Two of our Iron Men have been given some crocheted jumpsuits by a Polish knitwear artist called Olek.
You can read the whole article here. I'll have to get down to the beach again for a closer look.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Colourful Iron Men
In response to my last post on the Olympic torch and the Iron Men, I received a link from Gemma at Sleeperwaking to an article on the BBC website entitled "Knitwear artist kits out Antony Gormley sculptures".
Two of our Iron Men have been given some crocheted jumpsuits by a Polish knitwear artist called Olek.
You can read the whole article here. I'll have to get down to the beach again for a closer look.
Two of our Iron Men have been given some crocheted jumpsuits by a Polish knitwear artist called Olek.
You can read the whole article here. I'll have to get down to the beach again for a closer look.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Olympic Torch
The Olympic Torch is on its way - it's official - the signs have gone up.
The torch will be carried along the promenade, past the Iron Men. I went down to the beach this morning, just to see how they were responding to the up and coming event.
I think they are keeping a stiff upper lip!
It was lovely and peaceful on the beach. Others had been there before me.
The tide was going out - a bit too cold for paddling - maybe next time.
The sun was breaking through the clouds - it's going to be another lovely day.
I hope you're having a lovely day where ever you are.
 |
| The birds didn't think much of this one. |
The torch will be carried along the promenade, past the Iron Men. I went down to the beach this morning, just to see how they were responding to the up and coming event.
I think they are keeping a stiff upper lip!
It was lovely and peaceful on the beach. Others had been there before me.
The tide was going out - a bit too cold for paddling - maybe next time.
The sun was breaking through the clouds - it's going to be another lovely day.
I hope you're having a lovely day where ever you are.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Gardening - If I Must
Gardening is one of those jobs I never look forward to doing, but once I'm out there I quite enjoy it. With the changeable weather we have here in the UK, it's easy to find an excuse not to do it - it's too cold, it's too windy, it's raining!
Lately we have had glorious sunshine and it's been hot. Too hot to do any gardening!
I'm waiting for the Goldilocks zone when it's not too hot and it's not too cold!
In an attempt to add some colour to the garden I bought some summer plants.
Obviously they needed potting up and I had put it off as long as I could.
Finally I made an effort (even though it's still too hot to garden) and completed the task.
Always a satisfying feeling when it's done.
Looking around the garden, it's not too bad - there are some colourful bits, although I think they are mostly a result of self-seeding rather than any effort on my part.
So long as they look pretty and don't require too much effort, I'm not bothered what comes up in the garden.
Lately we have had glorious sunshine and it's been hot. Too hot to do any gardening!
I'm waiting for the Goldilocks zone when it's not too hot and it's not too cold!
In an attempt to add some colour to the garden I bought some summer plants.
Obviously they needed potting up and I had put it off as long as I could.
Finally I made an effort (even though it's still too hot to garden) and completed the task.
Always a satisfying feeling when it's done.
Looking around the garden, it's not too bad - there are some colourful bits, although I think they are mostly a result of self-seeding rather than any effort on my part.
 |
| foxgloves |
 |
| columbine |
 |
| more columbine |
 |
| yellow flowers! |
 |
| purple flowers! |
So long as they look pretty and don't require too much effort, I'm not bothered what comes up in the garden.
Friday, 25 May 2012
A Bit of Colour
Thank you so much for the lovely comments on my new hair cut - they make me very happy.
Yesterday, in order to jolly things up in the garden, I've decorated the tree at the front of our house - with some granny squares.
A nice bit of colour - and makes up for my lack of gardening skills!
Yesterday, in order to jolly things up in the garden, I've decorated the tree at the front of our house - with some granny squares.
A nice bit of colour - and makes up for my lack of gardening skills!
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Hair
The good thing about hair is that it grows. I've always had a very cavalier attitude to my hair on the basis that any mistakes will soon grow out. I started cutting my own hair when I was a teenager, with a razor blade.
In my 40s I had very short hair. By this time I had progressed from a razor blade to an electric hair cutting kit.
