Monday 24 June 2013

Mr Cockerel Comes Home To Roost

Hello my lovely friends - so nice to have you here again and I hope everything is going well for all of you! A special welcome to newcomers - it's so good to have you here too, and I hope you will find something of  interest here! A big thank you to everyone for your lovely uplifting messages, they really mean so much to me and brighten my days!

First off, I have been longing to show you Mr Cockerel now he is in his frame. I am delighted at the wonderful job Haese's of Albany (Western Australia) did on him, and for anyone  in my locale who is looking for a good framer then I highly recommend them. Some of the silk fabric on Mr C was a little wrinkled when I took him in to be framed, but they managed to stretch it all out and away. What do you think of him now?

Yes, I know, it looks a bit twisted - but that's just my photography!





I've had a bit of a bad week with a cardigan I began to knit and, although I'm showing it to you, (to prove I haven't been idle!) sadly I'm about to 'frog' it! Why, you ask? I have pushed myself to do all of this - the back and most of a front - knowing that it really wasn't 'doing it' for me! I had had this gorgeous soft yarn for ages and been looking for a pattern that I really liked, then one turned up but I knew the yarn really wasn't suitable at all. I worked out the tension and adjusted needles but the pattern was really calling for a more stable yarn all together. I finally came to the realisation that it had to go when I took a closer look at the front band, (which is worked along with the body), and saw that it was nothing like firm enough and that the thing would gape and drop and be a regular nuisance! I'm sure I'm not the first to go through something like this and it's been discussed before: if you're not happy with it it's better to frog and start all over again, so that was the difficult decision reached yesterday. It doesn't help that J keeps saying "But you've spent so much time on it and done so much work!" I will use this beautiful yarn for something else by and by; it's such a lovely light  cocoa colour with a slight dusty pink tinge to it, but difficult to replicate here. Anyway, watch this space!


I bought a new book last week from my local yarn supply shop (A Good Yarn) and it's full of great ideas for borders and edges, and even includes a few projects - scarf, hat, bag, shawl etc.. It's published by Interweave, so uses American crochet terms, but easy enough to translate into the UK terms which is what I use. Kristin Omdahl is the author and she has put out several other crochet and knitting books, besides this one.
That bright razzamatazz pink is my tryout of the Deco Scallops, which was the first of the patterns to grab my attention. Do yourself a favour, if you come across this book do have a look at it. Oh and by the way, I'm not being paid to advertise - I just think it's nice to share with like-minded folks such as yourselves!

The sky was looking a bit threatening on Sunday morning, but isn't it lovely to see a rainbow - especially a 'double' one! Those birds are pink and grey gallahs, not close enough to properly see their lovely colours, but gives you an idea anyway! Incidentally, the rain did come but not until later in the afternoon, and then it poured down!

We took a quick drive right up the top of the Mount Shadforth tourist route and I took a couple of quick pics of the view over to Mount Frankland. What a vast and beautiful land! And isn't that sky wonderful!

And yesterday morning the park was very quiet so I managed to get a few more pics to show you, now that the planting is coming along. You may remember me mentioning this park and the adventure playground that was under construction? Well, a lot more progress has been made and it's such a lovely place for families to spend time together.
Aren't the kangaroo paws quite stunning - these are young yet and will put on a lovely show as they mature.

These pics give a wider view of what's been taking place. The hand-painted tubes on wooden stands 
are what the children use to enable them to speak to each other across the park - for want of the correct word let's just call them 'intercoms' - and they are very popular too, as you can imagine! And some very clever person has been really busy etching and moulding our native species onto hunks of granite - there are quite a few of these scattered around the park.

This is the Chime Construction - I don't pretend to understand how it works but one day a while back we were having a chat with the architect of this wondrous thing and he said that it was to be tuned and balanced - these drops are all secured to the ground and I think the kids can wallop the little shapes against the more solid framework and play music! Well, it certainly looks fascinating to me! I'm sure it cost a small fortune to construct and hope it can stand up to energetic kids' play!

