Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts

Sunday, 25 March 2018

Over On Nayu's Crochet Dreams #42 Food themed blankets

This post might make you hungry...

To be more precise I've been working on chocolate theme blankets (well, chocolate inspired...or simply a matter of having yarn that makes me think of chocolate! Got check it out over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams (generic link until I have time to add a link)

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Archie Goes to the Doctor + Archie's First Day at School by Emma Brown (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)


 August 2017, Cico Kidz, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Cico Kidz
Archie and his big sister Amber are two of the Shady Bay Buddies who live in the close-knit community of Shady Bay Island. They love playing outside together, but one day Archie falls from the garden swing and hurts his arm. He's very worried when it's made clear he'll need to see the doctor. With his mum and Amber by his side, Archie goes off to the doctor is pleasantly surprised to find it's not that bad after all. There are fun things to do there and the doctor is very kind. 

Archie and his big sister Amber are two of the Shady Bay Buddies who live in the close-knit community of Shady Bay Island. Archie is starting school and wondering what to expect. Amber reassures him that it will be fun. We join Archie as he gets ready for school, meets his new teacher, Miss Whimsie, and enjoy lots of fun activities on his first day. He even makes a new friend called Woolie.  

Nayu's thoughts
I fell in love with these books the moment I discovered rather than being drawn or painted, the characters were crocheted! Emma has such a talent, the characters are adorable and look extremely well made. I expect she had a lot of fun making them, and whoever photographed them had fun too! I'm more a flat crocheter, animals aren't my type of skill (prefer something without a pattern that I don't have to think about or follow as it's easier when I'm tired (which is all the time...)).

I want to reach out to touch Archie and his friends as he experiences what can be intimidating situations for people regardless of how old they are. The backgrounds are a mix of real life objects, fabric, and illustration, which add to the appeal of it. The tales are equally charming, dispelling Archie's worry about getting his arm checked out and the milestone of starting school, with the crochet characters adding a lot to the story. I love Archie's sister who seems to be there supporting him through life along with his trusty toy bunny - his answer to the last page on the school book was hilarious! I half expected to see bunny in the washing machine, which can be an ordeal in itself, so perhaps there will be another tale on that. 

Suggested read
Another sweet and hilarious read that I've enjoyed in the last few months is Hamster Sitter Wanted by Tracy Gunaratnam and Hannah Marks (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E) 

Thursday, 4 January 2018

Nayu's News #238 Gaming heaven & Other things

What's awaiting us in 2018?

This post has been a little too long since the last which was about my wonderful almost new PS4 in late October. Oopsie. Life has been it's usual self. A few of you may have noticed a recent post which went up accidentally: It was blank with a title including Poop which is the name of a book I'm reviewing soon. These days I tend to put filler posts in Blogger, so I know what I need to review next. I'd expected to be able to finish the post before it posted, but that didn't quite happen. That explains the sort of April fool weird post on 31st December! 
Got you! Heehee ^u^

This is one of my favourite Miku outfits!
I've mostly been gaming lately, as I've needed lots of rest due to the weather (& mega meds that put me out of action for a week). I'm not the kind of blogger to post what, if any, resolutions I've made this year, or talk about upcoming posts because I don't make a list of topics to talk about in a year. I simply chat about what I want to chat about! Gaming will continue to be a big feature for me, I've many exciting games that I'm enjoying, including Hatsune Miku Project Diva Future Tone so you can expect more gaming posts. When I'm up for it I'll be working on my crochet projects, so you can expect posts about those. 
Because I can here is a not entirely happy (maybe just woken up?) Miku with a cute bunny!
As usual the place I updated almost daily is Twitter, I'm @Nayuleska so please do say hi if you're on there. I tweet a lot about gaming (not a surprise), my cat (also not a surprise), 
"Yes, human?"
and other stuff too. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2018 has in store for me! Thank you for all your support, it's much appreciated and your comments here/on Twitter/in emails keeps me motivated to keep on posting as and when my not so brilliant body lets me!
Here's to a relaxing 2018!

Friday, 22 December 2017

Over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams #36 Update time!

Love Acchan from AKB008 (especially when Nagisa becomes the next incarnation!)

For today's post head on over to Nayu's Crochet Dreams for what I'm up to and when the next blog post is coming (very soon, I promise!). 

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams #30 Beauty & the Beast + Cadbury's Roundies

Love this Miku fan art!
There's book talk over on my craft blogNayu's Crochet Dreams today (about Robin McKinley's fairytale retellings) & my impressions of a new to me (and fairly new to the UK) chocolate from Cadbury's!! Go check them out! 
Have you tried these mega yummy biscuits???

