Wednesday 15 January 2014

♥ Happiness is....

...a very happy flower cushion...
made using leftover yarns and with no particular plan...
...and it's been a perfect project to start off the New Year.. 
... happy indeed ...
I did ponder about adding a picot border...
Mr.H said 'yes, definitely'...so I went with it...
and now I think he was right
(I should maybe trust his opinion more often on such things... :-)  )

(I love being here working away with the radio on ....
it's bright and colourful ...everyone enjoys spending time in here...even the non-crafters among us!
....my blue Ball Mason jars were a happy find on Ebay and I'm thinking I'll use them for flowers too)

...someone has their eye on my little cushion..
It's so funny how we all seem to give our makes away, isn't it?
...but then it's such a good feeling to know that something you
have made makes someone else happy...it really is the best ♥ 


(I'm loving my new Pip Studio address book...although now I do need to actually sit and fill it!)
...lots of favourite colours in my flowery cushion...
it measures 30 x 30cm which is a size I've always liked to mix with larger cushions 
and I've used one of my favourite yarns
Luckily, I had just enough leftover yarn left to make the front, back and border edging....just...
(the flowers, leaves and twisted cord stem are a mix of aran and dk Rooster Almerino oddments)
I need lots more cushions in my space though too...
it's feeling a little sad on this front
...so I plan to work on it through the year...
maybe some knitted and patchwork cushions to mix in as well
(there are lots of fabric pieces and yarn oddments in the cupboard that can be put to good use:D)

(It's created a lovely, dense fabric which feels gorgeously thick and gloriously soft)
 ...the reverse side...
...for those times when maybe not feeling so flowery...
...and so...
January 
continues to bring a welcome calmness around here 
...long may it continue...I'm feeling 2014 could be a good one for us all...x
(and there's also a beautiful blue sky here this morning with only a scattering of clouds
...those extra few minutes of light each day are more than welcome too)

I'm enjoying planning some knitting projects
and feel I'd also really love to knit another Aran jumper...
I haven't knitted one for quite some time although I've been wanting to...
...will hopefully be able to show you my final choice next post...
I'm trying to decide between revisiting an old and much loved pattern or maybe something new 
('something new' seems to be winning but either way 
I'll definitely be returning to my old friend at some point soon which holds some lovely memories )
(I'm also hoping to use some of this gorgeous pure wool in a project...
although maybe not quite all the colours at the same time!)
My list is getting very long...but it's all good...

...well...time to go...

...hope you're having a wonderful crafty week...
...thank you as always for calling by...and for so many kind 
comments on my last post...it's been lovely visiting 
everyone and reading about your plans for a new crafty year
which is always inspiring
...♥ take care ♥...

Back soon


70 comments:

  1. Your cushion is toooo sweet, you are so clever. Love those mason jars too, they'd be lovely with some simple flowers in them. Catherine xx

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  2. For me happiness is.........visiting Mary Janes Tearoom, to be delighted by so many glorious colourful delights. Your cushion is SO pretty, and beautifully neat. I can see why you're so pleased with it. I've loved reading about your plans for other crafty makes in the coming year. I'm so looking forward to seeing them come to fruition. Happy days x

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  3. Do you know Susan I was thinking about Aran sweaters this morning and about all the lovely ones I've had in the past! I have never knitted myself one though only little versions, please share your inspiration with us maybe it will encourage me to make one!! I do doubt my staying power though as I like little projects.
    I'm in love with your crocheted cushion, so beautiful, that is such a pretty shade of blue and well done Mr H on the design advice!
    I'm not surprised everyone likes to spend some time in your craft room, I know I would. :)
    Happy Wednesday lovely lady,
    V xxx

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    1. They are great fun to do and once you have worked a few rows of each individual pattern they are much easier than you would expect them to be too...I found an old pattern that I loved making at the time and would like to revisit it soon...will take a pic and post it for you next time ..Happy Wednesday Vivienne!..x

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  4. Oh my Susan this really has turned out beautiful hasn't it. The colours work so well together.
    I've not knitted a yarn in years, hmmmm now you have me thinking lol
    I always love visiting band seeing your wonderful photos, I need to learn to take better pictures
    Happy creating...looking forward to nexttime

    Ali xx

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  5. Beautiful cushion and choice of colours. Great minds think alike as I've been working on a cushion cover too. Not quite finished it yet.