I am so looking forward to getting into some serious crocheting now that the cardigan is 'out of the way' - especially the hexes - I could have had a mountain of those made in the time spent on learning another lesson in life, which is: Listen more attentively to that little voice that tells me it's not quite the right thing!
Wishing you all a happy and satisfying crafty week!

Joy xxx


48 comments:

  1. Hey Joy, such a shame about the cardi. But I understand why you had to give up on it. That lovely yarn will be fashioned into something far more pleasing to you in due course, I'm sure! Mr Cockerel looks fab in his new home, beautifully framed. Thanks for sharing all your lovely photos, and my best to you for the coming week x

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  2. So lovely to hear from you again Sharron, and thank you for your encouragement! It's been a difficult one - 24 rows to that pattern, never mind, as you say - something else in due course!
    As always, wishing you wonderful things in your life,
    Joy x

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  3. The cockerel has turned out just right you must be really proud of it. I wish I had seen that pink edging before I finished the bridesmaids cardigans, it is so pretty. Love Jo x

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Hi Jo - always happy to read your messages, thank you!
      I'm glad you like Mr Cockerel - I am really pleased to see him in his frame after all this time!
      Pity I couldn't show the book any sooner but the edging you did is surely lovely anyway! Are you able to see this pattern clearly - just for future reference?
      Love, Joy x

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  4. gorgeous pics of the country side around you Joy! we too had a few downpours here in town and then followed by a few very strong rainbows! We could do with a tad more rain here though!I'm liking the look of that book there and its funny cos I use the american terms for crochet, as I learnt all the crochet I know from youtube and the guy doing the tutorials is from the USA! But having said that I downloaded a converter so that if a pattern is in UK terms I know what they mean!

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    1. Thank you so much - I'm glad you enjoyed a little look around - for old times sake!
      I hope you can get hold of the book then, and you'd have much better chance in town - unless of course you order books online?
      We need more rain too - it's surprising how quickly things dry out isn't it - and if we don't get it at this time of year it makes things difficult when the heat starts again!
      Have a great weekend!
      Joy x

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  5. Your bird is beautiful in its frame, and is looking quite a picture.The book you have purchased looks amazing, think even I could do a edging or two from it.

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    1. Thank you Joy - I love him!
      The book is really good and patterns quite easy to follow - it's helpful that there are stitch diagrams as well as the written patterns!
      Hope you are keeping well and happy!
      Joy x

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  6. Hi Joy, what a lovely post, full of interesting topics...I'm so sorry about the cardigan, I know it must be frustrating, but you did the right thing by buying a new book and having that colourful cockerel framed - presents to oneself will ease the pain of frogging! The playground is SUPER! Chrissie x

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    1. Hi Chrissie,
      Thank you so much for your encouraging words, I really appreciate your kind thoughts!
      So glad you like the playground - such wonderful ideas there to encourage childrens' imaginations!
      Yeah, and I think I should have yet another treat for myself - just to balance the scales - what do you think?!!! After all, that is one BIG frog!
      Joy x

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  7. What a very beautiful cockerel, I just love the colours and the use of fabric, it is gorgeous. He certainly looks very happy and content in his new home. Oh how frustrating for you to have spent all this time without an end result. I think we all get there at some point and yes, it certainly is a mystery why we don't stop sooner when we are not sure about things, I personally see that a positive quality, being forever optimistic that things will turn out well in the end. I am sure you will find another project for this beautiful wool that will work for you. I love the colour of it. Great photo of your double rainbow, just love these little wonders of life, they certainly brighten up days even when clouds look ominous. It looks like you had a wonderful day out and thank you for sharing that great book with us. I always love hearing about books as I think it is really hard to know which books to buy. The border choices look wonderful and love your pink border too. Happy creating to you this week Joy xoxo

