Thursday 19 January 2012

things that have made me happy lately...

This is a post about colour really. I realised some time ago that there is something about colour that cheers me enormously and I find I seek it out in everyday things now.

Especially at this time of year, when my working days mean I see precious little daylight and the skies are so often grey. And it has to be said that my little house is not the brightest place - typical Victorian terrace, with a limited amount of natural light, particularly in the middle room where I don't think I have managed more than an hour or two without switching the light on!

So, these are some of the things I have been enjoying to brighten the days up a bit!

I think I'm having a bit of a 'red' phase just now - have always thought it was a warm colour and have got a bit more red in my life again! This bowl was a Christmas present from a friend...


I have promised myself fresh flowers every week (not as extravagant as it sounds, seem to always be some going cheap at the end of the day), although these were a gift...


And this reduced bunch of carnations I stretched over two rooms! Some on my living room mantlepiece...


And a few on my kitchen windowsill with my little tealight lanterns...


Of necessity, I had to get a few more mugs and these two were calling my name...


The only tough bit is spots or stripes today?!!

These stripes were a delicious bargain too...


It is a little bright spot in the one room that still Remains to be Sorted! If you turn to the left of the stripy basket you see this lot...


Ugh! Trouble is I don't have much furniture in this room, so can't tidy it away yet - work in progress!!

One thing I have noticed being back in the city is that you miss the big skies with beautiful sunrises and sunsets so I couldn't help myself from quickly snapping this when I was out in the car one evening...


It was absolutely pouring but the sky was the most amazing colour and lit up the banks of cloud.


I finally finished my big ripple blanket, which is full of colourful stripes...


The lighting doesn't really make the colours seem true but there's no getting away from that fact that it is bright! I decided to go for just a simple edging in the end (thanks to those out there who commented when I was pondering 'to edge or not to edge?') and I think it does somehow tie it together . 


I did a row of 2 treble clusters, followed by a row of half trebles and then Lucy's bobble edging which I really like as it gives a nice firm edge without being over fussy.


So the finished article, in situ, so to speak...


Now it's confession time... I do like this blanket. It is colourful and cheerful and certainly very snuggly and warm. It is a decent size and I like that about it. But...if I'm completely honest, I don't like the look of it on my bed as much as I thought I would... Maybe its that it doesn't quite go with the stripy quilt cover I have? Maybe it's because it has taken me a whole year to make (pretty much to the day I think!) and this year has been a bit of a challenging one (does anyone else think emotions get a bit tangled up in the yarn? or is that just me?!) I don't know, but I think I prefer this one on my bed...


I know it's a bit wonky but I think this is my most favourite blanket and I love seeing it there; so the daisy blanket wins on the bed front and the ripple is in grabbing reach in case I feel cold...


And now, looking at pictures of my bed has suddenly made me feel a bit weary! So, think that's enough colour for now - I'm off to try to get some sleep!

Til next time
Sx

3 comments:

  1. You know what, I think your granny does suit the bed better, but that doesn't take anything away from your gorgeous ripple blanket. Perhaps the ripple might suit a couch or chair in the loungeroom much better. I was looking at what I have made with my crochet and most of it is small things, the thought of a blanket is a bit much, but I do have two in progress, both in very early stages and both come to a grinding halt! I was thinking that I should just make a few cushions and brighten up the house a bit that way.
    xXx Helen

    ReplyDelete
  2. I LOVE your blankets. Both of them. Absolutely gorgeous! x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your sunset pictures are brilliant. I desperately wanted to catch the light on those frosty days but was never quite in the right place at the right time.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to comment! I love to read your thoughts.