Yarny Things

Thank you so much for your kind comments on my last post welcoming me back after my little break. That is what I love about Blogland - it's such a friendly place, isn't it?

While I was away I got busy with my crochet hook and used some gorgeous hand-spun wool to make a couple of autumnal items. The yarn was a buy from Etsy several years ago, and I've been saving it for the right project. In shades of fallen leaves with little glass beads spun into it, it was the perfect choice for a little autumn pot. I used a 5.5 hook as the yarn was chunkily spun, and went round and round in a spiral until I decided it was time to start the sides. I like to crochet pots this way, experimenting in a freestyle sort of way and letting it come to life as I go. I decreased at intervals until the sides started to rise, and then just went round and round until it reached the height I wanted. Here it is - can you see the little beads at the bottom of the pot?

While we were away I bought these rather sweet felt balls from a craft shop in shades of orange and brown. I used the rest of the wool to crochet a long chain.

Then I crocheted some little leaves from cotton yarn in complimentary shades and attached them with the little felt 'berries' along the length of the crocheted chain to make an autumn garland.

I was pleased with how it turned out, in warm seasonal hues and very tactile indeed.

Here it is hanging in my shed with some autumnal pictures. I love the pale blue walls, as I think it's a colour which seems to go with almost anything. Perhaps it's because it's the colour of the sky?

As well as decorating the shed, I have been busy crocheting for two little people. Two of my friends have had babies recently, two sweet little boys. So I made them each a little ball to play with, made from crocheted pentagons and stuffed with a little bell in the centre to make a soft tinkly sound. I used a pattern on Ravelry, but haven't been able to find it since. There are lots of similar ones there if you're interested in making one.

I made the other one from cotton yarn in shades of green and blue.

I've also been busy knitting myself a scarf. I know, I have been busy, haven't I? You may remember that last January I began knitting a scarf in a pale blue linen yarn? Well, I wasn't happy with it and put it away for a while. Recently I started it again, this time in a 3 by 3 rib which I really love. It's coming along well, and is so very soft I can't wait to wear it. I'm drawn to these icy blue shades once again, this one bordering on grey, perfect for the wintry months ahead.

Right, I have one more catching-up post to do this week, and then on to things wintry and Christmassy - hooray!