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


Saturday 19 April 2014

Spring Blanket

 
Oh phew, oh phew
... and breathe ...
... and relax....
 the randomness is done !
 

And, after all my worrying, it really didn't end up having to be that random at all, quite possibly because I very un-randomly and probably rather predictably made the same number of squares of each colour plus one extra pink one to make the numbers work.
 

It was very much a get down on the carpet and just go for it moment.
I started top left and worked my way down one row, up the next and so on following
the colour pattern pink, green, cream, grey and look what happened...
a pattern developed..
yay for patterns and symmetry and all things ordered.


And so with a little pinning...
 


... and stitching...

 
 and the adding of a double crochet border ,
finished off with bobbles..
 
 
the Spring blanket is complete.
And I really am rather taken with it.
 

 
I am also surprised by how much this small blanket has shown me .
Firstly that I'm loving the combination of colours and should quite possibly extend
my colour boundaries a bit more often .
 

Secondly that having thought knitting in garter stitch was just for making endless
teddy bear scarves when learning to knit, that its actually a lovely textured
stitch which I have fallen in love with.
 


And lastly that I think I may now have a bit of a thing for bobbles again as I adore the edging of this blanket that just sort of evolved as I went along.
Needless to say, in my head, I am already planning the next patchwork blanket.
 
 
This week seems to have whizzed by with preparations for a houseful this weekend.
Of course an Easter tree was needed and this was
definitely easier said than done.
Who'd have thought that trying to find branches with the right amount of
hangy bits would prove to be so challenging.
Anyway, got there in the end after a fair bit of foraging in the hedgerows
and the eggs and rabbits are now well and truly hung.
 
 
 
You might notice that underneath the vase is a Mandala .. my first !
As you will all fully understand, despite there being a million and one other things to be done it was absolutely vital this week that one needed to be made.
Having been following Chrissies Mand-a-Long I have been thinking I should give it a go and whilst not fully embracing the colourful patterned variety I thoroughly enjoyed working on this very simple version and then adding a bobbly border in keeping with a bit of an Easter egg theme.

 
Of course one thing led to another and the next thing you know 4 more have been made.
Oh Chrissie - what have you started ?
 

These 4 are soon to be packaged up and sent off to Skipton as a Birthday present
 for my bestest friend . I hope you like them Jane xxx and that they will find
 a home in your beautiful Narrowboat Emily.




And so from now until Monday its pretty much going to be all about chocolate, cakes,
chocolate, and just that little bit more cake.
Beth is home from Uni and the oven has been on pretty much since she walked
through the door.
Diets are out of the window for the foreseeable future.
If you get a chance drop in to Beths scrummy Blog  .... My Own Bake Off.
 

 


Here's wishing you all a very relaxing and a very chocolaty Easter weekend.
 



54 comments:

  1. Thanks for allowing me into your spring blog post! P.s. Might I say your photos are exceptional.

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  2. Very happy easter to you alll! Love the tree and the mandelas!...and those cakes! - I havent made any like that since i was a kid! Fanastic! x

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    1. Get to the kitchen quick, you have to chocolate nests at Easter !
      K x

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  3. Awww the patchwork blanket is just lovely. It's turned out so pretty and let's hear it for the not so random patterns lol.

    The Mandala's are equally joyful and erm....possibly a teeny weeny bit tempting...ahem. ;)

    Have a blessed Easter...

    S xx

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    1. You have to try them Sharon ... soooo addictive !
      K x

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    2. I couldn't wait, a window of opportunity presented itself and before I knew it I'd done THIS....http://sharonxx.wordpress.com/2014/04/26/starflower-mandala/

      There, feel better now I've got that off my chest lol.....

      Hugs S xx

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  4. It all looks lovely Kate. Our house has decreased to just the two of us over the Easter weekend, but will go back up on Tuesday. Still have all the trimmings though. I agree with you that the right branch can be very difficult to find. Have a lovely weekend with your family. Anne

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    1. You too Anne, enjoy the peace and quiet before Tuesday arrives !
      K x

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  5. So cheerful and festive for spring. I love your blanket, the colors are perfect. Happy Easter to you and your family.

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  6. Great job my friend!!!! It's lovely! I too love that stitch and the bobble border is just so darn cute!!!! I must make one myself, soon!
    Happy Easter
    xx Shari

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    1. Thank you Shari ! You just can't beat a good bobble !
      Have a lovely Easter,
      K x

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  7. Yummy mandala and blanket... Mandalas are definitely addictive! Enjoy :-)
    Happy Easter
    Tracey xx

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    1. They so are, aren't they !
      Have a lovely Easter Tracey,
      K x

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  8. Hi Kate,

    Hope you're enjoying your Easter Sunday. I have seen these Mandala's on Chrissies blog. Could they be used as place mats and coasters? I could do with some for our outside table.

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    1. Yes, definitely Mitzi, especially if you find a pattern that gives a flattish finish. Theres lots of different patterns on Ravelry.For the coasters that I made, I worked exactly the same pattern as the large ones but just ended them when they got to the right size.
      K x

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    2. Thanks Kate I'll have a look there. Think I forgot to mention how lovely your blanket turned out. Must admit I struggle with random too so well done.

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  9. The blanket is lovely. I really like the fact that the squares are evenly placed, I struggle a little with randomness, my brain always tries to see patterns and it's just not restful if there aren't any! I love the colours too, and it's beautifully made. I did a garter stitch triangular scarf a while back, and I was surprised how much I liked it as well. It's something I haven't done since I learned to knit. I love the vase and mandala, very pretty. I hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend. CJ xx

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    1. Oh good, I'm glad its not just me being a bit neurotic !
      Have a lovely Monday , K x

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  10. Gorgeous, gorgeous blanket Kate. I love it and the pretty bobble edging just finishes it off nicely. I love garter stitch too, I think it's lovely. Hope you have had a lovely Easter.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you Marianne, I shall definitely be doing more garter stitch, I love it !
      Have a lovely Easter Monday, K x

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  11. Dear Kate,

    As a new visitor to your lovely blog I simply wanted to wish you a very happy Easter.

