Wednesday, February 5, 2014

A finished blanket and other random stuff.


Hello.

Things have been pretty busy around here lately, the days are getting away from me and I feel like I am chasing my tail all the time. 
 I have signed up for an e-course called 'Blog with Pip' of Meet me at Mike's fame, and it has started this week.  It is fabulous, with heaps of great info, but already I feel behind, lots of other students are sharing what they are doing and they are really achieving a lot in a week!  Gotta get my act into gear!!  We are able to interact together through a Facebook page and comments on the course page, but I find myself feeling quite shy and hanging back a bit.  I think I will make myself get more involved, even if it is out of my comfort zone.  
I am hoping to give this blog a bit of a make over, you know, new banner, tidier sidebar, better tags to make it easier to find things, that sort of thing.  I am contemplating offering some form of sponsorship down the side, I have seen a lot of blogs recently that have advertising down the side and it doesn't seem to detract from their blogs, and it would be a way for me to contribute to our family finances while still doing the things I love. ( and I would not have to look for work outside home!) 
Anyhoo, I have lots of thoughts floating around in my skull at the minute, really must try and sort some of them out!


On the crafty front, I have finished my second harlequin cot blanket. Yay! I was trying to work on this exclusively so I could get a fair idea of how much time these take to make, but as usual, a couple of other projects needed attention, so I have a rough idea only.
I am having a lot of fun with this pattern, and I love the tapestry crochet technique, it will probably be boring for you guys, but I think I will make another one of these in a different colour scheme.






I am thinking about writing this pattern up and making 'blanket kits' with all the wool and instructions in them and selling them in my shop. What do you think?

Anyhoo, that's a little catch up from round these parts, have you been doing anything special?
What do you think about advertising on blogs?  
Have you got any on yours?
What are you making at the moment?

Talk soon.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

56 comments:

  1. Wtith stunning work and photos like you have-you already have a fabulous blog. I always look forward to it and am not disappointed!

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    1. Thanks so much sacredcrocheter, glad you like my blog and thanks for stopping by! J xx

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  2. I would love to see the pattern! Your work is great and your color sense perfect!

    gena

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    1. Hi Gena, Thanks for your kind words,and yes I must get onto writing a pattern up! J xx

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  3. What a gorgeous blanket. I think it was a lot of work.

    Lisa

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  4. I think advertising is a good idea. I read your blog and other blogs every day - and I do click on the adverts occasionally. I certainly am aware of retailers that I never knew existed from the adverts on peoples blogs. If you can make it work for you, your family, the wool shop and your blog, why not? Sounds like a good idea....PS I've just started on the mixed stripey blanket crochet along - its great xxx

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    1. Hi joannec, thanks for your thoughts, I am thinking it's time to expand a little so I'll see what I can manage. So happy you are having fun with the CAL, I'm almost tempted to start another one myself!!! Thanks for stopping by here, J xx

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  5. Your blanket looks great! I love this! A blanket kit would be a near idea.

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    1. Thanks Trish, I think the kits would be good too! J xx

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  6. Both blankets are lovely. Good luck with all of your new ventures, whatever they turn out to be! xx

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    1. Thanks Amy! It is is exciting times around here! J xx

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  7. your blankets are fab !!!!
    I think you have to try new things for your blog if you feel it's the right moment to : dare and enjoy!!!!
    xxxxx Ale

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    1. Thanks Ale, I think I need to be a bit more daring too! J xx

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  8. Your blankets are absolutely stunning Jules. Simply fantastic. I might just stay here a while with my cuppa and drool!

    Have a super rest of a week

    Vanessa x

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    1. Thanks Vanessa! I'm blushing over here! Have a great week. J xx

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  9. Oh wow!! absolutely beautiful, the pattern, the colours....everything it's just perfectly fantastic!!

    Lluisa x

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  10. Oh my, how pretty are these blankets! I love al things harlequin, but these sure take the cake. I think I would purchase one of those kits if you decide on selling them. So pretty! :)

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    1. Hi Sailors &Sirens, I love harlequin things too, these blankets are quite addictive, I've made harlequin washcloths too that were really fu n to make as well. I will definitely get onto those kits! Thanks for commenting, J xx

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  11. Love, love, love your blanket and the kits are a great idea!

