…it was lovely not having to wear a thick winter coat. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and there was a definite smell and feeling of spring in the air. In our garden too, we have many signs of awakenings, and the first few spring lambs have arrived in the field behind our house.

As I haven’t had time to take lots of photos this week, I leave you with a lovely poem to set the scene for spring.

Spring from Act V of Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare

When daisies pied, and violets blue,
And lady-smocks all silver-white,
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue
Do paint the meadows with delight,
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Mocks married men, for thus sings he:
“Cuckoo!
Cuckoo, cuckoo!” O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear.

When shepherds pipe on oaten straws,
And merry larks are ploughmen’s clocks,
When turtles tread, and rooks, and daw’s,
And maidens bleach their summer smocks,
The cuckoo then, on every tree,
Mocks married men, for thus sings he:
“Cuckoo!
Cuckoo, cuckoo!” O word of fear,
Unpleasing to a married ear.

Enjoy! I am off to have my first cup of tea outside on the bench.

Vintage Missoni - Google Images

Now under the creative leadership of the couple’s daughter Angela, the label continues to deliver exquisite collections with inimitable Italian flair.

Latest Missoni - Google Images

Elegant evening wear, bohemian accessories and funky day wear are among its extensive repertoire.

Missoni Pattern Library - Google Images

Missoni has long been inspirational to me and my designs and with this seasons colours and the unmistakeable Missoni look in mind, this is the result of yet more crochet this week.

As well as this, I have been busy working on some new material for a workshop…

Bon weekend!

Influential fashion houses like Chanel have elevated crochet from its Cabbage Patch associations and turned it into a top trend. Crochet is simply everywhere.

At the aforementioned Maison du chic, Karl Lagerfeld has used crochet with a dose of sophistication, weaving it into sweetly belled dresses, flower-embellished cardigans, and even handbags.

A couple of days ago one of my favourite magazines arrived and you have guessed it…

…full of crochet!

I have not been idle either; having received a top-up of Rowan Organic Cotton yarn I have been busy making more Afghan Star squares for my blanket,

And how about these two? The ‘Frankfurter’ vase needed some company and the lovely plant from Lies needed a pot cover. So here is the pair in all its glory!

Just the pattern to write up now.

For spring/summer 2012 colours reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every colour in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural, versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colours.

For an ultra-bold look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle alternative, or Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best side by side with Sodalite Blue, and for a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish.

You get it home and put it with all the other beautiful one-off hanks that you have given living space to, telling yourself that you will think about what to make with it later.

More often than not the later never comes because in the meantime you go to more yarn shops, and yes you guessed it…buy more one-off hanks that otherwise would be left on the shelves.

I am no different and have a ‘few’ of those special hanks of yarn that would very much like to be made into something lovely and wearable.

So last week, needing a break from my crochet frenzy and with the extreme cold temperatures outside, I whipped up this very quick yet stunning cowl.

I thought I share the pattern with you, as I know you all have a hank or two you could use for this. The added bonus: It takes one afternoon and a good movie to make!

You need:     Approx. 160m Yarn (I used Colinette Prism, 50% Wool/50% Cotton)

24” (60cm) Circular knitting needle – 5.5mm

Stitch Marker, Darning needle

How to:        Cast on 150sts. Place marker for beginning of round and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Work in stocking stitch (knit every round) until cowl measures approx. 10” (25cm). Cast off all stitches loosely. Weave in ends.

Enjoy wearing it wound round your neck twice for snuggly warmth, hanging loose for a more drape like effect or pin it with a pretty brooch.

This is a brand new publication by my friend and fellow designer Jean Moss. A jam packed book full of delicious Shawlettes, cowls and other, sometimes more unusual, related items.

Why knit these said items I hear you ask? In short the answer is: They’re fast and fun to knit, you can splurge on the yarn because it’s not a huge amount you’ll need, they are very wearable and come in handy when you need that extra bit of va va vroom. Plus, as gifts they are invaluable, as sizing is not really an issue.

