Giant Granny Square

I started making Caleb a giant granny out of very chunky yarn last winter, but ran out and haven't been back to Lincraft since. Not sure why. So that is still on the go, but the desire to do some simple TV craft meant that Jemima has scored a blanket first.

I have to use acrylic yarn because I am pretty sure I am allergic to wool (such a shame!) so this is just an 8 ply acrylic from my local "junk shop" as we affectionately call it. She is mad for pink and purple, so that's what it is.

"Quilting" for the Blondie

This is my favourite kind of quilt to make. It's the 3rd time I have made one, and the 1st time I get to keep it in the house (on Jemima's bed). Hooray!

Obviously it is just fat quarters sewn together, then with a vintage chenille backing and tied together (using this tutorial again). This is about the only kind of patchwork I can manage. I don't have what I suppose is a true quilter's temperament. I want my quilt done now!

I bought a fat quarter pack from the Fat Quarter Shop before the bottom fell out of the AUD (what's up with that?) They are Lecien Old New Collection 30s, which are really sweet.

The chenille bedspread was from ebay, and I am trying to get my hands on a white one for Caleb's quilt, but it is proving difficult. Who knew vintage chenille bedspreads were such a sought after item?

The kids will move into Caleb's room a few months before bebe makes her arrival, so these new bedspreads are in honour of that. Much to do!

Craft for baby

We had our 18-21 week scan a few weeks ago and discovered that our baby is (most likely) a little girl. The radiographer was extremely confident, I just like to have an element of doubt "just in cases".

Nevertheless, I indulged in my first bit of baby craft which is pretty girly on purpose. I struggle with crochet when the size it ends up is really important. Hats are tricky for example. And despite the fact I did the what-you-may-call-it tension testy thing, this cardy turned out OK... But probably a little big width wise and a little short length wise, and the arms are huge, with the "wrist holes" smallish. I was gunning for newborn size, but we shall see. Certainly too big for a newborn, but maybe by 3 months (yes, when it will be pretty much summer!) she will get to wear it.

I used a pattern from "Weekend crochet for babies" by Sue Whiting which I borrowed from the library. It has really sweet patterns in it, but as always with me and crochet patterns, they always have a bit or two where the directions seem ambiguous.

I know some people prefer the gender of their baby to be a surprise when baby is born, but I am so pleased to "know". It makes me feel like this is really happening, and allows us to do a little bit of planning. (But if "she" turns out to be a "he" on D-day, we won't be at all disappointed.)

Just one wedding behind

I went to another lovely wedding on the weekend and brought a gift, but not for the current bride and groom- for a bride and groom who got married about a month or two ago.

This project first appeared here. Four placemats and coasters made from mostly recycled materials and scraps. I quite like the way they came together, and could really do with some placemats for our place. I'm not very good at making the same thing over again in quick succession, so I know it won't be for a while.

So now to think up a present for the bride and groom of more recent times...