Sunday 16 June 2013

Hexagon Mystery

A big hello once again, and a special welcome to those of you who are new to my blog - I hope that each and every one of you always feels welcome here and derives some pleasure - maybe even a wee bit of inspiration, from what I get up to!

Gosh, almost two weeks since I last posted but no pressure, no stress, I've been enjoying browsing and commenting on some of your lovely blogs that I regularly follow, as well as some new, and they have cheered me up no end when I couldn't quite get my 'get-up-and-go' to get up and go! Thank you!

Today I'm going to begin with Hexes! Whilst browsing a couple of weeks or so ago, I came across a lovely blog  here  and was so taken with Jen's kindly offered pattern for her pastel hexagon throw that I decided to have a go!
Then, having completed a few of these very easy to do little shapes, I remembered the beautiful joining together stitch (flat braid join) that I'd absolutely fallen in love with  here . However, when I checked out how to do it I then decided that my patience wasn't as enduring as that of the gorgeous Shari, so I hunted around and found a simplified version of it! Not quite as lovely as Shari's but nevertheless, I do like it and think it suits the hexes. Have a look  here and scroll down until you see 'Simulated Braid Join' - that's the stitch I used. And by the way, while we're on the subject of sharing information and patterns, if you're not familiar with Shari's blog, do take a look anyway, for she makes the most beautiful and cuddlesome blankets - and you're sure to fall in love with her site whether you are interested in blankets or not!

I'd better let you have a peek at these hexes and the joining stitch!


But here's where the 'hexagon mystery' comes into play! I really don't know where I'm going with these gorgeous little things - I was sooooo enjoying the making of them, and was sooooo keen to try out this joining stitch, that I just had to go for it and see what would eventuate. It's neither one thing nor another at the moment but as usual I seem to follow my nose with these new tries and it slowly develops into 'something'. Did I hear you say "Not another blanket, surely"? Well, my sentiments exactly, but wouldn't it be lovely for a new baby .....  .....  ... or a fancy-it-up cover for a dresser .....  ....  ... a stole perhaps .....  .....  ... a bit light in colour maybe for a bag? Any suggestions from you lovely imaginative folks out there would be gratefully received - please?


I have also finished with the squares that I showed you last post - I didn't know what I was going to do with that piece either for a while, but here is the completed - yes - blanket - again! Blankets are so safe!

I think this could be my favourite among those I've already crocheted! What do you think?


How about a few little pics from my garden now?
 These are Lilly Pilly trees: there are three of them altogether (it's a privacy thing!) The first two are a different 'strain' to the more mature one in the background there, and have now developed lovely mauve berries, whereas the bigger one sports the deep pink colour. The foliage is so pretty with its changing colours and the fruit can be used for jam making and such like. I am a bit late in snapping them really, for most of the berries have now dropped off, but they are still rather lovely, don't you think?




Then there's the 'Hebes' giving us some lovely colour for most of the year.



And last but not least, I rescued these last few blooms before J cut the rose bushes back!

I do love roses - the complexity of each bloom is, I find, breathtaking! And the perfume - WOW!!!


Have a wonder-filled week one and all, and I'll look forward to reading and responding to your lovely comments - oops, does that sound presumptuous?  Well, I just want to express how important your 
messages are to me, and to quote the old cliche: they make my day! Thank you!

Joy xxx

45 comments:

  1. Hi Joy,
    Well I knew your hexagons would be amazing and I wasn't wrong (I do like being right)
    Love the colours you've used so pretty. I've always thought hexagons whether patch work or crochet (if lined) would make a lovely bag maybe?
    Love the square blanket it's really cute how there are different designs-really shows what you can do!
    I especially like the border seems to tie it all together.
    Well what beautiful roses one of my favourite flowers such a pretty shade of pink.
    You have been busy and very productive. Hope that you have a lovely week xx

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    1. Hi FB
      So nice to hear from you again, and thank you so much for your lovely comments! You always have such nice things to say to me and they really brighten me every time!
      Have you seen the bags that Wink, over at A Creative Being, has been making? They're quite gorgeous!
      I hope your week is tops,
      Joy xx

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    2. I've just been over and had a look there beautiful aren't they. Hey it's easy to say nice things Joy your a lovely lady xx

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    3. Oh shucks FB! Thank you, you're so sweet!
      Do enjoy your week!
      Joy xx

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  2. Your hexagons are lovely and such beautiful colours. Maybe you could turn them into a cushion cover? Your garden is looking gorgeous too, especially the Hebes, my favourites.

