Of course, life never goes according to plan, does it??
2015 was a tough year, with death and illness menacingly lurking in the shadows, waiting to derail our happiness and health. Although I crocheted prolifically throughout the year, I only managed to complete writing a few of the patterns I had planned to publish.
Old fashioned "granny" crochet is wonderfully rhythmic and soothing and the double crochet stripe features in most of my 2015 projects. Some "hookers" enjoy a crochet challenge when stressed out. I prefer something really simple that not only brings a sense of calm to my being, but also uses up all the odds and ends in the yarn stash. The end product is something truly comforting, like hot tea or a thick winter soup!!
The weather in Johannesburg has been unbearably, scorching HOT Chores have to be done before 7 in the morning - after that it is just too HOT to function!
Crocheting is limited to small cotton projects like a set of place mats and a circular cloth in a mix of Elle Cotton On and Raeesah Cotton:
I never quite understood the craze for crochet face (wash) cloths, until a friend of mine recently gifted me with a knitted cloth and a handmade soap. Oh wow! So luxurious!
Of course they are ridiculously easy to make - just pick a stitch with a bit of texture and make a square!
These two were made using the v-stitch variation used for my RALLY SCARF
The pattern for the PINWHEEL FLOWERS (my very last pattern for 2015) can be found HERE
These two using a mesh type stitch (and a "what was I thinking?" colour combination):
Three using a granny stripe:
And this one using a diamond stitch stripe:
The pattern for the Hibiscus Flower can be found HERE
Put to the vote, the Diamond Stitch cloths (my very first pattern for 2016) were the favourite!
To say that 2015 has left me "shell-shocked" and slightly devasted would be an understatement. I am stepping softly and quietly into the new year - no fanfare, and my only resolution being to take one day at a time!
Farewell 2015!