Two Angels - angels & petals AND crafty angel

Spring is in the air - at last!

 


I've been away for a couple of days so it was nice to be out walking again today. This lane runs through Totleigh and out towards Sheepwash.

The banks were bursting with life. Primroses are always a joy to see.

Sorry the photos aren't great - taken on my phone.

 

 
 
  

No old bags here!

Happy happy stripes to add joy to a dull & miserable day. Just close you eyes and imagine it packed with a delicious picnic and beach towels all ready to head off for the day.

 

Welcome to my blog. Here I talk about anything related to my shop (sometimes very loosely!) in Hatherleigh, Devon. The shop is part gift shop - Angels & Petals and part craft shop - Crafty Angel. If you see anything within the blog that you would like more information about, or would like to buy something I feature, please contact me via the comments section at the bottom of each post and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Enjoy!

How do you like your eggs in the morning???

I like mine to be crocheted. Have a look at this fab little book. Full of adorable little characters to crochet.

Just in time for Easter these little chicks & eggs are quick & fun to crochet.

The eagle eyed amongst you might even be able to take the pattern from here!
 

Otherwise you could treat yourself to the book. There are lots of quick and easy projects that children (and adults) will love. You wont regret it.
 

See - even they agree.!!
 
 

Cute & Quirky

How cute are these little fellas? With attachments to fit a mobile phone or a keyring I think they are a strong contender for an alternative to the traditional chocolate egg this Easter.
 

Tarka Trail

Perhaps I am the last person to realise this, but it was news to me that the Tarka Trail now had a new bit from Hatherleigh towards Highhampton. Anyway, I decided to check it out this morning, so here are a few photos.

Runnion Lane (the one after Moorview on the way to Holsworthy) leads you to the Tarka Trail.

This is the gated entrance to the Trail. No signs (perhaps it's a secret!)

It's Tarmac all the way, so great for wet days & perfect for bikes too.

This bit will be very pretty when the leaves fill the trees. A small ditch full of muddy water runs alongside the path. Floss thought this was heaven!

At the end of the trails (which will eventually take you to Bideford) you come to Church Lane, which is a back road to Highhampton. It's a nice easy walk that takes about an hour there & back.

  
 

A little nest

With Spring in the air now I thought you might like to have a go at crocheting a nest. You could fill it with mini easter eggs and give as a gift, or keep your tiny treasures in it. Mine is filled with almonds - less fattening than chocolate eggs, but no where near as much fun.

The nest is really easy to make and you can make it bigger, or smaller to suit various projects, once you master the basic, which are very basic, I promise.

Base

Chain 2. Join to form a ring.

Round 1. Work 6 Single Crochet (SC) into the ring, join to complete the round.

Round 2.Work 2SC into each stitch - makes 12 st. ( doing 2SC into one stitch is increasing).

Round 3. Work 2 SC into the 1st stitch, 1SC into the next, 2SC into the next, 1SC into the next and so on to finish the round. (18 st) (Should look something like the photo)

Round 4. Work 2SC into the first stitch, then 1SC into the next 2 stitches, then 2SC into the next stitch,  followed by 1SC into the next 2 stitches, and so on, to finish the round. (24st)

You may decide the base is big enough now, however if you want to make a larger nest just continue the increasing rounds, spacing out the increases. i.e next round 2SC into first st, then 3 SC, before increasing again. Next round would be 4SC between the 2SC into same stitch. Is that clear?

SIDE SHAPING

Simply Single Crochet (SC) in every stitch all the way around. (count your stitches to make sure you end in the correct place) and finish off when your nest is the height you require, by joining with a slip stitch.

I hope this all makes sense, if you've any problems pop into the shop & Jane or I will help.

The thing about stripes is they're addictive.

Stripes get under your skin, you become drawn towards them, the colours start dancing in front of your eyes, teasing you, just begging you smile and be happy. Well, that's what happens to me anyway. Hence the arrival today of this gorgeous looking rainbow soap. It's called Pure Therapy and contains Bergamot oil, which is renowned for it's mood enhancing qualities and ability to lift feelings of sorrow and melancholy. At just £2.25, no bathroom should be without one!

Knit & Natter (or Knit & Knackered as we've renamed it!) is on again tonight, 7.30pm.
If you're really lucky I'll tell you about my weekend away in London seeing Ronan live with Boyzone...................
Or you can shut me in the cupboard.! Choice is yours.
See you later.

Ta Dah!

For all those who have witnessed me crocheting my picnic blanket over the past few weeks. It's done!

 
I used 22 balls of Kon-tiki cotton (£2.10 each), 2 balls each, of 11 colours. Made a chain of 200 and randomly striped  2 rows of Treble crochet, in each colour. I finished off with a single crochet edging all the way around. The finished blanket measures 46" x 75".

I'm all set for a nice warm sunny day now!