Inside crochet Issue 76, Boules Necklace

 

  My my. the weather is so lovely today. I  am sitting outside the coffee shop writing on my ipad enjoying  this beautiful spring day. Being outside having a latte in the sun makes me feel happier. It always feels like I'm holiday. I hope it is warming up where you are.

 Hello mu loves,
I have no idea where time is going, I still can't believe it is April. Easter whizzed by so quickly. I am sorry that I have not been visiting all your blogs , life just gets in the way. As ever I am knee deep in designs and I am also in the middle of having a  deep spring clean. I bought a new bed side table and cleared out the old one, I found a bill in there from 1998, I mean why in god's name would you have a bill that old in my file of paid current bills. Please, tell me I am not the only one.??????

Once I started clearing out I decided I should  tackle the other things on my to do list and 6 black bin bags later . I feel a wee bit better, Decluttering is a wonderful tonic. Plus, it means I now have more space for more yarn, hahaha. In my defence I am a designer, it is all totally work related. Well that is what I tell others, you dear friends know the truth. I simply love yarn and need to be surrounded by the stuff , it comforts me.

 I am very happy to share my latest published design in this month's Inside Crochet.  It is called The Boules necklace ,Inspired after  playing boules with my grandson. We used a colourful children's version .We had great fun .I am finding lots of inspiration seems to be coming from playing with the little one. I am constantly  surrounded with bright and beautiful colours , it is wonderful to see the joy colours can bring. It reminds me how much I do enjoy working with colours . A day with him always results in a new colour combination and design ideas.

 If you are ever stuck for colour ideas I suggest you get a packet of pencils and simply play around. Or get out your balls of yarn make a five round  granny square using colours you normally wouldn't use and try and be random about it , I promise you will be surprised at your results.

I think this pattern is great for those small balls of yarn we all have .I used double knit cotton. I am making one in beautiful blue gradient colours for my jean loving youngest daughter, and a neutral shaded one for myself .The possibilities are endless.
It has suddenly cooled right down, I am off  home to make dinner, tonight I am making a seafood linguine. I  also have some large scallops that I will sizzle in some butter noisette , squeeze of lime .Nom nom.
Have a lovely evening
What are you having for dinner?
all images are copyright@insidecrochet

Inside Crochet Issue 53, Coral Brooches

I am proudly presenting quite possibly one of my most favourite patterns I have designed . Inspired by my love of the coral reef. I love the diversity of colours and shapes. I am always mesmerized by  coral reef.

I took these two pictures when I visited Busch Garden's Aquarium in Tampa last year. I think my interpretation has come out quite similar

 

 They are made in Rowan yarns ethereal Kidsilk Haze yarn. An exquisite yarn .It combines  delicate strands of silk with the very finest mohair fibers .I love this stuff it is so very soft ,the only down side is that as it is a hairy fiber  it is a nightmare to unravel, despite this it is such an exquisite yarn

Each brooch is finished with a sparkly centre. I am a bit of a magpie I collect broken jewellery , one side of an earring, the beads from bracelets .I have then in a tin. I love the idea of making something new from something old.  You can use buttons, a circle of fabric looks great. The beauty of my pattern is that can be adapted to what you have at hand.

                                                        This is the cover of the magazine
"In this month's issue of Inside Crochet we have some truly fabulous projects for you, perfect for sunny days. Amongst the 23 patterns you'll find colourful filet garments, cute characters that little ones will love and sweet accessories such as Deborah Stuart's Neapolitan Beret.
If that wasn't enough, learn a new stitch with Vicki Brown's ripple shawl, join Claire as she explores three ways with lace motifs, or think ahead to picnics and enjoy some vintage fun from Emma Escott, crocheting handmade food covers and a beautiful summer cushion "
Now available monthly from all good newsagents and supermarket chains, and digitally via PocketMags.com, in the Apple App Store and on Google Play


I am an avid reader and love Small  things blog.Ginny hosts a yarn along I though one once I would actually add a post. I am reading

This is a lovely, sincere, warm-hearted book, with a story rooted in the early days of AIDS awareness, when misconceptions abounded and most people didn't openly discuss the illness

This is a wonderful story about the close bond between a young girl uncle, the noted artist. He's the only person that June feels she can share her secrets with, and reveal her true self to. When Finn passes away, June finds herself adrift, wondering how her life can possibly go on without Finn being a part of it. Then June meets Finn's partner Toby, who has never been mentioned to June before, and a new friendship is slowly formed which will alter the way she views herself and her late uncle. They are both lonely, struggling to cope with life without Finn, united in the immense loss and grief they share.
                                   Joining in with GINNY and friends for Yarn Along