Holidays, Hook Rolls and a Granny in the Middle

The weather has been gorgeous in my little corner of the world and I'm super excited to be preparing for a little British holiday!  We've spent a silly amount of money on gorgeous cotton windbreaks, beach chairs and various other goodies so I really hope the fine weather lasts.  I am planning picnics, National Trust trips, fish and chip suppers, late evening walks along the seafront and a bit of shopping and lunching in some of the pretty towns along the Norfolk coast.  There is a lot to pack (we are staying in my parents' static caravan so need to take bedding, towels and all sorts) so I have been writing lists like a maniac to make sure we remember everything.  I know that we will look like students bombing along the B roads in my husband's 'pocket rocket' (his stupidly small but nippy car - minds out of the gutter, girls) but, bizarrely, it feels like as much of an adventure as a fancy holiday in an exotic location.  I can't wait! 

I had the most wonderful package in the post last week - Cuckoo made me a roll for my crochet hooks (see her fab creations here) and the darling girl finished and posted it last week.  I knew that it was en route so when the postmistress appeared last Tuesday morning I practically rugby tackled her in the street.  I couldn't wait to rip the package open but I demonstrated an unusual amount of restraint and took a few photos. 

Cuckoo had wrapped the hooky roll beautifully, like a birthday present: 

There was a beautiful card, with an embossed picture of a bird, in the package too 

Isn't my hook roll pretty!  The fabric makes me swoon, it's right up my street.

I love it, am delighted with it, and I am so glad I had the balls to ask about it.  (I was - still am - a little shy about posting comments and asking questions on other people's blogs.  I feel a wally.)  Cuckoo took the time to make the roll exactly to my specifications, it fits every single hook perfectly and there is the most brilliant little pocket for my embroidery scissors and other little bits and bats.  If you haven't already seen it, pop on over to Cuckoo's blog using that link above and you'll see she has made quite a few already.  If she ever sets up an Etsy shop (and I think she should because I also want one of her homemade padded noticeboards and am too stingy to buy a staple gun) I am certain it will stock one or two of these hook rolls and I would urge you to snap one up.  I have to say that it is has that extra special something because it was made by someone I consider to be a new friend (even though we've never met) and that makes me thankful again that I've met such lovely people in this friendly online crafty community.  Group hug, people. 

So I've been spending the balmy summer evenings crocheting to my heart's content.  Remember I told you that my niece asked me to make her a granny blanket? I've enjoyed poring over my fab book, '200 crochet blocks' to find just the right pattern.

I think I might have found the perfect design.  What do you think?  

It's called the 'Granny in the Middle' square.  Forgive me for spelling it out but the middle bit is a granny square and it's edged with a few rows of double crochet.  I've made six so far (all with nice long tails this time, hurrah for experience!) and, as you can see, I've made them all in the same colours.  I want it to be a pretty, girly blanket that my sis and niece can snuggle under but I didn't want it to scream 'Barbie'.  I thought this jade green with a little splash of pink and cream might hit the spot.  I may choose to break it up with a few plain cream squares, I'm undecided at the moment.  I'm just enjoying creating these big, soft, pretty squares right now.  The yarn is Stylecraft Special DK which a few people have recommended and I am surprised to love it.  It makes my new crochet addiction seem so much more affordable and a springtime throw is well within my reach now!  :0D

I love that when the sun shines we are absent from our blogs for longer periods of time.  It means we're all busy with our family and friends, hopefully enjoying the long summer days.  I have read so many posts lately with busy gals apologising for not being around and not posting due to one thing or another.  So I won't apologise - I've been making the most of the beautiful weather and I totally understand that everyone else has been, too.

My niece was desperate for these sunglasses that came free with a magazine,
even though they are far too big for her!
She's obviously a bit of an accessories girl, like her Auntie :-)

See you soon!

Nicki

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