I've crocheted the same scarf design three times. Well almost three times, I'm on the third version of my pattern, (my Sarah London Scarf design), and I'm hoping it's third time lucky, and this will be the final version.
And the reason I'm crocheting this scarf so many times? It's because I want to get the width just right to be snuggly, and I'm also trying to get the numbers of balls of yarn I'm using down to as few as possible, so it is as reasonably priced to make as I can get it.
I've put up patterns for crochet squares before, and the idea is that you run with that square as you please, but this time I plan to do a pattern that is for the entire garment from start to finish. Specifying yarn amounts, width, length, and how to.
Look, I'm wearing my Little Squares Scarf. The quick pattern and the step-by-step pattern is in my sidebar to the left, if you want to know how to crochet the squares and sew them together.
Hugo took these pictures on a windy beach last Sunday. There was a real nip in the air.
The day before, the sea was a wild mass of waves. People were standing on the promenade gazing at the sea. Crashing waves are mesmerising don't you think? I like watching them reach their highest point, and then topple over and break up. Fascinating.
If it's not raining, after walking the dogs on the beach, we like to have a coffee on the prom, and read the weekend paper. (I have to regularly remind myself just how fortunate I am to be able to write those words about coffee on the prom, overlooking the sea).
The dogs inevitable end up on our laps, looking like they are in the lap of luxury.
Ellie has perfected this look.
Tomorrow I'm off on a four hour train journey to London, for work, and also to stay with my sister and her family for about five days, so unfortunately I won't be able to do my blog post on Friday, I'm sorry about that. But I hope to be back here next Tuesday. Think of all that lovely knitting and crocheting time! Lovely!
Cheerio! And have a good week.
Vanessa xxx
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Do have a wonderful little trip, Vanessa. I love the colors in the lavender-blue scarf...it looks snuggly to me. Speaking of snuggling, could your little dogs get any cuter? Tummy rubs abound!
Posted by: Jan | October 11, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Love the scarfs - and such a sweet little doggie! :-)
Posted by: tinajo | October 11, 2011 at 07:41 PM
I am always amazed by how you instinctively wear colours which marry with your photo backgrounds; those shades of grey with the cheerful colours of your scarves is marvellous. Simply wonderful.
Seeing that sea (ha, ha) reminds me exactly of our sea off the Normandy coast where I lived for seven years. How I used to love those gale force winds in autumn and winter and smell it all; so energising.
Have a wonderful time on the train knitting, Vanessa; one of my favourite indulgences I think, having time to myself on a train to create.
Please send a kind animal-lover thought to our little young cat who is fighting an infection. I think she is on the mend but I cannot admire enough my husband who bravely has to administer a very unpleasant treatment which must certainly baffle the poor kitten who loves hime to bits.
Posted by: Stephanie | October 11, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Such sweet doggies! <3
Posted by: elizabeth | October 11, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Lovely scarves, but my attention was diverted as ever by your gorgeous mini wires ... she looks so sweet there !
Posted by: Annie | October 11, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I love your scarfs, hope you manage to squeeze in some crochet action whilst you are away! Have a good trip xx
Posted by: Jenny | October 11, 2011 at 08:31 PM
It is really rather pleasant when the first windy Autumn day cool enough for a proper woolly scarf arrives!
Have a lovely break Vanessa.x
Posted by: Kate | October 11, 2011 at 08:52 PM
The pictures of the scarves make me want to learn to crochet, and the pictures of your puppy make me want to immediately leave work and rub my own puppy's tummy. I think we must both lead very blessed lives! Have a nice trip!
Posted by: Bonnie | October 11, 2011 at 09:10 PM
Scarves at the beach - is there any better setting!!! I pearrrsonally (that is a scottish accent - I can't say it without one) cannot wait to crochet one of those scarves. It may have to be a stripy yellow one. I can't wait for the cards to arrive - I am thinking about framing them as a series because they really are the most inspirational works I have ever seen. I have started making papier mache birds and they look very kindergartney by comparison but they are so much fun and great to make with the boys. I am missing you so I have to make sure I get commenty on your blog again because I am always imagining we are having a chat. Lots of love, Kate xxooxx.
