Smitten with it all...

Daydream Believer

2012-02-06T10:43:00.000Z

When was the last time you allowed yourself to make a great big, fat list of all the things you want? I'm willing to bet it was probably addressed to Mr Santa Claus and was at least a decade ago if not two. It seems that somewhere along the journey of growing up we forget how to ask for all the things we want and how to fixate ourselves on those desires coming true with every fibre of our being. In short, we lose the power of daydreaming.

Now, obviously, there are reasons for this - after all, the real world can be a tough place to negotiate and we have all the daily pressures of life to deal with. Real, hard, scary and difficult things that our survival depends upon. But most of us find this becomes all we have room to think about and so we forget about our dreams or we feel wrong for spending time thinking about them when there is all this serious stuff to contend with.

As a society we are quick to condemn those who dare to express their desires; who do they think they are, wanting all those unrealistic things? As kids we learnt early on that it's rude to say "I want.." and are told "I want doesn't get" or that you only have the right to such desires at Christmas time or birthdays. And so as adults we are incredibly disconnected with tapping into or regularly daydreaming about our wants and desires. It's not what grown-ups do.

Having decided a few years back to change what I was very unhappy with in my grown up life, I began to ask myself what it was that I wanted? It felt like a very un-natural and almost uncomfortable question. I wasn't at all used to thinking about what I really wanted deep down and with all my heart - surely such thoughts would only lead to disappointment, right?

Wrong. Sitting down with a pad of paper and allowing myself to freely go ahead and list all the things I really, really want - no matter how far fetched they seemed at the time - was liberating. It felt weird & forced to begin with, but as I relaxed into it and realised that this list was only for me to read, I let rip and those desires flowed out of me! It felt fantastic to air dreams I didn't even know I'd been repressing.

I still have that list and re-reading it makes me smile. It is essentially my life's daydream - what I want for myself; where I'm heading. I believe that having a daydream and vision of what you want for yourself is healthy, it keeps positivity alive and its very existence is more likely to make it happen.

How will you get anywhere if you don't have a destination in mind?

How will you have a dream come true, if you don't have a dream?

Try it, make that list. Dig deep and let your imagination run free. Don't hinder yourself with guilt and practicalities - they have no place in daydreams.

Dream big

Lisa x

{Daydream List artwork by Katie Daisy for The Wheatfield}

Magpie - Like Crochet Doilies for Snowflakes

2012-01-30T16:21:00.000Z

On one of my recent magpie hunting trips to a huge brocante, I was lucky enough to score some top quality, beautifully hand crafted, vintage crochet doilies. They were not the usual op shop/charity shop prices but sometimes it really is worth paying more for such gems; and judging by the exquisite workmanship of these beauties and the intricacy of the designs, I am happy to have invested in some glorious textile heritage

Each design is totally unique and perfect. It struck me how similar they are to snowflakes; both in their individuality as well as their beauty

There is something quite magical about the serenity and purity of snowflakes, don't you agree? These vintage doilies hold the same appeal to me; I am completely captivated by them and would love to incorporate them into my home decor somehow

I'm not sure what plans I have for them as yet - perhaps as the collection grows I will have them framed against a deep grey background and hung on the wall, or maybe I'll sew them all together to make a beautiful curtain or bed throw

Until a decision is made though, I shall just get them out once in a while to coo over them and caress their crisp perfection (...oops did I say that out loud?!)

Lisa x

{all images by Lisa Pocklington}

Designer - New Sewing & Crochet Pattern by Get Smitten. Let it Snow!

2012-01-22T17:27:00.000Z

We are experiencing massive snow storms here in the French Alps - the size of the snowflakes on Saturday night were the biggest I've ever seen.... like giant feathers, silently floating to earth; it was magical!

It is a happy coincidence then, that the latest pattern from my Get Smitten studio is all about having snow-fall on demand from the prettiest cloud in town. I launched the Let it Snow! cloud mobile pattern earlier this week on Etsy so I thought I'd let you know about it too!

I have committed to launching a new Get Smitten pattern each month throughout 2012 - so watch this space for updates and news..... and to keep me accountable to achieve that goal!

All my Get Smitten patterns are available in downloadable pdf format and contain full, detailed instructions on how to make each item. I take you step by step through the process as if you were on one of my creative workshops and provide close up photos to help you deal with any tricky parts. In fact those of you who have attended any of my creative workshops will know the level of detail and extra helpful information I put in my hand-outs!

The Let it Snow! cloud mobile is a super simple sewing pattern - complete with cloud template - which looks gorgeous made up in any of my Get Smitten vintage fabrics. All you need is...

* 1 fat quarter of vintage fabric

* some ribbon

* 1 skein of embroidery cotton

* a crochet hook

* pre-made mini pompoms or felted balls

* stuffing

....and it really should only take you a few hours to make {honest!}

The photos were taken a few days before this latest fresh dump of snow and it was about ten degrees below zero... seriously chilly stuff, we didn't stick around too long I can tell ya! I had wanted to wear my funky blue Mary Jane shoes with this outfit but there was no way my little tootsies would ever have survived! Fur lined boots were a much wiser choice! I'm also loving my new grey lace tights and denim blue nails; do you like?

The tiny pompoms used here were actually cut from some upholstery trim I had (in fact they were the inspiration for this sweet creation!) but you can buy pre-made ones in most craft stores or even have a go at making your own. My friend Samantha has written a great tutorial on how to make felt balls on her blog

I hope you like the first pattern release of the year, I am excited to get started on February's one already. I'll release it early on in the month as it will be Valentine related and you'll need time to get busy on it ready for the 14th!

Do you have snow where you are? Do you still get excited when the first flakes fall?

Lisa x

Stylist - featured in rom1.2.3 magazine

2012-01-20T18:37:00.000Z

When we arrived back from our Christmas whirlwind tour of the UK, there was a lovely little parcel waiting for us from afar. Although I don't read any Norwegian, it was wonderful to flick through the December issue of rom1.2.3 magazine which featured a story we styled, shot and wrote here in France a while ago, in fact it was originally featured in Livingetc last winter

They used a great selection of the shots, want to have a look? Grab a cup of tea and scroll down!