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  8. Hello Hannapat - what a lovely lovely message, thank you so much! Being philosophical about these little hiccups that turn up in our daily lives is certainly the best attitude to have - I am in total agreement with you!
    I am looking forward to trying out more of these borders - such a wide choice - the sky's the limit! So much to learn and such fun!
    I wish you a wonderfully creative week too, Hannapat, and thanks again!
    Joy xoxo

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  9. Sorry you will have to 'frog' the cardi, the pattern looks a lovely texture. I've been knitting (or rather not knitting) the same cardi for two years, but I am fickle and now I love crochet so the poor knitting doesn't get a look in... The cardi may need to be frogged.
    Lovely edging too - I have it in mind to make a skirt, add a patch pocket and then crochet an edge round the hem. The one you've done here looks ideal.
    Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog - I think of you as my antipodes correspondent x
    www.blackberryandcrumble.blogspot.co.uk

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  10. Hello again and thank you so much for your visit and lovely message! It's nice for me to think you have given me this identification - I like it!
    I really understand what you're saying about loving crochet - all the time I was struggling with this cardi, I just wanted to be crocheting - makes me feel a bit sorry for the cardi!
    Your skirt idea sounds very nice - there's so much one can do with crochet trims - right? Can you make out the actual pattern in the book? I tried to photograph it so it could be read but don't know if I was successful or not. I could do a more close-up pic for next time if you'd like it!
    Have a great week!
    Joy x

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  11. Mr Cockerel looks perfect in his new frame!

    It's a shame you've got to frog you cardi but that yarn looks so lovely, I'm sure you'll find the perfect pattern to use it with :) xoxo

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    1. Hello Elisabeth - lovely to have you here again and thank you for your kind message - I will find something else to use that lovely yarn on - then hopefully be glad I pulled the original cardi out!!!
      I think choosing to have a non-reflective glass on Mr C's frame also contributed to his 'nice look'! Extra expense but worth it!
      Have a wonderful week Elisabeth!
      Joy x

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  12. Hi Joy, I am very pleased you are enjoying the book, and your edging looks just like in the book - I struggle badly with crochet instructions and after trying to replicate several crochet stitches last week ended up getting the knitting needles out again instead!

    Thanks for mentioning the shop!
    Liz

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    1. Hi Liz!
      What a lovely surprise - thanks for leaving me a message - welcome aboard!
      Sorry to hear about your crochet stitches - some of the written instructions can be a bit baffling at times - or maybe you were trying them without a pattern? In any case isn't it great that you are such an avid knitter and can console yourself with the old favourite! Frustrating though, all the same!
      Hope you have a busy and enjoyable week in your lovely shop - surrounded by all that gorgeous colour you have to feel good!
      Joy x

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  13. Hello Joy,
    Well doesn't Mr cockerel look wonderful all framed and posh. The framers have certainly done a fab job...the subject was pretty smashing though!
    Oh Joy I'm always starting things and then thinking "there not quite right" and I think its fab advice that if you think its not quite right, try again or move on to next project.
    Your cardi looked lovely to me but like you said if your not happy with it "frog" it hehe.
    Never heard that expression before love it!
    Love the Deco scallops there lovely.
    You captured that double rainbow beautifully.
    The community adventure park looks like a great place, I know my daughter would love playing there.
    Hope you have a lovely week xx

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    1. Hello lovely FB!
      I'm so glad you like Mr Cockerel's new home - better than being stuffed in a drawer don't you think!
      It is a pity about the cardi FB but I just kept pushing myself with it and should have stopped sooner than I did! The old adage: 'if in doubt, don't', is one I often use but it escaped me this time! Lesson learned!
      I first came across 'frog' when I started to look at blogs, and although I know it means 'rip it out', I can't remember the full explanation for the word! If you come across it please let me know!
      Yeah, I love the new book, am looking forward to trying out some more stitches in next couple of days!
      Your little girl would love the park - most kids have a 'whale' of a time!
      Have yourself a lovely week FB, and keep up the good and lovely work,
      Joy xx

