQkt_KpqBi4ZjSLKw8gukm7PnmD8-lCE62WqC3SK2TWEMhw8XplHYa6gJqSPgOaLG4zFRqeyiwBw" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7mL2hz-Bm3y1mBChP3ezcvh_7ufQMSbzJVKdHKVAk4MRTwMDYPE8rxMP_8VMGULbjeiHXc9M1OAz_P1Y0cbfuDQgbd9U-27LVbvjJCwftYnsGhRUvqlmP9mIGzdXLCw1YxRM5oAenLMfxEkAvUygrylj0yT-7aKB9YtpbffXdgMMHafm2oDdAZbIJfA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7mL2hz-Bm3y1mBChP3ezcvh_7ufQMSbzJVKdHKVAk4MRTwMDYPE8rxMP_8VMGULbjeiHXc9M1OAz_P1Y0cbfuDQgbd9U-27LVbvjJCwftYnsGhRUvqlmP9mIGzdXLCw1YxRM5oAenLMfxEkAvUygrylj0yT-7aKB9YtpbffXdgMMHafm2oDdAZbIJfA" width="550" /></a></div><br />Our hotel was actually inside the walled city so it was very handy for all the restaurants, and lovely and peaceful at night. We stayed for 6 days - 4 days of crochet (yippee!!!) and 2 days sight-seeing (with a little crochet added in of course!). During our crochet days we had workshops run by the lovely Lucy, who taught us about colour theory, and then gave us a wonderful pattern to follow for a cushion cover. We were challenged to be bold and brave with our colour choices, and to step outside of our comfort zones. And how lucky were we - we were each given a pack of Scheepjes minis to work with (photo nicked from Lucy as I was to excited and forgot to take one !) ...</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXGslzXKBsoOEavJ19mGdoEUPS7FevSSh4TMxwAXVP6DYIO90pBI_SVKxuGCJ-1iqZsm-Yh0Q-i5qRbtpFkU_mhFN-wbKuscbLJzlq9A4RUSpUbJlCs8fVyOJcQHKlQ9R1SzjsbrDCSMtkBXze6pW05m-tCypY5iaGqqf90pRFVJkhCp4FhoMbHxEYww" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1053" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXGslzXKBsoOEavJ19mGdoEUPS7FevSSh4TMxwAXVP6DYIO90pBI_SVKxuGCJ-1iqZsm-Yh0Q-i5qRbtpFkU_mhFN-wbKuscbLJzlq9A4RUSpUbJlCs8fVyOJcQHKlQ9R1SzjsbrDCSMtkBXze6pW05m-tCypY5iaGqqf90pRFVJkhCp4FhoMbHxEYww" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Ooooh my! Amazing! Such gorgeous colours and such cute little balls, just such fun for messing about with and playing with colour. The front side of the cushion was a little experimental with some blending first of all ...</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnfepNT8ZgjefSy2c2TF7T9FOYhtKEiZtK7I2LW8mHvXT6akq8zxymJNfJyCwhW98niqeU4ecEUywSUVW1Pm5w-lyR7xgNOzAPXm9faWwBS-LyeE2YwrBllr61DY6qvuyL3IwDvUfy1wvCiDvJjk_G-1ICw-jdQU_B-n3PD-loTUYXB98npkZCy7onJQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnfepNT8ZgjefSy2c2TF7T9FOYhtKEiZtK7I2LW8mHvXT6akq8zxymJNfJyCwhW98niqeU4ecEUywSUVW1Pm5w-lyR7xgNOzAPXm9faWwBS-LyeE2YwrBllr61DY6qvuyL3IwDvUfy1wvCiDvJjk_G-1ICw-jdQU_B-n3PD-loTUYXB98npkZCy7onJQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>... and this soon grew into nearly a competed front cover ....</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr4ekPDEvAvtGYcCI9dC1v3cODSiMkWz_NAqvB-UxwoaCaJPkJrlYixp1I_XWJCsX7PMOxSIkm4_diSUPyXLVkurgGFZaHYlE19c4N6uPfDSRUKyJTChX-GuRJ1D4LmlK5ug2j8rnPe18bcjp7H8Upvk_MAOWGpNHdzE15I4Jlr4I22z1oB1k7r2EU2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr4ekPDEvAvtGYcCI9dC1v3cODSiMkWz_NAqvB-UxwoaCaJPkJrlYixp1I_XWJCsX7PMOxSIkm4_diSUPyXLVkurgGFZaHYlE19c4N6uPfDSRUKyJTChX-GuRJ1D4LmlK5ug2j8rnPe18bcjp7H8Upvk_MAOWGpNHdzE15I4Jlr4I22z1oB1k7r2EU2A" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>... it was wonderful to see how everybody else's cushion covers were so different despite working from the same palette...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUXMIvYL5AwRKRpMdjc8xg-S452XKbi1ltaheuDNbgFsZ7DSqubqAX0peK0jFH7w8crSwLVzNMAgpLs1n8xLydOHQiYso7wdTlgfG4TZ4KBkxkTbZ5BntTBME9k_eJU5WQq-_bPnNBl41COW5dppJguz8lIH4zRjBxyPwRxFpJQDVg6Q_tltI5ycDhuQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUXMIvYL5AwRKRpMdjc8xg-S452XKbi1ltaheuDNbgFsZ7DSqubqAX0peK0jFH7w8crSwLVzNMAgpLs1n8xLydOHQiYso7wdTlgfG4TZ4KBkxkTbZ5BntTBME9k_eJU5WQq-_bPnNBl41COW5dppJguz8lIH4zRjBxyPwRxFpJQDVg6Q_tltI5ycDhuQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-Dcg4xI1nBVyFgUkQZY-_7otC8O0Qq2MvzeAhpjakGXee_TBuDhAHLgf6xwtNBUy8LEveOyDpCOdZb60-LtFSA2oU3OhyfUJFhcomcEYcloNPD8QgQNTOoGFghZDR6rsNIfsprlTbtR7uOtztKn6X9Zknq5z77xfahOUiX-LSsCAzLqQFIAZtuC77xA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-Dcg4xI1nBVyFgUkQZY-_7otC8O0Qq2MvzeAhpjakGXee_TBuDhAHLgf6xwtNBUy8LEveOyDpCOdZb60-LtFSA2oU3OhyfUJFhcomcEYcloNPD8QgQNTOoGFghZDR6rsNIfsprlTbtR7uOtztKn6X9Zknq5z77xfahOUiX-LSsCAzLqQFIAZtuC77xA" width="550" /></a></div><br />... we added some little flowers to the middle of the front, here is mine completed ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYSwkrT7vriHBjAu6eRuCtpF6Vov630nX1l-MnniNuaYORQG3xSxZkpqwp0dxN3X9ibsPsF2Z3N-0Vw_1ZWUlUDTm3vxLA-ao7rgiXg5Vgycp1NIYS6jJJl2Ek0FWydAwjYHwtiCOq8R_jB3JuqmbT5-yVNREfdSWeLgJvcJnWSRNw9V6yhyBe9uyt7Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYSwkrT7vriHBjAu6eRuCtpF6Vov630nX1l-MnniNuaYORQG3xSxZkpqwp0dxN3X9ibsPsF2Z3N-0Vw_1ZWUlUDTm3vxLA-ao7rgiXg5Vgycp1NIYS6jJJl2Ek0FWydAwjYHwtiCOq8R_jB3JuqmbT5-yVNREfdSWeLgJvcJnWSRNw9V6yhyBe9uyt7Q" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>... to be honest I'm not wildly happy with it, too much orange maybe ? But here is the reverse and Oh My GoSh I LoVe It ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSTjkYg9qIpFEnW6357bQZIBFAbZGLqGbSIcdQ6VkZxph-7jmmsgYeA19tjishzhPbEJKbd_2PfC-5XJoojhC7EBWiNuxVR1hFD6nPaij8eQNzGWUCw8Lh82gk5lNC_-3k39b4E74zDaKu4zoTUOHCSQb6L4aS10HBaidZugePf1mOk6oP0wB-e3yA5g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSTjkYg9qIpFEnW6357bQZIBFAbZGLqGbSIcdQ6VkZxph-7jmmsgYeA19tjishzhPbEJKbd_2PfC-5XJoojhC7EBWiNuxVR1hFD6nPaij8eQNzGWUCw8Lh82gk5lNC_-3k39b4E74zDaKu4zoTUOHCSQb6L4aS10HBaidZugePf1mOk6oP0wB-e3yA5g" width="550" /></a></div><br />I feel with the front I let myself overthink it whereas with the reverse I just went with the flow a bit and as a result it feels much more balanced. Or maybe its just that I love brights so much! Nevertheless the workshops were such fun, lots of lively chatter and laughter, and soooo good to spend time with like-minded people, and during down time we could relax in the sweet little hotel garden ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNwfLqrFmTcgL4XsOs5sgRoxcXhn41ua2Ff4KG_fKJsNuGxkOSBuDadWDiCjQzVoeCYA4KOFUj11GGI37dMBDlpXlk_j4eg6BGrPPJH2WyYcCY6ueu-nJFEqWqKkOfmkxM0Ev4A7-9RHD1FSqchohxxswgkxo9L4abVKGViq2Qxnugeiy-q-_EsIx2fA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNwfLqrFmTcgL4XsOs5sgRoxcXhn41ua2Ff4KG_fKJsNuGxkOSBuDadWDiCjQzVoeCYA4KOFUj11GGI37dMBDlpXlk_j4eg6BGrPPJH2WyYcCY6ueu-nJFEqWqKkOfmkxM0Ev4A7-9RHD1FSqchohxxswgkxo9L4abVKGViq2Qxnugeiy-q-_EsIx2fA" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We had a couple of days of sightseeing, and the old town of Carcassonne is so beautiful - I took a gazillion photos. One lunchtime we went for a tour of the chateau and ramparts - the walled part of the city consists of over 50 towers, and its possible to walk around the ramparts a fair way. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0_7o2_nVlyi9NrWAGznP_XN30EXUFdzlUi-kOrN3JYqvPjllCM3wH6e6j9Jdz7_KSFhmR7uTFFkMsbZgy1Q-S5NjcOcBrMgnxPgF7E9TZ5MG-Ks4TXzxSWx0H2r8lHD6I1Def9uFaRttuLl_HSTUMj_yXS2GEQWFaHJTTAoHoRescKi45x6OkfmQVgQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="1380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0_7o2_nVlyi9NrWAGznP_XN30EXUFdzlUi-kOrN3JYqvPjllCM3wH6e6j9Jdz7_KSFhmR7uTFFkMsbZgy1Q-S5NjcOcBrMgnxPgF7E9TZ5MG-Ks4TXzxSWx0H2r8lHD6I1Def9uFaRttuLl_HSTUMj_yXS2GEQWFaHJTTAoHoRescKi45x6OkfmQVgQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUC7IH4G7tQkV80hYwFHa6b0jhR9gPcsrfB9Ow2odX16S8x11fFApiY9zCv2K7Uzmc-kkMjUiIsPBMUc1bZasYQxUva2yY8zjuopbhU3C2UMwD_b1BpgUs-1shoTPXSwgbR_BJuo9A1h6U1dy66lioqxMPFkqinDRDzD3T8gw12iPeFAj2_CzkLGsNKQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUC7IH4G7tQkV80hYwFHa6b0jhR9gPcsrfB9Ow2odX16S8x11fFApiY9zCv2K7Uzmc-kkMjUiIsPBMUc1bZasYQxUva2yY8zjuopbhU3C2UMwD_b1BpgUs-1shoTPXSwgbR_BJuo9A1h6U1dy66lioqxMPFkqinDRDzD3T8gw12iPeFAj2_CzkLGsNKQ" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0iEYpgdTbYVb19TfVb5zLZa20zeFIXEYf4c5YVLY1FSqcQ5sXporqo0OxFVGf7qxDd1OUeqnAENK6_LcUohhe_J5UD76N67hS_Ktder7dol23iSoGphz925uAe2Kwqcsp_SCpkBRUAxdm6H5MC1HUvlrongCb7cOUm1lHOIOwvlZysGFzGAYgZwIT0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0iEYpgdTbYVb19TfVb5zLZa20zeFIXEYf4c5YVLY1FSqcQ5sXporqo0OxFVGf7qxDd1OUeqnAENK6_LcUohhe_J5UD76N67hS_Ktder7dol23iSoGphz925uAe2Kwqcsp_SCpkBRUAxdm6H5MC1HUvlrongCb7cOUm1lHOIOwvlZysGFzGAYgZwIT0w" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNi3dRcELlMe7hQDOgrxJqqKUi2KFsabSs87ZJ1S9gXFWKRR8UhWtx4MZR-E61qI4kcUQOrmP3Zp94mF1aZPTlKgG6DIuRkhNtRC1U5gOvscD4NPzOo8f3dn0DqXfy5Do_64VWAmnvKUKmDXEL6-FbLwmIe7sGT_nfvaHb0X1FQUTQvKEdfBJC_QyjuA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNi3dRcELlMe7hQDOgrxJqqKUi2KFsabSs87ZJ1S9gXFWKRR8UhWtx4MZR-E61qI4kcUQOrmP3Zp94mF1aZPTlKgG6DIuRkhNtRC1U5gOvscD4NPzOo8f3dn0DqXfy5Do_64VWAmnvKUKmDXEL6-FbLwmIe7sGT_nfvaHb0X1FQUTQvKEdfBJC_QyjuA" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieAoSpENxefR4P-LThqUFR5HA4N5uJw2DRntYwaDwcklmR5jFpJ2nNRJEvbYfzmGo1NHrcJN725G5LaQ-g8rZvHCajxCLZK4iKv9FfMwL_baDJsHzhxwsZKOmFQ_pk_aZDiQBHZhIV0IdwKMI84AicCdvMJj7yLasp3WIfagU1PyIv6yyqqZsyciSd1Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieAoSpENxefR4P-LThqUFR5HA4N5uJw2DRntYwaDwcklmR5jFpJ2nNRJEvbYfzmGo1NHrcJN725G5LaQ-g8rZvHCajxCLZK4iKv9FfMwL_baDJsHzhxwsZKOmFQ_pk_aZDiQBHZhIV0IdwKMI84AicCdvMJj7yLasp3WIfagU1PyIv6yyqqZsyciSd1Q" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5L2fsCOpIU_R29LQecUGk5y8UaxRYQLfeJ6z4MbQCE6tNfn4yWLPwH-wPPvhhgYccfQ-Bg-MP-Th94u--PT50BPwncNMTPpcDvSfs7X0yX5JFVrjsRuN16DrGjqT40dyxwdQLjrN1tEiWZtbnBIYmPiOnMdL8cegKAZj54N1SguJxrOxuo2vhpvPLNA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5L2fsCOpIU_R29LQecUGk5y8UaxRYQLfeJ6z4MbQCE6tNfn4yWLPwH-wPPvhhgYccfQ-Bg-MP-Th94u--PT50BPwncNMTPpcDvSfs7X0yX5JFVrjsRuN16DrGjqT40dyxwdQLjrN1tEiWZtbnBIYmPiOnMdL8cegKAZj54N1SguJxrOxuo2vhpvPLNA" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhKXCOivDi2SD0Xs_3hTaFWJj15oXtyblnprgpfCl3vN_Icyrj-kKK9espzoA-OR2Ni7_K1Pp3RKmOcZS2B597PGSPs9jrReBeX3_v5zo-nRbWfH4FIR3QeckNf-NJjCOeU9E1kLq_PqLhcIkRSweaGhEJgNSZpuBFx5_YmaLAQCpyeQ0vQficu2Wzmw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhKXCOivDi2SD0Xs_3hTaFWJj15oXtyblnprgpfCl3vN_Icyrj-kKK9espzoA-OR2Ni7_K1Pp3RKmOcZS2B597PGSPs9jrReBeX3_v5zo-nRbWfH4FIR3QeckNf-NJjCOeU9E1kLq_PqLhcIkRSweaGhEJgNSZpuBFx5_YmaLAQCpyeQ0vQficu2Wzmw" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnDtXOKuGavqsBGpKyI-zjC31clpMDOUfh4NoCMH_JnODE1awITlbV_N40JyPCbhR1EZkhaAYNO7dMUXRGaLhi8Gvu4LkSyYU2iPoa2GFLhHOWojWU1QdwntRhGK2q3rjae8mAPvdkOXVRPo1SsXpZgYeRhE5WYEJb2ctxWo0gH87rb3FmQVyCkiIw7w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnDtXOKuGavqsBGpKyI-zjC31clpMDOUfh4NoCMH_JnODE1awITlbV_N40JyPCbhR1EZkhaAYNO7dMUXRGaLhi8Gvu4LkSyYU2iPoa2GFLhHOWojWU1QdwntRhGK2q3rjae8mAPvdkOXVRPo1SsXpZgYeRhE5WYEJb2ctxWo0gH87rb3FmQVyCkiIw7w" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We made it into the new area of town as well, and had a lovely afternoon shopping ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbyHjxfnouD0h6a4rXXc63y_tkb7LjZD4fnx_hsCFtD8XQBK5BfsGZa25z05oa68GPv3Cb6VZirPuUS1Ij6SZw9oBNAaenJuBRKK-9ox42mBh5D1bCxEZVZzG680447yjFhrZbdOL0oOK6DwTetoZ3C_z0hxMAivhgPX-B-DVh-e4LENj4xqIYTSQfBA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbyHjxfnouD0h6a4rXXc63y_tkb7LjZD4fnx_hsCFtD8XQBK5BfsGZa25z05oa68GPv3Cb6VZirPuUS1Ij6SZw9oBNAaenJuBRKK-9ox42mBh5D1bCxEZVZzG680447yjFhrZbdOL0oOK6DwTetoZ3C_z0hxMAivhgPX-B-DVh-e4LENj4xqIYTSQfBA" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguGOtbRuDJwfpdZa1KnBF648sOMD12BKPGz4U3MdLSRACcydi-Ul8xsTCTMdHWA418ymA4vvjan3RVbo_0usWTftcwywkPRTdljbrkaEfwlZ9HTlAt-nTXmf97kmGrTSxbmuEdq90YsEqVqXOKKJInCfFLBH0LkD_lBHOyoSzqrjwa8-cIc64pKDj1LA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguGOtbRuDJwfpdZa1KnBF648sOMD12BKPGz4U3MdLSRACcydi-Ul8xsTCTMdHWA418ymA4vvjan3RVbo_0usWTftcwywkPRTdljbrkaEfwlZ9HTlAt-nTXmf97kmGrTSxbmuEdq90YsEqVqXOKKJInCfFLBH0LkD_lBHOyoSzqrjwa8-cIc64pKDj1LA" width="550" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>... and we went on a little boat tour too ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA8mkYxGZ65gW3sbSXgEWaAfS7ZbbWbTXsnH7TGjgQ9_pKzOVNFwc2Do-NlqQZLYJAv1t-1RU1lqJPlNJDavMPWAc0nNllbeKxQPauwA6NXuVgWg3wW4bBGa1rQCgVAU7g4yRWzSMbB4YZ-6ADZFpwGgwZPFNe70aVln1pv2yaUIKfUIVIHoNBonhh0g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiA8mkYxGZ65gW3sbSXgEWaAfS7ZbbWbTXsnH7TGjgQ9_pKzOVNFwc2Do-NlqQZLYJAv1t-1RU1lqJPlNJDavMPWAc0nNllbeKxQPauwA6NXuVgWg3wW4bBGa1rQCgVAU7g4yRWzSMbB4YZ-6ADZFpwGgwZPFNe70aVln1pv2yaUIKfUIVIHoNBonhh0g" width="550" /></a></div><br />On our second sightseeing day we went to Lavantel to the Musee de Textiles .... </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjte2WtFFd1UZQGl67pdHRKgNtz9VdLk74eWMgnAa97pZoXMzOrGWb7GYFxXyw5xb-MHVfNg5j3eoNJTK7psGsfWiO65r4M1v1OmPXEnhm9d9z4zTYXzNWlzXxwTIerySdfM0kvyrYSrbeSaA8i4uLTAGYldu3JYWxf4xXQQUtNoUxdHJtCccVU9omWEw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjte2WtFFd1UZQGl67pdHRKgNtz9VdLk74eWMgnAa97pZoXMzOrGWb7GYFxXyw5xb-MHVfNg5j3eoNJTK7psGsfWiO65r4M1v1OmPXEnhm9d9z4zTYXzNWlzXxwTIerySdfM0kvyrYSrbeSaA8i4uLTAGYldu3JYWxf4xXQQUtNoUxdHJtCccVU9omWEw" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBNIGFr2pAPHF20lSkrB0NPvb4-nA7QBfhG5O5q2eEJlpNS9PHBOY0DlWztWwxSQkYPH3PcRQBN4MUZWsXsBgKZ16HH2qfOnjLaohfEvTwoHNEE5UojtJUVyvxzgRiXRyAs3UJB9e496Gzz2AUA5u-6IhVdKG6sruv4rSBSpXceO3eoHztXkkI6xQWsA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBNIGFr2pAPHF20lSkrB0NPvb4-nA7QBfhG5O5q2eEJlpNS9PHBOY0DlWztWwxSQkYPH3PcRQBN4MUZWsXsBgKZ16HH2qfOnjLaohfEvTwoHNEE5UojtJUVyvxzgRiXRyAs3UJB9e496Gzz2AUA5u-6IhVdKG6sruv4rSBSpXceO3eoHztXkkI6xQWsA" width="550" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>... and we saw some fascinating spinning and weaving demonstrations ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTYsafQ5O6gkItHuob4l_zfwXQh6TBU_br34jmx-ndSzLTrbtw6EhysWcip7rToWoIwG3DRk8JQBO7cKmmzzGWN8nLI604hDyiHok9dqWeYZfZMLpQm6CMZJUmPOQjbbvgmK2SeZDd_B4SYkwxBq1s0wH08Ctg27JQGo6GVXSFYywUAWgEfABjcEc6kw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTYsafQ5O6gkItHuob4l_zfwXQh6TBU_br34jmx-ndSzLTrbtw6EhysWcip7rToWoIwG3DRk8JQBO7cKmmzzGWN8nLI604hDyiHok9dqWeYZfZMLpQm6CMZJUmPOQjbbvgmK2SeZDd_B4SYkwxBq1s0wH08Ctg27JQGo6GVXSFYywUAWgEfABjcEc6kw" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLKKvv3hPr4PiIpuCFjSMIGyVxJFlVkmZw3UbNu6UhAxkvyU_7RFIaqMbst3_Jd9BJ8_zAuNp_nC88kvxNcGFRnrT-jgG1EqhoviMXx8upoiLfNQizytUrKhqygkFqnwy03YkCSYIliVXNi_QCW-tzr2kZ1mWhH_ra1OgHTA-z_7arHROjze511Z2b8A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLKKvv3hPr4PiIpuCFjSMIGyVxJFlVkmZw3UbNu6UhAxkvyU_7RFIaqMbst3_Jd9BJ8_zAuNp_nC88kvxNcGFRnrT-jgG1EqhoviMXx8upoiLfNQizytUrKhqygkFqnwy03YkCSYIliVXNi_QCW-tzr2kZ1mWhH_ra1OgHTA-z_7arHROjze511Z2b8A" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTnntgvTAN1qguiT3yimmdFcynl4DDBlL4zDqtQL3FmKLG7Z0rlUqVxu3xrAwLoS77OLkz3G7Iu9JmCn3s4EPmeZEvqjKaFJvmFiwbWVTqSFbFtGIYsIqOV8jp_5dEICi07ZDMogEnoNHUt_aIKUlGKAbR0DiYIHUrHTHjJkMyEX97bAQdfWhqWoCtMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTnntgvTAN1qguiT3yimmdFcynl4DDBlL4zDqtQL3FmKLG7Z0rlUqVxu3xrAwLoS77OLkz3G7Iu9JmCn3s4EPmeZEvqjKaFJvmFiwbWVTqSFbFtGIYsIqOV8jp_5dEICi07ZDMogEnoNHUt_aIKUlGKAbR0DiYIHUrHTHjJkMyEX97bAQdfWhqWoCtMA" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipDZGlB5iCPSH2uhyNODrbGJYKnWWtgPNnvzpaRbjJ5MFZlH2OAklLMg37-G21rchm3QO_mRhFzwOWEcXGisjCBzkOMs6Dv4CLnHDGPybmyfgzdCbfvuoYnUdDnDadQ2ACJtLLAJJWIZCHKjIm_oexvYZmkxMisD16ZQrvQ06T6fzonh4bVbjzSx970w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipDZGlB5iCPSH2uhyNODrbGJYKnWWtgPNnvzpaRbjJ5MFZlH2OAklLMg37-G21rchm3QO_mRhFzwOWEcXGisjCBzkOMs6Dv4CLnHDGPybmyfgzdCbfvuoYnUdDnDadQ2ACJtLLAJJWIZCHKjIm_oexvYZmkxMisD16ZQrvQ06T6fzonh4bVbjzSx970w" width="550" /></a></div><br />Over the week we had lots of lovely food and of course vino!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWpuJtN0Q_yVbTaMZt-_WQQDN03DSdM_qPYQMeFt_nrdCpxyZRy23F1cnoLKmAFxmPdczvsNQ5unQNp3biekoOyTpdYOU9hhkszlm5D545UXbiPLClSV9MiJ6HdgW2LaxtPjF3UkiMwuGPy5uwo0KsX6A0FphKrI-Dmetrmo6QFx54Jy2_a9jSRVoCeA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWpuJtN0Q_yVbTaMZt-_WQQDN03DSdM_qPYQMeFt_nrdCpxyZRy23F1cnoLKmAFxmPdczvsNQ5unQNp3biekoOyTpdYOU9hhkszlm5D545UXbiPLClSV9MiJ6HdgW2LaxtPjF3UkiMwuGPy5uwo0KsX6A0FphKrI-Dmetrmo6QFx54Jy2_a9jSRVoCeA" width="550" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FhR4Au-ANWsohJtYR0yIh9fCaOpOyCsdfiRscfUgoaEI6sAauFBrsWaYktxXw2N2ZA9XqoB0D3YF2MOHw49Ur90oOc_AT_YA5IZD9jG103-Armxbik06zwQBGAS267Yfc36swjLHBFev6F3NLzzBQL8xe2V7cMJJONIFAIKFB-AMx1X196B1eBKhlg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FhR4Au-ANWsohJtYR0yIh9fCaOpOyCsdfiRscfUgoaEI6sAauFBrsWaYktxXw2N2ZA9XqoB0D3YF2MOHw49Ur90oOc_AT_YA5IZD9jG103-Armxbik06zwQBGAS267Yfc36swjLHBFev6F3NLzzBQL8xe2V7cMJJONIFAIKFB-AMx1X196B1eBKhlg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0VKJUKGwfKfpxOdnssGQstmcJabeNxP4wmt9sQGT29NyRN494aF36tLt-cbDF2iFV8NR44LGy5YuOvVzmBrVAMKrN4gYNCm6Ry1Wmf_xoyIV4laDHxN_9Jq3_6_vl9Rv9mkgEl7My1UHoOKVsuiS3YqWE0Ss_8h0Y8I0SYz6kb9VTfTXPR3pX_r-rZw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0VKJUKGwfKfpxOdnssGQstmcJabeNxP4wmt9sQGT29NyRN494aF36tLt-cbDF2iFV8NR44LGy5YuOvVzmBrVAMKrN4gYNCm6Ry1Wmf_xoyIV4laDHxN_9Jq3_6_vl9Rv9mkgEl7My1UHoOKVsuiS3YqWE0Ss_8h0Y8I0SYz6kb9VTfTXPR3pX_r-rZw" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But all too soon it was time to go home again. Going back to the reality of laundry and cooking was a bit of a shock to the system, I can tell you! </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been a terrible blogger this year, but am hoping to get things started again with this post - so watch this space and next time I will have some crafty happenings for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time, hope you have some crafty fun,</div><div>Jillxxx<br /><br /></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-68416941011745183732022-04-16T21:11:00.001+01:002022-04-16T21:24:56.366+01:00Some April finishes<p>Hello everyone and how are we all doing ? Thanks for all the replies on my previous post, if you missed it I released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpv3WEEjlQQ&t=272s">my first podcast epsiode</a>! Please do go watch and give me a comment or a thumbs up :)</p><p>Its Easter school holidays here so the days feel very lovely and relaxed with a slow pace. Spring is firmly here, in fact Summer is putting in an appearance, we were at a barbeque yesterday all day, and this afternoon I got a wee bit burnt in the sun - oops!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmooDgEwgch-dSjXLSluO60gwhpJ0VNjpYtpnVcKSPvZ1Ie9Kc8m6B6AS2ycBBjngLa9TYHJCyE4nXajaXPgKogtLG2woXluJS4zxlgNHclQ_t_RiGWLkysiaFovYO99D2KNpju7tLAEtAKAVeGyGI6FElCyLIB6ysl6yQVG79qeqqAEH83M85X8gscA/s4032/IMG_7019.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmooDgEwgch-dSjXLSluO60gwhpJ0VNjpYtpnVcKSPvZ1Ie9Kc8m6B6AS2ycBBjngLa9TYHJCyE4nXajaXPgKogtLG2woXluJS4zxlgNHclQ_t_RiGWLkysiaFovYO99D2KNpju7tLAEtAKAVeGyGI6FElCyLIB6ysl6yQVG79qeqqAEH83M85X8gscA/s320/IMG_7019.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><p>I have a few finishes to share with you. My local crochet group, the Barkham Hoookers, make post box toppers for all our local postboxes, so I decided to participate and made one for the post box down the road from me. I measured the post box, it was about 20" in diameter, with a sort of ridge which was a couple of inches deep. In my stash was this hideous (in my opinion!) Grass Green Stylecraft Special DK. I think someone must have given me it, I definitely didn't buy it, that's for sure! My plan was to crochet a plain green topper and decorate it round the edge with flowers. The post box is quite tall and the top wouldn't be very visible so I only really needed flowers for the edging. Using the Grass Green I crocheted a large flat circle. A couple of times I took it to the post box to try it on, feeling very silly and self-conscious! when my circle was around the size of the flat top of the post box I ran out of Grass Green and decided then to switch to some Cypress, also in Stylecraft Special DK, and of which I had a half ball in my stash. With the Cypress I carried on crocheting but did no further increases so it started to come down at the sides into a cylinder shape. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7di5v-earLUDgA-D1bRl2GUGQD6TYQ1qw6wYlPiuTgtlHkciGGJ14ibMqH6ZNzSGCmStJcDBL5TfMfswGF_-fVJMI_kqjzsu47mVMR_vHwFDkZw1k69g1gEyAjoAzBhGQ8Wp_HWL0pJhSjsAbEro-1mKAZZAWxgBFpGaSSlpQtramaA8V9p9jHp5Fag/s4032/IMG_7013.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7di5v-earLUDgA-D1bRl2GUGQD6TYQ1qw6wYlPiuTgtlHkciGGJ14ibMqH6ZNzSGCmStJcDBL5TfMfswGF_-fVJMI_kqjzsu47mVMR_vHwFDkZw1k69g1gEyAjoAzBhGQ8Wp_HWL0pJhSjsAbEro-1mKAZZAWxgBFpGaSSlpQtramaA8V9p9jHp5Fag/s320/IMG_7013.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Eventually I ran out of Cypress too, but by that point I reckoned the topper was big enough, so I whipped up a coupe of dozen little flowers and attached them onto the Cypress section as you can see in the photo above. And then it was time to put it on the post box - excitement was high let me tell you! And amazingly it fitted perfectly ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-jn6jI4qSqRFlSjLX5k6BwHBzPCcfG1OOPjBh88isQL2ulCyXRS2xxwZg_tjDkslDkp91W90jiEQCsBIkqvJ1lcWCD2IU6Bn52yBuquSqApJuqUbYC7yEMTUsB_jnfOmJHMQXI6vPJbmocOqEQ9kAKgl2Dbi_zSLiXfF-l5mqKuYNIXgh_xDWTEyQ/s4032/IMG_7029.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP-jn6jI4qSqRFlSjLX5k6BwHBzPCcfG1OOPjBh88isQL2ulCyXRS2xxwZg_tjDkslDkp91W90jiEQCsBIkqvJ1lcWCD2IU6Bn52yBuquSqApJuqUbYC7yEMTUsB_jnfOmJHMQXI6vPJbmocOqEQ9kAKgl2Dbi_zSLiXfF-l5mqKuYNIXgh_xDWTEyQ/s320/IMG_7029.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Its fastened on by a long chain of chains which is then woven through the trebles of my last round, and then pulled taut gathering the edge in. I am so chuffed with it, doesn't it look great! Honestly I wasn't sure it would fit, despite trying it out several times, but it's spot on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicET2zmIgD8qDJzp-0GVQfYhv1-oNdqk8wm9Sy_-3Bf6Zz0GNArpjnBm86XiGbsZXvolOtyVfRbRaCdy4OW0E0oldqgR6cR9SpMHpzy9hoijE-wG6CDtCxOXOSatB44KVHT3wUd4vOEUNncrCUMp9JFOcEO9Vx9qNn7fpZbxUZtBzAJupmYHgTCCkFfg/s4032/IMG_7030.