Thursday 10 April 2014

Spring is here.

Well this week has been one filled with plenty of April showers but we were able to avoid any this morning and make the most of the Spring sunshine and head off to RSPB Salthome.


This is one of my favourite places to head to for a bit of fresh air and inspiration. During the Easter holidays they have the lambing shed open to the public, we didn't get to see any lambs being born but we did spot the happiest lamb I've ever seen, looking like he was smiling and enjoying the warm sun.



It was so refreshing just wandering around the different trails, letting the warm breeze blow away the cobwebs.



Of course the main thing you go to see here are the birds, my pictures of the birds were a little blurry as it was at this point that my friends little boy decided that he was going to 'help' me with my camera.





Although I have to admit that I get more distracted by the arrival of the butterflies more than the birds!



I really do love this time of year with all the signs of new life awakening after the winter.





Hopefully there will be plenty more sunshine during the rest of the Easter holidays x



Sunday 6 April 2014

Little Dachshund

On Friday I was lucky enough to become a lovely tin of colourful gorgeousness.


A minature rainbow of yarny delight.
And how marvelous that on the same day I purchased the latest edition of Simply Crochet, which had the cutest pattern of a minature dachshund! Of course it just called out to be made as soon as possible.

 
 
So today has been spent curled up in my chair, hook in hand, lots of cups of tea being drunk while I have hooked up this little chap.
The downside is stitching all the limbs together, as I have to admit my amigurumi can sometimes end up looking a little 'wonky'.
Luckily he seems to have come out looking rather fabulous.
 
 

Saturday 5 April 2014

Easter Break

Today is the first day of my Easter break, no I'm not lucky enough to be heading anywhere nice for a little get away, but I do get to spend two whole weeks pottering about and making pretty things.
Something that I will be making plenty of is some cute little egg cosies to go with Easter gifts.
 
 
 
 I do like my eggs to be dressed nicely.
 
There are lots of patterns out there for making pretty egg cosies but this is mine that I like to use x
 
Stylcraft DK
3.5mm hook
Buttons
Felt
Make a magic ring.
R1.   4dc into magic ring (do not join, place a marker such as a short piece of wool to mark the beginning of each round).
R2.   2dc in each st (8st).
R3.   *2dc in next st, 1dc in next st**, repeat from * to ** 3 times (12st)
R4.   *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 2st**, repeat from * to ** 3 times (16st)
R5.   *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 3st**, repeat from * to ** 3 times (20st)
R6.   *2dc in next st, 1dc in next 4st**, repeat from * to ** 3 times (24st)
R7.   1dc in each st (24st)
R8.   2dc in next st, 1dc in next 11st, 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 11st (26st)
R9.   2dc in next st, 1dc in next 12dc, 2dc in next st, 1dc in next 12 st (28st)
R10 -16 1dc in each st (28st)
Slst to join, finish off and weave in ends.
To decorate as a caterpillar choose 2 buttons for eyes then cut 2 felt circles slightly larger than the buttons. Choose a black button for the nose. Cut 2 antennae from felt. Sew all in place.
For the second egg cosy I added the butterfly motif.
 
 
There are so many possibilities for decorating your egg cosies!
Have fun x