June Creations

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While I think and muse and potter and walk and create and just be, time keeps on flowing by and my mind turns to the fact that soon – soon – we will be at the mid winter mark of the longest night and the light will begin to return my way.

I always miss the light the most when I am in winter.  I don’t mind the cold, the wet, the sleet even.  I mind the shortness of the days at both ends and I miss the feel of sunlight on my face.  I don’t miss the heat.  I quite like not having the energy sapping, robust glint of hot summer days.  But I miss the hours the sun stays in the sky.  Soon I tell myself, the season will peak, the world will turn and the sun will start to move back towards my hemisphere.   I walked in mist this morning thinking these thoughts of waiting.  And, as we exited the park and looked up to the hill ahead, the sun glinted off the windows of houses through the mist and made me a most delightful fairy tale castle of sparkling light to guide me on and make my waiting happy.  Later, at home, I realised that only in this season can such a wonderfully serendipitous meeting of mist and light occur at 9 am.  I appreciate the reminder to be okay with where I’m at!

But still I wait, and while I wait I hook.  My Persian Squares blanket is close to being finished.  Orlando has helped, oh such a lot!

davHe pretty much ensured every component of the blanket was pressed, whether I desired it to be or not.

 

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As I write this one half of the blanket is draped over the back of a dining chair

btrIt ought to be finished but I got sidetracked.

I made this

dav

Now, here’s the story that goes with ‘this’.  Do you want to hear it?  (Err, come back – that was a rhetorical question folks!)

Back in the days when I was still intermittently going onto Facebook, I logged in and the first thing I saw was a picture of a crochet etui doll.  At the same moment that I was falling in love with it, facebook did that thing it does and updated my feed in a tumbling rush of alternate posts and I lost her.  I searched, wasted an hour of my life and didn’t ever see her again.  Maybe that was the moment when I decided to quit social media (except for blogging).  Any how, I searched around and had myriad conversations, but never found another etui doll.  Maybe they aren’t called that any way – but I don’t know what else to call them.  Then, one day, when searching through my stash of yarns for something else I found a bit of brown that said to me ‘I make doll!’  “Okay!” said I and gathered it up and off we went to Happy Hooking Land.

Now I have never made a crochet doll before, I have no clue how to make one.  But undaunted I set to with hook and yarn and made a head, the rest just followed along.  I also kept no notes of what I was doing, so now have no clue how I got from the first stitch to the last.  But I do know what I’d do differently.

I also took no photos until I got to the final stage of face features placement.  As you can see from that photo I used pearl headed pins to get an idea of placement and size – and grabbed the camera.  I had my reading glasses on and when looking for a place to put them down, realised she was, among her many other talents, the perfect specs holder!

dav

I’m just the teeniest bit in love with her

 

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As you can see from the pockets close-ups she holds all things sewing and hooking related.  There is more to come and her face to be finished – and a name to be given of course – any ideas?  But this has to be the most fun thing I have made in forever!

So that is why the blanket hasn’t yet been finished.  Nor this – which insists on photographing brighter and lighter than reality, but gives you an idea that at least some progress has been made…….

davFinally, here’s Siddy in his posh winter gear to say “Hello!” or “Grrrrruff!” to you all, just in case you need that kind of puppy cheerfulness in your life…..

btr

Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

94 thoughts on “June Creations”

  1. I’m here to confess, “I’m a horrible blogger”. Can’t really claim to be a blogger, as I haven’t posted at Boomdeeadda since April I think. None the less, I always have so much more fun reading other’s posts than writing my own. Funny, that’s how I began in this delightful community. Just trolling about in the wings, thinking how clever everyone is and visiting all over the world. So, it’s not that unusually to me really, but I digress. The thought was, I really should keep up better.

