Wednesday 17 April 2013

Crochet Crush

 As i mentioned in my previous post....i have been having quite a crush on crochet lately........
 .........when i first learnt how to crochet, a couple of summers ago, i didn't realise just how addictive it was.........i began making the daisy granny squares for this pillow a few months ago, wanting to make it look colourful but keeping the daisy shape of the flowers...........it was going to be  blanket but i changed my mind ;)................
 .............now the squares have been made up into this spring like pillow just as real daisies are finally flowering in our lawn...........we have had some lovely sunny garden times lately so I took the pillow down to the potting shed to take a photo or two.................
 ..............there were new pot plants and a little dog there too (he came from grannie's attic)......
 ..............some of the left over daisy squares have been made into this little pincushion..........
 ...............and finishing the daisy project meant i could start on my new crochet crush.........a ripple blanket...........i have wanted to make a ripple pattern for a very long time.....it has been on my to do list along with lots of other crafty things..........but this easter i decided was the moment to begin my very own ripple........
...........using lots of bright fresh colours with a summery feel........no need to be shy of using colour when you're making a cheerful crochet blanket..........and soon the rainbow of ripples was appearing..........
.............hard to put down....just one more ripple, and one more.......i love working the pattern though you do have to be careful compared to a granny stripe.....if you don't pay attention the waves can become out of sync or even have a flat top and have to be undone ;)....... a bit of rippling has accompanied much of my family time over easter, the project has been out and about with me, on a little trip, in the car, in the garden, and watching movies.................
 ..............a coffee break during my working day means time for a quick bit of rippling........
 ...............the background for the pots of flowers in this photograph is an old door we found when mr p tidied out the old cellar last year.............i kept it as it looked interesting for photoshoots....we think it might have been from the old victorian kitchen cupboards............i re-found this one at the weekend and tried it out...............
..............now besides doing lots of crochet, i have also been busy working on new sewing projects which i will show soon, and some magazine work which will be appearing later in the summer.....
....and i have also been making plans for lots more ideas, makes and giveaways for the future.......but before i go today i must tell you who the winner is of my latest giveaway....the signed copy of my new book * pretty patchwork gifts* and package of crafty sewing notions is going to.....................
.......................amanda at the lovely blog crafty in the med........ thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway...........there will be another one very soon :)...............
................thank you for popping in to see me here today and for your sweet comments which i always enjoy reading..........i wish you all a happy week and hope the sun comes out where you are and you have plenty of flowers, crafty times or whatever you love...........back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

63 comments:

Things and Thoughts said...

Ι think I will become a passionate of crochet! What a joy for the eyes!Your work is adorable Helen!
Hugs
Olympia

cristina said...

Oh Helen! The cushion is gorgeous! The pincushion is gorgeous! The ripple blanket I love! Everything you do is always nice! Reading your blog makes me very happy ... and inspires me ... thanks once again!

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Ooooh what yummy crochet Helen, the little daisies are beautiful and I really love your ripple blanket?, :)
A lovely crochet post!
Happy Wednesday,
V xxx

Happy in red said...

I totally get that crush. Well done. Love the ripple in progress. I am also working on a ripple and I am just in love with it.
Esther.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hello Lovely Helen, And all your work is so lovely too!
The colors are like candy, yummy and fun. The pincushion is so cute and a great way to make use of leftovers and a small project. The Ripple is ripplelious, and so nice to work on everywhere.
Happy Ripple day to you, xoRobin

Unknown said...

Hi There, Your daisy pillow is just sooo beautiful!! I also started crochet a while ago and it is totally
addictive!!! Lucky Amanda!!!!
Love
AMarie

busybusybeejay said...

I love your daisy cushion and your ripple blanket.Your colour choices are wonderful.Reading and looking at your post really cheered me up and made me feel almost summery!

Unknown said...

I keep putting off starting my ripple blanket because I know nothing else will get done! You are so right about the 'just one more row' feeling! The daisy cushion is utterly delightful as well! Chrissie x

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

I'd have a crush too....in fact I think I have! It's beautiful! :) x

Crafty in the Med said...

Hello Helen
Fabulous news!! Thank you so much. I really desperately wanted a copy of your book and now I'm going to have a signed copy!!! Whoopee!

I have received your email and sent you my postal address.

What a great surprise. Thank you once again.

keep well

Amanda :-)

purple-roses-country-cottage said...

Dear Helen,
The pincushion is gorgeous!
I wish a could crochet :-) Have a wonderful week. NicoleXXX

Cindy said...

The cushion and ripple blanket are so pretty. I love the colors. You've inspired me to make a cushion top of my own. We'll see how it goes:)
Take care, Cindy

Becky said...

