tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62436212168317726942024-03-05T16:51:58.251-08:00The diary of a Novice CrafterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-91583772540193620432014-06-18T13:46:00.001-07:002014-06-18T13:49:11.153-07:00A cushion and my first ever button holes.<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight I got home and felt the need to get out my sewing machine.</div>
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I had a tired old cushion that I thought would be better suited for our spare room with a new cover. Sadly I forgot to photograph the cushion before I binned the old cover.</div>
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Recently I was given a lot more left over fabrics from a friend so just had to raid the new collection. Our spare bedroom is very colourful, it needs a lick of paint but I try to liven it up with colourful bedding and decorations. I tend to use either a multi coloured bed set or a purple one.</div>
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Seeing as all my fabrics were too small to make a whole cover from I decided to go for patchwork. I chose 4 vibrant colours for the front and 4 more purply coloured fabrics for the back. One side for each set of bed linen.</div>
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I got straight to it and actually measured things this time, a habit I must get into with sewing! I decided to use some lovely buttons I had recently been given so knew I had to tackle my first button holes. I looked up what to do and whilst they are not perfect I'm pretty pleased for a first attempt.</div>
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Then I just had to sew it all together. I'm so pleased with it, it's a very happy looking cushion.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-91469729946161494442014-06-15T05:36:00.001-07:002014-06-15T05:42:09.168-07:00Fantasm shawl.<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently I picked up some beautiful <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trulyhooked">Truly Hooked</a> yarn from a selling page on Facebook. The colour way is called Gothic and I just fell in love with the rich purple and black combination. A bit like a Cadburys dairy milk wrapper.</div>
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As soon as it arrived it just had to be hooked so I consulted my favourites on Ravelry. There is was, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fantasm">Fantasm shawl</a>, it jet had to be done. The Fantasm is doing the rounds at the moment and as <a href="http://knit-nottingham.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/right.html">Eleanor from Knit Nottingham</a> says, it seems to be the new Elise.</div>
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I don't care that I have hopped on the band wagon because look how beautiful this shawl is. I absolutely adore it!</div>
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Have you made a Fantasm shawl or do you have you're own favourite pattern?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-85602130303376152772014-06-12T13:40:00.000-07:002014-06-12T13:47:39.421-07:00Polymer clay hook handles<div style="text-align: center;">
As you're probably aware I do love a good hook from <a href="http://www.fleabubsbylala.co.uk/">Fleabubs and Lala</a>. Here is my collection.</div>
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I have wanted to have a go at this myself but didn't want to invest in all the kit to find I didn't enjoy it or wasn't very good. </div>
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Last night I went to a baby shower at Avago Crafts in Ilkeston and they have Fimo. I asked if they had any plain crochet hooks and after being given a box to choose from I got all excited. Some of the fimo was off and just crumbled but I found three lovely colours.</div>
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I didn't photograph the process because I was having too much fun but here are my unbanked hooks ready to take home. There was a lot of rolling, cutting and mixing of colours involved. My arms hurt today!</div>
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I couldn't resist a bit of bling, I'm not really a blingy person but it was there and the colours matched.</div>
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Here are my cooked hooks.</div>
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<span id="goog_2049446051"></span><span id="goog_2049446052"></span>Just look at these colours, reminds me of a peacock.</div>
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<span id="goog_569253989"></span><span id="goog_569253990"></span>I'm so happy with them but I have realised I couldn't do it often as they take a lot of time. Hats of to all the lovely ladies who make them for us, you must have guns of steel!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-85930567023010888052014-06-08T01:45:00.001-07:002014-06-08T01:50:03.673-07:00Getting back in the blogging mojo with a little charity.<div style="text-align: center;">
I was doing quite well keeping my blog up to date with my happenings but having recently started a new job I have let things slip. Not just my blog but my life as well, starting a new job is hard. I think I have over filled my brain with wool and crafting for the last few years and now it needs to remember complicated things it just doesn't know what to do!</div>
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Anyway, I thought I would set myself the easier challenge of blogging on a Sunday, I was previously trying to blog on a Sunday and a Wednesday but often had nothing to say.</div>
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I'm going to kick off my reacquaintance by telling you about the third pair of slippers I knitted recently. I recently joined a page on Facebook called the Haphazard Dippers charity spin off. A page where items are raffled to raise money for charity. I offered up a pair of hand knitted slippers using <a href="http://make.jemweston.co.uk/">Jem Weston's</a> pattern from her book <a href="http://make.jemweston.co.uk/cute-little-knits/">Cute Little Knits</a>.</div>
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I raised £8 and while they probably cost me more than that to make and post I was very happy to be able to be able to donate this money to <a href="http://www.eveappeal.org.uk/">The Eve Appeal</a>, my charity of choice. I wouldn't have decided to just donate this money so I didn't mind the cost to me, it all went to a very worthy cause.</div>
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Laura-Jo won the dip and she asked for yellow slippers, I couldn't get the exact yarn of her choice so went for the nearest. Here they are on her feet, they turned out quite nicely didn't they.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-64524808762690569792014-05-05T04:13:00.000-07:002014-05-05T04:13:26.146-07:00Love Your Local Yarn Shop<div style="text-align: center;">
May the 3rd was national Love Your Local Yarn Shop day organised by Lets Knit Magazine. Aren't they good. As we all know I do love my local yarn shop and my local yarn shop loves a party!</div>
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I decided to head over at about 3 O'clock-ish, I didn't want to get there too early and drink too much and have to go home early. There is always booze involved at these events.</div>
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Here is a little picture of my wonderful local yarn shop. A little gem of colour and delight tucked between fast food outlets and all sorts of different shops on a very busy road. </div>
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Look how many people fitted in it!</div>
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All week the shops Facebook page was being updated with excited tidbits of information of what the day had in store for us. My favourite element and the one that did take over my brain for quite some time was the amazing hand dyed yarn by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trulyhooked">Verity at Truly Hooked.</a> Verity had hand painted 4 sock blanks exclusively for Love your Local Yarn Shop day and these were being raffled off at £2 per ticket. This idea blew my mind, who wouldn't get excited about a hidden message in a knitted item. My brain went into overdrive and I thought how wonderful these would be as a gift for a knitter with whatever message suited the occasion. Anyway, enough of my ramblings here are the beauties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQShoS2GrrzqYrqGqhfBcEzFDLZ4s1g2PrVwq85WVAaXAh0r4vhx1vQfYdqkMeTNjwjwO0qPXdBXADXGxinR14N32Q1yalQOj2_djlu3B_Fxec7v48FTdgw3cB2VGXJAsFHo_lcNaeuuM/s1600/image%255B1%255D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQShoS2GrrzqYrqGqhfBcEzFDLZ4s1g2PrVwq85WVAaXAh0r4vhx1vQfYdqkMeTNjwjwO0qPXdBXADXGxinR14N32Q1yalQOj2_djlu3B_Fxec7v48FTdgw3cB2VGXJAsFHo_lcNaeuuM/s1600/image%255B1%255D.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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As per all events at Knit Nottingham, there was a lucky dip jar. This held token that read messages such as 10% off, lucky dip, hard luck and the ever sought after 100% off. Sadly I had very little money so I went with the idea of buying just one ball of sock yarn. I selected a lovely ball of zigzag 4ply sock yarn and when paying I pulled out a lucky dip prize. I put my hand in the bag and pulled out a ball of regia sock yarn. How delightful.</div>
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As the day progressed I took part in some casual street knitting with my friend and knit wear designer <a href="http://make.jemweston.co.uk/">Jem Weston</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KeTIhIL3h3sVSaSB6SHRrhm5lEsZZhSPonxjYq0Q7pFk8hYDXPKGj7U4gVX_B1yVYRbQgwhqzF9PnN7q-Nxle07WPnXT4hKZM1FyQytSzufXR2wWemEiQboF5581vA1VdyGjlkD1CBU/s1600/image%5B8%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KeTIhIL3h3sVSaSB6SHRrhm5lEsZZhSPonxjYq0Q7pFk8hYDXPKGj7U4gVX_B1yVYRbQgwhqzF9PnN7q-Nxle07WPnXT4hKZM1FyQytSzufXR2wWemEiQboF5581vA1VdyGjlkD1CBU/s1600/image%5B8%5D.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Had a chat and a drink with Sarah <a href="http://nottinghamknitter.co.uk/blog/">the Nottingham Knitter</a>, <a href="http://livjaa.tumblr.com/">Olivia</a> (I love her blog) and <a href="http://rebecka.hojeberg.com/">Rebecka Hojeberg</a>.</div>
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We ate delicious cake made by Rebecka, carefully stored a box of yarn, not a crumb went in the box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3O9as57NnSTXn9lPsEdrvoEgY1XIMt3nDBAGjuYvu9JfbcKUFfkrycEt9eOzyYqWRlHlnhC2bk879IVLgrrl_7tsxZvdyKBKOi6cxiSKlDX1fh94Nf3liIlJLTl87BKfSnyyxpjNkLU/s1600/image%5B5%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3O9as57NnSTXn9lPsEdrvoEgY1XIMt3nDBAGjuYvu9JfbcKUFfkrycEt9eOzyYqWRlHlnhC2bk879IVLgrrl_7tsxZvdyKBKOi6cxiSKlDX1fh94Nf3liIlJLTl87BKfSnyyxpjNkLU/s1600/image%5B5%5D.jpeg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
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As the day was drawing to an end it was pointed out that the elusive 100% off ticket was still in the jar. I had been lusting after some Truly Hooked gradient sock yarn for some time after seeing this amazing socks so decided to take my changes. If not I was happy to put it on my credit card and pay it off next month.</div>
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Well I only flipping pulled it out didn't I. I must admit I did screech with delight and almost cried. the whole shop became very excited.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-Z-e70zz5k2y_gYHhenNFKQ2nW6QRFzhx1fzKbvhyNAl52tl44LagmOifteYKkGPAdKrMNPZshISxQsYep5DOclf2KyJnO8VPUfI9Xf8jvAiyKOUHMWKgnA_A6C8HZQjq7gQPAyl49w/s1600/image%5B6%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-Z-e70zz5k2y_gYHhenNFKQ2nW6QRFzhx1fzKbvhyNAl52tl44LagmOifteYKkGPAdKrMNPZshISxQsYep5DOclf2KyJnO8VPUfI9Xf8jvAiyKOUHMWKgnA_A6C8HZQjq7gQPAyl49w/s1600/image%5B6%5D.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh3X5JGs2qLKdv2y5LVMznwd0WxZpjzvxrVN7r6W8u-dopjeXLA7ov86RrlHKQA0w2gitDhhMTfUC_tH6jTKKpMihU1HoL7gjX1bAWef6thKqB_WV_cryJRzNNGyKf0wtTporZFiMT4s/s1600/image%5B2%5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh3X5JGs2qLKdv2y5LVMznwd0WxZpjzvxrVN7r6W8u-dopjeXLA7ov86RrlHKQA0w2gitDhhMTfUC_tH6jTKKpMihU1HoL7gjX1bAWef6thKqB_WV_cryJRzNNGyKf0wtTporZFiMT4s/s1600/image%5B2%5D.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja69zxQRZsqOCmW3hyphenhyphenVi5xAUlisrs_e3tEF1X9Q2BZKfm_-JtsLdo9_Mr-gtMgqJsU5XPUAB9sfFMkW2n4VyAi7NkPwE4M6nPo0vzx3ktjFbyLOg3WuY0aXWbocECyPxc5UmxFrTBEfVg/s1600/image%255B4%255D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja69zxQRZsqOCmW3hyphenhyphenVi5xAUlisrs_e3tEF1X9Q2BZKfm_-JtsLdo9_Mr-gtMgqJsU5XPUAB9sfFMkW2n4VyAi7NkPwE4M6nPo0vzx3ktjFbyLOg3WuY0aXWbocECyPxc5UmxFrTBEfVg/s1600/image%255B4%255D.jpeg" height="200" width="113" /></a></div>
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Isn't the yarn just scrummy, I now need to learn how to make toe-up socks in order to make the most of it.</div>
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Yet again Eleanor and June put on a fantastic do, I do not envy the tidying up that will have to take place tomorrow. Thanks again guys for being the best. I really do love my local yarn shop.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-85479216301625882662014-04-20T06:13:00.001-07:002014-04-20T06:15:28.134-07:00Another pair of slippers.<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember these lovely bow slippers?</div>
