crochet wedding cake toppers

Love and marriage, cake and crochet – it all just kinda makes sense, doesn't it? 

So I'm breezing back in with another ta-da moment, this time something completely new. Back in January I was given the most beautiful little skein of blue Namolio linen thread (if you've never stitched with it, you need to get yours hands on some!) and commissioned to design some wedding cake toppers for Simply Crochet magazine. The theme was a burlap and lace look wedding decor set-up to chime in with the royal wedding excitement this spring. 

It was a perfect fit as I'd actually been pondering designing cake toppers for To Be Adorned. Right away I imagined a trio of little lacy crochet hearts on stalks, topping an icing-slathered cake. Cue some fun experimenting with my trusty 3mm hook, and this is what I came up with!

That Namolio thread blocks like an absolute dream, and check out those tiny picots!

Needless to say, I'm over the moon with how the team styled and photographed the whole collection (the other designers whipped up the loveliest wedding decoration bits), but have all the heart eyes for this shot. Want a closer look?

The pattern for my crochet heart wedding cake toppers is in Simply Crochet issue 70, out now! I kinda wish I'd made these for our wedding, though the pompom garland was a winner on the day. I'm also a huge fan of the really kitsch retro ones too. Are cake toppers your thing? 

What did you have on your cake? 

All cake topper photographs by Simply Crochet. 

Hello 2016!

Happy new year everybody! Our Christmas was busy; filled with family visits, an inordinate amount of meat, cheese and candles and blustery walks. Glad we were able to get to church on Christmas morning as it's so easy to be dazzled by the sparkliness of the season. I hope you had a special time celebrating with your nearest and dearest. As always at this time of year, in those funny in-between days after family have gone and before I head back to work, I try to reflect a bit over the year just gone. 

2015, you were a handful.

Firsts: hosting Christmas Day, Jane Austen Festival Promenade, dog walk, Airbnb trip, Bristol Balloon Fiesta, leg wax, bundt cake, published crochet patterns, IKEA trip, knitted shawl, visit to Cornwall, hair dye, sambuca shot (not wise), buying furniture, trouble sleeping, FaceTime, sloe gin sipping, successful pancakes, tablecloths, gym workout, makealong, attempt at quilting, seeing reindeer. 

There were job interviews, beautiful weddings, tears, prayers, job worries, trips to the zoo, laughter, serious illnesses, one horrendous stomach bug, many, many train journeys, dance classes, puppies, baking, zero trips to the hairdresser and a promotion. We did a big, scary home move, settled into a new city (still working on it), said goodbye to our commutes, made time for family and friends and watched loads of netflix. I worked hard, made stuff and was late a lot.

My highlights were swimming in the sea, catching up with old friends and spending time exploring Paris with Mr P. We were blessed. 

Looking back on the goals I set last year, I didn't manage to knit a pair of socks (though I did turn a heel!) or miraculously become a morning person, but I did try to write more honestly and be kinder to my body. I joined a yoga class, carried on running a bit and ate my greens.

In 2016, God willing, I hope to make more time for the important things, keep running and yoga-ing, finish two garments, give thanks, design a blanket, fall back in love with writing, be braver and make a difference.

new pattern: pudding hat!

Well, this past week has been, erm, interesting. 

With sad, shocking things happening across the world, plus life happenings closer to home, I've been glad to be able to catch up with friends and family a little bit and devote a good chunk of my time to making Christmas projects, too. Several things are actually finished and I think I may be almost on track. Are you giving any handmade gifts this year?

In the spirit of all things festive, I thought I'd share a peek at a wonderfully silly project I contributed to the latest issue of Simply Crochet (issue 38). Yep, it's a Christmas pudding hat. When else can you wear a pudding on your head? I'm definitely going to be embarrassing my family by wearing it over the holidays. No shame in my game. 

I'd also like to thank you for your kind and encouraging comments on my last post – we all have gloomier days and it's good to know you guys are out there!

