Crochet in the pink

My beautiful pink Orchid flowering again, a birthday present from last summer. It sits in the front porch soaking up the morning sun rays. 

Dahlia flowering in a raised bed, this bed was originally put together ready for growing potatoes. They didn't fair too well so we abandoned the idea, they're next to a hedge that probably takes all the water, leaving any plants very dry. We tried growing potatoes in the border (very wide) on the other side of the garden but the trees drank any water there too.  

Fuchsias growing amongst other plants and weeds in the side border. Their bright jewel like petals provide a burst of colour in the border. 

This prolific flowering cactus sits on the back porch window sill. My Brother has a cutting from this plant too. I've recently de-headed the old flowers, care is needed as the fur can be itchy. I'm not usually a lover of the colour orange, for a very long time now I've avoided the colour but really it is quite beautiful on flowers. 

I've finished my pink chevron crochet scarf, though I ran out of wool with this particular one and joined it into a circle to make a cowl. I originally found the pattern on this blog. Jennifer has made several of these and they do look elegant when they're finished. She made hers as gifts for teachers at the end of the school year, which I think is a lovely idea. I loved the pattern with its steady waves up and down.

I've been crocheting it as I travel around and about in the car (not whilst driving), at youth group, craft circle and hospital appointments. The yarn is pale rose aran by Stylecraft. I chose to make the medium width and have already bought more yarn to make another but I will go up a size in crochet hook and use a 5.5mm for the next one. I have had a comparison with both sizes and the bigger hook size has a noticeable open, lacey look which is more pleasing. If you'd like to crochet your own scarf, the pattern is here.  

The scarf in its entirety, as a cowl, I think it works well joined in a circle. I'm still undecided at this stage as to whether I'll keep it, or pass it on as a present. People in blog land have already been mentioning the Christmas word regards buying and making presents. This got me thinking about making some gifts this year too. With my track record for 'finishing things' being 'still not finished' we'll see.

In keeping with the pink theme to finish, one of my pink RHS rose prints, this was a birthday present one year from M. The other one (not photographed) is Rose Chinensis- shown on the link. The pair of rose prints hang in the dining room. 

QT x

Do leave a comment about what you are making and whether you're making presents for Christmas. Cathy x