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Well I love them and decided my sister would probably like a pair as well. She lives in a flat that has wooden floors throughout and she does love to slide her way around it so what could be more perfect that wooly slippers.</div>
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I wanted to make her something more tailored to her tastes and when going for a walk around Holme Pierrpont was suddenly inspired by some Daisy's, Rheanne's favourite flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlI-NGZuG19MK8Bl1mkBLMIezh5VS4VU0RcknmumMVkiduNKGSmmaM3YGAsFEmwXyO-wmH-5ss3MchKBeOA_CzW6zD8kSUNDZiEmekAkpdubLgkKkuQB6gA75rVHFYa0aEruWj0DJyqA/s640/blogger-image--1224473749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlI-NGZuG19MK8Bl1mkBLMIezh5VS4VU0RcknmumMVkiduNKGSmmaM3YGAsFEmwXyO-wmH-5ss3MchKBeOA_CzW6zD8kSUNDZiEmekAkpdubLgkKkuQB6gA75rVHFYa0aEruWj0DJyqA/s640/blogger-image--1224473749.jpg" /></a></div>
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I thought about getting some yarn dyed in the colours of the grass and Daisy's. I ruled this out as the slippers would end up randomly distributed and wouldn't necessarily resemble Daisy's.</div>
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I decided I would make the slippers green with a flower on the top. I looked at the boucle I had and I didn't have enough to do the whole slipper in chocolate brown but decided I would use this as the sole to represent the soil, the lighter shade could be the top soil, the green the grass and a daisy on top.</div>
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I didn't have any yellow wool, only acrylic so asked around my knitting group but they only had acrylic as well. It was suggested that I use a big yellow button, genius!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxhdAp9TT_xF8mmFaU2GIQSNyecu6iIpqpoLANQB6239wBuWjvSJqcj1kfGyEdQCimWH3VOWMk1kLyEH0DaffCJGNzI0Rkntz2OE-BqJ0l7Nkmbr9R_flcX3z3rTdrXgBJUHkJcMu5RI/s640/blogger-image-2120609267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxhdAp9TT_xF8mmFaU2GIQSNyecu6iIpqpoLANQB6239wBuWjvSJqcj1kfGyEdQCimWH3VOWMk1kLyEH0DaffCJGNzI0Rkntz2OE-BqJ0l7Nkmbr9R_flcX3z3rTdrXgBJUHkJcMu5RI/s640/blogger-image-2120609267.jpg" /></a></div>
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Aren't they brill! My only disappointment is the obvious stitching around he sole. I had to use one of the boucle yarns and whichever one I used it stood out on the other one. I couldn't do a lot about it so just had to go with it.</div>
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Rheanne loves them, I'm really happy with them as well. Thanks again to Jem for writing this wonderful pattern.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-26002038889098431572014-04-19T06:51:00.001-07:002014-04-19T06:51:42.571-07:00Crocheters unite to cheer up a poorly Mummy.<span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Last night I logged onto Facebook for yet another of my frequent checks and I read a post that really moved me. I wanted to share this story to raise a little awareness of an illness called post natal psychosis.</span><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I joined a group called The Haphazard Hookers......Hook Along some time ago. The group is made up of people from all over the country and the support I have witnessed within the group has always amazed me. Such a lovely bunch of ladies, all with their own stories. Until recently I had quietly sat back watching but having had a few tough weeks myself I got involved with the natter and everybody has been very welcoming.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Anyway, back to last nights post. As you can see from the image a friend of a number of the members is currently suffering with post natal psychosis and those who know her best wanted to send her a big wooly supportive hug in the shape of a blanket.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ovfncJ0SPPusR2qxNUOgvjmyT-4_uNMONpD3Ax2K7WcrpLowMapDKGtVf-LYEzvndgh5q8vQA4B5SaIncriUUjUUNtdtDPW_82g1N26XQBVBr9INmztZGc7F-N8tCDy9D9eXMfzYR0k/s640/blogger-image-721435947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ovfncJ0SPPusR2qxNUOgvjmyT-4_uNMONpD3Ax2K7WcrpLowMapDKGtVf-LYEzvndgh5q8vQA4B5SaIncriUUjUUNtdtDPW_82g1N26XQBVBr9INmztZGc7F-N8tCDy9D9eXMfzYR0k/s640/blogger-image-721435947.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I had never heard of this condition and after volunteering a square I got googling. Not a lot appeared in my search results and what did was very similar to the last article I had read. What I did learn though is that it is a very rare illness, affecting approximately 1 in every 1000 women. A lot more rare than post natal depression and a lot more serious.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">The best explanation I found was the one below taken from <a href="http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/postpartumpsychosis.aspx" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/postpartumpsychosis.aspx</a></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div>What is postpartum psychosis?</div><div><br></div><div>Postpartum psychosis (or puerperal psychosis) affects thousands of women in the UK each year. It is a severe episode of mental illness which begins suddenly in the days or weeks after having a baby. Symptoms vary and can change rapidly. They can include high mood (mania), depression, confusion, hallucinations and delusions. Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. You should seek help as quickly as possible.</div><div>Postpartum psychosis can happen to any woman. It often occurs ‘out of the blue’ to women who have not been ill before. It can be a frightening experience for women, their partners, friends and family. Women usually recover fully after an episode of postpartum psychosis.</div><div>It is much less common than Baby Blues or Postnatal Depression. It occurs in about 1 in every 1000 women (0.1%) who have a baby.</div></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I'm not claiming to be an expert after reading a few articles on the Internet, far from it. I have no idea how terrifying this must be. As a lot of you will know I have worked, and still am working my way through "a bit of a breakdown" and for a while I became extremely paranoid and afraid to leave the house but I was able to work through this with support from loved ones and professionals. This was very hard but generally quite 'normal' so support was easy to find and people mostly understood what was happening due to the slight recent breakdown of the mental health taboo. I fear this may not be the case for post natal psychosis so this is why I decided to write this post.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I hear the words "she's new to it, she'll get the hang of it", "motherhood is tough, you've just got to get on with it", "if I can do it then you can" etc etc etc said far too often. I'm not even a Mum and still notice it! It's not right, it is not fair and it is just mean. Every body is an individual, individuals cope differently and individuals are effected by things differently. We don't choose to lose control of our own minds and we can't all fit in a neat little "acceptable" box.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Individuality and understanding is what appears to be the strongest part of The Haphazard Hookers arsenal. I was amazed by how many squares were volunteered within the first few hours of the post being made. The organisers have had to allocate people to themselves to make sure the squares can be sewn together fairly and don't all end up on one doorstep. I see a massive blanket in the making. I don't know any of these wonderful ladies personally but have truly been moved by the incredible generosity shown. Here is a small selection of some of the lovely squares made. </div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShGB5XwmWrra-Undw5KcqHFUbkRXMFay6dNGdfwrrsEZLOH57-Jdg0PCa4SHdEQBYq8Z-7YzYyy9SzfuvdrqZ88gJTny_XTRWHmSf9jKQGG4kN0Bk_8Vyn9D_pbdL7VfXnhHJldgMrvY/s640/blogger-image-90660084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShGB5XwmWrra-Undw5KcqHFUbkRXMFay6dNGdfwrrsEZLOH57-Jdg0PCa4SHdEQBYq8Z-7YzYyy9SzfuvdrqZ88gJTny_XTRWHmSf9jKQGG4kN0Bk_8Vyn9D_pbdL7VfXnhHJldgMrvY/s640/blogger-image-90660084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFUju4xd-4Xko7rRJr6YPxBOC3QbeoMro3rqR2MR8mizvjZyS_HjPzobL8yDb5B5J4gHwkpF7EAZzerIqUpDrXOGIbOSTHdUmVsh2v73XZNvOmY344TtXXMYspCPG3GPF-7C-Zy0cYsY/s640/blogger-image--1174412947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFUju4xd-4Xko7rRJr6YPxBOC3QbeoMro3rqR2MR8mizvjZyS_HjPzobL8yDb5B5J4gHwkpF7EAZzerIqUpDrXOGIbOSTHdUmVsh2v73XZNvOmY344TtXXMYspCPG3GPF-7C-Zy0cYsY/s640/blogger-image--1174412947.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And here is mine complete with a Pukka Love tea bag, it's very tasty and soothing.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFUv2p4XUvP9XrA5b3I8cEQ9Z0GTYlfshWRGTl7ThlmOUzWhiLFSr3i2IrgPCnnmEYAVyKI8IaJKa7BzGhviQyeYe-mYD_coNTwyE63TUVEwyBfe9KHIKYOhuZQ2VVYn2eO1yoWXEjYc/s640/blogger-image--1620222408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFUv2p4XUvP9XrA5b3I8cEQ9Z0GTYlfshWRGTl7ThlmOUzWhiLFSr3i2IrgPCnnmEYAVyKI8IaJKa7BzGhviQyeYe-mYD_coNTwyE63TUVEwyBfe9KHIKYOhuZQ2VVYn2eO1yoWXEjYc/s640/blogger-image--1620222408.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> Well done ladies!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-30433064644186739832014-03-30T13:58:00.000-07:002014-03-30T13:58:47.415-07:00Hue and Value shawl<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow, I love this shawl!</div>
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I purchased a skein of 4ply sock yarn from A Stash Addict at <a href="http://thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/yarndale.html">Yarndale.</a> I knew I wanted to make a shawl with it and I knew I needed to use it along side another colour to make it less shocking. I got hunting on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login">Ravelry</a> and came across the beautiful <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hue-and-value-shawl">Hue and Value Shawl</a>, isn't it gorgeous.</div>
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I just knew this was the shawl but for some reason never got around to casting it on. That is until my parents offered to buy me a set of KnitPro interchangeable needles. I knew that I would need to knit on them as soon as I got them so packed my yarn and off we went to Suffolk to see my family.</div>
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I did cast on straight away and made amazing progress over the few days I was there. The shawl instantly grabbed my attention as it is such an interesting pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhm-Vt8zeQkNdF6Dah4cUIxGJ-55w3bqShv9g3Ri_GXTsHvnIeBOIJY1ai_e_B5e1Xh49LYyvycv-aQhDD-oVP5y-Rs1x-ARVDxJQxRvt0T-bc_1G6MzV9y4J5NnDfDQ-CmEP6Fiyinw/s1600/20140315_084915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhm-Vt8zeQkNdF6Dah4cUIxGJ-55w3bqShv9g3Ri_GXTsHvnIeBOIJY1ai_e_B5e1Xh49LYyvycv-aQhDD-oVP5y-Rs1x-ARVDxJQxRvt0T-bc_1G6MzV9y4J5NnDfDQ-CmEP6Fiyinw/s1600/20140315_084915.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Each section of the scarf is made of varying different slip stitch patterns, separated by a garter stitch band, one or two of my garter stitch bands turned into stocking stitch due to a lack of concentration but nobody would know just from looking at it.</div>
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As I worked my way through the shawl I kept thinking about the applied i-cord at the end, I have never knitted an i-cord before so had no idea how this would work. I got to the end and considered just casting off because I have not heard great things about i-cords. I am so pleased I didn't though as the final thing looks awesome. It was a complete pain in the derriere but worth it in the end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtYa112lL3FaGqUTtyUXUyLPQm8VmDkw6L273xiliPpa5h1Zh7UZbMA-uZKPGq49lIYQ-9ykfJkITj_bn02xPuLchyphenhyphencstOWw-3NUX2XT75eBy5qj8PgZ2TEBSN93sCEO5xfMY5-xcN6k/s1600/20140325_172939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtYa112lL3FaGqUTtyUXUyLPQm8VmDkw6L273xiliPpa5h1Zh7UZbMA-uZKPGq49lIYQ-9ykfJkITj_bn02xPuLchyphenhyphencstOWw-3NUX2XT75eBy5qj8PgZ2TEBSN93sCEO5xfMY5-xcN6k/s1600/20140325_172939.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Normally I try to get away with not blocking shawls as they only get balled up around my neck anyway but this one really did need blocking, it was so curly that I was concerned blocking wouldn't fix it. I gave it a go though and pinned it out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QcnBz4Vw7TFqB_cbXEGCqt-_Zu0FK3jak6zYRHcnCE2A87t5-JTfJ7jbLCOiRCJgok2KRPA-j8HNSBHZbDjc5bV92IJeUOCnwCsHerrb2dUM-bAfGVzUMGsn1rNLJxzLO3woeINHMX4/s1600/IMG_20140327_200551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QcnBz4Vw7TFqB_cbXEGCqt-_Zu0FK3jak6zYRHcnCE2A87t5-JTfJ7jbLCOiRCJgok2KRPA-j8HNSBHZbDjc5bV92IJeUOCnwCsHerrb2dUM-bAfGVzUMGsn1rNLJxzLO3woeINHMX4/s1600/IMG_20140327_200551.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was so pleased it blocked nicely and have worn it as much as I can since I picked it up. That is both days it has been unpinned from the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEnRsgRokcOlsZkKijVsXV199lg10YqVx20vt8_cguXt1yd1tYhTWA1y1gQKNfXBDSfM-uJ1-gPMOwyMY7vztF6CotyMxt0AOo1BlZbYzYQ32TpitdBFJNSB1AozJw5XsG5cj5YnhUBQ/s1600/IMG-20140330-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEnRsgRokcOlsZkKijVsXV199lg10YqVx20vt8_cguXt1yd1tYhTWA1y1gQKNfXBDSfM-uJ1-gPMOwyMY7vztF6CotyMxt0AOo1BlZbYzYQ32TpitdBFJNSB1AozJw5XsG5cj5YnhUBQ/s1600/IMG-20140330-WA0003.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can honestly say I am chuffed to bits with this shawl, it only took me 2 weeks to complete and I didn't really devote an awful lot of time to it once I got home from parents. A highly recommended pattern if you want to give some new stitches a go.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-49743466702997091042014-03-18T13:55:00.001-07:002014-03-18T14:03:04.440-07:00Mood Scarf Along<div style="text-align: center;">
