As much as I love working on the Wool Eater Blanket, on Sunday night I felt the need for a “quick-fix” crochet project.  Clare has been asking for a poncho for a little while.  So I made her a Lacy Shell Poncho and a matching hat.

The yarn is Patons Soft Haze, an acrylic/wool/bamboo blend that I picked up at Spotty for around $2 per ball a little while ago knowing that Clare would love the soft pink colour.  It worked up extremely quickly with a 6.5mm hook – around 3 hours all up.  And what does Clare think?  Will she curse me in years to come for crocheting a poncho?

Nah, I think she looks pretty happy with herself!

Another person who should be feeling very happy with herself at the moment is Pip – her new book was launched yesterday, and it’s full of craft patterns and projects by Australian designers.

The book is beautifully presented and written in such an accessible style.  Congratulations to all the contributors and to Pip for a terrific book!  Another Australian book that has just made its way into my house is Material Obsession, a beautiful quilting book.  So far I’ve only had the chance to glance through it, but I already want to have a go at making quite a few of the quilts within the pages.

And speaking of quilts and talented quilt designers, Kellie from Don’t Look Now! is having a giveaway to win her latest applique cushion pattern.  Kellie’s work is truly breathtaking – her use of colour and detail is just so, so gorgeous!  Pop over and enter – and maybe pre-order the pattern while you’re there!