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicET2zmIgD8qDJzp-0GVQfYhv1-oNdqk8wm9Sy_-3Bf6Zz0GNArpjnBm86XiGbsZXvolOtyVfRbRaCdy4OW0E0oldqgR6cR9SpMHpzy9hoijE-wG6CDtCxOXOSatB44KVHT3wUd4vOEUNncrCUMp9JFOcEO9Vx9qNn7fpZbxUZtBzAJupmYHgTCCkFfg/s320/IMG_7030.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>The tag that's on it says something along the lines of "We hope this has brightened your day, if you'd like to brighten someone else's day please use the QR code below and donate to our Ukraine charities". The tag has a QR code on it which leads to a justgiving page or similar for Ukraine charities. So a worthwhile cause too.</p><p>Speaking of Ukraine I also crocheted up some blue and yellow hearts which were going to welcome packs being given to Ukrainian refugees in our area. More are arriving every day and so more hearts are needed too. I won't dwell on it, what's happening is awful, and I only wish there was more I could do.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_t5v260dVtrB0KYL-RkUyK12r53DUq9lIUbzTFMWpysdmFT7b663i1Ojtn3UxNWi9_-sJHVLgr1EJ3Sz7EbTmcCigokaMIK0IJZHHFZAXSr57Xv1hy1GA5k7HDeGd6vyZYvfXpVAjoyFXykgu1oXDzJcxsjN7uUyd_rway4uwOINAtgVyWnHF0jWjw/s4032/IMG_7005.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_t5v260dVtrB0KYL-RkUyK12r53DUq9lIUbzTFMWpysdmFT7b663i1Ojtn3UxNWi9_-sJHVLgr1EJ3Sz7EbTmcCigokaMIK0IJZHHFZAXSr57Xv1hy1GA5k7HDeGd6vyZYvfXpVAjoyFXykgu1oXDzJcxsjN7uUyd_rway4uwOINAtgVyWnHF0jWjw/s320/IMG_7005.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Another Ukraine fundraiser is <a href="https://www.janiecrow.com/fields-of-gold.html" target="_blank">the Fields of Gold blanket by Jane Crowfoot</a>. I bought the pattern purely as the profits go to Ukraine charities, I had no intention of making the blanket, and instead I decided to crochet one of the sunflowers into a mandala. I just used Stylecraft Special DK from my stash so the colours are slightly different to Jane's original colours. I used Gingerbread, Gold, Tomato, Dandelion, Claret, Parchment, Cypress, Meadow, Teal and Lapis.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGy7Sd9VNx2R3W_hZNSSS_r1pyw6vUfDJraXReU_QVEOhsFYHe6FRAoVEiVAfhTI2WLoJcbGxSu4PzrU4scKn_Pb69q3oal38Sg_Yc15LIvhmRcC2VeHMSfiwDC6hFFMAR92jBtn91-bGrmMR2ovjGrPBkeQUHO580NIcxT4d_GFUuIzLBodWTiSHMg/s4032/IMG_6984.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGy7Sd9VNx2R3W_hZNSSS_r1pyw6vUfDJraXReU_QVEOhsFYHe6FRAoVEiVAfhTI2WLoJcbGxSu4PzrU4scKn_Pb69q3oal38Sg_Yc15LIvhmRcC2VeHMSfiwDC6hFFMAR92jBtn91-bGrmMR2ovjGrPBkeQUHO580NIcxT4d_GFUuIzLBodWTiSHMg/s320/IMG_6984.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>I love the 70's vibe of the first few rounds ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KMwZpZQ66dp9Y3cfQxd5oFU0bRnrNS7orP9_vvenru_w9fNk8nBqywZ5aMRfaif7gQ3UqYfeFLiguttgH7CwhVZ1rtcgbQZ1Y5cW44R8yGsX19w_xsdL7CCwEVctOVADOPkBb48K8DnbBY5a8FO4XwhfkDEi9b1jlZ-nSa40gAuuS8sDcfCCXgVZpw/s4032/IMG_6982.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KMwZpZQ66dp9Y3cfQxd5oFU0bRnrNS7orP9_vvenru_w9fNk8nBqywZ5aMRfaif7gQ3UqYfeFLiguttgH7CwhVZ1rtcgbQZ1Y5cW44R8yGsX19w_xsdL7CCwEVctOVADOPkBb48K8DnbBY5a8FO4XwhfkDEi9b1jlZ-nSa40gAuuS8sDcfCCXgVZpw/s320/IMG_6982.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br />Whilst crocheting my mandala I happened to read <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/03/fields-of-gold-hoop.html" target="_blank">Lucy of Attic 24's blog post</a> about the very same mandala - Lucy had put her's into a hoop, and I loved the idea, so I ordered <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KHGCF4X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">a 30cm hoop off amazon</a> - hurrah for prime - it arrived the next day, just in time for me to finish my mandala. I think it was more luck than judgment but it fitted perfectly.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxgVVOlUBYHtTGmaTefoVQmODokBSOsjbdFqYwhV-icIpEhWOpggECPk8HvnGymQ2IdUe9jzyd9cRMQLjmFWxLR-tbH7kYqDic2mXWIUJ4KdN8bKWcHM-Z1X34Z6LKMFHIdMVII3bIxhgw13l0AeO9ZZw4HB6iqB9j4EpMcQh3PPSe_1Pzixg1yLnZQ/s4032/IMG_7006.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxgVVOlUBYHtTGmaTefoVQmODokBSOsjbdFqYwhV-icIpEhWOpggECPk8HvnGymQ2IdUe9jzyd9cRMQLjmFWxLR-tbH7kYqDic2mXWIUJ4KdN8bKWcHM-Z1X34Z6LKMFHIdMVII3bIxhgw13l0AeO9ZZw4HB6iqB9j4EpMcQh3PPSe_1Pzixg1yLnZQ/s320/IMG_7006.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>I've also been making some much bigger mandalas, another Barkham Hookers project, a secret one (the same one as my bunting in <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/04/spring-is-here.html" target="_blank">this post</a>). This time the mandalas were made using Stylecraft Special Chunky, in Midnight, White and Lipstick. I used a couple of different patterns from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Round-Crochet-Hook-Patterns-Inspire/dp/6059192300/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A6KIW7CZZF3X&keywords=round+and+round+the+crochet+hook&qid=1650138161&sprefix=round+and+%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1">this book</a>...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H19EmXKHW56MxetiyqMPGrTE0tbGihFQfdASZD7cVKSxfgxBX0rvcaXB_-QgCsTwn0GEOH-CXAS_KVZ436xYdyYVqgKn6DTZP5G-TWKq-_UwSjh2IJwxlmp0cDCxfUnxD11WF9j-vr4vml8w0h7aNLERw-VRu9EQu7dTfoNhsLM1kjexqvDZvnnwtQ/s4032/IMG_7028.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H19EmXKHW56MxetiyqMPGrTE0tbGihFQfdASZD7cVKSxfgxBX0rvcaXB_-QgCsTwn0GEOH-CXAS_KVZ436xYdyYVqgKn6DTZP5G-TWKq-_UwSjh2IJwxlmp0cDCxfUnxD11WF9j-vr4vml8w0h7aNLERw-VRu9EQu7dTfoNhsLM1kjexqvDZvnnwtQ/s320/IMG_7028.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... and I ordered some <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284472377127?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=586109372846&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2648" target="_blank">humungus hoops off ebay</a>, the ones I chose are 92cm in diameter. As I was using chunky yarn the mandalas worked up pretty quickly, and then I used a long chain of chains to weave the mandalas into place ... I'm pretty pleased with them ... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxS5aK01vOwNOPCtvEmoYKDGPS8dtenPF2xUUgsseRFTVAiDGaHuv0kmSbHbSlhzWO7_-AVlUForyEuhkh2KUktmS5JXy6TZZh4ronfsUg30i57MXd3_dVl9CHQDzMSushAzfEhP-0MvpdY33ohcLiamEc0Kh7O01eoutWinz_RbhobCOL8OXRQNHkw/s4032/IMG_7057.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxS5aK01vOwNOPCtvEmoYKDGPS8dtenPF2xUUgsseRFTVAiDGaHuv0kmSbHbSlhzWO7_-AVlUForyEuhkh2KUktmS5JXy6TZZh4ronfsUg30i57MXd3_dVl9CHQDzMSushAzfEhP-0MvpdY33ohcLiamEc0Kh7O01eoutWinz_RbhobCOL8OXRQNHkw/s320/IMG_7057.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>They look rather fabulous hanging up in the sun ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xoWZn5FOpQ6dL3rnVNenBRAuIhlMEHihVduGOIx5wa57ITqYd84ql6nSnCXcLfQhqc5ayk3f6KZO20evCA4QzM6JAwnKrgNFZlLsVPQCPcUlZE1e--R8Dr-3g0S2-9dGhZXre7X_d16F6rXOGlQ9HB-J42v5EVxHN6psE52fSAKti3fox2ohoy989Q/s4032/IMG_7060.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xoWZn5FOpQ6dL3rnVNenBRAuIhlMEHihVduGOIx5wa57ITqYd84ql6nSnCXcLfQhqc5ayk3f6KZO20evCA4QzM6JAwnKrgNFZlLsVPQCPcUlZE1e--R8Dr-3g0S2-9dGhZXre7X_d16F6rXOGlQ9HB-J42v5EVxHN6psE52fSAKti3fox2ohoy989Q/s320/IMG_7060.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div><p>I've been working like a mad woman on my lacy scarf. If you remember this was from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/465877505/crochet-scarf-patterndetailed?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">a pattern from ThePoshCrochet</a>, a Ukrainian etsy seller, which I bought as a digital download. Its crocheted along the length of the scarf - the starting chain was 450 - and so is only about 24 rows. You can just about make out the pattern - its in need of some severe blocking I feel,,,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5s9iXrcsQjiVITJocHPeQQM9jOrGJKCOKTzU4bdjPHfc-zOe8hMSKkgjTxH-3NzF0GDSFZGNYqPP2Cve1SVorGq0Ep1TfjIO9PF0wKFT-gQeq-dKuUtJB-j-8IufKbZhlU4VPYUpG-cgbwJOyafDJRwWVvstKly_cBrZqtdG6cW3z25ThwpBULYD6SQ/s4032/IMG_7061.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5s9iXrcsQjiVITJocHPeQQM9jOrGJKCOKTzU4bdjPHfc-zOe8hMSKkgjTxH-3NzF0GDSFZGNYqPP2Cve1SVorGq0Ep1TfjIO9PF0wKFT-gQeq-dKuUtJB-j-8IufKbZhlU4VPYUpG-cgbwJOyafDJRwWVvstKly_cBrZqtdG6cW3z25ThwpBULYD6SQ/s320/IMG_7061.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>I finished my first skein at about row 20, and decided to start a second skein, so I've had to do a couple of pattern repeats on the fly. Its a bit tricky as the stitch count increases so I'm totally winging it, I've made sooooo many mistakes but either spotted them and reectified them, or fudged it, and it seems to be working so far! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y9YwGOBg3U8rMHT5xfCKpAtieS3bwwdhve-FcRHJrHrzJXAXA_Oj-0Y_BOun60iXntx9XpDI710yL4FFr2_dwR2vubWcAQiOc-n87lo8nng2OHoUnjylOw008_VApvEHmRWtVZLMHuMeYYpxuKwXnFXKgtnZ6Kx-Vk1ORlPRn3N014DiTAIKI2L33Q/s4032/IMG_7063.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y9YwGOBg3U8rMHT5xfCKpAtieS3bwwdhve-FcRHJrHrzJXAXA_Oj-0Y_BOun60iXntx9XpDI710yL4FFr2_dwR2vubWcAQiOc-n87lo8nng2OHoUnjylOw008_VApvEHmRWtVZLMHuMeYYpxuKwXnFXKgtnZ6Kx-Vk1ORlPRn3N014DiTAIKI2L33Q/s320/IMG_7063.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>I seem to have been working on it forever though and it feels like I've not got very far, but when I lay it all out in folds you can see that I've actually done quite a lot. Hopefully just another couple of days should do it though, especially as its Easter and we have no plans, allowing lots of quality time with my hook!</p><p>Hope you all have a lovely Easter,</p><p>Til next time,</p><p>Jillxxx</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-50664824082817214762022-04-11T16:52:00.001+01:002023-03-19T15:37:46.771+00:00Podcast Episode 1<p>Thanks for visiting me here at my blog. I have taken the plunge and recorded my first crochet podcast! I've been watching some other crochet podcasts and thought I would give it a go myself. I'd love for you to take a look and let me know what you think - be gentle with me! Hope you enjoy it :)</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpv3WEEjlQQ">Podcast Epsiode 1</a> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtdjbHCUtnQGxajK5j6cSr7RKcxXJkuEFKvjDoOHgrHYw9EUDvjPutkOZcknYwCIMfaOPl3HSY1f73xT9PrAsmWyGRWk1SRT4msEGeit-gys_gyOKUDiGa4uTvD90B9ZvnmYUuq_ENjPeIoYqic4NskenBQwqNpgXwPbZjVlW2ywuKW7znmrp8e-vbg/s2436/IMG_7017.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2436" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtdjbHCUtnQGxajK5j6cSr7RKcxXJkuEFKvjDoOHgrHYw9EUDvjPutkOZcknYwCIMfaOPl3HSY1f73xT9PrAsmWyGRWk1SRT4msEGeit-gys_gyOKUDiGa4uTvD90B9ZvnmYUuq_ENjPeIoYqic4NskenBQwqNpgXwPbZjVlW2ywuKW7znmrp8e-vbg/s320/IMG_7017.