Monday 15 July 2013

A Hanging Tree!

Hello at last - gosh it seems to have taken forever to get around to working on a new post! I've been keeping in touch with most of you through my visits to your places, but couldn't seem to get around to doing my own little write-up!

I suppose you're wondering about  the title - 'A Hanging Tree' - what does that mean? The mind boggles! Well, it's about this strange looking example of mother nature doing her own thing! We spotted it whilst having a picnic by the Kalgan River, in the Albany vicinity - just yesterday in fact! This clever tree has grown out of the bank of the river - and look at that huge knobbly lump - poor thing is a bit disfigured isn't it! It must have survived for years!


I haven't been idle all this time - here's a little look at what's kept me out of mischief these past two - or is it nearly three - weeks! 
As you can see the hexes are multiplying but still a long way to go! I was enjoying the little circle I showed you last time - just hanging around on the dining table - but felt that something bigger was calling me, so I forge on with them ... ... ...

And in between times I made up a little bunting to hang in the bedroom of two sweet little girls who we are fortunate to have as neighbours - along with their lovely parents of course!
This pattern was in Simply Crochet, issue 4 on page 78, under the title Chunky Knits, but I did them in 8ply so they are quite dainty. It was a day when I just had to have some bright colour so - a little bit of bunting seemed to fit the bill; you know the feeling, I'm sure!

AND I took delivery of some gorgeous new yarn about two weeks ago! The elder of my two daughters - thank you lovely Tracy - bought me a gift voucher, for Mother's Day, to spend on yarn here - and yes, I know it's a few weeks since Mother's Day, but I had to resist the temptation for a while so that I could make progress with some of my UFO's! 
If your home is in Australia then I'm sure you will have heard of Bendigo Woollen Mills, and for those of you who are over the ocean and far away I will just mention that they do ship overseas. Anyway, BWM recently brought out a new yarn which they call Stellar, and it's 50% bamboo and 50% wool - such a beautiful easy to work with yarn - and although they do it in 8ply I thought I'd give the 12ply a try. The results have pleased me for it's such a cosy warming yarn for this time of year and being  thicker, it worked up very quickly too!
I think that the experience of playing around with little crochet projects has given me a bit of confidence regarding colour so I was quite happy to turn this self-coloured pattern into a stripy affair. Notice how adventurous I was in working the stripes for the back differently to those of the fronts! I really love this jacket/cardi! What do you think? Do you think I've become too bold and flashy?


I thought you might like another little peek at our little Pika - this time before and after her clip!
See? From grumpy looking to happy again! Don't we all enjoy a new hair-do!

Now I must say a few words about my new book - no I'm not doing a review on it for if you go here you'll find that the lovely Chrissie has already done so - in fact Chrissie's write-up is the reason why I bought the book: 'The Hand-Stitched Home' by Caroline Zoob - I was so thoroughly impressed with her review and the projects that she has already completed from it that I went off and bought a copy of it for myself. Such a wonderful book but although I don't quite have any completed projects to show you this time, it did start me thinking about a little embroidery thing that I did a few years ago - a good few years ago actually - for my dear Mum who has since passed over! It's a little cover for a telephone number notebook which I 'free-embroidered' on my sewing machine. Caroline Zoob doesn't necessarily cover this subject in her book, but her free style hand embroidery strongly reminded me of my little project. My Mum really loved dolphins, hence this theme! And inside the cover you can see MUM - but I don't claim to have free sewn that - my clever machine does the alphabet for me. Do you know, it's so long since I did this that I can't even remember how I did it. Just let's you see how much I've neglected my lovely machine! Shame on me! But I can't do everything at the one time can I - I'll get back it one of these days!