Monday, 10 July 2017

Over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams #28 Donuts, Crochet & Life stuff!

Pusheen loves donuts like I do!
Find out which flavours of Krispy Kreme I love, my newest crochet project, a forthcoming Theresa Breslin blog tour, and a life update in the most recent Nayu's Crochet Dreams post!

Friday, 9 June 2017

Nayu's News #233 Cat company, reading and gaming lots!

Nyan!!! (Japanese word for mew)
First off hi if you've come over from my craft blog, Nayu's Crochet Dreams. When I do catch up posts I try to alternate where I post the original, and which blog I direct people to from the other blog. There is sense in that sentence somewhere...

My baby girl! (not a baby, but definitely a girl with Attitude!
The last few days I've seen a lot of my cat - I haven't been well and my cat often stays with me until I'm better. I'm on the mend from Wednesday afternoon's completely random & horrid being ill episode (sort of like flu but for a few hours only - my body is known to be weird), managed to tackle all emails today and hope to do some blog work in a few days. I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow and I've family over on Sunday so nothing will happen before Tuesday (Monday will be a rest day).

I switch to audiobooks when I'm tired.
I've been reading quite a bit lately, and almost finished all my review books! Since I'm reviewing less these days that's not as big of an achievement as it sounds, but it's nice to be on top o things. 

As usual if you want updates on how I'm doing I'm most active on Twitter under the name Nayuleska (with the @ in front of it). Those of you who follow me know I'm making steady progress on my current crochet project (I'm so used to speaking about it on Twitter I almost automatically adding a hashtag to the word crochet just now!) I don't know how big it will be, depends when I run out of yarn. It won't be huge, so more of a baby/lap blanket size. I love the colours and it's rather soft to the touch. 


Who could this be? Hint: it's a certain vocaloid I love...
Gaming wise I've been playing a lot of Love Live School Idol Festival - all updates are pretty much on hold until Ramadan is over as my focus in the day is less on how gorgeous the cards are and more on listening to the Quran/appropriate audibooks while I play with the sound on the game off (none of the songs are appropriate for Ramadan) & cute pop ups during the game turned off. I've yet to see any cute pictures where artists have given the girls hijab (headscarfs) & more modest clothing, like this one of Hatsune Miku which is so cute! Miku's on hiatus until after Ramadan (songs definitely not appropriate!) too. However, there are quite a few Aikatsu songs I can listen to, not that I have gamed much on it. Animal Crossing New Leaf has featured a lot in my gaming time - little beats shaking trees for fruit to be sold! 


There will be a Ramadan post next week (albeit copy and paste from previous years...), and several book reviews too. Thank you for being patient with my lack of posts - have a super weekend! 
No donuts for me but there will be cheesecake!!

Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Sunday, 15 May 2016

Over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams #9

Another week has passed and it's time for me to give you a catch up on posts from my other blog, Nayu's Crochet dreams, my craft blog where I chat about pretty much everything in life as well as news about my latest craft projects and much more!

I chat about why I went back to the same supermarket after I'd bought my groceries, my love of hot weather, my favourite cordial and my favourite flavoured milk drink in

Over on Nayu's Reading Corner #1 

I start a weekly post listing what I've posted here on NRC!

 

Nayu's Craft Time #126 Spring crochet facecloths, Cat antics, Investigating black rooms & mystery food!

Among other things I give an update on my latest crochet projects!

Nayu's Craft Time #127 Condiment change!

Find out what my new favourite food is!

 


Sunday, 10 April 2016

Nayus News #216 Sneak peek at new Nayu's Crochet Dreams items!

Look at the colours!!
Head on over to Nayu's Crochet Dreams to see what other items will be going on sale on my Etsy store very soon!

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Nayu's News #213 Crazy few days!

Spotted this online and think it's a perfect phrase!
It's been quite an interesting interesting weekend, involving cat drama, insanely early unexpected wake up call, craft, and other things. You can check it out on Nayu's Crochet Dreams!

Thursday, 21 January 2016

Over on Nayu's Crochet Dreams #5 Inspiring blooms!

1 of 3 plants which are looking pretty for me right now
Head on over to my crochet blog see the gorgeous flowers which I took pictures of after some yarn sorting today!

Tuesday, 22 December 2015

One Skein Wonders for Babies by Judy Durant (Non-fiction, Craft, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 September 2015, Storey Publishing, 288 pages, Ebook, Review copy 

Summary from Storey Publishing
This irresistible collection offers 101 original knitting projects for babies and toddlers — each using just a single skein of yarn! From mittens and hats to tees, sweaters, hoodies, pants, dresses, socks, and bootees, you’ll find the perfect wearable for every child and every occasion. You’ll also discover beautiful bibs, blankets, and sleep sacks, plus adorable stuffed toys, blanket buddies, and more. These beautiful projects were contributed by designers and crafters around the world, and each comes with complete step-by-step instructions and a photograph of the finished piece.