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Podcast Episode 1 Shownotes</u></div></u><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've enjoyed watching:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cherry Heart at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SandraPaulCherryHeart" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/SandraPaulCherryHeart</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Crafternoon Treats at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/CrafternoonTreats" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/c/CrafternoonTreats</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Patterns:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.janiecrow.com/fields-of-gold.html" target="_blank">Fields of Gold pattern</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/03/fields-of-gold-hoop.html" target="_blank">Lucy Attic24 mandala post</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.topcrochetpatterns.com/crochet-patterns/crochet-knit-lambs" target="_blank">Crochet Lamb pattern</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2022/01/harbour-blanket-cal-part-1.html" target="_blank">Harbour blanket pattern</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/465877505/crochet-scarf-patterndetailed?click_key=074c7b92d290f12c216ecd297c941488076bac6d%3A465877505&click_sum=c117b951&ref=shop_home_recs_1" target="_blank">The Posh Crochet Lacy scarf </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Sock-Along</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sending my Ukraine squares to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littleboxofcrochet/" target="_blank">Amanda Bloom</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-38494385173546071842022-04-03T21:13:00.000+01:002022-04-03T21:13:56.552+01:00Spring is here<p>Happy April! Can you believe we are a quarter of the way through this year already ??!! We've had a real mixed bag of weather here, but a couple of weeks ago when it as really warm and sunny, I had a lovely walk with Mr EC and the dog, starting in the beautiful village of Waltham St Lawrrence. (Mr EC is pulling a silly face as his friends always say he looks miserable in selfies on a walk with me, so he was detremined to prove them wrong! He doesn't normally grin like a maniac, I promise!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9_LUlb12pPrEvJhpeZwdoRaPKIWGjSMQKn3dyGaKMZv8MSa0W3ICu74aKp7FOQjgLem7cNXh8HjLf-ogDV7f3c4ZAz90kAtnkJTWcAkTUABKf29nP58-Dd6WaWE1ty4vI_wJnWcshDRNbt-8RrkigE5cxxc3Mt4gwifEV9cfzY58r9SWhUgzvKG-Qw/s4032/IMG_6891.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9_LUlb12pPrEvJhpeZwdoRaPKIWGjSMQKn3dyGaKMZv8MSa0W3ICu74aKp7FOQjgLem7cNXh8HjLf-ogDV7f3c4ZAz90kAtnkJTWcAkTUABKf29nP58-Dd6WaWE1ty4vI_wJnWcshDRNbt-8RrkigE5cxxc3Mt4gwifEV9cfzY58r9SWhUgzvKG-Qw/s320/IMG_6891.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>The sun shone, it was lovely and warm, and there was such a gorgeous blue sky.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3i4mOZ_zSrooHVzt-_misRAZdmPetBX2LrW2gKLT43ZwR9ShLiusA0_AGaeeSK3I1hqE1OVkbl_P2ddwZPAYX_Id1kEe83GTqum-2hcOjypS7GXiyt8y4OEpPi88-btQOkNWwcTRHlMRbNVS0QZHLiH5272RxftdCwXah75bKMFOz1Ikcis1PlCp0w/s4032/IMG_6890.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3i4mOZ_zSrooHVzt-_misRAZdmPetBX2LrW2gKLT43ZwR9ShLiusA0_AGaeeSK3I1hqE1OVkbl_P2ddwZPAYX_Id1kEe83GTqum-2hcOjypS7GXiyt8y4OEpPi88-btQOkNWwcTRHlMRbNVS0QZHLiH5272RxftdCwXah75bKMFOz1Ikcis1PlCp0w/s320/IMG_6890.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>It was one of those walks that you wouldn't know was there, unless someone told you - luckily I'd done this walk a few weeks before with a friend who knew of it ... her friend had told her .. and so on ...</p><p>Anyway we set off down this random path next to some allotments ....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKSIy81nmT3-2PyPTFtAYJG9Lkk_YcQhNLkrmiDqXIUR6Lyoi9fS-3PVfiZwLArbGcSWcMuFk8IIIADZx5DMDhswYkORR8_luQ0Hy7SPfBwB6xJHKR8Xze0vTrijE831_dF4VLhBHjhPvQmrxnjbwPcBWjKbRk7CTo2wzFGuZZBB-xhXwO2V9xZZ-xQ/s4032/IMG_6888.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKSIy81nmT3-2PyPTFtAYJG9Lkk_YcQhNLkrmiDqXIUR6Lyoi9fS-3PVfiZwLArbGcSWcMuFk8IIIADZx5DMDhswYkORR8_luQ0Hy7SPfBwB6xJHKR8Xze0vTrijE831_dF4VLhBHjhPvQmrxnjbwPcBWjKbRk7CTo2wzFGuZZBB-xhXwO2V9xZZ-xQ/s320/IMG_6888.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFwV7obXZ5f73YVGlm8ivNPfWCBoeb2jsZQ_t5fijAgzTqKgBqzjspzU4J2XrlRHIFMyCIahFRm337QX_MbvZ6HYy0qUV07mU5woHMDc2IzSJdgMAYAf7rKJ8MJ0mIbBM-JZ4ZoTIUcZc3vEbxbeUXSiKaLQ-HO-Y5sOIjKHOKZtfo2FWZjDwnI4kGQ/s4032/IMG_6892.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFwV7obXZ5f73YVGlm8ivNPfWCBoeb2jsZQ_t5fijAgzTqKgBqzjspzU4J2XrlRHIFMyCIahFRm337QX_MbvZ6HYy0qUV07mU5woHMDc2IzSJdgMAYAf7rKJ8MJ0mIbBM-JZ4ZoTIUcZc3vEbxbeUXSiKaLQ-HO-Y5sOIjKHOKZtfo2FWZjDwnI4kGQ/s320/IMG_6892.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Which gave out onto large open fields ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvZk6OMJXR94r1leNsEPTv8ViIDImoykZNxPcvnOWSkqN0wA_Bp4NoGL203vJkSMzMAk1Bi9sGyLy1m7-Zth8LRvQ4BY4ydGfdGnY82z47vD8FtDWEbwJMcUTonk0gmV0B3VZaPGDypTcnncg5en1frAiQ3feemYg88z6-Vb3KUXqG5xTK7KiIFUqcw/s4032/IMG_6893.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvZk6OMJXR94r1leNsEPTv8ViIDImoykZNxPcvnOWSkqN0wA_Bp4NoGL203vJkSMzMAk1Bi9sGyLy1m7-Zth8LRvQ4BY4ydGfdGnY82z47vD8FtDWEbwJMcUTonk0gmV0B3VZaPGDypTcnncg5en1frAiQ3feemYg88z6-Vb3KUXqG5xTK7KiIFUqcw/s320/IMG_6893.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Through gates and over stiles - we had to lift the dog over !</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbhSrI6qYhwMmlii78JH-MyL05H7qrZOIBLX-H1F9HqRNrR08DV_FJ0Mn6pD9_fCyCGnnlweScB9zgxznLgybKREyELwg7xF2WMBc67UFEFRrHy7oI99trxyZqovdj5rq_nvd-lFVZihiBCUrv8clKyeMqWcCQa-NetoUurSCqObujb24AjsTQeX5PQ/s4032/IMG_6917.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbhSrI6qYhwMmlii78JH-MyL05H7qrZOIBLX-H1F9HqRNrR08DV_FJ0Mn6pD9_fCyCGnnlweScB9zgxznLgybKREyELwg7xF2WMBc67UFEFRrHy7oI99trxyZqovdj5rq_nvd-lFVZihiBCUrv8clKyeMqWcCQa-NetoUurSCqObujb24AjsTQeX5PQ/s320/IMG_6917.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Some wonderful dens had been built in the woods ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_OroudfbJYcYfcVvMqyoPg8kNI6Ev7UkuVL-GAb7IUsc6D9ACBjPdE84My_GFEifgh3z4pIPXHVfqwr-Ru2SmKt-jRCI_5GGpP5hTk8mB2jBhz868NNu7J12ZreksJf3p3FGGXwNW6Shmt0hieTlTUGmTlyonaDd8X7dJmQiPUElQjDziBMaU_9ltg/s4032/IMG_6918.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_OroudfbJYcYfcVvMqyoPg8kNI6Ev7UkuVL-GAb7IUsc6D9ACBjPdE84My_GFEifgh3z4pIPXHVfqwr-Ru2SmKt-jRCI_5GGpP5hTk8mB2jBhz868NNu7J12ZreksJf3p3FGGXwNW6Shmt0hieTlTUGmTlyonaDd8X7dJmQiPUElQjDziBMaU_9ltg/s320/IMG_6918.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Eventually we came to this little archway ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMFFmL3mSrm-3faGaV-3woQ6RX_OcRZ6ElNhoW8POHe-YPs4qO43GaFwaCLFFt1FHqNmOoKeowfP276UVXyVjiHoqVdyck3CosJ64dJQXrl27AeDAqe2IO5c-RAA6yVUtJLwSDGZ01Hy606bz6Gg7TYh2ZVMyXYkL4s0wJ6IZdnbYsv48TdVTkREqw/s4032/IMG_6899.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QMFFmL3mSrm-3faGaV-3woQ6RX_OcRZ6ElNhoW8POHe-YPs4qO43GaFwaCLFFt1FHqNmOoKeowfP276UVXyVjiHoqVdyck3CosJ64dJQXrl27AeDAqe2IO5c-RAA6yVUtJLwSDGZ01Hy606bz6Gg7TYh2ZVMyXYkL4s0wJ6IZdnbYsv48TdVTkREqw/s320/IMG_6899.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... which took us through the grounds of St John's church ...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExugzKbNqvEq87FNO376eiFbxnr2vMC0R3ASxIqHYDqXLUdudULuvh46oDEaTm6ZH7xsB6Np0AhRQxXzaQApd7EaRZMi-f4h1Fsb_i3mPwvrv_zmuNKzGv54rzoSxSxVez55iZ3Nb7p4gb63iKLSgTJnGNCTdHwWwrfwOfDQnq2lzhZzX-Hi0NiGAYw/s4032/IMG_6901.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExugzKbNqvEq87FNO376eiFbxnr2vMC0R3ASxIqHYDqXLUdudULuvh46oDEaTm6ZH7xsB6Np0AhRQxXzaQApd7EaRZMi-f4h1Fsb_i3mPwvrv_zmuNKzGv54rzoSxSxVez55iZ3Nb7p4gb63iKLSgTJnGNCTdHwWwrfwOfDQnq2lzhZzX-Hi0NiGAYw/s320/IMG_6901.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><p>... and opened out onto the sweeping open fields of the Shottesbrooke Park estate ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH7NxtfDGKMxTCLHxbCeO0HS1U9RUBjebD8zW5vbgnhshQh_r78nio24f3vyAaP4eNR7KMd73GnVwN0Rv_72LKIO4Ei5IsAOsPx3ApnIpCYD1onWx5B5XQUEIXTFYs95DnQwJ1PA1DiBgE8wToTc7pg7DOHLn41vCboHc3o7IsyIl64CCS67I7mWhjw/s4032/IMG_6904.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH7NxtfDGKMxTCLHxbCeO0HS1U9RUBjebD8zW5vbgnhshQh_r78nio24f3vyAaP4eNR7KMd73GnVwN0Rv_72LKIO4Ei5IsAOsPx3ApnIpCYD1onWx5B5XQUEIXTFYs95DnQwJ1PA1DiBgE8wToTc7pg7DOHLn41vCboHc3o7IsyIl64CCS67I7mWhjw/s320/IMG_6904.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div> ... the little lake was shimmering in the sun ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpoXb488UXC3KGfmn_1a5oEfDnSLRjOwYpv9oCEFS9qKg0km0rfGV1lrX6jNvuVFFCEtZpyEcHHWNBKz7i1T_KPMv2fdnBe7289ft4RE4qWCQZ_XD8ZgL-hKLDxnrUjUwI3YulvpoObe6zgeEa1kq1nICKFc89--xLZX6V3r2BzBJYXwt2nAQJGZ_A/s4032/IMG_6903.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpoXb488UXC3KGfmn_1a5oEfDnSLRjOwYpv9oCEFS9qKg0km0rfGV1lrX6jNvuVFFCEtZpyEcHHWNBKz7i1T_KPMv2fdnBe7289ft4RE4qWCQZ_XD8ZgL-hKLDxnrUjUwI3YulvpoObe6zgeEa1kq1nICKFc89--xLZX6V3r2BzBJYXwt2nAQJGZ_A/s320/IMG_6903.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN1SQRVFvkYINKO_i_X6pBBloTSGE0XxfY4JruOR0Ti8JwWPxs9BX2mQk7Wxga6Q2vnyEEVaixf0ufIfpL0gtVLGVoiCERgUkaW2KTXE5opOPgPNLc-tDxlx-xZjy2ALyQtQqBwRO4-iJsMGV3USHQr9mHoOOyQFJH0tP0CbEbEBAojxmNRcZiyC3Kg/s4032/IMG_6906.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifN1SQRVFvkYINKO_i_X6pBBloTSGE0XxfY4JruOR0Ti8JwWPxs9BX2mQk7Wxga6Q2vnyEEVaixf0ufIfpL0gtVLGVoiCERgUkaW2KTXE5opOPgPNLc-tDxlx-xZjy2ALyQtQqBwRO4-iJsMGV3USHQr9mHoOOyQFJH0tP0CbEbEBAojxmNRcZiyC3Kg/s320/IMG_6906.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>... we kept going until we came out near White Waltham, with its war memorial ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc1haqfdgNi0Y9g_8Fu6CxpMW4zxHl95WEyPklbC7oau-thsFVY83OPq8V6GwcqvOUh5N-4skpYOqxBUFJFOFarl0G9cj9TxEYIcaiWUtS0e-lZpT_yk1lQZBCrrvZPXgWCPAPZEiDJ3fLvYfPsYnbTZiJ6AnKwrnHrhuv3QdmU7j0E9_sA8l6Nl8Ew/s4032/IMG_6910.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc1haqfdgNi0Y9g_8Fu6CxpMW4zxHl95WEyPklbC7oau-thsFVY83OPq8V6GwcqvOUh5N-4skpYOqxBUFJFOFarl0G9cj9TxEYIcaiWUtS0e-lZpT_yk1lQZBCrrvZPXgWCPAPZEiDJ3fLvYfPsYnbTZiJ6AnKwrnHrhuv3QdmU7j0E9_sA8l6Nl8Ew/s320/IMG_6910.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><div><p>We turned left at the monument and followed the road along, which eventually brought us next to White Waltham airfield. Its a working airfield, and we saw some little planes take off but they were too far away to get any photos. Eventually we turned left again at this little church that had been converted into a house - so cute!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVdohovGopDHUBDax4wrxYXb6Dnl1EAerJ23kiFPb9BKduUwj4-3FswZJ4DVymBDOA-qiHIHs449vy1NqsDMBBtkUweaStngVZP2IEv2MQWeGcIpN5LHzmcUhCPJIuu_0A9HAMBaTAaBG9A8HUzEklhoCH2OrfpOH79PLpxGQyqrnf8iUuSt0XEacSwQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVdohovGopDHUBDax4wrxYXb6Dnl1EAerJ23kiFPb9BKduUwj4-3FswZJ4DVymBDOA-qiHIHs449vy1NqsDMBBtkUweaStngVZP2IEv2MQWeGcIpN5LHzmcUhCPJIuu_0A9HAMBaTAaBG9A8HUzEklhoCH2OrfpOH79PLpxGQyqrnf8iUuSt0XEacSwQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bravely we ventured through the fields of sheep ...