    You write your thoughts down so beautifully Pauline! So wonderfully lyrical, ” the sun glinted off the windows of houses through the mist and made me a most delightful fairy tale castle of sparkling light to guide me on and make my waiting happy”. Honestly, that’s stirs my imagination 😀

    It’s no wonder you’re able to take a pile of yarns and threads, with no pattern in hand, create Ms Buttonbottom. Such is the world of an artist. Life blending easily from prose to paint and now a sweet Etui. I’m rather envious it’s all sprinkled liberally with salty sea air of Otago Bay. It’s all pretty magical here this morning xo K

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  2. Well, apparently one of three things happened: a) I wrote my comment in my head and there it stayed or b) I left a comment, above, but can’t find it; or c) I started the comment on my tablet (as I’m known to do) and it’s sitting there in limbo. Good grief, this getting older business is really tiresome.

    What I said/thought/imagined myself saying is that I love this gorgeous tile blanket, and I adore Miss P.B. What charm and poise and practicality all rolled in to one. I’m gobsmacked that you could crochet this from “thin air” and make her so beautiful and practical and fun. xo

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    • I’m doing exercises for my memory Alys – thankfully they seem to be working 🙂 As for the ‘thin air’ thing – I suppose that is where most creativity comes from, but as always, there is someone out there that inspired me, even if I could never find her again.

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      • Pauline, what exercises are you doing? I’ve read that doing things like puzzles (crosswords, Words with Friends, even jigsaws) stretch the brain, but none of them seem to lend themselves to my memory challenges. Please share.

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  3. Everything is gorgeous but the photo of Siddy takes the prize!
    I’m trying to ‘follow you by email’ – been meaning to for ages – but it keeps telling me I’m entering an ‘invalid email address’ even though I’ve tried both the ones I have. I need to follow by email as I rarely (i.e. never) remember to look in my reader. I’ll keep trying.

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      • Hello! Good Morning! How lovely!! Welcome!! I’m glad wp finally let you in – maybe they are making more glitches trying to stop this latest round of spammers that is going on……. That’s my hope anyway. I know what you mean about the reader – I’m the same and when someone falls off the email list it can be months before I check my followers list to see what happened to them…. I never think to go via the reader. I nipped over and saw you are a sewer, a quilter and a knitter. And that was just reading through three or four posts. Very impressive. Anyway, following too 🙂

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  4. I love your monthly updates, Pauline. Your blanket is coming out beautiful, and getting sidetracked seemed worth it with your lovely doll. She’s adorable with those glasses and her lavender hair, and she seems incredibly organized! Siddy and Orlando seem to be surviving the winter, and I’m glad your days will soon be lengthening. Of course, mine will soon be shrinking and that is always a little depressing! Summer just gets here and we’re on our way to winter! Happy Solstice, my friend.

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  5. Great doll! And here I’m the U.S. we are days away from the summer solstice. How I love this time of year – we’ll, all times, really, but especially this one.😘

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  6. Gosh, girlfriend — you’ve been so productive! Orlando knows beauty when he sees it. that’s a gorgeous blanket in the making.
    I love your beautiful ode to the light. And you’re so right about the difference it makes. I’d give up an hour or more of sunlight in summer, just to get that amount added to my winter days.

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    • Hello Cynthia! Thanks for coming by. Orlando is ensuring that every inch of that blanket has his imprint on it! How we all love the light! One of the lovely things about blogging is that at least we get to share in the other sides summer when we are out of it 🙂

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  7. She looks like a ‘Petunia’ to me, I don’t know why. I love her pockets and her lace collar and sleeve-ends (what’s the word for a lace sleeve end? There must be one, surely?) Oh, you’ve made me wish one of my yarns would say ‘I make doll’!! A year or two ago I collected a whole load of patterns online (there are a couple of sites that have lots of them, free) for various types of crocheted dolls and still haven’t made any.. I’ve also got a lot of gorgeous fabrics I’ve collected for making a fabric doll or two, but haven’t even started on the first one yet. ‘One day’ I tell myself…

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    • Then ‘one day’ you will Val! It’s been such a satisfying adventure making her. This girl has been made entirely from stashed yarns and fabrics and to me is a minor miracle. Like you I’ve long wanted to make a doll or two, but never had a good reason to do so. Also I think I found the idea rather daunting. I tend to knit and crochet blankets and simple garments only. An etui doll so appealed to me that obviously the idea just cooked until it was ready to be born. You are the second call for Petunia……. 🙂

