Enjoy the little things, PUUR haken and a visit to Gent

 Hello,

Hope you are having a good week? Sorry I have been a little quiet, some days are busier than others!

I have to warn you in advance: this post involves travelling back and then again forth in time!

This was happening today: Making a pair of large Hexagon Potholders in Mint Green and White (Catania Grande) with a 6mm hook, such easy pleasure on my hands! They measure 23cm from point to point!

This morning's crochet

Yesterday I spent time out and about in Antwerp. I had started another set of potholders before I left the house and finished them off whilst riding on buses and trams! Hooray! (Here I experimented with a reversing colour scheme!)

Potholders - Pastels and Neutrals (made on 13.08.14)

Tuesday we had a day out, trying to show our English visitor another city - Gent! The weather was mostly cloudy, with some short intense showers in the afternoon and later sunshine. All in all we were lucky.

Standing in the centre of Gent

This is me! Note the red floral fabric bag (sewn over a year ago by myself and a little Neon flower Brooch I also made! Always wear something self-made!)

Gent City Centre - where Old meets New

Here you can catch a glimpse of some of the lovely old buildings, but also note the brand new trams and buses. You cannot stop progress!
And - jumping in time - this is what I was trying out this evening.

This evening's crochet

It came from this book:

New book: PUUR haken by Maaike van Koert

I first read about it on Maaike's blog which I follow. I took over a week of searching unsuccessfully in Antwerp's bookshops. Then I went to Gent - and voila! I struck lucky in the 2nd bookshop that afternoon!
I was overjoyed!

Unfortunately (for English readers) the book has only just been published - in Dutch. Hopefully they might launch an English version later?! It is aimed at beginners and more advanced crocheteers alike, with a mix of projects. It has lovely illustrations and is very appealing.

Back to Gent where we explored; taking in old buildings, cafes, shops, lovely walks by the riverside. We have been there a few times before, but I always love going back. This time I noticed an English second hand book shop along the river. Although I try to restrict my purchase of 'real' books (I read lots and lots, for which I got a kindle, luckily this saves space in our home!) Well, I wasn't really going to buy anything, was I? Just browsing! Then I had the sudden inspiration to check out the Craft section. And yes, I found this:

Rowan - The Purelife recycled collection (Knitting)

Rowan - Some lovely patterns inside this booklet

Find more details here. As you can see, the booklet had to come home with me!!! And ever since seeing these lovely pictures a tiny seed has started to grow - a longing inside me to get back to knitting again! I think I have been doing crochet solidly for the last 4-5 months!

Standing in the centre of Gent

This is me! Note the fabric bag (sewn over a year ago by myself and a little Neon flower Brooch I also made! Always wear something self-made!)

Gent City Centre - where Old meets New

Here you can catch a glimpse of some of the lovely old buildings, but also note the brand new trams and buses. You cannot stop progress!

Enjoy the little things!!!

I leave you with this little picture of the inside cover of Maaike's book and the start of my own 'little thing'!

Enjoy the little things!