नारी

 हे नारी हैं तू तेजस्वी... हैं तू अप्रतिम..  तू अपने में संजोए हुए है एक अपार शक्ति जो नित दिन करती उजागर हर एक स्त्री की यही अपारशक्ती..जो रोशन करती है हर एक मन। दिखती है एक ज्योत तुझ में कराती जीवन संघर्ष और  देती शान्ति की अनुभूति। पाती जीत, जब जब  राह पकड़ती एक असीम विश्वास की डोर अपनी अपनी इच्छा पूर्ती और लक्ष्य के ओर , कदम उठाए चलती हैं नारी तू , संभलती  खिलखिलाती, देती ऊर्जा , प्रेरणा हर उस व्यक्ति को जो लेकर सहारा और आसरा तेरा  चल - बढता है अपने जीवन संघर्ष में हर स्तर पर ,पाने आनंद और यश हो कर प्रभावित देख इस नारी शक्ति  का अपरंपार रूप।

अश्विनी श्रीखंडे   

Crochet

 Hello Friends,

 Here comes a post after a long time. This is about crochet craft. Currently I have signed up for a new crochet project which started on 0ct 1st. It is called 'Wallflowers Blanket' created by Sue Maton, @ Mercerie, from Norwich, England. Under her able guidance a group of us, ladies are in for a great learning process and discovering a new blanket creation in crochet. She created this project enlivening an idea of her mystery blanket revealing  itself in full glory!I am happy and excited about this new project which seems to be a huge one !! I am still deciding upon my colour scheme and composition of the blanket with the helpful inputs from Sue.

In October we as a family happened to go on a much needed a short vacation to Nainital and Ranikhet in upper hilly reaches of Uttarakhand state in India after 2 years of pandemic with due Covid appropriate precautions, only to return energised! What a beauty of nature on the trip I witnessed which I tried to soak in to fullest!! After my return, only now I could sit up and share my new crochet project. Meanwhile I am also completing my WIPs in crochet.Also next month in 1st week, I will get busy with 'Diwali Festival ,The festival of Lights In India which marks victory of Good over Evil. The preparations for it starts right away with cleaning, refurbishing the house, shopping and making sweets and savouries! Inviting near and dear ones at home marks the festivity.

Bye for now.

My Interest

  The interests of various artform involving creativity always seemed to have been within me taking roots from early childhood. I started to work to fuel the interest in crocheting as soon as I became aware of it watching a few of my aunt's working on sweater weaving and doilies. Also I happened to subscribe  needle work magazine only out of curiosity and I found certain well crafted pieces. Meanwhile, in the neighborhood I started looking out for different yarns and hooks. At that point of time I had a very basic knowledge , I was in my early teens and these designs amazed me to no end. There was a gap in taking up to crochet for me as I was still studying. A day came when my aunt initiated me into crafting generally and thrust to me some knitting needles, a hook and small amount of wool to explore giving a skeleton information of the knitted garments and basic technique not knowing by then my interest in crochet. 

 She was kind enough to engage and motivate me in some skill of handcrafting at my own pace, apart from studies. I started learning my first stitch .. and the method involved in it at that time.

 Years later I crafted a few pieces slowly.

Internet happened then....

 I was enamoured by Japanese method called Amigurumi in creating stuffed toys by hooking technique. I created few and then transcended to various other methods out of vast techniques in crocheting from basic to advanced.

 Every piece I made brought joy to me thereafter. I got inclined to learn more and more. This also required better eye - hand coordination and in no time my fingers deftly started moving, the yarn started gliding smoothly over the hook,  my concentration at its best resulting in handcrafted pieces.

On the internet I regularly started to update my knowledge and I found whole the world of crafting and crafters, designers  and there was no looking back then...

 I started purchasing designs, yarns enjoying the journey of my crafting interest thus. It also opened to me the stories of the other crafters, their  journies around the globe as I pored over  the blogs and their websites reading their stories, their triumphs, challenges, and conquering all while relating the anecdotes.  I decided to study the craft for better understanding  of all the stitches used in hooking giving me insight into grades of complexities alongside crafting reading the available vast material on the net. It was some serious study I devoted my long period of time  to over the years understanding the nuances of the craft. There is always much much to learn from each other. This motivated me greatly to create better. 

