A Crafty Blog

Knitting and Beading

2012-01-30T16:35:00.006Z

I've knitted these for my nephew and my friend has two of her boys with birthdays in March. The picture's a bit dark! The blue cardi at the back is knitted in chunky wool, the chocolate brown is in double knit and the light brown is in double knit, it has a ribbed pattern round the bottom and cuffs but you can't see it very well

The skull hat is for one of my daughters friends.

Eden has also been beading, she's made a necklace with hearts on for one of Callums "friends" for Valentines Day and some earrings to go with the skull hat and a bracelet for one of Callums (otherwise known as Romeo!) other "friends" for Valentines Day.

The Peacock Coloured Quilt

2012-01-28T13:09:00.001Z

Looks lumpy cos of all the things under it lol

its double bed size but hangs down to the floor on this one. Katie asked for the colours and I made it up. She loves it.

two more granny squares

2012-01-25T23:56:00.002Z

loving these two flower squares :o)

Leap year blanket

2012-01-25T09:49:00.001Z

39 squares done now , I like the ones with circles in the middle. liking this blog for granny squares :)

Cushion for my sister :-)

2012-01-18T16:57:00.001Z

I think it would look better with a darker cushion pad inside it, but otherwise pretty pleased with it :-)

Leap Year Blanket

2012-01-08T21:57:00.001Z

back into making granny squares and joining them as I go using this method so that I don't end up with a pile of squares that need sewing.
I'm joining in with the leap year blanket group on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/169037333198318/ a square a day and by the end of the year a banket should be finished . . . . . . well if I don't get way laid !! It's interesting too to see the squares being made by the other crocheters on there and supportive having people to chat to :)

Solar System Quilt

2012-01-07T15:20:00.001Z

I cut this out on New Year's Day. It's for B and he loves it. He was hovering over me, as I finished the binding, to take it away. The backing is blue flannel and it's really cosy. It's the 5th quilt since the end of November. Not bad going considering.

I just learned to crochet! ;-)

2012-01-05T10:35:00.000Z

and am really quite stupidly excited by it having failed to learn on so many occasions! ;o)

these are my squares for my Leap Year Blanket (there is a group on facebook if you want to join in and make your own)

...and this is my flower for my granny...

☺☻☺☻☺☻☺

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T13:32:00.001Z

Hoping you all have a lovely new years eve and that 2012 is going to be a good year :-)

Christmas Sewing

2011-12-30T19:49:00.000Z

I started cutting this quilt out for D on the evening of the 23rd and finished it this afternoon. It's 62 inches x 62. It got harder work after I split my index finger open right on the tip. If that hadn't happened I think it would have been finished a day ago. It needs ironing but the iron is buried in a sea of brick dust due to renovations along with everything else in the kitchen, utility and dining room......

The backing is a flannel sheet

Fabric arrived today for B's quilt so I will cut that out tomorrow.

My 4 Day Quilt

2011-12-21T16:08:00.001Z

I cut this quilt out late on Saturday night and started hand piecing it on Sunday. I made it with left over Chrimbo fabric I had and a Winter Flower Fairy backing. It's 52 inches x 40 cos that was the size of the backing. I used a gorgeous Heirloom cotton wadding as the batting cos I had run out of the cheaper stuff. I finished it today at lunchtime. My finger tips are sore. It is now on the sofa being used as a snuggly. It's the last I am doing before Christmas unless I get chance to cut out D's quilt I am making for him. It's not likely as I need to do other things now - like sort out food and clean etc ;)

Quick and Easy Christmas

2011-12-14T22:46:00.003Z

table runner ( with cats ;) ) Simple checker board hand piecing. The longest job was the hand binding cos the table is 8 foot long so it was 9 foot of runner to bind. I was going to make matching place mats but have run out of the robin fabric and it won't get here in time to make 10 place mats.

The backing

Autumn Quilt

2011-12-10T22:18:00.001Z

Autumn lap quilt. The cats are already asleep on it. This might be it for a long time now :)

Christmas Quilt

2011-12-10T22:14:00.001Z

The Christmas quilt is done. This is my first ever contribution to this blog...must make more effort :)

Tanktop Fetish

2011-11-22T15:59:00.012Z

That's what seems to be happening in our house.
The boys all wanted one of these as part of their Christmas presents.

I also did these last night

The blue hat is called a Skull Beanie and it's all the rage on http://www.knittingparadise.com/

I have quite a few friends with teenage children so I thought I could do some of these in black with purple or pink skulls to make them a bit more girlie.

The white square is a pattern adapted from a dishcloth which appears to be another trend in America, to knit your own. I'm making these for the Shoebox appeal for next Christmas, my knitting group are hoping to knit them and they can go in the boxes as flannels. They're made from a cotton mixture of wool.
http://www.polarknitpatterns.com/Skull-Beanie-Worsted1.pdf

That's the pattern for the beanie. The pattern does it on a circular needle but I did it on two needles, so you have to figure it out a bit.

http://www.craftfreely.com/free-knitting-patterns/view-patterns.cfm?category=dishcloths&start=1&end=291&viewAll
That one is for the dishclothes, I think there over one hundred different patterns on there, Christmas ones, birthday ones, all sorts, so make sure you've got some time spare before you check out the link because you could be there a while!

Wrist Warmers

2011-11-20T17:29:00.001Z

I knitted wrist warmers / fingerless gloves made out of the yarn I didn't use in the socks :)
2.5mm circular needle or dpns cast on 48 stitches and just knit two pearl two rib in a tube for 3cm. Continue in knit using this video to put the thumb in wherever you want it depending on how long up your arm you want the warmers to go :-)

Socks

2011-11-18T14:58:00.001Z

I've knitted some warm toasty socks for winter using this pattern and Noro wool
I started each sock with the red part of the wool so that the wool patterns match - it meant wasting some of the wool until i got to the red again but it'll save for some wrist warmers i think.

Nephews Jumpers for Christmas

2011-11-07T18:09:00.003Z

I've knitted this hooded jumper ( as they were such a hit in our house!) and a tank top for my five year old nephew as part of his Christmas present. My sister likes to put him in blue colours as he has the most georgous piercing blue eyes.