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  6. Love the colors!! I always enjoy my time spent visiting with you :)

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  7. Be still my beating heart! It's simply gorgeous, Susan. xx

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  8. That is so pretty! And makes me believe that Spring will be coming. x

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  9. Beautiful work :) thanks for stopping by my blog and entering my giveaway

    Bee happy x

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  10. lovely cushion and I agree I think he was right about the picot border. Looking forward to seeing what decision you make about your next knitting project.

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  11. That is such a beautiful cushion Susan, and I agree that the little picot edge completely finishes it off.
    I'm glad you're enjoying a calm start to the year,
    Kate x

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  12. Your cushion looks gorgeous....and I think a mix of crochet,knit and patchwork cushions will be lovely.

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  13. Oh just a beautifully constructed post as always! I do so adore your photos! I would adore that cushion in my own little home!
    x x

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  14. Susan, what a gorgeous cushion, I do love popping by and see all your wonderful colour post. You are one of the reasons I have wanted to learn how to crochet you are a real inspiration, and I am pleased to have found out about a lovely newish wool shop in a near by town and have booked myself on two of their learn how to crochet courses at the end of the month so hopefully one day I'll be able to produce a lovely cushion like yours. It's not just your crochet I love, your bunny patterns were the first knitting projects that I ever finished. Oh and I love your work space it looks so light and airy.
    Thank you for being such an inspiration to me. Joanne x

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  15. Lovely! It's great to be able to put leftover yarn to such pretty use!
    Maria x

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  16. Such a beautiful cushion love it :) I have lost my crochet mojo it would seem :( Always love your blog it inspires me beyond words. Happy 2014 lovely xx

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  17. Love, love, love! The Rooster Almerino yarns are so lovely aren't they? Looking forward to the update on your next project too :-)
    Xx

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  18. Susan I always love a new post from you - I do admit that I drool over your photographs as they are stunning and your projects make my eyes water with excitement - would love the pattern for your cushion - is it in your shop - it is just too gorgeous for words. You are one of my most favourite bloggers Susan, have a wonderful weekend, big hugs
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you lovely Dorothy..I was just really having some fun with this little cushion so only have some very sketchy notes...I made decisions as I went along but if I make it again I'll write some detailed notes and send them to you!..:-) xxxxxxxx

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  19. What a beautiful cushion in my fav colours! I couldnt agree more ... more cushions needed! I had to smile at you asking your Mr ... I do the same! Lovely photos as always!
    Heather x

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  20. Your cushion is so lovely Susan - such great vibrant, happy colours - it is going to look wonderful in your craft room next to that gorgeous crochet blanket you made last year! Beautiful work as always and thank you for sharing it with us :) It is always a delight to see your posts in my blog reader, as they always make me smile xx

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  21. Oh my what a delightfully sweet cushion...no wonder someone has their eye on it. Your posts are always so beautiful. Thank you for visiting me and you have inspired me once again to get creating...hmmmmmmm Valentines day is less than a month so I still have time. xoxoxox

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  22. Another beautiful cushion Susan, and I agree that the little picot edge is a perfect finishing touch ~ you can never have too many cushions!!
    Love Caroline xx
    PS. Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog :)

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  23. Hi Susan, the edging really gives a pop to your gorgeous cushion...well done Mr P! I made my Hb a very intricate aran jumper many years ago and it still looks good even now although he only wears jumpers when it is really freezing! My Hb is always like a hot water bottle! Looking forward to seeing what you make. Happy Thursday x

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  24. Hi, love the cushion the colours are lovely very pretty. Your photos lovely wish I hand your photograph skills. Beautiful.