An ideal hair cut for the woman on the go! A quick rub down with a towel after a shower and it's done!
As my 50s approached I decided that I would grow my hair - trying to recapture that youthful look!
Two and a half years later, I've reached the point when it's driving me mad.
It's just hanging there - and I spend my time pushing it back or tying it up.
So yesterday I treated myself to an little indulgence and went to the hairdressers - first time in I don't know how many years. And this is how I look now...
The hairdresser gave me the cut off hair...
...as a souvenir!
In my 40s I had very short hair. By this time I had progressed from a razor blade to an electric hair cutting kit.
An ideal hair cut for the woman on the go! A quick rub down with a towel after a shower and it's done!
As my 50s approached I decided that I would grow my hair - trying to recapture that youthful look!
Two and a half years later, I've reached the point when it's driving me mad.
It's just hanging there - and I spend my time pushing it back or tying it up.
So yesterday I treated myself to an little indulgence and went to the hairdressers - first time in I don't know how many years. And this is how I look now...
The hairdresser gave me the cut off hair...
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Some Sewing Craftiness
I love knitting and crocheting because they are so easy to pick up and put down - very portable. But every now and then it's good to do something different.
So today I planned on getting the sewing machine out and working with some fabric.
I have recently treated myself to this gorgeous book.
Full of such pretty ideas - but the one that I had my eye on today was this one.
I can't resist a lovely heart. It was great fun selecting the fabrics and ribbons and attaching them to the background fabric.
And the end result looked wonderful.
Well worth the effort of setting up the sewing machine. I might tackle one of the more challenging projects next.
So today I planned on getting the sewing machine out and working with some fabric.
I have recently treated myself to this gorgeous book.
 |
| Tilda's Summer Ideas |
Full of such pretty ideas - but the one that I had my eye on today was this one.
 |
| Hearts |
I can't resist a lovely heart. It was great fun selecting the fabrics and ribbons and attaching them to the background fabric.
And the end result looked wonderful.
Well worth the effort of setting up the sewing machine. I might tackle one of the more challenging projects next.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Mae's Bear
Isn't this bear so cute. It was made by Mae from Alcobendas, Spain.
I love the big smiley face. The bear was made using my Buttercup Bear pattern.
Mae has made lots of other lovely crochet toys. Check out her blog called el rincon de Mae.
I love the big smiley face. The bear was made using my Buttercup Bear pattern.
Mae has made lots of other lovely crochet toys. Check out her blog called el rincon de Mae.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Tutti Frutti Bears
Colourful, cuddly little friends.
PDF version
To make your own colourful Tutti Frutti Bear you will need:
light brown double knitting yarn
To make your own colourful Tutti Frutti Bear you will need:
light brown double knitting yarn
a choice of colourful oddments of double knitting yarn
3mm crochet hook
Notions – toy stuffing, black embroidery floss.
PATTERN
Notions – toy stuffing, black embroidery floss.
PATTERN
English crochet terms used
dc (English) = sc (American)
Finished size – approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches) tall.
dc (English) = sc (American)
Finished size – approximately 22 cm (8.5 inches) tall.
Body
The body is worked completely in
stripes. These can be of widths of 1 or
2 rounds, and with two or three colour changes – the choice is up to you.
With body colour of choice and 3
mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc (US = sc) into 2nd
chain from hook. Join with a slip st into
1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times.
Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into
next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 5
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc
into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc]
5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc
into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc]
5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc
into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc]
5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
7th – 17th
rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
18th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
19th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
19th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
20th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
21st round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
21st round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
22nd round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
23rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
23rd round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
24th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
25th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
25th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off and stuff. Do
not close the neck opening.
Head
With light brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 2 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (20 dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (25 dc)
8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
10th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
11th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
14th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
15th and 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
17th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
18th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
19th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
20th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Stuff head at this point.
21st round: 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and close hole in back of head.
Attach to top of body.
Ears
With light brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Fasten off. Sew on to side of head.
