Knitting Update

Since Christmas there's been a fair bit of knitting here, lots of finishing off and a few smaller bits and pieces for gifts. These are just 2 of my favourites.

The hat is an Ysolda Teague pattern, called Rose Red, I went with cream to wear with my scarlett winter coat.

The socks are Nutkins, made with my favourite Fyberspates wool. These were hard to photograph, since the colour blend is really subtle but I just love them.

Happy crafting!

Springtime Tag

This is a tag I made for a forum challenge. The theme was Spring and using distress inks techniques. I'm still undecided about the seed beads, the may stay they may not.

It's been a while, but I enjoyed the process in any event.

Happy Easter one and all!

I hope that whatever you are doing this Easter Sunday you are surrounded by those that you love and that you share a peaceful and happy time together. Time is precious. Happy Easter everyone!

A new week

It's been too busy round here with work and school so crafty moments are few and far between for now. This was created in a wee half hour break in report writing yesterday, for no particular reason just because I wanted to. Here's to a calmer week!

Ravelympics - here we go again!

After loving the team spirit of Ravelympics (Knitting Olympics) 2008 when over 5000 of us took part, I just had to get involved in the 2010 Winter Games. This time though, after chatting with some knitting friends, I am team captain over at the Never Not Knitting Podcast group. We are over 80 strong in the team, from all over the world and are now sitting, needles poised waiting for the flame to be lit and for the great cast on to begin.

One of the main goals of the games is to set yourself a personal challenge. I've never tried felting any of my work so I'm having a go at the French Press Felted Slippers. I defintely wanted to keep it simple this time since school is in and it's only 12 days!! Common sense - whatever next!

Updates to follow!

New Blue Day

This was a wee piece that I made for a challenge among my friends. I would say forum but over the last year we have become so much more and are now friends that stand by each other and are there for each other, thanks lassies - you know who you are!

The theme was light blue and snow.

First of many

I was going to say that this year I resolve to blog a bit more but let's be perfectly honest it would be hard to blog any less than I have over recent months. So moving on...

It's just been a beautiful winter wonderland round here for the last two weeks. I know it can be a real pain for folks getting out and about, but, I do like my seasons to be what they are supposed to be. We've had some gorgeous walks and have taken lots of pictures, all in a similar vein to the one above.

Any crafting over the holidays was functional really. Using last year's cards I made this year's thank you cards.

I made a few cabled neckwarmers for quick gifts.

I made this pretty shawlette just for me - Cedar Leaf Shawl by Alana Dakos. It's so handy to either throw round your shoulders, wrap several times at your neck or to wear as a scarf. Alana is also a lovely friend and writes very straightforward patterns, especially if you have little girls to knit for.

Back to work tomorrow for me, but, at least we've had a lovely relaxing yet productive break!

A very Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May 2010 bring you all health, wealth and happiness, granting all your dreams and aspirations, crafting and otherwise.

Looking forward to blogging again soon.

Out to lunch

I'm officially closing the door for the immediate future. There is so much going on here and at school so rather than constantly feeling frustrated that I'm not really doing much crafting and certainly not blogging I'm taking a break. I will still be looking at my favourite blogs as much as possible, just storing up the inspriation for quieter days.

Perfect Weekend

This is where we spent the weekend and this was where Sunday morning was spent with lots of coffee and knitting - heaven isn't it.

Back to normal this week though *sigh*

Pressie for Mum

My mother in law has been changing her bathroom and has decided to go with lilac. So I followed Susan Anderson's fabulous pattern (you should check out her website, I love her books!) and have made her some cotton washcloths to go as part of gift. I know knitted washcloths, cotton or otherwise, are not common over here but they are part of everyday life in the US so I think she will love them.

Home again

We had the most amazing time in California at the start of the month, thanks in no small part to the time, effort and care that our family put in to our stay. We love and miss you guys, and really appreciate all that you did for us. I'll add some photos and details of our trip over the coming weeks.

While away I started a pair of Monkey socks, these are now finished and I love them. The pattern is great and easy to pick up. I did change the heel and toe construction to my favourites.

Since the rain was keeping us in today I made this canvas for my lovely sister-in-law by way of a thank you. I so wish we lived closer she is such great company.

Hope these showers die out soon or I'll be going back to school with webbed feet!

On a Break

Things here have just been a bit busy and we have so many things that we want to do in the house and garden before we leave on our trip so I'm taking a break (you may have noticed lol) from crafting till we come back in the middle of July. I will still be dipping into blogs during this time but maybe not so often.

Enjoy the start of your summer xx

Beautiful Day!

It's been wonderful here for a couple of days so I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and going for a quick walk up the hill to try to catch the goodness. We are so lucky to live somewhere so pretty!

In the meantime among all the teenage angst with upcoming exams there has been a bit of knitting here, slow and steady, but the back of the hooded jacket and one sleeve are done.

Hope things are good with you too!

A learning piece

I'm really enjoying KC Willis Collage Camp, however I thought I would make one as a starting reference before I get too far into it. This was a learning piece in so many ways, making a sketch in photoshop, image transfer onto fabric, lots of collage and a spot of sewing. I'm pleased with how it turned out. It has a new home though and will be winging its way there soon :-)

Tag challenge

Over on our wee forum Karin set us the challenge of making a tag using a stamp we hadn't used before. I had this background stamp, which looks like lots of twigs, that I hadn't got round to using. Had fun with this one so thanks Karin, it's on its way to you ;)

Forever Friends

Having been inspired by the talented Joanne I gave in to the "cute" and bought a Forever Friends stamp. This is my entry for this week's challenge found here, where the theme is monochrome. The contrast between the teal papers and the blue of the card is not so stark in real life but I'm blowed if I can capture it in the photos.

Holiday Update

It's been a busy but relaxing week, if that makes sense. Got lots of house chores done on Monday, had a great crafty day with Kaz and her daughter on Tuesday, lovely day and lunch out with my great son yesterday and today I'm just chilling!

Craftywise, you've seen the ATC (that turned into a card). I've also been busy working on knitting a lightweight hooded cardigan for the summer months

I've also managed to get some quick gifts made for the "present box" sets of 8 notecards, mix of blank and Thank yous. These are really quick and well received when nicely packaged.

TMTA - togetherness

Been such a long time since I've taken part in any challenges but this one over at TMTA really appealed and as I have a card "block" I thought I would use an ATC as a starting point to make a card for a friend's birthday. Thanks for stopping by :o)