Saturday, July 13, 2013

Enjoying Summer Crochet

 Good morning. 
It's been a lovely, (although strange), summer here in the valley. Normally by this time each year we are very dry and brown with loads of heat. This year has been much cooler and instead of heat, we have had loads of rain. I mean gully washer, downfall kinds of rain. It's really made it nice to spend more time outside, when it's not pouring, of course!
 

See this lovely chair?  Our wonderfully kind neighbors gifted us not one, but TWO sets of this wrought iron patio furniture.  I didn't know what to think when Hubby came home and unloaded all this furniture into the yard.  It's nice to have good folks who think of you, isn't it?  Major thanks are headed their way.  I only wish I knew what to give them in return.  What do you give people who have everything? 
 

 
This sweet pillow was found at a local consignment shop.  Another handmade goody full of gorgeous colors!  It looks very at home in this outdoorsy setting, don't you think?  I wish I had a set of these.  Maybe, just maybe, if I was really good with needle and thread I could make a copy of this beauty...  I can assure you I'm not all that good with needle and thread, but if time allows I may take a chance.
 
 
However, yarn is a different story.  I know exactly what to do with that!
 
 
I adore summery crochet apparel.  Sometimes I make things up as I go along, but very often I find a pattern that has something about it I love. 
 

Then I tweak it a bit to make it more 'me'. 
 

 
This is the Airy Lace Shell from Lionbrand. 
It's a free pattern, but you do have to sign in to access it. 
 
 
In pure Christina Fashion, I added a border all around to give it a little something more.  This is just an alternating scallop and 3dc cluster. 
 
I made it using Knit Pick's Comfy yarn.  It's a very soft, cottony yarn that feels wonderful!
 
 
So today, I hope to grab some time for patio crochet.  I need to work on a baby blanket for a nice couple's first baby.  I think I'll sit out by my lavender pots with my yarn and enjoy my cracked paint.  I love to make a hot cup of tea and snip a bit of lavender to pop in my cup.  Divine!  And then I sit there sipping and smelling the most amazing, calming aroma.  Yeah, I need calm.  And I think about how if this cracked paint patio were in Europe, it would be very fashionable and romantic.  Lol.  Thankfully the house does NOT have this paint problem, but whoever did this particular courtyard did not quite get things right in this area. 
 
When people come over and step out onto this patio I often hear comments about how they feel they are in Italy or some other lovely place.  Yes, it does have a slightly different feel due to the softness of this old look...  Funny how most folks would be running to buy paint to cover this up immediately, yet I hesitate and enjoy it.  No, it's not Italy.  It's just a tiny spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  But it's pretty special, too.  In fact, it's kind of a big deal to me.  
 
Happy weekend, folks! 
 Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo
 
 
 


6 comments:

  1. Very nice work on that top. It looks fantastic.

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  2. Love the crocheted dress. And I'm envious of the time to sit and enjoy the lavender! Wish I were there to chat with you, have a cuppa, and crochet the day away!

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    1. Thanks, Susan! Well don't get too envious! My quiet moments are fleeting. I wish you were here, too! That would be loads of fun.

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  3. Hi Christina, I found your blog through another blog. What beautiful pictures. I too am a homeschool Mom who crochets. I look forward to your posts. Have a blessed day. Heather

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    1. Hi there! Thanks for your kind post! It's nice to 'meet' you. Homeschool rocks - stay in touch! I'd love to see your crochet goodies, too.

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