Wednesday 30 November 2016

Sirdar Gorgeous Ultra Super Chunky Yarn- A Review

I love the current trend for mega chunky knits knitted on huge needles- I've been admiring all the lovely cosy pieces that are popping up on Instagram- so I was really excited when Sirdar yarns introduced their latest product!

 Gorgeous is an ultra super chunky (think 20mm needles) yarn, in a 51% wool, 49% acrylic mix. It comes in 6 lovely colours and is so very soft! There are a range of patterns to go with the yarn, including cushions, blankets and even rugs, but as a bonus, there is also a free snood pattern on the ball band. 

By day I work in an art and craft shop in the wool section (both brilliant and dangerous for a craft addict!) and when the Gorgeous arrived I couldn't wait to try it. I picked out this beautiful bright pink shade and set to work knitting the snood.


As you can imagine, the project grew very quickly and I was able to make the snood in an evening. The pattern only requires one hank of yarn so these would make great Christmas presents!

Gorgeous would be a perfect yarn for beginners to use- the patterns are simple and due to it's very chunky nature it's easy to handle, but it also has the wow factor to appeal to more experienced knitters. I thoroughly enjoyed using it and I'd like to make a blanket in it next. The Winter is suddenly looking very cosy!


You certainly won't get cold wearing one of these!


If you'd like to read more about Sirdar Yarns, check out their website here. Gorgeous is available in all good yarn shops, including my friendly local yarn shop, where you can also order online here.

Happy knitting!

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Bust Christmas Craftacular London

I'm so excited to be taking part in the Bust Christmas Craftacular in London, this Sunday 27th November. Find me there with around 70 other Designer/Makers and a fab line up of crafty workshops, live music and a pop up cafe and bar. The Fair is taking place in the great venue that is York Hall in Bethnall Green and you're sure to find lots of Christmas gift ideas, as well as treats for yourself. 

 Find out more about Craftacular here. I would love to meet you there, pop by and say hi if you're planning a visit!





Sunday 20 November 2016

Renegade Craft Fair London

It's certainly been a mega month! I've been really busy making, so I just wanted to show you some pics of what I've been up to...

 A couple of weekends ago I had a stand at the fab Renegade Craft Fair at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London. I really love Renegade because there's always such a friendly atmosphere among the diverse selection of makers that take part in the fair. I worked really hard in the lead up, making lots of new pieces.


I'm really chuffed with my new table name banner from AllHerGlory  The glittery packaging really made me smile too when the parcel came through the door!


I didn't get much chance to take many photos over the weekend, but I'm really grateful to everyone who stopped by to say hi. It was lovely to chat to so many people and it literally made my year to hear people say they had sought out my stand at the fair and to meet people who follow me on social media. Hi to everyone who stopped by to say hi! *Waves*



My Harris Tweed mini embroidery hoop necklaces had their craft fair debut at Renegade and I'm pleased that they were well received. I got some new colours of Harris Tweed offcuts to use, but the mustard is still my personal favourite!



I also made many new Shetland wool Fair Isle necklaces for the fair. I love knitting these




If you didn't make it to Renegade, I'll be taking part in the Bust Christmas Craftacular in London on Sunday 27th November. I'll be sharing more new makes and looking forward to meeting more of you there!

Thursday 17 November 2016

Louise Dawson Design In Homemaker Magazine

I'm really excited to share with you that my work is featured in the latest issue of Homemaker Magazine! The article is all about the journey from when I started crafting as a child, through to the inspiration for my work today, plus insights into what's in store for Louise Dawson Design jewellery. I love the magazine so I was so chuffed to have my work featured. Thank you to all at Homemaker Magazine!