Pretty Mades all in a row

FO Friday: Uno glove

2012-02-03T00:25:00.000-08:00

Not a true finished item since it's only one of a pair, but it's finished all the same.

It's freezing today and I'm actually contemplating taking my one solitary glove and alternating it between my hands to keep them intermittently warm. Yesterday, on my short walk to playgroup, my fingers got so cold that they physically hurt.

My husband has lent me his giant fleece gloves for the school run today and I'm not exaggerating when I say the pinkie is about 2 inches too long on me, but needs must. It's a great incentive to come home and start knitting. I wonder if the small one will let me?

For more finished items, head on over to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday: Gloves

2012-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

This weeks WIP is knitting out of necessity. My fingerless gloves just aren't cutting it at the moment and my digits are getting frost bite. I neeeeed fingered gloves. I guess I could just go out and buy a cheap pair of badly made gloves to see me through the rest of winter, but where's the fun in that?

I've made a promise to myself that I wouldn't buy any more yarn or fabric this year, until I've used up a good portion of my existing stash, so I had a rummage and found some Patons, Fairytale 4ply. Not my usual choice in colour (it's a lot bluer in real life), I bought it to make something for someone else but never got around to it. It is perfect for gloves though so gloves it will be.

The pattern I'm using is Kathleen Taylor's Heavy Fingering Weight Gloves. I've modified it slightly to fit my small hands. I cast on 48 as stated, but for the main part of the hand I only ended up with 40 and therefore 10 stitches per finger.

I'm pleasantly surprised at how quickly they are knitting up, or maybe I'm just desperate to get them finished and my fingers toasty warm?

I gave up on (shop bought) gloves a long time ago. My pinkie must be unusually short judging by the length of the pinkie on all the gloves I've bought in the past. Being able to customise my finger lengths is fantastic! For the first time in my entire life I'm going to have a pair of perfectly fitting, fingered gloves. \o/

For more WIP's head over to Tami's Amis

FO Friday: I have a pair of socks!!!

2012-01-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

I totally finished my socks! I would write something more eloquent but....wooooo!!! I finished my socks!!! I actually finished something that is not only knitted on DPN's but there are 2 of the same thing. That is amazing for me. because I hate DPN's and I hate making anything twice.

Wanna see?

As I'm sure you can tell, I am VERY happy with them. I might have a go at toe-up next!

These were made as part of the Visions of Sugar Plums knit-a-long.

For more lovely finished items, head over to Tami's Amis, Wisdom begins in wonder & Natural Suburbia

Chinese New Year Lanterns

2012-01-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

This is super easy and can keep children busy for a hours.

Take an A4 piece of paper and let your little one decorate it...they could draw, colour, paint, stick, whatever they like (obviously if they do anything that requires it to dry, then you'll have to let it dry once the paper is decorated.

Then fold the paper in half (long side to long side) and cut from the fold to about an inch away from the edge, do that across the paper, leaving about an inch between each cut.

If you have a 5yr+ child then they will probably be able to do all this themselves, if not they might need help with the folding and cutting

Open up the paper and roll it (so both short sides are together) and stick in place

I've been lazy and used cellotape, but you can use glue

You should have something that looks like this

I like to give it more shape so I push it down gently

Take another piece of paper and cut a strip off the short end

Attach the strip to the inside of your lantern creating a handle

and Voilá you have a Chinese New Year lantern

WIP Wednesday: Still with the socks

2012-01-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

I've spent very little time knitting this past week so I'm afraid I'm still working on my socks. They're not too far off finished now though.

I'm feeling in the Chinese New Year spirit this week so the other night I started making this Chinese Doll. I didn't get very far because I had the wrong weight yarn for the face and body. There's no point me showing you a picture because there's not really much to look at.

I did however embark upon some craftiness with my girls. We made some Chinese Lanterns, but I will do a separate mini tutorial post for those.

For more WIPs head on over to Tami's Amis

And the winner is......

2012-01-20T06:17:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid I didn't get my socks finished, I've been so busy this week, but as promised I have drawn a name out of a hat to win the Knit Pro Symfonie DPN's

Drum roll..........

The winner is......

SUSAN D!!!!

If you do want to see some finished items, please go to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday: Sock part 2

2012-01-18T03:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still plodding along with my socks. I haven't worked on them as much as I would've liked this week, but they're not far off done now. I'm halfway through the heel so I'm hoping to have the pair done by Friday :D

I also want to show off these gorgeous sock blockers I got from Whorld Drop Spindle. By the way, AWESOME customer service, I highly recommend them.

Don't forget to enter my free giveaway!

For more WIP's please visit Tami's Amis

FO Friday: A lonely sock and a freebie!

2012-01-12T23:05:00.000-08:00

A bit of a cheat FO this week, but I really wanted to show off my very first sock!

I'm taking part in Visions of sugar plums sock knit-along and I'm kind of ahead despite being behind last week.

I love the heel on this pattern, it's lovely and thick and was so simple to do.

The second sock is already on my needles and I am child free today so will be able to work on them during the day..yay!

FREEBIE UP FOR GRABS!

I recently bought some KnitPro Symfonie DPN's but they're just not for me, so I think I'm going to offer them up to one of my followers. If you're not already a follower, you have a week to become one, then leave me a comment so I know you want to be included. I'll be drawing a name on Friday, 20th January at 10am, I'll announce the winner in my FO Friday post.

The DPN's are 10cm long and size 2.75mm. They would be perfect for anyone that makes dolls or gloves.

For more finished items, head on over to Tami's Amis, Wisdom begins in wonder & Natural Suburbia

WIP Wednesday: Sock progress

2012-01-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

I'm still plugging away with my socks. I'm hoping to do some more tonight. Somebody should have warned me that socks take forever to knit. I'm still really looking forward to wearing my very first pair of socks.

For more FO's head on over to Tami's Amis

Sock sock sock!

2012-01-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it! I'm making socks!!! I actually got past the heel and I'm super excited about finishing this first one :D

Fibers on Friday & Fiber Arts Friday

2012-01-06T01:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a little behind with my sock knit-along. I had a disaster with my previous attempt and had to frog the whole sock. It had taken me about 8 attempts to get that sock going so I decided that I need to start with a much simpler sock pattern and chose the 'Simple Socks Recipe' pattern.