With light brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (9 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 2 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1dc into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 2 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (20 dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (25 dc)
8th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 4 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
9th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
10th round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 4 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (36 dc)
11th – 13th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
14th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (30 dc)
15th and 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
17th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (24 dc)
18th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
19th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 2 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (18 dc)
20th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 1 dc] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Stuff head at this point.
21st round: 1 ch, [dc2tog,] 6 times. Sl st into 1st dc. Fasten off and close hole in back of head.
Attach to top of body.
Ears
With light brown and 3 mm hook make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Join with a slip st into 1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Fasten off. Sew on to side of head.
Arms
With light brown and 3 mm hook
make 2 chain.
1st round: 6 dc into 2nd chain
from hook. Join with a slip st into
1st dc.
2nd round: 1 ch, 2 dc into same
stitch as chain, [2 dc into next dc] 5 times.
Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
3rd round: 1 ch,
2 dc into same stitch as chain, 1 dc into next 3 dc, [2 dc into next dc, 1 dc
into next 3 dc] 2 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
4th – 6th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each
stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
7th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 3
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
8th – 12th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each
stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off light brown and join in body colour of choice.
13th – 16th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each
stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
17th – 18th rounds: sl st into first 3 dc,
1 dc into next 6 dc, sl st into next 3 dc.
Fasten off and stuff. Do not close opening at top of arm.
Attach to body.
Legs
Fasten off and stuff. Do not close opening at top of arm.
Attach to body.
Legs
With light brown double knitting and 3mm hook, chain 10.
1st round: 1dc into 2nd chain from hook. 1 dc into next 7 ch, 2dc into last chain. Working other side of foundation chain, work 2 dc into same place as last dcs. 1 dc into next 7 dc, 3 dc into the same chain as 1st dc worked. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
2nd round: 1ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1dc into next 8 dc, 2 dc into next 2 dc, 1 dc into next 9 dc, 2 dc into 2 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (26dc)
3rd and 4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 4 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (20dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 10 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (18dc)
8th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
1st round: 1dc into 2nd chain from hook. 1 dc into next 7 ch, 2dc into last chain. Working other side of foundation chain, work 2 dc into same place as last dcs. 1 dc into next 7 dc, 3 dc into the same chain as 1st dc worked. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
2nd round: 1ch, 1 dc into same stitch as chain, 1dc into next 8 dc, 2 dc into next 2 dc, 1 dc into next 9 dc, 2 dc into 2 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (26dc)
3rd and 4th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into each stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
5th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 4 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (22dc)
6th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 7 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 11 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (20dc)
7th round: 1 ch, 1 dc into next 6 dc, [dc2tog] 2 times, 1 dc into next 10 dc. Sl st into 1st dc. (18dc)
8th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 4 dc] 3 times. Sl st into 1st dc. (15 dc)
9th – 12th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each
stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
Fasten off light brown and join in body colour of choice.
13th -17th rounds: 1 ch, 1 dc into each
stitch to end, sl st into first dc.
18th round: 1 ch, [dc2tog, 1 dc into next 3 dc] 3
times. Sl st into 1st dc. (12 dc)
Fasten off and stuff. Do
not close opening at top of leg.
Attach to body.
Using black embroidery floss, embroider a cute little nose and
some eyes.
Something Colourful
Meet my newest friends.
I've called them the Tutti Frutti Bears.
Who could resist their cheeky little faces? The pattern will follow shortly.
I've called them the Tutti Frutti Bears.
Who could resist their cheeky little faces? The pattern will follow shortly.
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Beautiful Waistcoat
When I'm on Ravelry, I love looking at the projects people have completed using my patterns. It's so interesting to see the different ways in which a pattern can be interpreted.
I've recently been sent a link to a new blog, called 'i'vegotknits' by Emily. She has made my Maggie waistcoat. Here's a picture from her blog.
I love the choice of pink for the background colour - it seems so vibrant and summery. Why not pop over to her blog now and see the rest of the photos.
I've recently been sent a link to a new blog, called 'i'vegotknits' by Emily. She has made my Maggie waistcoat. Here's a picture from her blog.
