GiddyStuff

Tuesday Treasury - Spring Fabric

2012-01-31T19:57:00.001Z

This week's treasury is a mini-selection of new fabrics from abric Rehab. I love this online shop, the fabrics are all good quality, my only problem is I sometimes like the fabric so much that I don't want to cut it up and make things!!!

Taali – Baa Baa Black Sheep, a wonderful organic cotton fabric, isn't this the perfect pattern for a knitting project bag?

Candy Trees by Cloud 9, a great retro design, imagine this as an a-line skirt! Think i'll have to hunt a pattern down and give it a go.

Put a Lid on It by Michael Miller, this fabric lends itself to all sorts of uses, I think it would look great if parts of the design were picked out with hand emroidery.

Teeny Tiny Dots – Mocca, there are some great spotty fabrics on this site, inluding these tiny polka dots. I'd combine this one with some plain teal coloured fabric.

Check out lots of other fantastic fabrics on the Fabric Rehab site ...
http://fabricrehab.co.uk/

The Odd Couple

2012-01-30T20:36:00.000Z

I've just finished my January One Skein Knit-A-Long, and the timing is perfect with the temperature dropping like it has! The project required 100g of DK Merino yarn, I spotted this SMC extra soft merino and decided the colour was perfect ....

... the colour repeat was quite large, obviously meant for a garment rather than mittens, but actually like the fact that the gloves are a 'couple' rather than a 'pair', i've seen patterns for socks where this sort of effect is used, so why not gloves and mittens too!

Monthly Make 2012 - January

2012-01-28T17:51:00.000Z

As January draws to a close I thought it was a good time to blog about my 'Monthly Make', an online monthly craft challenge that has been organised by Annie The Felt Fairy.

I've tackled quite a few projects this month, but i've decided that my monthly make should really be something that i've 'thought up' or designed.

This month i've made a crochet cuff using a mini skein of yarn I received in the 'Yummy Yarns' Secret Santa on Ravelry. The yarn was spun by Kerry from DyeSpinKnit using pink merino plied with black Welsh. I've got another mini skein that she sent me, and I think i'm going to design a knitted cuff with that one!

This is a quick project - obviously i've used a hand-spun yarn of varying thickness, but i'm sure you could make this cuff using a space-dyed Aran yarn ... here's how I made it ...

Crochet Cuff

You will need :-

hand-spun/fancy yarn or space-dyed ran yarn
a 5.5mm crochet hook
a fancy button that matches/contrasts with your yarn - I ended up sewing on three!!
embroidery thread that matched your yarn
a tapestry needle
a tape measure
scissors

Method:-

Remember these instructions use UK crochet terms.

Make 5 chain.

Row 1 - Miss the first chain nearest the hook, then DC (double crochet) into four remaining chain stitches.
Row 2 - Make 1 chain then DC into each stitch on the previous row.

Repeat Row 2 until the work can be fitted comfortably around your wrist plus 2cm overlap.

Now to make the button hole ...

Make 1 chain, DC into the first stitch from the previous row, 2ch, then miss the next 2 stitches, 1DC into the last stitch on the previous row.

Make 1 chain, DC into the first stitch, then DC into each of the chain stitches made on the previous row, 1DC into last stitch on previous row.

Make one chain, then 1DC into each stitch.
Repeat this row one more time then fasten off and weave in any ends.

Press the strip of crochet to flatten out any 'twists' caused by the hand-spun nature of the yarn. Wrap the cuff around your wrist and use a pin to mark where the button will need to go in relation to the button hole.

Sew on the button using embroidery yarn and a tapestry needle. You may want to add other buttons for decorative purposes like in the photograph above.

Tuesday Treasury - Burns Night

2012-01-24T21:04:00.000Z

Tomorrow is Burns Night, so i've got a mini-treasury with a Scottish flavour ...

Fair Isle Fingerless Lambswool Gloves in Pink, Wine, Olive Green, Aqua and Winter White, a traditional pattern in a modern colourway -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/helengraydesigns

Purple Harris Tweed Lavender Owl on Twig, Harris Tweed is the only fabric in the world governed by its own Act of Parliament -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoobieandBoo

Scottish Beach Stone Pebbles, found on the West Coast of Scotland, those colours are amazing -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fionamacneil

Tunnock's Teacake Screen-Printed Cushion, you can also get a Caramel Wafer cushion -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/whatnikkimade

Escargot ... Work In Progress

2012-01-22T16:08:00.001Z

I recently decided to join in the Escargot KAL being organised by Babylonglegs on Ravelry. Sarah from Babylonglegs dyed me some amazing orange and brown yarn, and finally i've cast on. One of the main problems I had was realising I didn't have any circular needles in the right size - all sorted now.
My hat is not finished by a long shot, a raging head cold this week (plus a load of reports to write) means that it's prably going to be next weekend before I can show off my hat properly.

I'm really pleased with the pattern so far, and i'm really hoping that I can get a brown hat with an orange trim made from the leftover yarn, but we'll see ...

Tuesday Treasury - Jack Frost

2012-01-17T20:02:00.000Z

I love a frost winter morning, my inspiration for this week's mini-treasury ...

Frozen English winter landscape photo, animal tracks through frosty field, Northumberland, This fine art print sums up everything that's so wonderful about Winter -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tombland

Jack Frost Window Pendant, I miss those lovely patterns on the windows now we have double glazing -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeByReverie

Weave, screenprinted fabric in 'Snow' on an oatmeal cotton background, I love white prints like this, so versatile -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/summersville

'Snow Flowers' Earrings, so simple, so pretty -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/OVGilliesDesigns

Another treasury next Tuesday ...

My Little Book

2012-01-16T10:20:00.000Z

At the end of last year I was inspired by Kirstie Allsopp, and decided to have a go at binding my own book. She used leather, but as it was the Christmas break and even some Internet suppliers were on holiday, I went for the fabric option - upcycled curtain fabric from a sample book and some yellow polka dots from my stash ...

The black ribbon was wrapped around a present - good job I found it as I didn't have any ribbon in my stash that seemed to match the colours and fabrics I had chosen! It's taken me ages to blog about this make purely because we've had no sun for photos - a cold but sunny Sunday afternoon changed that.

Even the pages had to be torn to size and sewn to the cover.

It's only a small book, it's going to live in the front pocket of my handbag, it's perfect for knitting notes and random ideas. I do want to have another go, maybe something bigger next time, something I could use as a sketchbook.

A Week of Knitting

2012-01-15T15:41:00.001Z

A 'run' of evenings where i've got in from work and found I still have a tiny amount of energy means that i've been able to get a number of projects well underway during the past week.

I finally got some of the cuff knitted on my Knit.Sock.Love 'Cusp' KAL. My sock knitting is very slow!

My One Skein KAL for January has progressed a little better ...

... I just need to graft those stitches together, and then i'm up-to-date on the instructions so far. The yarn i'm using has quite a long repeat, so mitten two is likely to end up looking very different to this one, and I quite like that idea!

This is the yarn that was dyed for me by Babylonglegs for the Escargot KAL i'm doing - burnt orange and truffle brown - i'm casting on this afternoon, there's a lot of stitches, and it's cable cast-on, but after the initial hard work it knits up quite quickly ... I hope ...

I love the colours that Sarah has created for me.

Lastly, here's a quick knit I did last night. My daughter spotted one of those knitted headband/earwarmers in 'FatFace', reluctant to part with her money, she examined it and decided that I could make one!

The pattern is a free download from Ravelry, it's quick to knit and doesn't take heaps of yarn. I making a purple one next! Here's the link to the pattern ...

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anthropologie-inspired-braided-headwrap

I hope i'll have more piccies of those socks and mittens very soon!

Tuesday Treasury - Upcycle/Recycle

2012-01-10T19:04:00.000Z

Like many people i'm aiming to spend a little less money this year - I could start by using up my fabric and yarn stash (although I have bought some yarn this week!) and by making a few more meals from scratch - something I always do at the weekend, but weekdays are usually such a rush! I want make more handmade presents for people, and I also want to try and recycle a few more things!

For this week's mini-treasury i've picked out some recycled/upcycled items ...