</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjURM025YVnN8KM3BuVkolMX51YLihCCyjceAVFQdUZa_k_LX4p-goW_I-oWM-rIDJhz-iXp08ct-r6blEhdzh-ANBz41hr0buNxkZNw5aNo30zmJvEIERQ14NfoQch_gjaegCZC0IJIWyqOhChrsHdhQ_WCqrQ_UivO4l-UpwORbpF0poOp1UsCqHcuw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjURM025YVnN8KM3BuVkolMX51YLihCCyjceAVFQdUZa_k_LX4p-goW_I-oWM-rIDJhz-iXp08ct-r6blEhdzh-ANBz41hr0buNxkZNw5aNo30zmJvEIERQ14NfoQch_gjaegCZC0IJIWyqOhChrsHdhQ_WCqrQ_UivO4l-UpwORbpF0poOp1UsCqHcuw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... we even got quite close ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOolqRDoNjtiCl1ea3FJIT3Gxtf8C8YS8jr8wfyqaNE8Kf7JvnT71lu6-mOXlbMfERBfQ1Xy9gJosI6UdQd1Wj_GkGIibf5RLvOUmFexF6QkAhcyAH4XjhA89yT9HJtZBQ-INNhDQJ-yE89mbl3ia6aicCDQP7wBWN0fULHJXOBHs4rn51kg_kqu8Fyw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOolqRDoNjtiCl1ea3FJIT3Gxtf8C8YS8jr8wfyqaNE8Kf7JvnT71lu6-mOXlbMfERBfQ1Xy9gJosI6UdQd1Wj_GkGIibf5RLvOUmFexF6QkAhcyAH4XjhA89yT9HJtZBQ-INNhDQJ-yE89mbl3ia6aicCDQP7wBWN0fULHJXOBHs4rn51kg_kqu8Fyw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... but we left them to graze, as we continued on down tree-lined paths ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRt-eeAnekkAEsaGdGP-jYhoH9QCLejtlGaz3SUo745BGpisH51oWNGluHeiapU8G35qILNh1N4S3QJNHcHq2BpumYe7kmcIGWzZMqRdc-0Ux9hsvlBZog5Yvb-Nn_Dk3VIFk9Z-Cf5ekECQwNl1jWu2pcuDuGM0octnTPm-G65ucf8W9Im9l0qVdxeQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRt-eeAnekkAEsaGdGP-jYhoH9QCLejtlGaz3SUo745BGpisH51oWNGluHeiapU8G35qILNh1N4S3QJNHcHq2BpumYe7kmcIGWzZMqRdc-0Ux9hsvlBZog5Yvb-Nn_Dk3VIFk9Z-Cf5ekECQwNl1jWu2pcuDuGM0octnTPm-G65ucf8W9Im9l0qVdxeQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>... we also met some horses clip-clopping their way through the fields ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2sPQBpcAyu5bv5XIB6vr92w1osuD6e-cgNme-NjZTwoZZPDA0ysTukRivO8tIV1BM2myDSOf72Reb8FJHCqIwkpflXM5l3baGXpDO0PY7rvv38BQBt-rWg15sdbNIQAEPzg07FqP2nn3R6nzBpjppNnoMAh7ts0vsAUjFWjf2bw6vQBBfTyEJE1L4w/s4032/IMG_6912.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2sPQBpcAyu5bv5XIB6vr92w1osuD6e-cgNme-NjZTwoZZPDA0ysTukRivO8tIV1BM2myDSOf72Reb8FJHCqIwkpflXM5l3baGXpDO0PY7rvv38BQBt-rWg15sdbNIQAEPzg07FqP2nn3R6nzBpjppNnoMAh7ts0vsAUjFWjf2bw6vQBBfTyEJE1L4w/s320/IMG_6912.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... the path led us back past the Shottesbrooke Tudor mansion ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5iYo7epOGuoQEchLyXlFqkR6npVmXNPZeT3UP31YtmvmWoDKZo6KcJmtp10xUR3XSQC9HPAXBeIIZwjuDHU0TfwwKH_HoEuh8I5RQMPVFEvlWx599WpBlLIlqaY1SW9H3A4BCbQH2Xqal1bvsrsvmM1brt3l0COWYKmzVtGWDVpYjDeZnraGLvoqiw/s4032/IMG_6914.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5iYo7epOGuoQEchLyXlFqkR6npVmXNPZeT3UP31YtmvmWoDKZo6KcJmtp10xUR3XSQC9HPAXBeIIZwjuDHU0TfwwKH_HoEuh8I5RQMPVFEvlWx599WpBlLIlqaY1SW9H3A4BCbQH2Xqal1bvsrsvmM1brt3l0COWYKmzVtGWDVpYjDeZnraGLvoqiw/s320/IMG_6914.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>... and eventually we came back to St John's church... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTYfHubpRhAic_uW5Hf1B7J3W6uTWrx9_oNOAZ0U5KJ35W1vSlLflZ52rPQasPzjdFifhoTVaZg21YPQRUGFr94kc_I4UqpoUnJfRGWxf-9mwE9s30BeSJIeplcrK5d-tcw80oAQZmEWtINtoP6o1rs3ji5XoC4hxe7SaxWS2_E9C86DJQ_O0ubEW2Q/s4032/IMG_6916.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTYfHubpRhAic_uW5Hf1B7J3W6uTWrx9_oNOAZ0U5KJ35W1vSlLflZ52rPQasPzjdFifhoTVaZg21YPQRUGFr94kc_I4UqpoUnJfRGWxf-9mwE9s30BeSJIeplcrK5d-tcw80oAQZmEWtINtoP6o1rs3ji5XoC4hxe7SaxWS2_E9C86DJQ_O0ubEW2Q/s320/IMG_6916.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... and the pathway back to the allotments</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinDCoGAKRSlpGVZcx__tDaDJpHw8VpSMswYhRYWfCE6CCMXqv-IJNLDGmuwgDlBnrh9mLPa55A-9wXuillIlkrC4LNHNC3DFCROn30tGww-ylJavhXHvp4CDuHvalDEkSOrziRdjTLRdQH92PQagu3yhyItImBLm8Owh_tR05xwA9AmGHuoyOaNJy8YQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinDCoGAKRSlpGVZcx__tDaDJpHw8VpSMswYhRYWfCE6CCMXqv-IJNLDGmuwgDlBnrh9mLPa55A-9wXuillIlkrC4LNHNC3DFCROn30tGww-ylJavhXHvp4CDuHvalDEkSOrziRdjTLRdQH92PQagu3yhyItImBLm8Owh_tR05xwA9AmGHuoyOaNJy8YQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><p>It was such a beautiful spring morning, just warm enough to not need a coat or jumper, oh how I love it when the weather starts to get warmer. I'm definitely a spring-summer kind of girl, and much as winter can be pretty and cosy, I much prefer the longer days and warmer temperatures.</p><p>Since that walk the weather has been so changeable - on Thursday it tried its very best to snow, with a few big flurries throughout the day. All the better, then, to stay in and crochet!</p><p>Or knit! My knitted sock is progressing nicely and does actually resemble a sock now. I'm ridiculously proud of it , but am now faced with the task of doing (turning ?) the heel, so I need to psych myself up for that over the next few days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwUWXG2HqBl6f-l4xsp8A2GA-AcWPrC5ZyKDDJ5OvYCjC7dmAS9jLNVKrM9jClDxc70D1DEMsB7eA15hcRfCwxplh-kMqCylXHg6MQbfgAlVxp9xpYoqmQSD_ljXRqB5phPRV7xaiW8S5wzFEx8x6jaVObeJkINm__Mx-0gpha0WYg7tM_LYRxpgHhQ/s4032/IMG_6978.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwUWXG2HqBl6f-l4xsp8A2GA-AcWPrC5ZyKDDJ5OvYCjC7dmAS9jLNVKrM9jClDxc70D1DEMsB7eA15hcRfCwxplh-kMqCylXHg6MQbfgAlVxp9xpYoqmQSD_ljXRqB5phPRV7xaiW8S5wzFEx8x6jaVObeJkINm__Mx-0gpha0WYg7tM_LYRxpgHhQ/s320/IMG_6978.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Yesterday and today I made some red, white and blue bunting for a secret project! I've used Stylecraft Special DK in Matador, White and Midnight, and I have the remainder of the balls to use up so there is much more bunting to come.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsou1PGdKD8rlsh0BiYtf_CPXt4GiBhAGThpubNTJNL1ra70PkOHZ0JC0b3KOTF89Joqfs3KqD0w1_58odfDQLavyNgjqMxSoR4KSiviuxi3aaIxbDT_l4a-qgsA5WkDbOkVrYHkEzkCmW1f6lERm1XJdZpKKaTauOy2qU7JKWQ2RMThtPFDGSDCYjQ/s4032/IMG_6970.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsou1PGdKD8rlsh0BiYtf_CPXt4GiBhAGThpubNTJNL1ra70PkOHZ0JC0b3KOTF89Joqfs3KqD0w1_58odfDQLavyNgjqMxSoR4KSiviuxi3aaIxbDT_l4a-qgsA5WkDbOkVrYHkEzkCmW1f6lERm1XJdZpKKaTauOy2qU7JKWQ2RMThtPFDGSDCYjQ/s320/IMG_6970.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N4b16p9BzNPbQZoq4_iLaUp8pG8Qxqc-v2xuGti00G4kh98fvWHvkVZuERlnoVSIfRUYUPAw2uJkPFI0D1GMyCs9jXgWkmMZGsWGQalTvgGGJIxEbUqPuUp9UDeuYBWXdJepnOW4psiJcbUebAugaj-IheYJ9897vfmaj5Wcv0ZmLtQb4BENkwOBqg/s1440/B4518B91-4CFC-40D7-B76E-C35326BD5552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N4b16p9BzNPbQZoq4_iLaUp8pG8Qxqc-v2xuGti00G4kh98fvWHvkVZuERlnoVSIfRUYUPAw2uJkPFI0D1GMyCs9jXgWkmMZGsWGQalTvgGGJIxEbUqPuUp9UDeuYBWXdJepnOW4psiJcbUebAugaj-IheYJ9897vfmaj5Wcv0ZmLtQb4BENkwOBqg/s320/B4518B91-4CFC-40D7-B76E-C35326BD5552.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><p>My lace scarf is growing nicely. In the photo it looks like I haven't really done very much, but its worked along the full length for each row - about 5 ft long - so each row takes aaages to do. Not helped by the fact that last night I had to rip back 2 entire rows when i found a mistake aarrrghhhh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuZRQ0ooLFlq566__oca4q5rY5PmyZ-ZI01XfhNhC9s6q7htu5sBwx5T0R-5UdLHlDJW8op2gQ7Y8ebO23l92kbmmomxz6YShkT1DvgGE3zqObgUBexIw7yxNdTFDnyDu9hfJ3YglqAjvLpIDl9WSdH4gcWWaUjgb7RGIEUxds694Xtxz5fIMNCLcKg/s4032/IMG_6961.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuZRQ0ooLFlq566__oca4q5rY5PmyZ-ZI01XfhNhC9s6q7htu5sBwx5T0R-5UdLHlDJW8op2gQ7Y8ebO23l92kbmmomxz6YShkT1DvgGE3zqObgUBexIw7yxNdTFDnyDu9hfJ3YglqAjvLpIDl9WSdH4gcWWaUjgb7RGIEUxds694Xtxz5fIMNCLcKg/s320/IMG_6961.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>I'm almost onto the second skein of yarn, so I had to get the swift and wool-winder out again to wind it into a lovely squishy cake.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-vWXE1T022CLOT32ZORZXnqLvqUvdQ7AEGkmUfkfDVX9K_mK9RaijKkPG-tlKyXMPFNavSu0Bqywdk_29Qd36Ldxf_QbU6vz0hSMVz-PvSdMsCcF4JaCbqqkwERnI8h7lbBLBczfdC40tW_EIbtaMh_nWHYGAnNWfKnJu_CqIGWp3iZ88wx2gDOnfg/s4032/IMG_6964.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-vWXE1T022CLOT32ZORZXnqLvqUvdQ7AEGkmUfkfDVX9K_mK9RaijKkPG-tlKyXMPFNavSu0Bqywdk_29Qd36Ldxf_QbU6vz0hSMVz-PvSdMsCcF4JaCbqqkwERnI8h7lbBLBczfdC40tW_EIbtaMh_nWHYGAnNWfKnJu_CqIGWp3iZ88wx2gDOnfg/s320/IMG_6964.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br />A couple of weeks ago a friend contacted me to ask if I could mend a blanket that her late Mum had knitted, and which was of enormous sentimental value to her. I was a bit worried that mending it would require serious knitting skills but actually it just needed some squares re-joining together in several places. Here's a before and after of the type of thing I mean:<p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq77OVDY7NoK821BWhiHo7PMnsauhZOeZ2FJf6fwiQ4Q2Un8hwPpfMjdx2B9RhM3f2fdkTSYTECqpwDmumrhqSx4h_vX_6E10ZqOMEsGR_tY0ZJhB770Bw7hHV5-QIZUvMZkpc5dLLNTNYks_DfjVzYgk8-DL6ni48n1F6TgnMrgkmASDZQGN-40ynNQ/s4032/IMG_6953.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq77OVDY7NoK821BWhiHo7PMnsauhZOeZ2FJf6fwiQ4Q2Un8hwPpfMjdx2B9RhM3f2fdkTSYTECqpwDmumrhqSx4h_vX_6E10ZqOMEsGR_tY0ZJhB770Bw7hHV5-QIZUvMZkpc5dLLNTNYks_DfjVzYgk8-DL6ni48n1F6TgnMrgkmASDZQGN-40ynNQ/s320/IMG_6953.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM85KzCro4H7lf0KRnbAK51EazjKm4wTaQhUnTFOk359uW2eD6OMB5jpgRrkntX-vvwB4qEEgIUg0sTLPj9iGvXb6ilnJnT7AyAPCBgeX9XZh7YE3wr0vdKOkdLbERwIc7bv7DSSuRQD_x66mTmk6S_VhbplQ5CNGFzTitafou7-rpnpANMlZqiLu6rw/s4032/IMG_6954.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM85KzCro4H7lf0KRnbAK51EazjKm4wTaQhUnTFOk359uW2eD6OMB5jpgRrkntX-vvwB4qEEgIUg0sTLPj9iGvXb6ilnJnT7AyAPCBgeX9XZh7YE3wr0vdKOkdLbERwIc7bv7DSSuRQD_x66mTmk6S_VhbplQ5CNGFzTitafou7-rpnpANMlZqiLu6rw/s320/IMG_6954.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I know the colours in those photos are different but I promise its the same blanket (and the top photo is the truer colour by the way).<div><br /></div><div>And here's a photo of the blanket in all its glory - isn't it fabulous !<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eXGm-d5Rnkgt9SEQUKZPrWizdoj4950_qwMY-G5DsKgws5pY_Y5Hsx3QbnVjAUhVhrn6LPQYjFoP7tunGd6Bfzbs_fnoMkUXpIGE6SqLcb-PK-hRCpUqz3gWbJ3XEawXdqvJQvA6JkVuKpdWo42WpBKpMCGgXSZ0aweF4bHtBAx879_DDGv-4liq9g/s4032/IMG_6956.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eXGm-d5Rnkgt9SEQUKZPrWizdoj4950_qwMY-G5DsKgws5pY_Y5Hsx3QbnVjAUhVhrn6LPQYjFoP7tunGd6Bfzbs_fnoMkUXpIGE6SqLcb-PK-hRCpUqz3gWbJ3XEawXdqvJQvA6JkVuKpdWo42WpBKpMCGgXSZ0aweF4bHtBAx879_DDGv-4liq9g/s320/IMG_6956.