Nayu's thoughts
Sometimes knitters have an odd ball of yarn which isn't enough to make a big project, but a smaller one is needed. That's where this book is useful! The range of projects is extensive, including accessories, clothes, blankets, and of course baby items which as a smaller product suit using 1 skein.
Tada!
Here's what I did, a cute baby bootie! I didn't note down the pattern name because I thought I'd still be able to access it when I wrote the review. Unfortunately I've gone into the program and unlike novels apparently there was an expiry date so I no longer have this wonderful book. I will look to buy it in the future! 

The instructions are easy to use with large pictures so I had a good idea of what the finished product looked like. The ribbed effect meant I knitted the equivalent of two socks in one, so it took a fair amount of time to do. I'm not sure I'd use this particular pattern again, but I would look at some of the more complex patterns in the future.  

Friday, 30 October 2015

New to Nayu's Crochet Dreams: Button decorated fingerless gloves!

Pretty in purple with heart buttons!
Take a look at the first of many in my new Fingerless Gloves collection, available to buy on my Etsy store! 
Perfect for holding a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate!

Friday, 9 October 2015

Nayu's News #201 My Muse is in the Mood!

For some reason my Muse frequently acts like Holo in the anime Spice and Wolf: in this case stroppy.
No, my Muse isn't in that kind of mood. She sure can sulk and grumble, but the mood she's in today is more like this: 
Holo again! Looking mega mega happy ^o^
Over the past week in particular Muse is on fire. 
Holo on fire with enthusiasm!
 By working hard on resting more with anime, watching anime music videos, and other stuff I think being more relaxed is having a positive effect on my Muse. She is writing much more. She is more vocal about when she wants to write too. 
While she can pester me to write with words, she only has to look like Holo does here and I'm such a sucker for Muse looking cute. Naturally as I writer I've already lost the plot so yes I can see my Muse!
She's demanded to write as soon as I wake up early, and right before I go to bed. Wherever possible I agree and let Muse play. It's fun! I'm almost half-way through my novel, and I'm aiming to finish this round of edits by the end of the month. It's doable, as now until the end of my wip (work in progress) is more together than the first part which needed complete rewriting. That's not to say it's perfect, far from it. 

I've got a lot of rephrasing to do, and some word finding. I've been finding Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com extremely useful when I want to check what a word means (sometimes what I think it means isn't what it means) or find a more suitable word to a word I know. 

I Muse figured out what she I was doing wrong. There have been a few parts where I  Muse knew the writing wasn't quite right, but I couldn't figure out precisely what the issue was. I had a yay! moment the other night - I've been headhopping, switching my point of view to the wrong character, which competely changes the dynamic of the story. Issue identified, I'm now able to solve it and that particular paragraph is heaps better - another yay moment! 
Holo in a yay! moment!

I'm loving my current life as part-time author, part-time crochet artist!
Isn't Madoka from Aikatsu cute!!!

Friday, 2 October 2015

Nayu's Crochet Dreams Catch Up September 2015

This post is simultaneously being posted on Nayu's Crochet Dreams Picture source
Somehow August's Catch up on all my Nayu's Crochet Dreams blog posts didn't happen, but September Catch Up is now ready! Here's what's been going on in my craft world - and baking ^o^

Please! Or yarn to keep on knitting ^o^


Find out how you helped me reach an important milestone!

Nayu's Craft Time #71 Baking and stuff
A brief post on what I've been baking - including bran flake marshmallow crispies!

 Nayu's Craft Time #72 This week's plans
Which include truffle making!

Nayu's Craft Time #73 The 3 Cs: Carrots, Crochet & Chocolate!
I work on a set of cream fingerless gloves bordered with this soft pink

I share a smoothie recipe with you!

which involved more roll baking (white rather thn these super tasty sun-dried tomato and chilli rolls)

Nayu's Craft Time #75 Relaxation is bliss!

This post involves me squee-ing over having Elsa appear in the US fantasy drama Once Upon A Time season 4
Can you guess what green veg I've snuck in with these blueberries?

As you can see September was a pretty quiet month craft wise, at least for those things that I can show you. I'm trying to find a new routine for both blogging and craft, to get a fair balance of each. Finally building work is complete which means I can easily have a few hours of crochet without being needed for rounds of tea and checking progress. I plan to make October quite different from September! 
This quote says it all!