Recycled vintage chandelier glass and cuckoo clock chain necklace, this so pretty -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hapitat

Vintage Heart Pincushion, made from traditional hand-embroidered linen -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOmegaWorkshop

Blue Mountain Brooch Pin, made from recycled wool, I love this design -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JumpUp

Set of Twenty Upcycled stickers, a great 'knitty' theme from my favourite upcycler -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/swirlyarts

Another mini-treasury next Tuesday ...

Joining In

2012-01-07T10:56:00.000Z

Normally i'd be blogging about my weekly challenge at the weekend, but this year i've decided to join in with some challenges being organised by other crafters ...

The first thing i've decided to join in with is LaaLaa's Travelling Craft Box ...

The idea is that a box of crafty goodies - magazines, handmade items, books etc travels around the participants. If they see something in the box that they like, they can take it out, but they must replace it with another crafty item and then post the box onto the next person. There is still time to sign up - the closing date is 20th anuary 2012.

I've also signed up The Felt Fairy's 'Monthly Make In 2012', which is exactly what it says.

There is a Flickr group where you can display your makes, and obviously it will be great fun to see what everyone else is making. You can click on the picture in the sidebar of my blog to join in.

Meanwhile I am knitting my 'Cusp' socks, i've signed up for a One Skein knit-a-long for January ... and i'm debating whether to join in another KAL to make this wonderful hat ...

Picture from Knitty website

What should I do ...?

Tuesday Treasury - Moss Green

2012-01-03T20:04:00.000Z

A mini-treasury of moss green lovelies is my first treasury of 2012 ...

Pebble Pinwheel Pin Cushion, I could become addicted to owning pin cushions, this one is made from recycled felt fabric and decorated with vintage thread -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SnowdropsAndDaisies

Green Moss Pendant, I love the contrast of the freshwater pearl against the ceramic pendant -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/themagpiesdaughter

Owl Charm Bracelet, with moss agate gemstones, this one ticks all the boxes -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueForestJewellery

Milly High Twist Sock Yarn - Mossy Slate, ok, so you know i'd find it difficult not to include some yarn -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JunoFibreArts

Urban Outfitters Scarf

2012-01-01T09:58:00.001Z

My teenage daughter fell in love with a scarf in Urban Outfitters. Now, I know some stores have been stocking this amazing Henry Holland crochet scarf ...

Urban Outfitters

... but this one wasn't £400, it was £28 (which is still a lot for something that could get left on the bus or on the back of a chair at school). It was obviously a budget version - not done in pure wool yarn, and the 'grannies' weren't as big.

I've got loads of brightly coloured acrylic yarn - free with magazines, and oddments from knitting Christmas ornaments, so all I needed to buy was a ball of lack acrylic yarn ... and this is what i've done so far ...

I'm keeping the motifs small, and i've decided to use greens, purples, reds, oranges and pinks. I've still got quite a few to do, but so far i'm happy, and so is my daughter - she keeps checking how many i've done!

Who knows, I may even make her a pure wool version for next Christmas.

I've just realised that this is my first blog post of 2012, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Knitted globes and heartfelt rings

2011-12-31T15:17:00.000Z

A gap in the rain, and therefore some very rare December daylight means I have been able to take a couple of quick photos of some of my projects ...
or a great deal of December I was knitting Christmas globes, they've disappeared off to various new homes but these are three I managed to keep ...
The heart globe was my first attempt, the yarn I used was a it on the thick side, but it had worked out ok. I knitted a few reindeer globes, I suppose it's the influence of all those Christmas jumpers in the shops! The green globe is my own design, the colours chosen because I wanted a real retro feel (as if i'd found the pattern in a 1950's craft book), and design is based on the stone decoration above my front door.
I'm sure i'll be knitting lots more next Christmas ...

The heartfelt ring was a very quick project - just to give me a break from globes and gloves! The yarn is Rowan ine Tweed - which I bought just because the colours looked so lovely! I partially felted the ring by hand and then finished it off by chucking it in with my washing - I know it could have gone horribly wrong!!! I want to make more of these, they are so cute, I need more Rowan yarn!

Challenge 52 - Week 52

2011-12-31T14:26:00.000Z

My last challenge of the year, and hopefully a sign of things that I want to be doing in 2012 - knitting lots of socks! Months ago I joined the Knit.Sock.Love group on Ravelry - a group for those who are fans of Cookie A's sock designs. I'd got the book on order, but it never really materialsed ...
Then, earlier ths month, Joy (The Knitting Goddess) announced that she was sponsoring the group's January KAL 'Cusp', and by reading through the details I found that I could order a PDF copy of the book - which I did!

Image from CookieA website

I've done one skein KALs, and i've also completed one of the Woolly Wormhead KALs that I took part in (one hat still onthe needles!!), so I thought i'd give this sock challenge a go!

I ordered some yarn from The Knitting Goddess, although not pink, I went for this orange/red semi-solid 'Bella's Truck', and i'm ready to cast on sometime after the start of the New Year ... now to dig out some needles ...

If you are interested in joining in with this knit-a-long, here's the link ...

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knitsocklove/1946960/26-50#50

Top Five Knitting Books 2011

2011-12-30T10:08:00.002Z

2011 was the year that I went knitting mad ... studying knitting patterns on Ravelry, investing in all sorts of double pins and circular needles ... and buying tonnes of yarn (online and in shops). I have a huge to-do list, a few bags containing part-finished projects and of course, i've been buying a few knitting books to help me with my 'habit'.
Here's my top five collection of knitting books bought in the past year ...

1 - The Gentle Art of Knitting - Jane Brocket
This is such a beautiful book, lots of inspiring pictures and divided into different sections - comfort, practical, charm, colour and style. If you only buy one general knitting book make it this one.

Image from Amazon

2 - 10 Simple Cosy Projects - Sarah Hatton

I've used this little book so much! Yes, the patterns are very simple, but it's well worth owning this book just to give you that extra push to get knitting. I've knitted so many pairs of wristwarmers, and fallen in love with Rowan Cocoon!

Image from Amazon

3 - 55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colourful Festive Ornaments - Arne and Carlos
I've made so many Christmas decorations since buying this book. Ok, so you can only use it at certain times of the year, but this one has defintely paid for itself already.

Image from Knit Magazine

4 - The Scrumptious Collection: Volume 1 - Fyberspates
I've yet to make something from this fabulous book, but that's mainly because I can't make up my mind whch pattern to do first. A wonderful mixture of garments and accessories.

Image from Amazon

5 - Socktopus - Alice Yu
Much as I would love to join the Knit Love Club, Alice's sock club, it's out or my budget range, but this collection of her sock designs more than makes up for it. There are great sections explaining different fibres and yarns, and the anatomy of a sock, and I love the fact that her designs are so heavily influenced by popular culture.

Image from Amazon

Tuesday Treasury - Sketchbooks

2011-12-27T15:40:00.000Z

I'm going to attempt to make my own sketchbook/notebook this week, but should things go wrong, here's a mini-treasury of sketchbooks from Etsy ..
Leather sketchbook with Medieval binding, a beautiful luxury item ...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SusanGreenBooks

Travel Journal, made from vintage red leather ...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperMachines

Monochrome Notebook, the bindin on this is so neat -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGiftShed

Vintage Fashion notebook, I love Moleskine, and this custom design is great -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/craftypagan

Another treasury next Tuesday.

Challenge 52 - Week 51

2011-12-24T10:18:00.000Z

We're getting near to the end of my 52 week challenge ... and it's Christmas Eve, so, although I won't be thinking about doing my challenge task until at least Tuesday, i'm blogging about it as next Saturday will be the last Saturday of the year and I still have one challenge left!!!
I've got photographs from previous challenges to take - things in my sketchbook and some knitted globes, and i've also got some heartfelt rings from last week's challenge that, well, need felting - my first attempt did nothing, think there was too much nylon in the yarn I had chosen!!!

I've been watching Kirstie's Handmade Britain and was particularly interested in Isabelle Ting's handmade books.
http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/crafts/how-to-bind-a-book

I love notebooks, and remember attempting to make my own sketchbooks as an art student many years ago (but they only had about eight pages as I didn't know what I was doing).
Isabelle Ting, who is based in Edinburgh makes all sorts of wonderful handmade books ...

I'm sure my attempts will not look this wonderful, but i'm hoping to at least produce one little sketchbook that I can keep in my handbag for doodling!

All images from Isabelle Ting's website
http://www.isabelleting.com/

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T09:57:00.000Z

The last of my Advent globes ...