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Well that's it from me for this time. I'll have lots of lovely yarny things to share with you next week, so until next time,</div><div>Jillxxxx</div><div><br /></div></div></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-73298633370303172722022-03-27T16:04:00.005+01:002022-03-27T16:05:04.189+01:00Mother's Day Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm_YMCcI95LDUSBrqMUjeVYtZLpwOLWd8Kqk8NGGePdWYhRGWEuncCjaFVCFvxhitePcP4r99rfnITQ5zi_-M909qgFKyKdhjq4aw9vX40Lat8pBpy4sdws9xkUviERdeC6KL5_SlG5Lqm2qhARePu4TqqvTEhmSY9toqDPqgob38gr7rZiQIA6elaw/s4032/IMG_6939.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm_YMCcI95LDUSBrqMUjeVYtZLpwOLWd8Kqk8NGGePdWYhRGWEuncCjaFVCFvxhitePcP4r99rfnITQ5zi_-M909qgFKyKdhjq4aw9vX40Lat8pBpy4sdws9xkUviERdeC6KL5_SlG5Lqm2qhARePu4TqqvTEhmSY9toqDPqgob38gr7rZiQIA6elaw/s320/IMG_6939.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>Its Mother's Day today and I did actually get a card from one of the children: as they are all lazy teenagers now (I do still love them though) I had rather feared that I would get a grand total of zero cards, but at least one of them remembered! As for my own Mum, I made her this cross-stitched card ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL94IG5kNZHXEY1VSUnGYeldgRWIj3vl-UcOFjqiA2CX191bLP7mD5yHf-e69OUVr866IIOrGJKN73xODUN0LtVfT2TV9ZUBXm3y04sfa21QPotbfy51SZkCUeGaGKE7Kj7Z5L2PPDX7tNu8jBZ0213OkeKryOLa-k-zJqaJ0XJTI_iBcVIIUFZJ_cA/s4032/IMG_6883.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL94IG5kNZHXEY1VSUnGYeldgRWIj3vl-UcOFjqiA2CX191bLP7mD5yHf-e69OUVr866IIOrGJKN73xODUN0LtVfT2TV9ZUBXm3y04sfa21QPotbfy51SZkCUeGaGKE7Kj7Z5L2PPDX7tNu8jBZ0213OkeKryOLa-k-zJqaJ0XJTI_iBcVIIUFZJ_cA/s320/IMG_6883.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>... which arrived safely in Northern Ireland, and which she loved :) Good daughter brownie-points for me today!</p><p>I have lots of yarny projects on the go. But first another small finish: I <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/03/elephant-sheep-and-frowen-fields.html" target="_blank">mentioned previously</a> that I had made a little sheep for a lady's church group; well little sheep now has a little friend ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQv3SIiA-nRoz5ncYuQgmjmihGOI8UosdaDW1oPbKJHz_aoiQUx8KPu0MfAz7U2MisAbQb_6JSxVNLayBzmWCdBu97hp81H2iK1zKiwCmmFVmzLEJO02G1_d99enBCrhclYUzCUSIKrVqBwwkh5FtmGA_cM0BZvJyNGRp5Xd3bYJXgZ-xvZi6cFORg/s4032/IMG_6870.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQv3SIiA-nRoz5ncYuQgmjmihGOI8UosdaDW1oPbKJHz_aoiQUx8KPu0MfAz7U2MisAbQb_6JSxVNLayBzmWCdBu97hp81H2iK1zKiwCmmFVmzLEJO02G1_d99enBCrhclYUzCUSIKrVqBwwkh5FtmGA_cM0BZvJyNGRp5Xd3bYJXgZ-xvZi6cFORg/s320/IMG_6870.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>I decided to use a different pattern as I couldn't face doing all those amigurumi bobbles again. Speaking of bobbles, I made some bobble squares for <a href="https://emeraldcottage.blogspot.com/2022/03/blanket-of-hugs-for-ukraine.html">the Ukraine blanket project</a> that I'm contributing to. I sat in the garden making them while we had a few days of glorious sunshine last week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwMwBR__Uz3Sp-vm1fctQJTDbkaGVB5pqw6tzcJFUS5l4F7YwTKTBHwqDKjYRAx-o8HTNbnASfFyXdotHxLL069n7Gaa0lThShyCmxDA2ZkJOo7pbOMEMGTlYZD9yeeYuzX8RL4VOfPH20OGytjuXYValvRBXyFYQ7RlQGpFswdiC7ZqRHvQb6yQaiA/s4032/IMG_6873.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwMwBR__Uz3Sp-vm1fctQJTDbkaGVB5pqw6tzcJFUS5l4F7YwTKTBHwqDKjYRAx-o8HTNbnASfFyXdotHxLL069n7Gaa0lThShyCmxDA2ZkJOo7pbOMEMGTlYZD9yeeYuzX8RL4VOfPH20OGytjuXYValvRBXyFYQ7RlQGpFswdiC7ZqRHvQb6yQaiA/s320/IMG_6873.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>The stack is getting rather high now ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQY8hySpZc4dFOpU2M2J-UcrSWSa5yDDgNIp92fKj1yNybr07ivZ5f1dtROBXOEIvOru5B00T8znnnszxlOONC8tgHOko60fnwZRjnMGzseBktw0ZjT_V_MgG8KMzFTY44JX511fr8vDbkxaGJo0NYi8dzAjTdiOvAtWoIwxSYKdVcZcq6TvVJgkL6w/s4032/IMG_6923.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQY8hySpZc4dFOpU2M2J-UcrSWSa5yDDgNIp92fKj1yNybr07ivZ5f1dtROBXOEIvOru5B00T8znnnszxlOONC8tgHOko60fnwZRjnMGzseBktw0ZjT_V_MgG8KMzFTY44JX511fr8vDbkxaGJo0NYi8dzAjTdiOvAtWoIwxSYKdVcZcq6TvVJgkL6w/s320/IMG_6923.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... 18 high to be precise. I kept going until I ran out of wool ... this is all I had left from 3 full balls ...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtkREzV_jaF_7k5RxRjzWX3O_CDfWI9zSOujmva9kgsWy1a_vo41MyLqhunstUwLOGdaanQ9F0VboAqaW37tMIQH3KoO0AEIMPK-F2iuAOx951QScSIePluS228StH4dtPxS5uLE5ebXCC0WgU3cUkwvTl4oD4t7pLiJrF4NMnkaSSNggvRQdDzZtrA/s1440/3317D278-6F94-41DB-90B8-C84F5C121015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtkREzV_jaF_7k5RxRjzWX3O_CDfWI9zSOujmva9kgsWy1a_vo41MyLqhunstUwLOGdaanQ9F0VboAqaW37tMIQH3KoO0AEIMPK-F2iuAOx951QScSIePluS228StH4dtPxS5uLE5ebXCC0WgU3cUkwvTl4oD4t7pLiJrF4NMnkaSSNggvRQdDzZtrA/s320/3317D278-6F94-41DB-90B8-C84F5C121015.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">... I'm just waiting for my friend, who is also participating, to finish her squares, and then they will all be sent off to </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/littleboxofcrochet/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Amanda</a><span style="text-align: left;">, to be joined into blankets, which will be raffled off in aid of Ukrainian charities.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbeqjdYXN7mYnDPLWfYTBQnm4VeiwNI4E_ICGQueFEHzbFxSoJW5Tmb4h3t_MUy_cAjJYzEcU2iyDN7IVTYgzKn79KrvoGFXmgqEvehda1lWMfWzfVjMcrVyzuRVAfX-6rvHv2i-T_b0_loiBYnQvwPadHBFVVFdOYpab-2SXCsru2Jzs8YOS8dlbHg/s4032/IMG_6924.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbeqjdYXN7mYnDPLWfYTBQnm4VeiwNI4E_ICGQueFEHzbFxSoJW5Tmb4h3t_MUy_cAjJYzEcU2iyDN7IVTYgzKn79KrvoGFXmgqEvehda1lWMfWzfVjMcrVyzuRVAfX-6rvHv2i-T_b0_loiBYnQvwPadHBFVVFdOYpab-2SXCsru2Jzs8YOS8dlbHg/s320/IMG_6924.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><p>My adventures in sock knitting continue. If you remember I had tried to use DPNs but had struggled. Lots of you had encouraged me to persevere, but I am not good with persevering lol, so I bought a circular needle called <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Addi-Sock-Wonder-Circular-Knitting-Needle/dp/B01GJO2A7G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=EFT5DWCAAQV3&keywords=sock+wonder&qid=1648390290&sprefix=sock+wonder%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Sock Wonder by Addi</a> and gave that a go. Well, what do you know, I am actually now getting somewhere.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaOfetTfqBrmlNHKxJXQH7-dSZrasGDUJSmxmBXivxRC0OcDoosbdBJmmMT7jjtoYd4qlv4w2SFo10DxbSnNHLlj6GsT0UoOXlEUtHF-nLp7YzrhANiuoOHxxiBoBtjPry_VVdsQToqtent31uNU3ZJMMbF88Mr9codeF0SIMZzglSXBv08o4TecBhg/s4032/IMG_6929.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaOfetTfqBrmlNHKxJXQH7-dSZrasGDUJSmxmBXivxRC0OcDoosbdBJmmMT7jjtoYd4qlv4w2SFo10DxbSnNHLlj6GsT0UoOXlEUtHF-nLp7YzrhANiuoOHxxiBoBtjPry_VVdsQToqtent31uNU3ZJMMbF88Mr9codeF0SIMZzglSXBv08o4TecBhg/s320/IMG_6929.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Are you impressed ? I am! I'm not a good knitter so this is a big challenge for me, I'm very slow, and I hate doing purl stitches, so doing the ribbing is annoying me, I just want to get to the part where you just knit knit knit, in the hopes that I'll speed up a bit. But its looking pretty cool if I do say so myself. I thought I had mucked up once or twice but it seems to look okay, so I guess it sorted itself out (pretty sure it wasn't me sorting it out!!). I have a long way to go, and of course this is only the first sock, and I will need two (oh god the thought of casting on again and all that ribbing aaarrrgghhh) but I'm really chuffed with my progress. Due to the annoyance of the ribbing I can only face a round or two at a time but I just pick it up every so often and do a bit. I'll keep you posted with my progress.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2BLbm3KkPvJiyyw8islRylWWLLwefpImPlIez9Nm01QjT8hfv80jqgmbCSvanmLnWg0cYxzoYcY2TuQpG4KcFF4XRZD6Vb-ZYibiIfNFOvGJ1vf1XD9iwGnfkE_NOBUqwxA-m1jktJtWN5Q_KXeM4qZK0KXAu_nALmcgMbkCTkdFwlT-Y3M6_E1gpA/s4032/IMG_6928.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2BLbm3KkPvJiyyw8islRylWWLLwefpImPlIez9Nm01QjT8hfv80jqgmbCSvanmLnWg0cYxzoYcY2TuQpG4KcFF4XRZD6Vb-ZYibiIfNFOvGJ1vf1XD9iwGnfkE_NOBUqwxA-m1jktJtWN5Q_KXeM4qZK0KXAu_nALmcgMbkCTkdFwlT-Y3M6_E1gpA/s320/IMG_6928.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm still working away at my <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2021/11/harbour-blanket-introduction.html">harbour blanket</a>. I've just started part 6 but I really need to deal with the end of part 5 before I go any further.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyFbH4-2I5hMwWyM6c6ZQDmYqjMQBSEC7SH1aszEvW6Nk79A9IOFjTZ1uHctJxCE2bQupqtZ3b3nr5IrJOwSLARFLkns44abXtQH2Mnc7UEqDvGvT8rNvLWq2ssW4e28_lfw5Jvm3r0Ce9zwV5VSkVHNlMBYgYT4bLt6Qnb9hdO7YoamKMBS6rGGQ-g/s4032/IMG_6938.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyFbH4-2I5hMwWyM6c6ZQDmYqjMQBSEC7SH1aszEvW6Nk79A9IOFjTZ1uHctJxCE2bQupqtZ3b3nr5IrJOwSLARFLkns44abXtQH2Mnc7UEqDvGvT8rNvLWq2ssW4e28_lfw5Jvm3r0Ce9zwV5VSkVHNlMBYgYT4bLt6Qnb9hdO7YoamKMBS6rGGQ-g/s320/IMG_6938.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm a bit like the sock knitting with it - just chipping away one stripe a day. I have about 7 stripes left to do and then the border, which is 5 rounds. Hopefully I'll get it finished in April some time. I need to get it done before its too hot to work on it!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9awWxiHVXFhmLGCfeKAXDbfqVxAKECfjXCXEXNspzdmYife4ydPY258iJkpAbGnnJpPMyuw1SAd9xo2CXBr5oagIaOcx-o0-YVL2TXHYKlBb4FTJ5OGljJ3UZbUOyPY8wIyGwFdrtjiV_b9MhviGYUidJG-eW_WGCr6X8uCny-GiiTIvXFI1Om_4nNA/s4032/IMG_6932.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9awWxiHVXFhmLGCfeKAXDbfqVxAKECfjXCXEXNspzdmYife4ydPY258iJkpAbGnnJpPMyuw1SAd9xo2CXBr5oagIaOcx-o0-YVL2TXHYKlBb4FTJ5OGljJ3UZbUOyPY8wIyGwFdrtjiV_b9MhviGYUidJG-eW_WGCr6X8uCny-GiiTIvXFI1Om_4nNA/s320/IMG_6932.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>As I am not a monogomous crocheter I have started a new project. Its a pattern simply called "Lace Scarf" which I bought as a download from a Ukrainian etsy shop. I've literally only just started it so there's not much to show you yet. The starting chain was 450 long(!) so its very wide and shallow. The stitch markers are to mark every 50 stitches in case I lost count.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqqeePIKv4A61fpue17sJa4RO_T-p1qn_VZA2an2RcI1y37BRv4-V0D9_-c4zs2YzWWTdyUmsJ4lLJbN92MsP5rpqBjBYNFSFy1csh5wRtSNhowTatFuwW1ov2wWRKifLyW4IKA3OG5w8NadmFEkEBnYo1VNm7_r5TAe6FMgRCCoFHkwNVaIX7Zk-Gw/s4032/IMG_6934.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqqeePIKv4A61fpue17sJa4RO_T-p1qn_VZA2an2RcI1y37BRv4-V0D9_-c4zs2YzWWTdyUmsJ4lLJbN92MsP5rpqBjBYNFSFy1csh5wRtSNhowTatFuwW1ov2wWRKifLyW4IKA3OG5w8NadmFEkEBnYo1VNm7_r5TAe6FMgRCCoFHkwNVaIX7Zk-Gw/s320/IMG_6934.