Oh my! I love everything! The colors are absolutely amazing!

Deborah said...

I can see we are on the same wavelength with lovely colors! How I adore your pillow and your ripple is just gorgeous. Sigh........

Eight by Six said...

yes its hit me too this month and every waking minute when I'm not working at the office (although I take it with me in a little tin) and when I'm not doing house hold chores you will find me curled up with a ball of wool or two and crochet hook in hand! Amanda x

fee @ chipper nelly said...

DEEEEl.ISH.OUS colours!
And a little hint of pip studio? perfect post
fee x

crazydazy said...

love the daisy squares, the ripple blanket has such fresh spring colours, ali

Ali said...

Always so pretty xx

Jane said...

Crochet is still on my list of things to do Helen...wow you have progressed so well since you started. Your colours are wonderful,like a garden in flower. Just perfect! Well done to the lucky winner of your book and I am glad you are getting outside again, isn't the sunshine a boost for everyone.
Jane x

KC'sCourt! said...

More gorgeous colours!
Julie xxxxxx

claire said...

what a lovely burst of colour. Love the cushion and the bellis flowers together :)

Andrea said...

Would you be kind enough to tell me what brand, etc. of the yarn you use? I live in the US and can't locate the bright, clear colors that I see on your blog. Thanks!

sweetpea family said...

Congratulations to Amanda - I think your crochet is beautiful and I love the colours x

debbie @ happy little cottage said...

So much crochet loveliness in one post!! The old door backdrop is amazing!! xoxo

vintage grey said...

Hi Helen,
You daisy pillow is beautiful!! And, I love your ripple blanket! I have been wanting to make one, too, and love the colors you are doing!! So sweet! Wishing you a lovely week! xo Heather

Petunia Pill said...

All the pretty colors! I kinda sorta L O V E the pillow and the blanket! I have a pink and white daisy blanket (have never shared it) and I adore that pattern, but looking at it made up in all those beautiful colors...I need to make a pillow too! Such an inspiration, this is!!! Beautiful work! And yes, it is a very addictive craft! Hugs, Annette

Unknown said...

How lovely, I think Í´m in love!

I´m going to follow you´re blog.

loves,
Samantha

Teresa Kasner said...

Helen.. I adore your color choices in your daisy pillow and ripple blanket. Your ripple is very similar to mine! I would love to do a daisy project. I look forward to seeing your future projects! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Itaif said...

Hello, I love your colourful ripple!! I made one of my as a first project ( http://idlethumbs-itchyfeet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/my-first-crochet-project.html ) and I will be making another soon as a wedding present for my brother. What yarn did you use for your ripple here? It's just so so pretty!

Gracie Saylor said...

Sunday most of my family went to a tulip farm and I took a ton of photos but just posted a few...the colors are just so amazing!!!!! Looking at your posts produce the same joyful response in my being...your use of color [and form] are such a gift to me every time I visit, Helen. Thanks for posting!!!!!!!!
xx, Gracie

Naturally Carol said...

Hi Helen, those little daisy patches are sweet. I think they work very well as a cushion. I too, would love to try a ripple blanket and have just got a pattern for one. I shall watch out for flat topped ripples too..hehe!

Kristyne said...

Oh Helen, your daisy granny squares are adorable ... I think I've got a crush on YOU! LOL! ;)

xo k

forgetmenotsblue said...

Beautiful blog, beautiful photos, beautiful creations just lovely you will find you have a new follower so glad I popped in this evening :)

fairiesmarket said...

I have a crush on your crochet too. What a wonderful cushion and a colorful post. Good stuff.

SuperMomNoCape said...

Congratulations Amanda! What a lucky lady to win the book and sewing notions.

Your crocheted pillow is lovely. And that little pincushion is just adorable.

Seeing the ripple blanket takes me back. I made one for our oldest daughter when she was a little girl. I think she still has it.

Christine said...

I love your pillow and blanket. And your garden pictures are so lovely too. You are putting me in the mood to embrace spring. We have all been sick again in my house so it still doesn't feel like spring yet being stuck indoors. I have almost finished making your doll quilt from Simple Sewn Gifts and I love it so much. Thank you for all the inspiration.

jan said...

Congratulations to Amanda! Lucky girl! Helen I just love your crochet. Sew beuatiful and Happy - Wishing you a Happy Sweet Spring to you!
Jan

Lori ann said...

oh such color, so sweet, everything helen. enjoy your lovely hooking!

margaret said...

a lovely cushion and pin cushion, a ripple blanket has been on my list for a while now but so far still only on the list which seems to get longer day by day!

