Good morning from the beautiful country of Cyprus. I’m currently having my morning coffee sat my the pool in the glorious sun, it’s already 28 degrees and it’s only 9am.
I can’t tell you how truly wonderful it is to feel warm, to have the sun rays dance across my skin but more importantly to feel almost normal, health wise.
How can a spot of sunshine, make such a difference to my health, especially as we haven’t been here long.
From what we have seen so far, Cyprus is beyond beautiful, the people are friendly and life just seems so much more relaxed.
So far our days have been spent pottering around the shops, eating the most delicious food and relaxing in the evening sun by the pool with my gorgeous family.

🧐Family research.
Simply I haven’t had the time to research.
I miss it, I miss the buzz of finding something new. I miss picturing in my mind what my ancestors looked like, how they would have dressed, what their homes would have been like but more importantly who they were as people, their characters and motivations.
I must also apologise for being very slack in getting the 3rd part of my Nan’s life series, I promise to get it up as soon as possible, life just gets in the way sometimes.

🧶Crochet
Not much crochet has happened either, I’m sorry to say.
I’ve been trying to stay on top of my Secret Project, which I’m totally in love with.
The pattern is stunning and my mind is racing with colour ideas for a second, third, forth but with very little time and endless beautiful patterns out there, those will have to wait for as long as my will power holds out.
I’ve have managed to make two shawls, both for myself and both patterns were by Johanna Lindahl from Mijocrochet.

The first shawl I made was the “V For Vintage” shawl, which you can read about here.

The second was, the “Tea Flower” shawl, which you can read about here.

I also managed to pick up my Waffle Stitch Blanket, a few times but have had to put other projects first.
I must say, I am loving it, especially working with Scheepjes Namaste.
It’s unbelievably soft and snuggly.

Taking about Scheepjes Namaste, I made another, “Vintage Market Tote” by Dorianna Rivelli from, The Lavender Chair, using the colour, 618 Gate.
I made a few modifications to the pattern.
After round 6, I add an extra round of Hdc’s.
All round 10’s Sc were made as back post sc’s.
After round 23, I added an extra round of dc’s.
I also added an extra round of Sc after round 30 and did the whole last round in slip stitch to finish.

I think that’s about it.

😍Crochet Crush.
To be honest I’m still crushing over Indiana Afghan by Tinna Thorudottir Thorvaldar, which was my crochet crush a few months ago.
As soon as I’m home, I plan to start mine but I just have to share with you my friend Lily Tea, p amazing version of Tinna’s, Indiana Afghan.

Lily and I became Instagram friends when we were both working on the Nuts About Squares Cal. Her Afghan was my favourite by far of all the beautiful versions, I’m still totally smitten with it. You can see why by popping on over to her Instagram here.
It’s it just the most beautiful blanket you’ve seen.
Lily is now working on her Indiana and all I can say is

WOW!!!

I haven’t seen another like it but I’m sure after seeing Lily’s a good few people will copy her brilliant idea.
Lily is using yarn cakes, alternating from the outside of the cake to the centre of the cake. And boy doesn’t it look amazing.

Lily kindly wrote a little information about her Indiana for me to share with you.

I started the Indiana primarily because I wanted to carry a cake for my trip.  My current Indiana blanket is too heavy for me to lug around.
The yarn used is Hobbii Twister yarn in the colour:

* Number 8
* Number 9

The yarn is easy to work with and has a subtle colour change.  It’s a beautiful

I am still working on the 3rd whirl as I am not sure what colour to use next.  It will likely be in purple tone to complement the first 2 whirls.  As you know me, I struggle with colour choices … and I am also wondering if I should add a border.  That means I have to order more yarn and I did!

I’m sure you can see why, without a shadow of a doubt, Lily’s breathtaking masterpiece wins hands down June’s Crochet Crush.

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Thank you so much Lily for sharing your beautiful Afghan, your wonderful photos and your friendship.
You can see more of Lily’s masterpieces on Instagram and also Ravelry.

Right I think I may go have a little dip in the pool.
Too-da-loo