May, I blinked and it was gone.
It really has flown by and I achieved absolutely nothing, in both the land of crochet and family research but in truth the break has been really nice especially as I have lost my crojo.

Research wise, I guess all I’ve done is fill in some blanks while re-researching the ancestors for my 52 week challenge.
The problem is when you have been researching as long as I have been, there isn’t much more I can add to my tree, it’s just a case of going back over each person and hoping you’ll discover a document that you missed along the way.

Crochet has taken a back seat this month as my crojo is well and truly hiding.
Sometimes though, you need to take that little rest away from it, to fall in love all over again.
I really needed that time and maybe even a little more to get that spark to twinkle again. I do however feel as I have kind of let myself down as I really want to get my mums, Nuts about DNA Afghan, closer to being finished for her, she deserves it, truly deserves it.
I have managed to makes two squares for her and two for my Moonstone afghan.

For mums, Nuts about DNA Afghan, I made,

Maybellene, by Polly Plum.

River, by Polly Plum.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And for my Moonstone Afghan, I also made,

Maybellene, by Polly Plum.

River, by Polly Plum.

Sorry I haven’t got round to taking photos yet.

I crumbled, broke my rule of not starting anything new and I started two new projects, I’m bad I know, but I had good reason.
One of my favourite people in the whole world had a special day looming and I just had to make her something so I made my 2nd ever shawl as a birthday present for my beautiful Auntie Jan.
It’s her birthday today. Happy Birthday Auntie Jan, love you trillions.🎂

I have tried many times to make a shawl, but I just haven’t been able to, no idea why, it just doesn’t seem to click in my brain, I get frustrated and frog it 🐸 (rip it apart). So I’m pretty pleased I finally managed it and I got to give my auntie a little something handmade for her special day.
I used, Sanda Paul’s, Victoria Shawl, pattern.
It was one of the first patterns I ever purchased, it’s simple, elegant and beautiful, and I love it just as much as I did when I first spotted it on Ravelry.
The yarn I used was, Scheepjes Whirl, in the colour-way, Pistachio oh so nice.
I haven’t used using Whirl before and I was pretty impressed. I just love the way the colour changes, I definitely will use it again. I just love Scheepjes yarn.

I also started Briar Rose by Vanessa from, Hooked on Sunshine.
It’s a pleasure to make so far, the pattern is easy to follow, very well written. I’m really enjoying making it.
I am using Stylecraft Special DK and Stylecraft Batik in Batik Cream, Cream, Parchment  and White. Hopefully it will look as beautiful as the original made by Vanessa.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I’ve also been able to gift my niece her birthday blanket, which I finished a while ago but had to keep a secret for obvious reasons. I hope Harley loves it as much as my son Calum does, he tried to claim it for himself a good few times. You can find more details here.
Happy Birthday Harley, hope you have a wonderfully 15th.

My crochet crush this month has to be the Sunny Border – overlay crochet, by my all time favourite designer, Tatsiana Kupryianchyk, from Lillabjorn’s Crochet World.
I’m really excited to sink my teeth into making it, I’m just having major trouble picking colours. Any suggestions welcome, just give me a message or comment, pretty please, I need your help.
Tatsiana’s patterns are by far my favourite, every creation is truly out of this world, you really should check out her website. Tatiana has very kindly let me share her photo with you. Isn’t it just so very beautiful.

That about wraps up May, apart from a wonderful holiday with my little family and my amazing, beautiful mum.
I cherished every minute spent with them. Our break away was very much-needed especially as we haven’t had a holiday since 2009, due to the god damn recession.
To watch my family, relax and unwind after the worst two years of our lives, was pure bliss. I hope we can manage to save some pennies and do it next year.

2019 is a rather special year for us and we are hoping to do something a little special, it’s very early days yet, we have lots to look into and most importantly talk to our family about our plans. Once that’s done, I can’t wait to share the news with you.

On that note, I have made a decision I never thought I would make, I’ve decided that I’m going to start making blankets to order, so if you want a little something more special than a shop bought blanket, for a new baby, a birthday, a Christmas present or just something to wrap yourself up in on those glumly winter evenings, give me a thought, I’ll be happy to help. (I never thought I would be writing that. Needs most if I want to give my family a little peace and tranquillity and be able to carry out our plans, fingers crossed🤞)

I’ve already started making one, which you will be able to purchase as soon as it’s finished. The Briar Rose afghan, in cream tones, shown above can be yours. If you like it, love it or just need it in your life, just give me a shout.

Have a wonderful June and hope to see you back here soon.

🦋🦋🦋