Going down a glorious path.........

...........Hello all.......hope you are well!

It seems as ever, I have a billion things to get done and the hours are just flying by. My head is buzzing with new things to make, in all kinds of crafty areas. As much as I am loving crochet....if I am being completely honest....it frustrates me that what I want to produce from crochet cannot be completed in a day!

My 2011 aim was to get re-acquainted with my sewing machine. I am a VERY basic sewer and I would love to become competent at it. My dream was always to make my own skirts and dresses. Nothing mega fancy, just plain and simple and I would be quite happy. Am I asking for too much here?!!!!

I also would love to do more freehand embroidery, and get messy again with papier mache. I went through a phase many years ago when paper mache was big for me in my little crafty world, but I dont think Mr H has such fond memories. I completely ruined a very good blender....not something we bring up!!!!!!!!

So, I have been listing little projects that I want to get done.........still on crochet for now..........and so whilst perusing through my little books of wonder, I decided I should like to try something new to me.

It was these piccies that gave me inspiration....

Don't you just love them? Ahhhh dreamy stuff...well...for me anyway.

I have actually made them, a while back now........loved them......someone else loved them too so I gave them away. Think I would like to do some more to keep, but it was not these that started me on my new little adventure.......

It was these........

Please excuse the poor quality of the pictures but they were from a book in poor dull grey light.

I thought these were really rather fun and could imagine them sitting quite nicely in my kitchen. They came from these rather lovely books....

Whenever I need a crafty colour burst, I turn to these books. Sheer inspiration and beauty.

So, anyhow, this got me thinking to what other styles I could find of the potholder variety. After a bit of searching on the internet and finding some free downloadable patterns, I thought I would have a go and see where it would take me........

...............well.........it took me to a place where the air was a tad blue I can tell you. How does following a pattern for a potholder turn into a dolls hat/bowl? No, I don't know either, but it did. A part of me wanted to give up, but the other part of me wanted to succeed. I am not great at reading patterns in written form, I find them very confusing and find diagrams so much easier.

But.....with perseverence......I made one.....or two...or several, just because I was excited and on a roll!!!!!! Woo hoooooooooo.

So, do you want to see what I slaved over?

I went a bit mad with this style didn't I?!!!!!

It was such fun to do and I loved playing with the colour combinations. My favourite is the one with the olive green in the middle and petrol blue edging. It looks like it deserves to be on a retro sideboard.

I love them so much, it seems a shame to use them to plonk a pot on, so perhaps I might go all Emma Lamb inspired, put a hook on them and hang them on the wall to show them off. Will have a little think.

I started another one last night in a different pattern which needed every ounce of concentration.....but I seem to be hooked (forgive the pun) on these little beauties and have plans for several more varieties. Certainly a glorious path to wander down!

Happy Monday to you all!

xxx