... have a brilliant Christmas x

Snow Globe

2011-12-23T21:54:00.000Z

So, not long until Christmas now ... the last of the presents are wrapped, and tomorrow should be relatively stress free - i'm sure i'll find some opportunity/excuse to 'cast on' or stitch if I find it too relaxing!
Today's globe is a snow globe ... one more globe to go ...

Hearts and Checks

2011-12-22T19:40:00.000Z

Today's globe is inspired by Viennese decorative design ...

Christmas House

2011-12-21T20:47:00.000Z

I'm so tempted to make this as a felt globe for my Christmas tree ...

Bird

2011-12-20T21:06:00.000Z

I know i've already made a robin globe, but I couldn't resist adding another litle bird to my decoration designs ...

Tuesday Treasury - Last Minute

2011-12-20T20:42:00.002Z

Ok, so it's too late to order goodies from Etsy, today was the final Christmas posting day in the UK!
Instead i've got a mini-treasury of patterns from Ravelry that (hopefully) can be used to make last minute gifts ...
Big Button Hat by my Duvendack, if only I could part with some of my nice buttons and give them to someone else ...
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/big-button-hat

Scrummy Mitts by Jane Pool, great for using up chunky yarn you may have in your stash ...

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scrummy-mitts

Weekend Granny Afghan by on Brand Yarns, another project to use up any left over chunky yarns ... this one grows quickly!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/weekend-granny-afghan

Going Green Coffee Cosy by Anne-Marie Kavulla, coffee definitely needs to be kept warm at this time of year ...

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/going-green-cup-cozy

Go on, sort through your stash and cast on!

Trees with peppermint bark ...

2011-12-19T18:20:00.000Z

I think I may have read my 'Martha Stewart Holiday' magazine a bit too much - today's globe is definitely influenced by her recipe for peppermint bark!

Perhaps I need to make some peppermint bark .... hmmmmmm ....

Challenge 52 - Week 50

2011-12-18T21:32:00.001Z

I was a bit stuck for a challenge this week - I've been knitting constantly for two weeks, and still have two hats and two shawls on the needles, so was loathed to start another big knitting challenge ...
I'm doing some sketchbook challenge work still too, so I didn't want another sketchbook project!
Then I got an email alert from Tiny Little Owl - a fab mini-project for creating little felted rings, great for using oddments of sock yarn, and very portable, so I can take it on the bus and train while i'm delivering presents this week ...

Image from Tiny Owl Knits

Here's the link to download this free project, go on, give it a go ...

http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/heartfelt-rings-free-pattern-and-video-knit-along/

Toadstool

2011-12-18T18:46:00.000Z

Today's Advent globe ... not exactly a Christmas theme, but i'm sure these little toadstool will look fab adorning any Christmas tree, or string them together to make a bunting to adorn the place where the fairies live in your garden ...

Button Heart

2011-12-17T20:58:00.000Z

Today's globe is based on some felt globes I have been making for my tree, I hope I can take some pictures this weekend ...

I'm also going to make some felt 'heart' tags to put on people's presents ... only a week left!

Plates and Spoons

2011-12-16T21:38:00.000Z

Today's globe is another 'retro' one, I call it 'Plates and Spoons', can you guess why? ...

Stocking

2011-12-15T11:04:00.000Z

For next Christmas i'm already panning to knit some Christmas stockings, in the meantime, here's a globe or two ...

Sparkle

2011-12-14T16:24:00.000Z

Not quite a snowflake, not quite a star ... it's a sparkle ...

Tuesday Treasury - Green and Red

2011-12-13T23:08:00.000Z

This week I have a mini-treasury of green and red goodies. I love this festive colour combination ...

Paper Christmas Decorations, large red white and green hanging geometric curves -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bookity

Mistletoe And Wine Button Charm Bracelet, I love buttons -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MrsGibson

Handspun Yarn, Claret and Mistletoe, so pretty -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HookLineAndStitches

Fused Glass Art Ring, handmade glass makes such lovely jewellery -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tias

Noel

2011-12-13T22:35:00.000Z

I really thought that we might get some snow today ... oh well!
Here's my 'Noel' globe with a few snow balls added for good measure ...

Tree

2011-12-12T21:29:00.000Z

A 'Woolworths' style tinsel Christmas Tree for today's globes.

Colour in the tree outline and decorate with loads of sequins!!

Christmas decoration Swap ... what I sent ...

2011-12-12T10:22:00.000Z

I blogged at the weekend about the goodies I received from Jo at Pickle-Lily, and I know she has got my goodies now so I can blog about her parcel ...
I had been sketching a few crochet ideas for a Christmas tree, and I finally sorted out the right yarn and made this little buttony decoration ...

I also made some laser-cut reindeer decorations in red, green and white acrylic ...

I had to include one of my cupcake pin cushions ...

As I was making these things, I hadn't realised the 'colour-scheme' that was developing!!!

I also included some chocolate bars, some One Stop Pamper melts, a mini sock-knitting kit, a handmade bracelet and some Knitting Goddess mini-skeins ...

So now it's time to sit back a bit and relax, finish a few Christmas gifts i'm making ... and then start looking out for a few new swaps in the New Year ...

Christmas Buttons

2011-12-11T20:22:00.000Z

Ok, so I got to day 10 of my Advent globes without a button in sight, but today I caved in ...

My Christmas button globe design!!

Challenge 52 - Week 49

2011-12-11T19:56:00.002Z

I'm busy knitting mittens and Christmas globes - part of last week's challenge, but that doesn't mean that I haven't got time for a new challenge!
This month's Sketchbook Challenge is Trashed, Ruined and Decay, a great opportunity for looking at interesting details in the urban environment and translating them as layered textures and patterns in my sketchbook - I feel a good starting point for some embroidery in the new year.

Images by RonsPhotos (RedBubble)

You'll be able to check what i'm up to on my flickr page ...

Christmas Decoration Swap

2011-12-10T21:17:00.000Z

A few months ago a signed up for a Christmas Decoration Swap, organised by Hookin' With Laalaa. My swap partner was Jo from Pickle-Lily, who does loads of lovely crafty things.I posted my parcel off last weekend, and my goodies from Jo arrived this week. little bit of frosty sunshine this morning means I can show off my pressies ...

These are all the lovely things I was sent - i'm sure the chocolates will be gone by the time most people read my blog! I've also got some Christmas fabric and ribbons, some 'Click' yarn, some amaing holly soap, and you can probably spot a couple of handmade gifts ...

My daughter has already claimed this cute little doggie brooch! And of course, this felted Christmas Tree decoration will be going on my tree this weekend!

Many thanks again to Jo for all these lovely gifts x.

Red Nose

2011-12-10T21:00:00.000Z

A cute reindeer globe to print out and hang on your tree today ...

70's Ski Jumper

2011-12-09T10:44:00.000Z

A retro Adevent globe for all us '70's children today - inspired by the pattern on those shoulder-fastening acrylic jumpers that seemed to be compulsory winter wear during my childhood!

Holly Wreath

2011-12-08T22:35:00.000Z

We're into the second week of Advent and today's globe is a holly wreath ...

This next week is all about making gifts for friends and family, plus i've got my knitted globe design to make up ... photos soon x.

Robin

2011-12-07T22:29:00.000Z

A cute little robin for today's Advent globe ...

Tuesday Treasury - I want this ...

2011-12-06T22:42:00.001Z

This week's mini-treasury is very selfish - i've been looking for things I like (and want!), and I hope you like them too ...

Red Leather Satchel, I love satchels and this bright red on is so eye catching -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/frenchenglish

Pink Lemonade soap, this looks so refreshing, just the thing to wake me up on a cold winter morning -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AquarianBath

'Fiesta' Sock Yarn , lovely bright colours, i'm thinking up pattern ideas for this one already -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountessAblaze

Blue Water Brooch, what a fantasticway to re-use broken vintage china -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucie0ellen

Pudding

2011-12-06T22:03:00.000Z

It may be a bit late to make a Christmas pudding now, but decorate your tree with a couple of pudding globes ...

Jingle All The Way

2011-12-05T21:48:00.000Z

Today's Advent globe is actually four small jingle bells ... print off lots and thread them on a string ...

These 'colouring-in' ones would look great covered in coloured glitter ...

Another globe tomorrow ...

