Tuesday 8 April 2014

Finding a new long term craft project

So a few weeks ago I finally finished my cross stitch sampler. I had been working on it for around seven years, not continuously, but it had always been in the drawer close at hand. One of the reasons that it took me so long was because I liked knowing that there was always something there that I could pull out to work on. I'm so pleased with the finished sampler, and the final push that I put in to make sure that it was completed. I keep going into the room where it is hanging to admire it.

But I will admit that now I feel at a bit of a loss. I'm not sure that I'm ready to commit to another large scale cross stitch project yet, and I do have a couple of very small pieces that I can work on if I feel the cross stitching urge. But I am thinking that I would like to have something else around to work on.

The idea of making a crochet blanket has been at the back of my mind for some time, but after my attempt at crochet failed last year I don't think I'm going to get far with that idea. But around that time my Mum did set me up with a simple knitting pattern to knit little hexagons that can be joined together in a blanket. Each one measures about 7cm across. I worked very hard on it, and over about six months I produced thirty six hexagons that I was very proud of. Or at least I was, until I worked out that to make a blanket measuring a reasonable size I was going to need over a thousand, and so I became disheartened and put it away.

Knitted blanket hexagons

But now I feel that it's time to have another go. The hexagons are very quick to knit up even for me (I'm not a great or confident knitter) and I can just about manage to complete one around the children, for example while they are in the bath is a good time to get one done. I'm trying not to think yet about the amount of time that it will take to sew all the things together!

Look out for a post in at least ten years time, when I proudly show off my new blanket!

7 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about having a long term project. I am getting on well with a needlepoint cushion and love doing it, but am afraid of finishing it and then not having one to do! Perhaps sew some of your knitted patches together then when you see progress you will be inspired to carry on. The crochet blanket in your link is wonderful!

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  2. That's a good idea, I might do that (although I have no idea about the design that I'm working on!). At least it would mean that I didn't have all the sewing up to do at the end.

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  3. We are working in parellel!! I finished knitting a jumper after 3 months and felt at a loss until I started a cross stitch sampler! I also have dreams of learning to crochet and making a hexagon blanket!

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    1. How funny! I hope that you enjoy doing the cross stitch. I'm thinking that I'll probably end up starting another sooner rather than later, I just love having one on the go!

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  4. I have been working on a cross stitch for almost 6 years now!! It is still only half finished!

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    1. I'm glad it's not just me! They do take a long time to do, especially if you like to work on lots of other projects at the same time!

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  5. Oooh I love the idea of making a blanket!
    I've just started to knit and have made a very simple scarf for my little miss and am now working on one for little man! Is it easy to make the hexagons?

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