My friend and knitwear designer Jem Weston has decided to start a mood scarf knit along. The start date is the first day of British summertime which is the 30th March. You can read more about it <a href="http://make.jemweston.co.uk/2014/03/16/mood-scarf-along/">here</a> on Jem's blog.</div>
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I took this opportunity to treat myself to some new yarn, always got an excuse. Last week we went to Lincoln and I purchased some beautiful <a href="http://spinsandneedles.myshopify.com/products/west-yorkshire-spinners-blue-faced-leicester-dk">west yorkshire spinners blue faced leicester dk</a> in a pale brown. Once my birthday money had cleared I ordered the other two shades to make myself a beautifully natural scarf for the winter. It's amazing yarn, I am finding myself drawn more and more to natural fibres, yummy.</div>
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I love all of these shades so whilst I have one for good, not so good and not good at all days I feel that I can find comfort wrapped it up in it despite my mood.</div>
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I am yet to decide how I am going to knit my scarf but I am thinking some sort of slip stitch pattern.</div>
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I look forward to seeing who else is going to join in.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-68057912004405284442014-03-12T13:16:00.001-07:002014-03-12T13:16:44.309-07:00A Birthday trip to Lincoln.<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is my birthday, it started off like this, what a great start!</div>
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Sophie the Cat gave me extra special cuddles, she has not been so affectionate in ages. I must also say I do not normally eat so much for breakfast, this was a big breakfast to see us through the day as a trip to Lincoln was planned.</div>
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Our arrival in Lincoln didn't start terribly well with an encounter with some drug users and a phone call to the Police but from there on it was great!</div>
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Our first stop, after the bank where I paid in some birthday cheque's, was <a href="http://www.spinsandneedles.co.uk/">Spins and Needles </a>where I got some beautiful hand spun undyed BFL DK yarn. This was purchased for a particular project which will be revealed soon, once the creator has blogged about it. The shop had a beautiful selection of yarns and the owner was lovely, I do love a friendly yarn shop owner, especially one who understands the need to grab everything and squish it.</div>
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From here we made our way towards Steep Hill, I feel the need to type DUH-DUH-DUUUUHH to reflect the sense of doom I felt standing at the bottom looking up. Annoyingly this photograph makes it look rather mild.</div>
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We easily made it up the first and easiest part with a quick stop at a lovely old sweet shop called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goodies-Of-Lincoln/178988025496681">Goodies</a>, we got some Rhubarb and Custard sticks and some Rhubarb rock. From there we trudged up the hill. Fortunately Steep Hill is lined with beautiful shops and art galleries so it broke the walk up a bit which was good for my legs which sadly spend most of their days under a desk.</div>
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We called in at a lovely gallery called <a href="http://www.hardinghousegallery.co.uk/index.html">Harding House Gallery</a>. It had a beautiful selection or art including some pieces from <a href="http://www.davidwilliamsampson.com/">David William Sampson</a> who we have met a number of times at <a href="http://www.leartroom.co.uk/">the Long Eaton Art Rooms</a>, it was lovely to see a local artist exhibiting a bit further a field. There were lots of artists displaying there and it was all very impressive. Well worth popping in if passing.</div>
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Next we called in at a shop called <a href="http://www.matryoshkarussiandolls.co.uk/index.html">Annushka</a>. They sell hand painted stacking dolls, aka Russian dolls, and my word are they beautiful. I was admiring some of the <a href="http://www.matryoshkarussiandolls.co.uk/listings.asp?cat=Sets%20of%209,%2010%20and%20more%20Russian%20Dolls">10 piece sets</a> and the tiny final doll that does fit in the slightly bigger one when I was pointed towards the <a href="http://www.matryoshkarussiandolls.co.uk/listings.asp?cat=20%20pc%20Russian%20Doll%20Sets">20 piece set.</a> This just took my breath away, I cannot begin to describe how beautifully painted it was and how small the final pieces are, and yes they do all open and go inside one another. Each set takes two months to complete and the eyelashes are painted on with a single hair, just wow! I took a photograph with my little finger in for scale, my little finger is reasonably small.</div>
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As we wandered further up the hill I stopped to take a photograph of the view from where we were. The view was amazing, the sun may have prevented the photograph from doing it justice. I don't mind though, I would rather have the sun on my back than a nice photograph.</div>
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When we made it to the top we stopped in at the Castle, it is undergoing a huge and very exciting renovation so we couldn't access most of it. I did manage to take a photograph of Lincoln's Crown Court though. What an amazing Crown Court, made me briefly think about committing a crime just to get a look around. </div>
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We took a walk along the short stretch of wall that was accessible. The views were great but I suspect they would have been better from the other side. We also stopped for a quick selfie, got to be done.</div>
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After the Castle we wandered to locate a cash point, on the way we stumbled across the Whisky Shop, we get through a fair amount of single malt in this house so though we would pop in. We left however with a bottle of Rhubarb Vodka, what a Rhubarb themed day we had!</div>
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From here we went to the Cathedral, it stole the tallest building in the world award from the pyramids when it was built, I can see why. How the heck did they get to the top without a crane?!?</div>
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We didn't pay to visit the whole Cathedral so we wandered around the free area, it is such a stunning building and the stained glass is beautiful.</div>
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Just look at the houses outside the Cathedral, we both questioned how much this beauty would cost, we decided on the figure of a lot.</div>
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Next we made our way to the <a href="http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/visiting/museums/museum-of-lincolnshire-life/">Museum of Lincolnshire Life</a>, a great Museum with a huge collection of items. </div>
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Rooms arranged as they would have been, here is the bedroom.</div>
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A large collection of military memorabilia including at least 8 Victoria Cross medals, it was lovely to see these and to read the stories of bravery that earnt them. Here is a giant WWII tank called Flirt, it was huge.</div>
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We also visited the Victorian School, it's like they knew we were coming.</div>
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After the museum we decided we would wander back towards the car and stop on the way for a cup of tea. I had spotted a lovely looking tea shop of the way up the hill so we went back in search of it. I couldn't remember what it was called but when we arrived I took note so I could share it, it's the <a href="http://bookstopcafe.com/">bookstop cafe.</a> We had a lovely pot of Earl Gray and a bite to eat. The building is a beaut, it even has some Roman Pillars in it.</div>
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Now we are home and I am drinking a chilled glass wine and relaxing before a trip to Suffolk for the weekend. What a great way to start the last year of my twenties.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-34582947671513127132014-03-09T10:45:00.002-07:002014-03-09T10:45:18.796-07:00A Handmade Mothers Day gift.A few weeks ago I asked my Mum what she might like for Mothers Day. She had no idea until this happened but afterwards decided a knitting bag would be useful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnK3WfpaBNaA0IMomuu7rOak-8C1F_5VyHtJOqDH0TJseNMYwE7T1CAWP2QBO3hnhw9bOcvbc_-7fSkM3wTQ6-FJV8fTLza9Vz18hyphenhyphenUkDyTnTKsbkYt4npuNW5y7rixzLobBTAmAzit8/s1600/IMG-20140222-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnK3WfpaBNaA0IMomuu7rOak-8C1F_5VyHtJOqDH0TJseNMYwE7T1CAWP2QBO3hnhw9bOcvbc_-7fSkM3wTQ6-FJV8fTLza9Vz18hyphenhyphenUkDyTnTKsbkYt4npuNW5y7rixzLobBTAmAzit8/s1600/IMG-20140222-WA0000.jpg" height="200" width="149" /> </a></div>
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She wanted me to make her one so feeling inspired by Nettnot's <a href="http://nettynot.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/applique-bunny-bag/">applique bunny bag</a> I got to work and ordered a basic bag, purchased some trimming and raided my fabric stash.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdz7Dsw3Sq_hb_WM8ePhWZ1Hc_pe6AfbgdeIHmsKcrmICJS4tTevT8bFcuy8ENGjtDyj8BPJEkOgg7yOTeIPygjvUKCFPhiXQLPdUd6a8E_tw6fmeQ084JogdNwnUyzc-Hr_tKpChZTk/s1600/IMG_20140309_170514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdz7Dsw3Sq_hb_WM8ePhWZ1Hc_pe6AfbgdeIHmsKcrmICJS4tTevT8bFcuy8ENGjtDyj8BPJEkOgg7yOTeIPygjvUKCFPhiXQLPdUd6a8E_tw6fmeQ084JogdNwnUyzc-Hr_tKpChZTk/s1600/IMG_20140309_170514.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My applique skills are not great and sewing around shapes is not a strong point either so I decided on a basic heart shape to adorn the front of the bag.</div>
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I started by making a template and cutting around it.</div>
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Then I cut some bondaweb and ironed the heart onto the front of the bag. I love bondaweb!</div>
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Next I stitched around the edge of the heart in a zigzag stitch. In hindsight I think I should have used smaller stitches a lot closer to the edge. I may go back and add another row of stitches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPF5qQyEs_tVIo1H5zudqIVoRf-htynhMX7oDdWEEaEBEvcT76IfJPD8aADXatMKLbExXy7Np3zdeLql63GMultlZ-8N4a_cFoOJ8j2NuocRUkOPMf57hML4sY4XuoKCH3g-tho8GBQE/s1600/IMG_20140309_170719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPF5qQyEs_tVIo1H5zudqIVoRf-htynhMX7oDdWEEaEBEvcT76IfJPD8aADXatMKLbExXy7Np3zdeLql63GMultlZ-8N4a_cFoOJ8j2NuocRUkOPMf57hML4sY4XuoKCH3g-tho8GBQE/s1600/IMG_20140309_170719.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next was the trimming, I started with the fancy ric-rac and stitched along the centre to secure it in place. I learnt a valuable lesson here. I stitched both ends on at the same time and then worked my way around. The ric-rac was slightly too long for the bag so I ended up with a gathering as I was unable to adjust where the end of the ric-rac joined the start.</div>
