Ripple Blanket - Hurrah!

What do you think of it? Isn't it gorgeous? I actually finished this a couple of weeks ago but have been unable to load the photos AGAIN.( Hubby and I are really getting frustrated with Blogger now and are thinking of changing to a new one, maybe Wordpress.) Anyway back to the blanket, I used a mix of Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino and Millamia merino. It is wonderfully soft , scrummie and drapey.

I used Geo's bed to photograph it flat as it fits his bed, but he was told that under no circumstances was it his, it's all mine. I love, love, love it.    

                                                                               BOO

What do think of these crazy characters? I made them for Geo's xmas stocking. I got the pattern from this website and it was really easy to follow, I'm quite proud of them. The only problem  is that I couldn't get hold of any 6mm safety eyes so I stitched on tiny black beads instead but they are coming loose now so I will have to sort that out. It actually makes them look more boggle eyed than they were supposed to.

Last weekend we were going to stay with friends and I wanted to take them a jar of my homemade chilli jelly. My mind whirring as usual I wanted to crochet a cover to make it a bit more special. So I adapted a couple of patterns. The circular top came from the cute and easy crochet book by Nikki Trench and the trim was from Attic 24's candle holder trim.

I think it looks quite good for a first attempt.( I'm really getting the hang of this crochet lark now.) My friend seemed pleased with it anyway.

Changing the tone now, we have had quite a sad week this week. Amber our beautiful hen died last Friday. I was away from the house for an hour and they were in the garden when they were attacked by an escaped dog! We have had them 3 years and dogs go past the garden all the time without any hassle, but new people had moved into the village and obviously hadn't secured their dog properly. At first I thought a fox had had Matilda as she was missing and her feathers were everywhere, but she turned up later from behind the playhouse absolutely terrified. Poor Amber didn't have any injuries but was in a state of shock and was gasping for breath. She didn't make it and died a few hours later. 

Poor Matilda is completely heartbroken and missing Amber. She is barely eating and drinking and didn't come out of her nestbox for the first three days. She now ventures into the garden for supervised wanderings but she doesn't do a lot, she just stands and looks wistful. It's very sad to see her like this, they both used to be so full of energy and run to greet you as soon as you opened the door (usually just begging for food). I might try and get a friend for her next week but for now I'll just try and nurse her back to health.

Thanks for visiting and I'll be back soon with details of my new project.