Finishing Projects & Catching Up!

Hello there! I've recently finished the blanket I'd been working on for way too long. It's Attic24's Woodland Blanket that I crocheted as a gift for my Mother-in-law. I wasn't sure about this blanket when it was first released as a CAL (crochet-a-long) by Lucy. It's lovely, bright and cheerful with a stunning pattern of waves but I'm just not a lover of orange. So though I never chose to crochet it for myself, making it as a gift was satisfying. Overall I preferred crocheting the Moorland blanket seen in the background but that is probably because I knew I'd be keeping it. My blanket has remained on the sofa as I enjoy seeing it.
Of course any craftwork you do should be enjoyable and with the gentle ripples of the woodland design, the colours flow through a sequence of dark to light - from the forest floor to the sky above. Do have a look at the link to see how Lucy was inspired by her woodland walks to create this stunning crocheted blanket.

M holding up the blanket

QT throwing some shapes

Why stand if you can sit. QT is extremely fussy with food lately, switching varieties within a few boxes and feeling thin. He's on meds and will be visiting the vets soon for a thyroid check. I feel sure his weight will be questioned but at 18 yrs old, rarely going out and sleeping lots, I'm sure this is all to be expected. He seems happy within himself and is keen to see what's occurring - except if it's hoovering.
We did trim his nails this week and he sat on my lap as good as gold. We bought the clippers from amazon and watched a youtube video (who doesn't) and snipped the ends off. He is extremely good whilst grooming him too knowing he'll soon have 6 Dreamies for his trouble. Such a good natured fellow, a soft gentle giant.

QT looking philosophical, and deep in thought, probably thinking about his next meal.

Scattering on some leaves

I found the crocheted leaf pattern on attic 24 website too, a few were requested so I chose some colours from the leftover pack and added these to finish it off.

Leaves sewn on

So what's next... I've crocheted a few more scrubbies, crocheted a small basket (I made the largest one - which is quite small) and continued trying to de-clutter but mainly keeping up with the cleaning. I've decided to cut down on social media 'again'. After starting to follow a few Instagram accounts, I'd noticed that between facebook and instagram I was frequently popping on both, catching up with videos and stories etc. In the real world of home and family life, I found less books were read, less crochet was enjoyed and less of anything generally was achieved. So for now I've removed both apps from my phone and only log on using the laptop - once a day.

Already I feel happier, I'm back to reading and listening to more audiobooks too. I honestly haven't missed it and have loved being more creative and absorbed in reading. I've even made a birthday cake and stew & dumplings today. Cakes haven't been made for quite a while, which is sad because they should be baked more often. I think a chocolate cake will be baked at the weekend and that's got to be good.

I've listened to Stef Penney - The Invisible Ones, this was a good story that left a few unanswered questions at the end. There's an interesting interview by the author on youtube about the book. If you've read this book, please let me know what you think about the ending (regards Ivo, the find in the trailer cupboard - that JJ should've have reported - & the arranged marriage). Sorry, I'm trying not to give away details but I'm seriously confused. Considering someone 'in the family' knew all about Ivo, how can 'this marriage' be arranged?

Another book I've enjoyed listening to and can recommend is Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. Wow, all I can say about this book is that it's fantastic. A book within a book that takes you on a journey, with shocks and revelations guaranteed.

I've also  read a book that was lent to me The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I suppose you could say this is a love story, a book of hope and courage. It was certainly a harrowing tale showing the depravity of man in causing immense suffering and annihilation of  the Jews. One review of this book says it lacks tension, urgency and terror with no atmospheric build up. I for one am glad these elements of the book were minimal. I've read several books about the horror of the Jew's plight and frankly I'm sickened by it. The suffering and complete lack of humanity, deliverance and mercy shown towards this nation of people breaks my heart. I'm glad I read the story, it was good to hear of love holding together a couple during the worst time of their lives. I especially loved the blurb at end where the son asks a question of his parents marriage - where many marriages are ending why theirs is strong. Gita answers of Lale - “I know he is not perfect, but I also know he will always put me first.”

Craftwise - I've also had another attempt at my socks though when I tried them on they were enormous around the ankle & leg part. They looked more suited to socks for Nora Batty, wrinkles she would have been proud of. I've unpicked one of them and have followed the calculation on Winwick Mum's blog to ensure a correctly fitted sock. It transpired that I needed a much smaller sized sock & consequently a smaller length knitting needle. So whilst awaiting delivery of the needle, I continued knitting a jumper that has spent too many years languishing at the bottom of a cupboard.

I stopped to crochet a basket for the knit & natter challenge - 'knit/crochet a basket or bag'. I wasn't going to do this challenge as my blanket needed finishing. However, feeling pleased that the blanket was finished and being admired in it's new home, I felt restless at not joining in with the next challenge. I'm crocheting another basket at the moment before finishing the jumper sleeve. Ater that I will finish my sock and if it fits, I'll need to unpick it's partner.

It's teen 1 birthday today - 19 years old! I know I say this often, I really don't feel old - but boy how my kids have aged. It's shocking! His cake had a homemade cake band - printed and laminated with 'Red Dead Redemption II' and 'Pulp Fiction' on it. He was happy, so that's good.

I hope you are all well.
Bye for now & thank you for stopping by.
Cathy