The story is called Winter Dreams and tells how owners Flo & Guillaume transformed a derelict carpenter's workshop into the home of their dreams here in Chamonix. They have made amazing use of the space and worked so very hard to get it looking so cosy

Did you spot the Get Smitten cushions in Flo's grey lounge? She commissioned a set of grey cashmere snowflake ones from me after agreeing to carry the line in her homewares boutique Reves d'Hiver. And the Space Cadet artwork in Simon & Charlie's room is one of my textile art pieces too

My favourite is the main bedroom shot - I just love the mix of textures on the bed. I made the yellow vintage fabric with grey velvet trim cushions specifically for this shoot. I'm thinking they'll look fab in our 'new' campervan this summer if JW manages to fix all its problems! More on that another time... there is too much snow out there for him to tinker on it at the moment

It was fun to flick through the pages of a foreign interiors mag - especially a Scandinavian one; they have such a strong design sense, or perhaps the appeal is that it is so different to the English and French ones that I am used to seeing? Either way, I can tell you it has fueled my desire to visit Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo for some design inspiration

Where have you been in Scandinavia? Where/what can you recommend for me to visit there? I feel the seeds of a trip being planted!

Lisa x

{photos by Jeremy Wilson, styling by Lisa Pocklington, pages scanned from December 2011 rom123}

2012 a year for change

2012-01-05T18:18:00.000Z

As the first week of 2012 draws to a close I feel ready to decide on my word of the year. I already have a taster of what I feel lies ahead for me this year.. which is revealing in itself as previously I have had no idea. I have recently come through a very dark and lonely period of my life and feel as though I am seeing the world - my world - through a new pair of eyes. The personal work I have been focusing on for the past 18 months is really now showing signs of coming to fruition and for the first time in along time, I feel ripe for the plucking! (if you'll pardon the expression!)

I have fought demons, shone light into dark corners and wrestled mindsets. I have cleansed, purged and forged new habits. I have learned so much and have let a lot of things go. Change is already happening - for the better - and I am ready for more. I know that there are more things that I will need to let go this year and I can feel a lot of resistance around this. I am trusting that the outcome will be the right one

And this is why I have chosen Clarity as my word of the year for 2012. It is time to get clear on what my destiny is, make some decisions and take some action. I have been wandering aimlessly for too long and life feels too short to live that way

I also have a feeling that once clarity has done its work, the real changes will happen fast and so I am offering myself a second word to use in its place, when the time is right. That word is Purpose. It's time to live life with purpose and on purpose, but first I need the clarity with which to do that

I am scared but excited

I hope you'll join me for the ride

Lisa x

To read more about having a word for the year, read this great article by my friend Katy at Success for Solopreneurs - she explains it really well

And for help choosing your own word of the year, try Christine Kane's Word of the Year discovery tool

2012 crafty calendar by Mandi Cromer for Design Birdie

6 Ideas for a Handmade Christmas

2011-12-08T21:33:00.000Z

So no doubt by now you've already got the decorations up, the cards written & posted, the presents bought & wrapped and a stash of home made mince pies ready for any unexpected visitors who might just pop by.... no?... me neither!

Not sure if I've ever been organised for Christmas - it always just kind of creeps up on me and then before I know it, I've left it all too late and I beat myself up over how I should have done it and promise myself it will be different next year. I'm sure I'm not alone here (right??!)

Part of my problem is that I over commit my time - there are always commissions at this time of year, as well as the private sales I hold locally for my Get Smitten items and I usually have a whole list of gifts I want to make as presents too... not to mention the ideas I have for decorations for the house

Here's a round up of all the things I wish I had time to make this Christmas...

First up is the totally gorgeous pompom wreath by Danielle Thompson... oh, I love the colours she has used in this (actually I love most of her work, Danielle is my kitschy vintage heroine!) It took her forever and she recommends using a pompom maker - as opposed to the good old fashioned 2 rings of cardboard way. A lot of work but totally worth it! You can see her Candy Coloured Christmas post here

A quicker version is the vintage decoration wreath by Georgia Pechez - what a stunning statement piece! I'm totally in love with vintage xmas decs and have a small collection that I started last year - right now I feel too precious about them to hot-glue-gun them to a wreath but I'll keep my eye out for a few bargains on my magpie hunts so that I can make one for next year. The tutorial on how to make it is here at Retro Renovation

These printed Christmas tree ribbons are ones that I made for a Living etc photoshoot last year, they're really easy to do and you can use whatever text you like. I wanted to re-do them for this year using the lines from The Twelve Days of Christmas and using paler colours, in keeping with my vintage tree decorations like the ones used in Georgia's wreath. The full tutorial for the printed ribbons is here

Next is the felted Christmas tree from the super talented girls at The Purl Bee, they also do a green stripe version with a white snow-cap but I love the hot neon pink against the white. Simple but so effective. The tutorial for making both versions is here

Staying with the felt theme, I love the simplicity of these snowball tree decorations, again from The Purl Bee. I like the subtlety of the monochrome but would be tempted to make these in hot neon pink too! The step by step tutorial for making them is here

And finally, how about some tinsel swizzle sticks for jazzing up your egg-nog! I'm not a massive fan of tinsel (some people need a serious lesson in how to use it effectively... just sayin') but these I love. And they would see you into the New Year party vibe too! The beautifully photographed tutorial is here on Odessa May Society blog

Are you organised for Christmas? Do you hand make any of your gifts or maybe support indie designers by buying handmade gifts? What amazing tutorials have you seen online that you've earmarked for next year? I'd love to know

Lisa xx

{photos in order of appearance by Danielle Thompson, Georgia Pechez, The Purl Bee, Odessa May Society}

Penguin Classics Embroidered Covers

2011-12-01T18:47:00.000Z

{sigh} When I was studying textile design at Uni - I specialised in embroidered textiles - this is the kind of project I dreamed of... I love literature books, I love colour and I love threads. Imagine working on a project that enabled you to pick your favourite literary classic and interpret it, using fabric and thread into a beautiful book cover... {sigh again}

This became reality for embroideress Jillian Tamaki when she was approached by Penguin Threads creator Paul Buckley to hand embroider the designs for the latest re-prints of three of their timeless classics: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and Emma by Jane Austen. What a dream job... and what a mammoth undertaking! Aren't they stunning?!