5 fab things a knitter can do in Paris

Seize the yarn, seize the day

Last week I was in Paris on a wee holiday (sigh), although now I'm home I'm not convinced I didn't just dream it! Anyhow, it was a brilliant couple of days and I thought I'd share some of my favourite bits with you in case you've got plans to head that way. Or, you know, wanna gawp at some pretty Parisian gloriousness. Been there my friend. Still am there. 

Find Yarn

Other than spending a good lot of time with Mr P and eating an approximation of my own weight in French pastry, seeking out a lovely yarn shop was pretty high up on my list. When I came across L'OisiveThe at Unwind last year, I made a mental note to try and get there if we ever went to Paris. This yarn boutique and tearoom (pinch me) is in the Butte aux Cailles area in the 13th Arrondissement. Not exactly central, but easy enough to find. We had the most incredible eggy brunch there and were given directions to their new sister store around the corner, La Bien Aimee. Wanna see? 

Wall-to-wall delicious yarn inside and painted the happiest shade of yellow on the outside. They have their own lovely hand-dyed yarn brand, too. To commemorate our special anniversary trip, Mr P treated me to some yarn (enabler alert). I had to go for the Bien Aimee Merino Singles. Parisian hand-dyed yarn? It would be rude not to. And it's just beautiful. The colour way is called Direwolf Graffiti. I'm aiming to have a shawl knitted up in this by our next anniversary. 

Get Lost

Before we set off, I spent a whole lot of time reading travel blog posts about Paris. The best bit of advice I read was to set aside some time for aimless wandering. There is SOOO much see and do in Paris that it's tempting to fill up your days, but allowing a bit of flexibility pays off. One day we set off in search of a market and ending finding a fantastic botanical garden and zoo! There's something to be said about getting lost and Paris is the most beautiful city to stroll through. 

The second best bit of advice was to always carry a brolly!

Knit Through the Queues

If famous landmarks and galleries are on your to-visit list, you're sure to encounter some form of waiting time. Being armed with your knitting or a paperback (or Kindle, if you're modern folks) is the stitches way to combat this and make the wait more enjoyable. And boy do I wish I'd prepared for this when we were waiting outside the Louvre for an hour.  

Here I am merrily knitting in the queue for the Catacombs. I got heaps done in this wait and as Mr P had forgotten the Kindle that day, he came in handy as a yarn holder (and reluctant photography). To note - matching your socks to your top won't make you a better knitter, but it will make you stick out like a sore thumb among any combination of chic Parisians. 

Take Tea

Mr P said he didn't have single bad cup of coffee in Paris, but as a tea drinker I was keen to sample some fancy tea and impossibly beautiful patisserie creations that I had no hope of pronouncing correctly. We went to Laduree on the Champs Elysees (when in Paris), where there's a restaurant and a little shop. It's stunning inside and out and Mr P had the world's best tarte tatin. The service seemed was a bit snooty, but then we were British, awkward and a bit scruffy, so fair enough. The sweet treats were really lovely so I would recommend it. 

Live Like Royalty

Or at least, see how royalty lived. Visiting the Palace of Versailles was definitely one of the best things we did. It's about a 40 minute train ride from central Paris and well worth it if you have a day you can spend there. Sooooo much to see. Wear your comfiest shoes and prepare to be overwhelmed by chandeliers and all-round opulence. I'm pretty sure we could have easily spent a week just exploring the grounds (we're talking serious acreage here). There's also a bizarrely Disney-esque, excessively quaint hamlet that Marie-Antoinette had built that has to be seen to be believed. 

Check their website for details of free entry options and special discounts. 

Follow up your visit with a viewing of Sophia Coppola's Maria Antoinette film and you'll have firmly cemented your adoration for the place. And developed some pretty severe macaron pangs. 

In short, Paris is always a good idea. 

Gratitude

Sometimes you need a bit of distance to see what's right in front of your face. 