There is more regarding this little book cover that I'd like to share with you, my dear blogger friends, and it's very special! 
My Dad passed over two years or so ago, so 'things' had to be sorted out - hence the reason for me having this little gift back with me! I had looked at it a couple of times before today and was so pleased to have it, but then this morning when I decided to take a closer look at the little book, I had the most amazing surprise: Dad had started to use it himself and I found, tucked away inside the cover - $50! No, such an amount of money is not a lot these days, but it was like a present directly from heaven for me, and I really whooped with excitement  - I feel very emotional just telling you! I don't know how I didn't see it there before now! I will spend it on a lovely little keepsake I think - what would you do?

Now I will finish with a gorgeous flower - the name of which remains hidden from my knowledge, and wish you all a very happy week filled with all the activities you enjoy best!


Joy xo

38 comments:

  1. A lovely post. I would buy a plant for your garden with your dad's money so that you remember that moment always because it is such a great memory. Your hexagons are going to look great, with all white edges the circles will look like they are floating. Thanks for the time you spend commenting on our blogs, I see you popping up everywhere and know you devote a great deal of time to our blogs as well as writing your own great news. Love Jo x

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    1. Oh what can I say, dear Jo! Thank you so much for your beautiful heart-warming message. I am very touched by your lovely words! Joy xo

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  2. So nice to catch up with all your news Joy, and what a lovely gift to find from your late father. Strangely enough my father had a similar thing happen to him not so long ago, with regards his late mother (Annie). Isn't it heartwarming?! I was so glad for him, and for you. Your crochet hex project is super fantastic, I love it, and all the other creative bits and bobs you've worked on in your wee absence. You always have so much content in your posts and it's wonderful to get a real snap-shot of your life like this. Thank you for sharing xx

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    1. Ah dear Sharron - how lovely it always is to hear from you, and I do gain a lot from your lovely encouraging messages, thank you so much!
      Isn't that a coincidence regarding your Dad - these sweet happenings are so special!
      I'm so glad you like the hexes Sharron - I am watching out for an intuitive 'flash' that will help me know how best to finish off the edges - when that time comes!
      I am hoping to try out your lovely Maisie flowers soon - they really are quite beautiful Thank you for sharing the pattern, I know it must take a lot of effort and concentration to work out these things and then set them up - I am very appreciative! Take care, Joy xo

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  3. What a lovely post you have been busy Joy, the crochet and knitting projects are just gorgeous. Thanks for visiting with the Faeries your comments always bring such joy - excuse the pun. It's so warm and sunny here in the UK at the moment that my blogging and visiting is very lax, we have to make the most of the summer while we have it. Take care ~ Sarah x

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    1. Hello again Sarah and thank you so much for your lovely message! I don't blame you in the least for wanting to spend time in the beautiful sunshine while you have it. Sometimes I hold back from blogging because I'm feeling the cold so much these days; I think my brain gets chilled!
      I love visiting the faeries, thank you for being there and offering the opportunity to share to and fro!
      Have a lovely week and I hope the sun keeps shining on you - and the faeries!
      Joy x

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  4. You have been busy, I love your hexies, so pretty, bright and fresh and the bunting is lovely too. What a lovely surprise, must have been meant to be :) xx

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    1. Hello Cheryl, thanks so much for dropping by and leaving your lovely message!
      Yes, I too believe it was meant to be - can't believe I didn't find it until today - so strange!
      Have a great week, won't you!
      Joy xx

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  5. joy, youre post was an absolute treat to read.... I just LOVE that crochet, can you detect a touch of envy??

    The hexagons and the bunting, I should think your lovely neighbours will really appreciate the time and effort thats gone into making it!
    You have been sooo busy, no wonder you weren't here! Glad you did stop by and tell us all about what youve been up to. And Pika... well its always nice to have a tidy up and a hair trim no mater if you are human or doggie!

