A few more of my favourite things (part two)

Continuing where we left off yesterday, I count down projects 6 - 10 in home, children's and accessories. We ended with potholders, and due to their resurgence in the popularity stakes due to their ease of making and practicality, I start with another potholder today.

6. Blossom Potholders, Emma Escott, Issue 50

Emma Escott is our new columnist for 2014 and her patterns and ramblings are proving to be addictive already. Her beautiful blog Lulu Loves is full of gorgeous makes, like these pretty potholders, and I love the way she suggest alternate uses and design tweaks to make her projects all the more versatile. The simplicity of these is what got me - that and the gorgeous colourways. I also love the Japanese twist to the floral version.

7. Little Bow Mitts, Aoibhe Ni Shuilleabhain, Issue 45

Another yellow accessory (see Saffron Cowl from my last post). I just cannot resist that certain shade of mustard, and as it doesn't really suit me, when I see it in accessories, I find the perfect way to wear it - just a touch of yellow with a grey coat or sweater and your outfit is sophisticated and modern at the same time. I am also a sucker for a bow and so this pattern has it all! Aoibhe is a fabulous crochet designer and makes brilliant accompanying videos for you to follow when making her patterns, what a great tool for beginners.

8. Celeste Blanket, Lynne Rowe, Issue 47

I may have mentioned before that I am rather partial to a chevron. And a pompom. A perfectly sized pom is like a cherry on top of the icing on the cake of a project for me, and that is most definitely the case with this adorable baby blanket. I love the slightly odd colourway which is not the usual choice for a baby blanket but it just beautiful and appeals to my disregard for any of the social 'norms' of how to dress your child or their nursery according to gender. I love colour and this blanket appeals to my love of colour without alienating those who want to stick to tradition - it is a perfect gender neutral palette making it an ideal newborn gift. A theme to most of my top picks is simple and beautiful and this blanket is most certainly that. (And can I add, my daughter's chubby hands adored the poms and stripes and zigzags and gorgeously soft yarn as much as I!)

 

9. Hendrika Shawl, Bianca Boonstra, Issue 37

Another pick from Issue 37 (am I allowed to have favourite issues?!) This shawl is breathtaking. Bianca is a bit talented when it comes to creating wispy bits of gorgeous lace in both knitting and crochet and a shawl seems to steam off her hook or needles in a very short time. Hendrika is a particular favourite of mine as it is so unusual. I love the undulating edge and the neutral palette. The stitch is terribly intricate and very beautiful. An all round stunner.

10. Petit Fraises Cardigan, Joanne Scrace, Issue 46

Joanne pops up again on my list (Walk in the Woods was one of my fashion picks) and for good reason. I cannot get enough of her yoked children's cardigans. Each one fits my daughter beautifully and I want to make each in every shade for her. The strawberry stitch in this particular cardigan is what won out of her other projects, however, as it is just so quirky and will really appeal to the child you are making it for. Let them watch the first strawberry form as you hook it without telling them what it will be and I can guarantee they will be enchanted as it progresses. This would look beautiful made with a cream base ready for strawberries and cream at Wimbledon and will last you through the summer, while this colourway is just as wearable all winter.

And that's your lot. I hope you have enjoyed making some of these projects as much as I have enjoyed commissioning them. A huge thank you to all the designers and contributors to the magazine, I am sorry I could not feature you all.