    Warmest wishes from France,

    Stephanie

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    Replies
    1. Hello Stephanie, and thank you for dropping by. I have just had a quick peek at your blog - how have I not discovered you before !! I shall visit again - soon ! Your hares are absolutely adorable, so beautiful and intricate. I have hare envy !
      Have a lovely Easter Monday, K x

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  12. Your blanket is just lovely, so perfect for spring. You made that very quickly, I have to say! I love garter stitch and think it's very underrated. Your mandalas are great, I think they would make perfect place mats and will be a thoughtful gift for your friend. Happy belated Easter - it sounds like you've had a great time. x

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  13. Thank you Gillian, do you know it really did knit up quickly, I think number 2 will be on the needles soon !
    Have a lovely Easter Monday, K x

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  14. Hi Kate, love the colours of your blanket :) And LOOOVE the bobbles , I definitely need to do something bobbly very soon ;)
    Jillxx

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    1. You just can't beat a good bobble !
      Have a good week,
      K x

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  15. I love your blanket and the crochet trim is gorgeous. Love all your Easter bakes....Sarah xo

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    Replies
    1. All Easter bakes well and truly gone ! Every single one !
      Have a good week
      K x

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  16. I adore all your handiwork! So pretty - esp. the blanket! And the cupcake... they look so yummy!

    Take care,
    Anne
    http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.de

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Anne and thank you for dropping by,
      K x

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  17. Hi Kate, I love following your blog it is so interesting. Is there a pattern for this on your blog? I have a grand daughter due soon and this would be lovely. How many cast on stitches and rows are completed. thanks again for sharing, Pamela

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  18. Thank you Pamela
    Yes, I can definitely put a pattern together for you. I'll do it in the next couple of days and it will be on the left hand sidebar of my blog page.
    Have a good week,
    K x

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  19. Happy Easter belatedly! Such gorgeous baking! x

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    Replies
    1. Hello Tess, thanks for dropping by. I have just taken a sneaky peek at your blog - how have I not found you before ! And I love your 10 random facts - such a good idea of Annies- mine will follow soon.
      K x

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  20. HI Kate - I came across your blog via the competition at Little Woolie (congrats by the way) I love your blanket, the border is so pretty. Amanda x

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    1. Hi Amanda, thanks for dropping by ! I am so excited to have won - I don't think I've ever won anything in my life ! I've just popped across for a quick peek at your blog and your stripy blanket is just gorgeous, really pretty.
      Have a good week,
      K x

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  21. Such a gorgeous blanket, Kate! I love garter stitch and the texture it creates, and the bobble edging finishes it off beautifully. Loved seeing your pretty Easter tree and yummy treats too!
    Helen xox

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Helen, all yummy treats have all been eaten !
      Have a good week,
      K x

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  22. Hi Kate a belated Happy Easter I am so behind at the moment - I love your blanket it has worked beautifully hope you have a good week x

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    1. Thank you Sue, it was a really blanket to work on.
      Have a good week, K x

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  23. Oh Kate, your blanket is absolutely gorgeous. The most perfect Spring colours. I just love the combination of knit and crochet too - the border is a stroke of genius. The look and drape of garter stitch is the main reason I want to learn to knit. You can keep all the other fancy pants stitches! You do make me laugh - was that randomness hard work?

    If you get the chance, have a quick look at design-seeds.com - it's a fabulous source of inspiration for colour combinations.

    Heather xx

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    1. Oh wow Heather, just looked at design-seeds ... amazing ! Thank you for that, so much to choose from.
      You must so learn to knit, I have just taught as friend and she picked up garter stitch so quickly. You'll love it.
      Have a good week
      K x

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  24. Your blanket is lovely Kate, I love the colour combination and the bobbly border. Love the mandalas and their bobbly borders too.
    Jane x

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  25. Wow, such a beautiful blanket Kate. It's gorgeously Spring like, and I love that that is how you will see it every time you use it. I'm such a fan of blankets, as you probably know and I love the mix of knit and crochet all together. Very clever.

    Have a super week!

    Vanessa xxx

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    1. Thank you Vanessa- yes, my heart is with blankets too ♥ In fact, we have so many now I don't really know what to do with the Spring one, think it may have to be Lilou dog blanket - is that wrong ?!?
      Have a lovely week,
      K x

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  26. A fantastic blanket, perfect in every way! I just live the colours, and the edging suits it to a tee. Looks like you've had a delicious Easter, and I love your two-toned mandalas, they make a sweet gift! But of course then you won't have anymore in your home, so I think you should start another one... ;-) Cx

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    1. You're so right Chrissie - there are more on the way !
      K x

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  27. Two for the price of one ... your gorgeous blanket - I really love that colour combo - and Beth's chocolate pudding recipe (thank's so much for the link to her blog :) )

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    1. Knitting and pudding what more could you want Annie !
      K x

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    2. Thank you for taking a look at my blog too Annie! You can't beat a good chocolate pudding. I'm not sure which one you are referring to but the Chocolate Willy Wonka one is a family favourite!

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  28. Hello lovely and so lovely to be catching up on all your news, my there has been some gorgeous posts to read. I just had to comment on this one as your blanket looks beautiful!!!! You must be so chuffed after hours and hours of working and what a feast for Easter, my I bet you everybody loved it, especially all the chocolate! I hope you are keeping well. Sending you much love xoxo

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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. ♥