My "Sarah London Scarf."

Hello, I've got something to show you!

I have to come clean, I've started a crochet project, without finishing my last project. Shockingly undisciplined, I know.

It's the scarf you see in the picture above, and it's a pattern I've worked out myself, inspired by someone who's crochet and colours I aspire to, Sarah London. She has a fabulous blog, which you can go to here. Infact, she's been doing a mystery crochet project over her last few posts, in which you can join in, by following her superb instructions.  Why not pop on over to her blog to see what the mystery is? I know how you like a bit of mystery.

I don't know if you remember these photos from a past blog post? I was showing you my "Granny Zig-Zag Scarf". This is the scarf I've abandoned for a short while, because I'm getting on with the new scarf. I've been working on it a little, here and there, and was working on it when I started my knitted "Hourglass Sweater", the pattern by Joelle Hoverson, from her book, "Last Minute Knitted Gifts". I have finished that sweater, but need to take photos of it, before I can show it to you.

So, let's see, what have we above?  Well, in the foreground, there's the "Sarah London Scarf", in the middle is the finished "Little Squares Scarf", and at the back, is the "Granny Zig-Zag Scarf".

Hmmmmmm, that's a few patterns to write up for you, isn't it? Let me apologise to those of you waiting for patterns for two of these scarves. I started to do a step-by-step pattern for the Little Squares Scarf, but it just kept on going wrong, or the light wasn't good enough to take photos. It takes a surprisingly long time to create those step-by-step tutorials, I was surprised just how long, when I did the pattern for my crochet square, that went into the Sisterhood Crochet Blanket. (Tutorial in the sidebar to the left, just incase you're wondering).

Anyway, back to the subject of the Sarah London Scarf. I'd like to show you the inspiration for the scarf, here. Sarah was doing these fabulous squares, that would make the most delicious blanket, if you made lots of them. The images of her squares have been lingering around in the recesses of my mind for a while. I decided the diagonal lines would look fab in a scarf, so I got crocheting Sarah's squares. But that didn't work out, the lines were zigzagging all over the place, when I was joining the squares together, and I thought that sewing lots of squares together wasn't what I wanted to do. So I had a think about what I could do to just make one continuous strip of diagonal lines, and after a bit of trial and error, I managed to work it out. So I've done all the trial and error bits for you, you'll be delighted to know, and now I have a healthy working pattern (not written out yet, but will be). I also worked out how to get the pointy bits on both ends, which you can see in the top photo.

This is the first time I've done any of this major "figuring a pattern out" malarky, and although it's really only a minor bit of working it out, I still feel I've achieved something.

But I couldn't have done it without Sarah's help. I've already e-mailed Sarah a picture of my scarf, and explained what I've done, and asked her permission to put up a pattern. She's very happy for me to post my pattern, which I was relieved about, I have to admit. I'm very conscious of not stepping on people's toes, and so I think it's very important to o.k. something like this with the person who's pattern inspired you, keeps everyone happy, and makes everything 'above board'.

Talking about patterns, Sarah has beautiful crochet patterns available on her blog. Some are free, some she charges a small fee for. I can't find a section in which all her patterns are conglomerated into one list, so you'll have to scroll back through her posts, but it's very enjoyable, you'll get the most enormous colour fix you've ever experienced.

And talking of colour fixes, aren't the yellow leaves above beautiful? Especially contrasting with the soft blue/green of my gloves, and the pink on the walls of my studio. I collected these three leaves while out walking the dogs yesterday, and spent the entire walk holding them in my gloved hand. You see I didn't want them to get crushed by being put in a pocket or bag, which is what normally happens. It was only at the very end of the walk I realised how lovely the yellow of the leaves was, against the colour of my gloves.

I thought to myself, "I'll photograph my gloved hand holding these leaves, for the blog".

Then I saw a ball of yarn.

This ball of yarn, in the photo above.

This is a colour in the Debbie Bliss 'Baby Cashmerino' range, and it's a completely new colour to me. Oh boy! I LOVE this colour! And I thought it would be the perfect finishing touch in my leaves photo.

