Annaboo's house

nice things

2012-03-06T20:09:00.000Z

I love a nice parcel from Missus Postlady.
And I've been lucky enough to have two in the last couple of weeks.
The first was planned:
The purchase of some new yarny stuff.
I've been admiring the lovely Lucy's crochet work over at Attic24 and really wanted some of that fabulous Rico Creative. It took a while, but I found a great supplier.
Look at the colours. And it's so soft, too!

And here's my second basket. Full of gorgeous soft, woolliness.

I love a yarny basket.
I am so rock-n-roll.

Anyhoo, just a little plug for the wonderful and helpful Abby at Crafty Yarn.
A pleasure to do business, as they say in the trade.

Now parcel number two was a surprise. (the best kind of parcel, I say)
A while ago I made some wooden blocks for an ex-pupil of mine.
To say thank you, she sent me this:

How sweet is that monkey- and look, he matches my sofa perfectly too.
And see the card- it's been a while since I've been called Miss G.
10 years ago, infact. I taught Millie when she was an ickle 10 year old and now she is a proper grown-up and everything.
And she makes and sells these marvellous sock monkeys.
Go see her!
She's on Facebook and Twitter and Blogger and all things digi-tech-tastic.

Well done, Millie. I am very proud of you.

Gratuitous picture of nice necklace found in Charity shop today for 2 quid.

BTW, have just restocked my Arundel Shop. Egg cosies and these cute egg decorations are available to buy.

BTW again, the bloke who owns the whole Arundel outfit is a fella called Dennis. He looks like the type of chap you wouldn't mess with, but is a diamond geezer of the right sort. And all those programmes on the Telly where the antiques dealer says things like 'That is my best price. That is my absolute best price. It's got some age. That is my rock bottom price" - all true. Have heard Dennis saying all these things.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Cheep!

2012-03-01T21:24:00.000Z

*cheep cheep, cheepity, cheep cheeeeeeeeeep*

Balmy sunshine, the shedding of winter layers, and these mad looking chicks you can pick up for a few pennies from every shop.
Their little crazy faces make me smile.
Yes, spring is here.

So I thought i'd make egg cosies.

Fancy making one?
What? You're not very good at crochet?
Can you do a single crochet stitch? (UK double)
Yes? Then you, my lovely, can make this. (Yes, Gem, you too)

I used:
DK yarn
4mm hook
Stitch marker
Adornments

I also use the American terms, but it's easy to translate into UK terms:
single crochet (sc) = UK double crochet (dc)

Round 1:
[Now I use the magic ring method when working in the round. Have a look on YouTube for a tutorial and give it a go.]
5 single crochets in magic ring
Too tricksy? Then make a slip knot and put onto hook, chain 2 and make 5 single crochets into 2nd chain from hook.

Round 2
Now you need to make 2 single crochets into each of your 5 stitches- see photo below (you'll have 10 stitches at the end of the round).
Don't forget to use a stitch marker in the first stitch (or bit of coloured yarn) so you know where you started out.

Round 3
Next, make 1sc into the first stitch and 2sc into the next.
Repeat around.

You'll have 15 sc now.

Round 4
1 sc in each stitch (15 sc in total)

Round 5
sc in next 2 stitches, 2sc in next stitch. Repeat around. (20 sc)

Round 6
sc in next 3 stitches, 2sc in next stitch. Repeat around. (25 sc)

It should start to look a bit like this. The 'right' side of the cosy is actually the inside. We'll turn it out at the end.

Rounds 7-13
sc in each stitch around (25 sc)

Finish off, weave in ends.
Turn right-side-out.

Decorate as you wish. I made pompoms, or here I made a frilly edge from here (chain 3, slip stitch around) and added a buttonny-flower.

Ahhhhhh, cheepity, cheep, all.
Xx

Crafty Spring Project

2012-02-23T20:19:00.001Z

Well hello there, little fella!
It's one of the Korknisse, here to spread some joy!

How are you all? We haven't seen you for a while.
Oh really? You've been played with by the children and now there's not so many in your number?
And hardly anyone has a matching hat or jumper anymore?
Dreadful.
But you do have a lovely, easy, cheapy craft project to show us?
Game on!