 At one point of time I learnt about a record creation and I participated in Guinness World Record fete at crocheting as an Indian team member at crafting which Indian team successfully  excelled in creating the record as per the guidelines laid down by Guinness fraternity winning accolades in crafting community. This was ably supported, guided by the torchbearer of the whole team with enthusiasm and determination in a strategic methodology. 

 Crochet has always brought immense joy to me. I feel with initial guidance, I am a self taught crafter.

Some of the pictures of my crochet pieces. Two lace doilies in crochet thread and in acrylic yarn a crochet blanket here.

 Crochet.. The skill

 The best way I can put it as...

It is a technique of looping the yarn to make decorative stitches using the thread or wool and a tool made of metal plastic or bamboo, termed as a hook to create various  kinds of woven  handcrafted fabric pieces ranging from garments to decorative, ornamental pieces. As the times progressed, industrialisation and modernisation occurred so also this art form grew immensely to tread on to a new path striding rapidly towards creating exquisite work catering to clientele and appealing to  the new  lot of crafters to learning technique of crochet and drawing them to it with enthusiasm and inspiration. 

The contemporary, modern  crochet involves the skill, using the basic technique incorporating tried and tested methods using an  advanced stitchery, perfecting the knack, understanding of the artf orm to a degree of improvisation to optimum. The idea of a piece to be crafted brings in  a certain amount of calculation ,combination of workability conceptualised effectively producing the desired results as intended by the designers who wish to craft out their very best ideas to reality. This requires utmost patience, discipline, dedication passion , perseverance, time, money, efforts and love for the crafting technique. Also on this journey there are bound to be pitfalls, which need to be readily recognised and rectified promptly. Modern technology in this era comes to aid like a boon to all the crafting community in better understanding, minimising the time constraint at creations with ready solutions and suggestions in the form of tutorials and explanatory notes on the internet for the ones who seek help.

Around the world crochet is very well received and popular for its pretty, gorgeous designs in every form from garments to decor to blankets to usable things and 3D artf orms with increasing complexity thus progressing tremendously and appealing greatly to every crafter.

ध्यास....

 गुडी पाडवा, होळी,गौरी गणपती, दसरा, दिवाळी, संक्रांती...

सण साजरा होतो धरुनी मनी उल्हास एक निराळा....

द्विगुणित होई आनंद या प्रसंगी जो काही..

लावुनी पणती, समई, दिवा, उदबत्ती... देवाशी

रंगबिरंगी रांगोळी अंगणी, फुले - माळा सुवसित, आणते रंगत देवघरात.. 

अधिक वाढते लज्जत जेव्हा,  होती पक्वान्ने विविध घरो -  घरी ...जसे..

वरणभात, श्रीखंड, जिलबी, पुरणपोळी.... 

देती नवीन तरतरी जीवनी, एक अखंड ऊर्जा व चालना मनास....

 जेव्हां करायला मिळते, ही संस्कृतीची सांगड, मांडणी

विविध रूढी परंपरेच्या रुपी, राही मनी आस अशी, ध्यास असा.

अश्विनी

Cathedral Rose Window Afghan

 Cathedral Rose Window Afghan,

This afghan in crochet is a beautiful design created by Julene Watson . It is a stained glass afghan inspired by a church window of Notre Dame at Paris, France. The church is famous for its architecture .One day,

I was looking for some stained glass blocks to make in crochet, and was searching for an interesting ,colourful pattern and I did find some as I was  surfing the net. Amongst many beautiful  creations, my attention was caught by this afghan a huge design made by crocheters! As I explored more, I found it  liberally dotting every inch of my screen space in most imaginative, creative way.I was stunned, and could not take my eyes off it!

Later on I continued with my ongoing crochet pieces at hand, in the back of my mind this image of CRWA lingered on !!

I started studying it, looked into every resource available and dwelled into every crafter's story and her experience of creating it. Certainly this was all very impressive. Massively I was caught in the vortex of the pattern and I smiled to myself!

The pattern was CALLING me!!

I knew I had to try it out.

I went about purchasing the pattern @ Annie's attic . I decided to make it in solids and in hues of red, inspired by other crocheters colours.

Difficulty level was definitely around all the time while working on it. I carried on ...

There is a pattern support stop if the need be at Annie's. I'm thankful for this support whenever needed during creation.

Slowly my piece started taking shape  with decoding the pattern and it helped me in chiselling my crochet skill further.

I'm happy at the end result and I made a smaller version of cathedral rose window afghan.

Better

You become.... 'Behtar' better,

When you aim to... 'weaken your weaknesses and strengthen your strengths'.... 