Earings and Bracelets

2011-10-26T13:00:00.005+01:00

I'm Eden, and I am going to post about some earrings and bracelets that I made for my brother and mum.
It is called beading and I have been doing it for about 2 and 1/2 years now.
These are really simple to make, but they can be quite expensive. The end product is great though.

Mum's christmas earrings-

Callum's earrings (for his friend)

Callum's bracelet (for another friend)

Baby Shawl

2011-10-25T20:48:00.001+01:00

Busily making a baby shawl , this time it's in cream and will be blue around the edges. The pattern is from The Crochet Bible: The Complete Handbook for Creative Crocheting [Paperback] which is only £7 ish at the moment.

I've added a halloween theme for the season , hope you like it hahahaha . . . . . ghostly witchy cackles lol

Clarks Tanktop

2011-10-24T17:48:00.007+01:00

Clarks tanktop, I've already bought more wool to knit two more, one for my nephew and another one for Clark!

Hooded Jumper Number 2

2011-10-21T16:12:00.003+01:00

Callum modelling his hooded jumper

I'm now knitting Clark a tank top in between knitting the mini stockings. We're up to about 25 now. Here's the address to send your mini stockings to.

Sandra Davey

54, Sutton Grove

Sutton

Surrey

SM1 4LP.

I have spoken to her and she's given permission for her address to be posted.

Mini Xmas Stockings

2011-10-14T12:50:00.009+01:00

All work has been suspended so we can get on with these (Support our Soldiers Mini Xmas Stockings)

.
Callum and Clark have been knitting them alongside me, Here's the proof

I caught them unaware whilst they were watching TV last night!

Support Our Soldiers

2011-10-12T14:51:00.003+01:00

I recieved an email from one of the knit and natter groups that I belong to. The lady who runs it had asked Support Our Soldiers if we could do anything for them and they have asked for people to knit mini xmas stockings if you click on that you'll get the pattern. There are about 3 1/4 inches long and really , really easy to do. If you click on the Support Our Soldiers link and look in the sidebar under xmas parcels it gives you an address to send them to.
They only weigh 5 grms each, the Post Box is in England, I do know times are hard but if you feel you could send a couple I'm sure they would be appreciated.
I hope I haven't offended anybody by asking but I just had to!

Hooded Jumper ( probably X 4!)

2011-10-11T15:15:00.003+01:00

I finished knitting this last night, so at my knit and natter club this morning I sewed it up.
Unfortunately for me Cody and Callum have both said they would like one! I've started Callums in a darker blue wool, I know when they're done Soloman's going to say he would like one too. So you could be seeing a few of these here!

Autumnal owl brooch

2011-10-07T19:23:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd share this little brooch that I've made for my Mum. She's always helping me out, giving me good advice and being the kind of Mum we all hope are are and can be to our children. She's been fond of owls for as long as I can remember, so when I saw this owl charm I knew immediately I'd would use it to make something for her. She likes my brooches that I sell (and has quite a collection), so an owl brooch seemed fitting. It's quite Autumnal too I think, so great for this time of year.

Dawny, I'm loving the updated blog surround - looks fabulous. I tried to comment several times earlier to let you know this, but unfortunately blogger wouldn't let me.

Elaine x

I belong to these forums

2011-10-06T13:32:00.002+01:00

No pictures, just a couple of links . I belong to both these forums, just joined one today and the other one I've belonged to for a while. The loving hands one does seasonal challenges. I also belong to a local knit and natter group that is one of the groups within the forum, if that makes sense? Their main challenge is just to knit a square which are collected and then sewn together by somebody at the forum I think! There are loads and loads of free patterns for all sorts on both forums, both knitted and crocheted. So when you have a spare couple of hours! ( because when you get on there you're addicted!) go and take a look
www.knittingparadise.com and www.lovinghands.org.uk
Happy browsing XX

More baby clothes

2011-10-03T18:11:00.005+01:00

This is what I knitted just before the weekend. It's for my friends sister again.

It does make your eyes water looking at the photo but it looks better in real life ( Honest!)

We're back and still knitting!

2011-09-28T14:21:00.017+01:00

A quick note to Dawniy to start with, I did email you but I've solved the problem I had!

We've been away for a while but we're all still knitting, Soloman and Cody ( six and four yrs old) have started knitting now so I'm hoping to take some pictures and post them at a later date.

This is some of what I've been doing, the shawls are for Africa and the bibs with collars are for the Fishermens Mercy Mission. I ve also done these

One of my neighbours wanted me to knit some baby clothes for her sister who has a baby due early next year. I've still got a couple of things to knit and I also have to sew buttons on these.

I run my own Knit and Natter group now and one of the ladies has knitted these strips, you knit eight and then they're sewn together by another lady at another group I know to make blankets for Africa. We usually knit any colour and then the lady who sews then puts them together so they are nice, bright and colourful, but Joy wanted to do different shades of blue and green which will look lovely when they're sewn together.

Callum has been doing this, we bought several looms and he's made a couple of scarves already.

Re crochet and knitted flowers

2011-08-08T22:33:00.003+01:00

Thank you for your comments. xx

I've tried and tried to leave a comment on loads of posts...for ages.....and it won't let me! Arghhhhhh. What am I doing wrong? xxxxxxx

Crochet and Knitted Flowers

2011-08-07T13:18:00.005+01:00

Hope you are all ok:o) My mate lent me this so I've been trying it out. Only managed a few crochet ones. Don't know if the knitted ones will be easy. (Eyesight currently not up to it!) So, the ones I've made so far include a couple of Lazy Daisies and a Michaelmas Daisy. If I can do it, then anyone can! lol The book has patterns... half knitted and the other half crocheted. There's individual pics of them. and you just go 'Wooooo' and want to get cracking. Daughter made some lovely felt ones....which the cats munched! Sorry if the spacing has gone to pot. Seems to have a mind of its own! Does anyone know what is the basic bank account you can use for paypal if you're trying to set up an online shop?

Michaelmas Daisy...Starts like this

Rolled up, ready for flattening out

Finished, ironed-out article. Could be a brooch or corsage

Lazy Daisies. Am trying to figure out how to make them in different sizes so as to layer them up to give them more dimension.