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I decided that a green ribbon would look lovely along the centre of the ric-rac, so I started to work sewing this on using one of my special stitches. Unfortunately my needle snapped halfway around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wvfg24C4tEnXoEB1cv6eVZU-z_aJhHN5a8QesVm0dp5nNlRPr5WkS6GxuFw8fNI4oWhyphenhyphenvXynvEO9y5xj9gs2XEwoFgc7jBCdA5O_LA1okvaq9UouM0IBfM5N4uEgZNKogqgI7g7yPuU/s1600/IMG_20140309_170844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wvfg24C4tEnXoEB1cv6eVZU-z_aJhHN5a8QesVm0dp5nNlRPr5WkS6GxuFw8fNI4oWhyphenhyphenvXynvEO9y5xj9gs2XEwoFgc7jBCdA5O_LA1okvaq9UouM0IBfM5N4uEgZNKogqgI7g7yPuU/s1600/IMG_20140309_170844.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quick change I was ready to continue and to finish the edging.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXi2933ARW-d9eZFAGHZ_dqf4TeQ_tUX6GCv3ifZtjumkvT4Cfy7JmDzR2CMxeFfGbgsChYjnYrD5GQJc0sP-Zhblv7CJkkbhIIZ8nnZV5O9mB9_b4ABSM0ugBqOKQ3SR38tFQBGDbWA/s1600/IMG_20140309_171012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXi2933ARW-d9eZFAGHZ_dqf4TeQ_tUX6GCv3ifZtjumkvT4Cfy7JmDzR2CMxeFfGbgsChYjnYrD5GQJc0sP-Zhblv7CJkkbhIIZ8nnZV5O9mB9_b4ABSM0ugBqOKQ3SR38tFQBGDbWA/s1600/IMG_20140309_171012.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall I am pretty pleased with this for a first attempt at applique and decorative edging. I am still new to sewing afterall. I get to hand it over next week when I visit my parents for my birthday. I do hope my Mum loves it as much as I do.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-34552113143571433102014-03-05T11:36:00.000-08:002014-03-05T11:36:03.357-08:00Custom made gifts and supporting local artists.<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the last few years my crafting has taken me on a real journey and along the way I have met some fantastic local artists. All of whom I would love to commission to make me something but I have to be restrained due to space and finances.</div>
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I have however decided that custom made gifts are a great way of supporting local artists and giving a gift truly original and specific to the person being given it. It also helps drum up a little publicity for the artists.</div>
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This Christmas my sister asked for something she would like and that she wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. I struggled here because she buys herself most of the things she wants, unless they are out of price range which means they are way out of mine. After racking my brains I had a sudden brain wave and decided to make contact with my friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KateCloudTextileArt">Kate Cloud</a> who is a textile artist. I first met Kate when I was introduced to her by my boyfriend at <a href="http://www.leartroom.co.uk/">the Long Eaton art room</a>, a great place!</div>
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Kate makes the most incredible peg dolls, needle felted characters and other wonderfully colourful items, here are some of my favourites. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVX6GWKCIh4CTWAFrGssF49UjpUOxoqhf7sdsM3fRRuT7QfmnJv5067akgTeryCBtJ4sX0vayrPqrfKbyaDumiJ1sn63Lrqjy482gnRDVXfRqI9e3CDjC_LaMEzQ9SJ-V9Ej-opThucQ/s1600/1234137_458564994251616_1961260630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVX6GWKCIh4CTWAFrGssF49UjpUOxoqhf7sdsM3fRRuT7QfmnJv5067akgTeryCBtJ4sX0vayrPqrfKbyaDumiJ1sn63Lrqjy482gnRDVXfRqI9e3CDjC_LaMEzQ9SJ-V9Ej-opThucQ/s1600/1234137_458564994251616_1961260630_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21RvB-kEQz5Sl_-6jp1pkIdFwqvh3o-oStPVE1HmNXScPJjjVEtAUiGItfuxkWAVt7ECRT-GVLhSBQuiAGiV8vZUWw1lsCg9tkmeG9t-VKCvKaJbus53q-uyOZ3_dozFJSOLNoI73fds/s1600/601467_375235749251208_252266384_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21RvB-kEQz5Sl_-6jp1pkIdFwqvh3o-oStPVE1HmNXScPJjjVEtAUiGItfuxkWAVt7ECRT-GVLhSBQuiAGiV8vZUWw1lsCg9tkmeG9t-VKCvKaJbus53q-uyOZ3_dozFJSOLNoI73fds/s1600/601467_375235749251208_252266384_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFX9EtD1UTxEQbM4-uiEVFQlfXqc0SrB_iRIwYpvLmBX7bfGIeoPbpA1tEAZ-7U_3caj5ZR7TwzAUQZse00JlqQKXeXQzAJjPgexcsdA6_qKwwvLrtZCbOTm_V4LpTWFU0Ds0hzpLZOU/s1600/400938_415165031924946_2050578558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFX9EtD1UTxEQbM4-uiEVFQlfXqc0SrB_iRIwYpvLmBX7bfGIeoPbpA1tEAZ-7U_3caj5ZR7TwzAUQZse00JlqQKXeXQzAJjPgexcsdA6_qKwwvLrtZCbOTm_V4LpTWFU0Ds0hzpLZOU/s1600/400938_415165031924946_2050578558_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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My sister is a Paramedic in London and I thought it would be fantastic to ask Kate to make her in peg doll form. Rheanne loves quirky things with little smiley faces and bright colours so I knew Kate would not disappoint. I started by asking Rheanne's boyfriend to take a few picture of her in her uniform, a surprisingly easy task as she didn't question a thing due to the fact he was testing his new camera. I then sent these on to Kate and she worked her magic. Here is the finished item which Rheanne and everybody who has seen it loves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKvA8oKLWwq9xNOrgaEthy7EbjgKUXrP82Lbubr-EvN3kFFNaPJ6JKcyxsFZ8JPBYcwbRwr6ZiI0wOCXgA5JmQ6OmBOA-2HLT1PpNd1RAKxGa3-tV5DU2cLrQ0LoZkP7YH9X_8e1U8xQ/s1600/IMG_20140305_184205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKvA8oKLWwq9xNOrgaEthy7EbjgKUXrP82Lbubr-EvN3kFFNaPJ6JKcyxsFZ8JPBYcwbRwr6ZiI0wOCXgA5JmQ6OmBOA-2HLT1PpNd1RAKxGa3-tV5DU2cLrQ0LoZkP7YH9X_8e1U8xQ/s1600/IMG_20140305_184205.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Kate has captured Rheanne so well in this peg doll, there is a small London Ambulance Service badge on the right pocket and an NHS badge on the left. They are so small its hard to believe they are so perfect. Rheanne is also well known for her scuffed boots so even the peg dolls boots have scuffed toes. Her smile is spot on as well, I am amazed by how perfect this is. I also just love the background which is perfect for the bright lights of the Capital.</div>
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I have also recently had a custom pet print made by the very talented <a href="http://www.amyblackwell.co.uk/">Amy Blackwell</a> for my boyfriends Mum. I asked for one of her tortoise Humprey Bogart. I met Amy at my knitting group and have admired her work ever since I learnt what she did other than work in the cave at <a href="http://www.broadway.org.uk/">the Broadway Cinema.</a> Here are some of her lovely cat portraits.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxuj17_QJ60W6wGG2V__ZLrj5OEdjuJcB9K5cI9EMXrY-V_r5tECa1fBnDmXuRGZfgapRq1AB7C9U7l9ZZAj21Eg4krHo49G0Y_jk6UpQL7-KZFHqBfsY_cp36_y2lRcrMPfCv-ABtsQ/s1600/jemma-cats-flowers-small+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxuj17_QJ60W6wGG2V__ZLrj5OEdjuJcB9K5cI9EMXrY-V_r5tECa1fBnDmXuRGZfgapRq1AB7C9U7l9ZZAj21Eg4krHo49G0Y_jk6UpQL7-KZFHqBfsY_cp36_y2lRcrMPfCv-ABtsQ/s1600/jemma-cats-flowers-small+copy.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH57ULaFwo0JCbdbMCki62Ox2WTDFxinrSqREWXFAWegI2uvcAUBQiV31Q5IBC0TxToRKlrsO2r93ReuQ6yPJ9FDn4vHzYYRzA3azPg0G_Kl0RS-EuT2jAjc1zLNqVz9XGJZu4K1ivPk/s1600/jo-cat-fenn-coloured-small-copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFH57ULaFwo0JCbdbMCki62Ox2WTDFxinrSqREWXFAWegI2uvcAUBQiV31Q5IBC0TxToRKlrsO2r93ReuQ6yPJ9FDn4vHzYYRzA3azPg0G_Kl0RS-EuT2jAjc1zLNqVz9XGJZu4K1ivPk/s1600/jo-cat-fenn-coloured-small-copyright.jpg" height="131" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Sadly people have stealing Amy's images recently and have been having them mass printed onto terrible cushions. This is an ongoing problem so if you see any for sale please report these people. They seem to pop up all over the place. Bad people!!!</div>
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I was talking to Amy one evening and asked of she had ever made a tortoise portrait, I could instantly see the cogs in her brain working and the excitement was quite apparent. We discussed what I might like and when it was needed by and I left knit group with a plan. My boyfriend was heading home in a few weeks so he was tasked with taking photographs of Humprey Bogary (aka Humpy) for me to send over to Amy.</div>
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Once I had sent these with a brief description of Humpy and his favourite food stuff strawberries I was soon sent back an image of the illustration Amy had created. He was perfect and <i></i>his blissfully happy strawberry covered face was captured perfectly. We handed Humpy over this week and he has made his way back to Devon now to meet his namesake. Don't they look happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSSMg5dHnZOyBtdFYjwDeQOsI4qXTalijoQXTGFec3d-AhKRkF19IUESJfzzcq_9T9UNNHqoh4L38Gx9RiERYpiSYaL_Z1ZkpMAV_78UYoLXcCJUBqdESGU4lguGiHGLmZAjbqsF4FBM/s1600/IMG-20140305-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSSMg5dHnZOyBtdFYjwDeQOsI4qXTalijoQXTGFec3d-AhKRkF19IUESJfzzcq_9T9UNNHqoh4L38Gx9RiERYpiSYaL_Z1ZkpMAV_78UYoLXcCJUBqdESGU4lguGiHGLmZAjbqsF4FBM/s1600/IMG-20140305-WA0000.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The reactions to both of these gifts have been priceless, I felt so happy to hand over something completely unique to the person receiving them and I will continue to source as many gifts as I can from local artists. Please join me in my bid to support local artists and consider getting gifts commissioned, you would be surprised at just how affordable and how satisfying it can be.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-68894506069497698992014-03-02T07:38:00.000-08:002014-03-05T10:58:37.987-08:00With all my crazy heart batik workshop.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Yesterday I went to a workshop taught by the wonderful <a href="http://www.missmacdesigns.co.uk/">Louise MacIntosh-Watson (aka Miss Mac Designs)</a> at <a href="http://www.thebeetroottree.com/">The Beetroot Tree.</a> Louise made us our wonderful <a href="http://thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2013_11_01_archive.html">meadow panting </a>but has started to focus more on the art form Batik, a beautiful technique that creates layers of deep and rich colours using dyes and hot wax. Her collection can be viewed <a href="http://www.missmacdesigns.co.uk/contemporary-batik.html">here</a> but here is one of my favourites.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP1rg8aeejnHbbcT3JV17S3VyrO4Rhg7p5CEi4FPm-0I4dgxLyMJ5wVqNnNGfh0RAb_64k7xz6ZW_74-K9kfPl1MlY-ckUxQ4i4P0MuFaj-xoyMrRUebnwu-7bZUsWq696OuFrZp4b6c/s1600/2032657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP1rg8aeejnHbbcT3JV17S3VyrO4Rhg7p5CEi4FPm-0I4dgxLyMJ5wVqNnNGfh0RAb_64k7xz6ZW_74-K9kfPl1MlY-ckUxQ4i4P0MuFaj-xoyMrRUebnwu-7bZUsWq696OuFrZp4b6c/s1600/2032657.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The workshop focused on her series "With all my Crazy Heart" so that we would leave having learned the form of batik but having been given a starting point to work from. Here are a series of Louise's crazy heart Batiks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEn6uLWhGgKz5kjZcbELStaIQUIzJmRj_trHX3hFAG1Je8bovZ7JK6fMN-JCnQCzPkQmqGNUhx6D-evVpS8t7i_hyuf-QFtnC1i5SrF1nzV5iYOZ6TnvvUS79uimxJblGWum3kK7o0Tk/s1600/8009747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEn6uLWhGgKz5kjZcbELStaIQUIzJmRj_trHX3hFAG1Je8bovZ7JK6fMN-JCnQCzPkQmqGNUhx6D-evVpS8t7i_hyuf-QFtnC1i5SrF1nzV5iYOZ6TnvvUS79uimxJblGWum3kK7o0Tk/s1600/8009747.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PdQ-2t04wJl-amZt83eUpomhyphenhyphennph0Nav3BxEVKwUGf59GuVxRsejSbRbW886CjGssMU4v_TShH0atqUptn6NuQPX5sI5MM2amf29g6jJa5tnz7Th_MBEFkBvYUzvYuGYGd6MLjM8u8I/s1600/3669746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PdQ-2t04wJl-amZt83eUpomhyphenhyphennph0Nav3BxEVKwUGf59GuVxRsejSbRbW886CjGssMU4v_TShH0atqUptn6NuQPX5sI5MM2amf29g6jJa5tnz7Th_MBEFkBvYUzvYuGYGd6MLjM8u8I/s1600/3669746.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpqoEzkNndSpSPHR1yb2R-tAth_Ddlx2kDp93Wy5jaHx8X1REjpKvYh03qu5u8B1-35p8fyRer3m1928hb8JgtsYk4HhU8AnkfFu1a00Ucw8X553eckw2jh_aAmcm8xn_VrB12VNZnYk/s1600/7351129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpqoEzkNndSpSPHR1yb2R-tAth_Ddlx2kDp93Wy5jaHx8X1REjpKvYh03qu5u8B1-35p8fyRer3m1928hb8JgtsYk4HhU8AnkfFu1a00Ucw8X553eckw2jh_aAmcm8xn_VrB12VNZnYk/s1600/7351129.jpg" height="200" width="144" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">After a brief introduction we were let lose with the tools. The hot wax was ready to go in a wax warming pot, like the ones used by beauticians. These had little tools called <span style="font-size: small;">tjanting's waiting to be used sat in them. They hold the hot wax in the body and it flows out the small spout which is used to make drawings. Some were a little faster flowing than others but I found one that worked for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4W7qa4FUJluu03g2ifaCSfkPMJrLmreIGL6sgv2pPmDSdS1iiRckuCs7jZ5jkJdiybReetFsQhjW4-phS9PNB2axAGzZRtp-i7A-W_yC-WaTsS6iQy0dlQcGf2Khu5aMFIhyNzjrOxM/s1600/20140301_105113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4W7qa4FUJluu03g2ifaCSfkPMJrLmreIGL6sgv2pPmDSdS1iiRckuCs7jZ5jkJdiybReetFsQhjW4-phS9PNB2axAGzZRtp-i7A-W_yC-WaTsS6iQy0dlQcGf2Khu5aMFIhyNzjrOxM/s1600/20140301_105113.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">First we just had a little experiment on some smaller pieces of paper to get used to using the <span style="font-size: small;">tjanting. Until I had got the hang of it I made a bit of a mess but this all part of learning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once we were familiar with the tools we were given a heart to draw around in order to start off</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">our crazy heart batik. This was very exciting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSU0pq7L11Se4yFvslUrDLo1bnzHxXbQ68vXJtjNY-cnBBknotJlrnpQpPG7g7xcia1sgMPOpxuNEQ4ynbVSFpFddXXWoE8dCBCbe_nexXZuQZaKfo6S8kUDn2FdDKf1P3iFIsSm_wb0/s1600/20140301_105500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSU0pq7L11Se4yFvslUrDLo1bnzHxXbQ68vXJtjNY-cnBBknotJlrnpQpPG7g7xcia1sgMPOpxuNEQ4ynbVSFpFddXXWoE8dCBCbe_nexXZuQZaKfo6S8kUDn2FdDKf1P3iFIsSm_wb0/s1600/20140301_105500.