Saturday 30 November 2013

A Little Relaxation

A bright and breezy hello to all of you, and special welcome to my new followers! I have managed to get here a couple of days earlier this week which surprises me no end for overall I have been busy but, a little relaxation did come into play just yesterday - see what I mean . . . .



A little cheese and wine (Moombaki of course) for those who can tolerate such things, and because the sun decided to shine again we then took ourselves outside into the garden for a little wander . . . 

This is our Blushing Knockout Rose now ...




And below is how it was just a few weeks ago - you may remember me posting about it! It looks like she will need to be planted out in the garden, rather than being left in a pot! She's done well hasn't she!
 

We also checked out our Ginkgo Biloba tree - a lovely deciduous that is quite slow growing and looking at her best right now . . . . 




Apart from little garden glimpses, here is what I've been busy with this week and it's all crochet this time - you know by now that I like to 'ring the changes'!

First off I made three face washers/flannels - whatever you call them in your part of the world - a beige with navy trim to suit a man, simple enough using just trebles and double crochet (English terms), and a pink with  mauve edge and a blue grey with aqua edge for ladies - the pattern for these two originally came from the book Granny Square Crochet by Catherine Hirst, but, because my cotton yarn was finer than that used by the author I continued on with a few extra rounds and also added an extra chain on the corners from about halfway through, otherwise it would have curled up a bit I think.



I also felt inspired by lovely friend meredith to crochet a few mug cosies - do take a look at Meredith's blog if you don't already know her, she's such a lovely sweet person and her 'makes' are always gorgeous. Her mug cosies are delightful and I took her idea for the button and chain fasteners for three of mine but my shapes are a bit different and I'm afraid my edgings are not as neat as I would have liked either!  Anyway, first pic below on the left,  the mug with the orange button is a pattern from Simply Crochet Issue 2, and the green buttoned one top right is from the Granny Square Crochet book again, but my mug was deeper than the pattern allowed for so I worked an extra round as a border.



I may as well give you a few views while I'm at it eh!



Can you believe that I forgot, previous post, to show you the little Sister and Mum I crocheted for little Hetty Hedgehog …. I think my brain wasn't working too well last week but let's blame it on the migraine and take that subject no further!!!

Here's the three of them together - no, there's no Dad yet - these little spines take a lot of working so I'll think about him for a while longer for he needs to be bigger yet - well, you know, being Dad and all, he has to be bigger doesn't he!




I'm going to finish off now with some quick snaps of my zucchini flowers because they are so bright and cheerful . . . . 




I don't know how clearly that first pic on the left is showing on your screen but the plants had just been watered and that leaf seems to be showing a reflection - I can't quite fathom it out but I thought it interesting anyway - what do you think?


Wishing you all happy times whatever you are doing and once again I take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to each and every one of you for your sweet and kind comments and wonderful interactions that take place among us in blogland - I value your friendship very highly and am so happy that I took the plunge into blogging and was gifted with your lovely fellowship!

Special thoughts and love to those of you who are having difficulties of any kind!

Joy xo

48 comments:

  1. Such beautiful roses in your garden and that Ginko Biloba will look gorgeous in the autumn.
    I love your little hedgehog family! I've never made amiguri type creatures, it always looks so fiddly to do!

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    1. Thank you Sandra - our roses all seem to be doing us proud these days and yes the Gingko does look lovely in Autumn. The amigurumis can be fiddly, you're right, which is why I don't do so many of them these days - rather hard on arthritic hands - but I do enjoy seeing them 'coming forth'! Joy x

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  2. I'm so glad you are feeling better this week and that you have accomplished so much, Joy! I have just managed to do a few rows of knitting on a dishcloth. Your crochet projects all turned out delightfully in my opinion :) And I loved your flower photos and green Gingko Biloba leaves. The squash leaf does seem to have an interesting reflection on it. It is fun to capture unexpected views in photos, isn't it. Our weather folk think we may have snowflakes falling soon. Your little furry friend is adorable :) Happy Weekend to you and yours,
    Gracie xx