Thought you might like to know the details on this yarn. Debbie Bliss Baby cashmerino, colour 340030, just incase you feel like treating yourself.

I don't know about you, but I love Debbie Bliss's Baby Cashmerino yarn, it's just wonderful to work with. I know it's not cheap, but it is so very 'worth it'.  I hope Debbie Bliss will carry on adding similar bright shades in other colours, to this range.

Now, what is it I meant to tell you?

Oh yes! Hugo and I are going away for a short holiday. While we're away, we'll be having our seventh wedding anniversary. It really doesn't seem like seven years we've been married, it's whizzed by. So I'm going to love you and leave you for a short while. I should be back blogging next Thursday hopefully, to tell you about our adventures, where we went, what the weather was like. And hopefully I won't be reporting any arguments. It's times like these, arguments happen, isn't it?! I'm sure we'll be just fine! We're going to a beautiful place, but I'll tell you where on my return. Take care, and I look forward to 'seeing' you when I get back. Ta-ra and cheerio, love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[Amy Caroline]

Those colors are so YUMMY! Have a wonderful anniversary!

[Anna-Karin, Sweden]

Have a wonderful holiday and anniversary!
Your new scarf is absolutely gorgeous. I'll wait for the pattern :)
Love Anna-Karin xxx

[Lynne]

Those scarves are delicious. And I love the way you find a ball of yarn to match with whatever takes your fancy.
I was going to make a crocheted scarf for my daughter for Christmas. You've just reminded me! But the rate I work it would be at least next Christmas before I finished it!
Thanks for calling by. Have a great time while you're away.

[sue]

As usual the colours are amazing,love the new scarf.Hope you have a lovely holiday and a romantic anniversary.

Sue xxx

[Janice Perkin]

congratulations - I hope you have a fantastic time - have you got a pattern for your crochet cuffs - I love baby cashmerino - the colours are just SO!!!!

[Kelly]

Have a spectacular time! I do look forward to your patterns and blogging about how you inspire me - it is contagious this inspiration thing. ~kelly

unDeniably Domestic

[Charlene]

I love your scarf :) Beautiful as always :)

Happy Anniversary to you and Hugo - May you continue to be happy for the rest of your lives :)

Have fun on your holiday!

[driftwood]

happy happy happy anniversary, hope you have a truly wonderful time xoxoxoxox

[keeandfi.blogspot.com]

i would dearly love to know the pattern for granny zig zag! i'm in love with ripples but love the speed at which granny's hook up!

looking forward to the post of your patterns.

great blog too - it's the first time i've stumbled upon it!

[frances]

Happy Anniversary to you!

Hoping that your holiday will be a delight.

Each of these crocheted projects is definitely a delight. Wonderful colors. I am also a big fan of Sarah London, and find it so interesting that our seasons are always reversed...and how that affects our color choices.

I am having a short vacation at home, and so happy with the time it is giving me to paint my watercolor Christmas cards, knit socks, crochet many, many Christmas gifts, and even get outdoors every now and then!

xo

[martha]

I just adore all your crocheted projects...you are so industrious! They are gorgeous.
I do hope you will be able to wear these beautiful scarves on your trip?
Bon Voyage!!
♥

[annri]

Happy Anniversary! All the crochet is so beautiful - nothing to be ashamed of... ;-) Sarah London's blog and etsy site are yummy!

[Nicola]

Hope you have a wonderful holiday. I can't figure out how you made that zigzaggy scarf so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's done.

[Mildawg]

I must say that I absolutely adore the colors in your photos.

[Isabelle (France)]

That's what I call a contrast!! All those happy, cheerful, joyful colours, compared to your walk yesterday (the photos of which I really enjoyed too I must say).
Happy anniversary to you and your husband! We also got married in November (18th), very nearly 9 years ago...
Have a wonderful time!
Isabelle xx

[gill]

hi vanessa
hope you're having a great break - i'm sure you'll tell us all about it when you get back!
i've been following sarah london for a while - i haven't subscribed to hip to hook yet but i have bought a pattern(very well laid out and easy to follow)looking forward to your pattern
happy anniversary to you both
gill xx

[Helen Cowans]

Hard to believe you have been married for 7yrs. Time flies. Have a great time away.

