Hearts, hearts and ♥

10th February  

Simple but effective paper hearts

I have always had a problem with hearts, maybe because I like girlie things, maybe because of my Scandinavian background, or just simple, they are a symbol for all that I treasure.  At Christmas the house is particularly surrounded and adorned with hearts from cooking to decorating to brooches and patterns on clothes, but at other times of the year, I have a few hearts here and there.  But February, well that is another matter, surely I can legitimately surround myself and the house in hearts, after all Valentines is around the corner...


Time for me is of a premium, we seem to live in a fast paced world, full of inspiring people, and really all I would like to do is to sit and create, but in reality this cannot be and so with all my WIPs (works in progress) this year I had to have just a quick fix at adding hearts into my life.  The paper hearts strung up on old fashioned string I think are simple and hugely effective and take very little time to make, so little, that I had time to whip some up today...

 

Paper hanging hearts ♥
You will need:
paper, scissors or cutting tools, stapler, pencil, string

You will most likey already have everything
you need to make the hearts ♥

♥Take any paper you fancy, can be wrapping paper, sheet music looks great, craft paper or even white plain paper.  For extra special effect you could use double sided patterned paper, for extra 'wow'.

♥Mark on the paper the desired width, I was using paper slightly larger than A4 and cut along the width of the paper. My width dimensions for the strips were 1.5cm, but you can use any measurement.  Cut out six strips for the heart and an extra strip for the hanging.

 

♥Staple the seven strips together about 1-2 cm from the end of the strip.

 

♥Separate the strips with three on each side and the middle strip left straight up, this will be the hanging strip.  I omitted the strip in this photogrpah and so had to add it in at the end!

 

♥Start to shape the inner most strip into a heart shape, remembering that this needs to be the smallest of the hearts, then take the middle strip and shape it slightly larger and then finally take the outer strip and shape it as large as you can, making sure the hearts compliment each other.  You will be left with different length strips at the bottom, the smallest heart will have the most left over for instance.  See below, this is not fiddly, but you will need to hold the ends to keep the shape.

 

♥Once happy with the look of the hearts, staple them together where I am holding them in the above photograph.

 

♥It was at this point I realised I had omitted the hanging strip, so quickly undid the top staple and added in the seventh strip.  Trim the excess paper at the bottom of the heart, to the desired length and add a small hole in the top hanging strip, thread with string and hang up!

 

 

♥Quick, simple and effective hearts to add to the home♥

In the bedroom, I couldn't resist putting back up the hearts that we usually have for Christmas.  These are incredibly quick to make, cut out two heart shapes, felt is best as it will not fray, stuff with toy stuffing if you have, if not cotton wool works just as well and sew round the edges as best you can.  I used blanket stitch in contrasting thread as I think that looks rustic and simple.  ~But you could use running stitch, a sewing machine or even glue it if you are adverse to sewing!  Quick and simple and romantic?!?!?

 

Many years ago I made a whole set of coasters in heart shapes for a dinner party, these were actually made out of an old men's shirt and thread, made very much the same as the hearts for the bed, but instead of stuffing them, I placed crushed cloves and cinnamon sticks to add a little aroma too.  These are looking a little old and sad now, perhaps I should get to cutting out hearts and sewing again too...

 

...and finally this years Valentine card had to be crocheted...

And a close up, mini hearts crocheted and glued onto white card.

 

♥Happy Valentines to you all♥

 

Would love to know if you make anything heart related...

London and a crocheted bag!

9th February
 

There is always something to attract the eye,
you must not forget to look down and up in the city!

Last week I spent a day and night in London and for a few precious hours had time in the city ALONE! It was such a treat and so I took myself off with my camera and trooped around a small section of this vast and amazing city.
 
I had decided in advance that I wanted to visit the British museum and pop into see what they had on the Aztecs, I don't know about you but I cannot take in too much information in one go and so always try to visit as few galleries in one day as possible, so thought just the Aztecs would be enough for one day!
 


Along the way I passed...

The most amazing frontage and the gigantic statue
in the forecourt is also worth a look



Kings Cross is now an up and coming
area in London, with beautifully restored buildings


Looking down in the Bloomsbury quarter there was much to see... as well as spotting many blue plaque buildings, including one where Kenneth Williams used to live!

I had a beautiful surprise in Russell Square, where I was met by Spring...

 

...who would have thought with all this weather we have been having that in the first week of February there would be an abundance of daffodils.

 

The architecture in London is so varied and mixed up and next to each other but sometimes a building just stops you in your tracks...

Art deco at it's best, pristine white and green, just expect Poirot to walk out to complete the picture!

Such intricate detail to the lighting for a tube station, how many people do not even notice?

I loved the lines and patterns found on this building: 

I love the iconic red phone boxes.