Here's what to do:

Ok. First you need to find a little wooden-house-shelf-thingamabob.
Mine is from my local craft shop.
Cost £2.99.

You also need these sweet little Chinese Yuxian paper-cuts.
Again, from crafty shop.
Cost £about 3. (not bad-you get 10 in a pack. And they are beautiful)

So pretty!

Paint said house-shelf-wotnot with colour of desired hue.
I used white acrylic.
[Not for any other reason than I couldn't be bothered to find the key to the garage and risk my life and limb having to root through the dangerous arrangement of bikes, tools, barbeque paraphernalia and general guff to find the eggshell furniture paint]
Leave to dry.

Apply thin coat of PVA glue to wherever you want your designs to be and attach the paper-cut carefully.
Warning: these cannot be removed without destroying the paper-cut, as they are sooooo delicate.

Stand back, and marvel at your handiwork.

Enjoy your evening, all!
Am off to quaff a teeny glass of the red stuff.

Xx

Long Tall Sally (2)

2012-02-20T20:27:00.000Z

Dressed.

Reversible-dressed.

This little number was inspired by the free tutorial over at Molly Chicken's place. Cute, and very quick 'n' easy to knock up.

Would highly recommend for any doll or softie who is in need of clothes.

xx

Long tall Sally

2012-02-18T07:45:00.001Z

I've been making crochet dolls for a little while now, since finding Beth's amazing tutorials here.
They change a bit each time I make one, and I make notes about how to improve the next.
So for this next doll I wanted different hands and feet, longer arms and legs and a shorter torso to make her more like a rag doll.

I love making the little wig cap.

Here she is with wig attached.

The great thing about her is that her hair can be styled in different ways!

Oh, and I used buttons for eyes because firstly I have run out of safety eyes and secondly I was inspired by the wabbits I made previously. I think they're ok, but am not sure if she looks a bit freaky.. What say you?

All in all I'm vey pleased with how she's turned out. I just need to make her some clothes. Must engage brain and oik out the old sewing machine for that one.

Enjoy your weekend, all.
Xx

P.S. I have actually sold lots of things in my real life shop to real, actual real people! Am thrilled to bits!
P.P.S. am now a tweety-bird. Do follow me on Twitter, if you like that sort of thing (link somewhere in top left corner).

Xx

And here is the news...

2012-02-10T23:20:00.000Z

There is lots to tell.

For those of you who are too busy to read all of this post, here are the headlines:

I am selling my wares in a shop in Arundel
I have received a surprise parcel from a bloggy friend
I have been given lovely awards
I am selling in a real life shop where real people go and buy things with real money.
I have had a fab 'ohmegosh what a small world' moment.
Oh, and did I mention that I am selling in a shop?

Right, I shall try not to make this too dull.

My shop
Well, not actually my shop.

A rented shelf in a handmade crafts shop.
In the beautiful city of Arundel.
It's a fabulous co-operative owned shop set in an old church. Other shops are there too selling vintage wot-nots. I have to pay a small monthly rental fee and work one half day in the month.
I did my first session today and set up my shelf.
I loved it!!

Surprise parcel.
Do you read Signed With An Owl?
Yes? Good.
No? Well you should.
Kate is a clever crafter who crochets, embroiders, sews and generally makes cool stuff. Check her out.
Anyway, a while ago, Kate won one of my giveaway prizes.
Then, she sent ME a parcel to say thank you!
Look!

Lush!

Fabooo!

Thank you, you wonderful girl. This is all beautiful and thoughtful and just gorgeous.xx

Lovely awards
More thankyou-s.
This time to the lovely peeps who have bestowed bloggy awards on me:
Sam at A Bucketful of Everything
Jill from Stocki
Barbara from Made in K-town
Radish's mum from Harryraddishbean
And I'm sure there was another- I'm so sorry, I cannot remember who. (if it was you, do let me know and I'll update this post)

Thank you.
I shall do a proper awards post when I can, but seriously, thanks. I really appreciate it.