Anonymous said...

I am desperate to learn to crochet, I can knit, but despite several attempts to teach myself to crochet I just can't do it. How did you learn? I think I may have to go to a class.

Anniki said...

I know how you feel!
I have been knitter forever, but recently I fell in love (again) with crochet, especially with granny squares and their endless ways to mix different colors.

Crafted by Carly said...

What a busy bee you've been! And what a clever one too! Love all the show-and-tells! :-)
Carly
x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Good morning Helen!...Such a bright and pretty post of all your beautiful crochet..I love the daisy design(I finally picked up a hook myself at Easter Helen and I'm having so much fun learning!) Your little dog from grannie's attic is so sweet sitting there amongst the flower pots too.
Congratulations to Amanda..I remember reading that she recently bought a sewing machine and she will be thrilled with her lovely prize!
Happy Thursday,
Susan x

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Helen, your post is so beautiful! Everything that you make is always so bright and colorful! We are just getting flowers blooming outside and the sun is shining! Have a wonderful day and I really enjoy all of your crochet, especially the daisy squares cushion and pincushion!!

Ladybird Diaries said...

I love crochet too, it's great. I love your little daisy pillow, it's beautiful and such lovely fresh colours. Your ripple blanket looks lovely too.
Mx

Nora said...

So pleased you got to the bottom of a good pattern for the daisies...they look wonderful!

Love the ripple blanket too!!

nora xxx

Madelief said...

Dear Helen,

That Daisy pillow looks absolutely lovely. So does your ripple blanket! It makes me want to shut down my computer and start crocheting again straight away :-)

Happy weekend!

Madelief x

Way Out Wear said...

scrumptious colours!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Your pillow turned out beautifully and looks perfect on that wicker chair with the spotted pillow. I've yet to do a ripple for the simple reason of having to pay attention. :) I much prefer grannies that just go round and round and round with the same comforting rhythm. That little puppy from Grannie's attic is so very cute and your flowers look so lovely. Wishing you a wonderful day. Tammy

thesnailgarden said...

Wow, what a gorgeous cushion! Such beautiful colours. I'm going crochet crazy at the moment too. Best wishes, Pj x

gillyflower said...

Beautiful! The cushion is just lovely, so punchy with colour!
The ripple blanket is going to be stunning too, you're really on a roll with the crochet at the moment!
Congrats to Amanda on winning your giveaway - lucky lady!
Hope you have a happy and sunny weekend Helen
Gill xx

Swallow Barn said...

beautiful crochet - it is so addictive isn't it!

Sue Pinner said...

Looking great x

Unknown said...

dear helen, would love to know what brand the yarn is if you wouldn;t mind sharing? thanks so much.....i just love love love your blog, michelle

Paula said...

Hello sweet Helen, Your crochet is beautiful and cheerful! I love the daisy granny squares! Your potting shed is lovely and I am glad you have enjoyed some sunny weather. Love the sweet little pincushion and your pretty ripple blanket too! The old door is lovely and a perfect backdrop for your beautiful flowers! Congratulations to the winner of your giveaway. She will love it! Wishing you a happy, sunny, flower filled week! Lost of love, Paula xo.. I enjoyed your happy sewing post too! Beautiful as always! xo

Rubyred said...

Love your daisy cushion and your ripple blanket,
such pretty colours!
Great idea with the door Helen and your dog from grannies attic is adorable!
Have a lovely day!
Rachel x

Anonymous said...

I finally signed up for a crochet class, on Crafty. I have now completed two rows of chain stitches ;) So far I have to say I prefer sewing, but I'm really going to try to give this a go. Mary

http://sandracreaties.blogspot.com said...

I love it.
Groetjes Sandra

Sam I Am...... said...

Congratulations to Amanda...she is one lucky gal and will love it all I'm sure. But I was getting ready to order your book and then I waited but now I can go ahead! Whew! I've been wanting to order it for awhile so I am free to do so now! LOL!
Thank you for having the drawing...always exciting!

Hannapat said...

I've just discovered your blog and how beautiful it is!! I have been dying to start my ripple blanket for some time but still trying to finish my picnic blanket off. Yours is beautiful and very inspiring. I absolutely live the cushion what pattern did you use for this?? Xo

ALEJANDRA , CROCHET Y CIA said...

Hermoso tejidos! hermosos colores! Un saludo desde Argentina. Alejandra

Eight by Six said...

I know what you mean about crochet, I too am in love with this at the moment and have two blankets on the go but still want to try a ripple one. Amanda x

Jodism said...

Hi Helen, what do you use to stuff your granny square pin cushions? Thanks, Jodi