The books themselves - released this October - have deliciously embossed covers to accentuate the embroidery detail and make it look as 'real' as possible, I've not yet actually handled one of these beauties but The Secret Garden is so going on my Christmas wishlist {yeah, that's a hint!}

Here are the full covers, I just love how the back includes a small snippet of a quote from the book - a real book lovers treat!

The inside flap shows the back of Jillian's handiwork, which I think is a lovely nod to the tactile quality of hand produced work - they say the mark of a quality embroideress is that the reverse side is as neat as the front!

Be sure to check out Paul Buckley Design's full range of shots on Flickr to see the whole collection. Work is already underway for the next three books; The Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This time stitched by the expert hand of Rachell Sumpter and due for release next year

I am besotted with this collaborative project. Which books would you select? I would love to see Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol and, of course, my all time favourite, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen!

{sigh}

Lisa x

{images by Jillian Tamaki}

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-24T16:38:00.000Z

Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday we Brits (or French) celebrate, it is fast becoming my favourite celebration... I'm a huge convert to the power of an attitude of gratitude and am very much still in the habit of keeping a Gratitude Journal

Here are a few things I am giving thanks for right now

For the new friendships I've formed over this last year via my work and passion for textiles
For all the wonderful friends I've been able to reconnect with thanks to the internet
For my improved mental & physical health
For being able to spend rare quality time with family members this last weekend
For everyone who has bought a Get Smitten product and attended any of my workshops
For the clarity I now have on where Get Smitten is heading
For the interesting work opportunities that are beginning to show up
For laughter and kindness
For unconditional love both near and far
For being called 'my best friend' by my 3 year old niece
For booking a trip back to England to see family and friends for Christmas
For my early Birthday prezzie from the girls (seriously gorgeous shoes!)
For the swift recovery of my dislocated knee-cap (gross)
For the incredible resources at my fingertips
For learning how to cut negativity out of my mindset and choosing to be positive
For being able to do what I love and love what I do

What are you giving thanks for today? Do you keep a gratitude journal? Does it make you feel warm and fuzzy inside when you express gratitude? It does me

Oh and by the way... thanks for being here, I really appreciate it!

Lisa xx

{huge thanks to Amanda Cowell of Violet for her Gratitude Embroidery Hoop framed wall art, I totally love it!}

Embracing Imperfection

2011-11-10T16:33:00.000Z

We are led to believe that perfection is something to strive for, that things - including ourselves often - are not good enough unless they are perfect. I happen to disagree. I've learnt in the last few years that perfection - and the immense pressure it puts us under - is a surefire way to make us feel as though we are underachieving and will, in many cases, prevent us from either enjoying or even completing a task or project.

The high expectations of perfection loom over us in our subconscious mind, whispering doubts of whether our work is good enough to show to someone, exhibit or sell. It holds us back, diminishes our confidence and sabotages our progress. It makes us scared to take the leap of faith required to put ourselves out there in front of the people we want to be seen by. It also removes the fun, the freedom of expression and the joy of the creative process

I recently completed a blanket I had been working on in my spare time whilst watching mindless dvd box-sets - the plan was to use up oddments of yarn left over from various design projects and have something to snuggle under in the long winter months. I took great pleasure in selecting the colours and textures and enjoyed the process of making each and every square. Now, being me, I have a tendency to use haphazard yarn, many were of differing thicknesses and required switching crochet hook sizes in order to obtain the required square dimension. When I came to join the squares up, inevitably some of them needed a little convincing (in a tweaking or stretching kind of way) and in one section I needed to add an entire row of tiny squares to fill a gap. I also noticed that some of the squares had a 3 treble first round while others had a four, which also made it a little tricky to join up 'perfectly'.

At this point I did consider re-doing some of the squares so that they were all with the same amount of stitches and that's when it hit me;

why would I need to do that?

Why would I need to make a chore out of this project? Who is going to even notice that some squares have 3 and others have 4 stitches? The Perfection Police are not going to break down my door and arrest me for having made a slightly wonky blanket. I loved the process of making that blanket and I adore the finished result with all its quirks and imperfections. It is unique and it has character. And it is just as gorgeous and toasty warm as it would have been had I concentrated more on it than on watching multiple series' of House! But most of all, I have the sense of achievement that comes hand in hand with completing a project and now I am eager and fired up to begin a new one

Striving for absolute perfection and beating ourselves up when we don't achieve it can seriously put the breaks on our creativity. We loose momentum, motivation and the act of completion. We shelve ideas because we haven't quite got everything we need yet, we hide products from our clients because they are not quite right yet, we push projects to the back of the cupboard never to be finished because we did a few bits wrong and need to un-do or re-do them.

I'm all for doing my best in any given situation on a project and yes, there are times when I will re-do something as it requires greater concentration or accuracy, but gone are the days when I berate myself for not being perfect. I wonder if perfection even really exists?

"imperfect action is better than no action"

Christine Kane

Instead, I celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of imperfection - just like the ancient Japanese wabi sabi masters. I do my genuine best and it is good enough. I enjoy the process of creating and don't mind the odd wonky or uneven stitch... I see it as a charming trait of something handmade by a real person and not a homogeneous, mass produced factory item. I run with the ideas I have and shine my light in the world, rather than waiting until it is 'perfect' before taking action; if a pattern I publish needs tweaking, so be it; if a workshop I organise is not perfect, I make relevant changes to improve it for next time - after all it is much easier to change direction a little once you are in motion, don't you agree?

I intend to investigate the whole wabi sabi concept further - it makes total sense that this theory can influence and release the self sabotage we subject ourselves to in our personal lives too. Imagine the grace and peace that could be achieved when we embrace acceptance and gratitude. I look forward to embarking on that path!

So go ahead, create, express, shine and continue to be imperfectly perfect

Lisa x

{Wonderful Life print by Hairbrained Schemes, blanket photos by Lisa Pocklington for Get Smitten}

p.s - to explore the potential of your creative business & overcome those imperfection hang-ups that hold you back, sign up for Tara Gentile's Making Motion e-book it's only $8 and worth a whole lot more! (..yes, I am part of her affiliate program but also a huge fan & regular customer!)

Tutorial - Upcycled Knitting Needle Case From Old Jeans and Shrunk Jumper!

