Eclectic Home and Life: August 2016

August 30th

The coming weekend heralds the 15th year we host a family and friends boating regatta on our stretch of the Thames, it is chaotic, boisterous, full of energy, fun and laughter.

The regatta, as we grandly call it, does require much effort in organising and getting everything ready and with four days to go what have I started... but crocheting boats to make into bunting. I must need my head seeing to I really must! And what on earth am I doing sitting here at the computer writing and blogging about it when it's not even finished. If you don't hear from me until after the weekend you know where I am, recovering from the week end or burying my head in the sand as I was not quite ready for everyone but the bunting was finished...

So I'm doing this...

So quick to whip up, wish me luck in finishing it
and everything else that needs to be done by Friday...

instead of more of this...

With 30 people staying with us from Friday
to Sunday, there's a lot of food planning
that needs thinking about...

and I'm still playing...

Children's foam play mats make excellent blocking boards

Such an effective pattern

The bunting pattern is not mine, did not have time to think something up as well, but the tutorial and instructions from Jacqueline are brilliantly clear, go see for your self. I shall be using this pattern again I am sure: Boat bunting

Each year I make up a photo book from the previous years
regatta, it's incredible to see how everyone changes...

♥ Being very selfish, wish me well... ♥

Chunky yarn and huge needles

August 24th

Every year, every summer I hide away in my bolt hole, my security blanket if you will. I sleep better, I breathe the air around me and I craft every day without guilt. I have done this for most years of my life and hope to continue to do this for the rest of them too. It's my annual spa so to speak. Where is this magical crafting clean air breathing space...Norway of course and home with mamma.

Chunky yarn galore a mix of wool and acrylic

I seldom know what I am going to make when I am in Norway, I let the inspiration and the wonderful yarn shops influence me. The first project that caught my mind was this incredibly chunky yarn that required 15 mm knitting needles.

Just look at the size of these needles and chunky yarn

Using the 15 mm circular needles I cast on 44 stitches which was enough to cover one side of my cushion and leave enough to have seam space. It knitted up quickly but I must admit it was a work out on my arms and hands, any bigger a project and I think it would be one of those projects like reading a mammoth book that you have to read others in between. Saying that it was fun and I am delighted with the end result. Its' chunky and soft, what's not to like...