So far so good, and because it's a simple stockinette pattern, I should be able to get to the heel without incident *touch wood*

To see the progress made by others, pop on over to Visions of Sugar Plums and check out some lovely projects over at Wisdom Begins in Wonder

WIP Wednesday: Socks!

2012-01-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!!! I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and are ready and raring to go with 2012.

My first project for 2012 is part of a sock knit-along. I've tried making socks before, but I wasn't keen on the yarn I was using, so they never got past the first heel. This time I'm using merino wool. Nimu Mickleden to be exact

I've chosed a toe-up pattern from Sock Yarn: One Skein Wonders the pattern is Vidia Socks

I'll try get a better picture of the colours in natural light, this one was taken last night.

I had quite a bit of trouble getting started with these, but I was determined to try toe-up and so we got going eventually. I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of DPN's, I'd rather be doing these magic loop style, but I couldn't find any 2.75mm needles for my Knit Pros. Am I right in thinking they only start at 3mm? If so what brand of circular do people recommend that comes in a 2.75mm?

For more lovely projects, please visit Tami's Amis

CNA Mama stocking swap

2011-12-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

This post is for the lovely ladies at Cloth Nappy Addicts. I took part in a Mama Stocking Swap, but I left the forum before I could post about my lovely gifts.

I didn't want to leave my swappee hanging, so I'm making this post for her.

Here is what was in my lovely little parcel

1. A bag of beautiful buttons

2. 2 FQ's of fabric (at least I think they're FQ's)

3. Some lace ribbon

4. Designer beaver..very funny...lol

5. A bag of cinnamon sticks and dried fruit

6. Baileys chocolate (Yum!)

7. and a very thoughtful bag of rainbow drops :D

Christmas morning I went upstairs for something and when I came back down, Rheya was designing herself a fashionable beaver. I almost wet myself laughing. Since then Anara has had a go too. When asked what they are doing, they reply "drawing a bum"

Thank you so much Santa. I'm very sorry I can't be there to thank you directly on the forum, I hope this will suffice. I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess it was Devonem. It would be really lovely if my Santa could come along and let me know who they are so I can thank them.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and an even better New Year

xxxxx

Socks off to ya!

2011-12-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

My next major project is going to be a pair of socks, so I'm taking part in the knit-a-long on 'Visions of Sugar Plums' blog. I've wanted a handmade pair of socks every since my friend came flashing her beautiful, cozy handmade socks in my face. I loved them instantly and I wants some!

Last year, at the Knitting and Stitch show, I bought myself a sock making kit. It came with everything I needed; the pattern, the yarn and the needles. Well I really don't like the yarn (it's acrylic and not very nice to the touch), the pattern isn't very easy to follow and the needles are metal, so they keep slipping out of the stitches. It would've put me off making socks if it wasn't for the fact that I REALLY want some and I'm fully aware that yarn and needle quality are paramount.

So at this years knitting and stitch show, I bought myself (technically I was buying my Christmas presents from my Mum) some KnitPro Symfonie DPNs and some nice sock yarn, all I need now is a simple pattern. Feel free to make recommendations. I'm not a novice knitter so I guess it doesn't really have to be too easy, just not super complicated.

Other projects I want to have a go at in 2012 are

* A poncho

* A knitted doll (I already have the pattern I want to use)

* the knitted bauble I never got around to making

Any other projects, I would like to work around my existing stash and try to destash a little.

A year in the making & FO Friday

2011-12-30T01:45:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to review all my makes for 2011. Today's finished items are at the bottom, in December for anyone who wants to skip past to see my FO's

JANUARY

1. A collaboration gift, for my a pregnant friend. I only made the longies, the top was made by my friend Steph.

2. Hat for a friends little boy

FEBRUARY

1. Fat quarter swap bag

2. A pair of longies for a friend who helped me out in a big way

MARCH

A couple of Easter baskets I made for my children

I had a go at making my own Easter eggs. It didn't work out so I bought some

A kimono for my youngest daughter

In threes cardigan for my eldest daughter

1. Lantern bag for my Mum (Mothers Day)
2. Pillow case dress for my eldest daughter

APRIL

I made the dolls in 2010, but the baskets were made in April.
1. Was for my youngest
2. Was for my neice

1. Another Easter basket (I ended up with 3, 2 for my daughters and one for my niece)
2. I bought some handmade buttons from Smiggles and added them to the in threes cardigan I made in March.

I helped my eldest make an Easter bonnet for her Easter parade at school

2. a 3rd basket, this one was for my eldest daughter.

MAY

A premature romper for my nephew

In threes cardigan for my youngest

A couple of dresses I made for a friends daughters

JUNE

Seamless kimono for my eldest, unfortunately it's far too big atm.

JULY

1. Peg apron for my friends Birthday
2. Cake (made jointly with my friend Mel) for a friends Birthday

Craft apron, made for my eldest daughters little friend

Appliquéd onto a top for my cousin

AUGUST

1. Shorts for a swap I took part in
2. Shorts for my youngest

2. 2nd pair of shorts for the same swap as above

1. Some more handmade buttons from smiggles that I put on the other cardigan I made
2. A top I made my eldest

Beanbags I made for a friends daughter

SEPTEMBER

1. I started a rainbow ripple blanket
2. Eloise cardigan for my youngest, unfortunately too small :(

Dino for a friends little boy

OCTOBER

1. Eloise cardigan for my eldest

1. Knitting bag ornament for my Christmas tree
2. Gingerbread man costume for my eldest
3. Jiji the cat for my daughters teacher
4. Skeleton bride (missing a veil) for halloween

1. Apple cozy for a teacher
2. Homemade crackers for halloween

project bag for meeeeee

NOVEMBER

1. Cake for my husband
2. Irish hiking scarf
3. Rainbow crayons
4. Pleated skirt for my eldest

1. Totoro hat for my eldest
2. Sailor outfit for my friends daughter
3. Project bag for my Nanna
4. Cape and mask for my friends son

Bunting for my daughters rainbow party

12 days of Christmas for my daughters teachers

Dino for my youngest

1. Rainbow cake for my daughters Birthday
2. Mini stocking for my Christmas tree

DECEMBER

The ultimate Rainbow Party

1. Apple coasters for a teacher
2. Mug Cozy for a teacher

My very first attempt at Christmas cake

Christmas placemats

and what you've all been waiting for....

my finished items for today. A rainbow shawl/scarf.