Chubby Bunny

2011-07-11T21:07:00.002+01:00

Just finished this little fellow :-) he's a present for my cousin's baby, due very soon!
Got the pattern out of this book, which has lots of other lovely things in it too. I got it out of the library, but might need to buy my own copy I think ;-)

Scrapbooking

2011-06-30T13:42:00.002+01:00

I started scrapbooking about 7 years ago now and it's my therapy. I love keeping my memories and thoughts for the kids and also being arty in the process. I haven't posted on here often so thought I had better start. So I am going to start by showing you a few layouts I have done recently.

I have been documenting my son's photos recently. He was very poorly when he was born and had to undergo lots of tests to discover what was wrong. Scrapping this has helped me comes to terms with it all.

I use Studio Calico kits for most of my layouts.

Tfl
Lynsey

Home Made for Home Ed - a shiny new page! ;o)

2011-05-28T16:28:00.000+01:00

Hope no-one minds me posting up about this here, but as I know a few of you have your own businesses I thought you might be interested.

As home education and self employment go hand in hand for so many of us, because it is the most obvious answer to the "How do I educate my child(ren) ful-time and work full-time as well?" question,
a long time ago...so long ago in fact that I can't remember when...I set up a facebook 'group' for home educators with their own businesses. Realised shortly afterwards that actually what I should have set up was a facebook 'page' and promptly didn't get round to doing anything about changing it ;o)

But now I have, and it's over

HERE

The plan for the page is that it is a space where home educators can share links to their businesses, promote their items and generally just be lovely and supportive of each other.

The page is for all Home Edders businesses. 'Home Made' doesn't have to mean crafty stuff, it just means that you've found a way of making your own way in the world of work which enables you and your family to continue with home education.

So if you fit the bill, or know someone who does, or just think it's an idea worth supporting, please pop on over and 'like' the page and add a link :)

I think as well, that a brand new page deserves a brand new logo to replace this cobbled together effort...

...so get designing, or get your kids designing, and we'll be having a competition on the page very soon to decide a winner.

☺☻☺☻☺☻☺

New 'baby monster'

2011-05-24T10:49:00.001+01:00

Love birds?

2011-05-21T08:59:00.000+01:00

I know Dawny does, and so that she doesn't think she's posting on her own on here, I'm bringing you my garland of lovebirds. Those who follow my blog will know I've had a bit of a thing with bunting. After I made my buttoned heart string, I took it to the next level and, well, here it is:

not just a pair, but a whole flock:

and because I love paper and glue as much as I love fabric and thread, I made a matching card:

You could use colours to match a summer wedding - teal and chocolate anyone?

Bye for now.

Elx

Fairies at the bottom of the garden

2011-02-12T13:29:00.000Z

I thought I'd share with you two of my new little brooches. The purple one is a gift for one of my daughter's friends and the blue one I've decided to keep! The little silver toadstool charms are just adorable and I couldn't wait to use them in my crafting. Little brooches seemed the ideal make, with hand embroidered flowers to surround the fairy houses. I'm about to start making some to sell in my shop now as I think they're very cute! Hope you like them.

Calling any dpns experts??

2010-12-21T14:39:00.003Z

Hello all!

I've been driving myself mad trying to knit a hat my daughter wants - it starts off with 6 stitches on a set of dpns, in the first round you knit and increase every stitch, so ending up with 12 stitches. I tried about 8 times before throwing the whole lot across the room in frustration!! Admittedly I haven't used dpns before, so am maybe starting off on something too complicated, but the pattern says its simple!!!

Now, I know how to knit and increase, but am finding the four needles just too fiddly and confusing - I end up with a mess and lose track of which stitches I'm working on. If anyone out there can offer advice or useful links I would be eternally grateful :-)

Christmas Cards

2010-12-08T14:09:00.001Z

I wanted to share with you the Christmas cards the girls made last week. Our December is always split as such:

Week One: Make Christmas cards
Week Two: Make Christmas gifts
Week Three: Christmas Baking
Week Four: Catch up!

I have been really enjoying Christmas in the Family

It is a wonderful resource for baking, crafts, songs & rhymes. Our Christmas cards have been made with the wonderful instructions in this book.

Elianna (just turned 8 years) has made two angel cards:

Rosie (5 years old) Has made a snowflake & Christmas tree:

Here is Rosie's inscription to her daddy : )

As you can see, my girls are quite young & (with help) they managed these simple cards & really enjoyed making them. Rosie was so proud of herself : )

Help!

2010-11-05T15:32:00.001Z

Being a bit thick here - I've (finally) set up our Folksy shop: Angelpants, but cant work out how to add it to the sidebar here for 'crafty shops'. Can anyone advise me please?

Manny & Bob

2010-09-22T17:30:00.003+01:00

We've been doing a bit of sewing for a change, decided to design and make some little monsters (possibly to put in our Folksy shop that will be opening soon!) These are the first two - Manny is my daughter's and Bob is mine :o)

My daughter's blog

2010-08-24T23:33:00.002+01:00

This is Sarah's blog. She is starting again and wants to make more cards. She asked me to tell everyone where to find her, she'd love to have some visitors and more comments.
So if anyone has time, please go an see her, it will make her very happy.
Thank you!

Clothkits

2010-05-23T20:56:00.003+01:00

If there's anyone out there like me, who has yet to graduate from using packs and kits, you might like this site. You might remember it from 20-odd years ago!

I had one of their dolls - Polly - when I was little and she now belongs to my 2 year old.

I bought one for my son that is nearly finished - still have to make most of the clothes.

I'm quite chuffed, considering I haven't sewn on more than a button before! Loads of mistakes - looks very "homemade" (check the legs!) but I'll get better :)

Purple Poncho

2010-05-15T20:11:00.003+01:00

Finished - and I've only been working on this for about a year!!

So I tried it on and thought "Mmm, looks quite nice...", and - as usual - my daughter tried it on and looked fabulous. Suits her so much better than me, grrrrr.

Little bunny faces

2010-03-29T12:14:00.001+01:00

Thought I'd share these little white bunny face brooches that I made last week for my two nephews to parcel up with their yummy Easter eggs. I'm really into making brooches at the mo and have lots of ideas floating around in my head.