Small world moment.
Do you read Treasures from the Cherry Tree?
Yes? Good.
No? Well you should.
Gem writes a treat of a blog about her many escapades and of course, her amazing Cherry Tree Shop finds.
So, she has recently relocated to my part of the world. We had plans afoot to meet up, do coffee and charity shopping.
Nice.
THEN, my bestie mate, Debs sends me a text yesterday saying that a new neighbour called Gemma, who writes a blog, has moved in opposite her, and she's just been over for coffee!!

Cripes!! Small world, or what??

So apologies for my absence again in the land of Blog- I have been a tad busy wot with making all ye olde shoppe stock.. Am off now to try to catch up with you all.

Have a great Friday, all.

Xx

P.S. Did I tell you that I'm selling in a shop?

No knit knitted monster

2012-01-31T12:58:00.001Z

I am in love with those cute little knitted monsters I've seen around cyber-world.
But I can't knit.
I could crochet one.
But I can't be bothered.
What to do?

Why, CHEAT, of course!

First ~~steal~~ find yourself a suitable knitted thing which you don't want anymore. I scored a charity-shop scarf (60 pence, I kid you not).

Next, draw a monster-ly template and cut out 2 pieces from your knitted thing.

With wrong sides together, sew around the edge, but not all the way - leave a small gap for stuffing later (remember, wonky sewing is very necessary- monsters are not pretty).
Now turn out the right way.

Experiment with different 'looks' for your monster with things from your stash.

Attach whatever to your monster. I stitched mine, but glue would be easier.
Stuff and sew closed the opening.

Admire your cleverness.
If you are truly naughty, tell people you knitted it yourself.
Bad girl.

Xx

Wabbits

2012-01-27T20:20:00.000Z

You know what they say 'bout wabbits-

- you start off with one.

And before you know it, you've got more than you bargained for.

(I've got a third on my hook right now, too)

These little fellas are cute and easy to make (pattern from here) although I think I might be quite slow-they took me a good few hours. (you fabulous ami makers- how long does it take you to make something like this? Yes, Lori and The Dotty One I mean you...)

Have a great weekend, all.
Xx

Pretty, Crafty Home

2012-01-18T17:50:00.002Z

Over the last year I've really caught the thrifting bug.

Necessity demands it, but I must say, it's an enjoyable way of living; I love having a root around the charity shops in search of a new find or project and since the recent up-cycling of the Mister's jumper, feel more confident to have a try at altering things a bit.

Anyhoo, at the weekend I managed to haul 5 jumpers for 11 quid! (most bargainous of me, I thought).

This one (alas, too small for me to wear) was crying out for a make-over.

I chopped the arms. Naturally, these will be leg-warmers in their next life. But what to do with the rest?

A cushion?

Maybe.
But no.

Instead?

...a bag!

I used an old belt for the strap and some fabric from my stash for the lining.

Infact, this bag is reversible too.

I prettied up the edges with blanket stitch and added some little crochet flowers and buttons to the front.

Most pleased, I am.

And the Mister's old cashmere jumper?
I was originally planning to make it into a cushion and decorate it, but it seemed too good not to wear. So I took it in a bit at the sides and used the same decorative stitching as the leg warmers for the sleeves.

Definitely a bit prettier.
I need to do something about the neck though, it's still a bit blokey for my liking.

If you, like me love a bit of thrifty, crafty, pretty, then come and join in over at Cherry Heart (click the button in my sidebar to link).

Hope to see you there.

Xx

Doily rug. Chapter 2

2012-01-13T14:08:00.000Z

You may recall my first attempt at a doily rug.
It was a tad on the small side.
So I frogged it.

Next attempt?

Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Beautiful pattern from here, but goodness only knows what I did to it. It refused to lie flat and seemed to just have too many stitches.
Blah.

Next?

Yaaaay! It works.

Still not big enough, but I think i'll stick with it and attempt some extra rounds.

And look what came in the post for me......

...more lovely Hooplayarn from the wonderful Jill at Stockton Crafts!

I intend to crack the doily rug pattern and then I have plans for something a bit mad with more of the Hoopla.

Will keep you posted.

Have a great weekend, all.
Xx

P.S. Sorry to the people and patterns mentioned in this post. Blogger is being very naughty and won't let me link to your lovely webpages.
I'll put this right as soon as I can.