The pattern is called The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief

and I finished the Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers just in time for my trip out tomorrow :D

I hope you've enjoyed my journey down memory lane. I
For 2012 I'm going to try to use up all my stashes instead of filling my house with even more fabric/yarn/notions

For more finished items, head to Tami's Amis

Also taking part in Fiber Friday

WIP Wednesday: Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers

2011-12-28T01:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and you're all getting lots of time to knit/crochet.

I got lots of lovely yarn for Christmas, as well as some beautiful knit pro DPN's and various craft books. Santa was very good to me. What did you get? Anything crafty?

It's been a busy week, but I have a wonderful husband and he's made it possible for me to finish an entire shawl/scarf (update on Friday for that one) and I've even started on a pair of the lovely Sarah's Cwtchy Cable Armwarmers. The time to knit was gift enough this Christmas, I've really appreciated it.

I just have the left one to make now :D

Yarn: Fyberspates, Scrumptious DK

Colourway: 107 Water

The yarn is super soft and I can't wait to have these finished so I can smoosh them all over my face!

Want to see what others have on their needles/hooks? Head on over to Tami's Amis for more WIPs

FO Friday: Christmas placemats

2011-12-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

I know this isn't yarn related, but I was just so giddy to have these finished in time for Christmas that I had to share them.

Oh yes, my binding arrived on time, thanks to this lovely Ebay lady.

Ta da!!!

but whilst I'm here I will indulge your yearning for yarn. I cast on my Rainbow yarn last night. I can't put it down! This is my first shawl and I'm surprised by how easy it is. I WILL be making more.

I've recently opened a facebook group for my crafty endeavours, so feel free to come and join me here

For more lovely finished items, visit Tami's Amis

and the rainbow obsession continues

2011-12-22T05:22:00.000-08:00

Today I received the most gorgeous wool in the post from Woolly Wumpkins. She even, very kindly, threw in some buttons for free :)

I already know what I'm going to make with it. A scarf for ME! I've been coveting this scarf ever since I saw Cecily wearing it...I have to have one (or something similar). If I have time tonight, I'll probably cast it on and get going with it.

Merry Christmas to meeee!!!

Wip Wednesday

2011-12-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is very nearly here and I've been working my behind off trying to get everything ready. I've done quite a bit of crafting, but none of it is with yarn. My cable knit bag is still sitting in my project bag untouched and will probably stay that way until the New Year (or at least until we're done with Christmas)

I do have a sewing WIP that I updated on a couple of days ago. My Christmas placemats. I'm hoping so hard that my binding comes tomorrow so I can finish the last one.

My evenings are filled with present wrapping, so I can't see me getting much done before Christmas. I really wanted to make one of these baubles for my tree but I doubt I'll get time.

For much better WIP posts, please go to Tami's Amis

Not just any Christmas cake, my FIRST Christmas cake

2011-12-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

...well; first that I've made myself.

It's nothing special, but I'm very proud of it all the same :D

I wish I'd bookmarked the recipe so if it works out really nice I could make it again next year. I think it was this one, but I'm not 100% sure.

I hope it tastes as good as it smells.

I think on Christmas Eve, I'll crack open a bottle of wine, put on a Christmas film, have some of my homemade Christmas cake with a chunk of cheese and wait for Mr Clause to arrive.

The sad unfinished project

2011-12-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

I learned a couple of harsh lessons today...

1) always buy more than you think you need.

2) Don't leave projects until the last minute.

There I was, working hard, making placemats, that I really wasn't enjoying making to begin with, but thinking to myself "these are going to look great on Christmas Day for our festive meal" but oh no no, silly me didn't order enough bias binding *head desk*

Can I cry now?

I've sent a desperate message to the lady I bought the binding from *begging* her to send me some asap, in the hope that it arrives in time for me to finish them. Fingers crossed eh?

Christmas placemat

2011-12-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

I've been putting these off for ages. Maybe "putting them off" isn't the right wording, I've been insanely busy for the past 2 months, so haven't had time to do them. I'm determined to finish them for Christmas Day though,

I got one completely finished. I just have one that needs stitching around the applique and then three that need their backs sewing on, then the binding (which is a PITA by the way).

Well less of the moaning eh and onto the pictures :D

I've designed them to be reversible. So they can be used this way round...

or this way. I'll see on the day which I prefer.

I can't honestly say that I'm looking forward to finishing the other 3, but I'm sure the effort will be worth it when my table looks pretty on Christmas Day.

FO Friday: Mug cozy

2011-12-16T08:01:00.000-08:00

This item is the last of the 12 days of Christmas presents that I made for my daughters teachers.

I used Micah Makes pattern.

For more yarny creations, go to Tami's Amis

FO Friday: 12 Days of Christmas and Apple coasters

2011-12-09T01:32:00.000-08:00

I've been ever so slightly MIA from WIP Wednesday and FO Friday recently. I was very busy with my daughters Rainbow Party (which I am extremely proud of. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it). Now the party is out of the way, I can continue to work on Christmas.

This year I wanted to do something special for Rheya's teachers. I think they are such an important part of society and I admire their patience so much (I know I couldn't keep calm with thirty 4 year olds running around my feet)

I came across a blog, where the author had bought 12 gifts and each day her child would go into school and leave one gift, with a poem, on the teachers desk for her to discover. My daughter has one main teacher and 2 teaching assistants and I'd already made a couple of gifts for them...Jiji the cat and the apple cozy, so doing this project for one teacher only didn't seem right. There are 3 people and 12 gifts so I figured we could just do it across them all and they'd get 4 presents each, so this is what we've done.

I put together a poem for each present. The poems have changed since I took this picture, but you get the idea

Then I attached the poems to the gifts (basket is just for show). As you can see Jiji isn't there, which is why the poems changed. 1) to take into account the fact that we were splitting the gifts across all 3 teachers and 2) to incorporate Jiji, the apple coasters and a mug cozy (still to make).

Last night I finished the apple coasters

all tied up and ready to go, they just need their poem attaching.

My daughters teachers seem to be enjoying the gifts. Today I've sent my daughter in with some popcorn for her main teacher, unfortunately I won't be there to see the reaction (and lets face it, the reaction is the best bit, right?)

