In full bloom

Even though it's winter here, there's a kind of uncanny beauty in the bare branches and dropping leaves.

The fire of autumn has all but gone, with just the odd cluster of maple leaves and one sad miniature cherry leaf clinging on, something like the last embers of a blaze.

The crepe myrtle that fascinates me so much with its bright green leaves in summer and its russet-gold combination in autumn, is now a slightly forlorn collation of twigs.  Just beyond it, the star magnolia is doing just that, showing its stuff in distinctive white petals and pink blush furry buds.

Would it be such a feature in spring?  Possibly not.  I wonder if it knows that just as it is fading, the world is stirring, the earth is warming, and sweet peas, cherry blossom and a larger installment of silver princess gum blossom are just waiting to burst forth as the banksia rose froths onto the front fence.

I feel the same about the daphne as I do about the magnolia.  It has such a distinctively icy winter scent that whenever I think about it taking its place in the spring months, I have to discard the thought.  It is a product of colder days, and there it works beautifully.

So this little patch of ours ticks away, and the main colours that keep flourishing arrive with the camellias - cherry blossom pink, skirted candy and white streaks, puffball mauve, and the occasional cupped cream and gold.  The bounty of the camellias means this jug can be filled every couple of days, just as the top heavy blooms collapse with a soft thud, and petals float gently to the carpet.

Before they give way, however, the jug of camellia catches the sunlight, holds the standard high for winter blooms, and even - just faintly - connects me to the far off spring.

Crochet Love

One thing that is really special is seeing your finished crochet projects 'in action'.

This little cardigan was completed in February, and can be seen here on my lovely baby niece...about a week ago.

She is just beautiful, and I'm delighted to have such a sweet bundle wearing something I made!

This, of course, is just the beginning.  There are more cardigans, blankets, ponchos and toys on the way - and that is but the start.  Sadly, we've found out that she doesn't like hats or mittens, but I have plans for many future projects.

Welcome to the world of crochet, Alisha!

Your very grateful aunt.

Often the best

The simple things, indeed, usually are the best.

There is a reason why many hundreds of pages on Ravelry are related to granny squares or variants thereof.

Not only can granny squares be as elaborate, uncomplicated, cosy or sophisticated as you like - they are economical, quirky, pretty, elegant, simple and all tell a story of both the maker and the intended recipient.

My most recent version - made from the ever popular Stylecraft Special DK - is for a little girl called Violet.  Needless to say, there are plenty of mauves, purples and lavenders in there, edged in the reliable Parchment shade.  I haven't elaborated on design; it's my standard 3-2-3, 3-1-3, and made in pansy and viola shades as well as adopting the violet tones.

I've made many granny square blankets (and other granny square items, from scarves to bags and cardigans) over the years, from a big brown boucle number adopted by my mother, to a Summer Garden coastal blanket in pure wool.  I've adopted the Summer Garden pattern from Attic24, as well as granny stripes, and I've loved every project along the way.

My first granny square blanket - from 1985 - was made for my grandfather, and it stands out as a crafting highlight.  Not knowing then what I do now, it rather uniquely still has all the yarn ends in place, with a jersey fabric backing attached that hides them more than adequately.  It was made from scraps, and my favourite colours and combinations - red and grey, raspberry pink, aqua and orange, to name a few - were present even then.  It took forever to make those 120 squares with the original 6.00 mm hook granted to me by my great aunt, and putting the shell edging on after my mother sewed the squares together (randomly, with a peach coloured wool that was always around, no matter how much of it we used!) was a crafting triumph.

And...it was loved.  I think that is what I appreciate most about granny squares and what we make from them.  No matter how many jokes you hear about the 1970s and burnt orange acrylic, a classic like the granny square is made to last and be enjoyed.  It's the identifying highlight of crochet, and the item that so many prospective crocheters name as something they would like to make. Quite simply, the granny square's the best.