Dyeing with Gorse

2010-03-01T16:58:00.000Z

Hello all!
in between fighting various illnesses, Rosie & I dyed up some sock yarn with Gorse

Here it is in the pan:

& here it is all dyed up:

I am so pleased with the pretty shade! I am planning to knit up Child's Lovely Lace Socks for my girls for Easter.

For more on natural dyeing, look here & here.

Charity Knitting

2010-02-23T19:36:00.005Z

We've been doing lots of charity knitting for children in Africa, Fishermens Mission and Young Mums charities. We took a picture of what we've done so far.

Last year we knitted brown/yellow school jumpers for a school in Africa, this year we are knitting red/black ones for another school.

Here's one that I've started

Eden has been knitting little booties and waistcoats and Callum and Clark are still knitting strips for our local churches Knit and Natter.

It's quite comical we all sit round watching Eastenders knitting away!

Handbag

2010-02-21T00:21:00.004Z

I had a go at making a frugal handbag. It's made from an upholstery material sample I got off Freecycle, believe it or not and the lining is some blind material that I bought from Ikea years ago in a sale and never used. Am trying to recycle stuff and this is just a prototype. I actually made it a few months ago...in the days when I thought I could just 'rustle up' something for my craft business, but rickety joints have put a damper on things.
Junior was after a new bag and so we made this a la joint effort:o) It was sewn on our manual Singer...she did all the hard labour , as in turning handle and I just steered material. lol It's just a flap over top, no button or clasp. I might make it a bit more secure by putting some velcro on.
Next time we want to make a book bag with zip at top, lined again. And a matching wallet/purse and a pad folio:o) Pad folios sell for about £15 - 20 on the internet!

Skull & cross bones jumper

2010-02-12T12:10:00.003Z

I've been working on this for what seems like years, but here it is, finally finished - ta da!!

Inspired by Abby from NCIS (who my daughter adores), I used a plain childrens roll neck jumper pattern and put in my own skull design, also made the sleeves stripey, bigger and longer with thumb holes.

The girl loves it, and has gone off to a party in it today :0)

Bag from an Aran jumper

2010-01-07T11:55:00.003Z

Happy New Year to everyone! Hope the very chilly weather is keeping everyone inside, tucked up near some heat and crafting!

I thought I'd show you the bag that I made for my sister. I had some scrap Aran jumper sections left after making a few snowmen and thought they'd be nice to use. Took me a few TV watching nights to complete but I was really happy with it once it was finished. Filled it with a butterfly charm bracelet which I bought from Folksy, a photo of the children and a necklace that I made using buttons and wire (but forgot to take a photo).

As it happened, my sister did the same for me! She made a lovely Christmas drawstring bag and filled it with lots and lots of lovely crafts bits and bobs for me.

oh heck

2009-12-29T21:02:00.002Z

doh
daft as ever I was removing myself from the crafty blog - not because i'm leaving but because I'm changing my Id to Tizz me , with a different email addy ............. purely because I don't want the real world giving me grief , and in doing so i clicked on remove and removed the wrong person , either the person above or below me on the authors list ............ so if it's you can you check you're still on the blog authors , and if the blog is missing from your profile/dashboard then it's my fault and i'd like to add you back ........... christmas and colds is my excuse .
so whoever I've removed please give me a yell ........... sorry in advance
dawny xxx

Accordion Photos Box

2009-12-29T18:25:00.006Z

I thought i'd post here as well to show off my work and reach more people who would be interested in this kind of craft and may be give some ideas to some of you.

I am into boxes at the moment. Still haven't finished my birthday book!
I saw the tutorial on youtube and thought it was a good idea to keep pictures in it.
I still need to make more folders, as you can see i've done only two as i need to buy more cardstocks.
I've used some thin cardboard for the body of the box and covered it with the papers i bought from my charity shop.
The picture is free from the net. I covered it with an acetate with a printed frame.
I've added some charms under each flower.
It closes with buttons and some picture hanging rings.
I think i'll add some chipboard letters on top with some sort of wording.
So it's still a work in progress!

This is the front of the box.

This is the inside with two of the folders. I wanted them to look old so i distressed the papers on the accordion.

This is the folders in front of the box.
This is the back of the box with a vintage image from the net.

You don't have to put pictures in it it could be anything, like letters or bills ;-)

Thank you for looking!

Blind and Soap

2009-12-29T15:33:00.002Z

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas. x

I never got to reupholster the armchair...it was beyond beyond!!

So, next project... I am attempting to make a kitchen roman blind. Can't afford to buy new material so am going to use a funkyquilt cover that I have....at least it'll have a lining:o).

I hate people looking in. The previous roller blind must have been fitted decades ago and gave up and dropped off soon after we moved in! lol We just have manky lace curtains up at the mo. Do you think a roman blind for the top bit and a cafe curtain for the bottom bit will be private enough? I hate lace curtains, but they do have their uses. I'm just trying to 'modernise us'. lol

Any ideas?

Project after the blind is soap making. Daughther bought some honey soap from Lush and a tiny bar was £3.00. Three quid!!!! So, we are going to attempt to make some of our own. Never made this one before, so fingers crossed.

We made some earrings for pressies and I didn't have time to take piccies (last minute wrapping up and all that) When the recipients visit, I'll take piccies and post up.

I have two craft converts. Great nephew and niece...both at university... want to learn to knit and crochet. Wool , instructions and tools been handed out for practice:o) Nephew wants a knitted hoodie! Yikes. Can't find a free pattern anywhere.

Christmas crafts - love 'em

2009-12-05T12:42:00.001Z

Thanks for the little jog Minnie, it's been ages since I posted anything crafty on the blog. All went very quiet during the summer, but now we're all back indoors with the fires lit I guess the craft and sewing box reappears once again! I've opened a shop on Folksy selling some of my bits and bobs. Katie, my daughter, is helping out too - we're loving it!

These are my current favourites.

A jolly snowman with all the trimmings! I made him (or her) from an unwanted Aran woolly and have used twigs for the arms. A little heart, bag of sparkling stars, jingling bell and fresh mini bay leaves finish it off.

I've also made a few of these dolly-peg angels and used canvas for the wings threaded with silver thread. Being dolly-pegs they'll sit very nicely on the Christmas tree.

