Ups and downs

Last week has been rather horrid, on Tuesday I had some terrible news, kind of end of era news. Lots of changes are coming my way, which to tell you the truth is very frightening as I really do not do well with change, but oddly enough I'm rather excited about this, surely change must be good. There changes that are about to happen I was thinking of making myself in about a year as I felt I'm not ready yet, but obviously fate decided that I'm and the choice was made for me. I'm trying to stay optimistic and look at the wonderful and positive things that are happening in my life, like my book, teaching workshops, planning a wedding there's just so much to be thankful for. And this week I had a wonderful phone call that put my mind at ease and it has soften the blow of last week a bit, changes are still coming but they won't be so immediate and I can take my time and choose wisely, all is good in the world once again. 

The workshop season had kicked off with a glorious bang! 

It seems like it's been nonstop go, with all the preps, teaching and now I'm even putting together autum/winter workshop program (I know! We didn't even have summer yet!), but the more I teach the more I love this job! 

I adore teaching all levels of crocheting and knitting. Love beginners as there's nothing more satisfying than showing someone new skill and watching them fall in love with the craft and get addicted as much as I am. Very often I receive emails from my past students with projects that they completed and the way they have progressed it's amazing! Really brings lots of joy to my heart. 

This season so far I had lots of advanced workshops especially finishing techniques, which are great workshops for learning how to get that professional look to your knitted garments. Next season, due to very high request, I’ll be introducing finishing techniques for crochet as well. 

I also taught some workshops on fair isle and intarsia, entrelac, introduced some lace knitting to beginners (with the most amazing view onto the Olympic Stadium) and of course the glorious bunting, which is a project we make during ‘Moving on from Learn to Crochet’ workshops. Very busy last couple of months, but so rewarding on so many levels.

 Entrelac

Look at the view!

 

I put together some lovely 2-hour classes based on techniques used in my book. One of the classes is on crocheting a purse and the other on jazzing up your crochet with embroidery. I have quite few of those workshops booked around from different stores of John Lewis to Black Sheep Wools, so please check my website for more details, click here for the workshop page of my website.

 Crochet a purse

                                                                      Jazz up your crochet


Anna x

www.moochka.co.uk

Celebrations

On Sunday we had little celebrations for Ollie’s and Brick's Birthday, and before you ask....yes we do celebrate our cats birthday and yes we are those kind of people :)  

Ollie bear is now the grand old age of 9, and he does show it, very grumpy old cat, likes things his way only or he will throw a diva fit.  

 When it comes to Bricky pickles we are not sure when his birthday is. When he was rescued the vet

estimated his age for about 8 months, so April seemed like a good time to celebrate his very first birthday and it ties in nicely with Ollie's birthday.

To celebrate I've crocheted them little mouse called Hampton (well, I made few of them, not only one, that would be cruel) .

It's a cute little fellow full of catnip in his belly. Ollie absolutely loves Hampton and can't leave him alone for a second. Brick on the other hand couldn't care less, but then Brick is only interested in tearing up paper, if we leave any paper laying around he will be on it in a shot and not stop until it’s all in pieces, but saying that he is warming to Hampton and starting to play with it a bit. 

 

It’s so amazing to see how much Brick has changed from the kitten we got. Knowing his very hard beginning in life it is so special to see him growing up and turning into this totally adorable monster, who is the cuddliest cat on the planet, but also the naughtiest.

I fear Ollie does not share my opinion, Brick is still fascinated with Ollie and follows him everywhere, Ollie however wants to be left alone to snooze constantly, preferably on a patch of sun, but for most parts they do get on wonderfully and give each other grooming sessions. 

                                                                   Ollie's diva face

I made Hampton using 4mm crochet hook and Rowan All Seasons Cotton as I wanted natural and durable fibre, perfect for very sharp kitty’s teeth. You can use any aran weight yarn, you will need about 18 meters and a bit of contrasting colour for eyes. You will also need some toy stuffing and catnip which you can buy in most stores. 

Have fun making Hampton and I know your cat will love playing with it or why not make one for kitty in need.

The pattern for

Hampton is available here: 

Moochka 

Love Knitting

Craftsy

Anna xx