Cashmere upcycled or An apology to the Mister

2012-01-06T16:39:00.000Z

Dear the Mister,

I'm so terribly sorry that your M&S cashmere sweater, which you received as a gift ages ago, which has been (mostly) washed according to the manufacturer's instructions and NEVER tumble-dried (much), has shrunk.

I'm sorry that you had to give it to me.

I'm really sorry that the arms have shrunk too much for me to wear it and actually, it's also too wide.

I'm very sorry, but there's only ONE solution.
And that involves scissors and a cunning plan (Mwahhh haaa haaa haaa)...

And for starters, an idea for a pair of leg warmers.

First, cut arms off (not yours, the jumper's).

Second, try on for size and take in if too wide. I just did a basic and somewhat wobbly seam on my old sewing machine and cut off the unwanted bit.

Next, pin the top to create a straight edge.

Sew.

I used a blanket stitch as I quite fancied the 'Prairie look'

Hmmmmmm. Nice.

But could I do better?
I then had the idea about crocheting a border. So I did a bit of looking on t'internet and found lots and lots and lots of ideas.
I ended up with this, thanks to Cassie of You Go Girl!

Make 3 single crochets (US) between each stitch around.
Make shell stitch pattern, based on repetitions every 6 stitches. I opted for *skip 2 stitches, 5 dcs in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc* repeat around, join back to beginning stitch with slip stitch and fasten off etc.

Much improved, methinks.

Cashmere leg warmers.
What? You haven't got a pair?
Dahhhlings, they're this season's must!

You know what to do.

And the jumper?
There are plans afoot.

Have a great weekend, bloggy friends.
Xxx

Not your granny's doily

2011-12-30T18:36:00.000Z

Well I never.

I've become a bit partial to a doily or two, since finding some in a charity shop a while back.

And then I saw this on t'internet and was inspired. A giant doily rug? Genius!

You know me by now- I do love some chunky yarn and a big hook, so I bought some lush Hoopla yarn from the lovely Stocki at Stockton Crafts and a mahooooousive 20mm (comedy) hook and got making.

Pattern from here.
(What, I ask you, did we do before Ravelry?)

The Hoopla yarn is great fun and easy to work with (mine has some stretch to it) and as it's made from selvedges from the textile industry, eco-friendly too. It does have a few joins and isn't perfect, but that, I think, adds to its charm.

The only problem?

Ahem.
Mine is a leeeeetle bit too small. I only used about half the yarn!

Back to the drawing board, methinks with a slightly bigger doily pattern...

(...if anyone has any patterns they think would work, I'd love to know)

Have a happy, happy, happy New Year!
Xx

Woaaaaahhhh! Slow down, December.

2011-12-15T20:11:00.001Z

Don't you realise that you are slipping away from me at light-speed?
I have not written Christmas cards, wrapped presents or baked Mince pies.
I have not organised things to keep the children happy over the holidays.
I have not made hand-made presents for the people I wanted to.
I have not finished Christmas shopping.

And when did I last write a blog post or read everyone else's?
Eons ago, it appears.

But December, I am being a little unfair, for you mark the anniversary of my beginnings.

It is a year ago that I decided I needed something to 'engage the grey matter' after giving up my beloved teaching to become a mummy.
So I learned to crochet.
Something I never really thought I'd be able to do (due to calamitous knitting attempts in the past) but learn I did.
I can't crochet anything really complicated, but I have mastered a few basics, explored a few cheats, and made stuff that people actually want to pay for, which amazes me completely.

And from those tentative beginnings a year ago, I am starting a little business selling the things I make. Nothing huge. Nothing much. Just some crochet and some little wooden blocks.

So there we are, December; I know that there are only 10 days to go and although I am panicking ever so slightly about getting it all done, I know that I will.

And most importantly, I have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family to look forward to.
And for these things, I am most glad.

Happy, happy Christmas to you all.
Xx

Getting organised...

2011-11-26T11:15:00.000Z

Pegs.
Stamp with wording of choice.
Attach magnet to back.
Stick on fridge.
Marvel at your new ability to never forget stuff again.

(adapted from an idea seen here)

Have a great weekend, all.

