A Blanket for Laura

Laura is my friend I went to Venice with. She's one of my best friends and has been a key part of my life for years now, bridesmaid when I got married and one of the few people I know that if I ever needed her she would help me, no matter what. I hope she knows that is entirely reciprocated.

So for a special birthday I wanted to make her something special. In my books a crochet blanket is pretty special, this is only the third one I've ever actually completed! I chose the colours before I chose the pattern, I just went crazy for bright and bold colours and once I looked at what I'd chosen I thought solid block granny squares would be the best option.

I love the final result, and she seemed to too, which made me super happy. Giving gifts is one of the best feelings. Although, I have to confess, at one point I realllllly wanted to keep it ;) I may make a similar one for myself ;) Once I've finished some other blankets I've started and abandoned that is....

Beautiful Venice

Last weekend I went to Venice with one of my best friends. We were celebrating a special birthday she had this week and decided a girly weekend away in a beautiful place was an excellent way to start. I love Venice. There's no other way to put it - I just fell hook line and sinker for the place. It's so pretty and just steeped with history.

On our first day we headed off on the boats to the islands North of the main section of Venice, which is of course made up of lots of little islands itself. We took a 'water bus' and headed off nice and early, taking in the views and lots of nods to Venice's maritime history.

Murano was stunning. Famous of course for its glass blowing, and we spent a very enjoyable few hours wandering along the water perusing the many many glass shops.

After Murano we popped over to Torcello, a tiny historical island with a really pretty church at the centre.

 Then there was Burano, one of the prettiest places I've been - brightly coloured houses along the water front and lots of beautiful views.

We also took a water bus along the Grand Canal, admiring the Rialto bridge, stunning buildings and lots of gondolas. We did not take a gondola ride - £80 for half an hour!!!!

The next day we went to St Mark's Square, approaching it in a water bus was quite incredible. Again, the history was just amazing, but we didn't go into the main buildings, it was pretty busy and it was so nice outside I didn't want to queue. The bridge of Sighs was beautiful. 

And the rest of the time we just meandered, popping in and out of shops and just enjoying the views.

On our last day we went to the ghetto. A completely different entrance to the other little islands, and a very sombre feel to the main square, dominated by a memorial to those killed in the Holocaust.

I feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful weekend in such a beautiful city - and lucky to have such amazing friends and people in my life.

Baby Blanket Number 2

C's brother and his wife welcomed another daughter into the world last month, little niece is now a proud big sister. Unlike my failed attempts to make little niece something I was determined I'd manage a little handmade gift for littlest niece, and I decided on a crochet blanket.

They knew they were having a girl, but I wanted to try and make something reasonably 'gender neutral', something just bright and happy.

A big granny square always fits that remit I think :)

A simple half double crochet border has become my favourite blanket border. I should probably get a bit more adventurous at some point but I really like to keep it simple.

Ta Dah!

That was August...

Walking in the Peak District

A sneaky trip to Berlin on the way to a friend's wedding in Brandenburg

Bank Holiday in Pembrokeshire

Lots of crochet

And a more peaceful month at work

Hope you've all had a lovely August, normal blog activity to resume in September :) Looking forward to catching up with Blogland. Thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post xx