Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Wednesday 19 May 2021

Tidy-up

 

🌟A warm welcome to my new followers. I hope you enjoy my blog and please feel free to comment when you can. 🌟

 

This week I am trying to tidy up my blog and also my stash of yarn. 

I have been looking at my stash and have come to the conclusion that my last tidy-up of yarn wasn't really much of a tidy-up at all. It was more like moving the baskets from one place to another. This did not reduce my stash!  

 

Blog tidy-up

 Is it wrong to expect a reciprocal blogging relationship ?


 

I have hesitated for quite sometime about doing this because I felt it was a bit mean but I have given it some thought and have made up my mind and I am going to stop following and shall delete certain blogs from my reading list and blog list on my blogger desktop. I am certainly not going to criticise how those bloggers choose to blog at all just that they do not fit in with the way that blogging is for me. I see blogging as a a creative outlet and a way of meeting people who have the same interests(mine are quite varied). I also think interaction is essential as it builds up a good blogging relationship. I shall miss reading those blogs and seeing the images posted there but the total lack of mutual interaction and lack of response to the comments I have posted diligently over the last year or more and not even a minimal gesture to visit my blog puzzles me.  I admit I have found this irritating but I respect that this is the way they wish to blog and I understand that replying to readers and reciprocally viewing and commenting on other blogs is time consuming.  Having said this please understand I do not expect my readers and those on my updated blog list to feel they have to always view,reply or comment because I have left a comment on their post.  As I see it it doesn't work like that you interact because you want to and you have something to say. As far as I am concerned there is no how often,or in what quantity do you comment or view a blog and the occasional is more than fine too! 

Just so I know you "see me "   😎

I am keeping some of the blog oldies on my blog list. I haven't heard from for a very long time in fact some go back more than a year but I am holding on to them because their blogs haven't been deleted and I really hope they will return. Some have... look at me I was away for 10 months but some of you still had me on your blog lists (thank you for that💗)

 

TATA

Unfortunately we didn't go out on our normal outing last Sunday I am still having gastric/bowel problems and I was up most of Saturday night. I saw the specialist on 7th May and was given some medicine to take which helps but it isn't a cure. The specialist has referred me for a colonoscopy which should give answers. At present I am waiting for the hospital to contact me to give me the date. I never thought I would be eager to get that test done (I had it in the past and it is invasive) but it is for the best. Looking on the positive side of things I have lost 11 kilos...🎊

Now although there hasn't been a recent outing I do have a couple of photos I think you will like. 

 

Watchtowers all along the coast


 

Alicante in the distance



Craft/Crochet

 

I don't crochet fast enough. I keep trying to stash bust but it just doesn't seem to go down! 


An old Laundry basket full of yarn and that is just one of the places I store my yarn. I admit that if it were empty I'd feel quite depressed. 

I hardly buy any yarn nowadays but..... I did buy this lovely squishy,velvety yarn which I thought would be perfect to make Betsy's rabbit. 


 

 

This link will take you to the pattern designer ...

 

The Pattern designer

but I am following Betsy's inspiration from The Simple life of a Queen blog as she has made several of these sweet rabbits which you can view on her blog here and they are so adorable!

I have only bought one ball of this yarn at present and I will need more but I thought I'd make up a little sample swatch to see if the yarn is appropriate for the rabbit I plan to make. 

Who is the rabbit for?  I don't know but I want to make it!

 I think that is a good enough reason,don't you think 😀

 

Happy blogging 

Amanda 😊


Teresa in my thoughts💖



 

 

 

43 comments:

  1. I have a few blogs bookmarked (yours included) and check them daily. I don't "follow" as such. I like it when bloggers reply to my comments, but don't feel offended if they don't. After all, they've done the hard slog writing the post! I know that feeling of needing to make something but no idea who for. That's why I have my stash (or so I tell myself!) I hope you get your colonoscopy appointment soon. Not pleasant, but necessary. You need to know what's going on. xx

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    1. Hi HH.thanks for visiting my blog :-) I don't usually feel offended when bloggers dont reply to my comments but when I have been commenting for over a year and never receive recognition nor contact of any kind (occasional comment/visit on my blog is more than sufficient) then it says to me they don't want you around! A x

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    2. I hope you don't think I was having a dig at you. That wasn't what I meant at all. I can understand your feelings about bloggers who don't respond. It must be quite disheartening to comment for ages and get nothing in reply. I don't have a blog, but I like the interaction (especially this past year) that I get from the blogs I read. It's like having a chat with friends. xx

