Knitted Babe

Well there she is. This is the first of two I'm making, I'm making one for my niece and thought I ought to make mine first. I'm not sure about the eyes.....and she needs more hair. Maybe if I gave her bangs the eyes would look different. The head is wobbly too. The picture isn't too bad. Her undies were fun to make. We shall see how he next one goes......Yes, she will have a dress soon.

This is from the book Knitted Babes by Claire Garland. There are two websites for some reason. Have a look and see if you think I've done alright....

2 craft weekends....and a cold

I had such a good weekend last weekend and then on Monday I woke up with a terrible cold. It has been awful. I've not been able to craft or anything, which is really unlike me. I went in to work on Thursday, but that was a mistake and I ended up home on Fri. So here is my chance at catching you up with what I've been doing!!!

First, to show you what I made at the workshop with Gillian Harris.
I'm actually very proud of this bag. I for once picked colors that I really like and made a shape I like. It is suppose to be a bag, but of course it is wayyy to small for me. But it is very inspirational. I might do some beading or embroidery on it, just to add something to the front. The back is an experiment...well it all was I guess....but she encourage us to throw caution to the wind. The pink nubs were hard on the hand, when you are doing the rubbing. But the flicks were really nice.



She also told us to decorate the inside...so this is what I did. We were all so keen on getting going, we forgot to do very much decoration. I love the color though, there are three layers of color, so each layer adds something to the top layer.

It was great fun and my friend Ruth and I were able to catch up afterwards with a nice supper!

Crafty Weekend!

Well, I will be spending the weekend with all kinds of crafty goodness!!! First I'm going to the Knitting and Stitching show! This year I'm better prepared and plan on spending my money wisely?!?!?! Well, I'll try. Poor hubby will probably be drafted in to coming with me....we shall see. We always make a day of it and to the Texas Embassy for TexMex anyway!! Yummy!

Then on Sunday, I'm meeting my friend Ruth from CraftyPeople and we are going to go to a wet felt workshop! I'm really excited about this. I signed up for this in June or something. The lady who runs it is very busy and gets booked up quickly. I'll give you more details when I get back! She has a new book out, so I'll talk about that when I get back too!

Have a wonderfully crafty weekend too!!!!

Pink pocket....

I finally got in one of the Japanese books I ordered several months ago and it has the BEST ideas for embrodiery. Simple things, not the big projects that you get in most books. So here is my first project from it. They had this on a sampler with lots of other designs and I decided to put it on a little pocket that I'm going to put some beads in for the Swap-bot bead exchange I'm doing. I've decided this will be my last Swap-bot for awhile...I'm going to concentrate on Christmas, swap with a friend and Secret Pal 9!

Email notification...

I've added FeedBlitz email notification on the sidebar. If you sign up you will be emailed when I add a post. Let me know if you have any problems with it!

Thanks for reading my blog! I really enjoy posting!

Secret Pal 9....questions....

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I mostly like natrual fibers....though a mix isn't too bad. I love some more sock yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a lovely wicker vase that I display them in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for the last 8 yrs....but more now then I use to. I'll try anything as long as I have a pattern for it! I've tried to knit gloves...with more then 2 colors....stupid!!!! But otherwise I can get along with lace, double point needles, more then one color ... etc...

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes Amazon, and it is full of creative books I want!!!!
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Vanilla or lavender
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Of course, I like fruity things and Milk Chocolate (not dark)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
It would be easier to tell you what I don't do. I try to stick with fiber/textile arts at the moment. I've recently learned how to drop spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love alternative music Cold Play, Tori Amos....etc....

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like bright colors. I'm not too picky really. As long as they are rich or bright I like them.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my hubby and 2 guinea pigs, 3 pet rats, and 4 pet mice.....

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
No ponches...but have to have the rest....have to walk to work!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Anything and everything! (Though I've not done a sweater for myself yet.)

