In these ongoing troubled times, I continue to be drawn back to my knitting needles and crochet hooks. No matter how discombobulated I might feel, there is always room for an extra row or round. Indeed, the very act of becoming absorbed in a beautiful project is an essential part of my coping strategy at the moment.
Last April, I wrote about the completion of my beach-themed Rozeta blanket, which I absolutely loved making. In that post, I previewed my next large project – the Fruit Garden Blanket by Janie Crow. Over the weeks, I have beavered away on this project, along with hundreds of other crafters around the world. What an amazing pattern it is, and the perfect distraction from all things Covid-related.
This is not a very glamorous picture, but this blocking shot on our king size spare bed gives you a sense of scale and the overall layout:
Inspired by the life and work of May Morris, daughter of the more famous William Morris, this has been a sumptuous make. I love everything about it: the colour scheme, the three-dimensional flowers and leaves, the period feel of the design. Fabulous.
It goes perfectly in our front room, where we have lots of gold and cream:
Here are a couple of close up shots. My most favourite part of the whole blanket is the large acanthus motif, which was my main reason for doing the project in the first place. It did not disappoint!
In other crafty news, I also managed to finish this small shawl/lap blanket. The pattern is Brooklyn Tweed’s Hourglass Throw. I was really pleased to get this off the needles. I first bought this yarn (Rowan’s now discontinued ‘Calmer’) in 2007. It took a couple of goes to find the right pattern for it, and I’m delighted with the result.
I’m looking forward to a very cosy winter!! 😀🧶
So beautiful! My daughter loves to crochet (not a skill she inherited from me!) – I might have to convince her to take on a big project like this.
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Thanks so much Kate! One of the good things about this kind of project is that you work on small bits and build it all up which makes it really manageable, however much time and energy is available. Highly recommended! 😀
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Gorgeous as ever, Liz. I can see how it’s possible to lose yourself in this kind of work.
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Aw thanks so much Susan! 💕🌸
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These are both gorgeous projects, Liz. Thanks so much for sharing them. I still have a handful of Calmer waiting for a project – I’m very impressed you had enough to make a throw. -Kelly
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Thanks Kelly! It’s perhaps a bit misleading of me/the pattern to call it a throw but a good-size lap blanket at least 😂
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Absolutely beautiful creations, Liz. You are so talented. This may inspire me to get on with the scarf I have been knitting in time to wear it this winter.
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Thank you very much Eleanor 🥰 I hope you find your knitting mojo! 🧶
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Both are so beautiful Liz – you’re really talented!
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You are very kind thank you! 🥰
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I agree wholeheartedly!
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The blanket is truly fabulous. May Morris would sign you up as an artisan immediately. And the shawl is charming and cozy in its pattern and rich colouring. I love them both, but I love the blanket best. 😉
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Thanks Mandy – wouldn’t that be something! And yes I have to agree, that blanket is very gorgeous. Bravo to the pattern designer 👏🏻💛💙
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Bravo, indeed, to the pattern designer.
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Oh that is a wonderful thought, Gallivanta!
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Wow and double wow!! I know you’ve shown me these before but they really are beautiful works of art and cosy works of art at that! Xx
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Thanks Mum! 😊💛💙
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WOW and double WOW was my first thought when I was reading Liz’s post. This is an extraordinary accomplishment.
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Two beautiful projects. I love the texture of them both. You chose beautiful colors for the Fruit Garden blanket.
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Aw thanks so much! I can’t take any credit for the colours – I followed the suggested palette in the pattern. I agree with you that it is lovely – all credit to the designer! 👏🏻💙💛
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What a fabulous blanket, all the flowers etc, looks like hard work and like a true garden. You are a real artist with your knitting and crocheting. I totally admire you and what you produce.
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Thank you so much Ute, that is lovely to hear. Of course the designer must take all the credit really, for coming up with such an amazing pattern. But it was certainly a very lovely project to work on 😊💕
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Don’t be so modest, a good design is nothing without the artist who actually creates it. So please take my praise. Hugs xx
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Oh Ute, you are wonderful. I’m sorry if my previous response sounded churlish, which of course was wholly unintended. Thank you very much for your praise and compliments, which I fully embrace and cherish! xxx
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No, it didn’t sound churlish and I just think you are great and all your accomplishments. xx hugs xx
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Thank you dear friend! X
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Dear Liz – your are an artist. The end. (Story written by Rebecca Budd, an ardent following of the remarkable artist, Elizabeth Humphreys)
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Thank you so much Becky! xxx 🥰💕
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They are so beautiful, Liz. I can understand how rewarding these projects must be for you. Like a balm for the soul in these troubled times.
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Thanks so much Jacqui! X
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Simply beautiful 😊 Everything has already been said really, Liz, so I can only endorse the praise and compliments which you absolutely deserve in spades. As ever, your pieces nudge forth thoughts of my own unfinished projects, bundled in a cupboard in bags and boxes. Maybe one day I’ll return to them. Meanwhile, I love crafting vicariously through you!
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Thanks so much, Sandra, that is lovely to hear. And I am very happy to provide all that vicarious crafty pleasure!
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