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    3. Goodness no...Not at all HH :-) It is my impulsive nature to respond to a comment I don't totally agree with and I am rather inclined to be too direct! I am also argumentative, so my Mum used to tell me! I assure you I appreciate your opinion. I am all for constructive criticism. A x

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  2. I very rarely reply on the blog comment itself because I realize most people don't go back to the blogs they've read to find a reply. I do try to interact though. I absolutely LOVE my blogging friends and don't know how I would have made it through the last year without them. You all kept me sane while not only quarantined, but living in a camping trailer at the same time.
    I was so surprised to see my little bunnies up there in the picture. I think you'll definitely need two skeins to make a bunny but it's a good idea to swatch, even though I rarely do. I hope you have as much fun with the bunnies as I did.
    Have a wonderful Wednesday Amanda.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Hello Betsy, I have got into the habit of replying to the comments now and I quite enjoy this chat I have with blog-friends here. I went out this morning and bought 3 more skeins to make perhaps even two bunnies! I don't often swatch either but I wanted to make sure this yarn is going to look cuddly. A x

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  3. Dear Betsy, You interact plenty and that is what it is all about surely! You don't reply to comments on your posts ...right...but you frequently comment on my blog. Therefore we are interacting and I enjoy that immensely. However it isn't about frequent contact at all. It is about interacting and being in contact. I have a blogger who only writes seasonal posts hence we are in contact 4 times per year. That's fine. It isn't about quantity. I am so looking forward to starting my bunnies I hope they turn out as lovely as your! A x

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  4. I know just what you mean, Amanda. It is always nice to know people are out there and they enjoy what you post. I like the look of those bunnies - I am sure you'll find someone in your family who would love one! I hope your health problems improve.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hello Ellie :-) I find it hard to crochet something with out there being a reason for it. It feels as if I am being wasteful! Silly I know! I will find its owner eventually LOL! A x

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  5. I agree with you about blogs and I think sometimes we just "out grow" certain ones too. I went through some things similar too and deleted allot of blogs that do not care to interact with me. I gave the link up on tuesday a try again to see if some of the same people will not visit my blog and that was the case again with a couple-so I will just do the same or perhaps link up once a month or so, I do enjoy many that link up
    my craft room is always full of stash and once I part with something, than I needed it down the line-haha but I do have sewing fabrics from the early 60's and a bag of one of my Grandma's fabrics too-I did donate all of her raggedy ann and andy doll parts to a charity years ago. I have quite a stash of weaving yarns that I picked up on sales years ago I need to really go through those and remember what I have and I what I need-for sure cottons.
    have you been tested for any food allergies? gluten like wheat can cause symptoms like you are having too-I went through a couple of years on my own about 25 years ago and figure out I had celiac. sorry for the long post Kathy

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    1. Thanks for visiting Kathy.:-) I did try donating yarn too awhile back but it wasn't well received. This was a while ago when Spain was different! At one time second hand shops didn't exists and giving used clothes away was frowned on here and thought really shabby. You just didn't do it unless it was to the church and the church was even picky too. It is not like that here! For the last 10 years or so especially doing the crisis this has changed. A x

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    3. PS: I am not gluten intolerant,thank goodness. That was one of the first tests I had done :-) A x

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  6. I never feel offended if people do not comment. I look at the amount of people who have bothered to read and know that sometimes there is nothing you can say but equally have enjoyed reading a post.
    My yarn stash is huge, I have storage boxes full of the stuff and have in the past tried to have a clear out but each ball is too precious, lol
    Briony
    x

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    1. Hello Briony, thank you for calling in :-) I so agree! I just can't stand to part with any of my yarn I just think that I may need it soon! I confess I am a yarn hoarder! A x

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  7. I am always deleting blogs from my list, if there is no interaction what's the point I say. Although I suppose those bloggers who receive hundreds of comments just wouldn't have the time. I don't reply to the comments on my posts because as Betsy says people rarely go back and check but if someone leaves a comment on my blog I will visit them for sure and leave a comment on theirs.
    We all need a basket or two or even three of yarn, my stash has gone right down although it's still quite large, I won't buy now unless I absolutely need so I feel I am making stash busting progress.
    I'm sorry to hear about your stomach problems Amanda I hope it's something easily treatable and you get some answers soon. Take care. xx