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    • Ah – another platform I gave up on so long ago, I never thought to try there 🙂 She could well be an Ethel couldn’t she! There is a name coming but I’ll wait til she’s finished to really decide 🙂

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  10. Pauline, your opening paragraphs are so poetic: just lovely! They also perfectly describe my feelings about the seasons. It’s the light I miss. When December 21st rolls around, I think to myself, “We’ll it just gets better from here.” I dislike the summer heat and don’t mind winter’s cold. It’s the lack of daylight that makes winter hard. I ache for the feel of the sun on my face.

    My goodness, Siddy! With his little face and his fancy clothes! I want to kiss his nose.

    And what is it about cats and blankets being created? As soon as I get underway with a new quilt, my cat is all over it – especially while I am trying to sew!

    Your doll! I cannot believe that you made her, let alone without a pattern – What a huge talent! I am so very impressed! I love that she has purple hair to match the picture of you. : )

    A lovely post, Pauline. I hope winter is kind to you.

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    • Hello Jodie! Thank you for all your lovely comments, I so enjoyed reading them all. It seems most of us miss the light the most when we are in winter. I think it is lovely that we are all creatures of the light! And yes, I think cats are generally convinced that all soft handworked items have been brought in especially for them. The dog loses interest as soon as he sees it is not edible – a cat needs to imprint it with his own furry offerings! Where would we be without them 🙂

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  11. That is one fabulous doll! I love it. So useful and decorative at the same time. And you did it without a pattern! That’s talent! I also love how the painting is coming. The blanket looks stunning. Lovely work. So nicely pressed by Orlando. It’s always good when the fur babies take an interest in helping. It makes them feel a part of. Siddy looks absolutely dapper in his winter garb. Soon the equinox will be happening and the days will lengthen for you and shorten for us. I am a little different than most people: I prefer the shorter days when shadows lengthen. So I too am looking forward to equinox.

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    • It’s good to know there will be two very happy people in the world soon 🙂 I chuckled at your comment of my crochet pattern making talent – but thank you for the compliment. I feel quite flushed with success with a note coming from a designer such as yourself!

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  13. Pauline, I’m so pleased I came by today too. This is a gorgeous post. I love your etui doll. I hadn’t heard the word before. I was thinking ‘et tu”. I haven’t read the other suggestions for names yet, so will go back and have a peek, after I tell you my suggestion. I think she is a little Pauline, especially with the glasses. She is wonderfully crafty, and looks very friendly. I would have loved one of these on my teacher desk. 🙂 I think Pet tu – (could be short for Petunia, but doesn’t have to be) P for Pauline and et tu because she’s a little you. 🙂
    Your blanket is looking wonderful, and Orlando and Siddy very content. They must be well looked after.
    Like you, I don’t miss the heat, but I miss the light. As you say, the days will start to lengthen again in another week. Ah, the world turns so quickly, too quickly. It spins our life away.

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    • Oh that is such a beautifully thought out name Norah, thank you! I rather like Petunia and the ‘et tu’ connection! Which all reminds me that when I first read of a sewing etui I pronounced it e-tui like our lovely native songbird. I was quite old before I heard the word pronounced properly and didn’t recognise it. That was the worst thing about being raised in the Antipodes before Wikipedia 🙂 (As a very young reader I came across the name Penelope. I had never heard the name before and thought it rather an odd choice, because for years I pronounced it Penny – lope.) The world might be spinning faster, but we sure have learned a lot over the years 🙂

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      • Your beautiful native songbird. When my daughter-in-law visited NZ last December, she brought me home a beautiful tui pendant which I just love wearing. I hadn’t heard of the tui before so enjoyed finding out about it. (Thanks Wikipedia.)
        I smiled at your pronunciation of Penelope. How many words do we not know how to pronounce because we’ve never heard but only read them? I read a quote a while back that I thought was perfect, but can’t quite remember exactly how it went – something like “You can tell a reader by their mispronunciations.” 🙂
        And may we continue to learn! (and mispronounce!)