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  25. Hi Susan.. it's so fun for me to immerse myself in your happy colors in your photos.. I know they reflect what a sweetheart you are. LOVE your crochet PINK! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  26. Hey,

    What a lovely and pretty cushion !!

    Greetings, Jaimie

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  27. What a cheerful post to read on this dark and wet Thursday morning Susan. I love your cushion, can't wait to see the next one.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Hugs
    Erna x

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  28. Lovely cushion Susan! Your colors are always so beautiful and calming. Can't wait to see the next one :) have a wonderful week.

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  29. This is a gorgeous post, Susan! I love your new flower cushion it is so soft and pretty, and the yarn looks delicious! Your work space looks very cheerful and bright, a lovely place to be during these dark wintry days- or any time! I look forward to seeing you making more cushions in the coming year :) Wishing you a happy weekend!
    Helen xx

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  30. hi Susan, the photos in this post are lovely as always, your cushion would be lovely in the garden in the summer, if we are to have such a thing. Best wishes for 2014.

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  31. Good morning darling Susan! How happy indeed do YOU make me as I scroll down to visit your wonderful space. Nothing like aquas and reds and all that it in between to make ME happy this cold and dark morning! I wish you another week of joyful creativity. How I LOVE BLOGLAND! Big hugs, Anita

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  32. Hi Susan, what a beautifully bright and cheerful post! Your cushion is just gorgeous, the colours all work so well together. Hope you are having a great week.
    Marianne x

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  33. Beautiful Susan! I love the little lacy pot in the background, I've seen similar on other blogs too ... can I be cheeky and ask where it's from please? Lovrloy, Springlike post ... thanks for sharing!

    Love Claire xx

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    1. Hi Claire...I bought the little white plant pot a while ago from IKEA but I think they're still available...it's really pretty and they come in 3 different sizes...they are all priced between £2 and £5 as I remember..a real bargain..I love them x

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  34. Beautiful, Susan, you're pretty blog and indeed world is full to the brim of all the special little bits I LOVE!
    LOVE and love some more all your crocheting..
    I've been catching up with your beautiful Christmas posts too, with I may add a nice pot of Lady grey tea..Bliss!
    Thank you for popping in on me, as a visit from you always makes my day!
    Hugs maria x

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  35. Yes its making out to be a great year! You're quite the inspiration too.

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  36. I so enjoy your blog and I KNOW I am speaking for lots of us out here!!! Your crafty space and all your projects are so lovely! They just brighten my day so much! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

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  37. Oh my, how happy I am that I found your beautiful blog, your are amazing, so wonderful work you do
    I will not miss a thing that you do from now:)
    Hugs Sif

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  38. I'm impressed that your husband knows what a picot edge is because mine certainly doesn't! You have him well educated :-) He was definitely right as well I think it looks great and the flowers are verry cute indeed

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  39. Your flower cushion, and everything else here, makes me smile.
    -Karen

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  40. Can I come & live in your craft room please? I think it would inspire me to create even more..!!
    I love your cushion - how beautiful - it makes me want to try one for myself. I get daunted by bigger projects & usually stick to quick, little makes. Perhaps......
    Jo. xx

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  41. Good morning lovely Susan,

    What a wonderful post full of joy and inspiration! You have made me smile from ear to ear. Your cushion is such a beauty; hardly surprising with your artistic eye and the wonders of Rooster yarn, one of my British faves in the yarn department, I might add. I love their colourways and, now I come to think of it, they really are perfect for YOUR colour palette, aren't they?

    We've been having the most glorious weather this week and, for some reason, I've been feeling particularly creative since the beginning of the year.

    I wish you a VERY happy, crafty weekend full of moments of joy.