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    1. Dear Linda. that is exactly what I say interaction is essential. You always interact Linda and I always look forward to your comments. I am not out to criticise how people blog but to request they stay in contact and interact in the way that suits them best if they like following my blog. I just don't know how those bloggers who have a massive amount of followers manage. A x

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  8. I had a bit of a blog delete a while ago. I got rid of any blogs that hadn't been updated in three months. Also deleted any bloggers that think covid is a conspiracy... flippin nutters need to look at what's happening in India. :-)

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    1. Thanks for popping in Cherie! I had to laugh...best that then crying I suppose! Obviously those nutters that you mention must live in a bubble all of their own making! Idiots! How blind can you be! A x

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  9. I'm always amazed (and delighted!) when anyone stumbles across my blog at all... so thank you for finding me, Amanda! I have dipped back in yours and really enjoyed it. I love the Med pictures - in normal years I spend part of my time in central France - no idea when that will happen again. You may have picked up that we have had a pretty terrible few weeks and the blog has suffered - but I will get back to it. (I am also a teacher - I did retire once but seem to have got sucked back into it...at least part time!)

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    1. Thank you for visiting my blog. I have left a comment on yours and I am following you now too. I retired last year but still keep up with teaching a little with a weekly online class. A x

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  10. Hello and Thank you for your welcome msg. I often reply via email as mostly linked. Only follow a few and 4 at least who no longer are there but I like to revisit 😀😀 Love making things for no one in mind lol I sew too. I do hope your tests go okay ☺☺

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    1. Hello Wendy, Thank you for popping in :-) I usually reply here and comment on blogs. I don't usually send out emails to my blog-friends unless it is something specific. thank you for your emails to date. I guessed right... pure Celtic blood then if Jaylan's great grandma was Scottish. I so hope he keeps that lovely tone of red hair as he grows up. Only a minority have it you know :-) A x

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  11. I most definately think that is a good enough reason to want to make that adorable rabbit Amanda!! It is just beautiful. Thank You for the visits & the comments you always leave me on my blog posts - yes it is a two way street. Plus it makes us realise we are not just talking to ourselves 😉😊as my husband tells me I am !!!

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    1. Hello Julie,Always pleased to hear from you :-) Exactly! I really don't like talking to myself either LOL! A x

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  12. I don't comment often, and I know you sometimes comment on my blog, but I would be sad to lose you after all this time. I too have a huuuuuuge yarn stash. I look upon it as an investment! Sorry to read of your health problems, keeping fingers crossed that the medics are able to sort it. x x x

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    1. Hello Joy. Thanks for visiting. This is the way you blog Joy and that is fine with me because we do interact ... we are in contact. You have viewed and commented on my blog in the past as well. It is not about quantity but about being in contact :-) I have never thought of my stash of yarn in that way...an investment! I like the thought! A x

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  13. I have several interests that have brought me into contact with others through blogging and the interaction between blog friends has kept me going especially lately. Crafting is one of those interests and I love to see what others are making along with news about what's happening in their lives. We build up a blog friendship that way that's precious. I'm sure you'll get a lot of pleasure from making a bunny and the squishy yarn looks perfect. I hope your medical procedure goes well and you get good results and advice about managing this health problem. Love Linda.

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    1. Exactly Linda! That is how I see it too! Well the yarn choose for the bunny isn't going all that well! It is so difficult to distinguish and count the stitches and even with glasses on! Not happy with it at present hope it will grow on me though:-) A x

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  14. Oh Amanda, that wool looks perfect for one of Betsy’s bunnies, I love it, and yes we crafters struggle dreadfully with stash busting and it is rather akin to moving the deck chair on the Titanic in my room! Mm, agreed re blog tidy up, I do it very so often too, and follow similar thought pattern.
    Haven’t done my craft blog for a while was away the sick then away! However just did my Christian blog though. Link below to it,

    So sorry you’re not well.
    I’ve digestive issues, I get very bad pain unless I stick to a FODMAP diet. Perhaps looking at it might help you avoid foods that cause digestive discomfort. I’ll find a link for you.

    https://www.monashfodmap.com/about-fodmap-and-ibs/high-and-low-fodmap-foods/

    Now it’s not foolproof as I’ve found some foods they say are okay, aren’t okay for me, so avoid them too. Trial and error test is best, and I’m not really strict in morning, but VERY strict in evening as that’s when most issues are triggered.
    Hope that helps, Amanda.. praying. It seems hard at first and when I go out I just choose best I can on menu or rewrite it a bit, when I explain I get bad pain if don’t avoid such and such they’re okay. Never been refused,

    Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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    1. Many thanks for calling in Shaz! I'll check that out. Thanks for sharing :-) Hope you are feeling better now! A x

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  15. I do hope your tests show up something concrete that is treatable. Health is the most important thing and underpins everything we do. Jean. x

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    1. Thanks for popping by Jean :-) I just want to know why and what treatment I need! It is taking them far too long and it is totally depressing. I am not very tolerant about this I am a "as of yesterday" person LOL! A x

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  16. I think there has to be a bit of sharing back and forth to keep my blogging attention. Some blogs are so popular that the author can't possible keep up with hundreds of comments, they are beautiful but deep down I want to build a relationship with others, be friends on a slightly different level than just reading a popular blog like every one else. Does that even make sense? Love the bunnies, I have a tone of that type of yarn I was going to crochet a sweater with but maybe I should just make loads of bunnies instead.

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    1. Hello Mere :-) That is exactly the way I see it! It is a mutual relationship but as I have mentioned several times there is no rules as such just so long as the blogger stays in touch even if it is sporadic. Not happy with the yarn for this bunny....sigh! A x

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  17. Re: blogging - I agree with you, Amanda - I had "clear-out" few months ago. The problem with me is that now and then I come across what looks like an interesting blog and I start following it, but sometimes it is just one off and not so interesting any more later - but it is stuck on my list. Also I find that many bloggers have moved to Facebook or Instagram and forgotten about their blogs. There are some blogs on my list which haven't been active for a very long time and I keep them there because there might be something interesting/point of reference if you like. I try to comment on any blog post I read, but sometimes there is not much to say and I don't want to just waffle. By the same token I enjoy people visiting my blog, but also understand that they don't always want to say something - that's OK, life is too short....
    I am not as active on blogs as I used to be - having spend so much of my working life in front of the little screen, I find I get tired too quickly now (possibly something to do with my age? ;-)
    After all that - I still very much enjoy the blogging world, which I discovered only after I retired, just when one needs to make new friends and find new interests. I have learnt so much from blogs (bloggers are such a good sharing lot) and I am not sure where I would be without it....

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  18. I forgot to say - I hope they sort you our in the hospital!

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    1. Many thanks Radka. I am still waiting for the hospital to contact me and give me a date to go in for the test. Wish they would hurry up. A x

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  19. Everything I make -- crochet, cross-stitch or otherwise -- is most often always for the pure pleasure of making with no plan or idea for who or what it might be for. :) My craft supplies are stashed everywhere and definitely need to put to good use on a daily basis. I have started deleting blogs in my sidebar that haven't posted in a year or more. Lots of people jumped to IG and never looked back. I couldn't do that because both offer something different as far as I'm concerned. I do much prefer typing on a keyboard than a phone. I always wonder why it is that people can't take the time to visit someone who visits their blog and comments. If someone new takes the time to check out my blog then I always make sure to pay them a return visit. I did stop joining any blog link-up parties many years ago because I always felt an obligation to visit everyone and leave a comment but realized that was not the case for many. It's nice to follow certain accounts just for inspiration, but our energy should truly be on connecting rather than always standing on the sidelines. Have a good Saturday.

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    1. Hello Tammy,thanks for visiting my blog. Like yourself and although my mobile is pretty intuitive I just do not get on with using it for blogging or other social networking sites. In fact as practical as mobile phones are I use it nowadays as little as possible. I much prefer my to use my computer and the keyboard to speak/write to fellow bloggers. I have IG which I rarely use. It's another app which I don't really know much about purely my own fault for not spending time to learn how to use it properly. A x

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  20. Sorry to hear you are still having health issues, you are right, that procedure is invasive, but if needs must to put your mind at rest. Absolutely love the rabbit, I´m sure it will be very tactile using the velvety yarn. I don´t think my crochet skills would be up to it. Seems when I have an idea for a project the stash however large, just doesn´t have the right thing lol. That´s my excuse anyway!. We are going to batten down the hatches tonight, just in case the said storm hits, take care xcx

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    1. Well I made the rabbit head Chrissie but I am not very happy with it. This new yarn isn't doing it for me! I think I will have to try another yarn. Tch! Feeling a bit better lately. I think my tummy is responding to the medicine. A x

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  21. I am late to this party. Missed this post. Hmmm. what Mere said was perfect!!!

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)