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  12. Gorgeous! Love these little blankets they are so sweet!

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  13. Your blankets are gorgeous - great colour choices.

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  14. Thanks margarimon, glad you like them! J xx

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  15. Love your blankets and your fabulous colour combinations :) . If advertising etc on your blog means being able to do what you love for a living why not give it a try... You have a lovely blog, beautiful creations to share and always brings a smile to my face so either way I wish you luck :) Clarissa

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement Clarissa, people are so nice in this crafty community! Have a great day, J xx

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  16. I love the blanket! Not sure I could handle it. Some people vow not to have advertising . It doesn't really bother me and if you can make a living doing what you love, go for it.

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  17. But your Blog is so lovely already Jules ! You have such a very special, unique style that no-one else has, and I love it.
    Beautiful, beautiful blankets, they look like they're a lovely wieght as well.
    Have a good day,
    Kate x

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  18. I think Blanket kits are a great idea. I love your colour choices and always think: I wouldn't even know where to get such colours. I would certainly order one if I wasn't on the other side of the world and shipping would probably cost a fortune and take ages... :-(

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  19. Jules, your blog is fantastic, no need to feel shy although I completely understand. Your blanket is amazing, such a beauty.

    Good luck on the course, I considered signing up for it but am so shy I didn't do it. So look you are already a step better than me.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  20. I love the idea! Will you ship to the US??

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  21. They are fabulous! I think they would sell well as they are so different from all the other crochet around at the moment!

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  22. Fabolous blankets! Beautiful colours.
    Meijra

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  23. Once again your work is inspiring. I just love to read about what you are working on. These blankets are wonderful and unique!
    Good luck on your venture!

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  24. How gorgeous love the colours and it looks so professionally crocheted what a lucky baby whoever ends up with iy

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  25. I love that blanket! I second what Tanna said will shipping be to the US?

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  26. Your blanket is absolutely stunning. I love it.

    Groetjes, Monique

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  27. Wow that is beautiful! I would love to learn that technique. x

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  28. Beautiful colourful blankets - kits would be good in your shop i think because colours can be difficult to pick. I am currently working on a blanket for my queen size bed - love your work and thanks for sharing

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  29. I have been reading your blog for a while now, but haven't commented before. When I found it I was quite excited to find someone else who makes similar colour choices to me. Your blankets are absolutely lovely! I am currently following your CAL using all my stash yarns, which have been easy to match up with your suggestions. Of course, I have added my own variations as well.. I would consider buying a kit and pattern should you decide to go down that path.

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  30. Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous. I have been following your blog for a while and have been taking a keen interest in your tapestry crochet projects. You have inspired me to begin some tapestry crochet of my own and I am hooked. You are very talented and very inspirational. Thank you.

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  31. Hi Jules,
    I LOVE your blog, it's one of my favorites! I've been following your Tapestry Crochet projects, I love your color sense & the combinations you choose are so refreshing! You inspired me to try Tapestry Crochet, I even located one of the only retailers for Drops yarn here in the USA & ordered a nice palette from them! However, I found Tapestry Crochet clunky & couldn't get the feel of getting the next stitch ~under~ the dormant color on the prior row. (I hope that made sense!) I always ended up splitting the yarn. Do you use a special or specific type/brand of hook to easily make the stitch? I know you are busy, but would greatly appreciate any tips you care to pass on!!! Keep up the amazing job that you are doing! I love that you are challenging yourself & your boundaries to improve your blog!!

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  32. Absolutely gorgeous!!! Color, pattern and design.

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  33. Stunning, everything is stunning, colors, pattern, stitches!

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  34. Oh I just love the colours and the design of your diamond/harlequin project, absolutely wonderful!
    Thank you very much for sharing, will pop back from time to time to see what other beautiful things you have been up to!
    Best wishes, Jay x

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Thank you for taking the time to add your comment, I love to receive comments and read them all, even if I don't get around to responding to you, I am just not that organised!