Disaster! Crochet, a Matryoshka and a Blog Award!

Apologies for my long absence from blogland, preparations for the new academic year have simply taken over here. Just when I thought I was all ready to return to work my external hard drive took a tumble and I lost EVERYTHING. There was disbelief, followed by gentle tinkering, which was then followed by tears and tantrums :o(  I haven't backed up since December and have lost so much work and personal data (photographs, crochet patterns...). And of course this happened at 5:30pm on the day before returning to school so several days preparations and plans were also lost.
Anyway, one very late night and lots of busy evenings later and I am feeling less upset about it, although I keep remembering other things I have lost. Lesson learned, must back-up at least once a week!

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On the craft front, very little has been happening. However, I do have a new project to share with you. Here it is nestled quietly in my knitting bag.

A bright little rainbow. Each ball waiting patiently for it's turn.
This is a big one! I wanted to crochet something that we would keep. That would be snuggled and cuddled and generally loved. I have admired Lucy's blankets (Attic24) over the web for a few years now and watched as her pile of loveliness grew.
I should be able to manage one shouldn't I? 
Then I found a new yarn store. The only plus point of my husband being in hospital! I had to pick him up and bring him home the day after my birthday from a different hospital than the usual (yes, sadly, we have a usual hospital... and ward... and nurses!) and there on a roundabout was a sign. Quick change of direction and suddenly the day was looking so much brighter! A lovely local lady owned the shop and gave me some super advice and even a quick demo of how she crochets her seams! 
I wanted a yarn that was soft, durable, available in some bright colours but not cost the earth. I was asking for too much! So I compromised and chose to use these two yarns to use together.

I selected a real rainbow of bright colours which I love. I have shocked myself a little, I would normally choose a more muted palette, particularly for the home, but these just jumped off the shelf at me! I have promised myself I will finish this one as I have spent my birthday money on the yarn.

My mum is calling it a labour of love, but in truth I am finding it very relaxing and therapeutic at the end of the busy days. I'm using Lucy's ripple pattern and it really is so easy, she is such a clever girl (note to self - must buy her a coffee for her generosity). The more it grows, the more desperate I am to finish it. And as the days grow slowly colder, it is lovely to have it on my lap in the evening, soft and warm. I'm really enjoying this one, have you guessed?!

Another little make... a matryoshka.

It was going to be a strawberry pincushion! But I happened to look at it upside down as it was drying and decided to turn it into a Russian doll, something that been on my 'to do' list to make using my felt for ages.

This was just a little experiment, but I love how it has come out so I think a few more will be appearing around The Fluff Pot house!

I am delighted to have received another blog award, this one from the lovely Ali at Random Wooliness.

She has kindly excused me from the customary sharing of seven interesting facts about myself as I have done this quite recently. I will pass this award on to 7 lovely fellow bloggers in my next post.

Finally, I am taking part in a blog swap organised by Hookin With Laalaa, the Handmade Christmas Decoration Swap.

The idea is that you make a gorgeous Christmas decoration then add at least 5 other christmassy gifts for them to enjoy. The deadline to sign up is the 15th September so why not join in the fun?!

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.
Becky x