Katie has made this adorable mini pony, called a Woollie, from pipecleaners and wool, which makes it poseable. She's put it up in the shop complete with a cloth wallet to keep it in along with a Fimo apple, stuffed haynet, bag of shavings, rug to keep it warm and passport! It's now been sold, although we are still waiting for payment - but she's going to make more.

HI

2009-12-03T00:46:00.002Z

Hi

It's been a little quiet here of late. What have you all been up to?

We are making Chrissie pressies, so can't post piccies up.....just in case! Shhhhhhh Maybe I could set up another blog for viewing and any constructive criticisms?

But....right now....I need to upholster an armchair. which is COMPLETELY knackered in the upholstery department of things. I was thinking of maybe doing the charity shop thing and buying odd duvet bits and making a patchwork cover. Anybody got any advice on making a template?

Sorry for any typos.#

Am feeling OLD. Eyesight shot!! lol

The wristwarmers were a hit:o)

Art Every Day Month

2009-11-19T14:05:00.000Z

Hiya ,
Amanda has drawn my attention to a really interesting blog Creative Every Day
run by a very encouraging lady called Leah. Leah started out with Art Every Day Month seven years ago and is encouraging people to join in. She says:

I encourage people to make something every day, but my goal is to foster more creativity, so if you make just one piece of art per week or just one for the whole month, that's fine with me. The idea is to bring more creativity into your life, not to make you feel overwhelmed, pressured or guilt-stricken. Art is also loosely defined here. I mean art in the sense of anything creative, whether that be painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, cooking, decorating, writing, photography, clay, jewelry-making or whatever!

I am going to have a bit of a go at it anyway because we already kind of do that and it might be a bit of a focus for my girls too. I'll tell Leah about the Crafty Blog and if anymore of you would like to drop her a line and join in then that' would be lovely :-) we could podt things we've done on here too. I am only thinking out loud so if you don't want to join in with it that's fine too . . . . Christmas isn't far away I know !!
Maybe some Christmas crafty bits that I know you all do anyway could be blogged?

Like Leah says no stress or pressure , just a bit of encouraging xx

Aprons & Chef Hats

2009-11-16T09:48:00.000Z

A baking is such a Big Thing in our house, I spent some time this weekend sewing new aprons for the girls & made them some 'Baker's Hats' to go with them....

The gorgeous linen / cotton blend I used came from here

I slightly adapted these patterns.

Making teddy bears

2009-11-15T12:24:00.004Z

Hermione has been making some simple but beautiful bears. The pattern is in Woman's Weekly. Sneak a peak here.

Milkweed Project

2009-11-12T13:02:00.003Z

Finally finished my piece for this project (kept getting bored with it and leaving it to do other things). Has any one else participated? I think I initially heard about it on here - would love to see other peoples works of art!

A free knitting pattern - Cardigan for waldorf style dolls

2009-11-06T22:24:00.002Z

Christina from Bambolletta Dolls has a gorgeous free kntting pattern here on her blog.

It must be Autumn

2009-10-27T10:16:00.001Z

......and the nights are drawing in so it's high time I picked up my knitting again and got it done in time to wear before next summer! What is everyone else doing?

The Autumnal Equinox

2009-09-21T16:09:00.001+01:00

I am not sure if this is a crafty enough post for this site, but hope some families will enjoy the Nut & root children : )

The Autumn Equinox by Ric Kemp

Tomorrow is the Autumnal Equinox.
We are planning a fun autumn picnic, with the idea of talking about the Nut & Root Children. This is a lovely idea taken from Marsha's group. (See below)
Our cookies are made (thank you Mel!) Tomorrow we will be dipping half of each cookie in chocolate, to represent the equal hours of darkness & light of the equinox.
We will be taking them along on our picnic, along with home-made bread & butter, chunks of cheese & a thermos of hot chocolate : )

I am hoping this Equinox book will have arrived for us to read - if not, we will have it for next year ; )

The Autumn equinox and the spring equinox are the two days in the year when the hours of daylight and darkness are exactly equal.
In September as the Sun is moving southwards we refer to it as the autumnal equinox
The Sun is at its lowest path in the sky on the Winter Solstice. After that day the Sun follows a higher and higher path through the sky each day until it is in the sky for exactly 12 hours. On the Spring Equinox the Sun rises exactly in the east travels through the sky for 12 hours and sets exactly in the west. On the Equinox this is the motion of the Sun through the sky for everyone on earth. Every place on earth experiences a 12 hours day twice a year on the Spring and Autumn Equinox.
Harvest festivals are traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the Harvest Moon. This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox (about Sept. 23). In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Father, we thank you
For all that you have made.
You chose to create us in Your own image.
You made us stewards of Your creation,
For all that You are,
For all that You have done,
For all that You have given.
We offer our humble thanks & praise. Amen

The Nut and Root Children!

Go nutting! Yup, not go nuts, but gather your favorite children, several sturdy baskets (one packed with nut breads spread with cream cheese, tiny tomatoes and mini carrot sticks, and honey sweetened steeped peppermint tea, and head for the woods.............be sure to take along the essentials for survival (matches, first aid kit, compass or GPS unit, a metal whistle, water for drinking, and a pocket knife)....in your backpack....it is also nice to tuck in a small towel for drying feet or hands, your favorite reading aloud book for a rest time, and sunscreen).

(There is such a strong need to help children connect to nature in our current culture.........in nature, we can help the children feel the living quality of the minerals and stones, as they rest on the earth, silently, the living beings who do not wander (roots fixed to the earth) and the living beings with fur or feather or scales (animals and birds) who do move about and follow the rule of Mother Earth...and really see all the complicated forms in nature, elements of the water, earth, fire and air, breathe deep in the mountains or valleys or deserts, air that is so rich with promise of new vistas and ideas.....if we can experience this feeling of being in an unplanted woods, an untended garden, a wild area, this is very very good for the health and development of the child and the of course, the adult, too. Even within most large cities, a drive of 30 minutes or less can take us into an area such as this, do find them, cultivate a knowledge of these special places, and devote your energy to bringing your children and little friends there.....)

Spend the day collecting nuts and cones. At this time of year, you can find chestnuts, walnuts, acorns, hazelnuts, hickory, and many other types, depending on where you live. Small pine or fir cones or other cones are also looked for in your search..........show the children any poisonous plants and teach them to avoid these dangerous beauties!