[Siobhan]

Love your new scarf - love how the texture and shapes work together. Really nice! Can tell it's really soft too. I love scarves very much - you can do things that just wouldn't work for a jumper and just have fun with it. Hope you have a really nice time while you are away.

[Amanda]

Oh my goodness, those colors!! So pretty!

[Julie]

Hello Vanessa, I found your blog when I googled "red and white string" (for christmas presents). I grew up in the 50s and 60s and your lovely blog so reminds me of my childhood. Beautiful colours and knitting and crochet and hand painting.... Oh - gorgeous. I will spend a few happy hours over the next week looking at all your beautiful photos. Thank you.

[Magic Cochin]

Have a wonderful time on your special anniversary holiday!

I love that diagonal crochet pattern - it's soooooo clever! I'm going to have to give it a try - please post the instructions very soon!

Celia

[Tam]

The colours of your work are amazing to say the least Vanessa, just beautiful. That Baby Cashmerino Limey Greeny yellowy colour is an absolute favourite of mine...it reminds of a splice ice-cream :)

BTW I feel honoured to be appearing in your blog list...so thank-you so much.

Tam xo

PS have a wonderful holiday...
PPS I have been wantng to make the hourglass sweater forever (it may have to wait until after bubba#5 arrives now) but how have you found the pattern?

[Erica K]

I hope you have a wonderful, argument-free time! :)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that scarf, and I'm so very, very happy you'll be making up the pattern! YAY! It looks like crochet-entrelac, doesn't it?

[Cee Lew]

Your colours are just gorgeous. I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog via Sarah London via Salihan. You've illustrated some of our favourite books. "There's a House inside my Mummy" is cherished by all here.

I will be visiting again to discover the pattern for your lovely scarf. I have recently been admiring the rug my baby is going to bed with lately - handed down from her cousin. I believe it was crocheted for her by a friend of my brother-in-law's family yet it looks so similar to what you've been doing with the scarves and also Sarah's squares.

See you again Vanessa.
Cee in South Australia

[Kimbles]

Just found your blog through Mrs Twins and Sarah Londong - I love your colours and the zig zag scarf is brilliant hope you manage to do a tutorial I would love to have a go at one!

[Sandy]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Sarah London scarf!!!! I've been reading her blog, which I stumbled upon and too, was impressed with the colors she uses. Now I have another blog to keep up with - YOURS! Can't wait for that scarf pattern - I'd take it without pictures!!

[snarflemarfle]

I came to your blog from Sarah's blog (that's Colour Me Happy, right?). I am in love with the colors you have used on these scarves!! And I'm anxiously awaiting the patterns for the Sarah London scarf (though I think I may have that one figured out already) and the Little Squares scarf. They would both be wonderful Christmas presents...for next year. I have two baby blankets I need to get moving on!!

[Rachel B]

Love the developing pattern. Look forward to the pattern.

[lisette]

Don't have the time now to read all.. but wooohh so much amazing work! Be back soon!!

[Crissy Delecki]

I do hope that you will post the patterns for all of the things that you have done above being a newer crocheter I find it fun to try new things and see if I can make some of the things that more novice crochters do. I love you blog and hope that I am able to read it for a long time to come

[jan]

what kind of dogs are ellie and douglas?

[Anne]

Happy anniversary - hope you have a fabulous week. I absolutely love the Sarah London scart - please share the pattern with us - I'll love you forever!! All your scarves are so yummy.

[cathleen]

Can your posts, photos, scarves, knitting, crocheting, paintings, etc. get any more beautiful????? Lovely, Vanessa, just lovely!!!!!!

[luzitania]

seus trabalhos são lindos, deslumbrantes. Parabens.

[carla]

Do you have a pattern for the square scarf? It is so pretty.

[Debra Pryor]

Please make a tutorial on the Sarah London zig zag scarf. It is so pretty.

[gale vanderella]

am searching for the pattern of Sarah London scarf.

[Elizabeth Treger]

Would LOVE to purchase a copy of the Sarah London Scarf pattern - is one available?

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