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    1. Another lovely message from you Gracie, thank you, I enjoy them so much, and I'm happy that you like my little projects. Our little Pika is well over ten years old now and seems to be a bit tired these days sadly, such a great companion!
      I'm glad to hear that little mouse disappeared - it must have known it wasn't welcome!
      Are you looking forward to the snow falling? It looks so pretty when first it falls but then it starts to get messy and sludgy, and of course there's the driving hazards that it brings with it too unfortunately. I would love a white Christmas though!
      I hope your weekend is going really well Gracie, chat soon. Love, Joy xo

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  3. Hi Joy I have got your messages on my blog so I will check it out, don't know what went on there! Anyway, glad to catch up with you as ever and see your lovely makes. Those little projects are always so satisfying aren't they? Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, yes it was a strange carry-on but it seemed that once I had posted a message on your previous post things seemed to clear and it accepted on the new one as well!
      I think it's nice to do a few small things in between times = quick satisfaction, yeah, I'm glad you like them, thank you! Joy x

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  4. Your rose plants are gourgeous, I really do like the smell of rose.i have a rose plant that has a lemon scent to it, it did well first year.Second year not to good, but yours has done tremendous. Your crochet mug holders are adorable my favourite, well I couldn't pick they are alll so gourgeous .What will you make with your squares Joy?Hope your havinh a nice weekend x

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    1. That's interesting - a lemon scented rose, I hope it starts to pick up for you Joy. I really love roses, especially when they have strong fragrance. I'm glad you like the mug cosies, and the squares are face washers for gifts - it's difficult to tell the size of these things on posts isn't it. We've had a quiet day today as the weather has been a bit wet, wild and strange, but being indoors did enable me to get my post done so that's good. I hope your days are working out well too Joy, thanks very much! Joy x

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  5. Your rose is doing really well Joy. All of your crochet is very pretty, and all of your mugs are looking very snug in their cosies! You have been busy. xx

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    1. Thank you Amy, for your kind comments - I hope you are having a good weekend! Joy x

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  6. Joy, your photos of your plants and crochet are an absolute...can I say joy to look at!!! I went to bunnings today and looked and smelt all the lovely rose bushes they had, and was filled with a longing to get a few more! Instead I bought some bloc it plants to cover up the large empty areas of our garden!
    that hedgehog family is just so sweet!! enjoy your garden, its raining here as I write! amazed that its raining and enjoying every drop! so is my garden! have a lovely weekend!

    sp sorry had to remove my comment as I did too many typos in that and had to correct it!

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    1. Well thank you, you certainly can say that m'dear, and I'm really happy to hear it!
      Yes, sometimes we have to be practical and tend to the needs first, but I hope you can get some lovely new roses soon, because they ARE a joy!
      We've had a terrible day weatherwise - wet and wild and quite unpredictable, but like you we were happy for the gardens - and of course the rain-water tank, I love to hear the rain pouring in there! Wishing you a lovely evening and a sweet Sunday! Hugs, Joy x

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  7. This is a lovely post :) All of your crochet things are looking amazing, the hedgehogs look super cute!x

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    1. Hello Hazel, it's very nice to see you here and thank you for your lovely message. Joy x

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  8. Your roses are positively blooming, I love the pretty shade of delicate pink, I really need you to come and tend to my garden! I think hand made face cloths make such lovely gifts and mug cosies :) xx

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    1. Oh yes, I'd love a trip over there Cheryl to tend your garden - half a chance and I'd be on the next plane!
      I agree with you re lovely gifts but do you find that people say the face cloths are too good to use? I gave my daughter a dish cloth months ago and she can't bring herself to use it, haha! I hope you're having a great weekend, hugs, Joy xo

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  9. Joy, I was just reading your blog looking at your lovely garden and wishing I could be sitting in it with you and crocheting when I see you have featured these wonderful cup cozies! I am so honored that you have mentioned me and I am so, so thrilled you have made some of your own, which I might add are so amazing! I just love them.