For more finished items, please head on over to Tami's Amis

Rainbow Party

2011-12-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

'Rainbow party?...but isn't this a craft blog?' I hear you say. Well yes it is, but the rainbow party my friend and I threw for our daughters was a work of art! Keep reading and you'll see why.

We have been planning this party for about 3 months! no really. We had so many ideas (mostly pinched from pinterest) and we wanted to get every detail right...ok maybe it was me that wanted every detail just right and I was bossing my very patient friend around (she took it like a trooper too)

Rheya (my daughter) had a fabulous dress made for her by the very talented Amanda at Kitschy Coo

The other Birthday girl (Phoebe) is also wearing Kitschy coo (a skirt) and an appliquéd top her Mummy made her

This balloon garland took bleeping ages!

The food was our real piece of art. Look at that table of pretty!

My Mother-in-law helped with the icing of the cake. Big thanks to her for that xxx

Cake pops

Babybel umbrellas

Jam sandwiches

Caterpillar sandwiches

and of course, something healthy. I was pleasantly surprised by how well these went down. I think they all went and I made around 50 of them for around 40 children.

My Mum was an absolute star and I couldn't have done it without her. She was there the whole time asking what she could do next...love her!

and my other saving grace, my friend Mel. Seriously I could kiss her!

The rainbow we ordered arrived. Could it be more perfect?

We didn't want to send our guests away with throw away gifts so as the children arrived they did their handprint on a canvas (that we previously painted - in rainbow colours) and at the end of the party they got to take them home with them

This lady here was also a massive help. I think she's my friends sister-in-law.

Also for the party bags, we made crayons

We had a few craft tables out. My daughter is craft mad so she was in her element.

Party bag decorating. Each child was set the task of decorating their own party bag with the promise of a prize for the best one (we actually picked 3 winners in the end)

Cookie lolly decorating, again there was a prize for the best one and these were put into their party bags, to take home.

Our sprinkle holders

Bracelet making

Poor Rheya was sick when she woke up this morning, luckily calpol is our friend and it helped her through her party, unfortunately she has gone to bed worse for wear, but I'm glad she was able to enjoy her party at least.

Steph did an amazing job, painting lots of little faces with rainbows

"Happy Birthday to yooooou..." Make a wish!

and a ceremonial cutting of the cake, because.....

The children seemed to enjoy themselves and I hope their parents like the little keepsake we sent their children home with. A big thanks to everyone that attended and an even bigger thanks to the people that helped out.

Harrogate Knitting and Stitch Show

2011-11-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Every year Twisted Thread holds several Knitting and Stitch Shows across the UK and every year my friends and I toddle off to Harrogate to find lots of wonderful things to fill our already cluttered houses.

Today I was graced with the presence of Steph, Mel and Emily

Charming lady

We also bumped into friends Hazel and Nazila

we shopped, stopped for lunch...

...then shopped some more.

Towards the end of the event, we ventured downstairs where there were groups of people teaching various crafts.

Emily and Steph learned to crochet...

...Mel learned to knit

Mel did have a go at crochet, but somehow it turned into unintentional tunisian crochet :\

Emily's crochet ended up rather phallic shaped O_o Much to the dismay of the elderly lady teaching her...haha

We had a fabulous time, I highly recommend the show for anyone interested in crafting, it's a brilliant day out.

and my loot?

My rainbow obsession continues

I couldn't resist these striking spots

I've been inspired by Sarah from 'Crafts from the Cwtch' with her beautiful arm warmers so I bought this utterly gorgeous, grey, silk yarn from Twist yarns, the other is from Nimu and will become socks.

and to knit my arm warmers I bought some beautiful knit pro DPN's...yum!

The downside?

These are all being sent off to Santa and I can only have them back if I'm a good girl between now and Christmas.

WIP Wednesday: Cable knit bag

2011-11-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've been a busy busy bunny over the past couple of weeks. I've been away so I was MIA from last weeks WIP Wednesday and FO Friday, but if you'd like to see what I've been up to, just keep scrolling down my blog :)

Today I have a very special project to show you...I'm making a bag WITHOUT A PATTERN. Yes this will be my very first pattern. I will of course share this when I've finished for anyone that might be interested.

For more WIP's head on over to Tami's Amis

Deck the halls......

2011-11-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very festive at the moment, so I threw this together the other night. I should've been doing other things, but I couldn't resist.

Sewing and sewing and sewing some more

2011-11-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've been on a sewing drive recently.

For me, November is a busy month for Birthday's, this weekend alone consisted of 4!

First up is an outfit I made for my friends daughter.

A pleated skirt

and a matching appliquéd top

I have since blanket stitched around the anchor, but failed to get a picture of that.

My daughter took a shine to the skirt (and I loved the pattern) so I promised to make her one too. Apologies for the bad lighting, it was the night before we set off on holiday, so it was a bit of a rushed job

and snapped during the morning rush to leave the house

and when we arrived on our holiday

next up is a superhero set I made for a friends' son, I also have a request for one of these from my eldest and my friends' younger daughter.

and the handsome chap modelling his new mask and cape

and finally...I made my dear old Nanna, a project bag for Christmas. It's reversible, so if she prefers the spots she can turn it to the spots

I hope she likes it

FO Friday: Irish Hiking Scarf and rainbow crayons

2011-11-11T00:18:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my Irish hiking scarf and I love it! It's so soft and squishy and most important....WARM! This scarf was started about 3 years ago, but I kept getting distracted by other projects. I'm so happy that I finally finished it.

Now I just need a new coat that matches it :P

My friend and I had a crack at making rainbow crayons for a joint Birthday party our girls are having in December. They didn't go quite to plan, but we figured they'd still be better than the cheap, boring crayons you usually get in a party bag.

see this tray?

we melted it...oops

Later in the day, I decided to have a go at doing just one colour per mould and making a rainbow out of the individual crayons...they look ok don't they? :)

For more finished items, head on over to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday: First socks & Ripple blanket

2011-11-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

I finally got off my bottom and picked up some of the projects that are laying around unfinished. One is now complete (you'll have to wait until Friday for that one) and I have 2 on the go.

First up is a pair of socks I started about a year ago. I bought a kit from the knitting and stitch show last November...what can I say, I sometimes get distracted.

I'm also still chugging along with my ripple blanket. I can't work on it for too long because I've started getting a pain in my left pinky after a while...R.S.I? I hope not, I love crocheting.

