I am well and truly smitten with crochet (though I'll not be giving up my day job of bunny knitting anytime soon). Now that my fingers are a little more confident I'm finding it involves a little less involvement from my brain than knitting does - there are no rows or stitches to count and no increases or decreases, just a rhythmic round and round that is soothing and uncomplicated and perfect for the end of the day when I'm feeling weary. And I really enjoyed working on one square a day of the 'flowers in the snow' blanket so as soon as that was finished I started planning my next 'one square a day' blanket.
I wanted my favourite colours of blues, greens and reds to be dominant in this next blanket and I had an idea of the sort of one I wanted to make inspired by this gorgeous blanket by Moogsmum. More recently I came across these inspiring creations and have been day-dreaming about all of these while keeping an eye out for the right yarn colours. Then one day when I was tidying up the kitchen my gaze fell on my china on the shelf and I knew that these colours would be perfect.
So, this next one a day project will be known as 'me old china' blankie
Perfect name for it really, because 'me old china' is cockney rhyming slang for mate / friend and I plan on doing lots of snuggling with my mate under it when it's finished!
If you fancy joining in with a 'one a day' project of any kind then please join the One a Day ravelry group started by Gingerbread Girl where you'll find lots of other lovely people doing it too!
I love the colours you've chosen. Enjoy the one a day - I won't be joining in even though i'm very tempted because last year I sort of grannied myself flat out :-)
Posted by: Karen | September 19, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Hi Julie, They are such lovely colours, I can't wait to see your new "mate" xxBrenda
Posted by: Brenda | September 19, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Crochet is a nice diversion. i adore those soft colors you're using!
Posted by: Julie | September 20, 2011 at 12:57 AM
Julie,
Its going to be lovely lovely lovely.
Must share with you, I attempted to knit a bunny all by myself, the bunny is sitting on top of my crochet basket minus one leg (the doggie got to it!)
Renee xx
Posted by: Renee | September 20, 2011 at 01:12 AM
This is going to be so beautiful:) I really need to learn crochet. Have fun!!!
Posted by: Jeanie | September 20, 2011 at 01:28 AM
Ooooh, it's going to be SO pretty Julie. I can't wait to watch it grow. And you changed your blog -- I love it now, but I'm missing the pretty picture of YOU!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | September 20, 2011 at 02:38 AM
Its beautiful!!!Love your choice of colours!!
Posted by: Saritha | September 20, 2011 at 03:10 AM
I love everything about this post. I love the feeling of the colors together, and the way they work in the squares, and the cozy picture of snuggling and cockney element and - and - and everything.
Posted by: K | September 20, 2011 at 03:43 AM
Love the colours. Just perfect for a cozy blanket :0) Really love the china too! Very pretty.
Posted by: louisa | September 20, 2011 at 04:11 AM
What lovely colors!
Posted by: Panhandle Jane | September 20, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Gorgeous colour combo! I have teacups and saucers inherited from my grandmother Eva that look to be the same design as your jug and I've often thought of pinching the colours, but adding that soft blue and green is just perfect. Happy hooking :)
Posted by: Annie | September 20, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Crochet certainly gets you 'hooked' doesn't it. I find it perfect for those times when I don't have to concentrate too hard, you only have to deal with one stitch if you drop it. Lovely pastel colours for your blankie :-)
Posted by: Jenni at Baa-me Kniits | September 20, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Absolutely perfect colours, I can't wait to see it grow and grow! :)
Posted by: Tina | September 20, 2011 at 08:01 AM
Oh those colours!!
Do you think there's a cure for the crochet addiction? I really must return to knitting but I have a severe case of the blanket bug!
Looking forward to seeing the progression of 'me ol' china'.
Posted by: sew | September 20, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Your colour choices are one of the (many) things that mark your work out for me. Just delicious.
Fancy a trip to that little wool shop and some tea at Westmill one day next week?
Posted by: dottycookie | September 20, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Lovely colours - not sure the one a day thing is for me though, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from working out how long it would take me to complete the blanket, and that would definitely put me off!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | September 20, 2011 at 08:30 AM
It is all this granny loveliness that makes me wish I could actually crochet properly.
Posted by: trash | September 20, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Such pretty colours Julie.
Posted by: Gina | September 20, 2011 at 08:41 AM
If only I could finish my ripple blanket, I could maybe think about making something similar - it's gorgeous.
Posted by: Dragonfly | September 20, 2011 at 09:05 AM
I have just started my daughter who is pregnant crocheting squares for a baby blanket , I will not be seeing her until January so hopefully the squares will be finished and I can show her how to sew them together .
Posted by: chris | September 20, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Hi Julie, the colours are gorgeous and I'm so glad you had discovered that crochet is a soothing activity :)
Tracey xx
Posted by: Tracey Todhunter | September 20, 2011 at 09:22 AM
Beautiful colours and I love the Cath Kidstonesque blankets that inspired you! I'm sure yours will be every bit as gorgeous.