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    1. Hello Sara, I'm very happy to see you here and thank you for your lovely message! I've left a message over on your blog and hope to see you here again soon.
      Joy x

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  3. Oh, you made my day just giving a little mention about my blog...I knew you where a sweetheart! Thank you so much for your comment. Your hexagons are looking so nice together. I saw the same joining method you are using but haven't given it a go just yet but after looking at yours I just might....very soon!
    I always enjoy looking at your beautiful photos of flowers and hometown scenery....keep them coming! Soooo G O R G E O U S!
    Hugs, Shari

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    1. Hey Shari! I'm very happy to have made your day then, for you deserve huge applause for your gorgeous blankets and blog etc.. Do give this method a try Shari - it's so simple and quick. I'll look forward to hearing what you think of it.
      Thank you so much for your lovely words - I do so look forward to hearing from you!
      Hugs to you too,
      Joy xx

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  4. Lovely post as always Joy. Your hexes are lovely, so pretty, I am tempted to say they would be great for another...blanket!!! Love your competed squares blanket too, your crochet is so lovely.
    M x

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    1. Hello again M - and thank you so much for leaving me another lovely message - I really appreciate your kindness and love that you enjoy seeing my work. Ah yes, another blanket is the temptation I am facing, just sometimes I wish I wasn't so impatient to see things finished!
      Joy x

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  5. Hello JOY, your Hexie are so very pretty and I love those pastel colors. Thanks for the links to the pattern and the fancy edging.. YOUR flowers are so gorgeous but I truly LOVE that pastel pink rose. Hugs Judy

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    1. Hello Judy, thank you so much for popping in again and for your sweet remarks! Yes, those colours are very gentle and easy on the eye, aren't they - I find them very relaxing.
      My roses may last another day in the vase and then I'm sad to say there won't be any more for a while now - I miss them during that lull in the season but will love them again soon, the way time passes these days!!!
      Joy x

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  6. Hi Joy, I am loving your hexies and I think they want to become a baby blanket. I know another blanket, but they are perfect for one. Your flowers are so beautiful, I love roses and only have one tree/bush as the deer love to eat them.
    Hugs to you my sweet friend and you are right Shari is amazing.

    Meredith

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    1. Hello Meredith, and it's so nice to hear from you again, thank you so much! I am laughing here - yeah, another blanket - but you are so right!
      Oh the deer are so naughty eating your roses - lots of people here have trouble with the kangaroos eating up their gardens so the fences have to go up to protect them - such a shame!
      I send you hugs also lovely Meredith, and thank you again!
      Joy x

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  7. Thank you so much Joy for posting this. I have a hexagon project that I was pondering over how to join them. I tried a few methods but wasn't happy and so put the project to one side. After reading your post just now I have tried this method out on my hexies and it works so well that I am back in love with it and eager to carry on to finish. It's a blanket for my baby.
    I must also say your blanket with the tricolour square is gorgeous and those roses...WOW just beautiful!! Lovely, lovely photos Sam xx

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    1. Hi Sam - I'm so glad the link has proved useful to you - that is great news, especially when the blanket is for your baby! I could hardly believe, when I tried this stitch, just how easy and quick it is! I'll be looking forward to seeing your finished work- all the best with it!
      Thank you so much for your lovely message Sam - have a great week!
      Joy xx

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  8. Thanks for showing us your garden I do love Hebe's they give so much don't they? I think your hexagons are fab. Are you going to do half hexagons in the gaps on the edge? I have made loads and now I don't know how to square it up to get a straight edge. I will let you know if I find out. Jo x