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wax we put on at this point would keep the paper white after the dye had been painted on. I started by creating my outline and then adding some decoration. At this point I will point on that I made two batiks whilst I was there so the pictures will look different at different points of the process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEDyBw92oaLUF3jwGWI3KJS4hnTy8idv2UUuR_JaX0i_k94mZzwo4tnWWJbZ9IUQsX2hPJhCsCHVhBP_d7WhuazMH1BmwUh3f40KSKM3CrEocZ4lw8HbuCVdDF8k8MsvMyNebHyEgJCE/s1600/20140301_105651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEDyBw92oaLUF3jwGWI3KJS4hnTy8idv2UUuR_JaX0i_k94mZzwo4tnWWJbZ9IUQsX2hPJhCsCHVhBP_d7WhuazMH1BmwUh3f40KSKM3CrEocZ4lw8HbuCVdDF8k8MsvMyNebHyEgJCE/s1600/20140301_105651.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DTjbSxA19P3jwnkkjoR_2z1GTYBznPRG0cultQ1039ukjxvhs_8PuzxzZfkFYiyFpTaeGO3Qy_6ZPVAmJUVevGtS2Xsn_KRAucHPwSyRDiIW594TJJiBiNT4N_UoR28u8TiI8KBXS7Y/s1600/20140301_110033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DTjbSxA19P3jwnkkjoR_2z1GTYBznPRG0cultQ1039ukjxvhs_8PuzxzZfkFYiyFpTaeGO3Qy_6ZPVAmJUVevGtS2Xsn_KRAucHPwSyRDiIW594TJJiBiNT4N_UoR28u8TiI8KBXS7Y/s1600/20140301_110033.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />After the first application of wax it was time to paint on the first layer of dye. The thoery behind the dyes is to start with a very weak solution and gently create a more vibrant colour as the dyes are layered. This also ensures that when the dye is removed there is a real variety of colour rather than it all being the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVrPPoDReAYDImQhBfK1PicKUDc-eo2oEiuzbZIta2hDRuZwFOwxoK1g7C8Q7r-ngj6AYlgqRdZmCmSOluNom63FmgZ_-dLThon2vDr20N1UWxvtifx_yUhPb5oPxVhpUO9iR1MgjU1Q/s1600/20140301_111539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVrPPoDReAYDImQhBfK1PicKUDc-eo2oEiuzbZIta2hDRuZwFOwxoK1g7C8Q7r-ngj6AYlgqRdZmCmSOluNom63FmgZ_-dLThon2vDr20N1UWxvtifx_yUhPb5oPxVhpUO9iR1MgjU1Q/s1600/20140301_111539.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfZupXNpFTj51KxcY67SpNiyMJuZ9sk3fonuaK8h0z4dAzmhH8aQpQ5Byzf92IUOfnVnPmFg300saxQqWtcbR-T591cCExjknOqZVh4CJYMJe6kxe2A6-HFkQB6XP9qwOfAtCoEbq2kI/s1600/20140301_114350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfZupXNpFTj51KxcY67SpNiyMJuZ9sk3fonuaK8h0z4dAzmhH8aQpQ5Byzf92IUOfnVnPmFg300saxQqWtcbR-T591cCExjknOqZVh4CJYMJe6kxe2A6-HFkQB6XP9qwOfAtCoEbq2kI/s1600/20140301_114350.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-size: small;">The first one I made (on the right) was more of an experiment with my doodles, the second was more of an experiment with a more refined design. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hot wax cannot be applied to wet
paper as it will not stick so the hairdryer did have to be used at
points but I worked on both at the same time to allow the other time to
dry After the dye had dried, it was time to apply yet another layer of wax.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2A4a2vGEcarS6BOQGmyrUQ4tatu-Hhyb9OPl9d3Dr2oQwi2HyFYTWqcKE6mjaauiPa0Rz8evXjNmuGUVo5dnTlpek0wN4jtAERccmLNMeCYrOdSjTJDBo9e9GtIVei-GX4JjB09USeo/s1600/20140301_111759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2A4a2vGEcarS6BOQGmyrUQ4tatu-Hhyb9OPl9d3Dr2oQwi2HyFYTWqcKE6mjaauiPa0Rz8evXjNmuGUVo5dnTlpek0wN4jtAERccmLNMeCYrOdSjTJDBo9e9GtIVei-GX4JjB09USeo/s1600/20140301_111759.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Then another layer of dye, this time mixing the colours at the seams a bit more to create new and exciting patches of colour.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenOtG44pPOQHBNTS2cDDSd6ehqshdfCw8O9ay19leJcJz-CQveZOy5ESeB6ZAqaJN8EtkSEonhUTqYcNXIzGz0jYf2NFYXBQHkVUlTrYdNq4VfmqIyWpbe4eidAAMHRdQIKSRWx8eoBY/s1600/20140301_132034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenOtG44pPOQHBNTS2cDDSd6ehqshdfCw8O9ay19leJcJz-CQveZOy5ESeB6ZAqaJN8EtkSEonhUTqYcNXIzGz0jYf2NFYXBQHkVUlTrYdNq4VfmqIyWpbe4eidAAMHRdQIKSRWx8eoBY/s1600/20140301_132034.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMuaYu8TD00MQP4Nehw0eE2PAnVgYRlSG2HWjz8682oRMMZEY-QMLpKS7qpRl1L7C9cSZrfEiHrWg2CgoAl1XSZDfHLoOApGquuTXcTcTthGlffKAYkXLj8_HIcp3Vr8Y_7LzB3hbgDw/s1600/20140301_120822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMuaYu8TD00MQP4Nehw0eE2PAnVgYRlSG2HWjz8682oRMMZEY-QMLpKS7qpRl1L7C9cSZrfEiHrWg2CgoAl1XSZDfHLoOApGquuTXcTcTthGlffKAYkXLj8_HIcp3Vr8Y_7LzB3hbgDw/s1600/20140301_120822.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the second layer of dye it was time to introduce darker dyes to add more depth and to create new colours. After approximately five wax and dye applications it was time to go over the whole thing with some black ink. I was a bit wary of this but having seen Louise's lovely pieces could see it would be worth it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">At this point the wax needed scraping off with a pallet knife to reveal the colours underneath in their true vibrancy. It was so exciting revealing the beauty underneath.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">After a quick iron between newspaper sheets the pieces were finished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one of the left is bay far my favourite of the two, I just love the uniformity of the dots against the colours and scribbles in the middle of the heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">I went straight out today to purchase a frame for it hang proudly above out spare bed. I am so proud of it and would love to start creating batiks in my own style. I am not sure I have the room though, such a shame.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-92183903040601196002014-02-26T12:07:00.002-08:002014-02-26T12:07:36.546-08:00My first Harty Hook Club and a penguin hook.<div style="text-align: center;">
For Christmas my lovely boyfriend got me a stunning set of Harty Hooks from <a href="http://www.fleabubsbylala.co.uk/">Fleabubs by Lala</a> and I absolutely love them. They are so pretty and incredibly comfortable to use.</div>
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I fell head over heels in love, so when it was announced that there would be a <a href="http://www.fleabubsbylala.co.uk/harty-hook-club.php">Harty Hook Club</a> I was all over it like a rash! It's a monthly subscription for just £9.50 and each month a hook, a mini skein of yarn and a gift arrives<br />
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This month was the first month and after seeing a few references made on Facebook on Monday I just could not wait to get home. After flying through the door I opened by beautiful parcel in haste and was amazed by what I found inside, I mean WOW!!<br />
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The theme was Golden Rainbows and alongside the prettiest opalescent hook was a mini skein of rainbow sparkly 4ply from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unbelievawool?ref=stream">unbelievawool</a>, so squishy and beautiful. The whole package smelt lovely thanks to a bar of orange and cinnamon soap from <a href="http://www.theclovellysoapcompany.co.uk/">the clovelly soap company</a>, it smells so seriously amazing I want to carry it everywhere. There was also a lovely little handmade stitch holder from <a href="http://www.doodlestop.co.uk/">doodlestop</a>, these are well worth a look, very pretty. It was beautifully finished off with a yummy chocolate heart.<br />
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Nicola (aka Fleabubs) also wrote a lovely little pattern to use the 3.5mm hook and the yarn it was paired with. The pattern was for a lovely little single hook carrier, perfect when transporting those delicate harty hooks with a project in a bag. Such a clever idea as I have a large hook roll but worry when transporting my lonely hook loose in my bag.<br />
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This is one of the best things I have ever spent my money on. Spaces are incredibly sought after so I am very very lucky to have secured myself a 6 month slot. I think when my time is up I will be very reluctant to give up my space but it is only fair to let someone else experience the joy of these little parcels.<br />
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This week I also received a brilliant custom made crochet hook from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofyarnuk">for the love of yarn</a>. There is a mutual love of penguins between my partner and I so it only seemed right to have one in my hook collection. Isn't he just adorable, I love him.<br />
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I also received a lovely free cleanser sample through the post from a <a href="http://www.mo-skincare.com/">mo skincare</a> a company who specialise in handmade natural skincare. I can't wait to wash my face. <br />
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All in all a beautiful week for post falling onto my doorstep.<br />
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In other matters I have finshed the back of my latest sweater, I cannot wait to share this with you all but I still have a lot of work yet.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-86248890486131219702014-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:002014-02-23T07:46:00.754-08:00Mosaic making.<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday I met up with some friends I haven't seen for some time to take part in a Mosaic Workshop run by the wonderful <a href="http://www.lily-mosaics.co.uk/">Lily Mosaics</a> in her studio at her home.</div>
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I have had a go at Mosaic before, when I attended a <a href="http://thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/speed-craft-event-and-subsequent-very.html">speed craft event</a>. I wasn't overly enamored but in hindsight I think this was down to the short time frame and the teacher who wasn't really all that helpful, such a shame. I left with a very pathetic looking wooden heart with a few bits stuck on it not knowing how to proceed and finish it off.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqR2C6CKZNC58WfKgljXuiPDdwLKx90ICzGD_SAXaIcrlUZUstmQdNZIBc68yd8aMOu4pFgvkZkftWvv_liKsD1ILaUdsWYnKVFr8I29nPAQlNvUSb7Y_27RhdVkVvu4Kx1shJbQY1Z2g/s200/IMG_20121103_172713.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> </div>
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Therefore I was a little apprehensive in case I didn't enjoy this workshop but oh-ho-ho was I worrying over nothing, I loved it.</div>
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We were greeted and soon handed a lovely cup of tea and some biscuits before settling down to work. The first and probably most important thing we learnt to do was to use the nippers. Nasty looking little things but actually very safe in the right hands, oddly mine were safe enough!</div>
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We cut small squares from large squares of ceramic and later glass, then we made a petal shape. Mine didn't really lose its pointy edges so resembled more of an arrow head.</div>
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Once we had learnt the basics we made our selections for shapes and colours. I decided on a square hook to hand in my kitchen and went for a random selection of colours. I was going to go with a colour scheme but I was taking too long to choose and thought I would go against my inner OCD regarding colour schemes for a change.</div>
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I didn't have much of a clue what I was planning on so started by drawing a heart in the centre of the square and filling it with buttons. The buttons in hindsight were a bit of a pain because as the glue oozed through the holes I had to fish it out with a cocktail stick to make sure the grout would later sink into them. This took a long time but was worth it in the end don't you think.</div>
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After taking so long with my buttons I didn't have an awful lot of time to cover the rest of the board before the end of the session. I therefore decided that a quick arrangement of square tiles around the edge would be suitable, they would also make the heart stand out. I mostly used already cut tiles to save time but I did cut a few.</div>
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I was really pleased with the end result and loved sticking all the tiles down to create a lovely pattern. Here are the five that we made while we there, didn't we do well!</div>
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We left with a bag containing a small pot of grout. My other half was grouting the kitchen tiles last night and it took all my strength not to do my own little bit of grouting but I had to wait to make sure the glue was entirely dry.</div>
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After being rudely awoken by a crying cat at 7am this morning I decided I would get up, I just couldn't help myself and did my grouting before I had even drunk my morning <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=3064">dandelion compound</a>, a delicious alternative to coffee.</div>
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I started the grouting process by masking around the edge of the tile to make sure the edges finished of nice and neatly.</div>
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Then I stuck my fingers in the grout and got smoothing it out.</div>
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I have to say this was pretty difficult as the buttons gathered the grout in the middle, the tiles were all different sizes and the gaps were therefore tricky to fill. I mostly managed, it is by no stretch of the imagination a professional finish but for a first attempt I am quite happy.</div>