S x
Posted by: Sandra | September 20, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Such lovely colours, Julie. I've never taken to crochet but I feel a trip to a woolshop is necessary!
Posted by: Jane | September 20, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I just love these delicious colours Julie!
That green yarn in the green mug is sooooo beautiful. :) It's going to be such a pretty blanket!
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | September 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I really love the colours you have picked for your grannies. They work so well together.
Carole x
Posted by: Gingerbread Girl | September 20, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I love that you give your blankets a name, its so sweet. The colours you have used are wonderful. Oh and your header is soo cute, I love it so much!
Have a nice day! Barbina
Posted by: barbina | September 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I love that it goes with your china. Very nice. It just looks soft and inviting.
Posted by: Kashi Griffith | September 20, 2011 at 01:08 PM
I love the colours you've chosen, Julie - they're going to be beautiful when they're all grannied together!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | September 20, 2011 at 01:16 PM
ooh, very pretty colors and what a fun way to have gotten your inspiration. I had no idea that "me old china" was slang for mate/friend. Now I've got a new expression. Thanks!
Posted by: Wool Free and Lovin' Knit | September 20, 2011 at 01:26 PM
So very pretty - I just love your choice of colours!
Looking forward to seeing it grow...
Pen xox
Posted by: Pen at Oliver Boliver | September 20, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Those colours you've chosen are beautiful! Are they Debbie Bliss yarns? My DD1 has used them and says they are fabulous to work with.
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | September 20, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Lovely! This is one of the first things I learned how to make (back in 8th grade). Can't wait to see more. I need a new one, and I'm inspired by the yarns you've chosen. Pretty.
Posted by: Auntie Pami | September 20, 2011 at 02:24 PM
Oh crikey, there you go inspiring me again Julie! Trouble is I can keep up with your knitting exploits, but my crochet means I would probably only manage one square a week sadly. I might give it a go on a slower scale. The colours of this one are just scrummy. I SO want to do this properly xx
Posted by: Joy | September 20, 2011 at 02:25 PM
Wonderful, Fabulous colours. I have two projects on the go at the moment based on Granny squares, I agree they are so relaxing to make
Posted by: Catherine | September 20, 2011 at 03:09 PM
They are gorgeous colours Julie and very "you". Can you share the shade numbers with us? You put colours together so well. Its lovely to have you back and blogging regularly, although we completely understand why you couldn't share more with us over the summer. Rosy xx
Posted by: Rosy Nancarroq | September 20, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Wow, beautiful colours I especially love the light greeny-blue, look forward to seeing it all grow
Posted by: Faith | September 20, 2011 at 04:27 PM
The colours you've picked are so pretty and the wool so snuggly,look forward to seeing it grow. Deb xxxx
Posted by: Deb Hickman | September 20, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Such pretty colours, reminds me of a beautiful english country garden in the summer :) can't wait to see the finished project.
Posted by: all4meggymoo | September 20, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Fabulous colors and fabulous photography!
Posted by: Deanne | September 20, 2011 at 06:54 PM
It is going to be so beautiful Julie! I wish I had your skill at chosing colours and I wish I could join you in your one-a-day but I'm sure I'd fall behind and end up frustrated. What brand of wool are you using? Lucy x
Posted by: lucylocket | September 20, 2011 at 06:58 PM
Well me old china, i think it is going to be a delight ;o)
those colours are just so pretty.
I am fairly new to crochet and i totally agree it is very very relaxing and you can just pick it up and put it down as you like...perfect
love jooles x
Posted by: jooles | September 20, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Can i just say, your rabbits are to die for!! and your yarn choices for your one aday are stunning! look forward to watching your blanket grow!
Posted by: Danielle@astashaddict | September 20, 2011 at 08:24 PM
Gorgeous colors! I smile everytime I visit your blog when I see those cute little bunnies in your banner too :) Lovely to see the crochet, can't wait for the next update to see your progress!
xx Marja (Noemie on Rav)
Posted by: Marja | September 20, 2011 at 08:36 PM
Just adore the colours. So elegant but cheerful at the same time. Can't wait to see it grow.
Posted by: HillyT | September 20, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Lovely! Your photography skills are fabulous - everythinglooks so pretty. I can't wait to see the progress as this grows :)
Posted by: Ali G | September 20, 2011 at 11:30 PM
Lovely choice of colours.
Posted by: Karisma | September 21, 2011 at 12:34 AM
It's the colours chosen that make the blanket. I often lust after one at Mias Landliv, gorgeous. Looking forward o watching progress!
Posted by: jill | September 21, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Crochet is sooo addictive isn't it?! But it grows really quickly so projects, even lovely large blankets, seem to come together quickly.
Posted by: French Knots | September 21, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Your granny squares are lovely - such pretty colours. And I love how some of those colours are such a perfect match for your china! I'm looking forward to seeing more of this! :)
Posted by: Rainy Day Crafter | September 21, 2011 at 06:47 PM
That's going to be beautiful. I love the colors.
Posted by: Denise | September 21, 2011 at 07:54 PM