warm and cosy

Winter is definitely here and this week it's been making its presence known with a shout, rather than a whisper. While I detest getting out of bed in the mornings when it's so cold, and easily tire of lighting the fire and emptying out the ember tray beneath it, one thing I do love about winter is that it gives us a chance to honour our hand-crafted belongings so much more. Suddenly those hand-knits are taking pride of place on the coat-rack and i've never been so grateful for the hand-spun, hand-crocheted blanket on our bed. I thought i'd show you my favourite winter-y handmade things that are keeping us warm at the moment:

My queen-sized quilt, made for Tom and I by my mother, when Arlo was born. Mum is a prolific and very skilled quilter, who likes to experiment with lots of different styles and techniques in her work. I think she did well in this quilt because Tom likes it! He's not usually a fan of traditional quilting. This is made from lots of different green fabrics, and it's a bit like sleeping amongst the flowers and bushes in a garden. I think she found a design in a Kaffe Fassett quilt book that looked like a lush, dense garden, and based hers on that. Sadly, I've let the colours on this quilt fade quite a bit, because I insist it's always on our bed (and here in NZ our sunlight is particularly harsh... so I should have known better!)I still love it just as much though.

This angora home-spun blanket in browns and creams that I found at a second-hand market for just $10. A woman said that her Mum was a prolific spinner and crocheter, and she had lots more like this one at home. I fell in love with this as soon as I laid eyes on it. It's been hand-crocheted and finished with a wide, cream satin ribbon. I love that it's quite luxurious but home-made looking at the same time.

And lastly: these fingerless gloves, also hand-spun and knitted by my Mum. (I like to think of the colours as being an 'earthy rainbow.') I think she found the pattern from this Interweave Knits magazine. (Oh, how I love that magazine!) I'm hoping to try it out too this winter, to make some for friends. They're so cosy, and practical, too!

Okay, must get back to my knitting!

Comments

[rachael]

oh, how I love those fingerless gloves. I tried to make some recently (without a pattern, mind you) and they didn't quite work. I hate having my fingers totally enclosed so fingerless are my absolute favourite. I'm going to check out that pattern right now. Exciting!!!!

By the way, it is freakin cold in Palmerston North too. Lots of sunshine which is a delight but oh, so cold just the same.

xx

[Kirsty]

That photo just does not do justice to your mums quilt (I'm sorry to say, no offence meant as your photos are usually lovely!) it is SO much better in real life and your blog readers should know that!

[Feli]

I love the quilt!! Its so warm

[mimulus]

I adore kaffe fassett quilts and know exactly the pattern she used...this looks stunning.