A Crochet Cricket Set.

 Another fun thing that I missed out on blogging during our trip was this crochet cricket set that I developed for the father's day edition of Simply Crochet mag, Issue 18. This is one of my most favourite projects ever and the first one that Jonno has played with. I wanted to think of something that he would really love and being cricket mad, I thought an indoor set would be perfect.

The thing that I loved most about the project was how the colour palette worked out giving the set a vintage look - I also wanted the cricket bat to have a cricket vest rib to it AND the wicket to stand up on its own.... 

The boys were great at strength testing the bat and wicket.

And in this month's issue there is a lovely review about 'Stanley and the Hot Air Balloon'. So exciting!

And tomorrow I have a truly wonderful book to review that you are going to love so please pop by.

Love Kate. xxooxx.

A Front Cover!

While I was away, I missed out on the chance to blog about having a crochet headpiece that I designed on the cover of Simply Crochet magazine. The most exciting thing about it was seeing it in all the shops and supermarkets overseas.... And I was completely uncool about it too. I would point it out to people near me and say "That's me on the cover" and they would look with pity at me until I would say, "The headpiece - that's my headpiece".  The boys were pretty over it by the end.

 So here it is.

 Ready to be shipped to England in a snug egg container.

Et voila!

And guess what.... Archie is featured in this month's edition with his crochet AND Stanley gets a mention too!
Lots and lots of love,

Kate. xxooxx.

Simply Crochet Mag Giveaway.

 It must be about time for a giveaway don't you think? Tanya from Simply Crochet has sent me a copy of their latest magazine for one of you lucky people to win. I am happy to post it anywhere in the world so leave a comment below and I will pull it out of a hat on Wednesday 30th April. 

 In this copy you will find a couple of patterns by me! Can you remember when I was working on these roses. Look at the bicycle basket on the cover and you might recognise them. The bunting too!

 I so enjoyed working on that project as roses are my absolute passion. I've included some photos of my inspiration. There truly is nothing like a rose from the garden.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We were a bit flat out with ours as this year it coincided with Archie's birthday... hmmmmm. Since then we have been taking it easy with the boys on school holidays.

Anyhoo, don't forget to enter below and hopefully this magazine (with a lovely crochet hook) will be all yours.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Crochet Roses.

 Wahoo, I am allowed to show you an early glimpse of my next project for Simply Crochet mag that I am working on. There is more to go with it but I will wait until closer to publication time before showing you. 

These roses are loosely based upon one of my favourite roses, 'Pierre de Ronsard'. Unfortunately it will be another two months before it comes out but I can't wait to show you the full picture!

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.

Crochet Bears and Things

 Hugo has now finally had about 4 days of being temperature free. He was a sick little lad for 10 days and it feels as though we are only just starting to breathe again. So as I am sure you can imagine, Christmas and New Year's were very quiet. I am finding it heavenly to be on the other side of it all. Anyhoo, I saw that they have released the new cover of Simply Crochet uk, issue 14 and as I hinted a few times, I have a project in it. So here is a sneaky little peak. The brief was to design a vintage teddy bear. I thought I would go a little circusy with it. So here he is above (in a different wool) and below… 

I had such a lot of fun with it and the boys were very pleased as they both ended up with a new toy.

I've just finished reading 'Dreamquake' by Elizabeth Knox, the sequel to 'Dreamhunter' and am feeling glossily satisfied from having had such a great read. I love when an intricate plot is set up and then  manages to answer everything at the end. It is for teenagers (which never puts me off) but I have come away with so many thoughts to chew over which is always a wonderful result.

Now to choose the next one. Fortunately I have a pretty great pile at the moment. What are you reading at the moment for your summer/winter.

Lots of love,

Kate xxooxx.