Hooray for crochet

 After finishing the loonnnnnnnngg scarf, I needed a couple of quick projects. I made a little detachable collar for Scarlett, which took two evenings in front of the telly. The pattern is from Debbie Bliss's new book Simply Crochet and uses Rialto Lace. I think I might need to make another one........

I then finished a 'granny' stool cover in handknit dk for the kitchen stool which has lost it's cushion. I love a little crochet interlude. 

(If you don't already crochet and would like to learn, please call the shop on 01438 861 717 and book in for a day workshop with Linda)

Home thoughts from abroad

Kathleen who lives in Spain, has just finished this beautiful quilt, made from vintage embroidered linens. Kathleen has a Jolie knitting bag and was inspired by the idea of using vintage linen for her quilt too, with a stunning result. So pretty and reminiscent of the English country garden.

Knit and wine

Tuesday 29th May

7.30 - 10pm

Hope you can join us.

Paint the whole world with a rainbow

I enjoyed an hour of peace on perfect summer's evening, sewing in ends while Phil was making the supper, yippee.

I sat in the garden, keeping an eye on the chickens who were out of their pen free ranging, and finished my stripey scarf.

The pattern is by Kaffe Fassett from Rowan magazine Autumn /Winter 2011. It is knitted in Kidsilk Haze, soft as a cloud and twice as long as shown in the photo (8 ft!). It has taken weeks to knit and according to my calculation there are over 44, 000 stitches. Pity the weather is now a little too warm to wear it. Hey, I'm not complaining really.

Jeanne d'Arc Living

Ann introduced us to the gorgeous magazine, Jeanne d'Arc Living. Actually more of a book, than a magazine, it is beautifully produced in Denmark, yet published in several languages. A sumptuous delight with decoration ideas, recipes and stunning images to inspire.

Available in the UK with English text from http://www.bettyandviolet.com

Crowning glory

It was a busy week at Jolie last week. We ran two special Diamond Jubliee crochet workshops on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. 

4ply Siena

We adapted a pattern from a crochet table cloth, first published for the Coronation in 1952, and devised a Diamond Jubliee doily for 2012. It's a very pretty pattern, which can be done in anything. We chose Rowan 4ply Siena and Rowan Shimmer - you can even mix the two.

Shimmer

Teddy helped with the pattern.

We got out the Royal teatime cloth for the occasion.

And the carriage, of course.

Pam Williams made the most delicious Coronation chicken.

Lisa Webb, from The Bakehouse in Braughing supplied us with two spectacular Victoria sponge cakes. (Tel 07789 893021 for commissions.)

The pattern is now available at Jolie. Please ring if you would like us to send you one, with materials. There's just about time to knock out a few for the celebration on 5th June. It also looks great stitched to a T shirt............

PS Thank you for all the the 'Thank You' cards and messages we have received from those who attended the workshop. We're really glad you all enjoyed it and I'm sorry we were so busy I forgot to take pictures of you all crocheting.

Badge of honour

We're getting ready for the Diamond Jubilee here at Jolie. Get into the mood with one of Venice's great badges. Plenty to choose from, she has used some lovely images of Liz in an array of wonderful hats..... or you can have a corgi. We've also found some very stylish diamante crown brooches  - very Vivienne! 

Out and about in Stamford

Another wonderful weekend in Stamford for Linda and her daughter Libby.  They were treated to the ballet (Swan Lake) and overnight stop at the wonderful Crown Hotel by Linda's lovely stepmother Elaine.

 

 The three generations of girlies enjoyed some vintage shopping, fabulous coffee and a scrummy al fresco lunch in the sunny (yes, it was sunny!) courtyard of The King's Head.  

The sun shone all weekend and the crochet jumper was just the ticket.

After a full English breakfast on Sunday morning Elaine joined her two friends Pauline and Kay for The Race for Life at Burleigh House (for the 10th time). Well done to all who took part and for such a good cause.

 

The Crown is situated in the heart of historic Stamford. A friendly, stylish hotel with a buzzy atmosphere. Well worth a visit. http://thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk 

Summer crochet

The spring summer version of this incredibly versatile jumper. 

Linda and Caroline have both worked it again, this time using Rowan Panama for a silky, swishy, cool elegant garment. All the effort....and all those ends are well worth it. 

Rain dog

And it's STILL raining! 

Very sad, but very apt. This is Rod's (Dany's dad) last painting of Jack the dog. Jack lived to the great age of 16. He was a lovely dog and will be sadly missed. To see more paintings of Jack and Rod's other work, check out his blog http://www.rodshone.blogspot.com

Cardigan country

Brenda

Linda

Brrr! It may be May, but it is still cold enough for a cardi. Brenda came in looking lovely in her beautiful 'boyfriend' cardi on Wedsnesday afternoon. Knitted in softest Rowan baby alpaca the pattern is from Erika Knight's book Simple Knitting. 

Linda has fallen in love with Susan's 'land girl' cardi. Knitted in a fetching shade of wartime green Artesano alpaca dk, we think it has a very 40's feel - hence headscarf to complete the look. The pattern is by Kim Hargreaves in Cherished.