Posted by: kate is greedy | October 11, 2011 at 09:16 PM
Dear Vanessa, looooove the photos of you holding the scarves on the beach!! Do you remember that I figured out the secret to this scarf pattern? I have kept my promise not to share it. :-) Mine is red and white and of course it looks like a stripy candy cane! Once you publish your pattern I will show my scarf on my blog and send people to your blog for the pattern. Have fun on your trip! We have reservations at the beachside RV park in 11 days.. can't wait!!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 11, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Lovely scarves and Ellie looks ever so comfortable! A little poser! Enjoy your stay in London!
JUne
Posted by: june | October 11, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Hi Vanessa, love your photographs as always. There is nowhere quite like the beach on a windy, blustery day with the waves crashing.... Gorgeous photos of your crochet as always too, and such sweet little doggies, my little doggie (King Charles Cav) just loves to lay back and have his tummy rubbed before we get up in the morning!
Posted by: Tania | October 11, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Beautiful photos, again. You do greats posts!
Posted by: Patty Boyd | October 12, 2011 at 02:39 AM
Beautiful photos - love your scarves!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | October 12, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Those waves look like they are rolling right in from Antarctica! Brrrrrrr! Your scarves look lovely and colourful.
PS Did you see which lucky duck won Sarah London's new book and all that yummy wool? Thats right ME...can you believe it :-)
Posted by: Jenni at Baa-me Kniits | October 12, 2011 at 12:20 PM
The photos are wonderful - as usual. I love the gray, stormy looking seas that are the perfect backdrop for your bright and cheery scarves. Little Ellie is such a content, wee thing - all snuggled up and safe - just like resting in God's pocket. Have a safe journey and enjoy all that knitting time!
Posted by: Liz in Missouri (with Lucy) | October 12, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Oh I know that blissful doggy look, it's being perfected in our house as I type! Lovely beachy pictures. I wish we lived just that bit nearer our beach as it's pouring outside and Higgins NEEDS a walk, but he hates splashing through muddy puddles!
Love the scarves too, so colourful!
Penny xx
Posted by: Planet Penny | October 12, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Bright cosy scarves, waves, walking on the prom, reading the weekend newspapers...what could possibly be better than that?
Enjoy your stay with your sister (I wish I was going to stay with my sister for 5 days!)
Posted by: Thrifty Household | October 12, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Those colors are so very happy! Beautiful work.
Posted by: Marisa | October 12, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Beautiful, colourful work and I love the muted clothing you're wearing with it (nice jacket!!). Enjoy your family time!
Kate x
Posted by: harmony and rosie | October 12, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Hi Vanessa, Fantastic scarves!! Are you planning on giving the extra scarves as gifts? Oh, and your puppies are just TOO adorable lying on your laps.
Em
Posted by: Emily | October 12, 2011 at 09:57 PM
Hi Vanessa,
I LOVE all the scarves - the colours are amazing!!! Where do you get your gorgeous yarns from? Beautiful beachy photos too!
Carly
x
Posted by: Crafted by Carly | October 13, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Just popped in through Karen's blog (Did You Make That?) and I'm having an instant "dog crush". :-)
Posted by: superheidi | October 13, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Vanessa, I wanted to let you know that I put a post up about the cards you made on my blog and put a link to this page. Lots of my blog friends have some of your cards, and more want to get your cards, and all of them love you and your blog!!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 14, 2011 at 06:50 AM
I love the scarves. Somewhere in your blog there is a tutorial for the one you are wearing in the photograph, right? I am going to have to go look for it. I have been "away" working on a big project. It is done, so now I finally have time to catch up on all I have been missing. Good to see your bright colors again. Carolina
Posted by: The Muse of The Day | October 18, 2011 at 03:02 AM
Beautiful scarves! I LOVE the orange and white one. I think it's the perfect width for a scarf and the colors are so much fun!
Posted by: Jeanne | October 23, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter reviews | December 21, 2011 at 10:23 AM