Easiest hat, hooks and another new book

Hi everyone

I've been a bit slack with everything lately and now that we're in the middle of a heatwave, I feel even less like doing anything. Today we had 40 celsius (104 F) and its going to be like that for the next 3 days.

The only crochet I've finished is this hat ..

This would have to be the easiest pattern - with yarn doubled throughout and a hook to suit, you just make a chain the length from the top of your head to where you want the hat to finish (allow for a brim if you want one) and just half double crochet (US) in the back loops till it fits comfortably around your head, sew the back seam, make another chain to thread through the top to gather.  I can't remember where I saw this but I have a feeling it was on the BobWilson123 YouTube channel. 

While looking for something else, I found my lovely 'special' crochet hooks which I don't think I've shown you before. The gorgeous blue one at the bottom is a Graydog hook which I've had for about 12 years. Isn't it pretty ?  The two above it are sterling silver Celtic Swan hooks custom made by John Swan-Sheeran. They are entirely hand forged from solid sterling silver. Second from the top is a lovely wooden hook but I can't remember its origin. The colour is a lovely jade but it doesn't show up in the photo.  Finally, the top hook is one of the new square hooks being made by Kollage Yarns. I was a bit disappointed when this arrived from the US as I was expecting something like their square knitting needles which are lovely to use. The only thing square about their square crochet hooks is the handle which is hard plastic. 

Have a closer look at my 'special' hooks

Another book from UK arrived this week - a little sample of what's inside. 

I like this pretty table mat and aren't these kitties cute ?

How about this brooch

That's about it from me for now. Thanks for dropping by. My stats tell me I have readers from all over the place - mainly in the USA, UK, Australia and Europe. I'd love to hear from some of you lovely people.  xoxox

Happy New Year

Its almost midnight here in Australia on 1st January so I'm a little late but then I suppose its never too late to wish everyone lots of happiness, health, wealth (if that's your thing LOL) and of course heaps of time to do whatever makes you happy. I know that with many of my friends that will include crochet and/or knitting.

I've started the year off well - sleeping !!!  My back neighbours had the party of all parties last night. It started at about 7pm and finished at 5pm today. All this time, we (the rest of the neighbourhood) enjoyed put up with the loud thump thump of music, loud voices, pretty bright lights and even fireworks (yes, they are illegal for private use). Then the cat woke me up this morning at 5.40am so I figured the best thing to do was to feed her and the dog then go back to bed - which I did, and woke again at 3pm.  Needless to say, I'm not the least bit tired at the moment and will probably read till all hours !!

Have you made any New Years resolutions?  I made a list a few days ago but can't find it - so much for my resolutions eh? Broken before I can even make them. I did find something which I feel is very 'quotable' and that was one of Mike Sellick's resolutions and he said .. "I will continue to make charity giving a priority with my finished projects. It can make a difference in a stranger's life and give my heart something to feel good about. (Michael Sellick from The Crochet Crowd)". I think that's going to be one of my aims this year as well.

Currently I'm working on a scarf called Forever 21Knock-Off  and I just love the way its turning out. Easy textured patterns are my favourites and this is a beauty. The wool is Classic by Bendigo Woollen Mills and I'm using a 4.50mm hook.

I'm also going to get back to my Wool Eater blanket as part of a 2014 January CAL on the Australiacrochet yahoo group.

Wish me luck on this as its been a UFO since July 2012 - in fact I don't think I've even touched it since then !

Thanks for visiting.
xox