roman sock

Highlander - The Cow

I have finally finished this little guy for a swap over at The Needle. I should have sent him on Monday, but he just took me so long! I think it's because he is bigger than my usual creatures. I love Highland Cows and this little baby seems to be a very fluffy specimen.

I still remember the first time I ever saw a Highland Cow. It looked like something from the past, a great big beast too fluffy and too innocent for this day and age, like it should have died out with the Mammoths, but they are very real!

I went for a walk in Dalkieth Country park yesterday, and after carelessly strolling through a field noticed that there was a sign on the gate "Danger: Bull In Field" hmmm. Even though I could clearly see there was no bull I was petrified. Somehow I imagined this huge bull, would just appear right next to me and charge. Absolute irrational fear - maybe I am never going to make a country girl.

The walk was stunning though, and you could just imagine Edwardian ladies taking a turn around the estate. Sometimes I wish I was born 150 years ago - then I realise just how much freedom we have and I remember to be grateful to be here now.

The feet and the joints are made with vintage leather buttons, which are just amazing! I love that they have had a previous life, probably snipped off old tweed jackets and now a part of a new softie. It's a bit mind-boggling, really.

I have become obsessed with this whale, I just have to make myself one isn't it just adorable? Sea creatures! You just have to love them!

A Job and a Weevil

I have had a very manic time of late, leaving a job, trying to move city and just get by! So I have been slightly AWOL from Roman Sock. But I am back and have a whole week and a half off!! Before I start my new job. Ahh, at last time to crochet.

I have done a little work on the site and you can now find me on Etsy!!! Yayyyyyyyyyy Little Diversions from Roman Sock.

Here is my new little creature:

(The Suncatcher eyes are extraordinary! I am so impressed with them!! and shall be ordering tonnes! Thank you Michelle!)

I once made a batch of muffins, a long time ago when I lived with my parents, which my dad really liked because they tasted so crunchy. Later on that day my mum found the entire baking cupboard was infested with Weevils. I never told my Dad.... Extra protein!!! Can that ever be really bad?

The Wise Weevil, sitting sage-like.

Scurrying

Contemplating the sky

Locked in an epic battle with Twinks.

This is the first of a series of rain forest creatures I would like to make from the book Rainforest.

love is all around

I hope you all had a simply marvelous valentines day!! Look what landed on my doorstep this morning:

I ordered them from Soto Softies and they arrived just in time! Aren't they the most darling things in the world! Ever!

I also got this adorable crocheted and felted bowl from Monika. It's great for my keys and phone, and finally stops the scratches.

I am working on two very time consuming projects...sigh... I am working double time on them - especially as one is for a baby that's on the way!

a ripple baby blanket ...

and this scarf! Inspired by Wisteria and Moonstitches' famous rhubarb scarf.

Well, over and out!

Granny Square Tortoise Love

Hi everyone, Thank you so much for your appreciation over the years. Just to let you know I have relaunched the Roman Sock Shop and you can now find it at romansock.com.

The Granny Square Tortoise pattern has arrived! Download here: Download Tortoise.pdf .I have also discovered something new about the Granny Square Tortoise species - They are very amorous indeed!

Here they mainly look hungry! But you turn your back for just a second! and it goes all discovery channel!

( This picture is very juvenile and I apologize)

I spent the day looking for flats, in Glasgow. Just hearing birdsong and seeing green was so refreshing. We may get to live by a park and see sun and green everyday. I had no idea how much living in the middle of this city was affecting me. It's so beautiful, but I long for nature. I just feel disconnected from the seasons, from the time of day and, most of all, from the most glorious green of the trees and wind through your hair.

On the way there I managed to work a bit on my ripple project whilst also holding Twinkle on my lap! I was quite impressed with myself. There was a lot of laughing from other cars though so we must have looked funny! Twinkle with his head stuck out the window ( he insists - won't travel any other way). I hasten to add my other half was driving!! 

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Happy Chinese New Year for tomorrow!!

I saw a post on How About Orange... about printable Chinese New Year Decorations from HP and had to make these guys:

I was lucky enough to live in China and Hong Kong from being a toddler untill I was 11 and it made a huge impression on me. Now it has morphed into a magical and almost mystical time. Chinese New Year was always the highlight of the year! Not only would people give you money in red packets. Strangers ( practically) giving you money! Can there be anything better? But the air was always scented with mandarins that just seemed to be in abudance.

The fireworks and the dragon dances gave even the darkest street a warm glow, and watching them snake through the city was awe inspiring. I am a Rooster in the chinese zodiac ( Principle Qualities: Honest, Frank Obliging and Couragous - Principal Defects: Vain, Thoughtless, Preoocupied with Aprearance - hmm thoughtless maybe...vain... never!). I also have a slight penchant for using the I Ching to help me make decisions. I have a old book I keep by my bed with 3 £ coins. I like the little snippets of wisdom you receive like " by fixing your eyes on the horizon you know how to evaluate distances." It always leaves you with something to think about!

Polar Bears three ways

Okay, I know I should have had enough of winter animals... but here is just one more batch. You may remember my polar bear... she now has a family! Those bears!

I am sure there is a fairytale joke in here somewhere, but I for one am not going to make it! I would never get it just right. (Oh the shame!)

There is just something about three stuffies together...

I also like these long style pictures. I think I may print one and use it as a book mark.

As these bears are to be sold. I wanted to do something to link them to me somehow, so if you have been wondering what the blue pills on their bums are...

What do you think? Is it a bit over the top? I was nicked named wibit by some members of my family who could not say 'Brigitte' also the 'wibit, wibit' noise from the frog world in Mario 3 could possible have something to do with it. I may have played that level non stop for rather a few months.

I have also had a couple of emails asking where I buy my supplies.

I get my safety eyes from  http://www.craftbits.co.uk/ but I am longing to try http://www.suncatchereyes.net/.

I tend to get my yarn on ebay - I find Paton's do lots of lovely fluffy yarns. I also find myself drawn to Angel Yarns  http://www.angelyarns.com/ I know some people have had a few delays with them, but I have always had excellent service.

My challenge this month is to blog a little more often. I am aiming for every other day. so hopefully you will hear a little more from me.