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. Hi Jo - lovely to hear from you again, thank you!
    Yes, I am amazed at the Hebes for they just keep on blooming month after month.
    Gosh Jo, I don't know anything about half hexes - YET - this is my first attempt at 'whole' ones - but I would be grateful to hear from you on that one, thank you! I honestly haven't thought that far ahead yet because the big decision about what they are going to be has not yet been made. You see what I mean about me just going with it and deciding as I go along!
    Have a great week and enjoy your Tuesday class!
    Joy xx

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  10. Joy! I am so glad you have decided to blog and that you do so beautifully!!! It is a joy to visit your posts and glimpse your creativity as well as the beauty around you. Your rose blossoms are as perfect as perfect can be. I am in CA after the death of my dear brother-in-law who enjoyed a long good life. My Joseph's Coat roses are blooming in OR and my daughter sent photos in a text for me to see. Blessings of loving family and the internet :-) I love seeing your projects and have yet to try many of the skills you have mastered. Today I have spent over an hour untangling a skein of yarn and frogging a row of the shawl I am crocheting, but am going to get back at it and see if I can regain lost ground :-) Blessings to you and yours,
    Gracie

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    1. Well hello Gracie, and a big welcome to my little place!
      Thank you so much for all your lovely comments - I feel very blessed to be receiving such lovely messages from so many beautiful people! I am very happy that you dropped by!
      Yes, loving family are treasures - I so appreciate and love mine and it's always sad to have to say goodbye - even when they have had good long lives.
      Sorry to hear you're having to do a bit of frogging - you'll feel much better when you 'regain that ground'.
      I wish you and loved ones blessings also.
      Joy x

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  11. I am so envious of your hexies, and all your completed projects! they look just amazing. I also love the roses, we have some in our garden , butnot enough and hoping to grow a few more varietes next year too. Mine are still blooming, but we will have to cut them back soon too for winter. sadly the roses are getting lots of aphids, which is a nuisance, but once they are cut back hopefully that will get rid of the pests too! love your garden and all those purple plants - just lovely!

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    1. Hello again - I just left a message on your blog - we are having an ongoing conversation today!
      I am glad you are enjoying seeing my works - I do love making them all and have had a bit of practice now.
      Sorry to hear about the aphids - they can be an absolute pest - how dare they take a fancy to the beautiful roses!
      Many thanks for your lovely comments and I hope the weather is kind to you this week - awfully cold nights and mornings down here at the moment and a bit showery today - now that I have the washing out!
      Joy x

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  12. Hi there - I've just discovered your lovely blog so popping in to say hello, and how much I love your hexies! (Btw, as I see it, one can never have too many blankies!). Looking forward to following your crafty adventures,
    Love Gilly xx

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    1. Hi Gilly and welcome, I'm very happy you found your way here and that you love my hexes. I agree with you on the blanket score - and I might add that the way the weather has turned so cold here today we need as many blankets as we can get hold of!
      Thank you so much for dropping by and please come again soon!
      Joy xx

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  13. Your hebes are wonderful! Mine sadly were hit by this last winter - each and every one of them! And I am loving your colour choices for your blankies - gorgeous, thank you for popping over and saying such nice things on my blog x

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  14. So sad for your hebes Hawthorn - and for you - having to endure such severe weather conditions!
    I'm happy to hear you like my colours - I used to paint in watercolours but now get my colour kicks from yarn - and love it!
    So nice to see you here Hawthorn and to have your lovely message - do feel welcome to pop in any time!
    Joy x

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  15. Everything I wanted to say has been said already Joy! Just stopping by to let you know I immensely enjoyed your post and look forward to the next! x

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    1. Hiya Sharron - I'm so happy to hear from you again, thank you for taking time to visit and leave your welcome message. I'm looking forward to your next post also and always enjoy seeing what you've been up to.
      Wishing you happy sunshiny days always,
      Joy x

