craft handmade Hook and Look Pip-Life

Hook & Look Episode One: The Speedy Pet Blanket

September 29, 2019

Well hallo there! How has your weekend been?

I have been a bit poorly, so I made a plan to begin a cute thing called Hook & Look.

The hook part of the thing is self explanatory – a crochet project (because you use a hook when you crochet, as you know!)

The look part of the things refers to films. And watching them. While you (and by you, I mean me) make something with aforementioned hook.

This weekend I thought I would make a pet blanket, because I haven’t made one for a while and pets need blankets.

Of course, this project could easily be sized up to make a lap blanket (still doable in a weekend) or a bigger blanket still.

The hook

+ For this project, I started with a basic granny square pattern and just kept going, growing the square until it measured around 100cm x 100cm.

+ I crocheted two rounds of each colour to cut down on time and ends.

+ I used odds and sods of regular old 8ply yarn (DK yarn to some) and … and this is the crucial bit … an 8mm hook.

That plump hook and the less plump yarn still work together and they create a lovely, loose blanket that feels forgiving, cosy and expressive. If blankets can feel those ways. And if you ask me they can.

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

The look(s)

I watched a bunch of films in my PJs and ate some comforting things. I watched via YouTube movie rentals … I thought I’d choose from there, because I think then if you want to watch one, it’s really easy to access wherever you are in the world. They are between $4 and $7 to rent and you can stream them straight away. So not super cheap, but cheaper than going to the movies! Plus you can wear PJs and nobody minds if you chat or have to get up and go pee. (not sponsored!)

Here’s what I watched from under the doona …

1. The Favourite

This movie was bonkers. I really liked it. Of course who could not fall in love with anything Olivia Colman does. And I am a sucker for a period piece.  4 out of 5

(Mustard, pink and magenta rounds!)

The Favourite

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

ATTACHMENT DISPLAY SETTINGS

2. Can You Ever Forgive Me

Melissa McCarthy is brilliant in this movie about an unlikeable writer who gets up to some interesting mischief. I loved this one. (Remember that time Clare Bowditch invited me to help her interview Melissa McCarthy for ABC Radio?!)  4 out of 5

(Blue and neon yellow rounds.)

Can You Ever Forgive Me

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

3. The Chaperone

I loved the wardrobe design in this, but the film was a little plodding. No matter, because it was pretty to look at, made me look a little more into Louise Brooks and also had the benefit of starring Cora from Downton Abbey. PLUS it’s based on a book by Laura Moriarty of the same name (which I am sure is better than the film!) I’m going to read that. 3 out of 5

(Peach round!)

The Chaperone

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

4. My Kid Could Paint That

Gosh. This documentary is so good. And also sad. And also really interesting. Perhaps you remember the story of the four-year-old artist who rose to fame, selling her painting for tens of thousands of dollars? Well this film is about her and her family. 3.5 out of 5

(Blue and bright orange rounds.)

My Kid Could Paint That

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

5. RBG

This flick follows the Notorious RBG’s life from childhood through to now. What a brilliant woman – and also an incredibly interesting documentary detailing RGB’s determined approach and incredible work ethic. Hearing about her husband and seeing how much her family love her were also some standout moments. 4 out of 5

(Grey, sunshine and white rounds.)

RBG Film

Hook and Look Pet Blanket

6. Mid90s

This one will not be everyone’s cup of tea because it features some pretty gross behaviour and offensive language/attitudes in the name of skate kid realism. That said I thought it captured elements of the dark side of boys’ friendships. And there were some great performances. 3.5 out of 5.

(Neon pink, neon green and forest green rounds).

Mid90s film

Hook and Look Pet BlanketHook and Look Pet Blanket

The snacks

I was feeling a bit shite, as I said, so I made a big pot of my favourite chicken soup. I also had cheese and chutney on sourdough. And some more sourdough, this time toasted until the edges just catch and middle is golden … and then spread with butter and  Promite.

Here’s hoping my quiet and square-eyed weekend will help me feel MUCH better this week!!

And maybe you want to make a blanket for your pet too?! I still have to get rid of those woolly ends. That is next on the list of to-dos.

Love to you, peaches.

x Pip

8 Comments

  • Reply Lesley October 20, 2019 at 3:14 PM

    Thats brilliant to crochet double knit on a bigger hook…why did I not think of that!! And thanks for the heads up about the you tube rentals and the reviews..xxxx

  • Reply Kate October 1, 2019 at 7:27 PM

    I’m going to make your chicken soup this weekend. It’s been a tough year with lots of grief and loss for us. I need a massive mum hug and I think your soup will be almost it for me. X

    • Reply Pip October 26, 2019 at 12:25 PM

      Sorry for the slow reply, Kate, but more sorry to hear about your difficult year. Sometimes life just feels like wading through quicksand … and it’s hard to imagine it being any other way. But usually at some point things DO shift and get a little easier. I hope that happens soon for you. x

  • Reply Sharon Smith October 1, 2019 at 8:42 AM

    I love your crochet blankets! I have a blanket knitted by my Great Grandmother…they are lasting treasures. Great film choices Pip. Have you seen August:Osage County? Stars Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, you have to watch it just for the scene where they’re sitting around the dining room table eating fish!
    Have a lovely day X

    • Reply Sharon Smith October 1, 2019 at 8:46 AM

      PS: I should have mentioned: the fish scene comes with a warning…expletive language used.

  • Reply Sandra October 1, 2019 at 6:56 AM

    Hi Pip,
    I love your “Hook and Look” idea. I spent the weekend working on a small blanket of yarn scraps too. I used a 6mm hook and thought I was being daring, but you’ve raised the bar! Love your pet blanket. Will it belong to Pilot Bean? Hope you’re feeling better. X

  • Reply Judi Brasher September 30, 2019 at 1:07 PM

    Hi Pip! I totally love this idea of yours. I never thought about using an 8mm hook to crochet a granny square blanket so thank you for giving me the idea! Well done! I crochet myself at times to help me with my mental health issues and find it very calming and relaxing. I like using different coloured yarn and changing colours whenever I feel like it- I call it my Crazy Blanket or Random Blanket as I know that it will be unique and different.

    Keep up the great work with all that you do. I like seeing what you get up to as it gives me ideas! Thank you and stay well!

  • Reply Kate September 30, 2019 at 8:58 AM

    Oh pip that sounds like a lovely way to spend the weekend. I sure hope it’s helped you to feel better.
    Your pet rug looks fabulous, I love the way you use colour. I have lots of scraps of yarn to use up so I think I’m going to use a big hook and make a blanket to donate next winter when the charities are doing their blanket drive.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Cheers Kate

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