A trip back to the seaside this weekend, to see my parents, some old friends and get back to church, definitely gave me some much-needed perspective. Instead of getting bogged down and stressed out with work stuff, our moving plans, making things, comparing myself to others and otherwise being a pretty grumpy so-and-so, I need to recognise and be thankful for the many blessings in my life, and to love and cherish the people in it. Don't get me wrong, creative goals are fantastic. It's utterly brilliant to learn new things, overcome fresh challenges and achieve the things you set out to do, but for me, I need to just check what my motives are and make sure my heart is in the right place. 

This is my fourth and final post as part of A Playful Day's Love Your Blog challenge. It's been a wonderful month of connecting with new bloggers in different ways (*waves* Hello, new readers and commenters! Thanks so much for coming, it's been lovely getting to know you. Long may it continue!) and getting back to a point where I'm enjoying writing again, feel much more inspired and a little bit braver about sharing. Becca? Blogging every week? Who'd a thunk it? It's been far more managable and enjoyable than I anticipated, and I no longer feel like I'm just going through the motions. 

How have you found it? What are you feeling grateful for? I'm off for a good read! 

off the hook: meadow scarf

I've actually been a fairly busy bee of late. House/cat sitting, flat hunting, running (and ruining my back a little bit) but most importantly spending time with The Chap, baking zombie cupcakes in our jammies. What have you been up to?

I've also been helping to hook some bits and bobs at Simply Crochet, one of which was the Skinny Scarf by Cara in issue 5. It's made with easy-peasy trebles and chains in the most gorgeous springy rainbow Noro yarn. Oooh, pretty colours! I did get way too excited every time the colour changed - a good way to spur yourself on through a scarf. 

Here it is looking all exotic and lovely on a tree

And here it is looking rather less exotic on my neck

Oooh, and don't forget to enter the sewing pattern giveaway from last week! One week to go!

home-town tourists

Hey, remember that glorious bank holiday weekend? Yeah, me too. Come back to us, sunshine! Where have you gone?

I was fortunate enough to have The Chap to myself for a whole, magical three days over the bank holiday. We made the most of it with a spot of home-town adventuring. I think it can be so easy to forget about all the cool stuff in your own town. I live in Bath.  It's a beautiful city, but when you're dashing to work or nipping out to get milk, sometimes you just stop looking. It's good to take time to do something new or a little bit touristy so you see the place you live in through different eyes. 

Spot the obligatory swan

Fancy Palladian bridge - every home should have one

We'd never been to Prior Park before and a gorgeous day seemed like the perfect time to go.  It was stunning! Pemberley, eat your heart out, right? It was such hot weather that we were a little tempted to 'do a Darcy' and leap into the lake. We managed to restrain ourselves. 

There was an ice house, a hidden grotto and fragrant wild garlic absolutely everywhere. Naturally we went straight home and made an epic carrot cake with cream cheese icing. There are no pictures - it didn't last that long!

So, when do we move in?

 Have you been somewhere cool, or done any home-town adventuring lately?

chewing over 2012

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29 v 11

2013?  So soon?  I don't think I'm ready yet!

Thinking about it, 2012 was a pretty huge deal.  I graduated, moved again, got a new job and most excitingly, got engaged to The Chap.  I even managed to get paid for some writing and sewing this year. 

It certainly wasn't without it's challenges but, looking back, I've been very blessed.  I'm thankful for all the prayers, songs, phone calls, kisses, deadlines, novels, mugs of tea and cuddles that helped me see this year through.  

Next year I hope I will cherish more, create more and share more.  Any maybe I'll finally get around to knitting a tea cosy.  2013 will have challenges of it's own, and although I don't quite know how it's going to turn out yet, I think it's taken care of.

Hoping the New Year has in store all that you are wishing for. 

Au revoir, 2012!  What are your goals for 2013?

love from Frome

Last week me and Lils took a break from essay writing and hopped on the bus to the magical town of Frome.  We explored Catherine's Hill.  

 We found vintage treasures (old maps and 1940s knitting patterns) in Poot, dapper menswear and stationary in Assembly and had the best carrot cake known to man in The Little Red Cafe.  And that's to say nothing of the boutique Roundabout . . .  

