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


Sunday 11 May 2014

Catching up ...

 
As much as I love going away for a few days doesn't normal real everyday life have
a nasty habit of pushing its way back in too quickly ?
We were only away for a week but as soon as we got to Nursery on Monday morning it was non-stop, feet not touching the ground manicness until pretty much the end of the week. Probably my own fault for saying I was ready to go back to work as we were driving in - I should know better.
But in amongst all the invoices, database, registers, new enquiries, fire drills, nappy orders and three year old funding forms ....... big, big excitement on Wednesday afternoon when the postman delivered a parcel from Australia.
It was the Giveaway prize that I won from Jules at Little Woollie.
Once I had stopped squealing and calmed down a bit there was a very reverential opening of the parcel, making sure I remembered to take photos to show you all of my lovely Jules goodies.
It was all beautifully wrapped up and whilst the Giveaway prize had been for some gorgeous balls of wool Jules had sneaked a couple of other things in too...
 
 
 
... some beautiful, tiny crochet flowers ...
 
 
... and one of her much coveted Star kits.
As you may know, having made no secret of it on my blog, I am such a huge fan of
Jules' work and to find all of this inside the parcel was beyond exciting.
I am a very happy bunny.
 
 
I am also a tad nervous that I shall not be able to do Jules' Star pattern justice,
but I shall have a damn good try !
I'll let you know how I get on.
Having not really given Giveaways much thought up until now I cannot tell you how lovely
 it was to receive such a generous and special parcel through the post.
It really made my day,
and for this very reason I immediately made the decision that I too would put together a little of box of Giveaway Goodies on my first Bloggy Birthday which is coming up at the beginning of June.
I am already having lots of fun thinking of things to include.
Of course having had such a busy week at work my top priority when I got home was a bit of crochet and for some inexplicable reason I suddenly had an overwhelming need to make a mat to put my teapot on.
I don't know why, I didn't really need one, haven't ever missed not having one and could actually use one of the table mats we already have, but there you go.
An hour later, job done ! Ta-dah !

 
 As we had family to stay this weekend I probably should have been rushing around doing far more important things but you know what it's like, sometimes the world just needs to stop for a spot of calming crochet .
The rest of the weekend has just sort of flown by in a whirl of food, cups of tea, more food and more cups of tea but I did manage to sneak in a little bit of blocking while everyone was otherwise occupied.
 
 
Having originally been a little nervous about blocking I am finding that I really love
the whole process of it now.


There is something deeply satisfying about the soaking, the laying out and then the careful
smoothing and coaxing of everything in to shape.

 
It's really very pleasing.
 
I'm not sure I have blogged about this project but its a little wrappy shawl knitted
in Aran wool in a simple garter stitch.
 
Its called the Victory Wrap and is by Erika Flory
These pictures are from the pattern on Ravelry.


It knitted up so quickly and although it should be lovely and warm being made in this chunky yarn I love the way it also looks really delicate.
Mine is currently still pinned out like Gulliver after his encounter with the Lilliputians but I will make sure I take a couple of pictures when it's done.

And now, the other side of the weekend, guests having departed, I think a quiet evening of therapeutic double crocheting on Immi's Uni blanket should get me nicely set up and ready for tomorrow.
 

Monday morning ?
Bring it on !
Have a good week everyone.
 

26 comments:

  1. Lovely blog as always Kate. I remember going back to nursery after a weekend away and it does take a long time to catch up. talking of nursery I'm enclosing a link from Alistair Clegg Brice (don't know if you've come across him, talks a lot of sense and I've been following for several years and been to conference) it's to do with ice cream playdough sounds gorgeous http://abcdoes.typepad.com/abc-does-a-blog/2014/05/ice-cream-play-dough.html Anne x

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    1. Hello Anne
      Thank you SO much for that link - I've just a had a quick look and it all looks fascinating, but then I got distracted by the lovely crochet in some of the photo's and then I put two and two together and realised this is Fee from Chipper Nellys husband isn't it ? Such a small world. Tomorrow the first thing on my list is making Ice Cream playdough !
      Have a great week,
      K x

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    2. Yes, you are right. L A x

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  2. Gorgeous wrap and what a really lucky win! :)

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  3. Hi Kate. This wrap is fab - I'm completely tempted by the fact it uses a chunky yarn! Well done on the Jules' giveaway you lucky spud! Good to know that Immi will get a uni blanket - my Big Gal took one away with her and it was part of the whole rites of passage thing - a treasured posession I'm sure x Jane

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    1. Hi Jane
      You should definitely give it a go, it was so quick and easy. You just can't beat a home leaving blanket can you ? Both my other two girls have had one, I like to think of it as a ' cuddle from home' .
      Have a good week. K x

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  4. Your wrap is so beautiful, Kate. Congrats on your giveaway win!

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  5. Nice to have you back, and what a lucky gal to win those goodies! Very inspiring...and the shawl is looking so pretty, even that little blocked corner - I can't wait for the big reveal! Enjoy your week, hope it's a wee bit calmer, Chrissie x

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    1. Thank you Chrissie, you have a good week too x

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  6. Ooh Kate I love the wrap, can't wait to see yours once it's released from its tethers. Congrats on the giveaway goodies and what a sweetie Jules is putting in the little extras. Have a lovely week.
    Jane x

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  7. Your shawl/wrap is beautiful and the way it drapes is delightful. What lovely goodies you got in the giveaway prize and how kind that there were so many extra lovely things included, you will have lots of fun with those I am sure. xx

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    1. Hi Amy, yes, I think I will !
      Have a good day, K x

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  8. Your wrap is gorgeous, Kate! such a wonderful giveaway win too, I love those little crochet flowers! Wishing you a happy week.
    Helen xox

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  9. Goodness Kate, you are a busy bee. I just love your wrap. (Absolutely tickled pink with your Gulliver comparison too - genius!) I'm beginning to think that you and I share a very similar taste in clothing and am now rather fancying a rummage through your wardrobe!! ;-)

    Such gorgeous goodies from Jules - well done you - aren't they the dearest little crochet flowers?

    Heather xx

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    1. Jules flowers are SO beautiful aren't they, I think she must have done them on the tiniest hook and they are so neat.
      Have a great week,
      K x

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  10. Yep the weekends just keep on flying by and with so much crafting etc on the go I don't know how we find the time to fit in work as well. Still it pays the bills. Shawl looks lovely will await to see the finished article. Immi's Uni blanket looking equally lovely.

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    1. Thank you Mitzi - yes I agree that work does seem to get in the way a bit !
      K x

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  11. Hi Kate.....squeal I would have been excited too opening that parcel...lucky you!!! Your wrap is beautiful...you've done it again!! S xo

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  12. Wow what a fabulous collection of lovelies.
    I know exactly what you mean about blocking, I was terrified at first by the whole idea of it, but I love it so much now!

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    1. Hi Vicki, thanks for dropping by, I'm glad its not just me then with the blocking !
      K x

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  13. Your wrap is looking great Kate, and what great giveaway goodies! Have a great weekend.
    Marianne x

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