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    1. Hello again and thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed catching up on my news!
      No, I don't detect any envy at all - you're just enjoying what you see, and that pleases me, thank you!
      Our little neighbour girls are an absolute delight and enjoy all the little crochet gifts, which is a very nice experience for me too! And they have beautiful parents!
      I hope your weather is a bit warmer up there at the moment - we have a high weather alert down here tonight - but it may never happen!
      Take care,
      Joy x

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  6. Hi Joy! I always enjoy your lovely posts! The address book you made for your mom is precious, and it's hidden gift back to you from your dad was as if he blew you a little surprise kiss! Definitely use it on a special keepsake! ♥ I'm in love with your beautiful hexes, and the sweater you knitted up as well. The colors you used are so pretty, and so are your stripes! ... I think the little girls who live next door to you, are just as lucky to have you for their neighbor. :) That bunting is adorable! ... Pika is precious with long hair or short ... and that horizontal tree is just amazing! Have a fun, creative week, Sweetie! xo Paulette

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    1. Thank you so much Paulette - it's always lovely to catch up with you!
      Yes, a little surprise kiss describes it so well - and I will be sure to spend it on something very special!
      I'm glad you like the stripes Paulette - it's a lovely thing to wear, so comfy, and now that that is finished I will find my way back into the hexes for, like you, I do love them!
      Pika is such a funny little character - the only dog we've known who actually waits expectantly to be lifted into her bath - she loves it!
      I hope your week is wonderful too Paulette!
      Joy xo

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  7. Hello JOY, It was lovely reading all your news.. The hanging tree is amazing in that it has survived this way for so many years..I reckon it is a survivor.. Love all those wee Hexie beauties.. The new yarn colors are wonderful and the new sweater is absolutely stunning. What a very lovely surprise to find the money gift from your dad.I am sure your dad would approve you buying a lovely keepsake with it.. Wonderful post and have a lovely week. Hugs Judy

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  8. Hello Judy - thank you for your lovely message! I'm so happy to know you like the sweater and hexes - I need to get moving on finishing the hexes next I think ... .... but have started dabbling in a little bit of embroidery now! How I enjoy a bit of variety!
    I am still a bit overwhelmed at the lovely surprise this morning - it was like Dad was with me when I found it!
    You have a wonderful week also dear Judy!
    Joy xo

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  9. Hello Joy, Lovely post as always.
    Well mother nature does work in mysterious ways, I love an usual tree :)
    Yay the hexagons are looking fab! The colours you've used are just right.
    You Cardi is definitely not too flashy lovely mix of stripes and colours.
    Aw little Pika looks so cute with her pretty haircut.
    The story about your book was so touching what an amazing thing to happen, really made me smile such a lovely story...a present from heaven so sweet.
    I think I'd like to live next door to you if I got bunting yours is lovely nice to see a different pattern I went for the easy option hehe.
    That is a beautiful flower lovely shade of pink xx

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    1. Hello again dear FB, it's always so nice to hear from you and read all your lovely comments!
      I'd love to have you living next door to me FB - we could go wild together, hooking bunting of all shapes and sizes and then hanging them all over the place! Then we could move out into the street and start on the lamp posts and trees .... .... and so on ... .... !!!
      Thank you once again for being so consistent and uplifting and I wish you a lovely week!
      Joy xo

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  10. What a wonderful post to read from you, dear Joy! The cardi is just gorgeous - jaunty colourful stripes without being too flashy - just beautiful, and so perfectly made! And the hexies and bunting...now we all know what's been keeping you from writing for a while! Lovely colours! But most of all I was so touched by your embroidered book tale - what an interesting string of events that has led you to the surprise! I would either buy a special keepsake, or perhaps buy some new embroidery threads and fabric to *make* another keepsake...after all, it was in the keepsake for your mum where you found this little bonus! Chrissie x PS Thank you ever so much for your kind, wonderful words about my book review, I am so very glad I have actually inspired someone!