Deepen diligently your efforts, to experience the ecstasy and the excellence within. 

Embolden your spirits to a new high ... While embarking upon a new path .... All for success ahead. 

Ashwini

प्रगति

अथाह सागर में है ,अनंत अवसर,
उन्नती पथ पर,  एक लगन मन में भर,
  कर चिंतन - मनन, बन अचल, बन स्थिर,
यश की कामना कर, परिश्रम के बल पर
बन सफल, होकर मगन, होकर धुंद, भर - भर आनंद

अश्विनी

Letter Of Gratitude

The years seem to fly away like a blink of an eye.
Let me take this opportunity to express my feelings and experiences as a parent to a Montfortian, our son Aditya. The last ten years have unfolded new chapters of  meaningful learning  through curriculum and extracurricular programmes being conducted all through year with focus on all round development of a child. This, witnessing as a parent is equally  pleasant.
 This year holds a fond memory for the children of standard 12th as it inches towards finale of schooling years at Montfort Senior Secondary School, Roorkee. Thus every student looks back to this period with love and respect. Children find themselves now at a crucial phase of their lives, eager to take a leap at creating a 'niche' for oneself towards a triumphant future.
Similarly celebrating  all festivals , instilling patriotism, doing awareness events on different topics, also doing various charity programmes outside school environment to different institutions give an insight to children  of the moral values which help  in contribution  to societal responsibilities in future times.

Montfort  stands tall with its impressive school premises with improved infrastructure over the years. The  outdoor sporting facilities is the  most interesting learning hub for children. Newly constructed gym, skating rink, music room with latest equipment holds promise to children eager to pursue each one's respective likings under capable , trained instructors. Recently introduced ' e-care' system bridges the gap between parents and teachers and serves as an important tool for the administration to run efficiently. The tender care at 'School Infirmary' and wellness  centre allows children and nursing staff to attend to health issues. The quadrangle areas of both junior and senior sections of the school is an inspiring platform to a school student. I find, that it stands witness  to the numerous occasions of  15th August, 26 th January celebrations showing path to national integration. Similarly this quadrangle has also echoed and  seen innumerable assemblies, speeches,  glories and laurels brought by able students of past and present. The school administration  and some parents too have come forward in recognition and duly rewarding each such student and  motivating current batches of  students on all fronts.

Time to time Montfort has been organising quizzes,  sporting competitions, picnics, Scouts & Guides, cultural programmes in music, dance, crafts, arts with enthusiasm as this helps in channelising the  latent talent within each child.  I find, the staff of helpers, bhaiyyas, didis , front desk, has a major share in running the day to day activities of school efficiently and flawlessly.
The lifeline of  the school , the buses bring cheer and glint in the eyes of children who find moments of merry times during school rides. This is possible with the  dedicated effort of staff of transport system over the years.
Lastly,  I would like to appreciate and congratulate the vision of school principal, vice principal, teachers coordinators over the years in helping in realising the dreams of  students with able administration.
I wish to thank whole Montfort team and extend my gratitude  to Montfort family for supporting our son Aditya,  in the journey of last 10 years of his schooling period at Montfort.
May the blessings and strength received at school take him to newer pastures of higher education leading him to a glorious future ahead. I extend my best wishes  and regards to Montfort Senior Secondary School.

Ashwini Shrikhande ,Mother
Aditya Shrikhande
Standard 12th

Thoughts: Dots to Dots

The brain of  human beings has endowements like wisdom , intellect and speech that allows us to unwind the faculties of our mind  to use for our benefit and  face any kind of obstacles and fight, in life threatening situations to achieve greater success. For this, an adult person uses his senses and understanding, physical , mental prowess continuously to evolve.  Similarly, a child has all the potential to make use of this ability of learning gradually  all through her life so as to grow in this world with her own  intrinsic  qualities to make a mark in the world. Inculcating  good habits in any child in early childhood years  paves way for a progressive future.  So, providing a conducive atmosphere with careful nurturing in  early years of  childhood is a task taking  tremendous amount of energy and care. The society and family gives ample opportunities around to  the child to learn from and imbibe life lessons. This forms foundation in early years for a  better future. For a child to develop a  better understanding of worldly view requires a conditioning of mind  with appropriate thinking ability consciously cultivated and refined over a period of time . So the habits formed in a child mould  her  in later years to develop a 'stable persona'. The habits are formed with a belief system rooted deep in the immediate environment  and within individual family system affecting directly on us.  The  society in changing times has seen changes in value system in this modern era. The culture and tradition of place where a child grows in plays a very important role in reinforcement  of the beliefs she is exposed to. For children to really progress on the path of freedom of thoughts and action leading to the strong and stable future , the thinking needs to be developed at a deeper level to have a better sense of judgement of right or wrong and have the opinion  expressed. A child faces a lot of challenges in her daily life,  be it from any strata, urban or rural background etc. It is necessary for her to have a lasting faith in a person with a strong character infused with positivity and valour. If a child in her growing years is fortunate to have been surrounded by people of multi - talents,  with such exemplary examples around, it works wonders and develop her into a great human being with positive traits;  nullifying the negative situations around and creating a niche for herself and reach  greater heights of self realisation and success.