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've completed row 1 which thankfully only required a double-crochet in every 5th chain. Can you imagine crocheting into every chain of 450 ??!! Shudder!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRNWZ5C2o0VaBGTGMGfB1bjBqJgyxv9Ez55ssdgv7TfjyXxx3AnCYsdX159NJbrPG5g5EJzHQz2sD22J62GGOmVVW9TY009w833lIVnrszbsIYNdFKav_jPxqEOvekvyxTlFy2C-9lMoeZCszBKunheI2zMmDzVby0bzO8R9x2AQ0rMNB8SEbVaHepg/s4032/IMG_6936.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRNWZ5C2o0VaBGTGMGfB1bjBqJgyxv9Ez55ssdgv7TfjyXxx3AnCYsdX159NJbrPG5g5EJzHQz2sD22J62GGOmVVW9TY009w833lIVnrszbsIYNdFKav_jPxqEOvekvyxTlFy2C-9lMoeZCszBKunheI2zMmDzVby0bzO8R9x2AQ0rMNB8SEbVaHepg/s320/IMG_6936.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The yarn is this beautiful hand-dyed yarn from <a href="https://www.trulyhooked.com/" target="_blank">Truly Hooked</a> - I picked it up at a yarn festival a few years ago. Its actually a sock yarn but its very soft so will make a lovely scarf.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLrfYrxJYwyHE1U1NRF2BggcwRk5F3Ve1CpsOFlf6BJnYkamUH6UP-jnEDcAkb6n4OjAe7JZmL6NE3pYlpPic33xmu8ZNykXWUtEUKvmCQEGevrR_R7ZY_oPcDj1iQLdCf5bAd8pHbyAiEvpbOuXH9NQOCebZyky23SEisRrSnaYItzLC3LtpiYYXjA/s4032/IMG_6933.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLrfYrxJYwyHE1U1NRF2BggcwRk5F3Ve1CpsOFlf6BJnYkamUH6UP-jnEDcAkb6n4OjAe7JZmL6NE3pYlpPic33xmu8ZNykXWUtEUKvmCQEGevrR_R7ZY_oPcDj1iQLdCf5bAd8pHbyAiEvpbOuXH9NQOCebZyky23SEisRrSnaYItzLC3LtpiYYXjA/s320/IMG_6933.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>The wool-winder put in an appearance to wind it into a little cake of loveliness.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZeJBk_1USmxvcRTHFgr8_wcRfMma6WAI4W6O46zn909LkX-SR5V_loGtOfOwqam4pfUGWvPrtp_Ab9meKAzDuVt7EcL_zuWuZdTy3f3q8dkhatY6iaUJw6BovIeVc0dJhQ_JFXl5_Pyx3I_UYHc00zkfvGZ6p1Bl4iPctuB6yRDqWkOArV11uYICRQ/s4032/IMG_6931.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZeJBk_1USmxvcRTHFgr8_wcRfMma6WAI4W6O46zn909LkX-SR5V_loGtOfOwqam4pfUGWvPrtp_Ab9meKAzDuVt7EcL_zuWuZdTy3f3q8dkhatY6iaUJw6BovIeVc0dJhQ_JFXl5_Pyx3I_UYHc00zkfvGZ6p1Bl4iPctuB6yRDqWkOArV11uYICRQ/s320/IMG_6931.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5QTCLr-_NAwpGm0SAZRcoD2-fBBKMWvivb-nfHP1oIdU2vt3bLENmyldirojI8K4kVKx3oSqv2ICqbHPJ8GA7Zy4KWZiukm8tnJGP7GymKYlzdHkgJJAw6AEAR2E8TqTWg4qMf2Djdlw-FCTXgfn4ro6u5GgQHctHHq2cYRfeJUGHQ727Q7HEAtpGQ/s4032/IMG_6935.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5QTCLr-_NAwpGm0SAZRcoD2-fBBKMWvivb-nfHP1oIdU2vt3bLENmyldirojI8K4kVKx3oSqv2ICqbHPJ8GA7Zy4KWZiukm8tnJGP7GymKYlzdHkgJJAw6AEAR2E8TqTWg4qMf2Djdlw-FCTXgfn4ro6u5GgQHctHHq2cYRfeJUGHQ727Q7HEAtpGQ/s320/IMG_6935.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>My only other update is that the daffodils are multiplying slowly but surely. A bit like the socks they are super-fiddly so I can only face one at a time, but I figure if I just do one every day or two then the pile will grow steadily. They are destined for my friend Helen's <a href="https://frowenfields.com/" target="_blank">farm shop</a> in Wales, and the deadline is 12th April, as her parents will be travelling up to see her, so they can take a package of little daffodil key-rings with them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30qtxNjW-Ncal7fZBDgkGapXrNQB7naEhNCzw1Aw0yK5bZ6eMAAdwgPB6C_n3IqjDkdBH7B-Su0ZIgiuNVcwSXQWO15XoWltVhtVKevlz-3FaU1cleSLflkFtIW8SoL-KdPila-wQqYe6K5fAdWjxcepk9CTG5aN_1dsXd4NtgXcSJB9zmAAq4jMuNQ/s4032/IMG_6937.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30qtxNjW-Ncal7fZBDgkGapXrNQB7naEhNCzw1Aw0yK5bZ6eMAAdwgPB6C_n3IqjDkdBH7B-Su0ZIgiuNVcwSXQWO15XoWltVhtVKevlz-3FaU1cleSLflkFtIW8SoL-KdPila-wQqYe6K5fAdWjxcepk9CTG5aN_1dsXd4NtgXcSJB9zmAAq4jMuNQ/s320/IMG_6937.HEIC" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>Well that's it from me, hope you all have a great week,</div><div>Til next time, </div><div>Jillxxx</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-87989706857534969752022-03-21T21:25:00.003+00:002022-03-21T21:25:42.663+00:00Blanket of Hugs for UkraineSeveral years ago I went on a crochet weekend retreat (I highly recommend doing this, it was a wonderful way to spend a weekend!) and met a lady called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littleboxofcrochet/">Amanda</a>, who runs <a href="https://www.littleboxofcrochet.co.uk/">Little Box of Crochet</a>. Amanda's daughter, Jenny, had very sadly recently passed away and Amanda told us about the blanket that her friends and customers had made for Jenny before her passing. Amanda had asked her friends to make crochet squares, crocheted with love poured into them, and then she would join them into a Blanket of Hugs. Well, Amanda's plea yielded enough squares for 7 blankets! One for Jenny, and another 6 which were subsequently raffled off for charity. Aaaaaanyway..... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbKaqipj-9C/">on Instagram last week Amanda sent out a plea</a> for squares, crocheted with love, to be sent to her, which would then be joined into blankets and raffled off for Ukraine appeals. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzzrMdIWEGRXiHVWXR9gLCogKj5qWioGzX5_T9OTPxE2dVkWdkLRdCb1tvoNOAP1mbxQWhP-PF5MilQMl6kJPdBiPk1ErtIqp-8kce2JsxTXd9Cr996sYkIV-kh47VCqITCgMYoaR1_OadDQw5agTw_UwmV-HpIzM9EgTHoNJtXDvDqpUd9gviPc70wA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzzrMdIWEGRXiHVWXR9gLCogKj5qWioGzX5_T9OTPxE2dVkWdkLRdCb1tvoNOAP1mbxQWhP-PF5MilQMl6kJPdBiPk1ErtIqp-8kce2JsxTXd9Cr996sYkIV-kh47VCqITCgMYoaR1_OadDQw5agTw_UwmV-HpIzM9EgTHoNJtXDvDqpUd9gviPc70wA=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Amanda has created a <a href="https://www.littleboxofcrochet.co.uk/product/blanket-of-hugs-ukraine-pdf-download/">downloadable PDF of instructions</a>. The squares are to be made in a specific colourway (Stylecraft Special DK in Storm Blue, Mustard and Meadow), to a specific size (14cm square) and to a set pattern (solid colours, stripes or polka dots). I set off to my local yarn shop - <a href="https://www.stitcherydo.co.uk/">Stitchery Do</a> - where the owner, Rebecca, had set aside 3 balls of yarn for me. As soon as I got them home I set to work. First I started with solid colours and made 2 of each.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhqFU3Q0IvgK3HEKNMHSiRXmW2WY_-PVahVQ9WImjIFXzyzbBz7gqmGOn-Xsi11_D-2BTL5lqLSoce98a_dCiM8RI1gKDhp7ViP88vMZ0RmWieaaC5-JaQCUljGN8kUkY-2L3wNr9KI5bwwUcqQQomnJby3eeO6pMkmbZ8VzN3lI9JRqNjdFTebFUWAA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhqFU3Q0IvgK3HEKNMHSiRXmW2WY_-PVahVQ9WImjIFXzyzbBz7gqmGOn-Xsi11_D-2BTL5lqLSoce98a_dCiM8RI1gKDhp7ViP88vMZ0RmWieaaC5-JaQCUljGN8kUkY-2L3wNr9KI5bwwUcqQQomnJby3eeO6pMkmbZ8VzN3lI9JRqNjdFTebFUWAA=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided I wanted to make 2 of every possible combination of colours - for example yellow and blue with a yellow edging would be different to yellow and blue with a blue edging, and so on. This would be 30 squares in total. The solids were very easy. The stripes were also pretty easy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOm_N1CT6At6b1T74K31i7eFoQVVu_JHUDqLRwV6m7EstV4CQkkrmlHxHfdkMEdndlYg_LHz4GerL-pfCrMm0XcJWqmz3bE2FJXWRDUHF6VjilHBjXvq9e7_U_Dwyexoz5zOvI0fc4MYq_A2tleFC3eT6DzdIZdYQnqz0Z6Zbc8d3GkW6sJIpzMWtatQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOm_N1CT6At6b1T74K31i7eFoQVVu_JHUDqLRwV6m7EstV4CQkkrmlHxHfdkMEdndlYg_LHz4GerL-pfCrMm0XcJWqmz3bE2FJXWRDUHF6VjilHBjXvq9e7_U_Dwyexoz5zOvI0fc4MYq_A2tleFC3eT6DzdIZdYQnqz0Z6Zbc8d3GkW6sJIpzMWtatQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>All the solids and stripes gave me 18 squares...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYk0LWv248yQjihNJPjA240Mi8HRJ2Hff1jcB-LPl-KgwsvBXl4aanObIEJeckc9zQ0iFEN5yEsApJTJvSH7k001ukNaml6LT8YGL0kh5-rgZICvCJJnTbVtlORbbc0V72-8degkF9KhWw7AmLPovDvv8D3XbDGsZXu1eMma71p8xAQR_K2Eykg-Fx8A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYk0LWv248yQjihNJPjA240Mi8HRJ2Hff1jcB-LPl-KgwsvBXl4aanObIEJeckc9zQ0iFEN5yEsApJTJvSH7k001ukNaml6LT8YGL0kh5-rgZICvCJJnTbVtlORbbc0V72-8degkF9KhWw7AmLPovDvv8D3XbDGsZXu1eMma71p8xAQR_K2Eykg-Fx8A=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>Don't they look fab all stacked up?!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4_caWVgl3yvD7s7TE_wmEIBz_-Obmr7GRDy2ttY3cPn-Y3zrzswsYJSA2hNxKk6Na9ZMMykpPpiwToriMQdx3dJvZ-s_2pCwIKg0YqFB8ZeGNrK-NCnyrbCBY_I8mUpeIeOZNIrLRLtHjIjx3-qkHhSzi2xzwwn8rnIwliH8fVxzYZtMNV8HSKnAdhw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4_caWVgl3yvD7s7TE_wmEIBz_-Obmr7GRDy2ttY3cPn-Y3zrzswsYJSA2hNxKk6Na9ZMMykpPpiwToriMQdx3dJvZ-s_2pCwIKg0YqFB8ZeGNrK-NCnyrbCBY_I8mUpeIeOZNIrLRLtHjIjx3-qkHhSzi2xzwwn8rnIwliH8fVxzYZtMNV8HSKnAdhw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>It was then time to give the polka dot ones a go. Well. The polka dots are actually bobbles and after making 18 squares I was in no mood to start on bobbles, so they will have to wait for another day. Amanda wants the squares by mid-April so I have plenty of time to do some spotty ones.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfbj2UZIBOgc8NiCBz3f2NQ-eF6cVDuSFKVz4hFHcbcRFZFeumkm2P2lHdVWU7dlZFPuoifJ8cV7b_ZOAY4wFhdjOMjWN_NuUv0irPDoXDhvZZXoYNcvgrp4WEPIW0SjY7CFf5Ur7B3q92s3ujwT6AW5xceOtLUfH-3QzmBS0dVeBi5iAjKYT97vrOgA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfbj2UZIBOgc8NiCBz3f2NQ-eF6cVDuSFKVz4hFHcbcRFZFeumkm2P2lHdVWU7dlZFPuoifJ8cV7b_ZOAY4wFhdjOMjWN_NuUv0irPDoXDhvZZXoYNcvgrp4WEPIW0SjY7CFf5Ur7B3q92s3ujwT6AW5xceOtLUfH-3QzmBS0dVeBi5iAjKYT97vrOgA=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>Its a lovely project to be involved in, and I can't wait to see some pictures of the finished blankets. </div><div>Wish me luck with the bobbles ....</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time,</div><div>Jillxx</div> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8020871316401082930.post-39212749604369497512022-03-16T17:17:00.001+00:002022-03-16T17:17:47.741+00:00Elephant, sheep and Frowen Fields<p>The weather has been lovely for the past few days, so today I broke out the cropped trousers and a short sleeved t-shirt ..... only for it to be chucking it down with rain all day, and very cold!!! You can see in the photo below how wet it is ..