13. What are you knitting right now?
Secret project. I'm going to start a blanket for my nephew also.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of Course!!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
No plastic...but any of the others types.... I love wood ones. It depends on the project I'm doing and the yarn I'm using.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, I actually prefer to do it by hand.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I have a really old sweater that I'm going to do free form knit and crochet on...it is from about 5 years ago.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Now that I don't get a Thanksgiving I miss it terrible!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Teddy Bears. (Russ are my favorite) Craft supplies, old books....

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Spinning in the Old Way: How (and Why) to Make Your Own Yarn with a High-Whorl Handspindle
Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts

Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters
Lisa Kartus

Patterns I would like....hmmm....there are, but most of them are free anyway!

I would love to have some of the great sock yarn everyone in the States talks about Socks that Rock etc.

I've been subcribing too Vogue Knitting but I've stopped that. I also get Knitters but if I could I would drop it....gift subscription for like 3 years for some reason. I always buy Interweave Knits when I can. Would love to have a look at Rebbeca sometime.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to do better at intarsia, and would like to make something from the yarn I spin.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I like to make socks...but have trouble making my own. I have big feet US 10 and my ankles are very thick so that makes it hard for a tight knitter like me to actually make them to fit. Though I am working on it!

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
November 15!

I'm looking forward to this secret pal. The last one was loads of fun and it is great to be able to put together little packages for someone that you are getting to know from their blog and their emails!

From my good friend Melissa!

Here it is...I'm so greatful for this bag! Melissa did a great job with my requirements of...large!!! Pre-felting this must have been huge!!! She told me she thought she was going to fall in....such a smarty she is! This is from the Internation Tote Exchange! I've sent mine off to Holly on Friday...so I'll post a pic soon when I know she has recieved it!
Melissa took pity on me and supplied me with some pumpkin faces, which I adore and can't get here!!!! She also sent me that lovely yarn and a few pieces of jewlery and the cutest tape measure you have ever seen....(sorry...pics didn't turn out to good). She also sent me a replacement for my quilting chalk pen that broke.
She did such a good job with the lining! You can tell she has sewed a thing or two in her day! I love all the pockets and as you can see I've filled them!

Great job Melissa! Melissa and I have hit it off really well...well we both have the same strange sense of humor! We are going to make a few things together and do some swaps between the two of us!!! Check her blog out!

Thanks Bonnie!

This is what I got from the Homemade swap on Swap-Bot. I really enjoyed this swap because you had no idea what the other person was going to make you! This was wonderful and it looks great in our living room! (I have to admit to making out like a bandit the last two weeks! Packages almost every other day!!!)

I made MYSELF something.....

And there she is.....can you believe it??? We ducked out in between the rain showers to take a quick picture. I finished it last night..and couldn't wait to wear it! It turned out good. I have to back the button band with some fabric I think...because it pulls and I want to find some nice buttons or make me some. I loved making the pattern though, and it didn't take long.

Pattern: Button Wrap
Book: The Accessories Collection
Brand: Louisa Harding Yarns
Yarn: Impression and Sari Ribbon

Thanks Maria!!!

Here are the lovely things that Maria from Berlin sent me. The ball was done up so beautifully and I'm so excited about the wool felt!!!! It is funny how I'd been thinking about making one of the mushroom pin cushions and now I don't have to! She also sent me some lovely stitch markers with dyes wool and embrodery floss. They are very cool!

My next Swap-bot swap is for beads, thought I would try something different. Melissa, my friend from the tote-bag exchange and I are talking about doing a magic ball swap for Christmas. It is a wonderful way to send little sweet things that someone can use, without spending a fortune!!!

Speaking of Melissa...she said she has sent off my tote!!!! So I'm waiting with baited breath!

Niki Guy - Jewelry from Shropshire

Aren't these necklaces great??? These are by Niki Guy a jeweler in Shropshire. I've been wearing the pastel colored shells since I picked them up at the Shrewsbury flower show in August. I get more complents on it! I could have sworn I have been on her website, but I can't find it now. I love the way that she doesn't use metal clasps. Instead she uses a very nice circle




of crochet and a button. She is a wonderful person, I had a long talk with her while at the show. She also makes jewelry with tumbled recycled glass. They are so lovely!

















