Wonders of Nature

I recently went to an art fair and the simple but wonderful themed paintings spiked my interest in painting again. I’ve been wanting to paint on these adorable little canvas panels since then.  Each season is very unique in the place I live now and that is the inspiration for my painting here. Winter is the longest period here for around 5-6 months and the other seasons share the remaining time making them extra desirable. And for a person who has grown up in a place that is warm throughout the year, after the first dreamy snow shower the heart yearns for the warmth of the sun again. The complete cycle of creation to destruction in nature is practically before our eyes which gives us the chance to appreciate the wonders of nature more than ever.

An Autumn Scene

It’s that orange time of the year! Shorter days and longer nights, leaves changing colors and dropping down - Things that were just textbook facts are now a reality before my eyes. All the seasons here have distinct features that changes your lifestyle every few months -  from the dress you wear to the food you eat. Though you want the hot summer to last longer, the pleasant autumn has its own charm that makes you want to enjoy this season. So here is my acrylic painting to mark the beginning of fall.

Victory Violets!

Color knitting has been on my to-do list for a while now. I’ve worked on simple color changes earlier  like the one in beanie. But I did not know the techniques for complex patterns or for reading knitting charts. After a lot of research I stumbled upon a book from my local library with beautiful patterns. It took me a lot of time and effort to understand the charts and figure out how to actually bring about those designs in knitting. It wasn’t my first time just with color knitting; I also had to figure out the stitching part for the lining and zipper. I managed to do that with the basic hand stitching knowledge that I had. After a lot of trials and errors, here I am finally with a wonderful violet purse completed with a soft and sparkly yarn from Caron which I think would go well with my silk saree also. I just realised that my first ever knitting project was also in a similar shade. Violets bring me victory, probably! Now that I have a scarf, a beanie and a purse in this shade I am planning to make something new with the fluffy balls of yarn that you can see in the picture. Aren’t they cute?

Yarn Used: Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn – Purple

Knitting needle size – US 6

Dainty Little Hummingbird

On a pleasant evening, I was enjoying the evening air in the company of my flowers when I suddenly noticed a very small bird buzzing over. It was fluttering it’s wings fast and moving deftly between the flowers. I went to take a closer look and immediately noticed the unique, long beak. It was a HUMMINGBIRD! I’ve read about this bird as a child but I’ve never seen one live in such close quarters. It was magical, watching such a small bird flying around trying to find nectar from the flowers. Since then, I wait for the Hummingbird everday and I should say I got pretty lucky this week when it visited my patio more than once. But as it is getting colder the irds will start migrating soon. I’ll wait with this painting until next spring to catch a glimpse of the hummingbird again. Nature is the best inspiration for us to create!

Garden Shawl

The end of summer is almost here – that time of the year when it is not too cold for a coat but not warm enough for just a shirt. So I made this light shawl as a wrap to enjoy an evening stroll. It was fun to work with this yarn as they had a lovely mix of rose, lavender, mint and grey. The shades matched the petunias growing in my patio and I spent many a summer evening there with yarn in hand surrounded by flowers. I should admit, my mind wanders at such times and I get thoughtful. I realized when I was halfway through the shawl that I favoured the rose and lavender over the mint and grey and would always think if I crocheted fast enough I would be done with the less adorable shades and reach my favourite ones. I’d like to do that in real life as well - Just lie low through the tough times and ensure you make the most out of your best times. And towards the end I even started liking the Mint that I chose it to make the standout color by using it for the border of my shawl completely. So to anyone who is going through tough times – Just hang in there, rosier times are awaiting you!

Yarn Used: Joy DK Loops & Threads

Needle Size: G/6

Pattern Link: http://www.michaels.com/loops-and-threads-joy-dk-crochet-trellis-shawl-project/B_85807.html

Teal Zeal Scarf

On a sunny day, with blue skies full of fluffy clouds smiling at you, green tress around you blowing a gentle breeze and the freshly mowed lawns giving you the perfect seat to enjoy the weather, anything you do in the lap of Mother Nature would turn out to be beautiful. Care to see an example? This scarf is the result of such fine days. Such beautiful shades of blue are always eye catching for me. I tried out this border on a wraparound scarf for the first time. I used Caron Super Soft yarn and the whole texture of this scarf came out very well - perfect for gifting it to a pretty lady.   

Fruity Speckle Coasters

I gave you the visual delight first this time! Don’t they look cute? It’s a gift for a person who loves spending time in the kitchen, lovingly creating a variety of dishes every day, having it  neatly organized, spick and span all the time. I think these coasters will add a dash of color to her counter top. Unlike the mug coasters I made last time, I crocheted these big enough to hold medium sized cookware. This attractive variegated yarn is from Premier Home cotton yarns. The wide color choices and the texture make them a very good choice for dishcloths and coasters. I chose them because they are also easy to wash and maintain. I have one more to go to complete the set, but I couldn’t wait to show off my latest porcelain sugar bowl. I loved the simple yet stylish design. The splash of purple and pink on the white yarn made it a great pair for the porcelain bowl. Think it's time to gift myself a new set of coasters! 

