Verb: pootle
poo-t(u)l To move in a leisurely unhurried way,
with no real purpose


Monday 17 March 2014

It's a wrap !


 I'm not quite sure how I did it, more mind over matter and a stubbornness not to be beaten than anything else I think,
but I have actually managed to work my way through the 5 pages of pattern and it is finished...
my Juju Loops wrappy shawl is completed !
I have really, really, really enjoyed my brief journey back to the land of knitting and whilst I have missed the crochet simplicity of just hook and one stitch it has been good to have had the challenge of working on something entirely different.
Yes, there were times when the language was more than a little fruity and yes, I did undo it 3 times before I eventually knew what I was doing... 
but I'm so glad I kept at it because I keep looking at it now and thinking "I did that ! "


I love all the tiny bobbles, and the loopy pattern that just magically materialised as I worked my way through, and I particularly like the curved shape around the back.


My poor husband definitely breathed a sigh of relief when I had completed the last row as every time he tried to say something when I was working on it he was met with.. " Shhhh, I'm in the middle of a row.. "
and he's even said since how glad he is to see the crochet back !


The pattern gives two variations so that it can be made in either laceweight yarn or 4 ply and mine was made with Rowan Pure Wool, 4 ply, an absolute dream to work with.


And so , there it is ..... and I love it !
 BUT,  
and I hardly dare admit this after all the hard work and you can quite definitely call me perverse,
I'm still not sure if I'm a wrappy shawl type of person .. I know, I know !
I love them on other people, and I love the idea of them - but will I use it, I don't know !
And even more perversely I have even bought some absolutely scrumptious spring green wool to make another one .... I am beyond help.


And, worse than that, I have since also knitted another pattern up from the same book, 
more of a wrap this time, 
just to try that too.
I've yet to take pictures of that one but I'll put them up soon.

Aaannnyyyway .. wraps aside, how lovely is this sun ?
I know I'm not the only one making the most of it as all of your lovely blogs are so full of it too.
Long may it continue for months to come.


We have the most gorgeous flower bed in the garden at the moment, underneath the apple trees, and every time I look at it it just fills me with me glee.....

 

I'd love to be able to take the credit for it and say that I lovingly worked out a planting design, but it would be completely untrue as that's just how it was when we moved in !
I think the birds must really be loving our garden too at the moment as we have some new neighbours moving in - he literally looked right at me when I took this picture.
 

I was so surprised when I first saw him because look how close the birdhouse is to our kitchen window, I had only really put it there for decoration.
Its quite a time waster watching the happy couple making their little home comfy, they're backwards and forwards all day.
Its a lovely sight to see.

 
 
With this weekends sun calling me out into the garden I have started a mini makeover on a little forgotten corner, tucked away at the back of the house.
As you can see the before photo's are really nothing to write home about,
 

 
but with a bit of weeding, and 'borrowing' of pots from around the rest of the garden,
 
 
its already looking a lot better.
 
 
My plan is that it will be my little tucked away crochet corner as its in quite a nice sheltered area, as well as being beautifully hidden away so that no-one can find me !
I have managed to find this not too expensive all weather lounge set from Wilko's that's hopefully winging its way to me right now,
and I'm hoping it will be just right when it arrives.

 
In the meantime normal crochet has been resumed as I embark on Immi's Uni blanket,
 

and for those who asked I have managed to put pen to paper this weekend and
 write up the pattern for my Stripy Perpetual blanket.
Its just up on the sidebar to the left.
 
 
 

32 comments:

  1. Oh me oh my Kate, I'm bowled over by your wrappy shawl, it looks stunning - clever, clever you! I do hope that you wear it as it's too beautiful to be put away. Your flower bed in the garden is lovely, full of spring promise and how lovely to have a bird family move in; I'd love to have bird boxes but Ziggy to the cat is a bit of a tiger. Have a lovely week wrapped in your triumphant new make!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jane, yes I shall definitely try and be bold with my wrap wearing.
      The funny thing about the bird house is that our cats sit right on that windowsill watching - we must have very plucky birds round here I think !
      Have a good week,
      Kate x

      Delete
  2. Kate, your wrap is stunning! As a non-knitter, I am in awe - it looks so terribly complicated. It will look gorgeous in spring green too - one of my favourite colours. (Sorry for encouraging her, Mr Pootling!)

    The sun has been glorious - I've been out in the garden for the best part of a week. Love the idea of you in your hidden crochet corner!

