Hello again, seems like yesterday I was here talking to you..................... It was yesterday! Doesn't time fly?! I've just come from being glued to the goggle box. I finished work a lot earlier today, gave myself special dispensation to watch the tennis match between Andy Murray and Juan Ferrero (or Ferrero Rocher as I like to think of him, he looks quite edible). Poor Ferrero, he was absolutely obliterated by Murray in three straight sets. I think we were all secretly hoping for a repeat of the close match Andy Murray had on Monday, where everyone was enjoying being on the edge of their seats. I feel a little too calm and unruffled after that game, a bit disappointing. Still, Murray won, which is a relief, I have to admit. There could have been a little more tension though, a bit more of a fight!
Just listen to me! What do I want hey? Pistols at dawn?!
Anyway, now I've got that out of my system, I can move on to the sunshine part of this blog.
It was a very dear friend's 30th birthday last Saturday, her name is Bob, short for Barbara,(she didn't like Babs apparently), but I secretly think of her as Mrs Sunshine! She is someone who just oozes good humor, smiles and welcomes, and we all think she's rather loveable. I'd been wondering what to make her as a Birthday gift. She made me the most gorgeous cushion for my Birthday, so I knew she'd love something hand made, as a gift from me. Last Wednesday, at my knitting group meeting, I was working on the crochet necklace for the crochet swap, and Mrs.Sunshine's face lit up when she spied what I was working on. She admired the fine work in it. Well, it didn't take long for my dilemma of a gift for her, to be resolved. When I get an admiring reaction like that, it spurs me on! A piece of crochet jewellery it was to be.
What do you think I made her? A brooch? A pendant? A hair decoration? Nope, all wrong, it was..................
As modeled above, by me. I think I missed a trick by not painting my nails red for this photo, don't you?
One side view, for your delectation................
To make this ring, I used Finca perle crochet thread, size no.8, and a 1.5 mm crochet hook. You might feel aghast at the small size of the crochet hook, but it's quite interesting, once you get accustomed to the hook and the thread, it feels natural and normal to work with that size. Returning to DK yarn and a larger crochet hook, after that, feels huge and clumsy.
For those of you who would like to see more detail, here's a back view of the ring.
When I chose the colours for this ring, I was influenced by the red Geraniums and blue swimming pool from our recent week in Greece. Though the blue I chose, was more like the sparkly reflection in the electric blue pool, rather than the turquoise I fell in love with on our holiday. The pink was from the pretty pink Geraniums we saw at the hotel.
So there you are, my dear readers, a bit more crochet gift giving.................. Always a pleasure when you know the recipient is into hand made, don't you think?
And it's Wednesday evening again. The evening I always look forward to each week. I was a little worried earlier, that Murray's tennis match would be a long one, and I'd have to choose between my knitting group and the match! I might go as far as to say was agonising over it! I had the same dilemma on my Birthday a few months ago. Party, or knitting? Hugo cooked a wonderful meal, and we had friends round, so my mind was taken off the fact that I was missing my beloved knitting night! Luckily, I didn't have to make the choice today, because Murray's match finished well before knitting group starts. You think I'm joking don't you?! You'll think I'm bonkers when I say I'm really not joking! Well, I must be off now.......................... See you tomorrow dear readers! Love Vanessa xxx
Oooooh I love the ring - just my cup of tea!! Enjoy your knitting group!! Jane x
Posted by: jane smallcombe | July 01, 2009 at 07:30 PM
Oh that's lovely! What an unusual gift and pretty colours too. You make such gorgeous things, I always love coming to have a look.
SNOOPYDOG @SNOOPYDOGKNITS
Posted by: SNOOPYDOG | July 01, 2009 at 07:34 PM
How fantastically original!
Posted by: Liz | July 01, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Great ring, Im sure she'll love it. The colours of that yarn are fabby, so lustrous. (I like that word!) I just presumed the tennis would be on this evening, like Monday, so was a bit disappointed to return from my shopping to hear the whole thing was over. I was therefore saved the Liberty vs tennis dilemma!
Hen x
Posted by: Hen | July 01, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Oh my - that is gorgeous. I am such a novice compared to you....
Was the pattern your own, or was it from a book? Your friend is a lucky girl indeed. A xx
Posted by: bakeandsewblog | July 01, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Such a lovely ring - those colours! And I'm happy for Mr Murray, but as a crestfallen Aussie I admit to *almost* shedding a tear when Mr Hewitt went out. What a battle! And the Ashes are imminent so it's war in our house (hubby's a Brit)!
Have a great evening Vanessa.
x
Posted by: Cath W | July 01, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Stars above that is my favourite crochet thing I have ever seen. Did I ever mention that you are a goddess. By the way, I think Hugo (from the holiday snaps) may just be Julian Sands little brother - I think the hat may have helped. Just a little bit scrumptious...
Posted by: Kate Bruning | July 01, 2009 at 09:00 PM
That is brilliant and so original.
I missed AM as I was out in the garden so will get highlights this eve. We HAVE to cheer him on as my B went to school with AM's mum!
Ohhh that there was a knitting group near here. I am going to a felting group tomorrow night so that should be good.
CKx
Posted by: Kate MacDonald | July 01, 2009 at 09:00 PM
I am impressed! Such a good idea, and such tiny thread!
Posted by: Laura | July 01, 2009 at 09:13 PM
Vanessa,
you never cease to amaze me the ring is just too sweet, I would never even think to make a crochet ring! I hope your friend appreciates all the hard work and thoughtfullness that you put into her birthday gift, although she sounds like the kind of Lady that would, As for me I am running out first thing to buy some of that thread its amazing!
Moe x
Posted by: Moe (Seaweed, Roses & Wool) x | July 01, 2009 at 10:52 PM
It was a bit quick wasn't it Vanessa. Managed to get Isabella to help shell broad beans with me on the sofa so that I could see it! Love the ring and can definitely see the geraniums in that red xx
Posted by: Pipany | July 01, 2009 at 10:58 PM
I LOVE the ring you made! Your friend is a lucky lady to have such a gorgeous present. Any chance of a tuorial? :-)
Posted by: Marie | July 01, 2009 at 11:49 PM
oh I love it...I would love to make one where did you get the pattern?...please share...very lovely BROWN hand there V...has someone been on holiday I wonder......love and hugs H
Posted by: Helen Lambert | July 02, 2009 at 06:37 AM
I wasn't aghast at the smallness of the crochet hook... when I tell you I once used sewing thread and the finest of hooks I could find, for a dolls house project, you will understand why! Isn't it lovely when you can give something handmade and know it will be appreciated.
Posted by: Maggie | July 02, 2009 at 08:42 AM
I knew the Greek influence would soon kick in, that ring is lovely.
Posted by: Jennyff | July 02, 2009 at 01:51 PM
that ring is just gorgeous, I bet she will be thrilled (well, who wouldn't be). Tennis is getting exciting isn't it - fingers crossed for an exciting final!
Posted by: Julie | July 02, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Oh my, I literally YELPED when I saw that ring! Beautiful and inspired - anyone would love it!
I know exactly what you mean about knitting group - haven't even told the other ladies in it how much I love mine because I'm worried they'd think I was crazy! xx
Posted by: Jo | July 02, 2009 at 04:57 PM
You are far too clever Vanessa :) You have a wonderful eye and I love looking at your beautiful makes.
What a perfect little gift for someone very special, i hope she treasures it as i would , though I bet she does :)
X
Posted by: Mary Poppins | July 02, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Semi-final day today. Go Andy!
Groovy ring!
Posted by: maria | July 03, 2009 at 09:14 AM