Crocheted circles...

I've had some thoughts for a while about using this Rowan Fine Tweed for a bag design.

 I wanted to use a circular motif and was reminded by the lovely little woollie blog of a pattern I'd stored away for future use.  I deliberately chose a smaller hook than I'd normally use with this yarn, as I want the fabric to be dense and sturdy. And so little circles grew into big circles!

I've decided to do a single round only of the squaring off bit, as I want the circles to fill most of the space. I haven't yet decided on the shape of the bag so I'm hoping that inspiration will strike as I make up some more motifs! I may just have to spend some more time on Pinterest!

The last of the moths...

I finished the last 6 moths over the weekend and enjoyed seeing them on my studio wall for a day or two before framing them up today.

 

 

 

I tried a dark grey background as well as a cream one and couldn't decide which I preferred so I asked the person who'd commissioned them, and she chose cream.

 

 

So here they are all framed up and ready to fly to their new home!

 

 

 

5 more moths...

I spent a lovely day in the studio today researching and painting moths. They really are amazing in their diversity, and whilst I'm enjoying painting them, I'm not sure I'd want to spend much time with the real things!

Here they are altogether. I hope to do the final 6 over the weekend and then I can sort out their final arrangement before framing them.

Ready for Autumn

Hurrah! I finished the shawl and was able to block it in the sunshine this morning. I pinned it over a towel and into the lawn and hoped for the best.

When I went to check if it was dry I found the brave and fearless Mabel protecting it from the local wildlife! 

I'm pleased with how it turned out, particularly the subtle change of colour in the border.  Here it is modelled by son number 2!

I've spent some time sorting out my studio and trying to make space for my ever growing stash of yarns.

And I finally got my paintbrushes out again and painted a moth! Yay! One down, eleven to go!

I've started some new crochet work and most excitingly of all, from 9th September I shall be working in the lovely Marmalade Yarns every Monday - I can't wait! If you're in the Frome area do pop in - the shop has just had a lick of paint inside and out and is full of beautiful yarns. 

I'm ready for Autumn - bring it on!

Time off...

I've just returned from two glorious weeks in Turkey with family and friends. I spent my time eating, drinking, laughing, swimming (bobbing!), reading and generally recharging my batteries. I did no knitting, crochet, sewing, drawing or painting but now I'm home I'm raring to go.  I need to finish my shawl first and I also have a commission for a moth painting. Then it's time to experiment with some crochet ideas and I also have an idea for a linocut. Rather scarily, my best friend has also requested a knitted cardigan for her 'big' birthday next year. I introduced her to the joys of Ravelry whilst sipping gin and tonics by the pool and I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew!! Will it fit, will she like it? Her birthday isn't until May so plenty of time to worry about it!

The shawl is nearing completion - I've just started the border. I had to start a new skein which looks quite different to the first one - it's much less variegated. I'm hoping it will look like an intentional border effect rather than a mistake!

I'm also sorting out and generally tidying up my studio in preparation for my Autumn work!  Photos of that and some hairy painted moths coming soon!