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


Monday 23 February 2015

Not quite there yet ...

 I had really wanted to get my Spring garland finished this weekend but normal
 everyday stuff got in the way and it just didn't happen, 
so whilst very nearly there, 
I'm not quite there yet !
But things have certainly progressed and I am now chomping at the bit 
to get to the exciting bit of finishing it all off.


During the week I decided that as lovely as the yellows and greens were 
a little Spring warmth was needed, 


so I added in some soft apricot and pink tones
and I think it has given it just the little lift it needed.


It was then time to have a practice layout to see if I had the right amount 
of flowers and leaves and as I only had enough for just over half a garland
 a little further hooking was required.


It's surprising how many different parts are needed for something like this
but it didn't take long to fill up the plateful of Spring


 

 and get on to the blocking.
Other than the snowdrop stems the rest of the flowers didn't really need to be blocked, 
and in fact will add to the effect by being all different shapes,


but all of the leaves definitely needed a little help to prevent them curling up.
There's something very calming about blocking,
just quietly pinning and shaping, 
pinning and shaping 
till everything's all laid out in neat rows.
I sprayed all the leaves with a little water to start with 
and then finished off by giving them all a spray with some Fablon.


 With that job done it was time to get onto working out how to make the base of the garland.
I have thought long and hard about this,
particularly because it is this bit I really need to get right for Megs wedding garland,
and in the end it was my very clever Mum who came up with the idea of using raffia.


I found the best way to keep the raffia together and to get it to hold its shape 
was to twist it into a rope and bind it with thin wire.

 I then wound a wired length of ivy around it and I have to admit that
 I can hardly contain  myself
  I already love it so much ,
and I haven't even added the flowers yet !



15 comments:

  1. That looks amazing so far! Can't wait to see what the finished product will be like!

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  2. OMG that is going to be gorgeous Kate, if only I could learn to hold my crochet hook properly I might stand a chance of producing something that looked neat! L A xx

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  3. Can't wait to see it finished. The flowers look gorgeous in the bowl.

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  4. It is looking good already; I love seeing the different stages of creation!

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  5. The plate of flowers looks so pretty, can't wait to see it...but where did you get the ivy?

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  6. I agree, that plate of flowers is completely delicious, you do make the loveliest things. And the raffia is a great idea for the rope. I can't wait to see this finished, it's going to be utterly delightful. CJ xx

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  7. Ooooooo can't wait to see it all finished ! The bowl of flowers reminds me of skips - the crisps I mean :) you've been super busy, can't believe how many pieces you've made :)
    Jillxo

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  8. Ohh!! I am so excited to see how it will all come together!! Looking very pretty indeed! xx

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  9. pretty. looking forward to see how it turns out

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  10. Wow, it looks gorgeous. I can't wait to see it all finished x x x

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  11. Kate you must have the patience of a saint but all your hard work is going to pay off. Yet again you are going to produce a fantastic garland. Is this one for Megs wedding or a practice run to something else you have in mind.

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  12. Wow, it looks fantastic already. I love the colors and the way you're using raffia, that's going to be a really great look.

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  13. Oh Kate, it's going to be fab, that plate of little flowers looks just gorgeous and I like the warm pink tones you've introduced. Can't wait to see it finished. Jxx

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  14. Wow your flowers look beautiful! I can hardly wait to see the finished product. I also noted that you used a kids puzzle mat thingo to pin your pieces to for blocking. What a fantastic idea!

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