Yes I am
still here! December was a month full of
life’s dramas and I am sorry to say that crochet and blogging didn't get a look
in. However, things are settling down
and I am so pleased to be able to blog again and visit you all.
This is the
scene that greeted me when I got home a few days ago; my poor garden is a
jungle, lots of work to do. Missed the
best of the roses but these carpet roses seem to thrive in the heat.
For the
last few years instead of making a new year’s resolution (which tended to be
broken as I made it!), I have chosen a word for the year. Last year it was Forward. This year I
have chosen Streamline.
Why
streamline? Well it is something I need
to apply in all areas of my life. I need
to declutter. I need to simplify my
garden. I need lose a bit of weight
especially around the midriff! I really
just want to be comfortable with my body.
I need to focus on a few projects instead of hopping here and there and
losing track. Especially crochet!
I was
unable to crochet for most of December due to RSA from crochet! In November I went mad and completed 2
blankets plus other bits and pieces, well, I have learnt! On Christmas Eve I picked up my crochet hook
and some thread and started a doily. No
pain! Well I managed to do this in front
of the TV. The next day I picked up my
hook and some wool, the pain was there. I
must use a different technique for thread.
Whatever, it means that I can
crochet again, albeit with thread, doilies here I come. But I will not push it too hard.
I have just
finished this one and one other that I started earlier in the year. (Details in
my next post) I am blocking them at the
moment and will show them in the weekend.
One question I would like to ask you doily experts out there.
Blocking –
what is the best way, I have seen various methods in books and on the net. The doilies I am doing for this project are quite
textured and I want to keep that feel.
The book I am using suggests washing them, but I think I would prefer to
just spray water on them. What do you think?
It is great
to be back and doing some crochet again, I missed you all too. I hope 2015 will be a great year for all of
us.
Hi dear, great that you're back and that the hard times are finding an end! Happy New Year to you, wishing you lots of luck, health and creative hours for 2015. About blocking, I do it this way:
ReplyDeleteWhen I want the crochet to be very stiff, e.g. stars for the Christmas tree, I take fluid laundry starch, dip the crochet in, wring it out only a little and then block it with pins on the bed (a thick blanket or towel between).
When I want the crochet to be only nicely in shape but still soft, e.g. doilies, I pin them dry on the bed (with a towel between) and spray them with spray starch.
All the best!! Nata xxx
Thank you for the advice on blocking. Think I will do the dry version. All the best to you too.
DeleteSorry things have been tough for you Zana, I learnt the hard way too when I overdid it with the crafting and couldn't do much of anything for months, I even had to learn to hold my pen differently at work too so that the pain wasn't too bad, my writing was atrocious! I try to space myself now but I still get twinges and using cotton and the thicker yarns are very hard on my hands. Your garden is lush and beautiful and it sounds like your streamlining plans for 2015 would be a good idea for me too. All the very best for 2015! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, I have just been given a magazine that shows fdifferent ways of holding the hook to minimize RSI. Going to give it a go, as I so want to do a Cal, maybe the Moogly one as that is one a fortnight. Have a great week.
DeleteI hope that you have a wonderful 2015 and wish for only the best of things for you and yours. Happy New Year! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy.
DeleteHappy New Year and thanks for visiting my blog :) Sorry to hear about the RSA :( Hooefully resting it awhile may help or, as you say, adjusting your hold.
ReplyDeleteWhen I block mandalas (which are basically doilies anyway lol) I pin them then hover over with a steam iron, and blast away with the steam. Then leave pinned until dry. They seem to stay flat ish but with lots of texture and drape. Have fun!
Thanks for that Jill, have a great week.
DeleteHello Zana!!! Beautiful doily! It's good to know that things are better now for you. I wish you a 2015 full of Love and Health.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteAll the best!:*
Happy new year and many thanks for your well wishes. Wishing you everything you wish for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best for 2015 !!!! In your beautiful garden....
ReplyDeleteYour doily is lovely !!!
Hug
Anna
Happy to see you back...
I have just found your blog - your crochet doily is lovely!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Helenxx
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too.
Delete