    Heather x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hiya Heather, so glad you're enjoying the weather too, wouldn't it just be lovely if you could count on it lasting pretty much right through to the end of Summer ?
      Have a good and hopefully sunny week,
      K x

      Delete
  3. The shawl is stunning, you must wear it! It's a lovely wearable colour too. I remember when I used to knit having to say, 'ssh, I'm counting'. Crochet is very forgiving but it's hard to imagine the shawl being translated into crochet. Your crochet hideaway will be perfect with the new furniture, just add a glass of chilled white wine and off you go! J x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's definitely the plan Juanita !
      Kx

      Delete
  4. Goodness you have been busy. I love the wrap but know what you mean you're either a wrappy type person or you're not and I know which category I would come under. Love your little hideaway too it will look fantastic with the furniture and your pots. Long may the sunshine continue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Think I've got to give it a try Mitzi, time will tell !
      K x

      Delete
  5. Oh my Oh my..... I LOVE your wrap Kate, it is so gorgeous.....I would happily re-home it for you, if you decided that your not a wrap person after all..(wink wink!!) Sarah xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ok Sarah, I shall keep that in mind !
    Kx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh Kate, your wrap is stunning! Well done you :-)
    I didn't think I was a wrap / shawl person but I find I am quite comfortable wearing one if it is tied or pinned. I can't do drapey elegance!. I hope you find a way to wear yours that you are comfortable with. Such a lovely post, thank you, Tracey xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tracey, I think you're right about tying it or pinning it, I shall give it a go !
      Thanks for dropping by,
      Kx

      Delete
  8. Hi Kate your wrap is beautiful - you must be so proud I certainly would be. Your new garden furniture looks lovely I can see you sitting very snug with hook, yarn and maybe a glass of something chilled nearby. So looking forward to some summer sun x

    ReplyDelete
  9. Its a gorgeous wrap Kate, such a delicate and detailed design, I am in awe! Even if you are not a wrap kind of person, I'm sure you won't be able to resist popping it round your shoulders in the summer months, once the warmth has gone from the day.
    I'm not really a wrap person either although I love the idea of them, and i have a gorgeous soft coffee coloured one that is perfect for wrapping up in on winter evenings, or when reading in bed, so very worse case scenario, you could wear it for reading in bed!
    The Spring border is a delight!
    Gill xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Gill, I hadn't thought about that. Its quite tricky being completely covered with a duvet whilst holding a book so that's definitely a thought !
      Kx

      Delete
  10. Wow! Your wrap is simply gorgeous. You are so clever. I would really love to be able to knit something like that but I can barely keep the right amount of stitches for a crochet blanket. Have started my stripey blanket ;) xx Vanessa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh how exciting Vanessa, I hope all is going well. Can't wait to see some piccy's.
      Kx

      Delete
  11. Your wrap is lovely! It's such a pretty pattern and the yarn you chose is a beautiful colour to show off those lovely stitches. Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you Elisabeth, and thanks for dropping by.
    K x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello lovely Kate, well I can see why that gorgeous wrap caused a little cussing under the breath, it looks super fiddly, but oh so gorgeous!! You must be proud as punch with the result, I know I for one would be and would wear it with pride! Now clearly the process couldn't have been that painful if we are already embarking on the next one, or is a case of pure sadism! Your garden looks gorgeous and I am just siting here drooling over it all. Love what you have done outside your conservatory, it is all looking very pretty!! Hope you are keeping well. Enjoy your week xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes indeed there was some cussing !
      Hope you're getting to enjoy the sunshine too.
      Look after yourself,
      K x

      Delete
  14. Ooh, your shawl is just beautiful Kate!...and now you want to embark on another one?...We are a strange lot at times, aren't we?...Have you broke the news to your dear hb yet?...You definitely need to prepare him ..your house does sound just like ours :-) x
    Love the corner you are creating for crafting...it will be a lovely place to sit in summer and your flower bed is so pretty!
    Happy Tuesday!
    Susan x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan, I know , it's completely bonkers ! And no , haven't mentioned it to hb yet .....
      Have a lovely week,
      K x

      Delete
  15. That wrap is utterly beautiful! Well done on some silky skills!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Steph
      Just popped by yours and LOVING your bobbles , gorgeous !
      Kx

      Delete
  16. Oh Kate, that wrap is just gorgeous! With the beautiful stitches, the design, the colour...just paint some grey varnish on your nails and embrace your inner Shawl Person! ;-) that's what I've done with my Nordic Shawl, really not normally my thing, but the yarn is soooo lovely, and with coordinating taupe nail varnish, I wear it with aplomb! I love love love your birdhouse, my little neighbours bring me so much joy, and yours even pose for photos! Lovely garden nook you're making there...Cxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think your right Chrissie , its so all about the aplomb , I shall try my hardest !
      Kx

      Delete
  17. Hi Kate, your wrap is beautiful...definitely something to be very proud of. Such lovely work.
    Marianne x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marianne, hope you will get the chance to craft this weekend instead of working,
      K x

      Delete
  18. Your shawl is just glorious, a work of art .... much patience required to work up such a pattern, well done! xx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your shawl is so gorgeous, Kate! Such a complex pattern to follow and a real work of art now it is finished! I loved hearing that your pretty little birdhouse has some tenants.....such a lovely thing to happen and fun to watch the comings and goings :)
    Wishing you a happy weekend.
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for dropping by - I LOVE receiving your comments and get really excited when I see a new one has been added. I read every single one and try to send a reply whenever I can. ♥