Sunday 9 February 2014

A blanket for pirates

Back in November I went for a wander by the river and took some photos of a pirate quilt I'd made for the middle boy.  While I was there, I also took a few shots of the blanket I knitted him as well.


I copied it from here, with a few alterations.  The skull and crossbones chart is here, and the galleon, the anchor and the penguin are mine.  The penguin is there in place of a parrot; the middle boy was going through a penguin phase at the time - you know how it is.






Knitting on the homefront is going slowly.  I'm not quite sure that I like what I'm doing with the sparkly yarn.  I do love Ravelry, but there's so much choice, it's hard for an indecisive person to pick a pattern and stick with it.  And sometimes the things I have in my head aren't to be found there at all.

The weekend here was quiet.  The biggest boys were supposed to go to see their first professional football match on Saturday, to see Forest Green Rovers play.  But like so many things it was called off because of waterlogged ground.  So we had a wander around our little town yesterday, and more of a brisk walk under purple clouds today.  Homework has been completed, books have been read, a little baking was done and the littlest boy went to a brilliant party with pass-the-parcel and musical chairs.

I can feel that that January energy has ebbed away a little.  This week I'll be trying to recapture it and accomplish a bit more than last week.  There's still a lot of organising to do around here, and the longer it remains undone, the more anxious I feel.  I have a vague feeling that I need a plan, I need to be working towards something.  But right now, there's uncertainty, and I need to take a deep breath and work through it as best I can.  And the best way is to be busy and organised.  Here's to a productive week, I hope you have one too.

28 comments:

  1. Love the knitted blanket and am sure your boy does too. Maybe the best way through this uncertainty is to one thing at a time and to try not to flit from one to another which if you are anything like me is what I do?

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  2. Wow CJ!! This is brilliant and so right for a boy. You did an amazing job and it looks great, as do your photos by the way, great choice of backdrop or what!! xx

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  3. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....what a great pirate blanket. Good job!

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  4. This is wonderful, CJ. It's so creative. You're a really great knitter. I know this blanket will be much loved.

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  5. I am always going through a penguin phase!
    The blanket is superb CJ.

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  6. Superb blanket - you are clever! Hope you do have a productive week. X

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  7. I'll bet this was well received. It is so well done. I couldn't believe it was knitted untilI saw the close up. such a great job CJ!

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  8. That blanket is stunning! WOW! You are so very talented friend...I have so much to learn in the knitting department! And I hear you on the planning and organizing...I am thinking of getting that book called write it down...or maybe I will just start writing more down to help me stay focused as well! I have so much to do and the time seems to just slip on by sometimes! Best wishes for a very productive week! Nicole xoxo

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  9. As an avid sailor I am in awe of your nautical blanket! Bravo! What I wouldn't give to have that throw for my living room! I hope you have a good week ahead. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  10. Aaahh, you've made me all nostalgic for when my boy was young enough to want all things pirate-y (before he moved on to his Zorro phase!). Wonderful piece of work, i used to knit but can only do it in short bursts now as typing and knitting has taken its toll on my thumbs (RSI in thumbs? Yep, 'fraid so.) although, bizarrely, I can still crochet! More rain forecast, hard to get the mojo going stuck indoors so i wish you a good week ahead. xx

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  11. My problem is that the things I have in my head are usually unobtainable too. A life of compromise!

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  12. A wonderful blanket for pirates! As penguins are found on the high seas, I think they definitely look in place. I agree about losing that start-the-year energy a little bit, I think I've had too much of winter now and could really benefit now from some spring sunsine!

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  13. Wow, that is amazing I thought you said you weren't a good knitter? I have just ripped a project out because the yarn wasn't right for the pattern and another one because it was a finished item I never wore. Ravelry is a bit if a minefield isn't it. I usually only go and look at patterns when I don't have a project in mind to see what I can find so that I don't feel overwhelmed. :)

    Hope your uncertainties are short lived.

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  14. This is an amazing blanket CJ, perfect for a little boy. I bet it is used a lot. I have just finished a pair of sparkly socks and have shared the instructions if socks are something you would consider for your sparkly wool. Cx

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  15. What a fabulous blanket, I bet your son loves it. I have a soft spot for penguins so I think your son did right swapping the parrot for one, and that galleon is wonderful.

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  16. oh it's gorgeous.
    have a lovely week, the sun is out here, it always makes things seem more hopeful and full of promise x

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  17. The blanket is amazing CJ - I can't imagine how long that took to make! Hang in there - spring is coming a little bit more every day. Soon you'll have to get planning for your garden. Is your son enjoying his new bed that was so confusing to put together?

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  18. I like the pirate quilt. I think that it's the weather making you feel as you do, and guess that we all feel a bit like it. It'll be better once the weather improves and we can get plotting again.
    Flighty xx

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  19. Hi CJ,

    Thank you for your kind comment on my blog! The blanket you made for your son looks beautiful! Wish I could knit like you.

    Happy week,

    Madelief x

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  20. I absolutely LOVE this blanket CJ, wow what a masterpiece. I also love how this photo was styled, it really needs a full page in a magazine. Well done CJ, this is a true inspiration to any crafter. I do hope that your February injects a little more energy into you. I found a little in my garden this morning, the first time I have really had a closer look at the flower beds this year and it is so lovely to see a promise of spring peeping through. Sending you warm hugs and wishes for a lovely and happy week xoxo

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  21. That's a beautiful blanket ! Good luck with getting your energy back and making the week as productive as you wish it to be.

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  22. Hey CJ,

    A goegeous blanket you clever thing. I'm so sorry that you are feeling at sixes and sevens. Perhaps the days drawing out will restore some energy. The weather seems to be bringing lots of people down. I love pottering around at home, but go stir crazy if I can't breathe fresh air every day too.

    Take care, CJ.

    Leanne xx

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  23. I hope the uncertainty is of a good kind, so sorry the boys missed their big game. I am getting nothing done, absolutely nothing and not liking it one bit.
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  24. Going through their growing up process is always memorable..., and the little things like photos, toys, dress and blankets will connect with yesteryears... :)

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  25. I know what you mean about keeping the energy up to accomplish things. I tend to just think I’ll get to it later. That blanket you knitted is absolutely beautiful! I’m sure he loves it. Here’s to a productive week for us both:)

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  26. What a wonderful blanket! I am in awe of your knitting skills, there is some technical looking stuff there. I hope you're still feeling productive. I always find busyness a great antidote to anxiety. x

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  27. That blanket is just awesome! And it must have taken you hours and hours to do. Lucky boy!

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  28. I have knit envy, my two would love a blanket like this and it looks great in the photos!

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