3D Optic Doily

Hello Friends!
This my  version of  '3d Optic Doily' completed  in Crochet cotton thread. It is an amazing and interesting pattern to work with. Pattern courtesy and tutorial @ handmadebyraine.com. Thank you Raine, for this intricate pattern and video tutorial.

Lotus Mandala

My new crochet 'Lotus Mandala Flower' completed,  pattern courtesy @ crochetmilan.com , Thank you for the wonderful pattern.
 I am grateful to Sangeeta @ crochetkari.com for helping me out with her inputs during completion of this mandala. Thank you  Sangeeta.

International Women's Day

Happy Women's Day Dear Friends
The march 8th, 2017

Today's post comes after a long hiatus. I took this opportunity to wish all my friends A  Happy Women's Day!!
 May this day and future life bring health and peace to all.

Enjoying the afternoon meal with a hot, comforting and delicious mixed veg soup followed by main course lunch dishes and end with a  rich plum cake. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

The evening's kick start was an attempt at making the most lovable snack across the length and breadth of India,' The Samosa'

I gathered myself and collected  all the items needed for the recipe from my kitchen store.
I was actually  happy at the end result after putting in lot of efforts for making samosas.

Here goes the recipe, and some pictures.
The recipe was retrieved from internet, how to fold samosas was the actual trick I wanted to learn, so thanks to you tube channel, the vahrehvah chef who  showed it the right way!!

Ingredients:
 Potatoes - 4 no, big,boiled , peeled, cut into dices
Cumin seeds -  1 teaspoon
Asafoetida (Hing) - A pinch
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Green chillies 2 no, chopped fine
Salt - As per requirement
Coriander and cumin seeds, roasted about 1/2 tsp each and pounded , ground
Red chilli powder -  1 teaspoon
Lemon juice - 2 teaspoon full
Garam Masala - 1/2 teaspoon
Oil -  for frying and for making potato curry
Fresh coriander leaves - cleaned, washed, chopped  1 tablespoon

Potato curry method:
Heat a wok or kadhai, pour 2 tablespoon oil, heat it, add cumin seeds, hing, turmeric powder, green chillies, fry a bit. Now add, diced potatoes , saute well, cover and cook for a while. Uncover see to it that it is soft but not mushy. Now add spices   as follows, coriander powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, lemon juice, salt and mix well cover and cook for aminute. Lastly sprinkle chopped coriander leaves. Dish out in a bowl, let it cool. Stuffing is ready.

Ingredients: For outer cover of samosa or pastry sheet.
Maida or refined flour -  150gm
Oil- 2 tablespoons
Carom seeds or ajwain - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt - Quarter teaspoon
Water for kneading to make stiff dough.
Dough should rest for 15 minutes.

Mix all the above ingredients one by one carefully and knead a soft dough.

Method: To prepare samosa

Roll out a thin oval sheet of prepared dough which is divided into lemon sized balls.
cut horizontally into a half, out of this half shape make a cone, gently put the stuffing mixture into the cone, seal the edges from all the sides with water, press the edges. In this way make all the samosas.
Meanwhile heat oil in a wok for deep frying.
As the oil gets hot, reduce the flame and gently drop each samosa 2-3 at a time and fry to golden brown colour.
Hot crispy samosas are ready to serve with tomato ketchup and a cup of hot tea. Enjoy!!

Crochet Poem

CROCHET


When waffle,bobble,ripple n cable,feel like a hastle,
And these stitches make me go cold...
Why should I baffle when MICQ is there to hold?