Jean has 25 fabulous patterns in her book in a broad range of styles. From country and vintage-inspired, to folk and couture-type pieces. (These are the four chapters of the book). The most inspirational aspect for me is the different shapes and styles. There are turtlenecks, ruffles, lace, colour work and much more. Never a dull moment!

So if you want to step up your Shawlette-knitting a notch or just need some inspiring ideas for future gifts, this is the book for you!

To find out more about Jean’s work and also her fabulous Knitting & Garden Tours visit her website at www.jeanmoss.com

Yes, I have been liking my strong coloured cottons a lot these last few weeks. Mainly because January, on a whole, has been pretty dark and gloomy and brights cheer me up during those days. However we have also played with softer colours in our house during the last couple of weeks.

‘My man’ has painted some lovely soft Watercolours; trying out a new style of still life painting he hadn’t done before.

During my sorting out of yarn I came across a very user-friendly amount of cotton in pastel colours. I like pastel colours in the bedroom, so calming, and decided to make a throw for the bed. First I tried the good old trusted Afghan square but after some playing and tweaking…

…it looked more like a star. So I re-named it ‘My Afghan Star’ and I am really pleased with it so far.

Suffice to say that I didn’t have enough yarn to make the whole throw and that most of these colours, or indeed yarn, have now been discontinued. A great opportunity to while away some hours in virtual yarn shops trying to find some more…and I have, I am pleased to say. It should arrive any day now, I can’t wait!

Aren’t you impressed how I am sticking to my crochet promise?!?

Here is a box full of beautifully soft Pure Cotton all the way from Turkey. Aren’t these colours just yummy, you almost want to eat them? This yarn is sold by my dear friend Figen of The Knit Box and is perfect for a little crochet.

So here is what I did…

I rummaged in the garage and found an old Frankfurter Jar which I scrubbed and scrubbed until it was all clean and shiny.

From the box of Cotton I chose Ottoman Green and Harem Pink, what wonderfully mysterious names, and hook at the ready I set to work. After a few starts, ripping back and new starts…

Voila…

A Vase sleeve to put you right into the mood for some spring feeling. I will write up the pattern and publish here soon, cross my heart. It will be free Oh yes, so keep on checking back for it.

First was the latest issue of Mollie Makes magazine. This has become one of my favourites and brings a lot of jolly joy to my studio every month with lots of thrifty ideas, lovely little stories and lots of tempting new shop and website ads to be investigated and drooled over. Don’t you just want to go and get started when you see inviting photos like these?

Of course I also like the little gifts that come with the magazine every time. Mostly they are small cute projects to make. This month, Oh Joy!, there was ribbon from VV Rouleaux, yes pleeeeeeaaaaase, thank you!

Next up was a parcel full of the most yummy cotton yarn (Rico Creative Cotton Aran)which I ordered to make…wait for it…a crochet throw. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you…I said: Crochet Throw. I know I know, I have been going on about how I will make one for ages and what empty words so far, but as this is my chosen year of colour what better project to do.

Don’t you just love these colours? They look like yarny crown jewels and are feeling very snuggly at home in this wee little case my ‘little sis’ gave me last year. The colours are :

Starting at top row from left:  Rouge, Orange, Tangerine, Yellow, Vert, Pistachio, Pistachio Clear, Cardinal, Fuchsia, Royal, Turquoise, Petrol and Light Blue.

I can’t wait to get started!

This put me into a happy mood straight away and I couldn’t stop singing under the shower whilst watching these…

For the first time in ages the sky was blue…

Yes, really, it was this blue and the cobwebs looked like sparkling jewels.

What better time to start on my promise to bring more colour into my knitting/crochet life.

I noticed the other day how we were in desperate need for some new dish cloths, the old ones looking very washed out, sad and not very appealing any longer. “Not very exciting”, I hear you say! Well, I disagree. Just look at these…

They are jolly and bright, will make the kitchen a much happier place and washing up not quite so dreary any longer. Don’t you agree?

I used Peaches and Cream cotton, so soft and it comes in over 50 colours. These were just the thing to make in-between some really difficult maths and charts for my next shawl design.

I think it’s time for a nice cup of tea from my favourite mug…a Christmas present from ‘my girl’.