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I left the grout to dry a while and then checked on it, a few gaps had appeared so I went over it again.</div>
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My impatience then got the better of me and I just had to tidy it up and see what the finished item looked like. My grouting instructions said to use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess grout once it had dried. I wrung out a baby wipe and used one of them, it worked quite nicely but I could have done with something a little ticker. The buttons were again a pain to clean so if I ever use them again I will be laying them upside down and therefore flat side up. Once the hook was attached to the back and the nails were hammered in the wall it was hanging and ready to be used.</div>
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I plan to eventually hang my new <a href="http://thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/oh-look-at-that-lovely-pinny.html">pinny</a> on it next to my home made <a href="http://thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/a-carrier-bag-holder.html">carrier bag holder</a> and a peg bag I made ages ago. My kitchen is turning into a beautiful home made haven.</div>
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If you have ever considered learning to Mosaic I highly recommend Lily Mosaic here in Nottingham, she has a great little studio and her work is so inspiringly beautiful. Go have a look at her website.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-79317127199311001012014-02-16T12:56:00.001-08:002014-02-16T12:58:01.560-08:00Oh look at that lovely pinny!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today has been such a lovely day. It started with breakfast in bed, a rarity when living with a shift worker because we never wake up at the same time. I then made my way into town for meet up with friends for knitting and Sunday dinner.</div>
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I collected a few lovely items I had purchased from my friend Amy Blackwell (a great artist). This yarn is beauts and I love the panel, no idea what I will do with it yet but I shall figure it out, I'm thinking bag.</div>
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After devouring a months worth of calories in one hot chocolate I decided I would head home before the sugar crash. When I got home I decided it was time to make the hedgehog apron.</div>
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I started by cutting the edge panels and one for the bottom. I forgot that the bottom panel had to be the length of the whole piece with the edges sewn on, it was too small but it did fit the middle section. How silly! I then decided I didn't want my apron to have a bottom strip so forgot about cutting another.</div>
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After I stitched the edges onto my fat quarter I attached my lovely friendly looking hedgehog.</div>
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Next I cut the backing for the apron and stitched it on. Being a novice sewer I made the mistake of sewing a lovely line that was level with the edge of the fabric...my fabric was wonky so therefore the seam was! After using an iron and some tailors chalk I soon amended this but I did lose an inch from the bottom of the apron.</div>
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To make the straps for the apron I cut two 1 metre lengths of fabric 7" wide and stitched them together making a 2 metre strip of fabric. I will try to explain how I stitched it on but it will probably make no sense.</div>
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I first laid the fabric face down on the apron making sure the centres of both aligned. I then stitched it in place and ironed it flat so the seam was hidden. I then folded the strip in half, turned the edges in and stitched along the long edge, this seam is visible. Then I stitched the end seams and voila it was done!</div>
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Such a lovely apron and I am so pleased with it, I can't wait to wear it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-27112505117209753622014-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:002014-02-12T12:03:23.864-08:00A carrier bag holder.<div style="text-align: center;">
What a boring title for a post!</div>
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Last week I felt like someone had put a rocket up my derrière and I went to B&Q for a few bits to get our kitchen resembling a kitchen and not a building site like it has since last summer.</div>
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We have very limited storage space and have found that we have a heap of carrier bags stuffed in between the legs of the stools for our breakfast bar, not very attractive at all. </div>
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From this I decided I would knock up a quick carrier bag tube to hang from the wall under my new shelves. I spent ages looking for fabric and decided a fat quarter would be more than enough for my needs. I just fell in love with this Hedgehog fabric, isn't it lovely.</div>
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So lovely I couldn't bear to use it for a boring carrier bag holder so it now has a new destiny, an apron. This will have to wait a while though.</div>
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As I like to try to blog on a Wednesday and had nothing to blog about I decided I would raid my fabric stash (thanks to friends I now have one) and see what I had. I had some beautiful floral fabric that was just the right size.</div>
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I was in such a hurry I forgot to photograph my progress so I have made a selection of drawings to explain the very easy process.</div>
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First I stitched along the top and bottom to make a seam to pass some ribbon through at the top and some elastic at the bottom.</div>
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Next I folded the material in half length ways and stitched along the side. I started below the top seam and ended before the bottom seam so that I could easily thread the ribbon and elastic through once I had finished.</div>
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Once this was complete I turned the fabric the right way around and threaded the ribbon through the top. I am still awaiting the arrival of my elastic so I haven't quite finished but I plan to thread it through and knot it in place so that it is hidden in the seam and pulls the tube closed to prevent the bags falling out.</div>
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Here it is so far, isn't it pretty.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-29689894983435329002014-02-09T07:42:00.001-08:002014-02-09T07:43:17.758-08:00Disaster!<div style="text-align: center;">
Last year I started knitting an sweater with Opium yarn. It's funny stuff that is thick and thin but is generally very attractive. It's not the easiest yarn to knit with but it looks good when knitted together, kind of like a lazy lace.</div>
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Anyway, like I said I started some time ago. I found the pattern really boring and it ended up in a bag untouched for months. I decided that before I allowed myself to cast on anything else this year I would finish it. When I picked it up again I remembered why I had put it away but I carried on, convincing myself the finished object would be lovely.</div>
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Sadly I don't think that now that it is finished. I can't say why but I just don't like it, possibly frustration more than anything, sewing it up is a nightmare! </div>
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I had to adjust the sleeves as the pattern asked for them to be knitted in 1 by 1 rib in their entirety, I don't think so! Anyway, I finished them and stitched them on and it didn't blooming fit.</div>
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I think my error with this project was right back at the start when I got distracted by how nice the ball of yarn looked. I didn't think about the finished item and where it would sit in my wardrobe along side by style, or lack of.</div>
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I'm not getting upset about it though as I am sure I can sew it up and give it to someone who will love it, and fit it. I have to say I have learnt a lot about myself and my knitting preferences to prevent things like this from happening in the future.</div>
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1. I am not a novice knitter anymore and I need a pattern to keep me entertained.</div>
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2. Don't get distracted by the yarn, think about the finished object.</div>
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3. Use a tape measure!</div>
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The sweater is now in a carrier bag to be put away until I decide to sew it up, I might fall in love with it if I ever finish it.</div>
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My packing it away I have allowed myself to cast on my next project, this is definitely suited to my clothing style and my knitting style, so exciting.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-31415379853491881752014-02-05T12:01:00.001-08:002014-02-05T12:01:42.677-08:00A little bit of crochet.<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember when I wrote this post about my <a href="http://www.thediaryofanovicecrafter.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/my-first-attempt-at-yarn-dyeing.html">first attemt to dye yarn?</a> Well I got around to using it pretty quickly. </div>
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I ordered some yarn from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trulyhooked">Truly Hooked</a> quite some time ago and oh my did I fall in love with it. I had planned on using it for the stripes in a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/paulie">Paulie cardigan</a> but I just couldnt wait to use it up and knew it would be years before I actually got around to the cardigan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ8_Y8XDwX10eNloQRHC36TP-T0KVnwTA8D6vmaOD4_96lQ6A0OlW2b2cWAsIq-Fcmh-71OUYhyphenhyphen3rJN1I6wiqNoCxcawYTE6V_nq7y0WEBkpr_5o9kXstGkmo9yJ7dw_IAWwRTk_X-9M/s1600/1375971_489524811154910_477901690_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ8_Y8XDwX10eNloQRHC36TP-T0KVnwTA8D6vmaOD4_96lQ6A0OlW2b2cWAsIq-Fcmh-71OUYhyphenhyphen3rJN1I6wiqNoCxcawYTE6V_nq7y0WEBkpr_5o9kXstGkmo9yJ7dw_IAWwRTk_X-9M/s1600/1375971_489524811154910_477901690_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /> </a></div>
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So, in need of a quick and easy project to satisfy my desires I whipped up yet another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elise-shawl">Elise Shawl.</a></div>
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A person can never have too many shawls and scarves, I wear one every day and still need a wider array of colours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY0GpYXzx_QMb6VBjfHxKYqI_2GoFQepaR2cm4BrJyMblnDZx4uSJJVnBP0-cnX-xpcUsQzhbcPc8rjQ46Ewi-PUjfKmHVRDMYnzdk-p9sHIzgLshgP-CiDBku9ClGLEozzs314Sly0A/s1600/2014-02-05+19.38.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY0GpYXzx_QMb6VBjfHxKYqI_2GoFQepaR2cm4BrJyMblnDZx4uSJJVnBP0-cnX-xpcUsQzhbcPc8rjQ46Ewi-PUjfKmHVRDMYnzdk-p9sHIzgLshgP-CiDBku9ClGLEozzs314Sly0A/s1600/2014-02-05+19.38.57.png" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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It may not be clear in this photograph but I used my hand dyed yarn to edge the shawl. I estimate I had approximately 30g of my yarn so I knew it wouldn't go too far. It did however get around the shawl twice to create a lovely edging like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-mBDlqo2hObxCl9UN_SmjQgr6PNO7LjAaRS7Qr7DZVZncbS_JOmWMCIM2q6MvsZmUqXbB1Lt6YGtLvYXW0kIntfEOi3XpuAE9W_4uiA_WpYgoU90VWT0SSnCJHcZLZO-mchoGpjka9k/s1600/20140205_193410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-mBDlqo2hObxCl9UN_SmjQgr6PNO7LjAaRS7Qr7DZVZncbS_JOmWMCIM2q6MvsZmUqXbB1Lt6YGtLvYXW0kIntfEOi3XpuAE9W_4uiA_WpYgoU90VWT0SSnCJHcZLZO-mchoGpjka9k/s1600/20140205_193410.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm so pleased with how this one has turned out. There have already been a number of attempted shawl-nappings take place. It's MINE!</div>
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<br />Whilst I am here, remember this?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz83Bu_5lASI27sruAYhMzIxXRVAgEG4VuaVnaN8vpU75Plt1FHyZ0ONHlAWA1nGdRzEQHO4eKalZ6iTh8uwwbQRf5VQ3RSrFVuUrkDAA4MNjV7M62luplEXo23xHMA3cNMRKd0HulmA/s1600/20140205_193234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz83Bu_5lASI27sruAYhMzIxXRVAgEG4VuaVnaN8vpU75Plt1FHyZ0ONHlAWA1nGdRzEQHO4eKalZ6iTh8uwwbQRf5VQ3RSrFVuUrkDAA4MNjV7M62luplEXo23xHMA3cNMRKd0HulmA/s1600/20140205_193234.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have finally got it out of its box and I am hoping to make some serious progress with it over the next few weeks. Lucy of <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/">Attic 24</a> told me it was not colourful enough. I think she might have been right!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-12168542921972936772014-02-02T11:41:00.001-08:002014-02-02T11:54:15.713-08:00Patchwork, my latest addiction.<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday I went to sewing group at the lovely Steph's house and this was the time for me to start my quilt. I checked before hand that there would be room for me and my machine and when I arrived I promptly got set up.</div>