    You are adorable and so are all your hedgehogs and cup cozies. Glad you are over that nasty migraine, they do mess up your thoughts for a while don't they?
    Hugs to you Joy,
    Meredith

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    1. Ah Meredith, you are ever so sweet - always you say the right things to cheer me on my way - I so value your friendship, thank you!
      I'm so happy you like the little cosies, and thank you so much again for your wonderful inspiration - thank you also for caring - and yes, migraines are horrible!!!
      Warm hugs to you too Meredith,
      Joy xo

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  10. You have been very busy! So many pretty gifts all ready to go - I love your range of mug cosies, they each have their own personality, to suit the recipient, I assume? And that lovely little hedgehog trio, soooo sweet! :) the ginkgo plant is so beautiful, I love the vibrant shades in your garden - the rose is aptly named! Chrissie xxx

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    1. Ah yes Chrissie, each of those cosies was crocheted up with a particular and special person in mind - I'm happy that you like them, thank you! The garden has been looking its best of late and the rain we've been having these past couple of days makes it very happy. I trust that your special Saturday Thanksgiving dinner was a wonderful experience - now I hope you can have a lazy relaxing Sunday! Thank you for making available the crochet along link-up, I really appreciate just jumping in there. Love, Joy xoxo

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  11. Your garden looks so pretty Joy, mine is looking pretty dismal at the moment so it is lovely to see all the beautiful flowers in yours, you have been busy this week the little hedgies are so sweet. I did see those mug cosies on Merediths blog and thought how lovely they were and I think yours have turned out lovely too, they are a great gift idea, I may make some myself if time permits, face cloths are also a great gift but like you have said people always think they are too nice to use, but they look pretty anyway just folded neatly in the bathroom, I don't think it matters if they are used or not some people are just happy that you have taken the time to make something for them. Have a great week Joy. :)

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    1. Thank you Linda, it's a good time of year for gardens over here whereas climate conditions are, or should be, exactly the opposite with you right now… but … our weather is still quite unpredictable and yesterday's was awful with high winds and rain - but we do always appreciate rain, as do the gardens. The little cosies are so quick and easy Linda, once you have the measurements right - which can be a wee bit tricky - and so adaptable. I agree, most people are happy you've made something specially for them. I hope things are going well for you and wish you a lovely week too. Hugs, Joy x

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  12. Hi Joy, the green from your Bilboa tree is just lovely. And lovely to eat cheese and drink wine outside! and that half glass would be just enough for me! I'm not a very good drinker. Anyway, love the mug cosies and the hedgehog family, very sweet, I must get started on the pressie making. Heather x

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    1. Hi Heather, yes, the tree is a gorgeous colour and beautiful to watch it change as the season progresses - I also love its leaf shape. I'm not a very good drinker either Heather, it goes to my head and my legs and renders me pretty useless!!! And my stomach does not like it one little bit! I really enjoyed doing those little mug cosies - quick happy results and they do make nice little gifts with goodies stashed inside - a type of miniature Christmas stocking I suppose! I'm looking forward to seeing your next makes - enjoy!
      Warm hugs, Joy x

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  13. The Rose are so beautiful, you have been busy with all those lovely mug cosies and the sweet hedgehog family. Have a happy week
    Clare xx

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    1. Hello Clare, thank you so much for your sweet message and I hope your week is a happy one too - keep smiling. Hugs, Joy xo

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  14. Dear Joy
    Gorgeous garden photos again. The rose is definitely doing well! Your crochet projects are looking great too (love the little hedgehogs!)
    Have a happy crafting weekend.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Dear Ellie, thank you so much - yes, that sweet rose has doubled (at least) in size since we planted her, she is a beauty. I've been enjoying the little crochet projects again after doing a lot of little stitchies, but who knows what this week will bring . . . . what are you up to?
      I hope your weekend is going really well! Hugs and cheers, Joy x

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  15. A lovely post from start to finish - that cheese platter looks so yummy & appealing, and Hettie and her babes are just delightful, as is everything inbetween too :-)
    Wishing you a happy weekend, hugs xx

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    1. Oh thanks so much Gilly, such a lovely sweet message - a happy weekend to you too lovely! Hugs, Joy xo

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  16. Your crochet items turned out lovely and I think your cup cosies are sweet. I did see them on Meredith's blog earlier and made a mental note to try this little project one day as they are so delightful. I think your family of hedgehogs are adorable too. The rose bush has really grown hasn't it? That is some drops of water on the leaf in your one photo. It does make an interesting pic. Lovely little gifts you are making for all the people in your circle. I'm sure they will all be glad to get a gift from the heart. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Beautiful message thank you so much Joyful! Ah, I appreciate you also commenting on the leaf with water, thank you - I thought it quite unusual - I really would like to become a bit more adventurous with my photo taking but usually end up staying with what I know - maybe one day I'll become brave and step out and learn more about it - might need a new camera then though! A wonderful week to you too Joyful, hugs, Joy x