It's time to learn the new stitches the unique MICQ way
unlocking the talent within to work for a cause each day
The splatter of colours, enticing patterns and designs,
make a way for a reason to spread smile and not to whine
empowering me and all the crochet way.

Many more new stitches to join my dictionary
 eager to learn, happy to unwind the yarn for each new pattern
New friends at MICQ, sharing joy and laughter
what more can I ask for in this noble endeavour.

Mother India Crochet Queens (MICQ) Create a New Guinness Record

MICQ: The Mother India Crochet Queens an aptly named Facebook page was created by Subashri Natarajan, who spread the movement, the mission, and the challenge nationwide and overseas of creating the largest 'crochet blanket' to beat the earlier Guinness record set by South Africa at 3,377 sq. mts.

Subashri learnt about the South Africa's group effort in Guinness record breaking event held in April 2015 and decided that very moment that from India she will take up the challenge and attempt to break this record.  She started working upon her idea in systematic way and approached Guinness committee and  applied, registered for approval for the big project from March 2015 to July 2015 with series of correspondences and completed the formalities.Once the project was approved she thought of spreading it around in an orderly manner.

She  created a Facebook page named MICQ, invited women of Indian origin from  of our country and all over the world. 2500 women joined the group  all held together by single thread of yarn literally.The only condition being she should be a crochet crafter.

So the crochet blanket creation dream project was born with a noble cause of donating the individual blankets after the record break to under privileged and the needy. Exactly this cause bought together thousands of ladies with a purpose in their mind and their fingers started deftly creating blankets quietly in the own confines of their homes.The real challenge was execution of the task to completion within this large group maintaining discipline and transparency an uphill task which Subashri carried out excellently.

With the support of her husband, her friends and most importantly with  blessings of supreme power she initiated the project in Aug 2015.

The crochet pattern a traditional granny square of 40/40 inch,  hook size 5mm, yarn 4 ply weightage and requirement was thought over with front runners within the group and announced and to strictly abide by it.

The logo for MICQ was designed by Neeraja Iyer. Photo collages as photo evidence were called from each participant and compiled in file form for better coordination. Queries and FAQ'S were addressed on a dedicated forum, newer announcements and updates were regularly being given by the head of MICQ. The stipulated time limit for completion and joining of the blanket by white yarn only was rolled out.

.

THE JOURNEY... MICQ

What followed was a 'RAINBOW' of colours, support, culture, art, imagination, enthusiasm, hard work to name the few.This social cause empowered and strengthened the women and reinforced the belief in oneself with utmost confidence.This also dotted on world map the art of crochet craft taken up by women who were beginners and learnt it and the suave ones who have been doing it over a period.Successfully interconnected with each other the women within the group are fostering friendships. No words are enough to present the picture of MICQ family.This opened a pathway for new learners and innumerable possibilities of creation which can be evidently seen in platter at MICQ altar in the form of unique well thought out designs, colours, personal targets ranging from 1- 100, signature blankets. 

I am pleased to know that Subashri for  herself set a personal target of creating  100 baby blankets apart from handling the larger responsibilities of spearheading the mission and cause and encouraging others.

A special mention,

let us congratulate our darling young participants of age group 8-12 and our senior participants from 70-90 with reverence whose unfailing spirits motivated us all.

The coordinators formed within MICQ family at different regional and overseas centres for smooth functioning   worked relentlessly tirelessly and silently with personal attention and dedication keeping aside personal trials.

The coordinators of all regions looked into every detail of the misssion and the blankets made at regional centres which were first joined and then all  joined at chennai in big blanket  The bigger blanket is of 49 no. each  and joined  in the making of 1 big blanket.

Similarly, the print and electonic media have been roped in to spread the movement which have proved to be important part of the mission and from time to time. The videos and interviews on different TV, radio  channels were broadcast, telecast and articles appeared in  magazines and newspapers.The infrastructure and the requirements for final event  being taken care of by a team of people.

The backup and backstage team of our efficient work force who silently lent support to the cause is worth mentioning. we salute their spirit at all centres. Also the the yarn sellers like pradhan embroidery, ganga acrowool, knitpro, raja threads, kwality traders and many more  sold their yarn at discounted price for this cause is worth appreciating.The sponsors for the cause  put their whole  might in MICQ mission.

The camaraderie within the sub groups while enjoying sumptuous snacks and lunches, coffee at the time of joining the blankets is evident.

