Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Complete Projects: Brendan's Throw

FINALLY!!
It's done and dusted. After Brendan (my baby brother) dragging his lip, feeling ever-so sorry for himself that I've made throws and baby blankies for loads of people, except him, I decided to take on my biggest crochet project to date - a throw for Brendan's new home. It would have gone a lot faster if I wasn't taking time off to buy a home and start a new job etc etc etc, but finally - here it is!



It's taken roughly 18months when I really could have done it in ±6. But as you can see, it's been a real labour of love! Even though the pattern's called a "granny square", I didn't want it to look "granny", especially since it's for a boy, so I went with quite bold, masculine colors.
I've done granny square blankies before but there were a few "firsts" that make this one a little special. This is the first time that I've successfully joined squares, using an unbelievably simple technique that you can find here. It's also the first time that I've done a "shell" edge, which turned out quite nicely - if I say so myself.



I watched a simple shell edge tutorial on YouTube and then pretty much did my own thing.
I'm sure Beena cat will be happy that it's done now so she can climb back into my lap again. She wasn't happy at all with this cosy looking blanket sitting in my super cosy looking lap and she couldn't get a piece of the cosy action. She did manage to get a few cat hairs on it, but nothing that Brendan will really notice. (Sh! Don't tell him.) In fact, now might be a good time to ask if you know of any good cleaning tips for great big granny square / ripple blankets? If he needs to give it a wash, should he just take it to the professionals?
Anyway! I'm happy that he's got something to throw over his knees / feet on those cold Johannesburg nights when he's relaxing in front of the tv. And soon I'll be starting a blanket for Donovan - my other brother. I'm thinking shades of blue and grey for Don's.
But first, I've got to turn my bedroom around, from drab to fab! I've bought the readymade curtains, but I need to buy the patterned border for the bottom. I have very high ceilings so standard curtain drops aren't long enough. Then I need to paint the back wall, put up a shelf and sew the great big cushion covers for the bed. I've bought the accessories, so once I get going it shouldn't take to long.
I just need to actually START. Oops.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Completed Projects: Rice bag cushion covers

A little something that I made for Noodle, one of my best mates!
For some time now I've been toying with the idea of turning food sacks into cool cushions, so when Noodle's birthday came around, I thought it would be a good opportunity to try it out.
I didn't have any empty food sacks, so I bought 2 bags of basmati rice from Gorima's, emptied them, washed them and then sewed them into cushion covers. The rice itself I donated on Noodle's behalf to the John Palmer Residence for the Blind, which is were my grandmother lives. They're always grateful for any donations that they receive... Win win!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Lazy Saturdays

So I'm chilling in the sofa messing around with the apps on my iPhone and I see that there's a Blogger app. Could it be possible that I can blog directly from my phone if the inspiration hits me?!? Well, this is the first attempt. Let's see if this thing works...

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

Happy New Year!!

Hey, everyone!
Happy New Year! I hope you had an absolute BLAST over the holidays. I'm happy to report that I had one of those holidays where I did absolutely nothing. There were a few little parties and outings here and there, but after the hectic year I've had, it was wonderful to spend quiet time in my new home, enjoying the space and spending quality time with my family and friends.
I thought I'd start the year of with something off my Wish List - chunky knit bed throws.
Oh my!
Could anything be more cosy, comfortable and sexy... in a weird, Wintery, I'm-staying-in-bed-with-my-man-all-day kinda way?
Here's one I've seen on 1kinddesign.com:



And this one's from whatnomints,com:



Beautiful!