Sunshine, trees and snow

Hi Everyone

What a strange week of weather we have had, rain, sunshine, sleet and snow.  There have been brilliant bright blue skies and lots of clouds. 

The tree at the back of our house is full of blossom.  Just look at the dark clouds behind, that is the snow shower in the distance.

The hills behind have snow on them it was not there when I woke up this morning.

Bright sunshine here for the moment I don't know how long it will last.

I am sorry the pictures are a bit dark I was shooting into the sun.

...***...

Here are some of the crochet along colours that have been worked by my friends, it is really going to be good when they are all finished to see the end results.

I have made a pinterest page for the Cal if you would like to send me your pictures,  I would love to add them as we go along..

Email to :-  ali.crafts@ntlworld.com

I have been so busy this morning typing up another months instructions,  I almost forgot to do this blog.

I don't seem to be able to settle down to do a  particular craft this week, I have done a bit of sewing on the machine, started to work on the Mandala Madness crochet along, done a bit of knitting which I pulled out and crocheted a few hats and a tiny blanket for the Blue Light Babies.

Do you ever have any days that you can't make up your mind?

I think that mine is a jumble at the moment. Its so full of ideas I can't sort it out at all.

Oh dear, perhaps I need a holiday!!!!!

Happy crocheting

Alison xxx

Poinsettia, Patterns and Patchwork

Poinsettia

This week I have reached a record for how long a poinsettia plant will last from before Christmas
These plants usually die before Christmas arrives, but this one is amazing it is flowering now.

Patterns 

Breaking news

I have reduced all my toy patterns on Ravelry and Etsy to £3.00 each, this is to make things simpler at the shows.

I have been tidying up and have found a crochet calendar from 2009. 

These calendars are full of lovely designs almost 360 every day has a new pattern or a second part, so the are not 365.  I am not so sure I would ever make the slippers, I like the grape cluster though.

Patchwork

At last this week I have had time to use my sewing machine, I have made a purse, a bag and a quilted simple bag which needs a fastener and edging..

All were kits I have been storing in a drawer for some time, I pick them up at the shows and forget to make them or don't make the time to make them.

After the last show at Birmingham I have been having a few weeks of time off designing the crochet patterns and leaving time for me to do other things, dare I say it but I have been knitting as well..

Knitting is not my favourite occupation :-)

I have joined another part work for knitting in the hope that I will get to like it more, my Mother was a great knitter she was never without something on the go..

I hope you all have a good week, at least the sun is shining here today, I am going to get on with some jobs that really need doing, I would rather be crocheting or sewing...

Happy days

Alison xxx

Center Parcs, bag update and more wool

Good Morning

I am sorry I forgot to add a link to the Ravelry April flower last week
Here it is April Flower 

The reason was that we were away with our Grandsons at Center Parcs, Whinfell forest.

We all had a super time and the weather was pretty good they only got caught in a downpour once...

I managed to get lots of crochet time and this week have finally managed to finish my Lilypond blanket from Stylecraft. It has only taken me a year, I did not enjoy the start but have loved the last squares and the border.

Todays project is to try and finish the bag that I started a few weeks ago, I am adding the lining and going to do the final touches.

This week has also been finishing the stocktaking and tiding the workroom which always seems to be a never ending job. I don't know why, perhaps I have too many hobbies as well as the crochet designing and teaching. I bought a new sewing machine and have not had chance to try it yet. Maybe tomorrow with a bit of luck.

I really wish that I could keep it like this, but there is no chance, a new load of wool is expected some time this week and I can't show you the back bedroom, it is full of the yarns I need to sell on Ebay.

Oh no its just arrived, Tuffnells wagon has stopped outside.

Have a happy day

Alison xxx

April CAL

Hi

The April instalment was available last Friday on my website and Ravelry

Today I have a free flower pattern because its the first Tuesday of the month.

 Materials Required

Oddments of double knitting yarn in 2 colours
4.00 hook

1. Using top layer colour, ch.2, work 10 dc. in 2nd ch. from hook, ss. to join in 1st dc.
2. 1ch., 1dc. in same place as ss., * 5ch., miss 1dc., 1dc. in next dc., rep. from * ending 5ch., ss. to join in 1st dc.  ( 5 loops)
3. 4tr. in 1st loop, 2ch., 4tr. in same loop, * ss. into dc., 4tr., 2ch., 4tr. in next loop, rep. from * ending 4tr., 2ch., 4tr. in last loop, ss. to join in as ss. to join on the last round. Fasten off.
4. Join 2nd colour to missed dc. on round 2, and work behind the petals1ch., 1dc. in same place, * 6ch., 1dc. in next missed dc., rep. from * ending 6ch., ss. to join in 1st dc.
5. ss. into 1st loop, work *( 3ch., 4tr., 2ch., 4tr., 3ch. all in the same loop) ss. into same loop, ss. into next loop, rep. from * to end, ss. to join in 1st ss. Fasten off.

beg.	beginning
ch.	chain
dc.	double crochet
htr.	half treble
rep.	repeat
sp.	space
ss.	slip stitch
st.	stitches
tr.	treble

Patterns are using English Terminology

 I do hope that this works I wrote this blog last week and set it to come on by itself, isn't technology great, well it will be if it works.

If it doesn't that will be my error not the technology !!!!!

I hope that you will enjoy both of these patterns

Ali xxx

Part 2 is here

Hello,

Part 2 of the crochet along is now ready to download either from my website or my ravelry store. This crochet along is free and each part with be published each month.

If you have any problems please let me know. I also have a you tube channel showing you how to do certain parts of the pattern.

My you tube channel

Alison x