Her contact information can be found here though. I know that she makes to order.











I've been alone this weekend. Hubby has gone up to Shropshire to visit his sister. I couldn't get off work, so I stayed at home. I've been watching "Sex in the City" and knitting away. I would have liked to have done more....but don't we all wish we could. I'm almost done with my bag for the tote exchange, but I won't post it until I know that Holly has it...just in case she peeks on to my webpage.

Oh I couldn't resist buying this yesterday. I just have to figure out if my bro-in-laws will let me give them to my nephews!!! I can't keep making things for my niece!!!! Her stuff at Wee Wonderfuls are so great. I wish I was that talented! And she lets you down load these so you don't even have to wait for the mail! How cool is that!!!

Oh and MOM....leave me a comment...or else!!!!

Not Forgotten!

As many of my fellow Americans and others around the world,

I don't need to watch the film...

I don't need to watch endless repetitions of what happened.

I may not have been in NY or Washington...

but I was there...

and I won't forget those that were lost

or their families.

Nothing is ever gained by hatred.....

let us love one another.

Romsey Show

So here are some very very very funky chickens!!! Now do you see why I think they are so cool?????

The show was great. We all had a great time...AND our group won first prize for our booth. Shoshanna did such a fabulous job getting it all together. She recognized me as I walked in and made me feel at home at once, introducing me to everyone and letting me display my pitiful attempts at spinning. One of the ladies taught me a different way of handling my Blue Face Leiscester wool when I spin that I liked...everyone has to find out their own way of doing it...and I had a great time sitting next to Sue nattering away about doughnuts (which obviously the show knew I was coming so they marked them on the map of the grounds!) and playing with the bits she kept breaking off with her attempts at spinning. Nothing ever goes to waste! She went to town beautifully when no one was around...but as soon as someone wanted to see what she was doing....bang....it would break. Typical isn't it!!! She was such a sport and at the end of the day we both said it was too bad we live so far away from each other!

People were really interested in my needle felting. One lady could hardly keep her hands off of it and I think if I had, had an extra kit she would have bought it. I think I might do that next time actually, sell it for cost, but it is a lot of fun and people are interested in it. The kids were great. The ladies had a great interactive table, where the kids (and adults) could make braid and felt beads. Both are sooooo easy to explain, and very timely. We had a group of teenage girls that sat out in front of the tent and busily worked away. They were great advertising for us! The little boys and girls were the most fun. We had a lad of about 10 or 11 that was soooo enthusiastic. He tried EVERYTHING, except my needlefelting. But he did the braiding, made lots of felt balls and had a go at the loom that was there. He must have made 6 in of fabric on the loom. He was so great and everyone was so kind to him. I hope that he keeps up his interest and does succumb to the football hooligan thinking that "boys can't craft". I wanted to personally pick him up for the taster day we are having next week so that I could be sure that he got the chance to come!


Well anyway, here is a pic of our booth and me having a go at needle felting. I made the yellow and blue "flower" on my shirt. Actually, people were really interested in it and I think I'll put a back on it and wear it with my blue jean jacket. The blue in the middle are the little bits and piece off of Sue's spinning and the blue on the picture I'm working on is the same. The PVC pipe you see sticking up above the date is Sue's wheel. And the head you see on the other side is Helen who spins beautifully and was kind enough to bring me home!


I think the thing I found out the most, other then the fact that everyone there was very inspiring...I love to teach. I loved showing the kids and adults how to make the braids and the felt balls. I'm going to talk to the local craft shop up by the university and offer to show the kids how to do those very simple projects and see what happens. The older ladies were especially interested in the braids, because it was something they could do even if they had arthritis. Contrary to what people think...you can do a lot with braid!

Craftsainty 20min challenge....

Right, for those who are wondering...what the heck those pictures are! They are my horrible attempt at drawing. I've been a faithful listener of Jennifer's Craftsainty podcast. She has the most clever, wonderful artists on her cast. The last lady, Claudine Hellmuth, is a collage artists who takes pictures and mixes them with other paper stuff to make wimsical creations. Even though I'm not into paper crafts she inspired me to try doing some pictures on the laser print fabric and try embroidery on them. We shall see....