2011-11-02T16:28:00.000Z

I am a magnet for stray knitting needles and jumpers that get shrunk in the wash... and don't get me wrong, I love that people know they can give these unwanted items to me and that I will put them to good use. I currently have enough random sets of needles to open a shop and so decided to give a full set away to a friend for her birthday... This seemed simple enough until I came to wrap them as a gift, and so was born the upcycled knitting needle case!

For this project you will need:

offcuts of denim from when you cut your jeans into shorts - preferably with a turn-up hem
the arm from an old jumper (sweater) - preferably slightly shrunk from the wash
thread, scissors, measuring tape, ruler
set of knitting needles (I used 9 pairs for my set)

Let's get started!

1. First of all take your jeans leg and cut it apart so that you have a front and a back - you only need to use one of these pieces to make the needle case. Then make sure the top, where you chopped them off to make the shorts, is nice and straight as this will be the top of your needle case too. Next place it, with right sides facing, against the arm of your old jumper (as above). Pin together & trim the jumper so that both pieces are the same size - check that the height is tall enough to take the tallest needle in your set!

Note: if your jeans leg does not have a turn-up hem, make one yourself by turning the bottom hem up approx 12cm (4 3/4") before pinning to the jumper - this is the part that holds the needles in the case so it's pretty important!

2. Sew around three sides of the case, leaving the top edge open. Secure the ends and turn right side out. Press and slip stitch the open edge closed. My jumper arm had a frilly cuff and so I used this as a decorative feature for the top of my needle case

3. Lie the case flat and measure how wide it is. Divide this number by the amount of knitting needles you want to store in your case. I had 9 pairs of needles and the width was almost 20cm (8") so I marked along the width at 2cm (3/4") intervals (as above)

4. Using a tailor's chalk I marked the lines up the length of the fabric to use as sewing guides (as above). Sewing beyond the section that holds the needles in place gives the needle case a quilted effect as well as more stability in general

5. Next make the tie for your knitting needle case when it is rolled up, use either a left-over strip from the jumper arm, or if there is not enough fabric left, a length of ribbon. To prevent fraying on the jumper arm strip, I folded it in half lengthwise and used a zig-zag stitch on my machine. Pin the tie at the edge, halfway down the needle case at its own central point (as above). You will sew it in place when you sew the relevant dividing line

6. Sew along your guides - I used thread to match the jumper so that it added a decorative effect on the denim (see above). Be careful to sew the tie in place only once! - move it out of the way as you sew along the other guides!

Note: if any of your sewing guidelines are very close to a thick hem on the jean leg, use the zipper foot on your sewing machine to get closer to it

7. Place the pairs of knitting needles into the case in size order and simply roll the case up using the tie to secure it. And there you have it! One fab, upcycled, hand-made knitting needle case to keep you company on your knitting adventures during the coming chilly winter evenings!

I'd love to see how your own version of this project turns out... feel free to upload pics into my Get Smitten Flickr group. And what do you plan on knitting this winter? Have you started already?

Enjoy!

Lisa x

{photos by Lisa Pocklington for Get Smitten, vintage fabric used as backdrop available to buy in the Get Smitten boutique here}

Get Smitten Makes it to the Front Page!

2011-10-30T22:33:00.000Z

I know, I know, I made it sound really dramatic but I'm excited and pleased as punch to have made it to the prestigious position of the Etsy Front Page for the first time! One of my vintage fabric fat quarters is featured in this delightful orange and grey treasury curated by Amelie Nello

Yippeeeeee!

Lisa x

Pretty Things That Go Bump In The Night

2011-10-30T22:18:00.000Z

Always ready for an excuse to be glamourous here at Get Smitten HQ, I decided that Halloween should be no different. Here's a quick round up of some less ghoulish ideas I found across the internet today

I'm loving the sophisticated air of white pumpkins this year - instructions for the lace covered one pictured above can be found at Better Homes and Gardens. You could always make it even simpler for yourself by pulling a lace stocking over it... just a thought!

Martha Stewart can always be counted on for coming up with a fabulous idea - however I think the intricate carving on these lace and lattice effect pumpkins may be beyond most of our capabilities... aren't they beautiful though?!

And how about a little bejazzling of your pumpkin? Stick-on crystals can be applied to make an elegant sparkly spider's web or try a more abstract, Tim Burton-esque design of swirls.

Being a fan of vintage, I love these old printing press letters via Cupcake Kid on Etsy and these wrought-iron effect black heart garlands by Bookity

Continuing the Tim Burton reference (I'm a HUGE fan by the way!) how about this beautiful French lace cardigan by Inna Plastilina as an elegant take on The Corpse Bride and this incredible hand-knitted skeleton dress by designer Rose Tung for your own Nightmare Before Christmas...

And if, like me, you prefer to stay chic in black (I'll be wearing my 'new' vintage black leather pencil skirt this Halloween), how about a subtle nod to the occasion with this printed brass skeleton cuff by Jezebel Charms or this crystal and cross iphone case by Butler and Wilson (love their crystal skull earrings too!)

How do you celebrate Halloween? And what costume will you be wearing this year? I'll be rustling up a couple of lace covered pumpkins I think, and indulging in a Tim Burton-a-thon of my favourite spooky movies

Lisa x

Emma Dolan's Tweed Tea-Cups

2011-10-26T11:17:00.000+01:00

Tea-cups AND textiles!? I did a happy twirl when I read about British textile designer Emma Dolan's gorgeous fabric tea-cups, hand crafted using beautiful, heritage Harris Tweed fabric over on Do What You Love last week. Aren't they wonderful?

Emma uses various techniques such as needle felting, printing and stitching onto and into the Harris Tweed, to replicate the many wonderful design classic tea-cups she collects. Her design inspiration ranges from Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Clarice Cliff to TG Green Cornishware and you can view a selection of her work in the gallery section of her website. I love the polka dot ones, and her nursery collection that features transfer prints of vintage childrens' illustrations - these would make such amazing keepsake gifts for a new baby!

I can only imagine Emma's excitement at holding a workshop at the V&A this November - what an accolade! I wish you all the best with this Emma and that your dream of travelling across America with your family, teaching Harris Tweed tea-cup workshops comes true very soon!

You can register for Emma's tea-cup making workshop at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on Saturday 12th November right here (oh, I wish I could go!)

And please pop over to Do What You Love to read the full interview Beth did with Emma right here - you have to see the 19thC converted schoolhouse Emma lives in with her family up in Yorkshire, England; it's idyllic!