There are lots more wonderful WIP's over at Tami's Amis

FO Friday: Totoro hat

2011-11-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!! I finished my daughter's Totoro hat and I love it!

It's going out for it's debute today and my daughter can't wait to show her friends/teachers at school.

I'm now working on finishing my Irish hiking scarf. It's been in the making for such a long time and it's about time I pulled my finger out and finished it.

For more FO lovlies, head on over to Tami's Amis

We're getting closer!

2011-11-03T01:23:00.000-07:00

We have ears!

I abandoned knitting the ears and crocheted them instead. I'm a much stronger crocheter than I am a knitter.

I just love her expression in this picture

Now it just needs a face. I'm hoping to get that done before FO Friday :D

WIP Wednesday: Totoro hat

2011-11-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday again and I'm just about recovered from the half term. We had a Halloween theme all week and it's been lots of fun. It did mean there wasn't much time for crafting, but I managed to squeeze a little bit in there. ;)

I managed to finish the hat I'm making for my eldest....I'm now working on the ears and will eventually add a face too. This is the 3rd time I've cast on the ears. The first were far too wide at the base, which meant they were going to overlap at their widest point...I frogged them and started again with only 9 stitches at the base, but then they were knitting up too long, so I'm now making up my own pattern for them.

For more WIP's head on over to Tami's Amis

It's my husband's Birthday today, so yesterday me and my youngest set about baking him a cake...after the school pick-up, me and my eldest decorated it :)

My husband is mad on Jelly beans (and they have to be the official ones) so I dumped a whole packet of JB's in the middle for him. We haven't tasted it yet, that comes later.

In other crafty news, I would like to give a shout out for Smiggles. Her work is simply amazing. I'm a big fan. Ever since my eldest was a baby I have bought a new Christmas decoration for her, to go on the tree...I've done the same for my youngest too, so imagine my delight when I saw that Smiggles was branching out into Christmas decorations! I HAD to have a couple for my girls.

They arrived today...look how pretty!

Smiggles can also be found on facebook. Go check her out.

and one last thing that you might be interested to know. Lily's Quilts are holding a competition where you can win a bundle of fabric...go check it out.

FO Friday: Apple cozy, Skeleton Bride & Project bag

2011-10-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy bunny this week.

First up is the apple cozy I made for my daughter's teacher (for Christmas), it will obviously have an apple in it when we give it to her, not a persimmon.

I also wanted to make something for Halloween since we've had a Halloween themed half term holiday, here at home. This is the Skeleton Bride from 'Creepy Cute Crochet'. She's missing her veil because I have no tulle here. I might add some later.

Wednesday night I took part in a sew-along on, where we were all making a reversible project bag...this is mine...

Not really crafting, but I would like to show them off all the same. Some Halloween buns I made yesterday.

I had hoped to have finished the Totoro hat by today. I've just got the i-cord to do and then sew on the face, but I doubt I will finish this before midnight so I'll save it for next Friday.

For more lovely FO's, head on over to Tami's Amis...have a good weekend!

FO Friday part 2: Jiji the cat

2011-10-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

I know I've already posted my FO for today, but I JUST finished Jiji the cat and I can't wait a week to show you all. I'm soooo pleased with this one.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the film "Kiki's delivery service" this is how he should look

and here is my FO item.

I've made this for my daughter's teacher, who is a BIG Ghibli fan (Ghibli Studios made the film "Kiki's delivery service")

Once again, for more FO item's head on over to Tami's Amis

FO Friday: Yarn Basket Ornament

2011-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to have 2 FO's to show you this week, but parent's evening got in the way and my Jiji cat isn't going to be ready to show for Friday show off....booo!

I did, however, make this little beauty for my Christmas tree.

For anyone interested in making one for themselves, the pattern can be found here

For more wonderful FO's head on over to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday: Jiji the cat and Totoro hat

2011-10-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have two new projects to show you this week. I've made a start on making one of my daughter's teachers Jiji the cat for Christmas. She's a big Ghibli fan and I just know she will love this.

Crochet tends to make my pinky ache after a while, so I thought I might as well have a knitting project on the go too. So I'm making my eldest daughter the Totoro hat.

The next project isn't a WIP or even made with yarn, but I have to show it off all the same. Tomorrow my eldest has to dress up as a character from a book (for school). Her little girl instinct was to dress up like a princess...Belle to be precise, but my whole body shuddered at the thought of a class full of little girls, ALL dressed as princesses, so I gently explored other options with her, until we agreed on The Gingerbread Man :D I bought her an orange top and leggings and appliqued the rest on...simple, yet soooo much better than a damn princess ;)

Thanks for looking and if you want to see more WIP's head on over to Tami's Amis

FO Friday: Eyelet yoke cardigan and Apple coaster

2011-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Oooh my second FO contribution (told you I am a slow knitter) I finished my daughter's Eyelet Yoke cardigan today.

and come complimentary action shots :) (it could do with blocking really)

Earlier in the week I started making Christmas gifts for my daughter's teachers. This is going to be a set of 4 coasters.

For more finished items go to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

The eyelet yoke cardigan I'm making is starting to take shape and I love how the colours are striping.

My other WIP is in the oven Christmas Cake!!! Yum!

In other crafty news. Me and the small one had a trip to our local library and they have a fairly decent craft section. I picked up the following books, but I could've picked up so much more. The Pots book is fantastic! I can't wait to have a go at some of the things in there.

and since writing this my Christmas cake has come out of the oven and it's smelling delicious! I just need to feed it Brandy over the next few weeks and then I can ice it :)

For more lovely WIPs head on over to Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday

2011-10-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, nothing terribly exciting today. I'm still working on the Eyelet yoke cardigan for my daughter. I've just started the 2nd sleeve and hope to start the yoke tonight.

For more lovely WIPs, please visit Tami's Amis

2011-09-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

On the needles I have the Eyelet Yoke Cardigan for my eldest daughter. It's VERY much like the Eloise cardigan that I made for my youngest. I found this amazing yarn in my local yarn shop and I just had to make something out of it. It's Monsoon by James C. Brett

For more WIP's please go to Tami's Amis

FO Friday: Eloise cardigan and Dino plush

2011-09-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

At last!!! I can take part in FO Friday :D

As you can probably tell, it takes me an age to finish things. My problem is that there are too many things out there that I want to make so I have far too many WIPs on the go.

