More Crochet Toadstools!

 I wanted to show you some more photos of the toadstools that I made for Little Box of Crochet. Keep in mind though that they are made with different yarn, this is just what I had on hand when I was designing the project.

 I had a few things in mind when I was playing with the pattern. I wanted them to be able to stand on their own and to have things like gills and mycelium. Because those things are important to toadstools.

I also wanted to be able to squish them in boxes to give as presents. These ones went to Tahiti!
Thank you for all of your lovely comments over the past few days. They've warmed my heart.
Lots of love,
Kate xxx

My Swan

Here is a little friend I made late last year. She's turned into a real friend!

Lots and lots of love,

Kate xxx

Little Boxes of Crochet

Thank you so much for all of your warm, welcoming words! You made it such a pleasure to be back.
I thought I would show you a very special something I have been involved with over the past little while.

I have a wonderful friend, Amanda Bloom who in November last year, launched the most amazing crochet subscription box, Little Box of Crochet. And guess who was lucky enough to be the first designer - Me!!!!

As it was Autumn, we decided something seasonal would be lovely and somehow the subject of Toadstools came up, something we are both passionate about.

And so, with lots of chatting between NZ and the UK, the plan hatched for three crocheted toadstools.

While I was busy with toadstool maths (the easy part let me tell you), Amanda established an empire sourcing yarn, boxes, printers all to the highest standard and most beautiful of aesthetics. And she did all this while her gorgeous daughter Jenny was battling cancer. 

The day the first box arrived in my mailbox was one of the most proud I have had. So proud of Amanda and Jenny and so honoured to have been a part of it.

And guess what? The box sold out!

However,... a little bird told me, the Toadstool Box is set for a re-release - wahoo!

I can't wait to show you more boxes I've recieved over the past few months. They brought so much joy to me, just as Amanda and Jenny have for me.

Lots of love,

Kate xxxxx

Hello Again!

I've gathered up the courage to write on my blog again. Thank you so much for all of your lovely comments expressing your concern and wishes for me to start up again. I really appreciate it and it has made a huge difference to me in coming back.

I won't go into the full story but sadly there were a couple of tricky people who engaged in some nasty plagiarism which made me question whether it was all worth it. And of course it is, I just had to retreat for a while and think about how to stay true to myself, what is worth protecting and how to keep singing (metaphorically - I won't be popping my shower tunes up for you....).

And it is so good to be back. I was starting to forget the wonderful community that exists in the blogosphere.  Hello!!!!

Now, the photos above are some that I took for the latest edition of Taproot. Traveling Stanley has finally had his pattern published. Stanley is now a teenager and loves to go camping with his banjo. I think making the banjo was one of my favourite things ever.

Lots more to write about but I will save it up for my next post.

Lots of love,

Kate xx

Dog Days...

 I can't stop making these new characters. Every time I go to pick up my crochet hook, another puppy appears. 

Even on the walls!
Lots of love,
Kate x

Family Life and Roses

 Oh thank the stars above my roses are in full bloom. The joy they bring me each year is almost indescribable. 

 Nowhere near as much joy though as this little chappie brings me. Hugo made a salad for dinner tonight - see below. 

 Or the Shepherd's Hut that Jonno is making for the boys. He is going to tow it to one of their most special spots on the farm near the 'Fire Crystal Tree'.

 Happiness or from the look of Archie above, contentment.

Lots of love,

Kate. xxx

Christmas Lighthouses.....

Sometimes I find myself pondering things in the middle of the night when I find a pocket of wakefullness. The other night saw me thinking about a Christmas tree in a lighthouse - and so I started making these lighthouse baubles - or babules as I keep going to write. And another exciting thing..... I dipped my crochet Christmas babule (see) from this pattern in glitter and glue. It worked!

As for the toadstools, I have another whole post waiting to be written but I need a little bit more than five minutes to do it in. For the meantime, read about them here.