my creative space: more woolly goodness

I have been crocheting up a storm using my lovely 'Sublime' Merino wool from the Tauranga Knitting Centre. It feels so soft and the colours are just gorgeous! I'm going to make a blanket using these colours.

We're off the Raglan for the long weekend so I've a got a couple of things ready to pack...a copy of Country Living UK Magazine and my crochet supplies.  I'm using the lovely zip purse Jennie from A Little Vintage sent me as part of a giveaway prize- it's the perfect size for a bit of crochet- thanks again Jennie! I even took my crochet to the car testing place yesterday when I got my warrant-it was nice to have something to do while waiting.

My new knitting/crochet mania means I am really coveting this print at the moment- its from the very talented designer Colleen from Dear Colleen.  I am also loving yellow at the moment so it's perfect really! 

And if you are still to catch the knitting bug or a beginner like me but you really want some knitted goodies for your little ones the clever Jo from Cherubkids on Trademe sells gorgeous slippers and hats in lots of scrummy colours (and very reasonably priced too!) I have asked for a pair of adult ones tee hee! 

To see what's been happening in other creative spaces today head over to Kirsty's here ☞

Have a lovely cosy weekend:)

Megan x

granny squares and baby blankets

Well I've finally got a bit of time to write a post again- it's been a while!  Isn't it the perfect weather for some crafty woolly projects. One of my crafty challenges this year was to learn to crochet and I am so excited to have made my first granny square this week. I went to an afternoon class on Saturday at the Tauranga Knitting Centre and along with 3 others we all learnt how to make a square. I was by the far the slowest and needed the most teacher attention, in fact I had to move to sit next to the teacher ha! but I got there in the end. Of course when I got home and tried to make another one I ended up completely stuck and had to use some tutorials on the web but four days later I think I've got it! I found this photo tutorial from Susan London Textiles the best for making the first 'round' and then used Pip's lessons from "Meet Me At Mikes' to make the rest of the square.

 A pic of the square I made at the class (a bit wonky!) and my numerous practice pieces!

 I also made a start on a knitted peggy square for a baby blanket but I think I am going to crochet one first as its a lot quicker and winter is already here! 

And for some more crochet/knitting goodness.... a few weeks ago the very clever crochet gal Kirsty over at Kootoyoo showed us this amazing granny square necklace from jeweller Victoria Mason. I had a look at her other gorgeous jewellery and there's a little ball of knitting too- love it!

Well, better go before the baby wakes up.  It's pouring down outside and I've got the heater going, a chick flick on (the Meryl Streep movie 'It's Complicated' which my hubby will be pleased I'm not making him watch with me!) and a cat wanting to snuggle while I do some crochet- bliss!
Megan x

Domestic Bliss

My crafty obsession actually started by watching Shannon Lush's TV programme "Lush House" on the Living Channel- eco friendly cleaning tips, organising tips and thrifty finds to enhance your home.  It got me thinking about the money I was spending on unnecessary cleaning products and the fact that in our nana's day they didn't have any of the products we use today and their houses were spotless! From there I got out Wendyl Nissen's "Domestic Goddess on a Budget", a brilliant little read, and then Sophie Grey's Live Well Spend Less. These books really made me think about the money I spend on stuff and the way our Nana's lived compared to us mums today. Then one friend mentioned she wanted to learn to crochet and another friend wanted to sew some christmas stockings and my crafting obsession just snowballed from there!  I started reading blogs, dragging my baby and toddler into sewing and craft shops, booking a couple of beginner sewing and knitting classes and dusted off the old sewing machine and sewed some (very basic!) bunting for my girls' playhouse. I guess the recession and subsequent "Make do and Mend', Grow your own Vege's,  Save Money mantra's has really got me wishing I could make for my children and friends what our nana's did. The satisfaction of making my own things, using the creative side of my brain and sharing my newly found skills with others are great motivation!

Megan :)