And finally I made it to the British Museum, but couldn't resist taking a picture of all the railings outside.  Did you know that railings were traditionally all painted green in Victorian times, but when the Prince Consort, Prince Albert died, Queen Victoria demanded all railings be painted black to remind Londoners that the country was in mourning, and so the majority of railings in London today are still black.  Our own Queen Elizabeth had a similar demand on London and when her mother died, aged 101, the same number of London phone boxes were changed colour from the pillar box red to black.  There are still 101 black painted phone boxes around London to this day.

I love the British museum as I do many others in London and am delighted that they are still free to visit, such a rich amount of learning and experiencing to be had for nothing.  In recent years the museum has undergone major transformation and I think they have made a sterling job of mixing the old with the new, just look at the roof now...

Even detail to the windows within the building, look at the reflection from the museum's roof on the glass window.

 

 

 

I finally made it to the Aztec section and have to be honest was a little disappointed, as there was very little, but I managed to find a fertility goddess that they prayed too back in the 1300's and discovered that turquoise was the second most valued commodity they had to trade with. 

 

 Look at the detail of the mosaic, all turquoise too.

 

It was finally time to leave and head back to begin beautifying myself for my long standing dinner date, the reason we were in London, but couldn't resist a couple of more photographs on the way back...  Loved the reflection in the lamp.

 

 Such a grand building.

 

 

 

Ready to leave to meet everyone for dinner I realised I did not have my bag with me, under normal circumstances this would not bother me, Mr H is very good at carrying my paraphernalia, but I had especially crocheted a little clutch bag for the evening and could not believe I had left it at home!  As it turned out, it was a good thing, as Mr H thought it would be great fun if, instead of hailing a black cab, we would Boris Bike it to the restaurant instead!  So in my high heels, newly hair dressered hair (!) I pulled on a knitted hat and off we pedalled!  London traffic is a little scary, especially along the Shaftesbury Road, but we managed it and afterwards it felt good!  We decided we would bike it back too!

 

The clutch bag that I forgot to bring!

 

Boris bikes, a great scheme, meant to be for everyone in London.  A survey conducted a couple of years ago, found that the majority of users were middle aged men who earned in excess of 150k!?!?!?

 

Dinner was good and the company better, a great time was had by all. I remembered to photograph my starter as I particularly enjoyed it and them promptly took no more pictures.  The hoi sin duck roll was delicious though and well presented.

 

Needless to say after a few jovial drinks with old school friends and their partners, our good intentions of cycling home faded away and we hailed a good old London cab!

 

♥I love visiting London, have you been?  What do you like to do?♥

Flowers, flooding and crafting

7th February 

Flowers on my window sill this week,
the colours really compliment each other

I am always happiest when there are flowers in the house.  If I am ever low, it is money well spent to go and pick up a few stems; there is something about flowers that just lift my heart.

If I had all the money in the world, there are two things I would like to do selfishly just for me:  to always have a vase of flowers in the house and clean crisp newly washed bed sheets every day.  My mother will laugh at the last one!  Can't help it, love the cleanness and freshness of newly laundered sheets.  How I survived a gap year travelling in Asia on a very tight budget all those years ago, I will never know.  But, I digress...

Here in the UK we have had amazing weather, it would appear we are not alone, some areas of Europe are drowning in snow and America has experienced two Polar vortex, who had ever heard of that before this year?  We are lucky, despite living only a 10~15 minute walk away from the beautiful river Thames, we are not flooded, but many around us are. 

Mostly the days have been grey and dull, but in between there has been the most glorious blue sky and I search and yearn for it and cannot help but make a comment the moment we see that vibrant blue in the sky, it just sings with happiness.

Blue sky through the window with the yellow
of the daffodils makes for a stunning colour
combination and all natural, nature is amazing, isn't it?



Today whilst driving to the local super market, I was diverted twice due to flooding. 

We are surrounded by these signs, but just look at the location,
back drop of a listed building with herringbone brick pattern

...but actually enjoyed myself immensely as I took the opportunity, the sky was blue, to take my time whilst driving and to stop and take photographs of the signs of spring, despite the weather, nature will not be held back. And guess what I spotted in the neighbouring village? Crocus', lots of them, popping their heads out in the winter sun! Beautiful.





Everything looks so much better in the sunshine.  I have passed this tree for the last fourteen years and every year, smile as I pass when these first snowdrops pop up.  The beginning of hope I always feel...

And even in my own garden the snow drops are springing up...

At this time of year, I search out for colour wherever I can, just to brighten up the mood and the feeling of mid winter.  In our food too, we try and add zest whenever we can... pomegranate and spinach, great colour vibrant combination, we added it to our linguine chicken dish!

But what about crafting and making?  Well the mood blanket continues to grow and I am still in love with the colours which is a relief as I have another ten months of work on it!  But with Valentines day approaching, I foolishly decided to make a heart garland to giveaway on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/eclectichomelife/ , I say foolishly, I am enjoying, but have so many other things to do...  All I asked was that anyone who would like a heart garland like a heart photo on my Fb page and leave a comment, it is not too late, draw will take place midday (UK time) Saturday 8th February 2014.  I shall post to anywhere in the world, I wonder who gets it.  I have found a great random number generator that I shall use to pick the recipient, it is all very exciting.