Crochet Christmas Trees

2011-11-15T20:45:00.024Z

I'm the happiest Christmas tree,
Hoo hoo hoo, hee hee hee
Someone came and they found me,
And took me home with them!

Oh, I'm the happiest Christmas tree,
Hoo hoo hoo, hee hee hee
Look how pretty they dressed me,
Oh, lucky, lucky me!

You might remember their simple beginnings a while back:

And many of you clever peeps had guessed correctly, too!

They have taken me an age to finish. For no other reason than being distracted by everything else:
1. Craft fair/shopping night. Big success. Sold lots- now panicking ever so slightly over need to replenish stocks for more upcoming sales.
2. EBay. Compulsive. (Bob the builder pants sold at a profit)
3. A cowl. For myself. I would actually like to finish it while it is still cold.

Back to the trees.

Fancy making one, or two, or a shelf-ful?

Here's my pattern to make the smallest, squattest tree.
Want a taller one? The instructions are below too.

If you make some, then do let me know how you get on and don't forget to link back to this post if you mention them on your lovely blogs.

You'll need:
Whatever hooks and yarn you have to hand
Stitch marker
Stuffing
Felt for base
Beads/buttons etc to decorate

These are crocheted in the round, amigurumi-style and I use US crochet terms

Sc 4 in magic ring (find good tutorials for this on YouTube)
1) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (6 stitches)
2) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (9 stitches)
3) [sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (12 stitches)
4) [sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (16 stitches)
5) [sc, sc, sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (20 stitches)
6) [sc, sc, sc, sc 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (24 stitches)
7) sc 24
8) [sc 2 tog] repeat around (12 stitches)
9) sc 12
Stuff
10) [sc 2 tog] repeat around (6 stitches)
11) [2 sc in each stitch] repeat around (12 stitches)
12) [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] repeat around (18 stitches)

Decorate.
Cut a felt circle to stick to the bottom of your tree to neaten things up.

These will stand quite happily on their own, but would also be perfect as tree ornaments too. Just attach some ribbon.

To make your tree taller, insert the following rounds:

2a) sc 9
2b) sc 9

3a) sc 12
3b) sc 12
You get the idea.

Job done.

Xx

Cosy

2011-11-02T22:17:00.000Z

Boring old jam jars.
Now cosy warm.

Not anything new- I've done the same sort of thing with tin cans before, and many other fabulous peeps have done similar.

But I just like it. It warms my cockles most merrily.

And I am craving autumnal warmth right now: 13 tog duvets, sheepskin boots, pub fires and chunky yarn made into anything on a 10mm hook.

Some simple back loop single crochet does it.

Really. It's that easy.
Xxx

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

2011-10-31T22:15:00.000Z

Oooooo, the Korknisse Witches want to help with choosing the giveaway winners.
Look at all the entrants they have found:

Kazaaaaaaaaammmmm!

Oh, look.
The winners are:

Jo from My Pangaloon,
Famfa from Busy Butterfingers and
Kate from Signed With An Owl.

Well done girlies- do email me your addresses and I hope to get a little something to you before Christmas!!

Wait a minute, the black witch has arrived.
Late AGAIN.
(she clearly did not learn her lesson re: the frog incident)

Oh dear. The blue witch is not happy....

.........KERBLOOOOOOOWWWWIEEEE!!

Crikey!

Have a good week, all.
Xx

Apologies and new makes

2011-10-21T21:28:00.000+01:00

I need to apologise twice.

Firstly, for making Christmas things.
Madness.
It's not even the end of October.
Sorry.

My excuse?
I have a craft sale at the beginning of November, and I thought people might like to buy these little blocks as gifts.

I've used a mixture of old Christmas images and music scores to cover the sides and am quite pleased with how they've turned out.

There's these too.

And, you'll be pleased to know, some commissioned blocks for a friend, which are distinctly non-christmassy.

So that's my first apology.

My second is for my absence from visiting all your wonderful blogs as often as I'd like.
My excuse for this?

One word.
eBay.

I am seriously selling everything from the loft in a bid (ha ha) to make some money and make some space in said loft.

This has so far involved a lengthy process of eliminating the good stuff from the rubbish and creating towering crates of boxes around the house; some to be put back into the loft (to be eBay-ed at a later date), some to be 'charity-shopped' and the rest to be photographed/ put onto eBay/ sent in post.