Keep an attitude of respect for the plants and animals, do not allow your children to tear off branches or kick away moss..........but do help them to see into the miniature world of ferns, mosses, stream beds, under roots, and behind logs.....hike around for several hours, then stop and enjoy your snack, then ask the children to rest a while and you can read aloud from your book (Wind Boy is always a favorite or the Brambly Hedge family)....what a wonderful way to spend a fall
day, outside, in the cool of the wildnerness.

NEXT DAY:

Spread out your finds on a work-tarp on your table. Examine and sort all the items, identify them if you can, look at their attributes and add to them from your store of nature items.........begin to assemble some small figures, acorn heads, sunflower seed features, pine cone scales, cone bodies, small twig arms r legs, moss hair, some small dyed wool for hair, tiny noses, wings of maple 'helicopters', perhaps, and glue together. Use a clear or yellow thick wood glue if possible, and assemble a whole family. Let dry overnight........

Next Day:

Add some touchs to the little Nut and Root Children: this can be plant dyed wool felt capes or cloaks, scarf round neck, use old
felted sweaters to cut and glue on vests, slippers, berets, and more.........the personalities may begin to emerge and some children may wish to go further and glue together furniture, beds, tables, small dishes of half nutshells, and more.....a chestnut shell makes a lovely baby's bed!

Place these nature people and animals on your nature table, to enjoy and play with! What fun!

Marsha Johnson
Shining Star School
Portland, Oregon

PS, Adults like to do this, too! Invite another family along and have a grand time........roast ears of corn or sweet potatoes and
make it a regular Fall Event. I also think this event works so well for days when the working parent (often Daddy) can come, too, and can help to put together some little figures, add a root house of bark and moss, gather stones for a water garden part, and take part in the fun, too.

Wet on Wet Watercolour & Happy Accidents

2009-09-18T23:48:00.001+01:00

For our wet on wet work this week I introduced Yellow & Red.
We started with red in the centre & I talked about how red is a bossy colour who likes to dominate & have FUN!
Then along comes Yellow! Yellow likes to play, be friendly & dance around.

I had recently had some great wisdom shared with me regarding wet on wet by a lady called Mel.
Here is what she had to say:

The purpose of the wet-on-wet method is not to create a finished product but to experience the process. To delve into the color. To learn it's nuances. What happens when I put it on heavy here? How about if I put a small bit here and keep spreading it out. How far can I take this on drop of color? Where is the light coming from in my picture? Is there warmth? Is there movement? What is it like to put the smallest bit of paint on our brush and pull it across the page? How about if we put a lot? How can we take away excess paint?

Rather than telling them NOT to paint or draw a picture, help guide them through a deeper experience. These are as much soul exercises as much as they are intellectual and physical.

Keep at it - it will happen. Watch for the shift of understanding and connection in yourself and your children.

I found this helped us today hugely! No-one (much to my great surprise!) tried to paint 'something' they just explored with the colours.

My first grader put down her brush mid-way & stated that she had had enough-she didnt like her work & wanted to start again. Hmm..
I suggested that once I was done with my own painting, I would get out new paper for her. She sat for a while & then picked up her brush again. she finished her work & was happy with it. We talked about 'happy accidents' :)

When we had finished clearing up, I noticed my painting had been splashed with water -effectively lifting some of the colour. "It is pretty, mummy" said Elianna. "A happy accident!"

Elianna's work:

Rose's Work:

My own Work:

A new Calendar

2009-09-01T13:47:00.000+01:00

I i have been thinking a lot about this beautiful calendar. It comes from Toy Spectrum, but is completely out of my budget. Also, there were a couple of things that were not 'just right' for me. I wanted it to be perfect!
The original is based on Johanne Itten's 12 part colour circle 12 parts - perfect for the 12 months, but I wasnt happy with how the colours would be matched up to the months. I also wasnt happy with the choice of wooden figures that came with the calendar.
So I thought & though & decided to make my own felt version.

I think the colours correspond nicely to the months:
January: Mid blue
February: Pale blue
March: Green
April: Spring green
May: Lime green
June: Warm yellow
July: Yellow
August: Corn yellow
September: Orange
October: Red
November: Violet

I have used the rainbow as a guide & tried my best to match up the months to a seasonally appropriate colour.
Each month will have a felted object to represent it. So, as we are beginning today with September, we have a sweet little Fly Agaric.
The bowl in the centre is home to our markers - currently we are using some apple-wood buttons I had on hand. So, as today was the first week in September, a marker was placed in septembers part. We shall be doing this at the beginning of the week in future - either Sunday or monday - not sure which. I will have to see what natural place in our rhythm this takes. I am thinking possibly mondays, after breakfast. (we are late this week, as this was whipped up late last night, but it fits nicely with the first day of September)

I think this will be a lovely visual reminder for them of the passing weeks, months, seasons & years (for me too!)

Happy September!

Knots-of-Love

2009-08-29T11:06:00.002+01:00

I couldn't resist posting about this . . . .a charity article on Lion Brand website, I think you might need to register (it's free) to be able to read it, a lovely lady has started a scheme crocheting soft plush hats for cancer victims to wear. A friend of hers had cancer and said how lovely it would be to have a soft hat at the end of the day to relax in. you can go and read it here
What a yummy soft lovely thing to do . . . I read about another charity the other day Bonnie babies who making prem baby clothes for baby units and families who need them. I really must push myself to do more than just be inspired!

Knit and Natter

2009-08-25T21:03:00.003+01:00

Ok Min mentioned Knit and natter :-) I don't know what this is like but there's a Knit and Natter group every Thursday in August at 2:30pm at The Central Library in Derby and again every Thursday in September at 2:30pm.

On the website it says :

Knit and natter meets weekly. Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, tatting or whatever you are working on. Free tea and coffee is provided and a staff member is available to offer what help they can. There will be a wide selection of books available for library members to borrow.

The meeting is free and we even get a cuppa.

If anyone would like to come along with us please stick your name in the comments or just edit your name onto this post.
I will have to start going next week, not this week because my mum is taking the girls for a couple of nights so me and hubby have a thursday all to ourselves !! goodness haven't a clue what we'll do with it , maybe sleep lol

dawniy xx

Yippee!