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  14. Lovely post as always. Mr Cockerel looks fantastic and so proud in his frame. The crochet books you got look lovely.
    M x

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  15. Hello again M, thank you so much for your sweet message!
    Mr C does look proud, doesn't he - he's just so pleased to be out of that drawer and in a prominent position where he can keep an eye on everything - I hope he's not expecting to see a fine little chook come prancing by for he's in for a disappointment!
    The new book is just great M - so many lovely stitches and effects - I just need to keep reminding myself that the terms used are American, otherwise ... .... confusion!
    Enjoy your week,
    Joy x

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  16. Mr Cockeral turned out beautifully, Joy! You did a great job with him. I love the Finer Edge book too; I just had it from the library a few weeks ago. I didn't try any of the patterns in it, just looked at it and admired the beautiful work, but your piece turned out really nicely. That was one of the patterns I liked in the book too! I'm so glad you also liked it. :)

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  17. Ah Jennifer, thank you so much for your lovely message - I always love to hear from you!
    Isn't that interesting that you've just been looking through the same book and were drawn to that same pattern - I like that too!
    Now that I see Mc C up on the wall I feel a bit bad for having left him in the drawer for so long, but I think all is forgiven!!!
    Have yourself a wonderful week!
    Joy x

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  18. I remember talking on those 'intercoms' with my son! what a great park. I love the crochet border book. The pink fan is lovely! perhaps I'll look into getting that from the library. My neighbour arrived here with a crochet book for me to look at the other day, she works at the library! I never thought about borrowing them before. Anyway would be great to see more.Heather x

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    1. Hello Heather, lovely to have your message, thank you!
      Yes, happy memories - so nice to reminisce about those times!
      This book is definitely worth a good look, at least, Heather - oh there's always so much more to learn isn't there.
      I hope your week is going well for you and yours!
      Joy x

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  19. Hi Joy, Love Mr Cockerel he is fantastic, so majestic looking. The colours are wonderful. The kangaroo paws are something I've never seen before and i can see how they got their name. Please can you take and share a photo of some in full bloom.

    Like the term 'frogging', never heard of it before - think I might start using it though. Well done on all that knitting, not wasted time as when you get the perfect yarn for it you have already practiced the pattern. Perhaps a crochet pattern for that yarn!
    S xx

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  20. Hi S, thanks for your sweet message! Mr Cockerel has been well received in his frame - I'm glad you like him too!
    I will get some shots of the kangaroo paws again and let you have a look - they are quite different aren't they and strike quite a pose!
    Thank you for your encouragement re the knitting - at the moment I don't want to think about the pattern as it took a lot of concentration - 24 rows to each pattern!!! Beautiful yarn though and it will certainly get used.
    Joy x

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  21. Dear Joy, just wanted to say hello and I hope you're well. I love your framed Mr Cockerel, such a work of art. We win some we loose some with our crafting. If you're not happy with your knitting you have to be brave, frog it and move on to your next success! Take care, Sam xx

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  22. Hello Sam - I really appreciate your kind words; I am well thank you and hope you are too!
    I find that phrase very encouraging - "and move on to your next success" - thank you so much!
    Mr C is very much settled in his new position on the wall and I am really quite attached to him, now that he is over his five years of probation in a drawer!!!
    I hope your week is going well,
    Hugs, Joy x

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  23. It's shame you had to undo your lovely work but as you say; if it doesn't feel right, it's probably not right!
    It would make a gorgeous scarf, the colour is perfect. Maybe a whole set of hat, scarf and gloves/mittens?