Anyway, Jennifer sometimes has contests and the publisher of Cladine's books gave her a few to give away. I was really struck with the idea of making something in 20 min. It would be a bit difficult to do the embroidery in that time, but when I wrote Jennifer she said...just send in your paper draft. So that is what I did. I sat down outside in lovely Winchester, waiting for a friend for an even lovelier supper, and drew the above pictures. I'm toying with felt applique and embroidery probably. I'm not sure if the childs face in the second pictures looks too mean, or if he portrays the "cheeky" or ornery way I want him to be. He isn't be malicious...just getting his own back for having his cheeks pinched. I must state, though I said it is a contest, they aren't going to be judged. She is going to take the names of those who send something in and have her daughter pick out four names for the four books. I'll keep you posted...and if you like podcasts??? Listen to Craftsanity. It really is inspiring!

Would love to post....

But as usual, having trouble getting pictures to upload! Anyone out there really like their blogging software so much they will recommend it????

Devon Guild of Craftsman - Bovey Tracey

We have had a wonderful weekend. We found a really interesting Craft show that I just had to tell you about. I saw some of the BEST textile art I've seen in ages. I can't show you pictures...but I can give you the websites so that you can see them for yourselves. I'm trying to make this more on a feature of this blog...not just me going on about what I make...but about what I buy from other indie designers or see. England is full of wonderful artists and because they aren't as organzied in a way on the net like in the States...you don't get to hear about them as much.

The website for the guild is www.crafts.org.uk.

The first is a wonderful team of sisters from Lyme Regis that use recycled wool to make some of the extreme sweaters that could be worn I've seen. They are absolutely gorgeous and funky. Take a look at the website: http://www.kathrens.co.uk/pagesB/kathrens.html They are expensive...but are worth looking out just for the inspiration and awe of them.

The next I'll feature is Yuli Somme. She was born in Norway, but moved to Deven in 1962. She makes wonderful art out of felt. The one that attracted my attention first, was a felt wall hanging of chickens. I'm getting a real thing about chickens for some reason. These were so well done and made me want to get the felt making kit out again! She doesn't have this hanging on her webpage, but she does have some similar so go check out what is has going on. I might have to do one of her workshops sometime....it would be cool to have a go with her! Webpage is ... http://www.yulisomme.co.uk/ She does talk about Cocoon's on her webpage also. These are burial shrouds that she is making with the help of fellow felter Anne Belgrave. This is a extremely eco-friendly way of being buried.

I'll cover a few more as the week progresses. I couldn't believe all the cool stuff from Kumihimu to beading. Stay tuned!

NEC Quilt show & Teaching craft

I got a call from a good friend on Fri...did I want to go to the Quilt show with here....I didn't hesitate....yes my hubby and I had just been talking about money issues.....and yes we had just discussed what cleaning we were going to do....but I couldn't resist! This is the BIG quilt show of the year. They are very international, and though I've never gone before...and don't quilt...I wanted to go badly. So I got up early...ON A WEEKEND...what I sacrifice for my crafT!!!!!...and off we went. It was wonderful. I did buy a few things that I'll show. I told Hubby that I wanted to get some fusible batting (wadding), and Linda and I ended up buying a Queen size and splitting it. I found some fabric to make a bag for my nephew...decided not to knit his like I did the others....with really cool dinosaurs on it. I also found some chicken fabric for me...don't know what is going on with the chickens...I think because it reminds me of my grandmother.... I also picked up some silk hankies so that I can try drop spindling them. Also picked up...you won't guess...two more BOOKS. These are really cool though and I will do a review of them latter in the week. For tonight...I have to finish up my project for my Homemade swap!!!! Must get that sent off!