It's become a new obsession as I begin to check my items to see how many 'watchers' I have (spooky) and how many bids there are on my unopened pack of aged 2-3 Bob the Builder pants (no joke).

So, apologies.
I will try to catch up with you all as soon as I can.
Thank you for following, reading and commenting. You are marvellous people.

Have a great weekend, all xx

PS Don't forget to enter my giveaway- I will draw winners in Oct 31st. X

Make this!

2011-10-16T15:09:00.000+01:00

A really easy-peasy, quick and, more importantly, cheap project.

So my niece has been after one of these:

[Source]

A New Look headwarmer. Nice. Only £4, so not exactly bank-breaking.

Hmmmmmmmmm. I think I could make something a bit like that, methinks...

I used about 40 grams of cheap and cheerful King Cole Big Value Chunky, so it cost less than a quid to make. Most bargainous. One for the recession.

Here's one is oatmeal too:

And one being worn:

(sorry for model, but Betty's in deep storage ready for an upcoming craft sale, so it had to be me.)

Fancy making one?
I used a 10 mm hook and King Cole Big Value Chunky.

Chain 12
(I used me old favourite chainless foundation stitch)

Round 1: ch1, sc in Back Loops only (12 stitches)

Repeat row 1 until you've reached the desired length. (mine seemed best at about 45 cms)

Sew the two ends together.

For the flower, I switched to a 7mm hook and hooked the first 4 rows of this pattern from Red Heart.

Then stitch the flower to your headwarmer and add a button, if you like.

Simples.

Don't forget to visit my Pay it Forward giveaway post! I'll be drawing a winner on Oct 31st.

Enjoy you week, all.
Xx

A Giveaway

2011-10-13T23:08:00.000+01:00

So as promised, this is my Giveaway post!

Recently, I was very lucky to be a winner of Karenskrafts (now My 4 Lil Girls) 'Pay it Forward' giveaway and so now, it is my turn to announce my own GIVEAWAY!!

The rules of this giveaway are that I now have 365 days in which to find three bloggers who would like a handmade gift from me and are prepared to do the same.

It's so simple.
Here's how you can enter:

1: Be a follower of this blog somehow and leave a comment
(entries accepted from all corners of the globe and you don't have to have your own blog to enter, either)

You can gain an additional entry into the draw by:

2: Posting a link on your blog or website about this giveaway, linking directly back to this post.

3: Adding the giveaway button to your sidebar and linking to this post.

If you do any of the extras above, then make sure you comment to let me know- I don't want you to lose out on a chance to win!

The winner will be drawn on October 31st 2011 at random.

Good luck, all!

Xx

A give-away win!

2011-10-07T21:24:00.000+01:00

Well, meloves, I am all a-gush and very excited to tell you that I AM A WINNER!!

Yes, my very first giveaway win arrived today from the gorgeously talented, clever and all-round lovely Karen at KarensKrafts!

I cannot tell you how excited I have been since learning that I was one of 3 winners from Karen's 'Pay it forward' giveaway.
(the postman clearly thinks I am a nutter as I have been stalking him for a few weeks now)

So, said parcel arrives... I unwrap a bit..

Wow!
What lush fabrics, colours, flowers... what could it be? ..

Ohmegosh (sharp intake of breath) it's a beauuuuuuutiful bag.

See how lovely it is!

But what else?

Eeeeep. The cutest tissue-case I've ever seen.

And look!

The sweetest Flower Fairy tag- the Geranium Fairy (really takes me back to being little- I used to love these little creatures- and still do!)

More!

A sweet detachable crochet flower corsage!!

Come see!

The most adorable lining of rose sprig fabric (including little compartment for special things).

Who could not love this:

Thank you again, Karen.
This has blown me away...!

And so...

Keep your eyes peeled- my next post is a Pay-it-forward giveaway!!

Have a great weekend, all.
Xxxx

Xxx

Halloween korknisse

2011-10-03T14:06:00.000+01:00

The season of falling leaves, conkers and red and brown is upon us here in the UK.
(along with a well-documented heat wave)

Time again to visit the house of the Korknisse, methinks.
I wonder what they are up to?