Don't know about you, but I quite fancy a cup of tea....

Lisa x

{images by Beth Nicholls via Do What You Love and Emma Dolan via Emma Dolan used with kind permission - thanks ladies!}

Thinking Pink in October

2011-10-22T17:59:00.000+01:00

There's just one week left of October and the opportunity to help me raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness!

I have been an active supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness for the past ten years and each October I make an effort not only to help raise awareness of the disease, but also to raise funds to help scientists find a cure by donating a portion of my Get Smitten sales during the month.

This year I have earmarked a few pink items in the Get Smitten boutique (which is still currently residing at the friendly site of Etsy - International marketplace for all things handmade - until I get the dedicated website relaunched) from which I will be donating 50% of the sale price to the charity

I designed a bold crochet bracelet especially for the event - I love the delicacy of the gold chain against the chunkyness of the yarn and the hot pink really pops! It's also light as a feather which makes it so easy to wear; mine has become a real Autumn accessory favourite!

I don't usually list my hand crocheted beanies on the site as they are sold in exclusive boutiques but I couldn't resist offering my Careless Whisper slouchy mohair best-seller, again in hot pink

And of course there are several choices of gorgeous vintage fabric fat quarters in various shades of pink and floral patterns to fall in love with. I pulled four pink ones together as a sweet mini collection - do you like it?

Oh, and I re-introduced a couple of the super cute Hair Candy clips featuring two of my favourite pink vintage fabrics - this particular fabric is dear to my heart as it is leftover fabric from a dress my lovely Mum made for me as a little girl. How cute?!

I have also joined forces with the unstoppable Knitting in France, who is holding a fund raising sale of hand knitted hats for the same cause. I'm sending a range of Get Smitten beanies for her event. Good luck Borghildur!

Many thanks for your support and if you're a lady... don't forget to Feel Your Boobies - or get someone else to do it for you! {wink!}

with love
Lisa x

{photos by Lisa Pocklington for Get Smitten, Careless Whisper beanie photo by Jeremy Wilson}

Stylist - Caught in Action!

2011-10-02T11:46:00.000+01:00

A last minute work arrangement has meant I don't have time to write the post I had planned for today - around my Get Smitten activity for October's Breast Cancer Awareness month - as I am literally going to be dashing out the door to catch a train to Lyon as soon as I hit publish on this post!

I thought instead I'd leave you with this pic of me in action, styling a chalet a few weeks ago - I often get caught in action during the light testing stage of the process as I am still tweaking props, lighting candles or placing flowers. Usually I am a ghostly blur across the shot as I am in motion but this time I am in full view and I thought you might like this little behind the scenes sneak peek

Next time I'll fill you in on my Think Pink scheme for Get Smitten during October

Happy Sunday!

Lisa x

{photo by Jeremy Wilson Photography}

Magpie - Get Smitten Vintage Fabric Bundle for Autumn

2011-09-24T15:44:00.000+01:00

As you no doubt already know, I am an avid hunter of vintage textiles. I love to combine mid century floral fabrics along with simple crochet into many of my designs and kits at Get Smitten and this Spring I decided to share some of my extensive stash of treasures in the form of fat quarters

The Get Smitten store on Etsy is currently boasting some of my more Autumnal coloured vintage fabric fat quarters, in warm shades of golden yellow, orange, fawn, chestnut and soft foresty greens - ideal for an array of creative projects to take you into the cooler months

I spent a few happy hours this afternoon outside photographing this bundle of 4 fat quarters that I pulled together as a discounted set (a saving of €2 on the individual prices per fat quarter). I love the textures in nature that lend themselves perfectly to the Autumn theme.. the old wooden bench against the stone wall, the rough twine against the prettiness of the fabric; subtle but still so beautiful

I'm starting to get to grips a little more with this camera now - it's a Sigma SD14 with a vintage Olympus lens - tentatively lent to me by JW who, in case you didn't know, is a pro photographer. He loves to scout for vintage camera goodies while I'm snuffling out the fabrics, crockery and books! We make a formidable team. But he is quite protective of his kit and I am rather enjoying using this particular set up!

Anyway, back to the fabric! I thought it would be fun to pull together a mini collection of vintage fabrics under the theme of a seasonal colour palette - I know that for some of my students, selecting a range of fabrics to use can be one of the most difficult / time consuming parts of any project and can often be the main factor holding them off from starting something new. I chose 4 fat quarters as this makes the total quantity of fabric one metre

This set would work perfectly in my Brit Brit Hooray Union Jack cushion or as bunting for an Autumnal celebration such as Thanksgiving, a harvest festival or even Halloween. You could make an apron, a bag, a sewing machine cover, place-mats, a table runner, mini gift bags; the possibilities are endless!

I created a group on Flickr recently so that my Get Smitten clients can showcase the items they have made with either the vintage fabric supplies or any of my patterns. I hope whomever buys this yummy set of fabrics shows us what they do with them... I'd love to see, wouldn't you?

Lisa x

p.s. this wasn't meant to be me shamelessly plugging my work but whilst I'm here I may as well also shout up the Get Smitten fan page on Facebook - I would LOVE to have you come over and 'Like' it so that we can chat! See you there! xx

{photos by Lisa Pocklington for Get Smitten - Autumn Fat Quarters Bundle available in the boutique here!}

Je crochet, tu crochet... nous crochetons?

2011-09-05T14:43:00.000+01:00

I often find myself reaching for solace in a magazine on a rainy weekend - so this Saturday I treated myself to an issue of French yarn mag Phildar. (I told you I was obsessing over yarns!) I guess it was a combined lure of the bright colours on the cover and the fact that this issue boasted a whole bunch of crochet projects!

The magazine is a summer edition so I will be adapting the yarn choice to make them work for this fast approaching Autumn / Winter season. I have a ton of soft beige mohair to use up and so will ease myself back into the world of knit with this simple, flowing cardi

I reclaimed the yarn from a huge Alpaca jumper last winter, it is a lovely caramel colour and so I think I'll make it up into the lace effect waistcoat, below, which I'll be wearing over my new, knitted, navy sweater dress, nipped in at the waist with a giant, tan leather belt. I have a long train journey coming up next week and this will be the perfect travel project!