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        • That is an excellent quote! And also explains my beloved aunt’s penchant for both mispronouncing and using the wrong word for a particular meaning – her most well remembered being a replacement for ‘aspirations’ ‘She had aspersions of grandeur’ which I still find myself wanting to say at inappropriate times …….. She was a great reader, had a curious mind and loved learning new things right up til the day she died, yet left school at age 12. She introduced me to Shakespeare and taught me so much more!

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  14. How oh how do you keep Siddy so clean? My wee white dog is mostly grey because he’s like a dustmop that picks up everything around him. You are awfully clever to have made a doll w/out a pattern and of course she has mauve hair! How about Maeve for a name? She is rather an intoxicating presence.

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      • Oh, plus Siddy had just been to the groomers when I took that pic. His coat grows so fast you can see it sprouting and because he is an inside dog in a small space he has a weekly bath which he quite enjoys as he likes the hair dryer belting hot air at him – plus there are treats….. Don’t forget I am a retired person and have nothing better to do with my time.

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  15. Orlando does look a bit like a health and safety executive, hunting out random pins – boy, do we suffer from random pins around here. I stopped doing exercises on the carpet after my bum had more perforations that a teabag factory. Siddy looks like he’s just taken my order and can’t believe I’ve ordered the squid. And as for the delightful Seamstress Wanda Leadbottom, I think her glasses give her a certain je ne sais quoi. But the overall effect, Pauline, is stunning. You are one talented lady , even if sometimes it seems you are surrounded by the cast of a Peter Sellars film…

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  17. oh, now I see what an etui doll is… and isn’t she fabulous? I love her.
    I’m so pleased to see how the blanket is progressing and that Mr O is so good at blocking all the components. It makes me feel very happy to have been able to initiate that project – and to know that it’s being made with NZ wool.
    Daisy says ‘woof’ to Siddy, but seeing him reminds me so much of Max… what similar faces. Still, I can look at Max’s little face every day in his lightcatcher, which is giving me rainbows on the wall and in my heart – thank you again for that oh so thoughtful gift.

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    • You are thought of every day with your gift Jan, it brings much pleasure and I am so excited to see it coming together now. It really is beautiful! I know our two fellas look alike and I am glad
      you have popped a photo of Max into the photo frame. I forgot to tell you the separate resin heart shape was the ‘glass’ for the frame, but I guess you worked that out for yourself 🙂 It’s so lovely you have adopted Daisy now – she looks delightful. And there is always room in our hearts for another dog!

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      • Yes I realised quite quickly what the separate heart was for and he looks lovely in his light catcher. Daisy has a very different personality to Max, but has settled in very quickly and even the vet liked her! She already had the name Daisy, and responds to it, but f I had had to choose a name I would have called her “Seren”, short for Serendipity and Welsh for Star. When I first met her weeks ago, I jokingly told her fosterer’s husband that she was my dog and strangely it turned out to be true… she was waiting for me!

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        • You could call her Serendaisy and, if she is anything like my pets will quickly pick up on whatever you call her. Orlando is variously called Orlando, O, kitty, Tig and Tiggie. He answers to all of them if he feels like it and comes to a whistle any way. Siddy answers to Siddy, Sid, Sid-Arthur, Siddhartha, puppy, darling and also comes to a whistle. A rose by any other name 🙂 I think it’s wonderful that you knew she was your dog, she probably knew it too!

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  18. First of all – Siddy – adorable!! What a great outfit! Secondly, whatever name you give that doll, it should be preceded by “Miss,” she deserves a title. She looks very useful. Thirdly, I’m always in awe of people who can create. And finally, I, too, look forward to the midway point of winter and get excited as the days get longer. Hang in there and keep on creating!

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    • I like your suggestion of ‘Miss’ and yes, she is very useful! Glad to hear you too understand the need for the return of light 🙂 Siddy is so great, dressed up snazzy or not – he is just the best puppy in the whole world!