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  16. Hello! Beautiful hexagons and I love the joining stitch - I will have to learn how to do that. I have been crocheting granny hexagons this week, only recently finding out you can 'join as you go'. Blogs are wonderful for learning new things. Thanks for sharing your project and photos. Claire x

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    1. Hello Claire - and a big welcome to you! Thank you for leaving me a message, I really enjoy having little chats with my wonderful visitors.
      Do have a look at that joining stitch Claire - it really works up quickly and easily even though it may look a bit complicated - it does take a bit more yarn, but that's a good excuse for buying more!!!
      Do call in again soon - you're very welcome!
      Joy x

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  18. Hello Joy, I'm so glad I've come across your blog - those hexies are beautiful and the joining stitch is exquisite! I must make some! I don't think you should wait to make a blanket - use the hexies you've made straight away as a centrepiece on the dinner table! A pretty vase of flowers on top, or as a trivet...it needs to be on show! Chrissie x

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  19. What a sweet message Chrissie, you have made me smile, thank you, and I'm so glad you have found me! Do call again soon!
    Joy x

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  20. Hi joy I have seen your name on so many of the blogs I read so with a little time I've tracked you fine and had a good nosy over here. Your blog is do lovely and it's always wonderful to find other crochet lovers out there. I simply love your hexie and think it will make a wonderful blanket. I'm in awe with your beautiful new crochet blanket, it is absolutely gorgeous and you must be so proud!! Well done for creating such a beautiful blanket. I love the colours. Warm wishes xo

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    1. Hello Hannapat, what a lovely message - thank you so much for 'tracking me down' - it's an absolute pleasure to have you here, and please do drop by again soon!
      I wish you the very best,
      Joy xo

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  21. Thanks so much for your comment, following you on GFC, hope you follow back XO

    http://mevamarie.blogspot.com/

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    1. Lovely to hear from you again thank you! I am following, with pleasure!
      Joy x

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  22. Hello Joy! Thank you for popping into my place and leaving a message and for becoming a follower! Now I can come and visit you here and see your lovely crochet and other handiwork and enjoy those beautiful roses!
    I'm always interested in the beauties of nature and am an avid crochet fan, my hook is not often very idle!
    It's so nice to get to know like-minded folk!

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    1. Hello Sandra, It's lovely to see you here and thank you so much for your lovely message!
      I'll be over to see you again very soon - looking forward so much to more of your peace-promoting words and pictures!
      Joy x

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  23. Hi Joy,

    I've just popped over to your blog for the first time after reading a kind comment that you left on my own blog. Your blog looks lovely, and I will definately come back and visit again. I'm also humbled that you have tried out my little hexagon pattern! I always find it so surprising when fellow crafters think that whatever little pattern or project I have posted about looks interesting enough to attempt themselves! I hope you found the pattern ok to follow and enjoy making it!

    Jen x

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    1. Hello Jen,
      I'm very happy to see you here, and thank you for leaving me your sweet message!
      I was very happy to try out your lovely hex pattern for I fell in love with your blanket - and it just so happened that I had similar colours in my stash - not, of course, that they HAD to be the same colours, but the gentle colours are those that I love, even though I chop and change for different subject matter!
      I am really enjoying following your lovely pattern and still love your hexes, thank you so much!
      Do pop round again soon - you're very welcome!
      Joy x

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  24. Joy, your hexagons are so beautiful! I love the colors you're using and the way you're joining them is so pretty. I also love your finished blanket. Boy, that's gorgeous! ...Your garden picks are lovely. I've never heard of "Lilly Pilly" trees! What a cute name! xo :)

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  25. Thank you so much Paulette - I'm still working away at the hexes and really loving them - looks like they will become a blanket, but size is still a mystery!
    I am particularly fond of this little 'squares' blanket and am so glad to know you love it too.
    I believe the Lilly Pilly trees are native to Australia - yes, great name for them!
    Looking forward to keeping in touch,
    Joy xo

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  26. beautiful captures...lovely!

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    1. Thank you so much Kalyan - I'm glad you like them - do call in again soon!
      Joy

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