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Having cut up all my squares the other day I decided that I would put them all together randomly in strips to start off with. The only way I could do this was to reach into my bag, pull out a square and stitch it on.</div>
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The first two I stitched together looked good, I made a point of showing everybody there because this is my first ever sewing project and it is just so exciting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApHNrfJxiIXXT5QixROHYynlORSYv9Ho7NhKrGVJMf9mdidjoQCq_up0TihK59ZoS4qbo9QEpdld-6I2pEewYgTvCjUxl65ZqTgMN8Ca80M7IR8FOLzJ-DmQpzozdT8Hef9VIjE032LU/s640/blogger-image--1927716719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApHNrfJxiIXXT5QixROHYynlORSYv9Ho7NhKrGVJMf9mdidjoQCq_up0TihK59ZoS4qbo9QEpdld-6I2pEewYgTvCjUxl65ZqTgMN8Ca80M7IR8FOLzJ-DmQpzozdT8Hef9VIjE032LU/s320/blogger-image--1927716719.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I carried on until I had made my first strip and what a pretty strip it is, look at the lovely new door it is hanging on aswell.</div>
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I made the strip 18 squares long, the width of a double bed with a little overhang. I planned to make the quilt square so calculated how many squares I would need and can you believe that 247 is not enough! I then started looking at eBay but Steph kindly offered a bag of samples she no longer wants. Yet more excitement. These are the ones that came home with me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRmikV3WRidVvAEwYwqmA4oChx4oMwgZBJTb_xFXZbLMNaiJmaUdMpgxN1DFJawuGEe-HpSauO7HcZ5qW9IeVYcVfmCID_SKm8AEjl6v_ahVU3kLPnXZBn7FetjRV-JtItRWbt-F5bcg/s640/blogger-image-1146415552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRmikV3WRidVvAEwYwqmA4oChx4oMwgZBJTb_xFXZbLMNaiJmaUdMpgxN1DFJawuGEe-HpSauO7HcZ5qW9IeVYcVfmCID_SKm8AEjl6v_ahVU3kLPnXZBn7FetjRV-JtItRWbt-F5bcg/s320/blogger-image-1146415552.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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I cut these up and had over another 200 to add to my quilt. These fabrics are a lot more vibrant which is just what I wanted. Lovely.</div>
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Between shopping, soup making, biscuit baking and lasagne cooking I have been stitching away. Tom also chose the fabrics from the bag for two strips. I have currently got 11 complete strips but there are only 9 in the photo below because I took it earlier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKmbQ1V_k_FtMUMtLnvBsdXcutQtdL1TPXtL17ni0X4QVg7PDBUtjyuXinyUHqx5DJvjGFtK6-_wnPnsJnvjtSL-2ZMIgEmIlavZfFKkMZ_pfa1OmqhYNBCxfI2U-a_G2O_MPbubJUps/s640/blogger-image--2012786125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKmbQ1V_k_FtMUMtLnvBsdXcutQtdL1TPXtL17ni0X4QVg7PDBUtjyuXinyUHqx5DJvjGFtK6-_wnPnsJnvjtSL-2ZMIgEmIlavZfFKkMZ_pfa1OmqhYNBCxfI2U-a_G2O_MPbubJUps/s320/blogger-image--2012786125.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I laid them on the bed I purposefully laid them the wrong way so I could gauge whether 18 squares tall was suitable. It is far too long for the bed so I am now aiming for 14 strips tall. </div>
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I'm so excited to finish it but I suspect there are some trials and tribulations ahead.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-7345988107463598782014-01-29T12:54:00.001-08:002014-01-29T13:16:46.204-08:00The beginnings of a patchwork quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
Last October I was given a large amount of fabric samples to sieve through. I decided to opt for a selection that were all of a similar colour scheme, some of them absolutely beautiful. I had the fabric in mind for a quilt, something I have wanted to do for ages but not had the money to buy the vast quantities of fabric needed. Here are the samples on the day of their selection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokBjPJ1DAipeRqThDLUbRB9L7QCjXSY6MUKWGHt3U2ml9ctCxwVbmaQCa6MG9EmtJ6UeQE7PDMe5vM3gNP__xCuims1gFJLKRQc5l79RmSCNOuIJSe_p_v9CVEmEBeUaxZemkMcOdrlg/s640/blogger-image--517218484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokBjPJ1DAipeRqThDLUbRB9L7QCjXSY6MUKWGHt3U2ml9ctCxwVbmaQCa6MG9EmtJ6UeQE7PDMe5vM3gNP__xCuims1gFJLKRQc5l79RmSCNOuIJSe_p_v9CVEmEBeUaxZemkMcOdrlg/s200/blogger-image--517218484.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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With a new found love for sewing and now being a member of a sewing group I decided I really needed a project so I purchased a rotary cutter with the idea of cutting out the squares needed to latch together.</div>
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This evening I found myself home alone and in need of something new to do so I tidied up my craft corner and got started.</div>
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The first thing to do was gather my tools which are my cutting mat, my trusty metal ruler and my new rotary cutter. I also needed to decide how big to make the squares, I decided on 5"x5" so that each square was a substantial size and so I didn't have quite so much sewing to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYEFowU_gjU7zGLr7LntLWBLw7e5x6uCdR_83nh97e0LTHRqPq53INBPXnm-y7zNs-BJvo8CFoIuOlgcw-5zbJybA9noTeHKPuk_w9BodzNpnkJJNYeBMDWW9aLRtRY8q5mPuqH8-YoE/s640/blogger-image-162544025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYEFowU_gjU7zGLr7LntLWBLw7e5x6uCdR_83nh97e0LTHRqPq53INBPXnm-y7zNs-BJvo8CFoIuOlgcw-5zbJybA9noTeHKPuk_w9BodzNpnkJJNYeBMDWW9aLRtRY8q5mPuqH8-YoE/s320/blogger-image-162544025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I made my first cut, I now know how the doctors in Greys Anatomy feel now when they say the first cut is the hardest but from then on it becomes an addiction!</div>
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After some time Sophie came to join me to see what was happening in the room that is normally just used by her to sleep in, she seemed to quite enjoy the episode of waking the dead I was watching on my iPad, funny cat.</div>
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Once she realised there was no food and little fussing involved she made her way back downstairs and I carried on with the cutting. I decided I was going to cut all the fabric I had so that the final quilt would be made from as many different materials as possible. I can always donate or use the left overs for something else. Just out of curiosity and so I could calculate the size of the quilt I kept a count of many squares I was cutting from each piece of fabric, when I tallied it up at the end I was shocked to find I had 257!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZsXr2owpA9K_xLHOBwqVDN26E1OYZttnzatYQb5ILYKem1FcHtE2IPRZZpvYIIvEAnzaHC-pd5ob6NLJ0dzvZSBFfOADUUIrrJwakcdDzQPCo8_2bPqWjUweo8pcNsWgyQu94XZDIf0/s640/blogger-image--1376089845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZsXr2owpA9K_xLHOBwqVDN26E1OYZttnzatYQb5ILYKem1FcHtE2IPRZZpvYIIvEAnzaHC-pd5ob6NLJ0dzvZSBFfOADUUIrrJwakcdDzQPCo8_2bPqWjUweo8pcNsWgyQu94XZDIf0/s320/blogger-image--1376089845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't they look just beautiful stacked up, I cannot wait to start sewing them all together!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-718030989804084992014-01-27T10:59:00.001-08:002014-01-27T11:06:49.095-08:00Knitting exercises.<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently I have been thinking about the lack of movement in my life due to my obsessive desire to craft after a day sat at my office desk. Crafting naturally involves a lot of sitting which is not something that can be prevented unless you want to give it up, what a silly suggestion! Crafting is my escape after a long day so I decided to look for exercises I can do whilst sitting down so I didn't have to forfeit my crafting time. I can use these sitting exercises at work as well which is always good.</div>
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I found this very useful leaflet from wonder how to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBYuXNpgrjTUhP8rNveTMx7CAC9C_nNmlsOrbcXKV2aGNOEcjE132do8HmeyL4zdos7STFain2dT5dBUJHGQyPNkmGRQ_0eEnETUWJcXQRcXcImLmd1J-Rkp07YgOFqo6vSAc-0BJ-hc/s640/blogger-image--1743204571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBYuXNpgrjTUhP8rNveTMx7CAC9C_nNmlsOrbcXKV2aGNOEcjE132do8HmeyL4zdos7STFain2dT5dBUJHGQyPNkmGRQ_0eEnETUWJcXQRcXcImLmd1J-Rkp07YgOFqo6vSAc-0BJ-hc/s640/blogger-image--1743204571.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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This just seemed so boring though so I went in search of the quirky and bizarre.</div>
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Why not knit or crochet yourself some juggling balls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHFJ2DFwyPXB3n82aPxjpMra7v59-dxJJ1ZH2YUQd-SS8I56Rp24Yg5w2L23tDPSzeUHXWUZPMQAY-2hC2eYp83TgwK8EiV3i3vo5jmnW0MudNY1imGFWZOGDOBf96hC2k6GUKwh_e-A/s640/blogger-image-216842985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHFJ2DFwyPXB3n82aPxjpMra7v59-dxJJ1ZH2YUQd-SS8I56Rp24Yg5w2L23tDPSzeUHXWUZPMQAY-2hC2eYp83TgwK8EiV3i3vo5jmnW0MudNY1imGFWZOGDOBf96hC2k6GUKwh_e-A/s320/blogger-image-216842985.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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Make a skipping rope.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOhab1jMHLIgMy1pwr3Lc81KGQ4pnBCVOvN0a_dDPYQpUZeISC0xO1rsqLLG0Q0zEHydZld-FHFznwV5aXDDdT3COMVuBKKMyayt5v8uIh0u6zQmwty4zTc8rsGt6LvOtlz4DHVE1rWo/s640/blogger-image--866940978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOhab1jMHLIgMy1pwr3Lc81KGQ4pnBCVOvN0a_dDPYQpUZeISC0xO1rsqLLG0Q0zEHydZld-FHFznwV5aXDDdT3COMVuBKKMyayt5v8uIh0u6zQmwty4zTc8rsGt6LvOtlz4DHVE1rWo/s320/blogger-image--866940978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Decorate a hula hoop.</div>
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Take up extreme knitting to gain guns of steel.</div>
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Yarn bomb your bicycle to make using it more appealing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItjt-rXSDkAnkkfQ5XTAqxXzb-46Y2E2pPRIIam_Omxe32R7dOgr5wOfEpHl-fiHkHBmLJGenfJApqsSWpSKjtFf0RQYgHGLxlb7ggMPNac0KISzwaaOa8Z2B4S4EfqzVeYnpzCF01-g/s640/blogger-image--386380912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItjt-rXSDkAnkkfQ5XTAqxXzb-46Y2E2pPRIIam_Omxe32R7dOgr5wOfEpHl-fiHkHBmLJGenfJApqsSWpSKjtFf0RQYgHGLxlb7ggMPNac0KISzwaaOa8Z2B4S4EfqzVeYnpzCF01-g/s320/blogger-image--386380912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or make yourself a beautiful costume to go swimming in, watch out for sagging when wet though!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SSZK1WbHcP7H0MwKE4Ns4gT1FZ5XBjqApkwCGOGb0Ax7DFESx-7NAIJ0uQt16pAa4lYYy2g9RvyCmvRd4m7-1fKzXpV-2gO6GI7xVwkzBlFdVU95PtI6Ecr8vBEtIbUdgjxOArdGasc/s640/blogger-image-1817418715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SSZK1WbHcP7H0MwKE4Ns4gT1FZ5XBjqApkwCGOGb0Ax7DFESx-7NAIJ0uQt16pAa4lYYy2g9RvyCmvRd4m7-1fKzXpV-2gO6GI7xVwkzBlFdVU95PtI6Ecr8vBEtIbUdgjxOArdGasc/s320/blogger-image-1817418715.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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As you can tell I took my quest for crafting exercises very seriously, it's just not going to happen so its time for a compromise I think.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-19436685832827604142014-01-26T10:57:00.001-08:002014-01-26T12:03:43.430-08:00My first attempt at yarn dyeing.<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I sat knitting away with a major craving to crochet, with no projects currently on the go I raided my work box and basket full of untouched beautiful yarn. I decided to use some hand dyed 4ply from Truly Hooked to make a shawl. I scoured Ravelry but just kept coming back to Elise so I got my hook out and got started. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxcUxEk817d_Om9uSSEofvDYx98sAtMWCoHpM5TO3yenK-iAKomtMMH0vc3rsMcdAtorSy87tfSOWt6vOKX6BOkjCYLC9x96iigym4G0-MrYcDwrghmTGoXTJZ9O-cvHzPjVzFPQyugY/s640/blogger-image-931039125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxcUxEk817d_Om9uSSEofvDYx98sAtMWCoHpM5TO3yenK-iAKomtMMH0vc3rsMcdAtorSy87tfSOWt6vOKX6BOkjCYLC9x96iigym4G0-MrYcDwrghmTGoXTJZ9O-cvHzPjVzFPQyugY/s320/blogger-image-931039125.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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Isn't it gorgeous! I then got to thinking how nice it would look with a solid purple edge on it. My internal monologue went something like this.</div>
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I haven't got any.</div>
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Could I dye some of my leftovers?</div>
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No they're all acrylic.</div>
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Hang on I had some cream cashsoft 4ply somewhere I won't ever use.</div>
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Here it is.</div>