I also had a real treat this weekend. There is a lovely couple who I go to church with that bring their grandkids. A lovely girl of 8 and a boy of 4. One day I went to help her do the Sunday School and I had my knitting with me. I got it out and the girl was fascinated! She wanted to know how to do it....so we had a go. I also showed her crochet. So yesterday, she was at church and kept asking if I could show her knitting again. We didn't get a chance to do it during church or afterwards...so she asked me if I could come over to her grandmothers house in the afternoon to show her how. I decided to stop and pick up a French knitter for her and some yarn. The French knitter came with a pompom maker and I picked up some thick yarn, thinner yarn and a crochet hook also. I wasn't sure how much time we would have. She was so excited I barely had to ring the bell before the door was thrown open! We started with the French knitter and as soon as we figured out the best way for her to hold it (she is left handed), she was off! She did about 6" while we were sitting there. I had time before I went over, to make her a pink bag out of some fabric I already had. I didn't put a handle on it...I told her that was her job! I made some terrible buttonholes for her to run the rope through when she was done. I need to practice my buttonholes more!!!! Anyway, she was thrilled and me and her brother made a couple pompoms and did some finger knitting. He did quite well...but at that age your attention span was only long enough for 3" of finger knitting! All in all, it was fun and I really enjoyed getting the experience fo teaching! I highly recommend it!

Books purchased

I had a great weekend and purchased all kinds of good stuff. I will try and cover some of it over the next few days. I want to spred things out a bit.....

So first books, I picked up Debbie Stoller's Happy Hooker which I've not had a chance to look through to much. I hmmm'd and haw'd about buying it, but I've heard good things so I thought I would go ahead and get it. I heard her interview on Crafty Sanity and also decided to subscribe to Bust magazine. It sounded like a good alternative to all the fashion mags I usually read. The one thing I've seen in the book I really like, is the cowboy hat she wears on the cover. I'm tempted to make that...but not wear it myself. Surely someone I know would like it.







The second book I bought was another one I heard the gals on Craft Sanity podcast. It is really kitchy. I won't really do to many of the projects....but they have GREAT how-tos. I've seen some really cool things using shrink plastic (I remember it as Shrinky-dink.) I'm going to try and make a button with my weblog address so that I can wear it when I go to craft shows. Ally Pally is in October and I'm so looking forward to going this year. I hope that some of the other weblog crafters will be there so we can meet up. I think I will also try to make some of the pins I've seen some really nice ones.





I also picked up Lucinda Guy's other book. I found a yarn shop in Shrewsbury!!! Yeah!!! So I had buy something...didn't I??? Well, I'll show you the yarn I bought later...but I bought this and it has the cutiest stuff in it for kids. Great toys and sweaters and things. I've got my eye on a few things already.






I also found this in the bookshop I love in Much Wenlock. I didn't think I would get there this weekend, but they are open on Sunday so I couldn't resist running in. This has some very simply knits in it, so it would be good for a beginner. The bonus is it has some lovely things for the mommy-to-be also. Sweaters that could be worn while preggers and after!

Email problem (cross post)

I'm having trouble with my yahoo email account. If you get an email from dlam_1999@yahoo.com DON'T open it. I cannot get Yahoo to help me at all! I can't get into the account and I'm trying to get them to cancel it, but they don't seem to be able to. If you have IM and get a messaging saying that your account has been used for unauthorized purposes and you need to click on an URL to clear up the problem DON'T do it! That is what happen to me.

I am hoping to get a new address soon, maybe gmail...we will see. If you want to write me, please write dlao_1967 at yahoo dot co dot uk.....

Thanks

Wesley's blanket and mouse....

Well here they are finally. I must admit I like the blanket. The colors are so much fun. For some reason I have a lot of that color around at the moment. I wasn't sure about the mouse until I put the ears on! Until then I thought it looked really stupid. I have an idea to make this mouse with canvas and beads. I think the pattern would look really interesting.

I found out that my other sister, Ra'Net, who is pregnant will be having a boy also! One niece out of 6 kids....just doesn't seem fair for a crafter! But that is ok, I will just have to keep my eye out for boy crafts! Better go, got another blanket to buy the yarn for, denim I think this time!