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    1. Dear Chrissie - another lovely message from you - thank you so much, I so appreciate your kind and thoughtful words!
      Isn't that funny - the first thing I thought of was new threads to make something that would 'speak to me' - we're on the same wavelength! And it was your lovely book review that led me to the find - I have a tendency to let my mind go back and trace through the pathways that brought me to certain destinations in life so I can have a fuller understanding and appreciation of happenings! Thank you dear Chrissie! You certainly have inspired me and many others too!
      Have a wonderful week! Joy xo

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  11. Hello lovely Joy it was so wonderful to read this post, full of beauty and emotion. I love the hanging tree, I have seen one similar to where we live and it fascinates me that a tree can grow horizontal, but it does look rather beautiful. I am so impressed by all those hexies you have managed to finish in a couple of weeks, wow and that's working in all those dreaded ends, it is looking very beautiful. I am sure you enjoyed spending your voucher on wool, it is such fun and the excitement of getting the parcel is like having Christmas come early. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the cardigan you made and how clever are you to do a different colour for the back. The end result is just wonderful Joy, you must be proud. After Chrissie's review I too immediately added that book to my basket on Amazon and can't wait to press the buy now button. I think the very lovely cover you made for your mother was such a lovely gift and how wonderful to have it back with you today and with $50 inside, most certainly a gift from heaven. If it was me, I would think long and hard of something that reminded me on Mum and Dad and buy something that reminds you of that every day, hopefully something you can pass down from generation to generation. I felt a little emotional reading this part of your post, you must miss them?! Sending you a warm hug and lovely wishes for a wonderful and happy week. xoxo

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    1. WOW Hannapat - sounds like you feel the same way about the cardi as I do!
      Thank you so much for your beautiful message, I really do gain such a lot from your writings!
      I miss Mum and Dad terribly Hannapat, but I do feel them around me a lot and find myself quoting Mum more and more as time goes by. It's wonderful how precious memories stay with us from childhood and on .. .. I think I will take a bit of settling down again after yesterday! Oh dear!
      I hope you get hold of your new book soon Hannapat - it's so lovely and such a relaxing style of 'stitchery'!
      Have yourself a magic week!
      Joy xoxo

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  12. Hi Joy! What a wonderful post. You've been busy! The tree is so interesting, thank you for sharing that. I would probably never see anything like it otherwise. And all of your projects are looking great, you're very multi-talented! I love that Pika, how cute and happy now with a new hairstyle. :)

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    1. Hi Jennifer - how lovely to hear from you again - thank you so much for your lovely comments!
      It is a beautiful old tree isn't it - Jeff suggested (in fun of course - I think!) that I should climb out on it to get a better pic!!!! Can you imagine it?
      I agree, our little Pika is a cute one - and such a spoiled little daddy's girl too - we gain a lot of pleasure from and with her!
      I hope your week is just wonderful Jennifer!
      Joy x

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  13. Hi Joy. I should have looked to see if you had done a blog before replying to your comment on mine. The absence of blogging was because you have been so busy, I should have known.

    Lovely photos, pika does look a little grumpy in the first photo. Love, love, love those hexis, and what a clever idea for the cardi. What a wonderful thing to have happened to you, it's things like that, that bring the memories flooding in. Sight, touch and smell are strong signposts to memories.

    Have a good week

    S xx

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    1. Hello S - so good to have you here again, thank you for your lovely message, as always!
      Yes, little Pika does look that way when her hair has grown but mostly when she's walking, folks in the passing reckon she has a big smile on her face - as in the last pic! She's a monkey, really, ah yes, 'cute as a box of monkeys!' as the saying goes!
      I'm happy you like the hexes, I don't know how big this piece will finish up as, but I guess I'll know when I get there!
      Indeed, wonderful memories - and sad too at times S - I am still feeling a bit emotional today after the experience!
      Have yourself a wonderful week!
      Joy x