Knitted Heart

2011-12-04T20:51:00.000Z

I was hoping to photograph the Christmas lobe I knitted in the week, but the rain has been awful today and as a result there has been no good light to take a picture. I decided to make my Advent globe today in the style of the one i've knitted, and the black and white version means you can get out the crayons and design your own knitted globe too ...

Challenge 52 - Week 48

2011-12-04T20:17:00.000Z

Last week's challenge was to make a knitted Christmas globe from '55 Christmas Balls to Knit' by Arne and Carlos. After a few false starts - my 3mm double pins were way too long, so I had to treat myself to a set of Brittany ones - I managed to make one, great practise for knitting in the round and using colour! Now I want to make more!!
I've been looking at Arne and Carlos' designs on the Internet, I love the way they take traditional Scandinavian knitting patterns and add a modern twist to them ...

From Google Images

I think this week's challenge should be to design my own knitted surface pattern for a globe! There's a grid in the back of the book, so i'm off to find my coloured markers and get creative ...

Snowflakes and Stripes

2011-12-03T22:05:00.000Z

I'm hoping to have some pics of some of the decorations i've been making soon - some are for swaps so are top secret, others are still on the needles. Today's advent globe has stripes and a snowflake!

I'm thinking about last week's challenge and wondering how this would look as an actual knitted globe - winter white yarn for the snowflake and space-dyed yarn for the stripes ...

Seeing Stars

2011-12-02T21:48:00.000Z

It's the 2nd December, and another advent globe, this time some stars ...

... and so Christmas begins ...

2011-12-01T20:04:00.000Z

It's the first of December, and for the giddystuff blog that means another set of Advent illustrations. It was the set of illustrations I did for Christmas 2009 that really got me blogging on a regular basis.
Eah day until Christmas i'll be posting a 'globe' here on my blog - print them out and hand them on your tree, or use them as gift tags.

I'll also be posting a black and white version for the children to colour in ...

Have fun xxx!

Tuesday Treasury - For the tree ...

2011-11-29T19:13:00.000Z

Tomorrow is the last day of November ... and also the day I send off my Christmas decoration swap - no spoilers, it has to stay secret until it's been delivered!
The Christmas tree will be put up at the weekend, so I decided that this week's mini-treasury had to be tree decorations ...

Large Green Folk Style Christmas Tree Decoration -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ilovehearts

Set of Eight Glass Christmas Decorations -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/redbrickglass

Set of Four Stoneware Tree Decorations -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrinceDesignUK

Three Christmas Reindeer Decorations -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SnowFish

Another mini-tresury next week ...

Challenge 52 - Week 47

2011-11-27T17:37:00.000Z

So, we're heading into the last few weeks of my challenge ... and i'm already thinking about what sort of things I can be blogging about next year.
It's been a busy month - i'm still knitting my mystery hats, and i've also got a cowl and a pair of bedsocks on the go at the moment! I've also been getting together some things for the Christmas swaps i'm involved in, but i'm not going to say much about those!
I've finished my Mystery One Sken Knit-A-Long, a leaf-shaped coaster/mat, I just need to make a few more of them, i'm thinking red and silver would look lovely at Christmas ...

And these are some of the Owl fabrics i've designed on Spoonflower for last weeks challenge, I think i'm going to order some to make a tote bag or two. I'm also working on another little Owly project ... more soon ...

So, back to this week's challenge - it's a knitty one! I've recently treated myself to this book, 55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colourful Festive Ornaments by Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison ...

Now, i'm not planning to make 55 in a week, but I do fancy using this project as a stepping stone for trying out more Scandinavian traditional knitting, so watch this space to see how I cope with double pins and colour changes at the same time!

Tuesday Treasury - Christmas Gifts

2011-11-22T20:02:00.000Z

Just over four weeks until Christmas and i'm trying to make gifts whenever I get a spare moment - there are squares of felt draped over a chair and yarn in paper bags all over the living room!
This week's treasury is a mini-selection of crochet PDFs from Etsy, and the great thing about PDF patterns is that they get sent to your computer so you don't have to worry about them getting lost in the Christmas post ...

Christmas Plum Pudding Pattern, this can be used as a baby ball, but I think will be just as wonderful as a tree or table decoration on the big day ...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/maisiemoondesigns

Mary Jane Slippers, never mind making these for someone else, I want some!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Accessorise

Crochet Boxes, make a set of boxes as a gift, or make a single box to hold some handmade jewellery.

http://www.etsy.com/people/ZoomYummy

Crochet Bows, turn them into hair decorations or make them in sparkly yarn and attach them to presents

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bysol

I've tried to choose patterns that can be made in super-quick time, so happy crocheting!

Challenge 52 - Week 46

2011-11-20T20:00:00.000Z

I'm back online with an 'owly' challenge this week ...
There are lots of owl themed crafty items in the shops and online this year. My daughter and her friends love all this stuff, so I thought i'd have a go at creating my own crafty owl. I'm not sure what exactly i'm making yet, but hopefully it'll be done by the end of the week, and maybe I can share the instructions/pattern on here ... it's still at the sketchbook stage at the moment - i've also crated this little owl motif, maybe he could go on a fabric design ...

Back Soon ...

2011-11-16T15:31:00.001Z

You may have noticed that I didn't do a treasury yesterday, and in general I haven't blogged much for the past couple of weeks. My computer is in need of repair and so I won't be blogging this week - the first time in ages that I haven't done a weekly treasury!
I'm hoping to be back on line to post about my weekly challenge on Sunday.
Have a good week x

Challenge 52 - Week 45

2011-11-12T09:19:00.001Z

It's been a busy (and tiring) week. My main craft activity has been knitting the brim for my second Woolly Wormhead Mystery KAL - no photos yet as the weather is permanently dark and wet!
I usually do a One Skein KAL every month, although I didn't get very far with last month's after it fell of the needles. I had a quick 'go' at this month's challenge earlier in the week, but got stuck as a part of the instructions was missing! I'm determined to complete this challenge for November, so i'm about to cast on and try again - all I know is it's a seasonal knit and that I should be able to make a few of them! I'm seeing it as a good opportunity to use up those little balls of acrylic yarn you sometimes get free with knitting magazines!
In the meantime i've got the second set of instructions for my hat challenges to work through too!

Crafty Crafty

2011-11-09T11:47:00.005Z

I was super pleased to find out that my Arnold the Jellyfish fabric had been featured on the Crafty Crafty website. The blog article was about Spoonflower - where there are thousands of fabrics to choose from, so as you can imagine I was pleased as punch that they'd picked me!

http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2011/11/fabric_jellyfish_fun.html

My Spoonflower fabrics can be found here, and my collection of Christmas designs has just gone on sale ...
http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/giddystuff

Tuesday Treasury - Make Hey! While The Sun Shines

2011-11-08T13:17:00.001Z

I've treated myself to Pip Lincolne's new book 'Make Hey While The Sunshines' - an eclectic mixture of inspiring projects, images and recipes. It's going to be my evening reading for the next week and i've already fallen in love with some of the crochet and patchwork projects.

Image from Amazon

This week's mini-treasury has been chosen to reflect the projects in the book, perfect for those who don't have time to make, but love that homemade style ...

Green Geometric Pouch, a patchwork style pattern in a printed fabric -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirtyfiveFlowers

Granny Square Afghan Blanket, I love the retro black bordering on this design -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lulaveggie

Original Pattern Painting Triangles Watercolour, triangles are a definite theme in Pip's book, and this painting reminds me of the inside cover design -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahBeeIllustration

Sewing Collection Necklace, there are pages of retro imagery in the book, and this necklace captures that imagery perfectly -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucie0ellen

Challenge 52 - Week 44

2011-11-06T16:53:00.000Z

Writing blog posts hasn't really been high on my agenda this week - the 'Z' key on my laptop keeps sticking, and so everytime I try to type i'm typing in my own language - there are lots of 'Zs' involved and therefore a lot of text editing!!
I've been knitting the brim of my mystery hat ...

This yarn is 'Nutmeg Marl', I hope it will look good with the final pattern - this is only the brim. I am going to start the other design in the yarn I featured on here, but my 2.5mm needles went missing and i've only just discovered where they were hiding this morning.

This week's challenge is a sketchbook one, and i've made a start already. The topic is IMAGINARY ANIMALS. Here is the 'Turtle Dove' I did in my sketchbook this afternoon ...

