Monday, 7 May 2012

Granny Square Button Cushion!

Guess who spent a lovely Friday afternoon with Dennis?.......MEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Dennis' cruise ship was in Hamburg for the day, so we had a chance to catch up. We spent a lovely afternoon sharing stories and enjoying each others company, it was sooooo  great to see him!
He is doing fine and is rather enjoying his current contract. He promises that once rehearsals are finished he will pop by 'the blog' and say hello to you all!

Friday really was a lovely day! Not only did I see Dennis in the afternoon, I also took the evening off form work and had a little time to myself. I spent some time working on my current WIP and made some scrummy home cooked food.

I also took a venture up the road to explore the local yarn cafe, they were having a 'Knit Night'.
Knit night happens twice a month at this store and I was extremely curious to see what it was all about.
I have to be honest, not only was I curious..... I was also a little nervous. Nervous about the fact I would probably be the only guy and nervous about the thought of having to speak German! 
I didn't have to worry about a thing! The ladies were extremely accommodating, they spoke to me slowly and were patient as I sometimes struggled to find the correct German words.  We spoke about our projects and worked on them whilst having a laugh and drinking good coffee. I didn't always understand everything that was said but I laughed along all the same! :-)

On the way home, I stopped off at a bar and listened to some live music whilst sipping a beer. It was a perfect way to end an evening free from work.

Would you like to see what I was working on at the knit cafe?
I started this project last week, It's made using the leftover yarn from my blanket.


This project had two purposes. The first was to be quick and easy and the second was to use up the last of this yarn. It fulfilled both!
I planned on making a cushion that would match my blanket. I decided to keep to a similar theme and made the pillow out of Granny Squares.
49 squares in total.


I made 24 colourful squares
 Then I added 25 white squares to the equation.


I stitched the squares together using single crochet. I wanted to create the same raised ridges that my blanket also has.

I rummaged the 'bits and bobs' box for all of the left over buttons we had. Some buttons I had bought, some I had found and some were salvaged from old clothing. 


I'm totally fascinated with buttons at the moment. I love the endless amount of colours and sizes. I love that  randomly you may see one whilst walking to work or find one down the back of the sofa. I think they're rather enchanting!

I sewed the buttons to the white Granny squares. 



Once the front of the cushion was complete I got to work on the back.
I simply made a large granny square out of my left over yarn. Changing colour for each round.


Isn't that just so stunningly sunny! I'm loving the back of the pillow almost as much as the front!
Once the back was finished I stitched the front to the back (cushion in the middle) also using single crochet. I finished it off with a simple picot border.
Wanna have a look?


 I'm very pleased with it! The buttons add a rather playful touch!
 Here's the back:


I'm not sure which side a love most?



It compliments the blanket nicely and sits fittingly with its sibling cushions!


With this cheery cushion it really doesn't matter that its so gloomy outside!
Apparently these days, sunshine comes in the form of granny squares and buttons!

Matt xxx
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Monday, 30 April 2012

Marvellous May.

Hello Lovelies!!
Just wanted to touch base with you all!
I've been struggling to find time to work on the blog this week. I've missed you all dearly!
Balancing work with German language school is proving a little tricky.  It's really not leaving me very much crafty time :-(
When I have had a free moment,  my head has been somewhere else. I haven't been able to focus on any ideas or even attempt to make my crafty dreams a reality.
However, this evening, I've not had to work and have spent the evening getting organised.
The idea 'flood gates' have opened and I'm once again swamped with creative crochet ideas.

May should be an exciting month! I have a a couple of patterns I'm working on and will hopefully be heading your way very soon!
I also have this gorgeous  'Baby Alpaca' wool to play around with. It's going to be worked up into a glorious frenzy of gorgeousness.

Not as bright and bold as my usual colour choices. A little more classic! Isn't it delicious looking?


Before I get working with the Baby Alpaca, I must finish my current WIP. I'm working on another Granny Square project using the left over wool from my blanket! I'll be sharing this with you very soon!

So...lots planned and happening for the month of May!!!
I can't wait!
What creative craziness have you all got planned for the upcoming month? I'd love to know!
I say "BRING ON THE MARVELLOUS MONTH OF MAY!" It's going to be exciting!

Matt xxx
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