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  14. Joy,
    I am so glad you decided to catch us up on all your goings on. Love the tree, so beautiful. And your crochet bunting will make those little ones so happy. Your sweater is beautiful, oh my!!!!! The stripes are wonderful, you did a great job. And the story about your Dad, the book and the money treasure is priceless. I am so glad you got a gift from Heaven.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  15. Ah how sweet Meredith, thank you! Your words bring me such pleasure!
    I'm especially glad to know you approve of my sweater - it's quite different for me and I really enjoy wearing it!
    You would love these two little sisters - one is almost three and the other turned one in May - they are such sweeties! It's a delight to make things for them!
    I do miss Mum and Dad hugely so yesterday was a wonderful, although kinda sad, experience!
    I hope your week is wonderfully relaxed Meredith - enjoy!
    Joy xo

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  16. Oh Joy,what lovely post.You have made some lovely things and i have enjoyed reading about your wonderful parents X.

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    1. Hello Joy - how lovely to have you pop in again, and I'm so glad you've enjoyed my post, thank you! I'll be watching out for your next projects coming up!
      Have a lovely week!
      Joy x

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  17. I so enjoy your lovely posts! I always really appreciate the lovely comments you leave on my blog too. Your hexes are just lovely, so neat and such pretty colours. I love the stripy cardi too, it's lovely and such a nice colour scheme. Lovely photos too.
    Marianne x

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    1. Thank you so much Marianne - I really gain inspiration when I visit your lovely place!
      The cardi is very wearable as we face yet another cold spell here!
      I hope your week is going well for you!
      Joy x

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  18. The cardi is wonderful Joy! It's so up to date, bang on trend as the mags would say!
    Pennies (dollars) from heaven, eh. How lovely.

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    1. Oh that's great Rachel - thank you - good to know I'm 'trendy'! You've just taken years off me!!!
      Yes, pennies from heaven - I'm still feeling a bit amazed and emotional at this!
      Lovely message, I really appreciate it thank you!
      Joy x

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  19. Lovely to catch up with you and your blog - you've been so busy! Things are so hectic here at the moment, with it being the end of school term and I haven't had much time to sit down and enjoy reading all of the lovely blogs that I follow. Its so nice to see what everyone else has been up to and soak up some inspiration :) I love your bunting - I'd love to make some for my little girls bedroom! Great colour choices for your stripy cardi and I think you will look fab wearing it! I always enjoy seeing pictures of your sweet little dog. I'm not sure that our animals are really enjoying the hot weather here in the UK at the moment, although it is lovely to have so much sunshine for a change! Loved hearing about the little gift from your dad too x
    Claire x

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    1. So nice to see you here again Claire and I hope you can get caught up soon with all your readings.
      That bunting is so quick and easy so I hope your little one can have some soon!
      I'm so glad you like my new cardi Claire, thank you, and it's so comfy to wear!
      The hot weather is hard on our little furry friends here too, and of course in the UK they are not really accustomed to it, so even more difficult. In summer we walk Pika really early in the morning before the heat hits us. However, that aside, I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and taking in your vitamin D!
      Thank you so much for your lovely message!
      Joy x

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  20. Hi Joy
    what more can I add all the bloggers before me have said it - another lovely post packed full of your life and interesting makes.
    Thank you for sharing
    Sue x

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    1. Hi Sue - it's lovely to hear from you again, and thank you so much for your sweet message, I love hearing from you!
      Joy x

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  21. Oh Mum - I HAD missed this post! I loved the story about finding money tucked away in the little book. But knowing Papa, it's not unusual. When he was in hospital, he kept talking about a biscuit container, so who knows if that's where the millions were actually stashed?! (Laughing my head off here!). Money (or mana) from heaven is a real little blessing. How lovely. Enjoy, Joy! xxx

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  22. Yeah, I woud like to know what that was all about Trace, but too late now! He certainly had 'a thing' about it!
    Anyway, the totally unexpected little gift was like winning lotto for me, when I found it!
    I have ordered those threads and will make a nice meaningful little 'something' to remind me of this surprise - and Nana and Papa!
    Talk soon, xxx Mum

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