Down but not out… just a little setback…

Hello everyone, due to some unforeseen health issues that came one after the other, it’s been quite some time since my last post – First… a dead left arm & shoulder (too much crochet, I suspect) – rest & massage took care of that. Then, I woke with a crink in the neck, which developed into a Wry Neck… totally disabling, extremely painful & requiring much physiotherapy. You would think that this is enough to force me to rest & refrain from crochet & the computer (& so called repetitive activities). But no… I had to go one step further…

While looking after my elderly neighbour’s dog, when she went into hospital for some tests, I was bitten on the right hand. Not a serious bite (I thought)… nevertheless… off to the docs, tetanus shot, antibiotic, bandages… all very dramatic… 2 days later I was rushed into hospital with excruciatingly painful Cellulitis & found myself on an IV drip for 3 days… scary stuff indeed!!

Goes to show how quickly things can change in an instant. They say things come in 3’s, Soooo… that’s definitely it… I’ve accepted the forced rest but my hooks & keyboard have been idle long enough now & I’m raring to get back into it. Besides, all those unfinished projects, that are dotting the house, are screaming to be dealt with…

And so life goes on…. Just before all this happened I wanted to post about my new little helper, a lovely, full size mannequin. I had purchased her with the intention of revamping my photos to showcase each piece to its best advantage. I did manage to get many done & posted in my Etsy & Zibbet shops – I wonder, did anyone notice the gallery updates?

Isn’t she gorgeous? If you have a moment, I’d really love your feedback… thank you everyone for your ongoing support… It’s good to be back.

 

Getting Started with Crochet….

Some weeks ago  a group of mums  invited me to give their kiddies  a crochet lesson. I have to say, I’m always a tad apprehensive when teaching children because you never know what to expect… some will pick it up super quickly while others struggle. Nevertheless, I’m always up for a challenge & this was not different.

I decided the best way to begin was with a pictorial tutorial so that the children had a starting point & something they could refer to when the mood struck to try a bit of crochet…. it proved to be a great success… the afternoon was busy, fun, lovely.

I came home exhausted but very pleased with myself that, in some small way, I’ve helped young people (including quite a few boys) & their mums get started or rekindle their interest in crochet. I’d like to think that, some time down the track, they remember that Saturday afternoon, pick up their hook & yarn & continue…

And then, it occurred to me that I’m often asked what is the correct way to hold the hook/yarn? So, I thought… it wouldn’t hurt for me to post the Getting Started Pictorial Tutorial for everyone struggling with the dilemma of how to hold the hook/yarn…. I hope this little tutorial helps… enjoy & happy crocheting….

Remember there there are more Tips & Trick on this page just click on the links

Random Crochet creates Side Show Alley (2)…

take your hook (3.50 mm US E) & with the gorgeous Mini Mochi yarn  crochet some random shaped motifs… arrange them on a template, any shape will do but, in this case I’ve chosen a triangle, then… with the beautiful  Noro King yarn, chain the pieces into shape. Presto! A beautiful shawl/wrap to delight the senses…

Of course… you can use your own choice of hook & yarns – the results will surprise you

 

When this goes with that… Hats, Scarves, Fingerless Mittens….

Here are couple of lovely new winter warmers where this goes with that… created in 100% non-allergenic acrylic

Interview with Underground Crafter…

Being selected for an interview is always such an honour  & I’m particularly pleased that Marie Segares has chosen me to be her 100th interview on her blog Underground Crafter. To celebrate her milestone she is having a  givaways kick off so go check it out…

Marie has generously interviewed  various talented crafters… her questions are always interesting & thoughtful & her many  book reviews are objective & constructive.  I’d like to thank you, Marie, for giving me the opportunity – it’s been a real pleasure!

You will find the interview & book review for ‘Bring Colour to Crochet’ here – I hope you enjoy it…