craft

A Childs Cardigan (& a lesson learned!)

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A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to test out a new crochet pattern for a childrens cardigan by the designer Mrs Daft Spaniel (also known as Marta 😉 ). You may recall I mentioned it here.

Crochet Cardigan

It is a lovely pattern, very easy to follow and the end result is an adorable little cardigan, suitable for both boys and girls depending on your colour choices. It features a gorgeous cabled yoke that I love.

I have used Drops Big Merino which is just sooo squishy and lovely, perfect for autumn/winter wearables.

Crochet Cardigan - Cabled Yoke

Working on this project has taught me one important lesson.

Always check your tension first! 

Probably common sense for most of you, right?

I have never truly worried about tension as my projects hardly ever rely on it. On this occasion I didn’t purposefully ignore it but neither was I looking for it and my tired brain skimmed over the recommended tension given in the pattern….

Consequently this lovely little cardigan intended for Emma is too stiff and far too small. I did realise this half way through but decided to push on any way and see where I ended up… Think tiny jacket instead of 4yr olds cardigan. I will most likely be reclaiming this yarn at some point. It has at least clearly shown me just how tightly I crochet. Yikes!

Still, maker inflicted size and drape issues to one side, it is a fab pattern I intend to use again. This time in the requested shade of pink for the little miss.

Crochet Cardigan

The pattern will be available here on Ravelry soon and I definitely recommend it. Just don’t be like me and do a tension square first!!

Naomi x2

 

 

An Unexpected Break

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Without planning too, I have taken a month completely away from the blog. Once again though I am back and hopefully this return will be uninterrupted!

It has been a challenging few weeks in many ways (I’ve just realised I even missed my little mans 4 month update – Don’t worry I can catch you up in 3 words… Did. Not. Sleep.) coping with a Jekyll & Hyde baby boy who is wonderful in the daytime and a non-sleeping little terror through the night while also adjusting to our new morning routine as Emma starts nursery school for the first time.

daddy-&-matthew-4m

This leaves me at a whole new level of sleep deprivation and I find myself continually marvelling and thanking God for my ability to still function as a rational human being.
Which I do, most of the time. Give or take the odd ‘sudden crying mess in the church creche’ moments. Naturally I save those moments for the most convenient and private of times. Ha.

(All of this being said 3 out of the last 4 nights have been a vast improvement. I mean I got a 4 hour stretch last night!)

workspace

So blogging has not been too high on my list of things to do, but now Emma is settled at nursery and I suddenly have some daytime hours that I can actually use. I should probably be sleeping but this more enjoyable.

2-bags

I have been able to steal minutes in the evening to still do some crochet. This is basically for my sanity. I think once I might have comfort eaten Lindt chocolate instead but now I’m dairy free yarn has fully taken over. I crochet to stay sane.

I am currently working on a children’s cardigan which I am actually pattern testing for the lovely Marta of @mrsdaftspaniel over on Instagram.

MDS-cardigan

I also have a little slightly retro jumper in the works for Matthew which I am designing (making up as I go) – no promises of a pattern we’ll see how it turns out!

All things going to plan, I’ll be back soon to show you more of each.

I hope September has kicked of well for you all!!

Naomi x2

 

 

 

Five Fact Friday

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1. Jabs are horrid things. I’m not particularly great with needles and my little Matthew had his 8 week immunisations this morning. I know that he has certainly already forgotten it but they are such heartbreaking cries that stick with me for ages.

baby book and toes

2. Sea Shells. Emma has quite a collection of shells from the beach that she likes to play with. We stack them, sort them, paint them and make pictures but I feel there must be more we can do. Does anyone have any good ideas for toddler friendly shell crafts/games?

sleepy morning family

3. Vegetables. Emma is an incredibly fussy eater and I worry about the absolute lack of fruit and vegetables in her diet. This week has been better though, she has eaten carrot, red pepper and sweet potato. I am finally convincing her to try things again… now if we could just add some greens!

tapestry bookmark

4. Crochet. I am playing around with some bits here and there when I find a few free minutes. I am also working on a new pattern but my goodness it is slow progress. It requires more concentration than my sleep deprived brain can cope with right now. Simple small projects for fun are my go to for a while!

Matthew 8 weeks

5. Quiet time. I always struggle to set aside time in the mornings for my bible study. I tend to leave it for the evenings by which point I am too tired to really concentrate – especially these days! However as I am now usually up between 5.30-6.30am to feed Matthew I am trying to use that as an alarm call. I have been using the She Reads Truth app this week from the comfort of my bed but next week I am going to try taking the Hello Mornings Challenge to get me up and at it!

Have you ever joined Hello Mornings? Or can you recommend something similar that has helped you? I would love to hear!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Naomi x2