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK2XGf84tB6-904hl5A4H0zcRei3OOYJFkFDZJE76e6vN8V96dgRDW6-t7rqQBblXlPK0b_-8aG3x16q9_20INKJebL9Jxp4GZgokXcbhwQ7_4gV_kbPTW_58B1ruVk8JjjIBXJijX91txKnkez6u-9ST27dhmt2pdqawE9rOQqjTPfJlZ3JAOqiFgqQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK2XGf84tB6-904hl5A4H0zcRei3OOYJFkFDZJE76e6vN8V96dgRDW6-t7rqQBblXlPK0b_-8aG3x16q9_20INKJebL9Jxp4GZgokXcbhwQ7_4gV_kbPTW_58B1ruVk8JjjIBXJijX91txKnkez6u-9ST27dhmt2pdqawE9rOQqjTPfJlZ3JAOqiFgqQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><p>It is however a perfect day today to stay in and craft and I've been super busy in my craft room all day. A lady had posted on my local crochet facebook group asking if someone could crochet up a little kit for her that her friend wanted - both she and the friend weren't able to do it, so I said I could help. It was a little elephant kit, from Aldi I believe, and he turned out like this ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvysQmh-3N3KJaGgRp9ZhhFHlDu20nkZHmBlkBeeJvspv5_TFS7U-LlYkWuo-aqPAtK_ryQNhrKE5-VFoosSA_y7zrOHnvlLtXvWCveZP7OtkF7Kux7wIJLpg3DQVTJgktDskH32BubEbI0Aqp9SVCaJ7IaosYKIEJ4aIyBWq6sr7sg4bpwkkVIIDu6A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvysQmh-3N3KJaGgRp9ZhhFHlDu20nkZHmBlkBeeJvspv5_TFS7U-LlYkWuo-aqPAtK_ryQNhrKE5-VFoosSA_y7zrOHnvlLtXvWCveZP7OtkF7Kux7wIJLpg3DQVTJgktDskH32BubEbI0Aqp9SVCaJ7IaosYKIEJ4aIyBWq6sr7sg4bpwkkVIIDu6A=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>Super cute or what! And just when the cuteness factor couldn't get any higher, I crocheted up this little sheep for another lady's church group ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHhL0xyQu_Q344uL2pK4uefYdIYQsOg7iEJxxELbyo0L4YYa1Se2snKGq6cH5pEWSTixsQYHO1kEFdkfxV-J2JvK-7fFUqVHbCrU5rOYjxSQHQDa485d5_MlS0VfT2FhpYa5ijWtbYeveNJVwLb7_pVloxLESosQ0hcZ2lDhhq2rW67gWGasLOzg2b8w=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHhL0xyQu_Q344uL2pK4uefYdIYQsOg7iEJxxELbyo0L4YYa1Se2snKGq6cH5pEWSTixsQYHO1kEFdkfxV-J2JvK-7fFUqVHbCrU5rOYjxSQHQDa485d5_MlS0VfT2FhpYa5ijWtbYeveNJVwLb7_pVloxLESosQ0hcZ2lDhhq2rW67gWGasLOzg2b8w=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... isn't he adorable! I tell you what though, doing bobbles in an amigurumi toy is NOT for the faint-hearted, its given me terrible neck ache, and was soooooo fiddly! The lady who wanted him had also posted on the same facebook group asking for volunteers to make her some sheep for her church project. I'm planning to do a few more for her but in a different pattern as I'm not going near those bobbles again!</div><div><br /></div><div>I also quickly hooked up a little daffodil keyring for my friend Helen in Wales ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2jEGgTB7Vxx4bc4yErb89H-oCkvpB8zCLyoZzVwMF6gYO7GDzL22P0YML8hSer5cQ2v6jFWLcyO_NYaq12V6CtgoyG9p4u4yyHrFhQuE33HqijK0t7RjP9v0DenydcDvHzBBKpurptnyhnFHbvWfpDraPciEHGYR3-7EGcy42AFx4YGUfgK0Ad12alQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2jEGgTB7Vxx4bc4yErb89H-oCkvpB8zCLyoZzVwMF6gYO7GDzL22P0YML8hSer5cQ2v6jFWLcyO_NYaq12V6CtgoyG9p4u4yyHrFhQuE33HqijK0t7RjP9v0DenydcDvHzBBKpurptnyhnFHbvWfpDraPciEHGYR3-7EGcy42AFx4YGUfgK0Ad12alQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div> ... Helen runs a glamping and camping site called <a href="https://frowenfields.com/" target="_blank">Frowen Fields</a> and is going to be selling these in her farm shop. The Frowen Fields site has an amazing glamping pod ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDHowoz8UsqJCBA9cgXTJT5qvJvHnujjM1ODnn3kSa8xKciLyVSHQOQE6qsDATxI_SDhVtAYzfMWSIh30w2ejdF13ltPstrwJ40znx87ybYBMFXbwgjKwpzQFUrCFlacZnqmL2XACHk3n5zm8CJGHuQ-WkSW-cje3GmuErYRvL5B6mruviVFXYvLB7Tw=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDHowoz8UsqJCBA9cgXTJT5qvJvHnujjM1ODnn3kSa8xKciLyVSHQOQE6qsDATxI_SDhVtAYzfMWSIh30w2ejdF13ltPstrwJ40znx87ybYBMFXbwgjKwpzQFUrCFlacZnqmL2XACHk3n5zm8CJGHuQ-WkSW-cje3GmuErYRvL5B6mruviVFXYvLB7Tw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... decorated beautifully by Helen ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6V67gT8oFpEGlktsJsF_cfn9fZqoD5va-S4ztOMpt4mAUmMxgdnlbbDOGFB6-zGSeySDaHyj6LUhUehFOcAQv0ahMUS-bIMZiAxxKHdF__A_2pWt8vVr8THXMZqyqpgVF3rP__RqSQ0EMUt0UCunM8Dz80KfPZeUqjSRrOzMxKbVGk5xUBA4sA3y8mw=s1125" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6V67gT8oFpEGlktsJsF_cfn9fZqoD5va-S4ztOMpt4mAUmMxgdnlbbDOGFB6-zGSeySDaHyj6LUhUehFOcAQv0ahMUS-bIMZiAxxKHdF__A_2pWt8vVr8THXMZqyqpgVF3rP__RqSQ0EMUt0UCunM8Dz80KfPZeUqjSRrOzMxKbVGk5xUBA4sA3y8mw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCTYatgELpJdTAcXdK7KGapA42VnTw30PwlUun71exTuRIvPapsH9COno2M6rN6R1N3J1JC1ynKtnpW1wveiWN0WoXydDlW605y42zQaadDPEhH7l4BY4goyxFXt9XqDrdoZmvHl1BtMV8zrKkh8qbUSN6nrHW1qpbAum3N_cy3uCrFXzpRA3aG5pCeQ=s1125" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCTYatgELpJdTAcXdK7KGapA42VnTw30PwlUun71exTuRIvPapsH9COno2M6rN6R1N3J1JC1ynKtnpW1wveiWN0WoXydDlW605y42zQaadDPEhH7l4BY4goyxFXt9XqDrdoZmvHl1BtMV8zrKkh8qbUSN6nrHW1qpbAum3N_cy3uCrFXzpRA3aG5pCeQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxYVjgh6SJWXZAdpu9Kv-eA9nudClZV7Zd0mvwOzz1ZK2Z5IZWBW_GVMd2ebR-eNAPyaMrwXN4jGheBpgdaaxkOj5NTfoeqMssEmbRNTJTcnJdV1EjQOd6ZhsQwm_yDP6tIIBiAkECT6ZYm1p_1c3Vy37yImk0JZV3Qef1EOlZOt1fp6QQDjeZCoof1w=s1125" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxYVjgh6SJWXZAdpu9Kv-eA9nudClZV7Zd0mvwOzz1ZK2Z5IZWBW_GVMd2ebR-eNAPyaMrwXN4jGheBpgdaaxkOj5NTfoeqMssEmbRNTJTcnJdV1EjQOd6ZhsQwm_yDP6tIIBiAkECT6ZYm1p_1c3Vy37yImk0JZV3Qef1EOlZOt1fp6QQDjeZCoof1w=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>... in a gorgeous location, steeped in nature.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're having a dilemma with pricing the keyrings, its so hard to do with handmade items. They don't take long to actually crochet but each flower has 14, yes 14, ends to weave in, so another fiddly job which does take time. Oh well we will see what happens! I want to support Helen and vice-versa so hopefully a few will sell.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Did I mention before that I am making some blankets for our local hospital? They need various sizes including 25" square for wheelchair users, and I think this is also a nice little baby size too. One of my things for 2022 is to crochet one hospital blanket a month in an effort to make a dent in my ridiculous stash. I'm doing well so far, and have completed three. I managed to get the borders finished off today.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga0tRlfTk9zc5C9mvXY0aNA7DTPw52MnifwFVxcnAtuzE9D3bD29CIoNABerZ7id9orgAvPoAwn3Gygz71sZYTOpPUF1EDT5l9JIZtW5BBm_8vS_L-xVHqQjLcPAyAP-t65HndPn2igCejf3d5-u2VjCQ1NJB8CVwtHcA5-FI3ZEC7io4F9Z0k6zNZ_A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga0tRlfTk9zc5C9mvXY0aNA7DTPw52MnifwFVxcnAtuzE9D3bD29CIoNABerZ7id9orgAvPoAwn3Gygz71sZYTOpPUF1EDT5l9JIZtW5BBm_8vS_L-xVHqQjLcPAyAP-t65HndPn2igCejf3d5-u2VjCQ1NJB8CVwtHcA5-FI3ZEC7io4F9Z0k6zNZ_A=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmHyrDHPb42vQuoXy4NIkJMBhQCmV4z_7vFrdM1_fG1oypMnQmgQCKnjeQpqM3XE0cQsbz_PvR506uqwSiHDm1gPjWLWkQCjqRCQlBXywuUHhD3Nav1UxUw_HrTGXrKOVf95ASTh3TCcIZoUVBW-BDXd9gXeNEn7Zzuyuxhl0vUtITxAY8YBqY6QXuRg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmHyrDHPb42vQuoXy4NIkJMBhQCmV4z_7vFrdM1_fG1oypMnQmgQCKnjeQpqM3XE0cQsbz_PvR506uqwSiHDm1gPjWLWkQCjqRCQlBXywuUHhD3Nav1UxUw_HrTGXrKOVf95ASTh3TCcIZoUVBW-BDXd9gXeNEn7Zzuyuxhl0vUtITxAY8YBqY6QXuRg=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Two are in a variegated cream, brown and grey yarn ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUnshWpWW1dCJpBs6qA1vJMWQoykk41HMe-mN97Q_y3TQRk6iDFbdXj4XZ8e85937xiN5HrdoPx5JrcSdJ1WGR2lG5XBVJTafijJdTWxewUqb_25lseOIulbN5cI4kohpmB9BSivDM26sOomOxVL_LaMkNeR07sMsdoCdBA9GLNkWr3IeHhRwdqvnXQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqUnshWpWW1dCJpBs6qA1vJMWQoykk41HMe-mN97Q_y3TQRk6iDFbdXj4XZ8e85937xiN5HrdoPx5JrcSdJ1WGR2lG5XBVJTafijJdTWxewUqb_25lseOIulbN5cI4kohpmB9BSivDM26sOomOxVL_LaMkNeR07sMsdoCdBA9GLNkWr3IeHhRwdqvnXQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div> ... and one is in a lovely olive, mauve and cream colourway ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8jpcVFSftSFwKXnZH_OP1KV2TV5zRmqAC97vu6Igt-UUExdwusJIyknnewLnRLC_3XrZrPrCdEDwa25rkYB-ZhQghppIt1VZ6HnzL3_jUVWj3Nt89iXO1Smy-Crw-8rXDkCaQBrM14yUc6ZTZUfb8dVrtXkScuPavLkqYaaqBYgPUHMIJz50jIMMadw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8jpcVFSftSFwKXnZH_OP1KV2TV5zRmqAC97vu6Igt-UUExdwusJIyknnewLnRLC_3XrZrPrCdEDwa25rkYB-ZhQghppIt1VZ6HnzL3_jUVWj3Nt89iXO1Smy-Crw-8rXDkCaQBrM14yUc6ZTZUfb8dVrtXkScuPavLkqYaaqBYgPUHMIJz50jIMMadw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>I decided to give the olive, mauve and cream one a purple border which I think works really well.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGHoDjxEHWonrxF2pCKhgnvoehZxupFd4KhuiYWGkjSl7stEqTjX9LNox4_C1PAnz8lSThhuZMwGTSbYeY4Qrg67Zs_-2GkDwxRImGaqr-iJLtNAwX-cBLkXYG86ckF1l9BmsASNUD8Hnsrc05RSbySzzmRZj3Yo0r_TLbvn0AGfpk5BDY6svJAlusPg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGHoDjxEHWonrxF2pCKhgnvoehZxupFd4KhuiYWGkjSl7stEqTjX9LNox4_C1PAnz8lSThhuZMwGTSbYeY4Qrg67Zs_-2GkDwxRImGaqr-iJLtNAwX-cBLkXYG86ckF1l9BmsASNUD8Hnsrc05RSbySzzmRZj3Yo0r_TLbvn0AGfpk5BDY6svJAlusPg=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>With all that crochet I fancied a wee change, so, for the first time in years, I got out the knitting needles this aftrnoon. I've decided I need to learn to knit socks. I watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFDSxVpcH0U9YsLIDhy74Q" target="_blank">Cherry Heart podcast</a>, and Sandra makes so many amazing socks, I want to give it a go. Well, suffice it to say, I won't be wearing new socks any time soon. Actually I hardly ever wear socks, so I don't really need to make some, but its become a personal challenge now. Its not going well. I'm following <a href="https://www.winwickmum.co.uk/sockalong" target="_blank">Winwick Mum Christine's Sock-Along</a> posts and using this Sirdar Heart and Sole sock-yarn ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh36DurhGjgCCUF-7Y6lRDVjMwaQi7hidTPAL9OuIxpLFJaYgQ2aynVvMXmzExb7m19_BtqgaDbXAKVICPS2d30q5EtwurS8LW76dYo1L29vlqqAM8kfxN4Y84-zflUlQCIDRGfTtiIwB7yF7TB1YxPvdJ0bFBZWX4qvqR-goW854Bi5h2E-EZROrSzkQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh36DurhGjgCCUF-7Y6lRDVjMwaQi7hidTPAL9OuIxpLFJaYgQ2aynVvMXmzExb7m19_BtqgaDbXAKVICPS2d30q5EtwurS8LW76dYo1L29vlqqAM8kfxN4Y84-zflUlQCIDRGfTtiIwB7yF7TB1YxPvdJ0bFBZWX4qvqR-goW854Bi5h2E-EZROrSzkQ=s320" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div>... but the DPNs! OMG! Its like wrestling with an octopus, I can't seem to get the hang of it at all. The bit where it transitions to the next needle is all gappy and gapey and looks terrible. This is what its looking like on my DPNs. A bit of a mess.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBuvGZFGI_KYAiGVGyHEOJv_qHFbWRIwFd8yfMdv3YIzOjs7iAATwLHzKse8rFmHKLrgRVNdd1qyPfH-WUpCsqm3zj-AZa29hkFdr8Y71Vdo1-BJR-K-AM_pDSDpDN9C5v_K39_frI5ccwtDavOIE4G5ESBalssE2ADdkMwO9mpPIfcVMYlnNx0xufw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBuvGZFGI_KYAiGVGyHEOJv_qHFbWRIwFd8yfMdv3YIzOjs7iAATwLHzKse8rFmHKLrgRVNdd1qyPfH-WUpCsqm3zj-AZa29hkFdr8Y71Vdo1-BJR-K-AM_pDSDpDN9C5v_K39_frI5ccwtDavOIE4G5ESBalssE2ADdkMwO9mpPIfcVMYlnNx0xufw=s320" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I should try a circular needle, will that help do you think ? Any and all advice from all you lovely sock knitters is very welcome. In the meantime I shall be ordering said circular needle and giving it a try.</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time,</div><div>Jillxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Jill at emeraldcottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.com46