Hand Knitted Fair Isle Triangle Necklaces In My Etsy Shop

I'm really excited about my latest range of hand knitted Fair Isle necklaces in my Etsy Shop! I love the whole process of making them, from choosing the colours, to designing the Fair Isle patterns (see this post for a look at my design process) to hand knitting them in beautiful Shetland wool, which is such a joy to work with. If you're a knitting fanatic like me they make the perfect accessory! Take a look at my five latest designs in my shop and let me know what you think!

How To... Fabric Scrap Photo Frame

I keep this fabric scrap, decopatch photo frame that I made for a blog How To a couple of years ago on my bedside table- this pic of Mr Writer and myself is one of my favourites. I wanted to share the post again as it has been one of my most popular posts so far and it's such a fun make! All you need to make your very own customised frame is some fabric scraps, Mod Podge (or watered down PVA glue is a good alternative), a paint brush and a photo frame in need of a new lease of life. This thrifty make is a lovely way to display a special photograph and would also make a thoughtful gift. Check out the How To here. Happy making!

If you try this How To and make your own frame I'd love to see- share your makes in the comments below!

Harris Tweed Mini Embroidery Hoop Necklaces

My Harris Tweed Mini Embroidery Hoop Necklaces with upcycled fabrics are my latest additions to my Etsy Shop! I've wanted to add to my range of necklaces for a while and these are a take on my Harris Tweed Button Brooches. I have five colours in the current range but would be very happy to make you a custom piece in your choice of colour- I love that Harris Tweed is woven in so many colours! The necklaces are embellished with tiny pieces of upcycled fabric, stitched onto the tweed using gold thread and the mini hoop is strung on a 24" silver plated chain (hoop hangs at 12"). I'm loving wearing mine (I've made myself one in mustard and one in navy). Find out more about the necklaces here- I'd love to know what you think! Thank you to the brilliant Hammonds Photography Studio for the great photos

On Instagram In June

Happy July to you all! It's that time again when I take a look back at the previous month and share what I got up to through my Instagram photos. This was my June...

Here in the UK the weather has been very changeable and we've seen a LOT of rain, hail, cold snaps, thunder storms as well as some gloriously hot sunny days. The weather certainly has been strange, which is why at the beginning of June I was still wearing my jacket- accessorized with one of my Fair Isle necklaces!

When the sun has come out it's been absolutely beautiful and the gardens and countryside have been looking so Summery

An Iris from Mr Writer's Mum's garden- I'd never seen one in these colours before. It reminds me of a frilly dress!

RHS Hyde Hall gardens were looking quintessentially English on a hot June day

I had some time off from the day job in June and I visited RHS Wisley gardens in Surrey with my friend. It was absolutely stunning, I'd definitely recommend  a visit!

Woolly well wishes, just because!

I started a new project during my time off work. I struggle to remember the crochet stitches so I'm making sure I remember how to do trebles as well as the granny square pattern by making a Granny Square blanket. It's going to be a long term WIP, something to pick up and put down between other projects- I just need to start sewing the ends in as I go or that will be a huge task at the end!

In early June I made some Harris Tweed brooches and rings in new colours for my Etsy Shop

I also introdeuced a new product, these Harris Tweed mini embroidery hoop necklaces with upcycled fabric. I'm loving wearing mine! Find out more here

A selection of pieces from my Etsy Shop

During my time off work I was so happy to have some time to work on non work cfrafty projects. I finally finished these Margot pyjama bottoms from the Tilly Walnes Love At First Stitch book.They are so comfy, I'm hoping to make some more pairs

For my birthday in November my friend treated me to afternoon tea at a vintage tearoom and in June we finally managed to get a Saturday together and had a thoroughly lovely afternoon!  I'd never had afternoon tea before so I felt quite sophisticated. Sooo many cakes!

Nelson has loved the more Summery days of June and has spent lots of time outside, mostly sleeping and rolling around (and who can blame him?!)

This is what Nelson thinks of me reading my book while eating my breakfast, the cheeky boy!

Cute little visitors at work! These two beautiful Jack Russell puppies belong to my colleague- I could have easily taken them home, so cute!

I hope you had a lovely June and wishing you a fab July!

Granny Square Crochet Blanket WIP

A couple of weeks ago I had some time off work and I was so happy to finish off some outstanding crafty projects, but I did also cheekily start a new one! Although I've made a few crochet projects, like this Attic24 ripple stitch blanket and these crocheted face pads, I always have to remind myself of the stitches when I start a project. I thought that making lots of Granny Squares would cement the treble stitch in my head, as well as the Granny Square pattern. So here is my latest WIP, a Granny Square blanket made in Stylecraft Special DK!

This yarn is perfect for blanket making and the brilliant Lucy from Attic24 provides lots of inspiration, using it in many of her crochet projects. I love this summery colour palette! The shades I have used are: Storm Blue, Shrimp, Candyfloss, Pistachio, Parma Violet, Lemon, Emperor, Cream, Violet and Fondant. I can't take credit for the lovely selection, a lovely lady I used to work with in my day job put this great selection together

A note on my crochet hook- I use Knit Pro Waves hooks which have a rubbery soft grip handle. They are so comfortable and lightweight to use and don't heart my hands like the metal ones used to

A couple of Instagram snaps of my WIP. I really should start sewing in the ends as I go so it's not a massive task at the end

There's something about Granny Squares that makes me feel cheerful!

I'm so enjoying working on this- I'm not sure how big it'll end up, but I'll share my progress! What crafty projects are you working on?

New Harris Tweed Rings!

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that I absolutely love Harris Tweed! I first started making Harris Tweed jewellery as a way to be able to wear this beautiful, traditional wool fabric everyday, not just as a jacket on a chilly day. My range of Harris Tweed accessories is growing and now includes brooches, necklaces, bookmarks and rings. I've just added some new Harris Tweed Button Rings to my Etsy Shop, including one in a lovely new dark pink colour. They are embellished with tiny pieces of upcycled fabric, stitched on in gold thread. Have a browse at them in my shop here- which one is your favourite?

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!