I love the choice of pink for the background colour - it seems so vibrant and summery. Why not pop over to her blog now and see the rest of the photos.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Through New Eyes
I can't believe we're well into May and I'm still wearing my winter coat, scarf, hat and gloves on my morning walk! This morning I also had to take an umbrella.
My walk takes about 20 minutes and it's at a very brisk pace. It's my thinking time - my getting organised and planning time. Although sometimes I stray down to the beach (it has to be warm - and no wind- before I spend too much time by the sea), I usually just walk the streets of our neighbourhood.
One of my favourite quotes is from Marcel Proust:
Parked cars aren't very exciting.
The local park is for keyholders only - and I don't have a key.
But using my 'new eyes' if I imagine the railings away - it becomes a whole new world.
I could be in the countryside rather than the suburbs of Liverpool. No one else is around - apart from the boy delivering newspapers and the occasional dog walker. I even make new friends...
So peaceful and relaxing - I just wish it would warm up a bit!
My walk takes about 20 minutes and it's at a very brisk pace. It's my thinking time - my getting organised and planning time. Although sometimes I stray down to the beach (it has to be warm - and no wind- before I spend too much time by the sea), I usually just walk the streets of our neighbourhood.
One of my favourite quotes is from Marcel Proust:
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
The local park is for keyholders only - and I don't have a key.
But using my 'new eyes' if I imagine the railings away - it becomes a whole new world.
I could be in the countryside rather than the suburbs of Liverpool. No one else is around - apart from the boy delivering newspapers and the occasional dog walker. I even make new friends...
So peaceful and relaxing - I just wish it would warm up a bit!
Monday, 14 May 2012
Eveline
I've mentioned in the past that I am researching my family tree. It's an ongoing project that just seems to grow and grow. It's wonderful to find out little snippets of information about relatives from long ago.
It does make me sad though that when I was young I never took the time to ask my grandparents about their own childhoods - a missed opportunity.
I was told many many years ago that I looked like my Gran, the one who taught me to crochet, remember the motif? I had never seem a photo of her when she was young and I thought I never would but my wonderful uncles have been chasing around for me and at last I have a photo of my Gran, Eveline, when she was in her twenties.
My Uncle Arthur sent me this yesterday and I felt so emotional seeing it. It's my Gran but as I've never seen her before. I can't stop looking at it.
He also sent photos of other relatives with the promise of more to follow. It's like time travelling - meeting these relatives - and I'm so grateful for this.
It does make me sad though that when I was young I never took the time to ask my grandparents about their own childhoods - a missed opportunity.
I was told many many years ago that I looked like my Gran, the one who taught me to crochet, remember the motif? I had never seem a photo of her when she was young and I thought I never would but my wonderful uncles have been chasing around for me and at last I have a photo of my Gran, Eveline, when she was in her twenties.
My Uncle Arthur sent me this yesterday and I felt so emotional seeing it. It's my Gran but as I've never seen her before. I can't stop looking at it.
He also sent photos of other relatives with the promise of more to follow. It's like time travelling - meeting these relatives - and I'm so grateful for this.
Friday, 11 May 2012
Happy Birthday Mum
Happy Birthday today to my Mum.
This is the card I made for her.
I haven't done any embroidery for a while, my eyesight isn't what it used to be. But I suddenly had an urge to do some the other day and I was so pleased with the result I thought I'd incorporate it in a card for my Mum.
The little girl reminds me of the drawings my Mum used to do for us when we were little.
I also crocheted some coat hangers and added some flowers for decoration.
.JPG)
Have a lovely day Mum, enjoy the bowls tonight.
This is the card I made for her.
I haven't done any embroidery for a while, my eyesight isn't what it used to be. But I suddenly had an urge to do some the other day and I was so pleased with the result I thought I'd incorporate it in a card for my Mum.
The little girl reminds me of the drawings my Mum used to do for us when we were little.
I also crocheted some coat hangers and added some flowers for decoration.
.JPG)
Have a lovely day Mum, enjoy the bowls tonight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)