This is possibly the project that swung the purchase for me... I love the effect of waves in crochet, especially when using different textured yarn and have been wondering how to incorporate some deep blue, glittery yarn I came across last summer into a project. I'm thinking of teaming it with grey & silver... not yet decided on the accent colour as yet. It will involve a lengthy delve into the depths of my supplies!

So feeling all inspired and pleased with myself I sat making these decisions over a nice cup of tea in the dry warmth of my lounge... and then it hit me.

All the instructions are in French!

Now, a crochet pattern looks scary enough on first sight at the best of times, but throw in the added complication of a foreign language and there is sure to be some head scratching going on! Not to mention quite a bit of un-doing and re-doing... ooh la la!

But I'm up for this challenge; in fact I'm so totally ready for this challenge I can hardly wait until my train journey next week to begin. You see, I have been planning (and chickening-out) of running my crochet & sewing workshops as bilingual sessions for some time. My French is good, but teaching in French to the French has always seemed a bit too scary... I mean, teaching in your own language can be tricky enough when you need to find alternate ways of explaining something until that wondrous "a-ha" light-bulb moment arrives for the student.

So, now it's my turn to be the student again - seems like perfect timing what with all the kids returning to school this week! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I'm looking forward to enhancing my vocabulary, learning new terms of phrase and experiencing that joyful eureka moment of success! And most of all I'm excited to be pushing my comfort zone and finally having the confidence to take Get Smitten Creative Workshops to the next level!

Wish me luck!

Lisa x

{images by Phildar from issue 50 of Phildar magazine - you can flick through the whole issue online here}

p.s - 'crochet' means 'hook' in French, however, it is not a verb to be conjugated as implied in the blog title! You would actually say 'je fais du crochet' (I do crochet) as it is a pastime. Just sayin'!

Smitten with September

2011-09-01T21:46:00.000+01:00

It's September right? Good; this means that I can officially start getting excited about knitwear and yarns. Not that I'm not excited about them for the rest of the year you understand, it's just that once September kicks in I am likely to have a few more people to share this passion with! Hurrah!

I adore September - the crisp blue skies, the low but warm sun, the smell of Autumn approaching, the textures in nature and most of all the fact that you can snuggle into a cardi or drape yourself in a scarf whilst still wearing shorts!

So what's on the cards at Get Smitten then? I hear you cry. Well, the Get Hooked! learn to crochet workshops will commence, followed by a short series of workshops in which we will make some small items... I'm currently working on the designs right now and have selected the perfect tweedy yarn for one of them already!

Local boutiques will take stock of my latest range of hand crocheted beanies - there's plenty of sparkle, texture and floppiness to be seen this year

There will be online tutorials for crochet projects - hopefully with video! (gulp!)

I will be harvesting yarn from pre-loved garments, brocantes and charity shops to use in my work

And for personal happiness I will be adding the finishing rounds to my utterly gorgeous crochet blanket, trying my hand at crocheting socks (not sure why but feel I ought to give it a go!) and dusting off the knitting needles to make myself a cashmere cardigan from a vintage pattern

Nothing too ambitious there then!

Naturally, I'll keep you in the loop (crochet pun intended!) with my yarn adventures and hopefully inspire you to have a go yourself. It's easier than you think! You'll love it, I promise

Lisa x

{image by Funkyarns - visit their etsy store for the most gorgeous hand-dyed yarns you've ever seen!}

Magpie- Vintage Crockery

2011-08-29T20:53:00.000+01:00

I fell in love with this image from the new Rice Denmark catalogue... along with pretty much everything in the range! Vintage crockery is one of my (apparently many) weaknesses and I have currently been banned from hunting out any more on my brocante/flea market trips, mainly due to limited storage issues.

I wonder if I could get away with it if I displayed it like this??

A girl can dream!

Enjoy the latest Rice catalogue online right here

Lisa x

p.s Kudos to Holly Becker of Decor8 for having her book Decorate used as a prop in the Rice catalogue! Nice work Holly!

{image by Rice Denmark via Decor8}

Eat, Play, Laugh

2011-08-25T18:42:00.000+01:00

Happiness is Homemade by Jennasuedesign

I took some time out. Six weeks in fact. I really needed it and I feel much better for it. It turns out that my previous efforts to be kind to myself were not particularly effective, but I did learn something about myself in attempting it.

I learned that I am actually not so good at being kind to myself... not in my own everyday surroundings that is. Every time I promised myself a 'kindness' (reading a favourite book for an hour by the river or crocheting something just for me) this judgmental inner voice would quip up with a comment such as, "hmmm, d'you not think you should get that housework done first?" or "relaxing by the river? wouldn't it be better to spend your time off sorting out all that crap under the bed?"

This kind of talk is not so conducive to guilt free time out as you can imagine. And so I decided to give the proverbial V's to that nag-bag inner dialogue and remove myself from my immediate surroundings and everyday distractions/chores. With the help of friends and family I rustled up a little 'happiness tour', packed my bags, donned my designer sunnies (I like to work the anonymous chic look when travelling alone) and set my inner compass to 'kindness'

Now, although this was a little bit of a soul searching adventure, I had neither the budget nor the inclination to eat my way around Italy, pray all day in India or fall in love in Bali (enjoyed the book by the way). Instead I spent 2 weeks in England and 4 in France, engaging in activities that fed my soul and enjoying long overdue quality time with my loved ones. I'll save the finer details for future posts but here's a quick overview...

Eat: in England I scoffed far too many cream teas (scones, butter, jam and copious amounts of delicious clotted cream, washed down with a nice cup of tea!) and totally relished every single bite! In France, I sipped many fine wines, sampled many a pungent cheese and dined on incredible seafood - if only every Saturday morning could be spent enjoying oysters with a glass of white wine (how decadent!)

Play: I played with almost all of my fabulously gorgeous nieces and nephews (currently an expert in finding Strawberry Princess Moshi - too cute, check it out!), I dressed up in costume at a National Trust home and enacted being an 18C scullery maid (I think it was a classroom environment, but hey, no-one was looking so I couldn't resist!) and I also played at being official photographer for an important event

Laugh: I laughed; a lot! Whenever I get together with my sisters we laugh; we share the same sense of humour, the same taste in movies and love to reminisce about things that made us laugh when we were growing up. I laughed at myself trying to co-ordinate my limbs in workout videos. I laughed at crappy stuff on You Tube and I especially laughed at the photos we took whilst dressed in 18C scullery maid costumes!