Crocheted Star Throw

Here is the completed version of the star throw that I’d shared with you all on my Instagram handle few days ago. I wanted to give my living room a new décor and so started crocheting new cushion covers. But halfway through that I ran out of yarn and went shopping. When has a trip to the craft store ended with just buying what you want!?! I found this super soft, chunky, variegated yarn with the mild chocolate and lavender shades that just had to come home with me. I remembered the cold winter evenings when I wished I had knit a throw earlier to keep me warm and cozy. Since then I had this star pattern in mind and decided right in the store that I would do it using this chunky yarn. They work up so fast and so it’s a very rewarding yarn to work with. I am very happy with the finished look of this throw, adding some brightness to the plain sofa sets. Now that this is done I’ve to get back to completing the cushion covers that I’ve left mid-way!

Crochet Spring Top

Most of us who knit or crochet want to make ourselves clothing at some point and I am no exception to this feeling. I was very excited from the very beginning for this one, right from choosing the yarn and suitable colors. This one is special for many reasons. It is my first ever time crocheting a top and also it was going to be more than just a show piece in my house. It is definitely more than the basic squares or circles and so I had to learn more for it - try totally new stitches, make perfect measurements, sewing neat ends and a lot more. But the end result kept me going and I couldn’t wait to try it on. And finally the day has arrived – all seams done and all the ends weaved in ready to be worn. I am happy I completed this one successfully and I am already hoping I could try one in knitting – it is going to be a lot more challenging though!

A closer look of the stitches used

Knit Neckwarmer

I completed this pink cowl neck warmer  last week, but I wanted to wait till I gifted this surprise before sharing it with you all here. It's a perfect gift for any pink lover and I am happy I found those pretty little flower buttons to go with it. This cowl is proof enough to show that my love for the stockinette stitch hasn't decreased one bit. I adore the simplicity and thin texture of this stitch. I used a pretty thin yarn for this making it good for the spring and fall seasons. I've also included the pattern details in this post for those of you who wish to try this out. Its a very easy pattern if you know just to knit and purl. So hectic were the days after I started this work, that I ended up knitting this in my flight on the way home to complete it on time to gift it. 

Knitting Needle Size: US 6
Pattern:
Cast On 30
Work in Garter stitch for the first 4 rows.
5th row: K4, Purl 22, K4
6th row: Knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 5 and 6 till you reach 1 inch short of the desired length.
I used a couple of yarn overs to create a buttonhole.Work the last 4 rows in Garter stitch and cast off.
Attach the buttons and sew in ends. And there is your pretty neck warmer! 

Pretty Purses

I’ve always liked collecting accessories and matching them to my dresses. I spent a lot of time selecting sarees for my wedding, deciding on colors and patterns so that the look is different for each occasion. But I spent even more time choosing accessories for them. After all it’s your day and the Big day comes only once! So for a person like me who enjoys this, if crocheting lets me create a handmade purse or a bag to match my attire every time, isn’t it great? All I have to do is look for matching yarns (which again is more shopping-Yayy!!) and I can create a new style of purse each time. It’s double joy – creating and owning a new item. It would be worth the value and give the satisfaction of creating something that will be cherished forever. I quickly made two small purses and am still thinking if I should get a new shade of yarn for the third saree or make do with the ones from my stash. 

Seascape Painting

I painted a seascape using acrylics last week with a group of people. It was so much fun to see everybody’s work. I also learnt a lot of new techniques and ideas to paint, from them. The bright sky colours attracted me to this painting and as I was finishing this painting I was lost in thoughts. Just like the guiding lights of the lighthouse that helps the ships in the middle of the rough sea, this art has helped me stay afloat in the challenges of life, keeping me positive and happy. I hope to see light at the end of the tunnel I am in right now! I am really looking forward to the warm summer evenings, sitting on the lake shore munching on snacks, discussing life and enjoying the sun. But for now, am enjoying the new addition to my art collection. 

Mason Jar Cozy

The Mason Jars are very versatile in DIY art. And they are also the most easily available home product for upcycling. I’ve tried glass painting long back on these jars. So this time, I wanted to put my crochet skills to use for decorating them. I started collecting all the empty bottles and spice jars that usually go for recycling and made cute cozies for them. They’ve become a good décor for my art table and a nice way to keep my colors organized. As I am typing this I just realized I could also store my yarn stash in them so that they don’t get tangled with one another. This has been a very useful and efficient yarn stash buster project!