Anyway onto my FO items (yes plural)

First up is the Eloise cardigan I was making for my daughter.

I'll get some action shots later, but I should warn you, it's a tad snug on her *cries*

The other FO item isn't knitted or crocheted, but I thought some of you might like to see it anyway. I've made this for a friends little boy who just turned 3yrs

For more FO's head over to Tami's Amis.

Also linking to Creative Friday with Natural Suburbia

WIP Wednesday

2011-09-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

I picked up the Eloise cardigan again and managed to get it back on track. It isn't far from finished...then I just need to sew it up :)

I've done a bit more of the rainbow blanket but it's on hold for now until I finish the cardigan and a present for a friends son.

Head over to Tami's Amis for more WIP's

Crafting is infectious!

2011-09-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Check this out, my husband is crafty!

He made this super cool wallet for my step-dad (Robert) who turns 50yrs next week. I really wish we could get that really cool duct tape you can get in the U.S. but it's not available here and too expensive to ship, but I think this is fab all the same.

Last night I had a few friends over for food and drinks. We're all crafty ladies, barr one, but that one barr wanted to make a bracelet for a party she was going to, so we all sat around knitting, sewing, crocheting, making jewellery.

I had a play with the many many beads in my friends bead box and made a rainbow bracelet....just because.

The bracelet and blanket I worked on

2011-09-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

I've been away camping so I've been plodding along with the ripple blanket. I have a teeny weeny obsession with rainbows at the moment :|

No matter what I do, I cannot get the green to show it's true shade. It looks like a pastel green in the pic, but it's more like bright lime green.

Head on over to Tami's Amis for more WIP's

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well I have been slowly plodding along with the Eloise Cardigan, but today I lost the will to live with it. I started the process of connecting up the 5 seperate pieces. Spent an age working out the mathematics of where to do my decreases, only to find that I didn't have the 199 stitches that I thought I did and after the decreases I had way too many stitches on my needles. I don't know how this happened, I've been very careful to follow the pattern exactly, even noting down my progress as I went along. Anyway I tried to rectify it by decreasing again on the next row, in the hope of having the same amount of stitches as two sizes above, just so the pattern works out and somehow ended up with less stitches than that size. At this point I put the project down and started a new one...lol

I will pick it up again very soon, but I needed a break from the headache I was getting.

Here it is in it's annoying glory

The new project I started is the Attic24 Ripple Blanket. I've been dying to make one of these for ages. I plan to make it in the colours of the rainbow. Here is the start of red.

For more WIP's please check out Tami's Amis

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-24T04:15:00.000-07:00

I have quite a few WIPs on the go atm, they've been WIPs for a while and I've decided I have to finish them all before starting anything new...so I thought I'd share. The only exception to this rule is a pair of shorts I've promised my eldest daughter, which I will make for her soon.

So on to the WIPs

I'm still plodding along with Anara's cardigan. I'm currently knitting up the first of 2 arms...after the arms, I can put them all together and start the Yoke.

I started this Hiking scarf about 3 years ago :\ I WILL finish it before winter.

I started making my eldest a pair of trousers from an old pair of trousers I'd slimmed out of. I started these about a year ago...I'm determined to get these finished. The plan is to add an elasticated wasit and put some pretty fabric at the bottom of the legs.

I started making my youngest daughter a quilt before she was born. She's 2 now...haha I'll still finish it, but I might give this to my sister if she has a girl next (she's due in December)

I started these socks at the beginning of this year. I've always wanted a pair of handmade socks, so I'll finish these at some point.

and I started this coat for my youngest when she was 1yr. It's 18-2yr size so I'm going to finish this next and hope it still fits

This is what it should look like when finished, albeit with different fabric

Head over to Tami's blog for more WIPs

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've mainly been sewing this week, so I've not gotten much further with my daughters Eloise Eyelet Cardi

We'll get there eventually.

For more WIP's visit Tami's blog here

Rheya's summer top

2011-08-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

Today I was determined to make something whilst the kids were out with my MIL. So I made a start on the top and short set I planned to make Rheya.

The pattern

and the (almost) finished item. I'm trying to decide whether to put the bow on it, or to make a covered button with flowery thingy (I can't remember what they're called, sorry. I'm sure a sewing friend will be able to help me out with it's proper name) Yo-yo? something like that?

Rheya loves it. She's asked to wear it for the rest of the day, so she's now watching TV in her new top

If I can bare to do some more sewing today, I might do the shorts to go with it, but I doubt I'll be in the mood.

Shorts bug

2011-08-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

I recently took part in a shorts swap and I've now got the urge to make lots of shorts for my girls.

I've got a lovely pattern to make my eldest a set with top and shorts, I've ordered some very special fabric to make them for her.

In the meantime I knocked these up for my youngest and I'll try work out a top to match too.

Action shots:

WIP Wednesdays

2011-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on the Eloise Eyelet Cardi for my youngest daughter. I'm quite slow at knitting so don't expect this to be much bigger by next Wednesday...haha.

I'm also in the process of making 2 pairs of shorts for a swap, but I can post them here right now.

My Sunday evening

2011-08-07T13:22:00.001-07:00

P1040664, a photo by Rhythm EG on Flickr.

What could be better. A good book and some knitting.

Bean bags!!!

2011-08-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

My friends little girl turned 3yrs on Wednesday and we've been invited to her Birthday party tomorrow so I made her some bean bags as a gift. Rheya loves them, so hopefully the Birthday girl will too.

this is the back of them

and to show the contrast

and ribboned up, ready to wrap

In Threes cardigan: The finishing touches

2011-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

Some handmade buttons I'd ordered from Smiggles arrived today :D So I sewed one set onto the cardigan I made Anara a while ago...it's now complete :D

Ooh and look at the other buttons I got. I have no idea what to do with them, I just loved them. I'm thinking of putting them on a bag...

Craft Apron

2011-07-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

Phew! I finished Abigail's Birthday present (Abigail is Rheya's best friend at school) Rheya's going the Yorkshire Wildlife Park with Abigail and her Mum to celebrate.

Peg apron

2011-07-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

It's my friends's Birthday on Saturday so I've made her a peg apron (she picked out the pattern before you judge...lol) I need to make myself one of these, it's so useful!

