Nana Tech

I'm a great believer in Nana Technology.

Not nano technology or aids for the elderly but NANA technology. The art of our grandmothers, the make-do mind set.

I'd like to say we live sustainably and have a carbon neutral lifestyle. I admire those folk who live in eco houses, wear warm hand knit alpaca jumpers and eat vegan organic  home grown food. Unfortunately we are too busy and rather too fond of meat and convenience (at times) to live the ideal life. So instead I try where possible to learn what I can.

I can knit, hand/machine sew, crochet. I have the patience for a baby blanket, slippers, scarves and hats but as yet have never attempted a lovely warm hand knit alpaca jumper. I can make jam and preserve/can food - in fact I NEVER buy jams and preserves, I make them. I cook from scratch and shun most processed foods. I say most as I love Ketchup and the convenience of powdered stock.

But it isn't just Nana tech I love, I go for a little Papa tech as well. I can hammer a nail, build a garden bed, fix toys and change a washer.

I'd love to join the WI or CWA but I don't live in the country and I'm under 50!
So I'll end my little chat with some links to others who are embarcing this new (old) frontier.

Nana Tech
Power of Nanna Technology
Make do and mend

For the love of a Granny square

I've fallen in love with crochet again.

The basic stitches are so easy and simple and the work just flies through my fingers.
The best part of crochet is the granny square, so lovely with so many combinations. I've gone slightly crazy over baby blankets - why I do not know as no one I know is expecting a baby. I suppose I'll be happily prepared should one of our friends decide to go for a second, third, fourth or fifth.

The first blanket I completed this year was one inspired by a Purl Bee pattern: Bear's Rainbow Blanket a beautiful circle in a square style granny square.

Once I finished this one I thought I might do a giant granny square to use up all my wool - nothing like using the stash (now I can by more). I finished the work with a row of double crochet then a row of single crochet.

Next I though I'd make a granny rectangle to fit a single bed. Unfortunately I didn't make the foundation line of the blanket long enough so I wasn't going to achieve the right size. A quick border of double crochet (5 rows) and I have a beautiful baby blanket.