Akki's Granny Square Blanket

Before my boyfriend left for Germany I had him pick some yarn he liked and that I would use to make him an afghan. As you can see he loves blue. I decided to use each colour twice to make a single block and then each block will finish with 2 rows of navy so that will mean each block will look like it is bordered with 4 rows of navy, just like the brown worked as a border in the lapghan. My boyfriend asked for an afghan that will fit a double bed but I think I will only have enough time and yarn to make one for a single bed. Also I have to take it to Germany and it would just be impossible to take something that heavy and bulky. I have 16 weeks to finish it and about 30 of these large squares to make so really I'll need to finish the squares in about 10 weeks with 6 weeks to crochet the borders, sew in the ends and stitch the whole thing together. Now that I put it like that ahhhhh I don't know if I'll make it! But I will try my best.

I just remembered I forgot to show you all how I finished the border on the lapghan. I opted for this simple scalloped edging which I think is quite effective. It took a while to do but I think it was worth it, giving the lapghan a finished and professional look.

January Block Swap

This is the block I sent my January block swap partner. I hope it's scrappy enough for her as this is what she asked for in her description. The fabric is left overs from my sister's 21st birthday quilt and a toddler quilt I made for my neighbours' son. I am enjoying being part of the block swap and while I was disapointed not to get one from my November partner I did get one from my January partner and it is quite lovely. I will post a picture of the January block I received later as I have not yet taken a photo of it.

The Little Lapghan is Finished!

Here are some photos of the lapghan I started last year. This is my first ever granny square project and I am so proud and happy to say that I have finished it. It has been a great learning experience, first having to learn how to crochet a granny square and then to figure out how to sew the pieces together and then sew in the ends. I am enjoying having this little lapghan warm my legs while I work on the computer or warm my shoulders and back as I use it as an extra blanket when I sleep under my doona. I've already started a new granny square afghan project but I'll save that for another post! Until then I hope everyone is well and happily crocheting along.

Flower Scarf Finished!

I FINALLY finished the flower scarf I started last year and although I changed the colours and pattern I think it has turned out well. It's actually quite warm and feels nice around the neck. Please excuse the photo of me modeling the scarf in my P.J's! Not a great look I know.

Summer Update

Hi everyone sorry for being quiet for the past 3 weeks but with Christmas and new years madness there has been little spare time for craft projects. I do have some things I want to share with you all and the first of those are photos of the Christmas Traditions swap package. Unfortunately my family and I got to the scrumptious ginger bread men and pecan balls before I thought of taking photos of the package so these photos only feature the non edible parts of the package. Thank you Tammy for such a wonderful Christmas surprise and all your efforts that went into the package!

I recently visited my uncle's farm and brought back another large sack of beautiful raw fleece which is of finer quality than that I used last time. I am confident that it will be easier to clean and work with and hopefully the felt made from it will be smoother and softer.

Lastly I'd like to share with you my favourite thrift store find this summer. I love this chair! It's perfect for sitting in and knitting or crocheting and at 10$ it was a steal! If only I had room for the other one that was also on sale. Also if you notice that is one of my granny square projects draped over it, all finished and on display!

A Very Late Birthday Present

I have finally finished making two felted cushion covers for a friend's birthday that was in August. I had one already made ages ago but really wanted to make a pair for the present. I am quite pleased with the way I sewed the cushions together, I've never sewn anything other than stuff for my patchwork so I wasn't sure how to do it. There is a lot of overlapping material so I haven't even had to add Velcro or press studs. Well I am giving the presents to my friend tomorrow so I hope she likes them. I guess now they are partly Christmas presents too!

Here is the very simple gift wrapping of the cushion covers.

I thought I'd add a picture of a doll my neighbour had made for her little girl's Christmas present. I think it's absolutely gorgeous and it even looks like the little girl who is getting it. How much better is this than some Barbie doll?!

Anyhow I hope everyone is having a great week leading up to Christmas. Tomorrow is the last day for work this year then it's 5 weeks off for summer holidays, yippee! I'm sure I'll spend it being busy with craft projects. If I don't post again before Christmas I wish you all a wonderful and safe Christmas and a happy new year.

My First Block Swap

My swap partner asked for a block that had a nautical theme and this is what I have come up with. I chose the blue fabric because I thought not only is it blue but it has a bit of tone variation that makes a pattern which reminds me of the sea or water in general. I hope my partner likes it and can actually use it in her quilt. I've joined another two swaps since this one and am finding it exciting to be part of these swaps, sharing things we've made with our hands with others across the globe or in other parts of our own country.

I've never made a block like this so I am feeling a wee bit proud of myself, working it out and getting the size right without a pattern. OK it's not complicated or anything but I still can't help but feel like I've achieved something. Anyhow I hope everyone is doing well and not going slowly insane with all the running around and trying to get all that needs to be done for the holiday season.