Hello! How are you? Did you have a good Christmas break? I hope so. We've had the coldest Christmas for ages here in the West Country. Lots of ice and slippery roads, and even a light sprinkling of snow. My palm trees are not happy. Not one bit. I appreciate that the weather has been a lot more severe in other regions but we're just not used to it down here. I've even had to break out the properly warm coat which has not seen a winter since we lived in Yorkshire.
Lots of nice, cosy activities to keep me occupied indoors, though. Somewhat surprisingly (to me, at least) whilst in the grips of a head cold prior to Christmas, I actually managed to learn how to crochet. I blame the general out-of-body experience brought on by Lemsip (I'm just not good with medicines). The cold-induced delirium provided that 'Aha' moment for me and the crochet. I've tried before, many times, but just never quite got it. To be entirely truthful, I haven't always liked many crocheted items but a bit of random online clicking took me to here. And I was hooked (pun intended). I started off with the Sisterhood Crochet Blanket Square (from Vanessa's side bar) which has the most fabulous step-by-step tutorial with beautiful photographs. I did crank out a passable imitation of the original square which pleased me.
Armed with new-found knowledge, a large, emerald green crochet hook and some chunky emerald green yarn, I started to recreate the squares and kept going until the yarn ran out. What a fabulous way to use up an extraordinarily large amount of yarn in a short space of time. I had no idea it could eat stash quite so quickly.
I especially enjoyed crocheting the squares together with single crochet - although I have since learned an even niftier method which I'll show you next time. Although I have the distinct feeling that there are many, many crocheters out there who knew this stuff all along. Late to the party. Again. Ah, well.
A couple of bits of house-keeping just to update things a little. When I first started this blog (in April 2004!), I rather fudged introductions to my daughters. The youngest in particular, who has gone by the epithet of 'BB' (the Baby Bohemian) is very definitely no longer a baby and is particularly offended to be called a baby ("Child-minding, Nanny and Granpa. NOT baby-sitting."). She has requested that I refer to her here as 'Pixie' in future (it's a family nickname). So, from now on, there will be ten year old Pixie, the thirteen year old Faerie, and the fourteen year old Elfine. The husband is still the husband (lucky him!).
Well, that's all for now. Oh, must just wish you a Happy New Year!
Cheerio for now. xx
Posted by Anita at January 4, 2010 04:04 PMHappy New Year !
Wishing you and yours all the best for 2010.
Of course, Pixie is quite right. ;0)
How time flies! I still think of Pixie as being a young child, she's in double figures now! Have a look at Attic24's blog, lots of pretty crocheted squares.
Posted by: dawn at January 5, 2010 02:20 PMCongrats - new year, new skill!
Posted by: Steph at January 5, 2010 05:32 PMLove your colour combinations,and your crochet looks perfect.I have crocheted several twirly scarves in Kidsilk Haze they are simply divine and so soft.
It seems such a short time ago that you came to mine knitting in Harrogate.All your girls were little then. Mine are now 25,23,21 and baby is 17 at end of this month,he is desperate to drive.We have had SO much snow even more this morning.Managed to get to work for 8am as did most of our patients.Snow seems to bring people out on foot which is lovely to see. Glad you are all well.
Happy New Year
Lovely crochet - it's something I've never been able to get to grips with properly.
The snow's so pretty here, have to keep the fire lit though. Hope you're all keeping warm.
xxx