Spring Fun Sling Bag

I think spring is the best time to have flowery stuff around you. My plants are just sprouting and it’s going to be awhile before they grow big enough to bloom flowers. So until then I thought of adding more colors to my life through these appliques - crocheted flowers on my bag. I like the feel of the moss stitch the bag is made up of. It is very easy to crochet this bag – you just need to make the front and back portions separately and seam it with the straps. It works up very fast too! I used rows of single crochet stitches for the straps and the entire body is made of moss stitch. I changed the set up rows for the stitch based on my requirements. I've added the pattern notes for the stitch at the end of this post if you're curious to try. I'd suggest trying a small square piece to see if you like a pattern before trying it on your actual work. 

Crochet Hook used: US I/9

Yarn: Any medium worsted weight 

Moss stitch pattern:

* Chain an even number of stitches

* SC in the 2nd stitch, *CH1, SC in the next Ch-space* Repeat the pattern till you reach the desired length.

Cozy Cardinals

I guess this is how the cardinals will look outside my house right now, comfy in their scarves chit chatting on a pine tree on a cloudy winter day. They brighten the cold and gloomy days with their color and whistles. I got this small Cardinal sculpture from a run-down shop in the middle of nowhere on a trip to Virginia and I thought it looked pretty with the painting. I kept looking at it for a while and realized the doll did not have a scarf. So I immediately looked through my scrap yarns and found a perfect green one to match. I knit a small scarf for the birdie and as it was a bright day I went outside to click a picture of the bird in its natural habitat. And that’s the story of the how the cardinal got its scarf! 

Crocheted Fruits

I wanted a fruits set for my Navaratri Golu. Last year I made clay models of fruits and dolls that you can view here
Everyone in my family has a sweet tooth. I still remember my grandad’s sweet hunt sessions. He used to leave no vessel unturned to find his favourite sweet hidden by my grandma. But fresh fruits or anything healthy generally needs a reminder. So I planned to use these crocheted fruits as a centrepiece on our dining table. That way, whenever I look at them I am reminded of the daily fruits quota of the diet. That still doesn’t stop us from chocolate hunting though! Above all, fruits are a yummy thing to crochet and can be used as a yarn decor throughout the year at home.

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The Loopy Scarf

This scarf has been pending for quite some time now as I wanted to watch the blue skies while knitting this. And that is not a very easy occurrence here in this season. As the winter is nearing the end, I did not want to make a heavy scarf and I think it has turned out to be a light fancy one suitable for the spring. This pattern requires intermediate skill level as there is a shape variation to the scarf that makes use of more stitches other than the basic knits and purls. The loops attracted me to this pattern and now I am eagerly waiting for a slightly less cold weather to try it on. I’ve also got the fragrant Hyacinth blooms to get into spring mode. In the meantime, I let the Teddy enjoy it ;)

This is how the scarf looks when stretched out. Easy to wrap around, isn't it?

Yarn used: Premier Yarns Sweet Roll

Needles: US 10 (Although the pattern recommended US 9, my knitting tension required a size more)

Link to free pattern: https://www.premieryarns.com/products/premier-loopy-fringed-scarf

Crocheted Oranges

I saw Orange trees recently and since then I’ve had a sudden liking for the citrus. Amidst all the painting challenges, I wanted to have a quick win crochet project to get back in form for a bigger crochet work. This pattern is also exciting for me because it is my own and very first 3D pattern. This has certainly expanded my scope to create more crocheted objects. When I showed the crocheted oranges to the kid next door, he started reciting a list of fun facts about Oranges. Apparently, the name of the fruit came into existence before the color orange. He also said orange is a type of berry. I didn't know that! So now you can guess what I am going to be crocheting next. That’s right – strawberries and blueberries coming your way soon!

Pattern Fun

This is the second and final set of patterns from my daily painting challenge. Although I started it with the intention of getting into the habit of painting regularly, I am surprised at how much this process has taught me. I’ve had plenty of room to explore ideas and try variations of patterns and techniques. The first picture illustrates a lot of fancy rainbows, fluffy clouds, rain drops and tall skyscrapers. They helped the transition from structured geometric patterns to free flowing ones. The second picture is the result of reaching a point where I tried to paint anything that I set my eyes on – houseplants, tea cups and a lot of chocolates and ice cream. They are normal everyday objects at home that transformed into fun patterns. They are organic patterns aimed not at being perfect but at being able to give me the freedom to design them the way I liked. After all, there is no right or wrong in art!

Painting Patterns!