And remember, if i'm not blogging again next week, i've either taken my laptop to get it fixed or i've thrown it up the wall!

Tuesday Treasury - Hats

2011-11-01T19:49:00.000Z

This morning I got the first set of instructions for the mystery hat that i'm going to knit, so i'm going to spend the evening reading through the instructions and perhaps casting on - I need to have knitted the brim by the 9th November when the next set of instructions are sent out.
I've picked a treasury of fab Autumn hats from Etsy this week, perfect for those who would sooner et someone else do all the knitting and purling ...

Slouchy Beanie in Grey, I love the button detail -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moocowhandknits

Handknit Scandinavian Tam o' Shanter, a traditional design in a great colourway -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/robertacummings

Beanie Hat with Pom Poms, the yarn looks sew soft -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kydel

Green Crocheted Beanie, ok so it's not knitting, but it's lovely -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeckyGarratt

Another mini-treasury next Tuesday ..

A bat and a mug cosy

2011-10-31T20:24:00.000Z

Just a quick blog post to update my progress with my project-a-day challenge ...
I thought three posts in a day was a bit over the top for a Sunday, so saved my pics of these two challenges for today. I only really got enough sunshine to take the pictures yesterday afternoon!
On Thursday I made a mug hug from this month's Mollie Makes magazine, and did the embroidered decoration on Friday. It's a bit bright, but at least I won't lose my mug!

On Saturday, I was quite busy, but managed to make this cute felt bat from 'Super Cute Felt' by Laura Howard - my daughter has already claimed it for her 'vampire' collection!

Happy Halloween x

Challenge 52 - Week 43

2011-10-30T18:20:00.001Z

After a very busy week of blogging and making last week, it's quite nice to be back to one challenge per week, although this week's challenge will actually be lasting a month. November is Mystery Knit-A-Long month on Woolly Wormhead's blog. I know what size needles I need, and what sort of yarn, but I won't get my first set of instructions until Tuesday.
In the meantime I have chosen this yarn to use for the project. I bought it from Brownberry Yarns yesterday at FibreFlurry, a mixture of greys, reds and teals. I can't wait to see what i'll be doing with it ...

Fibre Flurry 2011

2011-10-30T14:53:00.000Z

This weekend has been one of my favourite ones of the year, and not just because of the extra sleep-in we get with Summer ending.
Yesterday I went to Fibre Flurry in King's Norton, Birmingham - i'd been more or less looking forward to it since last October! It's a great opportunity to meet up with other knitty people, and also buy lots of goodies.
So here are my goodies ... just when you thought I was 'busting that stash' ...
Skeins and mini-skeins from the Knitting Goddess - i'd pre-ordered some of these things, but had to buy a few more mini-skeins for my hexipuffs, and I couldn't resist the pink and black colour-pop skein.

This fab collaboration between Babylonglegs, Nicsknots and Atomic Knitting. This is a photo from the Babylonglegs page on Ravelry - my daughter has already acquired the bag!!

I also treated myself to this rather wonderful project bag, also by Nicsknots ...

Then there was some sock yarn from Brownberry Yarns, some lovely giraffe shaped buttons from Injabulo, and a huge skein of white Kidsilk to knit a cowl with from Artisan Yarns.

Now I just need to find lots of projects to keep me busy during the winter ... and then I can start planning for FibreFlurry 2012!

Finally ...

2011-10-28T17:36:00.000+01:00

One day left in my project-a-day challenge, and i'm thinking of something I can do on the train as I travel to and from FibreFlurry.
The sun finally decided to shine this morning so I had a chance to photograph my fish ...

and the Werewolf hat I knitted for my daughter ...

I used a tweed chunky yarn by an Irish company called Tivoli, i'd found it in an little yarn shop on my travels, it's a wool blend yarn, but knits beautifully (and quickly!) I'm sure i'll be requested to make it in some other colours now, although purple is her favourite.

I need to do the embroidery and applique for my mug hug, so i'll probably photograph that at the weekend.

This afternoon I made a cushion using some of my Halloween Jack fabric I designed for a Spoonflower competition.

The original design was for a Halloween wreath covered with four pumpkin plushies, but i've made my fabric into a cushion so it can be used all year round. This photo is a bit dark as the sun had finally had enough of shining by the time this was sewn up!!

Still doing projects ... but not taking photos ...

2011-10-27T18:45:00.000+01:00

Ideally I should be blogging about the projects I have tackled during the past two days of my project-a-day challenge, but it's been so dull today that there are no photos!
Yesterday I made some little pink and white 'yarn bomb' fish that I hope to release into the wild on Saturday when I visit FibreFlurry in King's Norton. Then I cast on a 'werewolf' hat from Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller. I finished that project this morning and the hat has already disappeared up to my daughter's room! So that's two projects in one and a half days ...
... But I didn't stop there - my Mollie Makes magazine arrived and so this afternoon I found myself making a mug hug in this rather bright orange yarn!

I hope i'll be able to photograph all three makes tomorrow, fingers crossed that it doesn't rain ...

Halloween Jack Feltie

2011-10-25T16:36:00.000+01:00

A couple of weeks ago I designed a fabric wreath on Spoonflower called 'Halloween Jack'. I had lots of comments from friends who said they liked the little pumpkin character that I had designed, so with this in mind I designed a half-term feltie make using these pumkins ... and i've made the one with the 'face' today as part of my Project-A-Day challenge.
This little felties can sit on your desk, or you can make lots of them - and string them together to make a Halloween bunting. You could also attach a brooch back to make a little Trick Or Treat gift.

I used polyester felt (the orange is very bright, especially on that black background), but wool mix felt would work just as well.
Just copy and paste the pattern below to fill an A4 sheet of paper and print off to get your templates.

If you have any problems doing this the pattern can also be found on my Flickr page:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/giddystuff/6279886733/in/photostream
Another project tomorrow ...

Tuesday Treasury - Toffee (and those wristwarmers!!)

2011-10-25T15:34:00.000+01:00

Firstly, here's a picture of the Sarah Hatton wristwarmers I knitted yesterday. They're made from Rowan Cocoon, and are sooo soft. This pair are for me, but modelled by my daughter who has decided that she really needs a pair too!

Inspired by the colour of these wristwarmers, i've found a mini-treasury of toffee-hued goodies on Etsy ...

EDITH, Handmade Eco Tanned TOFFEE leather shoes, so pretty -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fairysteps

Surf tumbled toffee brown sea glass button, sea glass is one of the joys of the North East coast -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PressButtonA

Handmade Toffee Beads, good enough to eat -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cheekycherubdesigns

Bluefaced Leicester Kid Mohair Top in Toffee, if only I could 'sort out' my spinning skills -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JunoFibreArts

Another mini-treasury next Tuesday ...

Reality ...

2011-10-24T21:37:00.000+01:00

My project a day challenge is going well so far ... day two and my second project is completed. However, there is a slight catch to this challenge, making something in a day is rather time consuming, and by the time the wristwarmers I have knitted today were cast off and sewn up, it was too dark to photograph them!
So, photographs will follow tomorrow morning ...

Challenge 52 - Week 42

2011-10-23T16:37:00.000+01:00

Ten weeks of my weekly challenge left and I have to say that the creative 'mojo' seems to have been flagging lately ...
As i'm not at work this week I thought i'd set myself the difficult task of a creative challenge each day, so whether it's baking a cake or making some Christmas decorations, i'm going to be blogging about it every day this week. Seven days, seven challenges.
Today I have made a cowl for my daughter. I've used Patons Big Fab yarn which is super chunky. I had started following the pattern on the yarn band yesterday, but wasn't happy with it, so began again this morning using my own pattern idea ...

Super Chunky Snuggle Cowl

You will need:-

1 (200g) ball of Patons Big Fab - I've used the 'Frost' colourway.
10mm needles, don't use ones that are too short.
A tapestry needle with a large eye.

What to do:-

Cast on 26 stitches.

Rows 1 and 2 - Knit
Row 3 - Knit into each stitch but wrap the yarn around the needle twice when making the stitch.
Row 4 - Knit into each stitch, letting the 'extra' yarn loop from the previous row off the needle, this will make a row of long stitches.

Repeat these 4 rows until the yarn is almost used up, finishing with row 2.

Cast off and sew the starting edge and cast off edge together being careful not create a bulky seam on the reverse of your cowl.

