To knit or not to knit

Lovely new organic wool

Having just discovered crochet, I’m in love. It’s quite addictive.

But, I’m not quite ready to leave behind the knitting yet. I’ve just bought some lovely new wool from Knitwits, it’s a gorgeous leafy green colour and it’s about to become a hat.

The big question is whether to knit or crochet? Crochet is quite speedy, but the soothing sound of my bamboo needles is quite difficult to leave behind!

As my annual attempt to create the perfect hat begins, I just have to decide whether to knit or not to knit!

Autumnal scarf success

My first attempt at crochet

My first crochet project has reached completion.

I now own a lovely autumn scarf to keep away the first little autumn chills; despite the holes, it is surprisingly warm.

So many people seem to be making wonderful crocheted blankets, I’m feeling very inspired. I love this one at Planetpenny! My next mission is to learn how to make a granny square, I’m on my way to making my first blanket.

Autumnal crochet

Since learning to knit and crochet, I have become quite attached to all of my efforts. I rarely start a new crafting project with the expectation of perfection, consequently I am always satisfied with the results. I have a bag full of wonky squares and small knitted fish that document my progress, I can’t bear to undo them and start again.

However, I have broken the pattern; since starting my autumnal scarf I realised that it wasn’t as delicate or as neatly crocheted as I would like. I accepted that my work was below par, but unusually I decided that I could do better.

My second attempt at the autumnal scarf

I quite enjoyed pulling apart all of the stitches and starting again; and it was definitely the right thing to do. The second attempt is much thinner and more appropriately designed for autumn days that have just a little nip in the air.

Having improved my technique, now I need to get a bit faster so that I can wear it before the onset of winter!

Solitude in Cornwall

Autumnal colours and tranquility at Godolphin

For six weeks of the year, Cornwall changes. The beaches become full of the bright reds and blues of buckets and spades, beach tents and swimsuits. The roads are busy and once quiet rural landscapes are full of noise and laughter as families enjoy their summer holidays together.

I am glad that people can come to Cornwall to escape their normal lives and enjoy the beach for a few days. But, I do love it when they go home. This weekend Cornwall has regained its sleepy personality and it’s quite lovely.

My autumnal scarf

Wandering around Goldophin Hill, I celebrated the start of a new season by collecting blackberries and loving the beautiful colours of autumn.

This has inspired my next crochet creation, I am making an autumnal scarf.

Unfortunately, my crocheting skill is not as beautiful as the autumnal colours that I hoped to represent, so I may be undoing my first attempt and starting again!

Crochet success

My first ever crocheted flowers

I have finally learnt to crochet and I’m very excited about it!

This cute sweet heart crochet pattern sparked my desire to learn two years ago, but I didn’t know where to start.

This week, Petit Filoux’s lovely post about her crocheted pen-pot reignited my crocheting dreams, she made it sound so easy. So, armed with Twilleys book of instant crochet and 101 stitches to crochet I’ve finally learnt how to do it.

Actually, crochet seems to be easier than knitting – I might be hooked!

Twilleys book was brilliant to begin with, the pictures are massive and even show you how to hold the yarn – perfect for a total beginner. 101 stitches is a lovely pack of cards that each show a different stitch to master (the cards have been quite handy to take to the beach).

As the nights are getting shorter and autumn seems to be just around the corner, I am beginning to mentally prepare for cosy nights in being crafty. I have two autumnal aims, the first is to knit a cardigan that I can actually wear and the second is to start a big crocheted blanket. I’ll keep you posted on my progress (don’t hold you’re breath though, I’m not the speediest of creators)!