Lil_starry dresses

2011-05-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

I made these coordinating dresses for a friends' daughters

and both together

I hope you like them Chloe :)

I've kindly been given permission to steal a picture of her gorgeous girls wearing the dresses I made them.

I love seeing people wearing things I made :) Thanks for sharing this Chloe and thanks for letting me pinch it :)

In threes cardigan

2011-05-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished this for Anara (my youngest). I've got supplies with me to start something else too, although we're out tonight so not sure if I'll start anything.

I managed to get some action shots, they're not great since I am cameraless* and I'm having to use the camera on my phone :(

It's a tad too big for her, but wearable. I reckon it will fit her next summer too :P

Premature romper

2011-05-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

I made this romper for my nephew

Jacob's romper by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

Jacob's romper by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

Actions shots and Easter present

2011-04-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Rheya kindly modelled her dress WITH her coordinating cardigan

Last night I went round to to a friend's house for a crafty night and made one of the doll baskets I had been planning to make my girls for Easter. The doll I made a while ago, might not yet be on my blog, since I'm slowly back-dating)

The pattern is from a book my mother-in-law kindly bought me called Applique for Little Ones (Author Sylvie Blondeau) ..one down, one (or possibly 2 if I decide to make my neice one too) to go.

I love the lacey edge

My only disappointment is how it doesn't hold it's shape properly...not sure how to fix that :(

2011-04-01T12:08:00.002-07:00

Today has been packed full of fun and playing.

After lunch, I put the youngest down for her nap and the biggest and I did some baking. Cherry vanilla cupcakes...Mmmmm...I haven't baked with Rheya for ages, so she was quite excited about it :D

Our supplies

I bought these bun cases from a new shop in Morley that sells the most beautiful things

Ta da! I was gonna pipe them but the bag is missing from the set :( I managed to make one from a food bag, but it broke after one bun.

and my little baker testing the product

Anara tested one when she got up from her nap

let's just say she liked it

We also made cards...I made this one for my Mum for Mothering Sunday.

In threes: a baby cardigan

2011-03-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I love this pattern. Made with Pixie Knits yarn.

These aren't the permanent buttons, I have some handmade ones on order. I'm just inpatient to show you all the finished article :P

Rheya's Summer Dress

2011-03-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm always promising to make things for Rheya and more often than not, I never get around to them. Do I've promised myself that I'm going to make a couple of things for Rheya before I make anything else, so last night I made this summer dress.

The pattern is from a book my good friend Steph bought me for my Birthday. It's called "Small stash sewing, 24 Projects Using Designer Fat Quarters" by Melissa Averinos

I also have a sleeveless cardigan on the needles to go with this lovely. :)

Action shots I heard you ask?

I love it! I think it really suits her, and best of all SHE loves it :D

This face is because she was dancing about and I told her to stand still.

because before it she was doing this

and this

and this

Not much of a poser my daughter haha

Lantern Bag

2011-03-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished the lantern bag that me friend Katie sent me the pattern for, many many moons ago. I'd even started cutting it out (before Anara was even conceived) then got side tracked.

Anyway here it is.

Mum's Mother's Day present by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

Mum's Mother's Day present by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

Perfect for my knitting (Not really, it's for my Mum)

Mum's Mother's Day present by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

It's a lot smaller than I thought it was gonna be Maybe I should've made the large version.

Mum's Mother's Day present by Rhythm EG, on Flickr

Kimono cardigan

2011-03-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've made this for Anara. I made the biggest size (2-3yrs) and it fits great. It's lovely and soft too :) This is the first time I've made anything other than longies from real wool.

It's a 3/4 length sleeve and short body (purposefully)

It's near impossible to get a decent picture of a child. I don't know how the professionals do it!

Finished touches

2011-03-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

I put the finishing touches on the Easter baskets I've made. Feather tails!

More Easter makes

2011-03-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm in a really crafty mood atm.

Last night I remelted the egg I ruined and did the mould again, but this time I popped it in the freezer overnight. This morning I glued the 2 pieces together. It wasn't bad, but not perfect, I'll have to try again, another day. I guess I don't HAVE to glue them together at all and just wrap them in foil, but that cuts out the fun of smashing them open.

Here's how it came out

the pack my Nanna gave me even came with foil! How cool!

After lunch I smashed it open for the girls

They're not actual mini eggs, they are mini-mini eggs.

Later, I made this for Anara.

Again it needs feathers for the tail.

Easter makes

2011-03-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

I made this egg basket for Rheya (I'm gonna make Anara one too) I just need to finish it with some feathers for it's tail

I had a go at making my own Easter eggs...they turned out great, but then melted in my hands when I tried to glue the 2 halves together

I was going to put these in the middle

I remelted the chocolate and did it again. Then I've put it in the freezer in the hope that I'll have more time to handle the 2 halves to get them glued together...wish me luck!

Fat quarter swap

2011-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

I took part in a fat quarter swap (I've mentioned it before, I got the bird fabric) well we also had to make ourselves something from the fabric, so I've been working on that this evening (after much faffing with my sewing machine that was refusing to sew without chewing up my fabric)

Anyway...ta daaaa!!!

and under the flap

inside the bag

and finally, the back

WIP Hiking scarf

2011-02-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

I've spent ages tonight looking at patterns. I've got a few skeins of babylonglegs' yarn and I'm dying to knit it up. I'd like to make a cardigan/shrug for Anara or Rheya but can I find a pattern I like? no! So I'm finishing the scarf I started making about 3 years ago..ha!

Thank you longies

2011-02-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

A very kind lady ~~helped me complete~~ completed for me, my tax return. So to say thank you, I made her little boy these longies :)

I adore the colour of these.

Longies

2010-07-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

December 2008 - I promised to make my friend Hannah some longies for her new baby, I got her a top to go with them too.

Monkey Business

2010-07-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is part of the same swap as the boys hat was...September 2008

Sat down

stood up

and the back (the tail curls round to the left, I couldn't get a good pic of this)

Robert's Birthday card

2010-07-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

September 2008 - A card I made for my Step-dad's Birthday

Fat bottom bag

2010-07-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this is the first thing I made for myself? I made it in September 2008

it still needs lining but otherwise it's finished. I just need to find some pretty fabric to line it with.