Wear!

Christmas Fabric Designs - Part One

2011-10-21T15:37:00.000+01:00

I've been using my 'spare time' this week to design some Christmas fabrics. I wanted certain colours and retro motifs, so when they're all done i'll be uploading them to my Spoonflower shop.
I also got distracted by this week's contest - to design a hanging tree ornament! That was an evening taken away from designing my other stuff.
Again, i've gone for a retro feel, one of those old-fashioned pointy globes and colours inspired by old Christmas wrapping paper.

If you like it, please vote for me, and also look at the other amazing designs in this week's contest ...
http://www.spoonflower.com/contests/104

Tuesday Treasury - Halloween Knitting

2011-10-18T20:08:00.000+01:00

Half-term is just around the corner, as is Halloween, so I thought i'd look for some freebie Halloween themed patterns on Ravelry ...

Witches Cat Hat by Christine de Savoie -
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/witch-cats-hat

Wa na na na na na na na Bat Shawl! by Emilee Mooney -
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wa-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-bat-shawl

'Little Pumpkins' Socks by Sabine Ruppert -
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-pumpkins-socks

Alice by Vickie Howell -
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alice-9

Ok, so at the speed I knit I may be aiming to finish these for next Halloween, but my teenage daughter has already put in an 'order' for those Alice mittens!
Another treasury next Tuesday.

Challenge 52 - Week 41

2011-10-16T20:16:00.000+01:00

Christmas is not that long away (Sorry to mention it!!) I've been looking for some fabrics to make some tree decorations, but haven't really found anything that is exactly what I want ...
... So I thought I could set myself the challenge of designing a range of Christmas fabrics on Spoonflower. Last year I designed some printable paper chains for my blog and really enjoyed it, so I think this will be a fun challenge ... plus i'll have some fabrics to work with!
I'll report back when i'm done!

Fabric I designed for bunting last Christmas

The Big Knit 2011

2011-10-12T10:48:00.001+01:00

The Big Knit, organised by Innocent Smoothies and Age UK raises loads of money every year which in turn helps the elderly keep warm during winter. This year I had aimed to make loads of hats, but last weekend I realised that I hadn't got the 'loads' I had wanted to make (blame the day job), anyway, I stitched them together and hear are the results ...

A proper Autumn harvest of pumpkins, berries and turnips - yes, turnips!!!

My plan for the coming year is to knit hats as I finish projects, using up the oddments of yarn I have left, that way I hope i'll have a much grander total next time!

Tuesday Treasury - Flame Orange

2011-10-11T09:21:00.001+01:00

I love Autumn colours, so i've done a quick trawl of Flame Orange goodies for this week's treasury ...

Handmade Copper Earrings, a perfect Autumn colour combination -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeSparrow

Shoulder Bag with Chain Strap, this makes use of some fabulous vintage fabric -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/blackcactusinlondon

Red Fox Print, I love the detail in this print -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlicePotter

Burnt orange Chunky Neckwarmer, knitted with Rowan Aran pure wool yarn, mega-snug -

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rebelrose68

Another treasury next Tuesday ...

Challenge 52 - Week 40

2011-10-09T17:33:00.000+01:00

Forty weeks of weekly challenges - some i've coped well with, others are half finished in carrier bags or in my sketchbook ... which brings me to this week's challenge, my monthly sketchbook challenge.
I just couldn't get into last month's challenge, and many of the ideas I mind-mapped remain 'undone' in my sketchbook, but there for future reference I guess ...
This month's theme is 'View' - i'm going to look at views and composition in my environment. I was hoping that the 'view' out my window would be a little more Autumnal for the start of this project, but as you can see, the sky may look a bit grey, but it's 19c and the leaves do not want to fall off the trees.

I'm hoping to use these views that I photograph and draw as a starting point for some textile or jewellery work - breaking down the 'view' into colours, tones and textures.
Here you can see i've taken a thin strip of the photograph I took this afternoon and i've picked out the colours in it using my Paint.NET software.

I may photograph the same view several times over this month just to see how it alters ...

Tuesday Treasury - Etsy Local

2011-10-04T09:00:00.002+01:00

I always try to promote UK makers in my Tuesday Treasury post, and this week i've taken it to the extreme! There is a search on Etsy which allows you to input your postcode and find local craft ... so that is what I have done ...

Spearmint glass opaque earrings with antique copper ear wires, green always looks so amazing with copper -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/izadora

Hand Knitted Owl Tea Cosy, you may have admired this cosy in your local branch of 'White Stuff', here is the original -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jacksknits

Greyhound Picture, I love these embroideries, so serene -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cloudhopping

Handspun 100% Norwegian Wool Yarn "Hydrangea", pure luxury, there are so many hidden colours -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflybushYarns

Challenge 52 - Week 39

2011-10-02T22:01:00.000+01:00

I've had a busy week, so decided to have a weekend of knitting -there's my shawl started last weekend (I've not done a lot, but do want to get it finished for when the weather does decide to get cold), some Innocent Smoothie hats for The Big Knit, and this week's challenge - October's Mystery Knit-A-Long.
As usual it's a one skein project, and instructions are given throughout the month. This month's project required a brightly coloured double knit acrylic yarn. I've got lots of acrylic yarns I use for yarn bombing, but settled for a red one. The photo makes it look like that dayglo red that I remember from childhood cardigans, but in actual fact it's a nice cherry red.

As usual i'll post photographs on Ravelry and blog about the finished project when I know what i've knitted.
If you want to join in, click on the link below ...
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/one-skein-kals/1849944/1-25

Tuesday Treasury - Autumn Fabric Shopping

2011-09-27T22:41:00.000+01:00

My workload (day job) is HUGE at the moment, so this week i've got a little treasury of favourite fabrics from Fabric Rehab. I love this online store, and these fabrics are definitely on my wishlist! I'll have an Etsy treasury next week when things are a bit calmer ...
I love this Marrakesh design in brown and orange, it ticks all the boxes for Autumn projects, or team it with a turquoise contrast fabric for a Moroccan feel ...

Autumn Apples by Alice Kennedy, this has some great detailing. This would be perfect for kitchen accessories ...

Linen fabrics are fabulous, and this Owls and Doves design by Kokka is no exception. I'd love to make a knee skimming a-line skirt in this ...

Last but not least here's a great design called Joy Basket by Japanese designer Hoodie, ok, so it's just a spotty design, but the colour combination is great. You could use it as a 'visible' lining, or work into the design with embroidery to create your own design ...

All these fabrics can be found on the Fabric Rehab website ...

http://fabricrehab.co.uk/

Challenge 52 - Week 38

2011-09-25T21:36:00.004+01:00

I've spent the weekend trying to work through some of my part finished projects, so i've discovered a couple of scarves and a pair of mittens that really should be finished in time for the cold weather. Unfortunately none of these projects will be for me when they're finished!

From Rowan website

Anyway, this weeks challenge is for me! I'm always knitting things for other people, and those projects tend to be little things that I can finish quickly...
For this challenge i'm going to knit a shawl ... I spotted this lovely pattern on the Rowan website.

I've never knitted a shawl before, and i've not really used circular needles before, I love my double pins! Using circular needles to knit a shawl helps to distribute the weight evenly so it's not all on the needles by your wrists, and obviously you still knit in rows rather than rounds. I have got a very long pair of 5mm needles to hand just in case I can't get used to the circular ones.

Here's the yarn i'm going to use, a fabulous laceweight called September Song from Wharfdale Woolworks.

Photo by Wharfdale Woolworks

Better cast on my 299 stitches, wish me luck!

http://www.knitrowan.com/designs-and-patterns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WharfedaleWoolworks

Autumn Swap - Part 2

2011-09-23T20:59:00.001+01:00

My swap parcel from Vintage Hearth has arrived! Everything was beautifully wrapped, but as I was so excited by my large parcel of goodies I didn't take a picture!
I've done lots of swaps, I love putting the parcels together for other people, and i'm always flabberghasted by the amount of effort all my swap partners put into the parcels I receive.
This one was not exception, I recieved some orange chocolate (which i've saved to eat this weekend), a lovely vintage scarf brooch and a little bag of buttons - I love buttons!

I was also very lucky to receive 3 hand-made gifts too - a felt necklace in Autumnal shades, so unusual ...

A memory wire bracelet, I love these colours, and it has a little leaf charm on the end ...