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  19. That doll is extra special since it’s 100% your creation–I’m pretty impressed that you did it all without any guidance but your own skill and creativity. And she’ll always be with you, since she is carrying all your implements of construction! Your post is such a happy one–you bring your own light, Pauline!

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    • Thank you Kerri, that is such a lovely thing to say! I suspect my doll is very different to the one I glimpsed, but she certainly pleases me – and yes, she will be my constant companion when I’m working with yarn and thread as everything I might require to use, is there in those pockets or on her somewhere. Beats the heck out of rummaging through my container of bits!

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  21. I can always do with Puppy Cheer in my days. Siddy looks splendid and grand. xx
    Love the little doll, it is very unique. And you went to so much effort. Great work.
    Your blanket is coming along nicely, and thanks to Orlando for all the extra help. 🙂
    Have a great rest of the week and enjoy the upcoming weekend. Enjoy the winter, it is still lovely and cool.

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    • I’m sure we have a very different experience of both summer and winter – I suspect your winteriest winter days are more like my mid summer 🙂 But we acclimate don’t we and, as my aunt used to say, at least we have weather! Orlando is pleased you recognise his helpfulness. He’s a bit miffed now all the components are sewn into place and he no longer has his comfy pile on the table.

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      • 🙂 I would think so too. Our weather is mostly very mild during winter, with some “cold fronts” passing at times. We do not get rain or snow during winter, and most days can still get sunny, even if just during mid day. Nights will get chilly.
        Summers are nice and hot, lots of sunshine, and afternoon thunderstorms, to cool things off, or make it very humid. 🙂
        We are actually very spoiled here with the weather.
        Hugs to Orlando. xx And Siddy too. xx

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  23. Having just moved from the northern to the Southern Hemisphere, I was told I was daft as I would have two winters. Except it is hotter here in winter than where I left! Heaven help us for summer…
    I love your doll! What a wonderful creative and practical creation you have made! I actually thought your glasses were part of her attire they suit her so well. I’m sure she will be a useful companion!

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    • Great Scott! Where did you come from and where are you now? Changing hemispheres can be a real shock in so many ways and such a treat in others. I lived in the UK for a while but so missed the light and the freedom of the south I had to return. Thanks for coming by and joining in Catherine!

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      • We were in the UK for five years and have just moved back to Sydney. I loved the UK, but the winter was dragging! That and it was sending us broke since we can a lot more here! 😂 sad but true that that came into the decision making!

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          • It might be beautiful but it sure is hot! Odd you couldn’t follow – WordPress should still come up as an option, as well as the email option 😊 once we get the computer set up again over the weekend I will be able to get back into blogging and sorting out these things that have happened because of GDPR!

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  25. Your new friend looks like an Estelle to me Pauline. Don’t fret, I promise to start sending the sunlight back to you pretty soon, certainly in time for your Spring, hopefully it will give you chance to finish that glorious blanket.
    xxx Humongous Hugs xxx

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  26. What a happy post. I’m so glad you popped up in my reader!!! I’ve missed you. There is nothing here I don’t absolutely love. How can that be. The painting is, the only word that seems to fit is electric. It was such a surprise after that adorable doll. To make it without a pattern is incredible. I need directions for everything. Siddy is so handsome in his bow tie and Orlando looks quite regal on your blanket that you made just for him, right? I so agree about the weather. I’m basking in the last of our cooler spring temperatures while enjoying more daylight. I miss the daylight but absolutely cannot handle to heat. I’ll be counting the days till autumn and winter again. I walked in the misty rain this morning too. Well, it was more of a drizzle. Not quite so beautiful as mist but earlier this week I thought it was dry when I started walking and when I turned the corner, the sun was shining on the light, misty rain coming down. I enjoyed getting wet. Funny how that is. I think I told you before how much I liked the colors in the blanket. It looks like a kaleidoscope. Hang in there with us. Hugs, M

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    • Hello Marlene – I know, I’m sorry I just don’t seem to stop creating things long enough to post about them 🙂 I’m on a crochet roll 🙂 I’m glad to hear you are still going out for your walks. I go quite early in the summer to try and beat the heat, is that what you do too? I like walking in the rain as long as there is no wind. When it’s cold and wet and windy it’s a chore, when it’s just cold and wet I don’t mind at all. The mist is lovely isn’t it. It always feels a little Arthurian to me and I expect to see knights on horseback riding out of it. Incorrigible romantic!! The painting has a long way to go yet, I find I’m thinking about it quite often and now and again I just go and do a little something to it and then walk away again. One day I’ll have all these crochet projects finished and I’ll get back in that room and start painting for real!

