Small Project Challenge- Margot Pyjama Bottoms

Today I'd like to share my latest Small Project Challenge! Some time ago, well, (say it quietly) well over a year ago, I started to make these pjyama bottoms, from Tilly Walnes's fab book, Love At First Stitch. For ages I've really wanted to improve my dress making skills and I really love Tilly's book because she approaches the subject in a simple, easy to understand way, while at the same time offering modern, covetable patterns. 

Soo, I decided I'd gradually work my way through the book, starting with the headscarf (which I've just realised was over two years ago, eek!) and then moving onto the next project, the Margot Pyjama bottoms. I don't get a lot of time for making non-work crafty projects and although I started with good intentions, the pyjama bottoms were soon relegated to the bottom of my craft chest.

However, I'm pleased to say that I've recently had two weeks off from the day job and I'm now determined to finish off all my half made projects and I've finished the pyjama bottoms, yipee!

Food cans make great pattern weights, hehe!

I'm loving wearing my new pyjama bottoms and it's spurred me on to allocate time for non-work related craft projects. 

I'd love to see what you've been making- share your latest projects in the comments!

Small Project Challenge

In January 2015 I set myself the task of completing one small craft project (separate to my textile jewellery) a month, as a way to combat my growing list of unfinished projects- I called it "The Small Project Challenge." Sadly, I didn't manage to complete one project each month like I intended- life got very busy, but I'm pleased to say I completed six projects and I'd like to share them with you today. Although I didn't complete the challenge as I wanted to, the projects that I did make reminded me that it's nice to make things for myself and to keep trying new things. So, here is what I made...

Knitting in the round- Bobble Hat

I wanted to try knitting in the round on a circular needle as this was something I hadn't tried before. I was really pleased with my first attempt and this hat is still keeping my ears warm now! I love the pom pom too

Flo-Jo Knicker Making Kit

I was searching for craft kits to try and I discovered the Flo-Jo Knicker Making Kit! These were so much fun to make and a lot simpler than I thought they would be. I really must make time to make some more, I really enjoyed making them

Crochet Face Pads

I really don't like waste and so the fact that I was using disposable cotton wool pads for applying my cleanser and toner didn't feel right to me. That's how I came up with the idea to make these crochet face pads, which I could throw in the wash and re-use, plus also giving me the opportunity to practice my crochet skills (I'm still learning). 

Lined Vintage Suitcases

I was chuffed to discover these vintage suitcases and set myself the challenge to line them to use to display my brooches

Crystal Clay Ring

I'd been wanting to with Crystal Clay for some time, so when I spotted some in a bead shop I knew that would be my next Small Project Challenge! In the end, I wasn't really happy with the ring I made, but I was pleased I tried the Crystal Clay and I'd definitely like to experiment with it more

Fair Isle Knitted Baby Hat

Having taught myself Fair Isle knitting for my jewellery making, I wanted to practice Fair Isle on a larger scale, so I made this little slouchy baby hat for a friend who had a baby boy in November. This was a great project for practicing Fair Isle on a larger scale, although I had SO MANY ends to sew in! 

I won't be trying to complete a project for the Small Project Challenge every month in 2016, but I will still continue to share my "non-work" projects.

Have you set yourself a similar challenge and how did you get on? I'd love to hear about it! Share in the comments below

Small Project Challenge- Fair Isle Knitted Baby Hat

For my latest Small Project Challenge I have made a Fair Isle Knitted baby hat! A friend has recently had a baby boy so I thought that this would be the ideal chance to put my Fair Isle skills into practice on a larger scale.

To make the slouchy beanie I used three shades of beautiful Drops Merino Extra Fine DK, which was so lovely to knit with and has knitted up into such a soft fabric. The pattern is from King Cole Baby Book 7, which is full of such sweet knitting patterns for boys and girls from birth to seven years- check it out if you're looking for a project!

I started off using a denim blue, mid blue and a steel grey, but I found the steel grey a bit lilac in tone so a lovely friend came to the rescue with a spare ball of cream (thank you) !

I've just got to hope it fits him now, but if it's a little big at least he can grow into it!

I really enjoyed Fair Isle knitting on a larger scale, although I had an awful lot of ends to sew in at the end! The next step in challenging my Fair Isle skills will be to knit a Fair Isle jumper or cardigan, but perhaps I'll make a baby version to practice before I make one for myself.

What have you been making lately? I'd love to see your craft projects, share in the comments below!

Small Project Challenge- Lining Vintage Suitcases!

For my Small Project Challenge in May I spent a really fun morning lining two vintage suitcases to use to display my jewellery at craft fairs! If you're a new reader, find out about the Small Project Challenge here- it's one way I'm working towards my goal of being more organised this year!

Quite some time ago I decopatched these display stands, but I felt that it was time for a new look (it's funny how our ideas evolve). Having used a vintage suitcase as a prop for a jewellery photoshoot, I have had this idea in mind for some time, so it was the perfect project as part of the Small Project Challenge!

I bought the suitcases on ebay- they are a bit battered in places but I think this adds to the vintage look! I find it fascinating to think of the stories these cases could tell- who they might have belonged to and the places they have been

I picked up this remnant of vintage style fabric that I thought would make a pretty backdrop for display

I cut a piece of fabric for each side and set to work gluing them into the case, over the top of the existing paper lining, letting the edges overlap to trim when dry. I used an all purpose strong craft glue for one of the cases and when this ran out I used PVA for the other case- both worked equally as well

I allowed the glue to dry completely and then trimmed away the excess fabric, before attaching grosgrain ribbon around the top of the case to hide the raw fabric edges. I started off using my glue gun to attach the ribbon, but I didn't think this was giving a neat enough finish, so I changed to using double sided tape

My cases had their first outing at The Warner Textile Archive Textile Fair last weekend and I was pleased to receive many complements on the cases!

I lined the whole of the case to give me more display options but I also made a fabric covered cardboard "shelf" to give some height to the display. I used pegs and bakers twine to hang some brooches on the lids of the cases

I'm so pleased with the look of the revamped cases and also to have given these vintage pieces a new lease of life!

Small Project Challenge- Crystal Clay!

When Mr Writer and I visited Nottingham back in March I bought a pack of Crystal Clay. I'd never come across it before, but being a little obsessed with Swarovski Crystals I thought it would make a good Small Project Challenge! If you're a new reader, you can find out more about my Small Project Challenge here. You could join in too!

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely happy with what I've made here, but I've decided to share my project anyway. Things don't always go to plan, but the main thing is that I'm pleased I've tried the Crystal Clay- I can see that it has lots of potential uses, I just need to experiment with it more! Here's what happened...

I decided I'd make a ring, using a ring finding with a bezel setting. The clay adheres to most surfaces and cures without heat, so it's really simple to use. 

 I already had a pack of mixed crystals and I used some bugle beads too for variation.

The clay comes in two parts and (wearing gloves) you mix equal amounts together until the two colours are completely blended. The beeswax ended stick is the tool you use to pick the crystals and add them to the clay

This is where I went a bit wrong...  I misjudged the amount of clay I would need. It turns out that a little bit goes a long way and rather than break off a smaller piece to use I decided to make a giant ring! You add the clay to the bezel setting or other surface you are using and mold it to fit.

The other issue was that I didn't  have many flat backed crystals and I think this would have improved the overall look of the ring- the bicones I have used stick out a bit too much. I love big rings but it is VERY big and very very bling!

So overall I really enjoyed using the process of using the Crystal Clay but I definitely need to refine my skills to create an end piece I'm happy with. Have you used Crystal Clay and do you have any tips?