And this wonderful teacup candle, it's pumpkin scented and smells dinine!

I feel very lucky to have received all these lovely things, thank you once again to Linda (Vintage Hearth) x.

Halloween Jack

2011-09-22T11:00:00.001+01:00

My love of Spoonflower continues ...
It used to be that i'd enter a weekly contest if I had a design that 'fitted the bill', but now I am actually looking at the contest list every Thursday evening and almost using it to set myself a design brief!

This is my design for this week's Jack O'Lantern Plushie contest. It's a yard of fabric designed to be cut out and assembled into a plushie wreath decorated with four little pumpkins ..

I need to order some of the fabric, so I can assemble my own wreath, but the finished design should look like this ...

The design can also be adapted to make a round cushion and four little plushies that could be given as Trick Or Treat gifts.
http://www.spoonflower.com/contests/100

I'm a Fibreholic ...

2011-09-21T10:23:00.001+01:00

There, I said it! Show me a skein of hand-dyed merino and I NEED it! I have bought quite a lot of yarn in the last month in the hope of turning it into lovely Christmas presents, and it is rather nice getting those squishy parcels through the letterbox ...
I've found another way of satisfying this need, whereby I get lots of lovely coloured yarn and don't spend too much money ... i'm a Fibreholic!

The Fibreholic website sends out parcels of yarn (or fibre) for you to sample. You can order a 'Petit' bag or a 'Voluptuous' bag. Inside you will find a selection of (approx) 20g samples of yarn from the UK's most exciting independent yarn dyers.

This is my 'Voluptuous' Round 14 bag which i'm about to experiment with ...

Each mini-skein has a label attached to it giving information about the yarn and the website of the dyer/spinner. This means that if you do fall in love with a yarn you can buy more of it.
Some of the sock weight yarns I have been sent will be great for my Beekeeper's Quilt
- I can see hints of blue in some of them! Other skeins will be used to make tree decorations and little Christmas gifts.
There are only so many rounds a year, and only so many bags in each round, but it's worth signing up for the newsletter so you can find out when there are goodies available ...
http://thefibreholics.co.uk/

Tuesday Treasury - Lace Yarns

2011-09-20T08:45:00.001+01:00

Following on from last week's treasury of lace knitting patterns, here is a mini collection of beautiful yarns to do the job ...

The Holly Bears The Crown', the colour of this Blue Faced Leicester yarn is amazing -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lunayarns

Hand Dyed Luxury Lace Temple 70% Baby Alpaca/30% Silk in this season's must have shade -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Yarns

Topaz, Extra Fine Merino/Silk Lace Hand Dyed Yarn, this yarn looks so soft -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/travelknitter

Russet Merino Tencel Hand Dyed Lace Yarn, the tencel gives this yarn a sheen for a luxury finish -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WharfedaleWoolworks

I love all these yarns, but have restrained myself this week, so others get a chance to buy them!!!!

Cupcakes

2011-09-19T11:20:00.001+01:00

I've been crocheting a lot of cupcakes lately - it started when I did the Cupcake Swap last month, and since then i've done a couple for birthdays and one for a gift, so I thought i'd make a few extras and list them on Etsy. I'm also offering to make custom cupcakes, so if you want a lime cupcake with 'chocolate' icing and sugar sprinkles ... it can be done!

The 'icing' is edged in blanket stitch, and each cupcake has a 'giddy heart' on its base ...

I have a few more cupcakes that need icing, including some (dare I say it) Christmas ones! I'll list them very soon ...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/giddystuff

August Knit-A-Long ...

2011-09-18T17:14:00.000+01:00

It's not August anymore, and I did most off the knitting at the tail end of August and in the first week of September. But, a few rays of sunshine this afternoon means that I can finally post some pictures of my knitting project from last month.
The pattern is Il Cestino by Wendy Wonnacott , I think my tension was a bit tight so i've ended up with quite a narrow container, but it holds my knitting and that's the main thing!

The original pattern had a long handle, but I added two small ones - inspired by my garden flexi-trug.

Challenge 52 - Week 37

2011-09-18T08:19:00.000+01:00

Ok, so this weeks challenge may send some people into a panic, although I did mention it was on the cards earlier in the week ...
I am taking part in a Christmas Decoration Swap, organised by Hooking With Laalaa - she has also organised an Advent Swap, but I don't think I can devote the time to such a huge challenge at a time of year when i'm preparing for a Christmas Fete and making presents!

For the challenge you have to make a Christmas decoration to suit your swap partner's likes and the colour scheme of their tree, plus you have to include five other Christmas 'presents'.
My partner is Pickle-Lily, so i'm looking forward to making surprises for her, and obviously i'm waiting to see what she has in store for me.
As usual, because it's a swap I cannot reveal a thing until the parcel 'lands' with my partner ...

Rose Hips and Leaves

2011-09-17T10:55:00.000+01:00

Another week and another Spoonflower contest, this week's theme was Autumn, so I entered my Rose Hip and Leaves fabric in a suitably Autumnal colourway ...

I love mid-century design, this year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain! This design was inspired by those formica dining tables that lots of my relatives seemed to have when I was very small - teak brown tapered legs, but a wacky colourful pattern on the table top, my nan even had a matching kitchen sideboard - baby blue with patterns printed on the glass sliding doors!

I've done two ther colourways so far ...

And a 'check' version ...

I'm hoping to put these in my Spoonflower shop at the start of October. In the meantime, if you like them, please don't hesistate to vote on the Spoonflower contest page x.
http://www.spoonflower.com/contests/99

Autumn Swap - Part 1

2011-09-15T19:50:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I signed up for an Autumn Swap. I've had to keep it all top secret, but my swap partner Vintage Hearth, has received her parcel, so I can do the 'reveal'. We had to create a parcel of five Autumn themed items to include one or two hand made items.

I included some stash items - embroidery threads and fabric...

... these pretty little buttons ...

... and a week's worth of hot chocolate.

I decided to make my two other items, I have lots of Autumnal beads, threads and yarns in my stash! I knitted this little pumpkin paperweight/pincushion - well, I knitted a couple, my daughter saw what I had made and put in an 'order'.

I also made this pracelet. I'd spotted the little antique gold leaf charms when I was bead shopping and decided they were perfect for building the rest of the design around.

I love doing these swaps and i've already signed up for a Christmas one! I'll blog about the Autumn swap again when my parcel arrives.

Tuesday Treasury - Lace Knitting

2011-09-13T21:06:00.001+01:00

Ok, so it's a late Tuesday treasury, but i've been hunting fab patterns on Ravelry again today ...
The buzz word for knitting this winter is lace, there are loads of beautiful lace yarns about (perhaps I could pick out some of these for a treasury next Tuesday) and even Rowan have launched some new lace yarns and a gorgeous new booklet - which has gone straight on my wish list ...

Ethereal Triangular Shawl by Lakshmi Juneja, a challenge, but beautiful! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ethereal-triangular-shawl

Seafoam by Ruth Greenwald, this colour is perfect with the lace design.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seafoam

Pecan Grove Scarf by Denise @ Lost City Knits, this design would look great in any Autumnal shade.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pecan-grove-scarf

Dianna by MaweLucky/Jane Araujo, I love this design, on my list for when my Beekeeper's Quilt is done! I need to brush up on my Entrelac!http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dianna

All these patterns are free to dowload on Ravelry.

Wool Week

2011-09-11T17:04:00.000+01:00

I have been very lucky in that I was sent a feltmaking kit by the Campaign For Wool to celebrate Wool Week. I was back at work last week, so yesterday was my first chance to have a go ...

Armed with a square cake tin, Fairy Liquid and a potato masher, I followed the instructions in the pack - a slightly different method to the 'Sushi Mat' technique I usually use, but less taxing on the hands! My teenage daughter joined in/took over, and we had great fun!
These are our first attempts, they're a bit thin in places but we're going to needlefelt bits into them and add some embroidery.

I also attempted some drop spindle spinning - I only got as far as attempted, it was a bit of a disaster, lots of scrappy bits of blue wool all over the floor, a sore arm, and the only thing I managed to spin was this ...

... a bit chunky eh? Oh well, it's my challenge for the week, so i've got a few days to improve ...

