Bank Holiday Weekend Crochet

 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rebel-lace-cardi

A quick crocheting update, this weekend started well with a gauge swatch for the Rebel cardigan
for which I show the picture above as well as the link to the pattern on Ravelry.
I am doing the Craftsy Class with this tutor and thus did a really proper swatch and washed and dried it too!



 I am using King Cole bamboo cotton in navy, a 15 mm knitting needle and a 3.5 mm hook here.

 And here is my swatch all washed and dried , only one mistake made and that is the dc( sc) row straight after the chain row, I forgot it and picked up loops straight away.

 Alas it turned out too loose and I haven;t worked the next swatch yet, the one without the mistake and using a 12 mm needle and 3 mm hook?

 I like the swatch though and can see myself making a sleeve for a lacy shrug or summer jacket with this stitch? The weekend started really well with two irresistable new crochet magazine issues on the stand ( but not for long!) and a cheery bunch of fresh flowers.

 Now I have resisted these for a few months now, esecially Simply Crochet as the patterns were just too simple and basic, I have had the prior issue of Inside Crochet though.

 This time I had fun looking through and saw at least 3 patterns I liked in each and the pins will come in really useful too.
Last week in a lunch break I saw a fun pattern online in ravelry pages that I just HAD to try: I need to make a present for Sister who is having her jubilee soon and what better than a ( prayer) shawl?
It's a fab free pattern called I promise you pineapples:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-promise-you-pineapples

Now I have always wanted to do those so I just started Sunday and COULD NOT STOP!
it's a highly  addictive wonderful pattern: could not put it down as In caught up with the Honourable Woman and the Village on BBC I-player?

 I'm using DROPS DELIGHT and a 5 mm hook and had to add extra rows to make it bigger?
This is what I did Sunday ? After I'd been to Stonor Park- more of that on a later post.

 Then today I picked it up and just kept going and going.... It's even bigger now- no photo yet- and weighs over 156g. I'm using blue-mix and beige-blue mix colours.

 And although not shown I have worked all but the last row of the pineapples now, they are really easy to do!

 I have run out of wool with only 2-3 rows left to do, but I will also add an edging to the top edge for a nicer finish so have ordered some more today?

 SUCH FUN! Do have a go as the pattern is free and really well written?

Divine Devon Delights

This  will be part 1 a quick snapshot of a wonderful week in Devon...

 
We'd had a great June and July and I was already browner than I have been in years, all UK sunshine.
 
 I took along this project:| a mini granny square border as a yoke for a sleeveless tank top to wear in all the very hot weather?

 And a fabulous batch of cotton to make a picnic blanket with?

 Stonehenge from a very slowly moving car, this 'cost me an hour delay''.

 Impressive queues both directions... WOW those clouds!

 Arriving at an impressive hallway!

 AAAAAAH: THE VIEW!

 Especially also from the bedroom: an amazing view!

 And  a scary balcony built into the side of cliffs:

 Safer on the balcony outside the bedroom, you can see Paignton beach and an owl rocking chair.

 Lovely large patio and of course the sunshine was a bonus.

 As well as the view!!!!!!!

Those amazing RED cliffs of Devon.