    Stephanie

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  42. This cushion looks so cosy! I'm planning to learn to crochet and knit this year, with the help of my VERY patient mum! Beautiful photos as always. Tracy x

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  43. I don't crochet but I do love your pillow. Love the little flowers not to mention your beautiful craft room. Melissa

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  44. That is indeed happiness :) Just love your cushion, so very pretty :) x

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  45. Happy New Year dear Susan! Your flower cushion looks adorable - cheers to many more sweet creations in 2014!

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  46. I love your cushion! Very pretty ..... the little flowers are sweet against the soft grey!
    Pat x

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  47. You may want to stop by my blog ;)

    Bee happy x

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  48. Beautiful cushion, love the pretty colours. I just wanted to say how adorable your Christmas Mice patterns are. I quickly knit one up for a special little girls Christmas gift, she loved it. She wants me to knit her some clothes for her now. Have a good week. Deb x

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    1. Hi Deb...Thank you so much...I remember seeing your gorgeous little mouse on Ravelry and she's a treasure...Hope you're having a great week too...Happy Knitting!,.... xXx

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  49. Hello Susan,

    I saw you on Bee Happy, and I see congratulations are in order for your fun win. Oh, my, you are a tremendously talented woman with the knitting and crocheting. I love to crochet, but knitting has always eluded me, but I did manage to learn how to do the knit stitches in order to make a scarf or pot holder. Crochet was more my speed. At the moment I am busy with writing and other art projects, but there is really something about needle working.

    I absolutely love your pillow, and all the wonderful colors in this post! And your mouse patterns are the sweetest things!! I'm so glad I found you. I may not knit, but I appreciate beauty and lovely things. I'll be following you.

    Blessings,

    Marianne

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  50. Just wish I had more hours in the day to make some of the things you inspire me to do! Just wanted to say that I've knitted my first toy - thanks to your patterns! I've just posted pics of Primrose on my blog here: http://tillyscrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/meet-primrose.html - I'd be thrilled if you were able to take a peek! I've just purchased patterns now for Romeo and the mice, so can't wait to get started on those....!
    Kim x

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    1. Thank you so much Kim...I shall certainly be popping over shortly and hope you have lots of fun making Romeo and the mice too...Happy Knitting!...xx

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  51. Oh the joy from the colors you choose, your organization of all your materials, but most of all, your ANIMALS! Oh Susan, how I love to come to your page. And thank you my dear, for coming to visit mine. You are one lovely Heartist and thank you for adding to the hope that this world IS indeed a beautiful place! Happy Sunday! Anita

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  52. Please make an aran jumper next! It's quite a while since I've made one and every time I look at patterns I can never find exactly what I want, also I can't decide between traditional and new. I'd love to see your choices (pattern and wool).
    Beautiful, beautiful blog by the way!
    Denise
    x

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  53. Happiness is also browsing your beautiful blog :) Thanks for the inspiration,
    Jo x

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  54. I love your pictures!! is beautiful colours crochet

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  55. OLÁ MARY,SUAS IMAGEM,ENCANTAR MEUS OLHOS.BEIJO.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).

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  56. I love your pictures! Happy crafty week end ^_^
    Ally

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  57. Happiness Susan, is browsing through this post and coming away happily saturated in glorious colour and lovely crochet makes.

    keep well

    Amanda xx

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  58. I agree with Amanda ... your posts always feel like walking into a sunny room :)

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  59. How I love your corner of the world here, Susan. Whenever the images appear, I instantly smile and feel that there is goodness in the world. Thank you so much for coming to visit me and I truly wish you HAPPINESS and joy forever, and ever and ever! Anita

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  60. so happy to have found your lovely blog! i am such a fan of all things Cath Kidston (and Pip Studio and Greengate) and I see you are as well. Your crochet pillow is so beautiful and I adore your sweet mice! looking forward to reading more...
    :)

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  61. I absolutely love your website and all the beautiful items on it. I also appreciate the fact that you do not knit in the round!

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