The fun of a crafty swap!

I recently received a Ravelry message inviting me to join a new group that swaps 6 inch blanket squares to create 'Friendship Blankets'.  I had been wanting to make another blanket for myself and this seemed like a fun way to do it.

My request for squares asked for bright rainbow colours and purples to be used.  I was initially bombarded with messages from people wanting to swap squares with me resulting in me having 7 swap partners simultaneously.  I managed to make all the squares for these partners (14 squares in total) and got them sent off on Thursday.

So now I'm waiting for squares in return and busy finding new swap partners.  I received my first parcel yesterday which was a bit too exciting for me!

Here is a photo of the lovely squares along with some extra treats - a sachet of hot chocolate and a few pretty buttons.

If you are interested in joining the group or finding out more information then you can find the group on Ravelry - The Global Square Exchange

My Best Friend's Birthday

Last Saturday was my best friend's birthday and so I went and visited him.  We spend the day wandering outside in the sunshine, watching films, playing darts, and eating cake.  I managed to win at darts - despite being out of practice - by hitting the bullseye twice:

For his present I decided to crochet a pattern I've had my eye on for a while - 'Fierce Little Dragon' by Lucy Ravenscar as we both play an online fantasy game called Legend of the Green Dragon.

I love how the dragon turned out - think I may have to make myself one at some point!

I also bought him some jelly beans as they are his favourite sweets and I crocheted a bag to put them in to make it a bit special:

The bag is a free pattern called 'Crocheted Treasure Bag' by Erin Kortering.

For my best friend's card, I was inspired by a geometric block card but instead of all squares I decided to change 2 of the blocks to be iconic images from the artwork of Magritte, as we went to a Magritte exhibition together a long time ago.  

I'm pleased to report that my best friend loved his presents and card.

WIP Wednesday - An Update on my Current Projects

As with a lot of crafters I have startitis - the ability to start lots of projects then forget about them to move to other projects without ever finishing anything.  I've been able to control this recently and I have cut down from 20 projects to just 9.

I'm struggling to prioritise projects at the moment as I am busy trying to pack up the house as our tenancy ends soon but I will list each project and say how far I am through it (and include a photo where I can).

Knitting Projects:

Trillian Shawl:

• Percentage complete:  10%
• Ravelry Project Page

Beau Jumper:

• Percentage complete:  60%
• Ravelry Project Page

Rob's Scarf:

• Percentage complete:  40%
• Ravelry Project Page

Present for Friend's Boyfriend:

• Percentage complete:  5%
• Ravelry Project Page

Mini Beau Jumper for Teddy:

• Percentage complete:  5%

Crochet Projects:

Ripple Blanket:

• Percentage complete:  20%
• Ravelry Project Page

Granny Square Skirt:

• Percentage complete:  10%
• Ravelry Project Page

Lark the Monster - from scraps:

• Percentage complete:
• Ravelry Project Page

Rob's Name Banner:

• Percentage complete:  90%
• Ravelry Project Page

Happy 2nd Birthday, Blog

Another year has flown by and now my blog is a wonderful 2 years old.  I've been meaning to crochet a little smiling robot to celebrate.

I'll be back tomorrow with a catch-up on my current WIPs