Tassels and pom poms.

For the last few weeks I have been driving my poor husband up the wall in my quest to find a new handbag to take to my sisters wedding without spending a total fortune.  I love the thought of turning up carrying a neat little clutch bag with nothing more than a coin purse and lipstick.  In reality any one with children will know that a bag (regardless of size) without a shoulder strap is a total nightmare.  Firstly you always need a spare hand to carry a baby, or hold hands, a constant supply of snacks, babywipes, nappies, dummies and in our case stinky blankey (Harriet's treasured soft toy).  As my mum keeps reminding me I am the bridesmaids mother (although what this actually means I am not too sure).  I am mindful that I may need a supply of activities for the church.  Here are a few of my favourite child free finds.

I love the colour contrast on this bag and the pom pom tassel. 

 Sophie Anderson Crocheted Cotton Pouch Net-a-Porter £210

Printed Linen Blend Clutch Mango £29.99

Ethnic Bead Bag Mango £44.99

I love that this season everything seems to be adorned with tassels and pom poms.  Having slightly lost the will on the handbag front (I still have 10 days to find something) I decided to make some tassels for a small coin purse/clutch bag I have.  

Whilst Harriet was asleep this afternoon I  raided my craft supplies and found a few old beads and some wool.  I was surprised at how easy it is to make a tassels. 

Blanket Love

One of my favorite past times is curling up on the sofa in front of the TV with a cup of tea and my bag of knitting.  It is so satisfying when you complete a project.  My husband laughs at me because when we go anywhere in the car my knitting always has to come too.  Having knitted a fair few projects for the girls I seem to have accumulated an abundance of wool oddments.  Not wanting to throw them away I decided to embark upon a crocheted granny square blanket. 

Some 70 odd squares later I am nearing the end of this project.  Once I find time to sew all the ends in (the bit I hate) I will post some pictures.  In the mean time it got me thinking how much I need a decent blanket or throw in my life.  Over the winter months putting this blanket together made me realise just how cosy they can be.  I felt like a granny with it draped over my knees but boy was it warm.  Until I had children I never really had the need for a blanket and thought it was a bit weird when I was given one for my 16th birthday, now I rarely go anywhere without one. They are so useful, for that impromptu picnic indoors or outdoors, the odd trip to the beach or a tired baby in need of a little nap.  Maybe this should be one of my key investments for 2015.

Here are a few of my favorite blanket picks.

Sunset Sky Throw Anthropologie £68

Johnstons of Elgin reve en vert £215

Lambswool Blanket Brora £69

Tweed Emphasize Throw Mourne Textiles The New Craftsmen £285

Blanket Northerly Selvedge £241.95

Cashmere Woven Blanket Brora £499