Crafty at last!!

With June such a busy month at Chester Farm, I have been glad of some time to just sit and finish off a few items and pick up a few UFOs and generally relax.

The first item that I was determined to complete and has been around for 18 months was my Attic24 Woodland blanket.  I was given the pack as a Christmas present in 2017 so my sons will be pleased to see it finished at last.

I have loved making it but I must admit that when I was down to my last few rows I found it was like reading a good book: I didn't want it to end but just go on and on......!  However what to do next?

Well this was a no-brainer because sometime ago I started a High Tea crocheted fusion quilt, using my Mini Mania squares.  

Three down and about 15 to go but as they are all different sizes I am going to have to think outside the box for joining them up so that will be a challenge.

My monthly smocking group still meet and I am currently working on a cover for the Lever Arch file that holds my patterns.  This is picture smocking and I have found it extremely difficult and has certainly stretched me.

These are going to be Bay Trees in blue pots so still some way to go - next will be the tree trunks before I have to do the background.  The pleats must be held together either with smocking on the wrong side (back smocking) or on the front and so that is what I have decided to do.  Something light, easy and quick before I have to complete some Christmas baubles.

Sock club has continued at Purlwise and our latest challenge is to make a pair using proper cables with a cable needle.  Isn't that lucky because I am completing this pair

which is from a Debbie Bliss pattern though the wool is the WI yarn from Hobbycraft.  These are going off to Yarndale for Winwick Mum's sock line for charity along with my Patchwork Socks that I wrote about here.  I have until September but am working on them everyday.

Once again Higham Piecemakers are going to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace in October but unfortunately I have a previous engagement.  However I did go last year and bought a couple of bag patterns as I thought Piecemakers might like to have a go at this one on an 'All day' session.  

I thought this was interesting because of the woven panel on the front.  I have made it in denim though any fabric heavier than a quilting fabric will do.  I am very pleased how it has worked out and providing the strips for the weaving are cut out beforehand it should be finished in a day.  Note: this is a copyright pattern and I will not be printing it off however if any group members who read my blog want to pay for it that is up to them.

Right that is all so I shall settle down to work on one of my WIPs as I channel hop between the Men's Tennis Final at Wimbledon and the World Cup Cricket Final.  Oh it's a hard life!!!!