yarn

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

 

 

 

Little Ripple Blanket

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A couple of days ago I actually finished a crochet project 😮 I have sooo many unfinished WIPs hanging around here it is shameful. But for once I actually picked up something I thought I would never complete and made myself get on with it. To be honest I didn’t even really like it until it was finished.

Matthew and RR blanket

Towards the end of my pregnancy I had wanted something easy to do that didn’t require any brain power on my part… I didn’t have much to spare! I decided to start a small blanket using up the odd bits and balls of Stylecraft Special DK I had hanging around. I grabbed any colours that could be deemed ‘boyish’ and chose the neat ripple pattern from Attic24.

Random. Ripply. Relaxing.

Of course a few stripes in my little man made his appearance and it has been sat in a basket going on 4 months. So last week, needing to get my cro-mojo back, I set to it once more. I really was not happy with these colours together for a long time, but having finished it, bordered it and put it to use I really quite like it’s slightly vintage/retro vibe.

RR blanket bench

It is only small but just enough for a travel blanket for the pushchair or car seat. It measures around 25″x31″. For those interested in the colour shades they are Aster, Spring Green, Spice, Turquoise, Mocha, Aspen and Gold.

Matthew RR blanket

Yay! Now I feel less guilty to start something new… and leave all the other unfinished projects just a little while longer…. 😉

Naomi x2