Into the Winter Woods

Hello everyone - what a chilly weekend it was, and this cold snap has certainly continued today.

Yesterday, after running all the usual errands, DH, DD and I went for a brisk walk in our local Outwoods.  As always there was plenty to see and enjoy.

Walking into the woods it was lovely to see the old trees...

Bare branches against a pale blue sky...

I wondered who had carved this star into the trunk of this tree, and why...

Looking across the empty fields...

A sprinkling of snow on the dead leaves...

Loving this pale, washed out landscape, so familiar yet ever-changing...

The rangers have been busy clearing some of the trees...

Looking wintry...

The air was full of the scent of wood smoke from the charcoal burner, such an ancient tradition alive and well...

I loved how this venerable old tree frames the landscape...

and was amazed to see how this cross section of a felled birch tree forms a heart shape!

Then back home again to work another few, soothing rows of this Winter Woods lap blanket, I am so pleased with how the colours seem to closely match those in the photos I took on my walk, exactly the look I was after!

Another few rows should see me ready to add the border. 

Hope you are keeping warm and cozy!

Helenxx

Crochet Blanket Challenge - week 1

Hi everyone.

Well, it was back to earth today, back to work and school for four of us, the eldest two lads don't start back at uni for another week (but they do have lots of coursework to do so its not really a holiday for them).

So I thought I would post my progress for week 1 of the One Square a Week Blanket Challenge.

I started my first Granny Square on January 1st, and, as I was on holiday, have made a grand total of Fourteen!! 

Here is a picture of them all together:

I'm really loving these calming, Nordic Winter shades. 

Progress will definitely be slower now I am back at work, but if I can make at least one square per week I will be happy as that is the challenge I have set for myself.  And I have made a good start!

Would love to hear if you are joining in the challenge!

Have a great week, Helenxx

Crochet Blanket Challenge

Hello everyone!

Quite a few blogs have talked about a granny square blanket challenge to keep crochet peeps busy this year - some are doing a granny square a day (too much for me I'm afraid) or one a week (much more realistic for me).

Many bloggers are going to crochet each square in a colour that matches their mood as they are working.  This year I am trying to simplify as much as possible, and have committed to using up as much of my stash as I can.  Therefore I have chosen colours from my yarn pile that make me feel calm - the washed out colours often seen in Nordic homes.  Pale pinks and blues, greys in different shades (no improper comments here please ;) ) etc.  So it is a mood blanket, but carried out in a way that will be a bit more suited to me.

Hazel has created a facility where those who want to get involved can link up their blogs - great idea!! I am off to link up shortly.

In the meantime, I have managed to make 9 squares this week while I am on holiday - this will give the project a jump-start, and will also buy a bit of time for those inevitable weeks when even one granny square is just too much to fit in. 

If you are a fellow-crochet fan, why not give it a go?

Helenxx