Let's knock on the door..

Oh hello, Mr Pumpkin.
Anyone else in?

Of course!
Witches.
Spooky.
What are you two up to?

Aaaahaaa.
Potion-making.

Wait a minute.. Someone else is here.. And they're late.

Oh dear, an argument is breaking out.

Watch out!
The blue witch has her wand out.....

KERSHAZHMMMMMMBOOOOOOOM!

Oh dear.

No, I don't think she'll be late again, either.

Have a good week. Xx

I am ...

2011-09-27T21:54:00.000+01:00

...laughing with much hilarity at a book my mum bought me.

Christmas Crochet? Could it get any better?!
Here's a selection. Seriously. You'll be wanting to make all of these.

Mother and daughter fluffy-wrappy-thingies?
Hmmm.

Door wreath?
Might scare the neighbours.

Doggy coat?
Cute. If you like that sort of thing.
What does the man holding him think, I wonder? Any suggestion?

'Golden Holiday Jacket'?
Actually, I kinda like this.
All joking aside, there are some very good ideas in this book, too.

So, apart from planning to crochet all my friend's dogs doggy jackets, here's what I'm doing:

More of this (see all my technical equipment- biro lid etc):

To make these:

A bit more of this:

(although this might be put to bed for a bit as I make preparations for some Xmas sales)

And some of these:

What are they, you wonder?
You'll just have to wait a leeeetle longer.
All will be revealed...

Have a faboo week, all.
Xx

Takes me back...

2011-09-21T13:53:00.000+01:00

Occasionally, I encounter something which reminds me of times gone by; a smell, some music- you know the sort of thing.
My most recent one is some Fimo (will explain in a bit - hold that thought)

A few days back I made a great sale purchase in Sainsbury's- these stripy tea/coffee/sugar ceramic canisters.

I'd looked at them before, but shirked their £6 (each) price tag.
However, in the sale at half price, these babies were mine.
Great. They look smashing.
I'll just put the kettle on... hang on...which one's the tea? Oh no, that's the sugar... No, that's coffee ...hrrrrrrrmph!
Most annoying.

Then an idea struck. I just needed to label them.
Sticky labels? (too impractical, would wash off)
Ink stamps? (I'd probably mess it up)
Modelling clay? BINGO!!!

Fimo, to be exact (it's a type of ready coloured modelling clay which you mould and then bake in the oven). I used to make stuff with it all the time when I was a kid! I remember having it for birthdays and Christmases in every conceivable colour (even glow-in-the-dark, once). I used to make little teddies and fairies and badges and brooches and earrings and would be occupied for HOURS.

Well, I had the most marvellous time this week moulding and rolling and squishing and squashing ...
..ready for the bake (along with some try-outs for Christmas)..

And now I can find the tea first time.

I even made some little 'Love Letters'.
Such fun!
(As Miranda's mother would say)

Oh, and work is (slowly) progressing on the blooming flower cushion.

Enjoy the rest of your week.
Xx

My new WIP and some Pea Green

2011-09-17T21:44:00.000+01:00

Just a couple of things to share.
Firstly, some quick pics of my current crochet project in progress. (I am loving this one)
The gorgeous Blooming Flower Cushion from Lucy at Attic24.

Lovely from the back too.

And a finished project, too.
A little pea green .... er.. what shall I call it? infinity scarf? cowl? loop scarf?
(you get the idea)

Not a mighty achievement, really. It was actually pretty quick to hook up, it's just one of those kind of projects which is always side-stepped for something new.

I used one skein of King Cole Bamboo.
(you know me by now- it was £1 in the bargain bucket and the only one of its colour)
But actually, I'm pretty pleased -

I used the magic chainless foundation stitch (my goodness, Miss Molly, it's marvellous) until I reached about 50 inches/ 127cms and then joined with a slip stitch to make a loop. I then alternated rows of double crochet US (treble UK) and half double US (half treble UK).
It ended up about 5 inches/ 13cms wide.

Actually, it could do with being a teeny bit wider, but I love it. And it's all mine.
Perfect for this slightly Autumnal change in the weather, methinks.

Happy weekend to you all.
Xx