Thursday, August 11, 2011

coming out of hibernation

It's been a while.................. winter tends to do that to me.
 
There has been constant crafting, making, doing. 
But in the evenings, rather than sitting in my cold bedroom at the computer I have much prefered to be curled up in front of the tele with the fire on and a crochet hook in my hand.


This is my latest creation and I have to say I am much too pleased with it to keep it to myself!

I came across this great tutorial by Heidi Bears while doing a spot of blog hopping last week (yes, I've still been sneeking a little time at the computer) and just had to drop everything else and give it a go.  I decided to keep it pretty small and as I've been wanting to make a table runner for the sideboard near my front door for a while now decided this was perfect!

I had great fun making this. 
Once I'd made the first couple, I could practically do it with my eyes closed - perfect for that curled up in front of the tele senario. 
To make things even better, I followed Heidi Bears tutorial for joining as you go, and as I did so, I crocheted over the wooly ends, saving me from having to weave them in when I'd finished Woo Hoo :))))


Now I have read many times that blocking is only worthwhile if you've used natural fibres.  Well I'm here to tell you it isn't so. 
I made this using acrylic yarn and when I'd finished it was a little wonky and wavy around the edges so I decided to block it and I am very impressed with the finished results. 


I'd read somwhere awhile ago about pinning your finished item to those interlocking foam mats you can buy from just about anywhere these days. 
I had some stashed away out in the garage from when my kids where little so I gave it a go and it worked f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s.l.y. 

Now when I walk in the front door on a cold and dreary day I have a wonderful, colourful piece of handmade goodness to greet me.  I think my new table runner finishes this little entry display off very nicely.

Now let's see how long I can stretch it between posts this time.......