Pixelated

 I know that Pinterest is open to criticism, but I do like the way it enables me to come across 'new to me' techniques in all sorts of fields. The latest 'ooh I must try that' was pixelated crochet, or pixel crochet. It consists of small crocheted squares joined to make a picture. A kind of cross between crochet and cross stitch. As with cross stitch, you can use a lot of shades and go for a subtle effect, or go for simple and bold. Better start with simple and bold at any rate! There are some amazing pictures of blankets out there, like this one. But I'm starting with a cushion cover, simpler than this one which is also spectacular. 

I couldn't find any instructions, so I had to experiment and learn by experience. My first square, using trebles (double crochet in American) was too large. Using a half treble (half double crochet) was better. I'm crocheting over the starting thread  and using the end thread to sew the square to the next one. That was fine on the first row, but on the second I realised there would be places where I'd be using a green thread to join two grey edges. The solution is to sew from the back to minimise the appearance of the thread. It'll take a bit more work for the picture to start to emerge. 

More Masks

 

It's fun looking through my tatting tin to find bits to sew onto masks. Some of the pieces wouldn't work as 'stand alone' pieces, but are fine sewn onto fabric. 

Boring Masks Need Tatting

 

I have another order for masks, fabric supplied. The fabric is strong, but looks boring. Grace, who brought it to me, suggested I sew some beads onto the masks to make them more interesting. Of course I had a better idea. I showed Grace a tatted flower and she agreed enthusiastically. So, I've been delving into my snippets tin. I know the cats pattern is Ninetta's . The green rosette is mine. But many of the snippets are long ago experiments whose origins I have forgotten. I'm looking at 30 or so masks, so I don't know if I'll find enough snippets. If not, I'll tat some simple flowers and butterflies.  

Turquoise T

 

In theory I like the idea of just knitting in the evenings and taking a project slowly. But eventually I get fed up and want to get it completed! So after some daytime work, the turquoise knitted t-shirt is done. It used eight-and-a-half 50g balls of Raeesah cotton. Oddly, the label says who distributes the yarn in South Africa, but not where it's made. The lace pattern is called Ivy Lace, as you can read here; the shirt pattern I made up as I went along, using 4 mm needles.  

Update on Lily

 

Lily the lamb was becoming a bit of a nuisance, munching on Jack's vegetable garden. He had thought he could shut her into the front garden to eat the lawn, but hadn't reckoned on her bleating loudly when she couldn't see him! The lady who was supplying us with milk for Lily suggested we take her to 'Healing with Horses', a local version of riding for the disabled. Our neighbour works with Healing with Horses and it was all arranged in a flash and a blur. We took her out to their place on Friday afternoon. It felt like leaving a child at boarding school as she cried when we left, but you can see from the photos that she has settled down well. Apparently "Lily is already capturing everyone's hearts and showing great potential as a therapy sheep". So That's Alright Best Beloved, to quote Rudyard Kipling.

PS I do have permission to use the photos. 

Daisy Chain

 

I've finished my second links necklace. It has approximately 4680 size 8 seed beads in it and weighs 228 grams. It's a fun for Spring necklace. 

Lily

 

Lily is growing apace. She's getting two bottles of milk a day now instead of three and nibbling on leaves and other vegetation in between. Jack had planned for her to eat grass, but naturally she prefers lettuce hearts! She's a noisy little thing, especially if Jack has gone out or she doesn't know where he is. I'm not part of the flock apparently so don't serve as a substitute.