So lovely, I didn't know whether to shop or move in!

Marmalade Yarns

I'd love to go back at some point, and hopefully catch the Artisan market too.  If you're planning to visit fab Frome, make sure you pop in to Marmalade Yarns and Millie Moon for delicious haberdashery.  

THE carrot cake (it didn't last long)

Easter break is almost over, time to get back to the books and stitching.  Where have you been adventuring over Easter/Spring break?

j'ai fini

Yay!

Prepare yourselves loveliest readers, last week I achieved the unthinkable; I actually finished something!  The booties were completed, as were the knitted cupcakes, at long last.  Phew.  I'm really chuffed with the booties in particular, there's just something about tiny things.  The bootie pattern is from Ravelry.  

This weekend I've been working, reading, embroidering and wearing big snuggly socks.  Hope your weekend has been fab.  What did you get up to?    

inbetween days

Happy Monday!  Hope your weekend was lovely.  

I'm knee deep in dissertation at the moment, but am still knitting here and there for my sanity.  Nothing stops panic like purl. Nevertheless, apparently this process renders me unable to actually finish anything.  Sigh.  That's right folks, I'm a bad crafter; I surge on with the next project before completing the last.  Here are the latest victims;

I think this yarn might be radioactive.  

1.  Knitted hand grenade.  Yes, in a moment of crisis I seized my copy of Knitorama and decided to make a luminous pink hand grenade (drop stitches not bombs, right?).  I managed to knit it in the time it took to watch The Bodyguard, but it still has yet to be assembled.

If you think fried egg ear muffs, mohair knickers and pints of crochet could be your thing, I wholly recommend purchasing Rachael Matthews' Knitorama.

2.  Baby Mary-Janes.  A friend of mine is expecting and what better excuse do you need to knit tiny things?  They have also have yet to be stitched together.  I'm looking for the perfect heart shaped buttons too.

3.  Cupcakes.  March is a busy month for birthdays so I thought I'd knit some calorie free cupcakes. Hopefully I'll get these finished this week!

You'll find most of the details for these patterns here on Ravelry.

Is anyone else living in a work-in-progress world?  

knitted cupcakes!

Just a couple of pics and quick hello this week!  There was birthday goodness on Tues as it was my 21st - pancakes, cocktails, refried beans, dancing and cupcakes.  My far too lovely housemates made those cakes up there.  They knitted strawberry laces!  Genius. 

And here is the cupcake I knitted for Gina Ferrari's Pink Friday Party - do go over and check it out!

Have you had cake goodness this week? 

let them knit cake

To raise money for Breast Cancer Care, fabulous Gina is planning to contruct a Marie Antoinette wig entirely from knitted cakes!  Now, if that's not a good idea I don't know what is.  To knit a cake and get involved with Gina's Pink Friday click here.

Last week I did a fair bit of knitting.  I needed some new samples and a fresh challenge.  Here is the little cakey slice I finally produced!  It's pudgy and wonky, but I'm pleased all the same.   The pattern is from Bittersweet (as seen in Bloggerversaire). 

I ventured out with this one.

Knitting: The cake slice.  75% complete.

Where: the pub.

Comments/stares:  Had a nice chat with the man on the next table about knitting.  For some reason he thought I was knitting fingernails?!

The big knit news I mentioned last week?  Well, that would be our knitting circle's newest project;The Big Knit 2011, which ironically involves knitting the tiniest hats known to mankind.  Innocent Smoothies has once again challenged knitters to mini hats for their smoothies.  Each hat raises money for Age UK.  This year's patterns are brilliant.  Check them out here and get your knit on.    

bloggerversaire

Today is my humble little blog's second birthday.  Huzzah!  Birthdays, of course, mean cake and this is no exception.  And presents?  Follow this link to Bittersweet and you can knit yourself a fine little slice like the one above.  I'm definately gonna give it a go.  You're welcome.

Enjoy!