And on that note, I best fly off and do those million of things that need to be done, including finishing the garland, see only the hearts are made so far and all those threads!!!!  

Until next time...

Crochet Mood Blanket 2014

My mood blanket as of today, February 3rd 2014

3rd February 

Crocheting seems to have taken over my life at the moment, I think about it all the time and really something has to stop as the house is looking like a bomb site, but oh, I find it relaxing and exciting and I have found new friends through this past time. 

In the world of social media and those that are interested in crochet will know of a woman called Stacey Wentford-Hall.  She came up with an idea that it would be fun to create a blanket based on her moods of everyday and that each days mood would be represented by a specific colour.  She just so happened to mention it on the world wide web, thinking one or two others may fancy joining her in crocheting a 'granny square' a day, but that was not to be.  Some three thousand or so from all around the world responded and every day, somewhere someone is crocheting their mood or square and many share their efforts on line.  Already friendships across the Internet are forming and some who live close enough to each other have met up, but the majority sign in daily to the group, to look, to be inspired by, to be part of a community, to ask advice, to show their efforts and to be part of something that grows day by day...it is so addictive.

Below is a link to an interview with Stacey a few days ago with the magazine, Inside Crochet:  http://www.insidecrochet.co.uk/blog/crochet-mood-blanket-2014/

On the facebook page that I have joined Stacy clearly states the simple rules:

"So, really the only rule is that you crochet/knit a block or stripe everyday (or once a week if that suits you better) in ...2014 using a colour that you feel reflects your mood.

The colour choices are totally up to you! I think it's important that you use colours that you like so that it doesn't get boring. Plus you'll want a blanket you'd like to keep after all that hard work!! I'm personally using stylecraft! The amount of rounds is up to you! I think I'm going to do 4 rounds as I think I'll find that manageable! Most people doing the 365 are doing 4/5, the 52 people are doing more so they get a big blanket too." 

It so happens that not everyone is crocheting squares and not everyone can bring themselves to have such random colours as their moods suggest, but it does not seem to matter, everyone is encouraged and efforts are celebrated.  Below are a few of the blankets crocheted to date, kindly allowed to be shown here on the blog: 

Marie Lidberg January moods 2014

My mood blanket, well as I am not a large project girl, I was somewhat daunted and watched the group grow before I was able to feel that perhaps I too could begin.  I am one of the group who could not bring myself to be totally random in colour choice, so instead ordered yarn in colours that I felt represented the weather and my mood at the time.  The colours are muted, but varied, old fashioned pinks, mixed with warm beige, alongside petrol blue and vibrant violet, steely grey and dusky pale pinks to calm and warm me.  I am happy with my colours and each day that I pick up the blanket I take the colour that speaks to me most.  Starting a week or so late, I am still short of about 6 or 7 rows to be completely up with the rest of the group, but I imagine that this is the way it will be, sometimes behind and sometimes ahead.  There are those who are keeping a mood diary and noting how they feel and the colours that sing to them on those days, just in case they do not manage any hooking time, what a great idea.

 

As you can see from the photographs, my blanket is based on a stripe rather than a granny square and I have taken my inspiration from two main sources, I urge you to click on the links below and see just how beautiful these blankets can be.  I am not following either but dipping in and out and using them as my inspiration.  Already I call my blanket, the blanket of learning, as I am trying out so many new stitches, that not only had I not tried before, but had not even known about.  My Catherine wheel stitch was a disaster, but rather than 'frogging' it (ripping it up and starting again, called frogging as it sounds like: rip it, rip it, rip it!) I have left it in and hope to have another attempt on a day when my mood is such that I feel I can conquer the world!

http://notyouraveragecrochet.com/as-we-go-stripey-blanket/

http://littlewoollie.blogspot.ca/p/mixed-stitch-stripey-blanket-crochet.html?m=1


The blankets will grow and grow each month, telling their own tales about their creator and by December will be so large it will be a wonder if we will manage to lift them and cart them around with us as we crochet!

Already there is discussion about joining as you go, sorting out the endless thread ends and what to do with all the spare short useless threads that are left after finishing off.  Much discussion takes place between these women from all around the world.  Through these moods, many have shared snippets of their lives, good news received, awful weather conditions around the world,  an illness taking a turn for the worse, family death and a  baby born; we share as much or as little as we wish. There are those who are in the foreground of the group and comment almost daily, there are many who commment only occassionaly and I am sure there are hundreds who are silent and are enjoying the group enourmously too.  No matter how these individuals interact with the Crochet Mood Blanket 2014, hopefully everyone is having a 'yarn' of a time, I know I am.  Although  I do wonder who of the thousands of us will last till December...

♥Enjoy the snippets of blue sky we have and hold on for the Spring, I am looking for signs of it whenever I can ~ look I even managed to crochet outside for a little while♥