In summary, I guess I can officially say that I had fun, I smiled a lot, I got my sparkle back, I felt loved and I experienced genuine HAPPINESS - something I think had been lacking for quite some time. I'm glad to be back; I'm glad to have ME back!

Hello world, we've got a lot of catching up to do!

Lisa x

{huge love and thanks to everyone with whom I spent time during this period, I know I have a long way to go yet but my time out was so very needed and I appreciate your support xx}

{Happiness is Homemade print by Jennasue Design Co - visit her shop of gorgeous chic prints for the modern family on Etsy here!}

Colour Me Crazy!

2011-06-30T18:18:00.000+01:00

Let the World Spin by Irene Suchoki

Colour plays a huge part in all areas of my life; it always has. Whether it be for work as a stylist, as a designer or in my home life, there is certain to be a colour palette involved. In fact, I would go as far as to say it was something of an obsession - I have been known to reject seating in a restaurant that clashed with my outfit and I distinctly remember shunning The Brownie Guides uniform of brown and yellow; it would take way more than the enticement of a sewing badge to get me to wear that combination I can tell you!

I will leave it until another post to show you my studio space where all my fabrics, threads and yarns are colour coded; I could go on.. but I won't... you'll only think I'm odd

What I really wanted to show you was this video I came across recently for Dulux paints - you may have already seen it as I think it may have been used as a TV commercial

How gorgeous are those pink and lilac Indian archways?! The video mesmerised me and reminded me of when I was an art student and used to take one of every single Dulux colour chart from the local DIY store. Once I had the entire spectrum I would punch a hole in one end and secure them with a large paper fastener so that I could fan them out whenever I was working and check out colour combos for a project. Ah the simple pleasures in life!

I think it's time I spent a few happy hours playing on Colour Lovers again! Harmonious colour makes my heart sing. What does colour mean to you?

Lisa x

p.s if you can't see the video in your email version, come on over to the blog!

{Let the World Spin photo by Irene Suchoki visit her Etsy shop to see more of her gorgeous images, movie by let's colour project}

25 Things: Time for a De-Clutter in 3 Easy Steps

2011-06-23T16:35:00.000+01:00

I've been working on an exercise called 25 Things; it's a methodical approach to removing some of the clutter that clogs up your environment. Yeah, you know the kind of stuff I mean.... the pens that ran out of ink, the out-of-date vouchers in your purse, the clothes in the back of the wardrobe that never get worn, the cables from equipment that is now defunct, your old mobile phone... you get the idea

If you're anything like me then you have a nasty habit of overlooking this stuff, it's just kind of always there; the brain manages to filter it out and you somehow just ignore it. Truth is, you don't. Deep in the back of your mind, your brain totally knows that the stuff is there and slowly over time it becomes a niggle. An irritation. A discontent

The fact of the matter is that a cluttered environment equals a cluttered brain. When all around you are unused, useless items that no longer serve a purpose for you then the knowledge of their presence rests uneasy in the back of your mind. And when your brain is clogged up being bothered by this useless stuff, it is less capable of focusing on the good stuff

"Clutter causes stress and clutter is one of the main barriers of productivity" - Charisse Ward

Everybody has a good clear-out every once in a while - it's therapeutic; it creates space. And I mean physically as well as mentally. Removing clutter from your environment also removes it from the backlog of niggles in your brain

The 25 Things exercise helps tackle this in a way that stops you feeling overwhelmed. Some of us have so much clutter that we just don't have a clue where to begin. Once brought back into our attention all we see is clutter and it's not pretty. Despite its overall benefits, de-cluttering can be a draining process and so 25 Things breaks it down into 3 easy steps. Each step can be done separately, a day apart. I did mine a week apart. If you're on fire with de-cluttering perhaps you'll manage all 3 steps in a day (but I'm guessing you're not the kind of person with huge clutter issues!)

So let's get started! Gimme some of that space!

Begin by finding 25 things that are totally useless to you or to anybody else. Broken stuff, dead stuff, worn out stuff. Chuck them out! (responsibly of course - recycle if you can!)

Next find 25 things you no longer want or use but that still have some value. List them on e-bay, in the local paper, have a yard sale or take a stand at a car-boot sale. Sell them! The best part about this step is that your clutter earns you a bit of money... and that's never a bad thing!

Finally, find 25 things that are no longer of any use to you but that you can give away to somebody who would have a use for them. Contact your friends, host a swap party, donate them to charity. Rescue them by putting them back into circulation so they regain their value as a useful item

This is an exercise that can be repeated whenever you feel the need; take it at your own pace, you'll know when your environment is better for it as it'll feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Suddenly the place will feel calmer, more ordered and there won't be anything for your brain to store in its 'must get round to sorting that later' file. There will be breathing space, you'll feel a sense of pleasure in your surroundings and best of all you'll feel a whole lot more productive

Let me know how you get on!

Lisa x

{graphics by Lisa Pocklington, 25 Things exercise via Rebecca Fine's A Certain Way newsletter}

Magpie - Vintage Orangina Glasses

2011-06-15T16:21:00.000+01:00

When I was a little girl, one of the highlights of a family holiday or school trip to France was that I could have the oh-so-exotique pleasure of Orangina. It seemed so much more glamorous than any British drink in the early 1980s, with its curvaceous bottle and its subtle fizz; not to mention that you had to tip it upside-down before opening to release the tiny, orangey bits! To me it was the epitomy of stylish French living - along with NafNaf and Chipie for the coolest of stationery (I would spend hours drooling over the ranges of fountain pens, ring binders and pencil tins... happy days!)