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    1. Thank you Rachel - I like your suggestion, and I'm sure this lovely soft yarn would be great as a set! I think it will be crochet next time as it seems to give me results more quickly! And hopefully not frogging results!
      Joy x

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  24. Joy, your pictures are so beautiful. So sorry about the sweater, but I am glad you are frogging it before it is completed and you decide you have wasted all that time. I do that all the time, try to make the yarn work for the sweater when it isn't going to work at all.
    Love the rooster picture, it looks fabulous.
    Hugs to you sweet Joy,
    Meredith

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    1. Dear Meredith - thank you so much for your wise words - I will remember them next 'decision time'!
      I'm so glad you like Mr C - I am loving him more each day!
      Happy days and hugs to you too Meredith,
      Joy xo

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  25. Oh I do hate to have to unpick or undo all my work, but there is no point in continuing if we know in our heart it is not right. Mr Cockrell is so handsome in his frame and your pictures are beautiful ~ Sarah x

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  26. Thank you so much, Sarah, for your sweet message - always lovely to hear from you!
    Hope the week is going well for you and yours!
    Joy x

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  27. And what a beautiful cockerel he is too. It's horrible to have to undo something, but no good continuing if you're not happy with it, it is a gorgeous pattern though :) xx

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  28. Lovely to hear from you again Cheryl and thank you for your kind message! Most of us seem to understand the unravelling of something that we thought would be just right - better to do it and use the gorgeous yarn for something else - only this time I will be sure it matches my choice of pattern!!!
    Mr Cockerel is now a very happy chook - and very quiet, for which I am thankful!
    Joy x

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  29. Hello JOY, I absolutely LOVE your Mr. Cockerel. He is definitely a very proud rooster and beautiful rooster.. I agree the framers did a very lovely job of matting it. Love your Australian rainbow and especially the lovely bird life.. I have seen that crochet book and your edge looks very pretty.. Have a lovely weekend. Hugs Judy

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  30. Hello again Judy - thank you for your lovely message and I'm happy you love Mr C - I now can hardly believe he was stuck in a drawer for so long!!
    All the very best for your summer break - I'll miss you!
    Joy xx

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  31. Lots of different subjects to chat about! I love those crocheted edgings and there seems to be a lot of choice of designs in the book you have. The scalloped one you've done is very pretty.

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  32. Hello Sandra - thanks so much for dropping by and for your kind message; I am looking forward to trying out more designs from the book - it seems like the sky's the limit with crochet projects!
    Joy

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  33. Oh Joy, I know you said you weren't satisfied with your knitting, but my goodness, if I could knit like that I'd be so thrilled! ... Mr. Cockerel looks lovely in his beautiful frame. Your new crochet book looks like a good one. ... I'm the official rainbow spotter in my house. If the sun comes out right after it rains, I run to the any window in the opposite direction of the sun, and it's amazing how many times I've seen one. Then I start yelling for everyone to come see. I've done it so many times, nobody really gets up to look anymore! I'll never get tired of spotting a rainbow though, and a double one is truly special! xo Paulette :)

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  34. I'm so happy to see you here again Paulette, and hope your hands are both well healed and working as they should for you?
    Thank you for your lovely and kind comments - I really appreciate them and find them very encouraging!
    I share your excitement regarding rainbows Paulette - to me they are mother nature's miracles. Our area in the South West of Western Australia is often referred to as the Rainbow Coast as we get so many of them.
    I hope your week is wonderful!
    Joy xo

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  35. Hi Joy! Just popping in to say hi! :o) I hope you have a lovely weekend. I can't wait to see what you've been up to! xo Paulette

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  36. Thank you so much Paulette, and I expect to be posting after the weekend - just been 'going with the flow' past couple of weeks!
    I hope your weekend is fun!
    Joy xo

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  37. 'If in doubt, frog' ... it's the best advice a knitter can give or get!

    That cockerel is so colourful :)

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  38. Hello Annie - so nice to see you here, and thank you for leaving your message!
    Yes, I am in total agreement with you - but it took me a while, as you can see, for the message to sink in!
    Do call again soon,
    Joy

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