Japan

So many words have been written about the continuing nightmare in Japan.  The bombardment of news and horrific images leave me feeling sad and knotted up inside, causing me to pause and think.  I hope that the ongoing nightmare will stop very soon and allow the beautifully stoic and determined people of Japan to begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.  No rioting, no looting, just the disciplined queuing and strong ethics which seems to symbolise the proud Japanese people.

Miss Havisham Framed Flowers

Introducing our enchanting framed flowers which I have called Miss Havisham - a Charles Dickens character who lived alone in a dusty old mansion and never recovered from being jilted on her wedding day by the rogue Compeyson, who had swindled her of her riches.

Humiliated and heartbroken, Havisham had all the clocks stopped at the exact point in which she had learned of her betrayal. From that day on, she remained by herself in her decaying mansion.

She never removed her wedding dress (as a result of being in the process of getting dressed when she receives the letter, she only has one shoe on), leaving the wedding cake uneaten on the table and only allowing a few people to see her.

Soon to go on sale in my new etsy shop :)

Pompadour 24

Pompadour 24 is absolutely chock a block full of the most beautiful japanese craft books.  I have already received this one which arrived within 3 days - even quicker than a wool order from the UK

and now I am awaiting the arrival of this one, and if like the last one - knowing that it will pop through the post beautifully packaged and with adorable pictures inside.  Those japanese girls sure know how to crochet, especially if you are aware of the storm in blog land caused by the gorgeous japanese flowers introduced by Lucy at Attic 24 - have noticed how 24 seems to be a good number for finding beautiful things.

obviously when crocheting the items - I cannot read japanese for toffee, but they are filled with excellent diagrams - which until now I could not read either - but am slowly learning from info gathered online.

I do hope that I will soon get some decent sunshine so that I can start taking pictures of some of my work, because I sure have been busy, busy, busy!

Designers Guild New Collection

I am so loving the new collection of fabrics from Designer's Guild - one of my most favourite interior designers.

 

What a Hero!

I am so impressed with this old lady who took on a gang of robbers - I would so prefer to be this lady than the standard group of idiots standing around taking pictures or videoing, but doing nothing.  If people power got more stuck in maybe the world would be a nicer place to live in.

Gone to Earth

Oh my - I can already feel my wallet strain after viewing the gorgeous web-site Gone to Earth which supplies a massive range of fabrics, patterns, buttons, haberdashery and even a gorgeous range of Amy Butler Yarns!!

Now I will need to spend a huge amount of time perusing the site while trying to decide what to make next and sadly what I can afford :(

Yarn Colours

Whilst I madly dive into my re-discovery of crocheting I came across the cheap and cheerful Stylecraft Special Wools - which I love because they must have the biggest choice of colours available in one brand - with a massive range of 48 shades.  Yes I know it is acrylic but for throws, toys and cushions I think it is ideal for lots n lots of granny squares.  Can be purchased at Masons here

Special DK 100gm

Stylecraft is the market leader in big value economy yarns with its Special range. Now with a new improved quality, cleaner look and even softer handle the appeal is extended still further. The Special range includes 4-ply, DK, Aran, Chunky and baby qualities in a fabulous range of colours to meet every knitter’s needs. The ultimate economy best seller.

Code: Composition: Weight/Length: Colours:		904 100% acrylic 1 kilo pack, 100g ball  322yds/295m 50 shades

White 1001	Black 1002	Aster 1003
Dark Brown 1004	Cream 1005	Bottle 1009
Matador 1010	Midnight 1011	Cloud Blue 1019
Lemon 1020	Raspberry 1023	Apricot 1026
Khaki 1027	Copper 1029	Sherbet 1034
Burgundy 1035	Walnut 1054	Plum 1061
Teal 1062	Graphite 1063	Mocha 1064
Pale Rose 1080	Grey 1099	Sunshine 1114
Green 1116	Royal 1117	Claret 1123
Candyfloss 1130	Shrimp 1132	Lavender 1188
Silver 1203	Parchment 1218	Soft Peach 1240
Fondant 1241	Lipstick 1246	Jaffa 1256
Fiesta 1257	Bright Green 1259	Citron 1263
Violet 1277	Denim 1302	Spring Green 1316
Clematis 1390	Camel 1420	Aspen 1422
Emperor 1425	Wisteria 1432	Bright Pink 1435