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  17. Your gifts are so pretty, Joy. I am sure anyone would be happy to receive them. I love seeing your little dog! Is that a boy or girl? What a cutie. I love small dogs. Your flowers are beautiful as always. I hope you have a good week.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer - I'm hoping so! Our little cutie is called 'Pika' and is a girl - she turned ten in April and is getting a bit tired these days . . . we love her to bits! Wishing you a lovely week too my friend, Hugs, Joy x

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  18. Joy you always make such wonderful things to show us all, makes me feel ashamed at my poor show. I love the mug covers Joy, they are so cheerful and inspiring - would make lovely little gifts for someone. Also love the flannels so practical and lovely to look at. Your flowers are stunning Joy - just like you. What a joy to read, thank you
    Big festive hugs
    Dorothy
    @
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Ah what a lovely message again Dorothy, thank you so much - do take care, and have a lovely week! Warm hugs, Joy xoxo

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  19. I love your little hedgies. The are so cute. And your mug cosies are really bright and colourful, perfect for presents!
    Rosie

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  20. Thanks so much Rosie - I really enjoyed making them! Joy x

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  21. Such a gorgeous post, full of good things! I adore your crochet washcloths and I have that book also, so I may just have to have a little look at those pages. Your mug cosies are fantastic also and will make perfect gifts. And the little hedgehog family is simply perfect!
    Marianne x

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    1. Thanks so much Marianne, I'm really enjoying all the crafty business with a view to giving - time is rushing past isn't it! I hope your week is going well! Hugs, Joy x

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  22. You have been one busy gal! Love the hedgehog family, and I wouldn't necessarily say the father should be bigger (my husband & I are the same height ... short!). So much beautiful crochet ... the mug cozies look awfully cute! Your rose is such a soft shade of pink. I have a ginkgo tree in my backyard too, and I've always liked the fancy leaves. I'm catching up on my blog reading tonight as I've been away from blogging the past week working at crafts myself. Enjoy the rest of the week Joy :) Wendy x

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    1. Lovely to hear from you Wendy, and thank you so much for your lovely comments - looking forward to seeing what you've been working on but perhaps they are gifts that can't be shown yet; such an exciting time of preparation isn't it! Hugs, Joy x

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  23. Hello Joy
    Lovely to see you manged to get some relaxation in. Cheese and wine sounds lovely. A walk in the garden too fab! Loving all the lovely blooms so nice to see them flowering away. I love that I come come here and see some sunshine. Aw Hetty has children now what a lovely family they are! The wash cloths are lovely too neat as always! And in great colours. I'm hoping to get back on track soon blog wise. Wishing you a lovely weekend xx

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  24. Hello FB - thanks so much for your lovely message, always a pleasure to see you've been visiting - yes, I'm trying to get back on track too with blogging and following! I hope you are well? Hugs, Joy xo

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  25. Your rose is looking glorious, and goodness you've been busy with your hooks. You've made me think about how our blogs chart time ... flowers planted that bloom, projects started and then finished ... I know it seems obvious but I hadn't really stopped to consider blogs as a clock rather than as a mere journal. Does that make any sense at all?

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  26. I hadn't considered it before either but yes, it does make a lot of sense to me Annie - and what a wonderfully friendly and interesting way to do so! Thank you! Joy x

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  27. It's always wonderful visiting your little space here Joy. I almost missed this post again. I must be lacking at this blogging stuff. I so love your little hedgehogs--they are the cutest I've seen. I sort of got away from all my crafts, not sure why but with all your lovely inspirations I think they are coming back to me. I've been knitting, slow knitting but I'm getting there. Hope this little message finds you well. Happy Holidays to you and yours
    xoxo
    Shari!

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    1. And it's always wonderful having you here for a visit Shari, thank you for your lovely message. I'm glad to hear you are persevering with the knitting - you will become faster at it - it's all in the practice! Hugs to you and yours, Joy xoxo

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