It's a lot smaller than I thought it would be but it's still cute

Leaving card

2010-07-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

September 2008 I made a leaving card for Lynsay at work

Craft swap

2010-07-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

Another US friend of mine, Renee and I did a craft swap in September 2008 and I had to make something for her son, Logan...I had a hard time finding something for a little boy. There are plenty of things for baby boys but nothing nice for toddler boys.

Anyway I found this pattern and thought I'd try it out

For some reason I put the hat on Rheya inside-out in this and the next pic (Doh!)

it's the right way round on this one, but doesn't look any different which is why I kept the above pictures

Rheya's hat

2010-07-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

In September 2008 I made this for Rheya

Any Ghibli fans out there?

2010-07-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm soooo proud of this one...

Totoro!!!

How cool is he??? :D

Mum's Birthday card

2010-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

I made my Mum a Birthday card for her Birthday in September 2008

Thank you cards

2010-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

August 2008 again.

Some cards I made for my US friends to say thank you for their generosity.

I decided to give them a stitch marker each so tried to incorporate them into the cards

this is Katie's

and this is Deneese's

To be honest I couldn't work out how to incorporate Deneese's stitch marker so it's sort of a book mark thingy

Waterbottle holder

2010-07-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

August 2008 - Another waterbottle holder.

Another beanie hat

2010-07-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

I can never decide which photo's look better which is why you tend to get inundated with photo's from me...for instance, I made this beanie in August 2008 (same pattern as the one I made for Adeline) for my friend Deneese's daughter (Charlotte)... I took one picture with the flash on and one without...I dislike both photo's for different reasons so you're getting them both :oP

With flash

without flash

I tried the hat on Rheya again...I need to make sure I made them right after all

I really need to make Rheya one, I think they really suit her.

I've had permission to steal this because it's just too cute to not!

Charlotte says thank you from Deneese Owen on Vimeo.

*melts*

Is she not the cutest!?!

Texere Yarns

2010-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

I heard about local yarn shop called Texere Yarns, so one morning in August 2008 my friend Helen came over with her baby girl, Zoe. Then we drove over to Bradford to spend some money in the HUGE wool shop...well it was more like a warehouse...for anyone who likes yarn, this place was so drool worthy.

It was on three floors, the first floor had 3 different rooms full of yarn, including WOOL! Actual wool, BFL, Merino, Angora, the lot! It was handdyed, factory dyed, natural waiting to be dyed and they even had roving for you spinners. Seriously, this place was amazing!

This is a picture of one of the 4 aisles on the second floor.

and Rheya had so much fun running up and down the aisles

I was too spoilt for choice and as a result couldn't decide what to buy so I only bought these

the hook at the top is a Tunisian crochet hook, I have no idea how to use it but I was so curious that I just bought it...I'll learn later.

White cardigan

2010-07-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

In August 2008 I really wanted a pretty white cardigan for my daughter Rheya, so she could wear all the summery outfits I'd been given over the months, regardless of the weather. Anyway I couldn't find a plain white cardigan anywhere...isn't that always the way? As soon as you want something it's nowhere to be seen so I set about making her one myself.

I had to take the pictures without the flash on, so the colour of the cardigan isn't true, but you couldn't see the detail as well with the flash on, see...

I've already tried it on Rheya and it's a little snug around the waist *grrrrrr* but she's gonna wear it anyway!

Rheya wearing her cardigan...I'm not entirely happy with how it fits her, but it'll do

Juliette action shots

2010-06-19T05:57:00.001-07:00

It fits her perfectly :D

I don't think I've met a happier child than Anara...she just seems to be forever smiling and laughing...love it!

Juliette skirty

2010-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

This has taken me soooooo long to make so I am extra proud of it. :D

I've literally just finished this tonight for my daughter, Anara.

This first picture is just to show it's true colours

Action shots will be added later ;)

Sun top

2010-06-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

I've never been much of a sewer, in fact I was terrible at it as a child, but I was willing to give it another go in August 2008.

I made this for my daughter Rheya

Beanie

2010-06-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

In August 2008 I made this hat for a friends daughter.

Washcloth

2010-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I made this in August 2008. Sorry it's not very interesting :\

Bottle holder

2010-06-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

I made this in August 2008. It was intended to be for my daughter Rheya, but it ended up being someone elses.

I meant to make another one for Rheya, but never got around to it. Bad Mummy!

More longies

2010-06-16T12:09:00.001-07:00

I told you you'd see more longies :P

July 2008 I made these longies for Rheya

Newborn longies

2010-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

I found out I was pregnant with a second child and made these in celebration. Unfortunately that pregnancy ended in miscarriage and the longies went missing. They are somewhere in my house and I'm sure they'll turn up, but they are definately too small for my not-so-little miss now.

Group hug

2010-06-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

A really lovely lady I know through a forum got some bad news so a bunch of us clubbed together and made her a blanket.

This was my contribution. I'll see if I can find a picture of the whole thing together, watch this space.

Bag swap

2010-06-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah I got the swap bug.

I made this for my recipient in April 2008. I liked it so much that I thought about keeping it..ha!

and for the first time ever, I lined it. With a skirt I picked up from a charity shop for 50p...bargain!

Washcloths

2010-06-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

The first craft swap I took part in was in March 2008 for a washcloth. I made a couple of washcloths, but finally settled on sending the bright orange one.

The colours are just amazing

The other I gave to my Nanna (I think)

Easter

2010-06-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make my daughter, Rheya, am Easter basket filled with lots of goodies, rather than one meaningless chocolate egg.

So when I saw this in the window of a flourist I was grabbed it quickly.

It would contain some eggs but they wouldn't be chocolate.

My Nanna used to make these chicks for us when we were kids. I just had to make some for my daughter.

the finished basket. If you look in the middle I also crocheted a chick.

G'Day

2010-06-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

My beautiful cousin Sonya announced that she was uprooting and starting a new life in Australia in January 2008. I couldn't have been happier for her. What a great opportunity.

I wanted to make her a very special card and this is what I came up with. I was still new to cardmaking at this point remember ;)

I didn't get a proper picture of it because I finished it just in time to sign it and put it in it's envelope, so this is taken in the restaurant, after I'd given it to her

First soaker

2010-06-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

With a little help I finally bought myself some suitable wool to make a nappy cover, so thought I'd have a go at a soaker

This is as far as I got because it didn't fit my daughter

I later pulled it out and it's still, to this day, sat in my yarn stash waiting to be made into something.