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How do you dye yarn anyway?</div>
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I've got some food colouring I think that does it.</div>
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Better check Pinterest.</div>
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Tad ah!</div>
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I found <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Dye-Yarn-with-Food-Coloring/all/?lang=de">this</a> great tutorial for how to easily dye yarn at home with a bit of food colouring. If you're thinking of trying it I recommend this method for small batches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiL_v7zO2sw7A5GXFtAKcXw1hX9aEpPbSnayBs6gR8YG21mL3l7xfqt4T3nXI_KnBCrD5-CbKpcWccucq-fmcH3-X8tZfk7_Tq9Zl1ReT6JpYcaSSjQKylfF3M6l5GA7bRYHquAJi4aA/s640/blogger-image-1877952468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiL_v7zO2sw7A5GXFtAKcXw1hX9aEpPbSnayBs6gR8YG21mL3l7xfqt4T3nXI_KnBCrD5-CbKpcWccucq-fmcH3-X8tZfk7_Tq9Zl1ReT6JpYcaSSjQKylfF3M6l5GA7bRYHquAJi4aA/s320/blogger-image-1877952468.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh the excitement! I had to make this ball into a hank, I decided to just wrap it around my hand and elbow like an extension cord, a good little workout.</div>
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Then I had to soak it in water and white vinegar. I didn't have white vinegar so it was cider vinegar. Vinegar is vinegar at the end of the day, I'm not sure I would have used balsamic though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFHtHqLGgfqZgbn24906th0zra6F8DNNzgpPexPEwI66S7ptkTzl4H0q7weazxJRKk7EBq1eDY7_65a8gtIdNF_P1J8MRWEl5I9Dh-Q2d1wLuhJyx6bnVlX4BAYCZSgVnYawuVf6gGOI/s640/blogger-image--167642935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFHtHqLGgfqZgbn24906th0zra6F8DNNzgpPexPEwI66S7ptkTzl4H0q7weazxJRKk7EBq1eDY7_65a8gtIdNF_P1J8MRWEl5I9Dh-Q2d1wLuhJyx6bnVlX4BAYCZSgVnYawuVf6gGOI/s320/blogger-image--167642935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After half an hour I tipped away the water, put the wet yarn on a tea towel and mixed the food colouring in with some fresh water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWDrbOvy_zbvZYxahoNi6CEbRFsZLb70Athq76DUxBaEerrDTVuElMYyVjDDtEOLzMB7qiPzl0BbIeYlRwUKWK1udMRm4qybBqCF1dukluuFf1Cra3b0PKPn6CNNb7HomycTXQszqI-Y/s640/blogger-image-32311329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWDrbOvy_zbvZYxahoNi6CEbRFsZLb70Athq76DUxBaEerrDTVuElMYyVjDDtEOLzMB7qiPzl0BbIeYlRwUKWK1udMRm4qybBqCF1dukluuFf1Cra3b0PKPn6CNNb7HomycTXQszqI-Y/s320/blogger-image-32311329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I sank the yarn into the water. At this point I thought I had possibly used too much food colouring but being a novice and wanted a dark purple I left it as it was.</div>
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I gave it a little stir around but not too much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsoDWEsqWn30audGiRixjKeMRyVa5gp8LhSfiwRAm6ggynMWh1wn8nKAVuElmmNt3js2itHEnpQqOINyB4fzMJCC_7T8BzDNKuQYql98_w7GXHbvS62ufVtVmlWYVxpHed73ZMbgNkzE/s640/blogger-image--794366487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsoDWEsqWn30audGiRixjKeMRyVa5gp8LhSfiwRAm6ggynMWh1wn8nKAVuElmmNt3js2itHEnpQqOINyB4fzMJCC_7T8BzDNKuQYql98_w7GXHbvS62ufVtVmlWYVxpHed73ZMbgNkzE/s320/blogger-image--794366487.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then it went in the microwave. I had to microwave it for three minutes, let it stand for five and microwave again for three until the water became clear. This was when I knew I had out too much dye in because the water would not become clear just a pale shade of blue. I accepted this was as near as damn it so ended the endless microwaving there. I was becoming quite concerned the yarn would just fall apart.</div>
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Despite instructions not to I took it out of the microwave to have a look at my creation but then it went back to cool away from straying cat paws.</div>
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Once it was cool it came out of the water received a little squeeze and it is now hanging in my bathroom drying.</div>
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I love the way the colour is so uneven, it is quite clear I have done it myself and I am also pleased the yarn maintained its structural integrity!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtoOT7hgEC-aopXzf6wRD-V6pc_zXXoAW6F16njYqhQ0oONWGdLOdIm9wNPY6ByIBgFRkb6qIef0mX-1zW4aeQ6JLYYx8So2Hy8NZEWsYQujzKlW0joa-JfDbeAQPNUY7bOlsEq7GJRg/s640/blogger-image-95029622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtoOT7hgEC-aopXzf6wRD-V6pc_zXXoAW6F16njYqhQ0oONWGdLOdIm9wNPY6ByIBgFRkb6qIef0mX-1zW4aeQ6JLYYx8So2Hy8NZEWsYQujzKlW0joa-JfDbeAQPNUY7bOlsEq7GJRg/s320/blogger-image-95029622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to use it and I certainly will be doing this again!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-66669666888997981712014-01-25T11:32:00.001-08:002014-01-25T11:32:40.376-08:00My ongoing and ever improving relationship with my sewing machine.Ages ago I purchased myself a second hand Janome sewing machine from a colleague. I was so excited about starting sewing but then I realised I wasn't very good at it. Initially I just gave up and put it away but soon realised the only way to improve is to practise.<div><br></div><div>The first thing I made that I was particularly proud of was a knitting needle roll. It was a disaster from the start but fortunately my bodging skills at that point were a lot better than my sewing skills and I fixed the problem of the inside being on the outside, the ribbon being within the lining not outside and various other issues. I still use it now which is a testament to its strength despite it's poor make up.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTjQvTK2dHg6tIeKTjfNyZQ5IxLY-soUVeRPRr9iYA1VboGUtU9ZqodgGOgP3d5dnSBNchOX5hsPj4jiYeQ9KLTr6QZcTzJpXzjtBXvTzFoKMfgGJuEBVc3sbJFWTI1b_7USdJjs8HDc/s640/blogger-image--1819504528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTjQvTK2dHg6tIeKTjfNyZQ5IxLY-soUVeRPRr9iYA1VboGUtU9ZqodgGOgP3d5dnSBNchOX5hsPj4jiYeQ9KLTr6QZcTzJpXzjtBXvTzFoKMfgGJuEBVc3sbJFWTI1b_7USdJjs8HDc/s640/blogger-image--1819504528.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I didn't do a lot more sewing from this point as I didn't feel the need or the inclination. Then I went on my embroidery course with Jane Lightfoot (look up her page she is amazing) and I found an interest again because she showed me how to do the simplest of things that I had never figured out before. I just love the finished article.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zxIkPcJHBHGMX2BxH22cy1TkrKjLS8P5og_yhfcPX5Gn1iKvsY7QC9efgukBuyPOpUHzIMQtDX-D1AQgcx0nlkfQRl1v-EHdXPC0tW9iX3KFt-MTEw040PX2IqCo9i9w9cl1zGAXZ_M/s640/blogger-image--913641259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zxIkPcJHBHGMX2BxH22cy1TkrKjLS8P5og_yhfcPX5Gn1iKvsY7QC9efgukBuyPOpUHzIMQtDX-D1AQgcx0nlkfQRl1v-EHdXPC0tW9iX3KFt-MTEw040PX2IqCo9i9w9cl1zGAXZ_M/s640/blogger-image--913641259.jpg"></a></div><br></div>This lead to the creation of a wonderful glasses case for my Mum for Christmas, this took a lot of brain power as I had to figure how to join the lining to the case without a visible seam. Instead of just jumping straight in with the sewing machine I tacked the fabric first to make sure my idea worked, it did!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOubgJLPOlyTStzcG99J8y3rb5cnShu_WtShXyR-3W-uu3hBNd2Uz2cGYA97ZvHGaLUA75V7RZbvkKP8YOqiS6qJbKc6RYMQGGlcAjGH0uVhxEXnVqA6a2DX1ycBmSRIcgYJNdJPUBdsE/s640/blogger-image--752659846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOubgJLPOlyTStzcG99J8y3rb5cnShu_WtShXyR-3W-uu3hBNd2Uz2cGYA97ZvHGaLUA75V7RZbvkKP8YOqiS6qJbKc6RYMQGGlcAjGH0uVhxEXnVqA6a2DX1ycBmSRIcgYJNdJPUBdsE/s640/blogger-image--752659846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then, this week I decided to make a crochet hook roll for my beautiful new harty hooks from Fleabubs, they didn't fit in the knitting needle roll and I couldn't have such beautiful hooks laying around. I raided my stash of donated fabric samples and chose two pieces that complemented each other because done alone was not big enough. I spent time planning this item so that the stitches for the pockets were not visible on the back so the ribbon was attached in the seam rather than stitched on afterwards. I had so much fun making it that I am ready and raring to go with larger projects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwSx7hYU-fs3Ei5JgtB8tml2ZRIdgfymUXcN_0vIrAto2gZnRDCxkAGyqNTL5tnoX391K3iAD4wC-DNp4Y3p3IEZr6VlvFe3SCwFPAtZcU2FNH8_MDsiXkZhyphenhyphenQn_2qrBHBFSwGy2RjDo/s640/blogger-image-464352210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwSx7hYU-fs3Ei5JgtB8tml2ZRIdgfymUXcN_0vIrAto2gZnRDCxkAGyqNTL5tnoX391K3iAD4wC-DNp4Y3p3IEZr6VlvFe3SCwFPAtZcU2FNH8_MDsiXkZhyphenhyphenQn_2qrBHBFSwGy2RjDo/s640/blogger-image-464352210.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I do plan on making a quilt but I have no timescale in mind for such a thing so we shall see if that ever gets finished.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6243621216831772694.post-70911027742915657402014-01-24T10:34:00.001-08:002014-01-24T10:53:45.439-08:00Top down raglanBefore Christmas I decided it was about time I used up some yarn I purchased in last years sale at Knit Nottingham. I had ummed and ahhhed for a very long time (nearly a year) about whether the yarn was actually me as I did purchase it as a bit of an impulse. I figured I had it so it was a good practice and if I didn't like the finished article I could frog it and use it for something else.<br />
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I started by discussing how to make a top down with Eleanor Knit Nottingham and Verity Truly Hooked. Verity said a top down raglan is very easy if you can divide by six, something I was certain even my mathematically challenged brain could manage. I took this advice on card and thought about. My conclusion looked something like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCbV9Q9hJeH7-IyrKMf0YAUleinc2hFelmMhgWASpQ4CqRiTmNnmgyTd40fR3uobQ2TdrqvNqO2YzCrGFoxj4tg6D6deeU5U4uu-n35tvMWRygkOfxbxLY4sGSiH2LlyWZIIWIxfru3Q/s640/blogger-image-282223252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCbV9Q9hJeH7-IyrKMf0YAUleinc2hFelmMhgWASpQ4CqRiTmNnmgyTd40fR3uobQ2TdrqvNqO2YzCrGFoxj4tg6D6deeU5U4uu-n35tvMWRygkOfxbxLY4sGSiH2LlyWZIIWIxfru3Q/s320/blogger-image-282223252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't end up using this method in the end because I was informed of an easier method that didn't involve so much maths and thinking. </div>
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I started with a length of chains to the length I wanted my neck line to be. I then made a double crochet in each chain, joined and made a round of trebles. The next row I put two trebles in each treble and from there on put one treble in each.</div>
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I continued like this until the top was the length I wanted before making arm holes. I did add one or two raglan increases before joining the armholes but in hindsight I did not need them.</div>
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When it came to the arm holes I laid the top of the garment flat and by eye chose the points for the armholes, i counted the number of chains on one side and made sure it was the same for the other three points. I marked these points and when making my round on that time I joined the two points with a length of chains.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu08UjtQr_yEXHh67AZYfwTrhikIFGKZTE6axIiuEISMJ5Z27rIg61XyUKd8_QaFxPxmn98s0geeO_CYjBVwuWVNRGvOz8sZzkGWUwQbSm8XcE5bPVC4u7QcpsfsuYJh__HSKHj_EHip4/s640/blogger-image-1373485408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu08UjtQr_yEXHh67AZYfwTrhikIFGKZTE6axIiuEISMJ5Z27rIg61XyUKd8_QaFxPxmn98s0geeO_CYjBVwuWVNRGvOz8sZzkGWUwQbSm8XcE5bPVC4u7QcpsfsuYJh__HSKHj_EHip4/s320/blogger-image-1373485408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then kept crocheting in the round picking up the stitches in the chains for the armholes. Once the jumper had reached my bust I started decreasing. I put these in darts at the side of the jumper front and back. All in all 4 decreases every row. I then just continued until the jumper was long enough. I hindsight I should have increased again because it is a bit small at my hips. When I got to the right length I added 6 rows of treble rib in a complementary colour.</div>
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As for the arms, I picked up around the arm holes and worked in rounds again. I made one decrease every other row until the arms were the right width. I worked both arms at the same time to make sure they matched, I'm pleased I did because I would not have remembered what I had done. Again I continued until they were right length and added six rows of treble rib in the same complementary colour.</div>
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At this pint I thought I had finished but I out the jumper on and the neck line was far too wide. Again I picked up the stitches and crocheted in rounds making decreases until the neckline was just right.</div>
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I am so happy with this jumper, I already wear it often and I have received a number of compliments, it's great!</div>
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