Challenge 52 - Week 36

2011-09-10T14:45:00.001+01:00

It's Wool Week, but i've been back at work, so this weekend has been set aside for woolly things! Today it is wet felting and Innocent Smoothie hats, i'll blog about the felting tomorrow.
Tomorrow I am tackling a new challenge - drop-spindle spinning ... i've got a spinning wheel, but i've not used it in about 17 years - a pinning wheel and being a mum didn't really go together! I tried drop spindle spinning once - without any instructions (in the days before the Internet) and I did exactly that ... I dropped the spindle!
So, i've invested in a kit this time ... with instructions ...

Photo from Forest Fibres Website

I chose this kit from Forest Fibres because I thought, if my spinning was successful that I could make a few hexipuffs for my Beekeeper's Quilt. And, if the spinning turns out lumpy and bumpy then I shall just knit it up to make my button brooches!
Wish me luck!

Spoonflower Birds

2011-09-08T15:12:00.000+01:00

Today is Thursday, and that is Spooonflower contest day. This week's contest is 'Birds' - using a restricted palette - white, black, 'Spoonflower' blue and a colour of the designer's choice. I'm love using red with pale blue or turquoise as you can see ...

The design is inspired by the fabric bird mobile that has been hanging from the cupboard in my living room for years - i've wanted to use it as a design for a fabric for ages and this was the perfect opportunity.

I am working on some other colourways and i'm hoping that the fabric will be for sale on Spoonflower by the end of the month.

Hexipuffs and more ...

2011-09-07T20:26:00.001+01:00

I have recently signed up to the mini-skein club on the Knitting Goddess website. I love Knitting Godess yarns and had been using some of the mini skeins that I had previosly bought from there to make hexipuffs for my Beekeeper's Quilt. The Beekeeper's Quilt is made from puffed-up hexagons of sock yarn, and is my 'long term' project at the moment!

Anyway, my first parcel arrived yesterday! I've been very greedy and i've signed up to receive both the semi-solids mini-skeins ...

And the multi-coloured ones ...

Now, my quilt is being made using blues, greys and turquoise, so not all this month's skeins will be used for hexipuffs. I'm thinking that those semi-solids will be perfect for a mini-granny square scarf ... or maybe a pink and red Beekeeper's Quilt ...

Tuesday Treasury - Wool Week

2011-09-06T09:19:00.001+01:00

This week (5th - 11th Spetember 2011) is Wool Week. I'll be doing lots of wool-based knitting and some felt-making at the weekend.
For this week's treasury I thought i'd seek out wool goodies on Etsy ...

Black Wensleydale Cross Fleece,spinning is on my to-do list, and this is as raw a crafting material as you can get, wonderful -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/softfibre

Beginner's Felt Making Kit, taking things on a step, a set to make your own felt fabric, I love this colour selection -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaLaFelt

'The Lost Sheep' Wool Felt Bookmark - perfect for marking a favourite pattern in your knitting/crochet book -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MayCrimson

Yellow Wool Owl, a pretty little needle felted cutie -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lybo

Cupcake Swap

2011-09-05T10:20:00.027+01:00

Last week I posted off my Cupcake Swap parcel, the swap was organised by Oh Sew Beautiful It arrived with Bea, my swap partner on Saturday, and my parcel from Bea also arrived at the weekend ...

I love doing swaps, so my first job was to put together a few cupcake themed goodies ...
Some cupcake fabric ...

A selection of ribbons, including some cupcake bias-binding - I'm going back to the shop to buy some for my stash!

Spotty cupcake cases, and an Angel Food Confetti flavoured lip balm, it's supposed to taste exactly like Betty Crocker cake mix ...

My first handmade item for Bea was an Amigurumi cupcake. I've made a few of these 'serious looking' little cakes over the Summer, but this one was extra pink and sparkley!

And, as i've just starting sketching out ideas for Christmas things, I thought i'd make a Cupcake tree decoration, it's double sided, so there are beads and buttons on both sides.

I was overwhelmed when I saw my parcel from Bea, a huge shoebox FULL of cupcake goodies, she had really spoiled me!

There were cupcake plates and napkins ...

Silicone cake moulds, so useful, and pretty ...

A little zippy purse (great for holding stitch markers and buttons) and a cupcake tissue holder ...

Some little earrings ...

... and this 'Cupcake Kit' - everything you need to bake, knit and crochet cupcakes, so thoughtful, I love it.

I was also lucky enough to receive two handmade items, a cupcake card ...

And this beautiful charm bracelet, which I will wear loads, i'm always making jewellery for other people, but never end up making things for myself so i'm definitely wearing this one when i'm back at work this week!

I think that's everything, there was so much and they're all wonderful things which i'll make use of.

Thank you once again Bea x.

Challenge 52 - Week 35

2011-09-04T12:44:00.003+01:00

I'm quite pleased that I completed last week's challenge(s) in record time, and will blog about the Cupcake Swap tomorrow ...

So this week's challenge is a sketchbook one, and the title is ...

UNFURLED

... quite a difficult one for this time of year - nature is shutting down rather than opening up, this would have been a good subject in Spring, but no matter I will rise to the challenge! It does not have to be about flowers opening or butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

Photograph from http://dom-lavieestbelle.blogspot.com

unfurl verb
1.To open, unfold, open out, blossom, develop, progress
2.To unroll or release something that had been rolled up

3. to unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state

4. To turn out or unfold; to evolve; to progress or debut

To the Post Office ...

2011-09-02T14:05:00.000+01:00

Two blog swaps in one week - an Autumn swap and a Cupcake one! If only I could always work with such 'gusto'!
Anyway, no spoilers, the have been wrapped in GiddyTissue, boxed up, and sent on to my swap partners. I love doing swaps, the only problem is I can't tell you what i've been up too ... not yet!

Parcels for the Autumn Swap

Tuesday Treasury - Back To School

2011-08-30T10:12:00.000+01:00

Back to School ... a new school year, and Autumn just beginning, I love this time of year. I thought the last week of the school holidays would be a good time to look for goodies for the new term on Etsy ...

Minty Scribbles Pencil Case, I want green spotty pencils -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebobbins

Little Giraffe Tote Bag, perfect for PE kit, or even lunch boxes -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/itbelongstoturtle

Apple Cosy, a great idea to avoid bruised apples -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFluffyDuck

Pack of 3 Handmade Notebooks, I can never have enough notebooks -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chalkhillstudio

Another mini-treasury next Tuesday ...

Challenge 52 - Week 34

2011-08-27T08:31:00.000+01:00

I've got a double challenge this week ... i've signed up to two swaps on blogs ...
A cupcake swap organised by Oh Sew Beautiful ...

And an Autumn swap organised by Blueberry-Heart ...

I've been doing a bit of shopping for these swaps in the past couple of days, but this Bank Holiday weekend is going to be all about creating and making. Each swap requires a least one hand made item - and because the two swaps are so different there's no chance of doubling up and producing the same this for each swap - it's going to be a busy few days!

I can't post any pictures of what I do until the swap has taken place, but i'll blog about what's happening in the coming weeks.

Arnold The Jellyfish

2011-08-25T19:49:00.000+01:00

Meet Arnold the Jellyfish ...

He's the star of the latest fabrics I have designed on Spoonflower. Arnold was created when I was thinking up a character for this week's Spoonflower 'Plushie' competition. Jellyfish are not particularly cuddly, but I thought if I made Arnold cute enough I could win people over!

I've also designed a repeat fabric, it was great playing around with different colour combinations ...

If you want to look at this week's competition, click on the link below :-
http://www.spoonflower.com/contests/96

Tuesday Treasury - Patchwork

2011-08-23T11:17:00.000+01:00

During this school holiday i've done a lot of cutting out paper hexagons and fabric heagons for my daughter who is making a patchwork throw for her bed - she likes the sewing, but not the cutting out!
For this week's treasury i've been looking on Etsy for handmade patchwork goodies to inspire fellow patchworkers ... or to treat yourself if you don't fancy all that cutting, tacking and stitching ...

Butternut Cushion, I love this design, great colours -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/stephaniecoleDESIGN

Pretty Little Birdie Pincushion, a traditional patchwork pattern brought right up to date with modern fabrics -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/veryberryhandmade

Patchwork Owl Plush 'Trixie', I can't resist an owl -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinchface

Bobby The Bunny Original Artwork, i'm a big fan of this maker, wonderful designs -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hensteeth

Another mini-treasury next Tuesday ...