By the time I attempted this block, I’d noticed that my dexterity and knowledge had improved through the weeks. 

The block, Tulip from Betty Barnden’s 75 Crocheted Floral Blocks book, is a tribute to the fine work of DJ Hefty and Saied at Dulwich Ecogardens who had been able to work whilst social distancing in my garden at home in Beckers. Spring is probably my favourite season in England and Hefty spent hours planting tulips for me to enjoy on my April trip that was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first draft of the square took me most of two frustrating days and a lot of unpicking. The second was just an afternoon’s work with a smaller hook et voilà, I’d now learned to do tapestry crochet! This was the smallest square to date and needed a lot of blocking pins to stretch it to the right size, which was more difficult because the two layer fabric is less malleable than the others.

April 2020

HK maximum temp: 30C

HK minimum temp: 16C

Yarns used: Rowan Cotton Glacé Shade Persimmon and Rowan Handknit Cotton Shades Celery and Sunshine (for artistic licence)