Ripples and Roses

 All the roses are opening here....each day brings new blooms to enjoy and new scents to breathe in........the bees and butterflies love them too................

.............i finished the ripple blanket when we were away in the cotswolds.......i rather liked the way the top and bottom edges were wavy instead of straight, so i finished it off with a bobble trim......

 .............i bought  big roll of pink bobble trim on ebay a while ago and i knew it would be useful......i sewed it on with yarn to match the last ripple stripe............i like this idea and will probably use it again :)..........the ripple blanket is pretty and colourful to use out in the garden and for summer picnics..............

 ..............i have picked some roses this week to have in the house for the first time this summer.....

 ...............and made another jar label using the rose rubber stamp from the secret garden set.....i made a label for my daughter rosie's present with this stamp too :)

 ..........as soon as i'd finished the ripple blanket i wanted to begin something else.......just as i don't like being 'between books' and always have to start another, now i don't like being 'between crochet projects' either................so i made some granny squares for an in between project...............

 ..............i took lots of yarn away with me and also a tin of sewing things and patchwork..........

                                  .................i joined the granny squares to make this...............

 ............a little blanket for the doll's bed............the small bed from ikea which featured in my *simple sewn gifts* book has been played with so much since my little grandchildren were born........i think daisy plays with it every time she visits our house............when she saw the new little blanket spread out on the bed she fetched a bunny and a doll to tuck underneath it..................

............last weekend we went to manchester to meet up with rosie and her boyfriend and had a lovely wander around the *northern quarter* with its quirky shops and cafes..........we went to the *manchester craft and design centre* and to quite a few art and craft shops too............i bought lots of materials, including this twine.............

                                      ..........and these buttons............(from fred aldous)............

............before i go today i must mention that this month's cross stitcher magazine is featuring my little coastal inspired sampler, and they are also offering a materials pack for it......see more at the making spot here..............

 ..........lovely to be at the beginning of summer again, with the seaside to look forward to...............

                                               ...........and all the flowers to enjoy.............

......i am very busy at the moment though working on autumn and christmas design commissions in my studio :)..........but i'm also making a very summery looking applique quilt, and have begun a summery crochet project too............and i am mad on strawberries again :).......the sun is out and the sky is blue, with just a few tiny fluffy clouds..........thank you for visiting me here and for your sweet comments..............wishing you a happy crafty week......back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx