Wednesday 29 June 2016

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?

Sunday 26 June 2016

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?




Wednesday 22 June 2016

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!

Sunday 19 June 2016

RHS Wisley Garden

It's always sad when holidays come to an end but I've had a lovely two weeks off work, mostly knitting, sewing, cooking, relaxing and going out for day trips. Last week, on a gloriously sunny day, myself and my lovely friend Kate headed off to RHS Wisley Garden in Surrey. We had the best day, the gardens were in bloom and absolutely beautiful, even more so in the sunshine. I took LOTS of photos (thank you for your patience Kate!) and here are just a few. If you love nature and you get the chance to visit, I can't recommend it enough, a brilliant day out.

Soooo many pretty sights!





















What a lovely lovely place. I hope you've been enjoying some sunshine too!







Wednesday 15 June 2016

New Fair Isle Necklace Collection

So excited to tell you that you can now find my new range of 5 hand knitted Fair Isle necklaces in my Etsy shop! I'm so pleased with these pieces because they represent everything I love about making- knit design, hand knitting, British wool and handmade jewellery! Each hand knitted Fair Isle triangle measures approx 4x4.5cm and hangs at 13" on a 26" silver plated chain. Have a browse in my shop, I'd love to know what you think! 










Sunday 12 June 2016

On Instagram In May

Time is going by so quickly I nearly forgot to post this and we're already well into June (is it just me or does Christmas seem like yesterday?!) So here's a look back at my Instagram photos from May- a little peek behind the scenes...

I love this time of year, wandering around the garden in the sunshine, enjoying the blue skies and seeing what's come in to bloom. Our little apple trees are blossoming!


Vibrant summery colours in the garden


Nelson loves the summer weather as much as I do. I'm writing this on my laptop in the garden and he's pretty much in this same position on the patio table!


Aaannnnnnd stretch!


This has to be one of my all time favourite pics of Nel- he's just too cute and fluffy!


By day I work in a craft shop, mostly in the wool department. We're a friendly bunch, we all buy each other birthday cards and when it's your birthday it's your turn to bring in cakes! My colleague made the prettiest cakes for her birthday, I couldn't resist taking a photo before I scoffed it!


Sorting through my vintage thread collection. It's a shame they don't make them like this anymore


Making some new Harris Tweed and Knitted Button Brooches with upcycled fabrics


Despite my sunny photos at the start of this post, we did have some quite chilly days in May, hence the need for hot chocolate and marshmallows and wrapping up warm indoors!


Fair Isle necklaces #WIP These are one of my favourite things to make, starting by colouring the design on knitter's graph paper and hand knitting the design in Shetland wool



My new collection of Fair Isle necklaces, coming to my Etsy Shop very soon!




My sister took some photos of me with the necklaces. She also plaited my hair- it's lovely when she comes to visit, she's always wants to do my hair and paint my nails!



If you place an order in my Etsy Shop, your jewellery will arrive in a hand decorated gift box with a little thank you note. I love taking time packaging up my work to send off to customers and equally I love to buy things from other makers because of these little touches that make the package so lovely to recieve


How fab does the lovely Joanna look in her Fair Isle necklace that she won in my giveaway? Thanks for entering Joanna!


A custom order for a Fair Isle necklace. This received a lot of lovely comments on Instagram and I'm chuffed that the lady I made it for really loved it. I really enjoy making custom orsers


Something new! These Harris Tweed mini embroidery hoop necklaces with upcycled fabrics are now available in my Etsy shop in 5 colours! I made myself a mustard one that I'm really enjoying wearing


So that was May! Hope you had a good one too, what did you get up to? Wishing you a fab June, see you later in the week!