2009-08-24T21:27:00.003+01:00

I managed to crochet a perfect hexagon last night:o) Yay!

Camera is playing up so I can't put piccie up, but you get the idea.

Only 195 to go for my hexy blanket!!! lol

Knit and Natter

2009-08-15T20:15:00.008+01:00

I think that I've said before that we belong to our local church Knit and Natter. At first they were not very welcoming, although they seem to have accept us now. Some old friends of my parents both knit and told us about another knit and natter group at Corfe.

They do workshops for children during the holidays. Some of the ladies make these.

Can you guess what they're made of?

I've been knitting this for a friends little girls birthday

In Africa if the children don't have a uniform than they can't go to school, my Mums old friends, Joe and Peg are knitting jumpers for them. Unfortunately Joe is the only one knitting them because the other members don't like knitting with such dark wool, so I said I would knit a few for him.

I started No 4 last night, we've still got quite a few to make!

This year, we are having help with our maths....

2009-08-03T21:28:00.001+01:00

Meet the maths gnomes

& King Equals

We are going to have some fun this year ;)

Cross Stitch

2009-08-03T19:24:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone! My first post is my first cross stitch projects.

This one for my god-daughter...

This one for my son.

Clare :)

Fimo candle holder

2009-07-31T18:59:00.002+01:00

I love this and just wanted to share :-)

Watercolour kits

2009-07-30T16:09:00.001+01:00

We officially 'go back' to home school next week, so my home has been buzzing with plans & preparations.
A huge part of our lives is Nature Study &, as such, watercolour & sketching. This book is hugely important to our study & creativity.
We are all furnished with new nature notebooks, the girls have new watercolours, & the pencils are all nicely sharpened. But how to store everything?
We have a nice big art cupboard, in which I keep all our paints, glues, collage materials etc; and last year & put each person's nature study watercolour & sketching supplies in their own backpacks, which hung at the ready from the dining room door handle, ready to grab when the need arose. The backpack thing didnt really work out. They were just too large for my little girls to realistically take out on nature walks. They were a handy way to keep everyones supplies at the ready should they spot something out in the garden, but on walks, I would always shove all their things in with my own.
So what to do this year?
This perfect inspiration was most timely.
Here is a picture of our kits:

It shows the little 'lunch' bags I picked up from Tesco; which are just the perfect size & £2 each. Waterproof inside & out, with a wee handle they are just the job. Inside go our pencil cases, paints, nature notebooks & small rectangles of watercolour paper - perfect for creating those mini-masterpieces. Not show are watercolour brushes, tiny water bottles & little cloths for wiping, dabbing & generally mopping up.
Roll on nature study...

Slippers

2009-07-30T11:37:00.003+01:00

Got the pattern for these out of Let's_Knit magazine. Very soft and cosy :0)

A proud mummy Post!

2009-07-22T09:28:00.001+01:00

Do you remember this picture?

Well, here is the result:

I am a very proud mummy!

E is now busy spinning a grogeous baby cake (batt) from Loop. These things are seriously beautiful! However, my daughter has caught the 'how thin can I spin' bug & has decided she needs to save up to buy a new, lighter spindle.
Thats my girl ;)

Tea Cosy

2009-07-05T17:30:00.003+01:00

I'm trying with this tea cosy thingy, but it's driving me mad!!

Arthriticky fingers that won't work are driving me nuts.. Plus, I have to make it difficult by wanting the knit and purl to be different colours. Knit two one colour, purl two the other colour. Vertical stripes...if you see what I mean?

I showed Mother what I was attempting to make (total useless pile of rubbish so far) and she showed me HER way (it looks cool, but for the love of God, can I remember what she did!!) but she has a 'made up her own' knitting technique......plus she's left handed. I seem to remember as a kid that I sat opposite her while she knitted and copied. But I still don't knit like 'normal' knitters. I knit right to left and purl left to right. I don't turn my work round for the purl bit. No wonder I had more success with crocheting! lol

I may be a while with this project. Just in time for winter. lol

vest top

2009-07-05T12:13:00.002+01:00

Hello! This is my latest finished project - and my first attempt at intarsia. The pattern was the 'Mud Flap Girl Tank Top' one from Stitch'n_Bitch_Nation, but A didn't like the design so I adapted it to make the two hearts. She now wants a jumper with skull and cross bones on it - eeeek!

crafty stuff needs good home

2009-06-30T10:32:00.002+01:00

I've been having a major sort out recently and have decided to donate some of my craft stuff to others who may be inspired to finish what I haven't been able to start. There are a few cross stitch kits, complete with threads, and some charts. There's probably more stuff but I've forgotten what I've put in what pile. If anyone's interested give me a shout. I can put some pictures up when I've worked out how.

Lizxx

granny squares

2009-06-28T12:39:00.000+01:00

Just pop in here and have a look at this lady's patterns , it is on Ebay and I'm not advertising or selling stuff for her , I just found it interesting . Her pattern books are over in america but i'm tempted to send for one.

Tea cosy for Minnie

2009-06-26T17:49:00.002+01:00

Knitted Tea Cosies

Cabled Tea Cosy

Ribbed Tea Cosy

Prime Ribbed Tea Cosy

1940's Tea Cosy

Crocheted Tea Cosies

Rosy Posy

Scallop tea cosy this is my fave one

daisy cosy

here you are Minnie darling - some lovely tea cosies lol crochet and knit :-)

I'm wanting to see the pics when you've done . . . . . . I might just make the scallop one myself , it's luvverly.

made a hat - crochet

2009-06-20T02:05:00.003+01:00

Made a hat, mainly single crochet(double uk), double knit yarn, size 3.5 hook, hat or tea cosy, not quite sure lol. the colour is actually nicer than it is on here.

primrose design

2009-06-09T11:04:00.002+01:00

just to let you know i've found another brilliant craft blog, Primrose Design . . . i've linked to it with a little button in our sidebar.

I've had a broken internet and it is SO cool to be back!
I'll be popping some pictures on later today :-)

And I'm done....

2009-06-04T17:13:00.001+01:00

the last of the hearts now ready to go...

I did'nt think i could this, a while ago I said count me out, not enough time, too much to do... 10 squares and 10 hearts, made while the boys have had their assessments, when I've had a bad or sad day its been good to sit, listen to music and stitch :0)
Will be posting hearts and squares tomorrow...