The final event  was  held in MNM  college in CHENNAI on 31st Jan 2016. The day before, a team of fast crocheters completed the joining of blankets into the big one.
Mr Pravin Patel the honorable  official adjudicator of  Guinness Committee  took the measurements and verified the claim of new  record and announced it officially at a grand event organised on 31st Jan 2016 in the presence of MICQ participants and guests.A proud moment for all Indians indeed.

The earlier guinness record held by South Africa has been shattered by our Indian team by huge margin and attained a name for our country in guinness book of world records The record breaking blanket measures  at 11.148.5 square metre.

Crochet Bag

'My Fat Bottom Crochet Bag'

This bag I made is dear to me since this is  the first bag pattern I made for myself.
The pattern for this bag is of Marinke or Wink  who unfortunately is  no more around to enlighten us  with her new patterns.This  is a homage paid to her from me by making this bag. It is an easy Granny Square pattern used to create this handcrafted bag.
The link for this is in  http://www.acreativebeing.com/.

'Hyderabadi Mudda Bhaji and Lal Mirchi Thecha'

Ingredients:
  Spinach, 1 cup(palak)
Fenugreek leaves,( Methi) 1 cup
Khatta palak or green sorrel leaves 1/2 cup (chuka in colloquial language)
Ghol or purslane,or kulfa  a leafy green vegetable available in warm temperate climate down in southern part of India.

Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric: 2 Teaspoon
Oil: 4 Tablespoons
Tamarind paste: 1 Tablespoon
Dry Red chillies; 2-3 in no,
Garlic pods : chopped 1 Tablespoon
Mustard, Cumin seeds: 1 1Teaspoon each
Asafoetida (Hing): 1/2 Teaspoon
Red chilli powder: 1Teaspoon
Green Chillies; 2 in no.
Split Pigeon pea or tur or arhar dal and Chana dal or split chick peas:( 1 Tablespoon),  Washed and cooked 2 cups
Water: As per need.

Method :
Wash and chop all the green leafy vegetables finely and keep aside. Mean while cook lentils until soft in pressure cooker with Turmeric and little salt. cool and lightly mash.
In a wok or fry pan heat oil, add mustard, cumin, asafoetida, Turmeric Garlic green chillies dry red chillies and cook for sometime. In a bowl take out 3 spoon full of this for garnish.
To this add chopped leafy vegetables and cook till tender. Now add cooked 'Tur dal', mix well add tamarind paste, salt, red chilli powder, mix well and let the mixture simmer for 15 min.
Once cooked oil will float on top of the curry or stew. Switch off the gas and serve hot with hot chapati and onion rings.
Enjoy.

Fresh Red Chilli chatni or' thecha'

For red chilli Thecha or pickle, simply clean and wash fresh red chillies, pat dry and grind them in mixie along with salt, lemon juice and 2 teasoons of chopped garlic for 1 cup of fresh red chillies. Transfer in serving bowl and garnish with' Tadka' or tempering of mustard seeds with hing or asafoetida.  Enjoy as a spicy accompaniment.

New Year

Wishing All My Friends A Happy And Prosperous New Year!!
Ashwini

Dusherra

Friends,
 This is the 'Ravan Dahan' a ritual carried on the day of 'Dusherra' where in an effigy of Ravan is burnt along with others. The above picture  is of same being done at my home on 'Dusherra' of 2013, the ravana cut out is made out of cardboard with embellishments done later and decorated. It was indeed an enjoyable family activity. This a typical Hindu tradition. This actvity we try to take up every year with slight changes affecting the face and size of the ravana cut out due to over enthusiasm or under enthusiasm .
My son is peeking out from the backside of 'King Ravana' as he is surely not fearful of him because of  sheer size of paper Ravana who is harmless.

Crochet Blanket

Hello Friends
It has been a long time since I have posted something new. Currently I am participating in an event of 'Crochet Craft' of making baby blankets which involves a large group of Indian ladies to break the current  'Guinness Book Of World Record' for  creating a largest crochet blanket. Indian ladies from India and overseas have taken up this challenge to break the earlier record held by South Africa. These blankets will be distributed all over India to the needy after the completion of the event.
 This  social cause gives a reason of  making my country proud for coming together just by a THREAD.....
This gives me pleasure which I am sharing with you all.

The picture above here is of  the blanket I handcrafted for the challenge.

Paper napkin holder

This holds special value for me as it  is completely reconstructed from broken pieces of once a' new casing' to hold tissues. Courtesy my son.