When I decided to start painting this year, I took up a daily painting challenge - A simple pattern painted in a few minutes every day. It was a very good learning experience, helping me practice with various shapes, color values, brush strokes with different brushes and acrylic paints. Looking forward to a new pattern everyday was truly fun! Structured patterns and free flowing ones were equally enjoyable. Lots of bright botanicals, fun veggies, structured doodles, geometric shapes and common daily use objects were used in the designs. I learnt many new pattern terminologies and it was inspirational to see the most basic shapes come together to form a beautiful pattern. This is the first set of colorful patterns from the series. 

The Basket Weave Scarf

Originally knitted for a friend, I fell in love with the texture of the scarf and gifted it to myself (Trust me, it is so lovely). When I was looking for scarf models, I chanced upon this repeat stitch pattern and really liked the finished look. As the basket weave stitch kept growing, I noticed the tight knit stiff woven feel of the scarf that really helps in keeping you warm in the windy days. And a bonus for this pattern is though it is not a reversible pattern both sides look equally good. So you can get two different looks with the same scarf. As I was nearing the end of this scarf the temperatures began to drop and we had a couple of heavy snow showers. You all know what that is...'A sign from the Universe' to give me a new scarf !! If you just know to knit and purl, you can knit one for yourself too! If you do not, drop in a comment and I will help you with it :)

Yarn Used : Bernat Burgundy

Knitting needles : US 10

The Summer Hat

Hats are always a great way to spruce up your look and stand out in a crowd. I was going on a vacation to the sunny state from the cold, snow filled weather that I live in. I knew I would want to spend most of my time there under the sun in the beaches. So amidst all the packing that had to be done, I sat down to crochet a hat for myself. It was all done in a few hours, shopping for the right yarn to the last stitch. I initially wore it plain and then decided to add some embellishments that made it even prettier. I love the fact that I can make any number of hats, in any shade and style I wish to. This pattern is easy for beginners and I like the wide brim that it has. They have a very practical use also - protect you from direct sunlight when all you want is to enjoy the beach sand and waters.

Yarn used : 

For hat: Lily Sugar n Cream - Summer Prints

For flower embellishment: Peaches & Creme - Bright Blue

Crochet Hook : H-8 (5 mm)

Fall Painting!

My tryst with the fall color continues…I enjoyed painting every inch of this piece. A huge acrylic painting hanging in our entrance beautifully portraying the autumn foliage – I let the painting speak for itself.  A lot of color mixing went into this, patiently alternating color combinations, re-mixing and perfecting the shades. The subtle tones of the painting make it look realistic and I love the reflection in the pond that required great detail. It kept me occupied so much that when it was done, I started missing painting this. 

Daisy Flower Coasters

I wanted to crochet something interesting and elegant as a gift to my aunt. And I chanced upon this pretty Daisy pattern, when I was looking for ideas. Maybe because of an overdose of snow-white around me, I liked the pattern the instant I saw it. When have I ever had second thoughts on flower patterns! I added my own touch by crocheting a holder for them as I liked the way they decked up. I imagined them sitting on a big wooden table, waiting for a hot cup of coffee. Now you all know what went into the Origami boxes I’d posted few weeks back. 

Yarn Used:

Peaches and Crème (100% cotton) - Gold

Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice - White

Link to the free-pattern: http://whiskersandwool.blogspot.com/2012/04/daisy-coasters-free-pattern_21.html

Vertical Patio Garden

I’ve always wanted a garden, given my love for flowers. And I had one with lots of rose shrubs and green trees in the home I grew up in. It is exciting to see the plants sprouting and growing up all the way to yield fruits to your gardening labour. Every day, the morning routine involved checking if any of my plants showed signs of bearing new flowers or fruits. And when they did (you can see the bell pepper plant in the right bottom of the photo), the anticipation shifted to waiting for them to ripen. It was fun to use home grown vegetables to cook our meals. After my plants grew well, I decided to add some Patio Décor to make this area more enjoyable for the few months that is warm and bright in this part of the world. I did not want to spend a lot on it because of the short summer span we have. Also, what’s the fun in having the same design throughout the year! Hence I reused materials that I had at home to create this outdoor décor for my balcony and it became one of our least spent on DIY home projects so far. It is a wonderful idea for a space saving vertical patio garden. It became our favourite place to relax and have an evening snack. Although winter is beautiful in its own way (like filling my patio with a lot of snow to help me build a snowman) summer is bright and offers more scope for such outdoor activities. Awaiting the Spring…

The Welcome Painting

It’s that time of the year when we all make resolutions about something – whether we follow it through or not. I have one too – to learn a new skill and to get better at the ones I’ve learnt over the past year. It is the beginning of a new year full of hopes and aspirations. I decided to post something new – a painting! I’ve not done a lot of painting before, apart from the art classes at school. I chanced upon this Iron puffed fabric at the art store and thought it was a great way to rekindle the interest in painting and welcome the New Year.