That was February

 It now seems Spring - like but it has been a cold and grey month, so there has been quite a bit of sewing, knitting and crochet going on.

In the evenings I’m working on the Canalboat Blanket. A bit late joining in the CAL (crochet a long), design by Lucy of Attic 24, I’ve got as far as week 3, so it’s coming along.  I’m making the lap blanket size and may stop around week 4’s colour guide.  I will be making another which will use up the yarn pack (that’s from Wool Warehouse). The crochet is quite a relaxing project in the evenings.

The pick up/put down knitting project is the Colour Burst jumper using the yarn by Stylecraft. I’m using a school jumper pattern to provide the basic pattern and am looking at using a cable pattern on the front, but I’m currently working on the back.  It’s been good to take to the weekly Knit and Natter group. The colourway, Catherine Wheel, is really pretty. 

Also on the needles is a top down jumper for me with short sleeves. The yoke pattern has been done and I’ve just split for the sleeves and work on the body. The pattern is by JST Designs on Ravelry and the yarn by Attic Spin Dye (on Etsy) in Plum. I purchased the yarn at Yarndale last year. It looks a little dark as the light is beginning to go this evening.

For the sewing I’ve been making cushion covers and table mats from orphan blocks for the local housing association, which will help brighten up living spaces.  I’ve passed these onto the housing association who are pleased with the items.

I’ve also picked up a couple of Project Linus quilt kits to sew together. So far the tops are joined and I’ve got to layer and quilt.  

Still enjoying shiny new things, last month I subscribed to a monthly mini skein collection and I’ve received February’s last month and March’s just this month from Blue Fern Yarns.  Mainly in blues but now going into beiges.  I was impressed by the mini skein set that I bought at Yarndale last year and I’m sure I will make use of them. I will probably look at Advent projects which use a lot of mini skeins. 

I haven’t done any paper crafting except for this ATC, for which the theme was birds and I made this quirky blackbird one on a paper patchwork background.

Today I’ve spent time with my daughter at Kingston Lacy near Wimborne.  It’s noted for lovely spring flowers and the snowdrops are just passing over but daffodils are now starting to flower.  It was lovely to see camellias with a couple of bees buzzing around.

So that was my February and looking forward to March, with Spring well on the way and hopefully getting more out and about.