Dolly Blankets

The crochet continued while I was sick.  I got some serious stash-busting done.

A little hiatus!

A brief hiatus there due to sickness.  After Emily was sick, Oliver came down with a touch of something, then I got the flu.  Then I just got really really tired (no sick-days for SAHM's) and sort of shut-down.

Back to normal now, apart from a cough, but energy levels have been restored - actually considering going out to cut the grass this morning! - and I've had the desire to pick up my knitting needles again.  Thank God!

I have been working away on a few projects so details of them will follow over the next few days.

For today, a little pic of Oliver after his sister got at him.

I think he saw the funny side!

Dublin Zoo

The sickness continued, if you can believe it. After having the chicken pox, Emily got the flu.  Luckily this week is the mid-term from playschool so she didn't miss any more days.

Poor chick though, she's had it tough the last week and a half.

Yesterday she woke up feeling better.  I had planned taking her to the zoo over the hols as I had some free tickets so I wrapped us all up nice and warm and we headed off.

It was a really good day and Emily really enjoyed it.  It was her third time to Dublin Zoo but the first time that she's really got it.

Now for the picture heavy part of  the post:

On the wishing chair in the farm section (one information board had 'inFARMation' written on it - get it!!)

The elephants

The White Collared Mangabey - Emily spent ages looking at these guys as there were a few very energetic younger ones running around.

The giraffes

Emily's photo of the peacock - he kept moving on her!

Emily dancing with the penguins

Emily eaten by a penguin!

The lemurs

Dolly Blankets

I've needed some simple projects some of these nights as the kids have been quite a bit of work lately and I'm just too tired to concentrate on anything complicated in the evenings.

So granny square dolly blankets it is (Also handy for using up all the little bits of yarn in my stash).

Being put to good use already!

I may make a few for the next market.  Emily is always looking for blankets for her toys so I presume most little girls are the same!

Happy Valentine's Day

(Emily's blue cardie was girl-ied up last night with some pink buttons and mulit-coloured felt hears)

Mini Owl Bag

Made using a tutorial on Mama G's Big Crafty Blog.  I only have DK weight yarn so I used that with 4.5mm hook and 3.5mm hook for the eyes.  My bag is quite small but its perfect for Emily to put her little things in.
Might make it again holding two strands of yarn and using a bigger hook.

Its super cute though and the pattern is really well written.  The photos are particularly helpful for someone like me who isn't a very accomplished crocheter.

Lots of WIPs

Another WIP post - really must start getting the time to finish some of these projects!

This time a cardigan for Emily.  I realised about a week ago that we were missing her two zip-up hoodies.  That's what I get for not writing her name on the tags and then sending her off to playschool.  She'd had them a while though so its not a huge loss.

But, it did spur me on to make her a new cardigan. I knew I had some chunky wool so I searched Ravelry for a suitable pattern, something quick and easy.

And I found Keiju by Lilia Mankki (english version)  There is a slight typo in the English version so I messed up the ribbing on the collar a bit, but I don't think Emily will mind.  I also made the body a bit longer, and added longer sleeves as this is to be a cover-up cardigan.  And it gets chilly here in Ireland!

I've finished the knitting part now and am waiting on buttons which I ordered from eBay.  Then I have to work some magic with embroidery or applique or something, as a little someone is not too keen on wearing blue.

Apparently only boys wear blue.  Regardless of the fact that I've pointed out to her all the clothes she has which are blue.  No talking to that child sometimes.

I did order pink buttons though, so that should swing the cardie in my favour!