December :: craft round up

Hello....... So I've finally got around to writing up last months craft round up, it seems strange to be writing about something from last year. The beginning of  December seems an age ago after all the busiest of Christmas and New year, but I guess it's only a few weeks.

Any road here's the mosaic's of last months crafts and makes

Last months yarniness was all about the 'Wintertime Wreath' getting it finished on time for the Solstice. It was so much fun making the wreath, I just loved playing around with all the icy tones then adding beads buttons and crystals as the finishing touches.

December also saw me finally get around to finishing my Alice in Wonderland watercolours mounting them up to look like playing cards, I have bought some large pieces of card to mount them on for the exhibition but that will have to be done in situ otherwise it will be too large to transport.

As for January, well so many WIP's are afoot here at the Summerhouse, I'm making a smaller version of my Springtime wreath for a charity auction. Here's where I'm up to playing around with the layout and planning what needs to be done.

I'm also in the process of making my final piece for the exhibition, the theme is 'The Seaside' so I'm making bunting, as I can't think of anything more seasidie than that. Sewing is very new to me so I'll keep you posted as to how it goes.

I've also been making lots of little granny squares as I decided, that it time, the Summerhouse needs it's own Granny blanket. This is a very old WIP from a few years back when I first decided to learned to crochet I bought the yarn and Nicki Trench 'Cute and Easy Crochet book and made a few squares but never got much further with the blanket. I guess as a newbie crocheter at the time it was just too daunting.

So I'd love to make some real head way with this project this coming year. I've always dreamed of making a blanket, continuing the family history of blanket making.  I have so many happy cosy childhood memories of being snuggled up under a granny blankets made by my Grandma (on my Dad's side) and my Great Nan (on my mum's side).

 I never ever got to meet the wonderful lady that was my Great Nan, who is so fondly spoken about by my Mum and her sibling, but I think it's wonderful that we have this connection with her through the blanket she made.

We used it for snuggling and tent making and when ever we were ill as children the blanket was always there, to be tuck up under on the sofa.

Maybe I'll dig them out of the airing cupboard and do a vintage granny blanket post one of these days, I pretty sure my Great Nans blanket is in need of some repair but at least now I possess the skills to do that.

As for reading when I have the time and the concentration I'm still working my way through 'The Colour' by Rose Tremain which I'm really enjoying.

 So the plan is I'm going to join in with Circle of Pines - year in books link up, with the aim of reading one book a month for the year.  So that's January's book. The Colour by Rose Tremane, which is full of good inspriration  so far for a folk song.

joining Ginny's Yarn along  and crocheting along with Marianne and Chrissie so why not check out what everyone else has been up to.

Happy Crafting

Clare xx