Do you fancy

2009-06-02T10:34:00.003+01:00

having a go at submitting for a place on a creative team. You're all crafty, that's why we're here isn't it, and it's only a couple of posts a month to commit to.
What am I on about?
Have a look at yesterday's post on IACW, here.

Just thought I'd mention it.

And because I can't post without a picture, here's a bag I made a while back, one of the most awkward, annoying and not worth the effort things I've ever made. Seemed like a good idea when I saw the fabric in Dunelm Mill, but it's a cotton backed pvc which WILL NOT go through the sewing machine without blood sweat and tears, and yards of tissue paper and frayed thread and frayed temper to boot. Anyway, here you are:

Eleanor
xx

Green

2009-06-01T16:09:00.002+01:00

Listening 2 Green Day, making hearts

gorgeous weather here :0)

squares - finished.

2009-05-30T23:42:00.002+01:00

Another award!

2009-05-22T18:39:00.001+01:00

I have another award for anyone wishing to get it, just come and grab it on my blog and put it on yours, anyone is welcome!
Hugs xx
Pat

squares....

2009-05-22T16:10:00.002+01:00

so far 2 of the above colours.... any preference or shall I send them out at random?

Award

2009-05-09T01:45:00.001+01:00

I have an award for Dawniy on my blog, so hurry and come to pick it up :)
Pat xx

Hello A Crafty Blog Team,
I would like to say thank you to Pat
for sharing this award :-)
I have to pass it on to eight lovely blogging friends; now how on earth can I choose 8 of you when you are all so lovely?
So I'm going to bend the rules and present this award to all of you our crafty blog team authors because you really are lovely people who I think a whole lot of :-)
please take the award and put it on your blog x x x

Everyday in May...

2009-05-08T18:21:00.003+01:00

Remember this...... Its a gift bag ;0) filled with little goodies from lush.
Its for my friend as a Birthday gift.

hand knit pattern - bag

2009-05-08T01:51:00.001+01:00

came across this little bag on you tube , the pattern is here

Fabric giveaway

2009-05-06T18:06:00.002+01:00

This is cotton, and measures 46" x 65".

I bought this material a few years ago, when my daughter was a sweet little girl who loved fairies, ballerinas and anything pink. Not sure exactly what I intended making out of it for her, but seeing as she is now into skulls, Avril Lavigne, and detests pink - I don't think anything in this material would be appreciated!!
If anyone can make use of this for their own little ballerina, I'd be happy to pop it in the post. The first person to respond in the comments can have it :0)

Egg cosy

2009-05-05T17:17:00.002+01:00

An egg cosy as requested by his mini lordship - who incidentally doesn't even eat dippy eggs. He's prepared now though if he does ever want one.

Look what I been making.....

2009-05-05T14:35:00.003+01:00

This is my first post on here, so be gentle......

On holiday last year, I saw lovely bunting for sale in some of the craft shops in Cornwall. I wasn't going to pay their silly prices so I decided to make them myself and I finished them last night. I am so chuffed with myself, as it is the first time I have used my sewing machine on anything other than my scrapboking layouts. I have made them for DD2 room and bow I need to source some material for my other daughter.

Well we love wool , but this takes it to the extreme !

2009-05-05T13:11:00.001+01:00

Hey I've just got to share this with you, do go and
Have a look at these pics :-)

lol brill isn't it , gave us a good laugh anyway, now have I got enough wool . . . . . . . .

2009-05-04T01:50:00.002+01:00

Its a table mat! Reversible! And a bit crumpled ;0) Made from scraps (gingham napkins, old fleece blanket and worn out jeans, made with love.....

Saying Hello

2009-05-03T14:25:00.002+01:00

Thank you to Dawniy for inviting me to join this blog.
I am Hannah, I blog at Home Baked Education. I'm a single parent to Cameron who is 9, we have been home educating for two and a bit years.
I try to incorporate creativity into my life as much as possible through a variety of methods. I am self taught at everything so the quality of items varies!
I taught myself the basics of knitting from a children's library book in October 2007 and am enjoying tentatively trying out new things. I tend to prefer making my own patterns rather than trying to follow complicated (to me) instructions!
I was gifted a great sewing machine from another home educator via freecycle last year and am slowly trying to get to grips with using it.
I'm always looking for inspiration but tend to procrastinate about getting started - I love the idea about doing something crafty every day in May.
I'm looking forward to joining in and being part of a community of lovely creative women :o)

Everyday in May...

2009-05-01T12:40:00.002+01:00

I this somewhere on an arty blog (I can't remember where!) the idea is to spend some time daily being creative. I have'nt done anything for ages due to time really but I really miss making things so I'm up for it! I'm going to be creative everyday in May - even if its only one or two stitches :0)

New Template

2009-04-23T13:21:00.002+01:00

hiya I've just taken the easter theme off , thought I'd better - easter eggs have done my waistline no favours.
Feel free to add any background overlays you like if you know of one you like better than this, I have no intention to have the monopoly of it and a change is as good as a rest :-) so change this with any 'add a gadget' overlay templates you like. We need to use 3 column width themes because I've widened the over all template structure so we can post bigger photos .

xx

a wealth of goodies

2009-04-22T02:22:00.000+01:00

just a quicky
great place to find more crafty stuff , just pop here http://www.scribd.com/ and in their search just put which ever craft you want to find stuff about in their search box and you'll find loads and loads of books, patterns and goodies :-)
xx

Equality

2009-04-19T10:42:00.003+01:00

I have posted for advice on a forum that I belong to, but as this is a craft blog I thought I would ask for advice here too.
I have taught my daughter and my eldest three sons to crochet and knit. My elesdt son (8) is a really good knitter.
Recently we joined a Knit and Natter group and we've been knitting things for charity. This has given him a lot of motivation and he's been knitting every spare minute he has. I am very proud of him but one of my friends has a son six weeks older then mine and she said that her son said he wouldn't be seen dead knitting and if his father saw him knitting he wouldn't like it at all!
My DH is fine with the boys knitting and has said that we would let our daughter do things that may be considered more for a boy than a girl and I do agree with him.
I thought I was being quite forward thinking in not putting my children into stereotypical sexist groups. What does any one else think?