Orangina Posters by Bernard Villemot

I acquired this set of vintage Orangina glasses at a local vide grenier earlier this year - the kind old lady on the stall gifted them to me when I bought a big stack of vintage books, all fabulously faded shades of pistachio green, from her

I love the stylised 70s vibe. It reminds me of the classic British cartoon from the same era; Crystal Tips and Alistair. Do you remember it? It was all psychedelic colours and crazy hair

I'm still partial to a glass of Orangina even now... and woe betide the waiter who tries to fob me off with an inferior can of Fanta. Just sayin'

Lisa x

{photo by Lisa Pocklington featuring my actual french exercise book from school!}

Stripe Mania! Tutorial on making a cute top for summer... with stripes of course

2011-06-12T20:08:00.000+01:00

eek two posts in one day!? Both are time sensitive so you'll just have to flow with me here peeps. I wanted to participate in Holly Becker's Stripe Mania! blogger extravaganza over on uber blog Decor8 but being me it involved a little more than just snapping a pic of myself wearing a stripey top (which was basically the criteria for the job!). I had grand plans of up-cycling two of my unloved vest tops into one cute new summer version and thought I'd share a tutorial on how to do it. It's super easy and you can be wearing it within a half hour! Yep, it's that simple

There comes a time in a girl's life when tops that skim the midriff are considered dangerous ground; I have reached that time. Not that I have a giant muffin-top (yet!) but I really do feel so much better in something that comes down a little lower. Are you with me on this? I have a small pile of such tops which I still think are lovely but would just never wear any more due to the length.. and so, in true up-cycle fashion, I decided to combine a couple of them into something a little more demure and sophisticated

You will need:

2 tops that you still love but just don't ever get round to wearing - make sure that when combined they will provide the length you require (otherwise there's no point!)

scissors, pins, tape measure and sewing machine

1 Take the vest top that will become the bottom section of your new item and cut the across the width at the armholes

2 Take the vest top that will become the top section of your new item and measure down from the armpit for the desired length. Mine was 9cm as I wanted it to end just under the bust

3 Do this on both sides and then using the tape measure as a guide pin all the way across

4 Cut along the width approx 1.5cm below your pinned line. This gives you enough fabric for your seam allowance

5 Turn your new top section inside out and place it over the bottom section. Their right sides should be facing. Be sure to line up the side seams of both as well as the top edges and pin in place all the way around

6 Carefully sew the seam using whichever stitch your sewing machine recommends for stretch fabrics. Mine is called a triple elastic stitch. If you can't find this info in your manual then use a long and narrow zig-zag stitch so that the fabric can still move once sewn. Press the seams open and then turn right side out

Tip: use a ball point needle when sewing stretch fabrics on the sewing machine. This is a tip I tell all my sewing students in the Get Smitten creative workshops. It allows the needle to push through the gaps between fibres rather than piercing them and possibly damaging the elastic of the fabric

et voila! A far more wearable, super cute top. I love to rock the nautical look with a little twist and wear with jean shorts or go a little bit more glam with white skinny jeans and a belted cardigan. All done in less than half an hour with just enough time to pop on a fake knotted belt, my new crocheted fedora hat and take a few silly snap shots outside (before the sun completely disappeared!)

How do you wear your stripes?

Lisa x

{Tutorial photos by Lisa Pocklington, 'snap-shot-not' photos by Jeremy Wilson}

International Yarn Bombing Day 11th June: Yarn Graffiti in Chamonix Mont Blanc

2011-06-12T18:02:00.000+01:00

I'm generally not one for breaking the rules... I get a sweat on just driving the wrong way down a lane in the carpark; and so agreeing to add some yarn graffiti to a piece of public property might be classed as a little out of character for me!

I have been following the slightly crazy world of Yarn Bombing for about a year now - if you have no idea what I'm talking about, just try Google-ing (is that officially a verb now?) yarn bombing or yarn graffiti and then look at the images tab. Cool huh?

In a nutshell, Yarn Bombing is a growing pastime whereby knitters and crocheters add some kind of yarn creation to public property.. a statue, a road sign, a park bench etc. Sometimes it is done in broad daylight, sometimes they leave their name and sometimes it is a stealth and mysterious, under-the-cover-of-darkness operation. Yarn Bombers can be individuals making a statement or groups of stitchers sharing some colourful yarn love with the world. However it's done, it's done for fun

Vintage and modern Ete / Hiver posters for Chamonix by Henry Reb and Charlie Adam

2011 was the first official year for International Yarn Bombing Day - 11th June - and I was keen to get involved, in fact I began scouring the town for possible sites awhile back. Inspiration struck at the 11th hour though which didn't leave me long to plan my attack. I decided to create a frame around the Chamonix Mont Blanc road sign in the style of the tourist posters which promote the town for both summer and winter activities. Snowflakes on the upper right corner and flowers on the bottom left

This was a perfect opportunity to encourage my Get Hooked! crochet workshop students to try their hand at these motifs and practice working in the round, changing colour and using a variety of stitches. They did me proud! (thanks girls!) And although most were unable to join me to crochet on the day, they did pop along for support which was hugely appreciated.

And so with a bag of yarn, a few tasty snacks and my rain mac (the weather was so ominous all day!) I set up camp down by the lake and set to work making the frame from which to support the flower and snowflake motifs... all 4 metres of it! I managed 3 metres in the couple of hours we were there and collected a bunch of brightly crocheted flowers from the girls. The rest would have to be assembled at home.... it was wine-o'clock on a bank holiday weekend afterall!

I set out on a dawn raid alone this morning (with my trusty, if a little sleepy, photographer of course!) and teetered on a wobbly step ladder to fix the work in place. It took about 45mins but thankfully with minimal furtive glances from the passers by (actually I think they may have been more distracted by the photographer on crutches... an excellent ploy should ever you require a decoy for your yarn bombing activity by the way!)

I'm pleased with the overall effect but could certainly do with a better/less easy to remove method of application for the framework. Anyway, I hope it brings a smile to the face of all who see it on their way into Chamonix town - locals and tourists alike. I hope it features in people's holiday photos, gets posted on Google Maps and most of all reflects the joy of creating something with an age old skill and totally by hand. I wonder how long it will remain in place?

So how do I feel after my first foray into the furtive world of yarn bombing? I will certainly be planning more - but they will be a little more Andy Goldsworthy than Banksy in terms of approach. And do I feel like a crochet guerrilla? hmmm, possibly more like a cheeky monkey!

You can learn more about Yarn Bombing on the blog, Facebook page and Flickr Gallery or join the group on Ravelry

Enjoy the yarn love! And you can view the entire event in photos on my Get Smitten Flickr Gallery

Lisa x

{photos by the remarkably patient and rather handsome Jeremy Wilson}

p.s If you are reading this via email subscription and cannot see any images or the slideshow, please come on over to the actual blog, it's worth a peek! Thanks x