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      • I’d rather know you are busy creating than not. We all wait to see what interesting little things you have done in your absence from us. Obviously, quite a lot. I’m afraid there is no romantic left in me. I only walk 4 or 5 days a week but they must be brisk enough to get my heart rate up for 30 minutes for the fitbit to count it as an exercise day. The walks will get earlier and earlier as the heat builds. All the heavy lifting and yard work never seem to count nor when I’m walking around with my arms full and pushing through the housework. Wind is the one thing that stops me as well. I have to cover my left ear with ear buds to keep it out. Dr said walking was the best thing I can do but it is getting harder than even last year. I feel the difference. But I have so much left I want to finish around here so I don’t give into it. I love that painting. You do something magical to those I’ve seen so far. Looking forward to seeing how it ends up. Thinking of you daily as I pass by all my reminders of your great talent. Giant hugs to you and chin scratches to Siddy and Orlando. 😉

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        • I had a fitbit for a while and found it helpful in getting me informed about the amount of movement that ‘mattered’. I would have a wee competition with myself to see if I could just go a bit further every day, move more purposefully when on the move and so on. It really helped. Puppies, of course, the ultimate fitbit! I have to be seen to be getting ready to walk as soon as my coffee is finished or the pacing starts…… If he doesn’t get his morning walk the world has truly come to an end! I very quickly learned its better to go for a walk than have a depressed puppy 🙂 I do think just getting out and walking in the fresh air is good for you, heart rate up or not. Enjoying what we are doing is also good for us. Have as much fun as possible while doing what must be done that’s Siddy’s motto! xoxo

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          • Dogs and cats are the worlds best teachers as they lead by example. You have very good teachers. When I had my Schatzie, we did the 2 miles twice daily up and around no matter (most of the time) the weather. I drew the line when lightning was in the air. It surprised us one day and I found out Schatzie could fly. 😉 I didn’t walk today but put in lots of physical work weeding, shoveling dirt into the garden and dragging stuff. But you are right, the Fitbit lets me compete with myself always trying to do a bit more. Today is our last cool day for the year. ;( I had to make the most of it outside. Keep up the good work being fit with Siddy. Sounds like a good name for a fitness program. 😉 Hugs to you all.

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  27. That little doll is a doll! I love that you made her after much effort seeking her out. The blanket, Orlando, smiling Siddy—happy to see them all! Your painting is so enchanting. The colors add to the mystery. It’s peaceful and inviting, yet so much richer than that. Maybe beckoning?
    I could picture you out walking in the mist. How beautiful! I’m looking forward to the Summer Solstice because it’s my countdown to fall and cooler temps. Alas, that will be quite a while away here in the southern US. Wishful thinking 🙂

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    • Hi Cheryl, I love that you love my doll too! She’s also not so little being close to 50 cm tall (about 18″ I think), that wasn’t what I was going for, just what she became. I think I love that she is a bit old and tatty looking, almost biographical one might say 😀 There’s a part of me that feels really bad for wishing summer to come this way – because I know it means winter for the other side of the globe…… But really, when it comes to light ……… Isn’t it odd how we look forward instead of enjoying what we have – that sight of magical castles on the hill through the mist should have cured me instantly 🙂 Incorrigible!!

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      • Yes, that seems to be the human condition-believing that happiness lies somewhere else. I do love the cooler temps of winter, though. If we could only (onnnnly) learn to be content wherever we find ourselves. I do believe that’s one of the secrets to happiness. Alas, I’m not quite there. 🙂

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