Wibbly blanket update and coastal craft room beginnings.

Just a quick few pics of my Coast Ripple blanket in its new home. 

This is/was my daughters bedroom but, as she is pretty much settled in Edinburgh, I am starting to give it a bit of a coastal theme. I've nicked a few bits and bobs from other places (no money to spare as usual) and some of Bethany's stuff is still here, but it's coming together slowly.

It's such a tiny room it's really hard to photograph. For the same reason I don't think my idea of turning it into a craft room really works. It will be good for keeping my various stashes and WIP's in one place though, and a cosy place to dream of all those future projects - once I've got Bethany to clear out a bit more space!!

(Don't worry, dear reader, Bethany knows she's welcome home any time, her bed is still there if she needs it!!)

Wibbly blanket ta-dah!

Here is my recently finished wibbly wobbly blanket, a Christmas present from Malcolm. 

It's the first time I've made a 'one piece' project of this size and although it was great fun I was pleased to finish before the weather got any warmer! Take my word for it, it's very cosy :-)

The pattern is the Coast Ripple Blanket by the awesome Lucy of Attic24 and the pack, complete with pattern and colour order, came from her shop here. The 15 balls of Stylecraft Special DK come in a lovely gauzy bag and it was a joy finding and pulling out each new colour in turn. Once I'd made the long chain and got the first row out of the way it was pretty east to do and very relaxing. Lucy also has a great know-how on here with plenty of helpful pics.

My only problem now is where to display this seasidey loveliness. Anywhere downstairs is out of the question owing to the attraction anything wool has to our Labrador's hair! Our plan was to put it on our bed but as it's only a single size it looks a bit lost, even draped sideways along the bottom. I think I might use it on my daughter's single bed as a first step in turning the room into a coastal themed craft room now that she's pretty much left home. 

I'll take and post some photos when I get the chance so you can see what you think. Meanwhile, for better images than I could ever take, check out Lucy's on the links above.

Oh, by the way my mum is making the Cottage Ripple Blanket and it's equally yummy!!

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 15

On Friday I spent time on Pinterest and Ravelry (lots of time, oh poor me!!) deciding on projects to make for family Christmas gifts. Obviously, I can't really say much more as I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but I found some gorgeous ideas. I did tear myself away from the computer long enough to start one project, a knitted item using wool donated by my Mum who no longer wanted it. 

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Days 6, 7 & 8

I would love to say that I have discovered some amazing money spinning/debt reduction secret and I'm about to share it with you here! In reality I have spent the last three days chopping up shirts, ironing and die cutting to produce more tiny triangles for my new quilt idea.

My son was throwing out some shirts this week, so naturally I nabbed them for my stash.

I also sorted out the next batch of material.... 

.....and die cut some old magazines....

...to add to the English paper piecing 'tumbler' quilt I'm working on.

I wish I'd gone more random rather than stripy now, what do you think?

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 5

More die cutting of triangles yesterday, my pile of old shirts is almost gone. 

I fear, however, that my iron is about to pack up on me having tripped the electrics twice on Thursday. I've been using a circuit breaker since then but need to start looking for a bargain just in case.

So much for saving money, eh?

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 4

Malcolm has spent some time lately getting rid of a lot of junk from the garage with the intention of being able to put his beloved Beemer in there over the winter (a money saving manoeuvre in itself)

 When he bought a motorbike a few years back it was kept in the garage while the car was relegated to the driveway. The bike was sold some time ago but the accumulated 'stuff' that took up residence beside it still remained.

That includes my stash!!

Much of the wool I had was used to make this crocheted blanket 

and what's left fits into one plastic box. The bulk is taken up by material that has been begged, stolen and borrowed over the years and it is long overdue for a sort out.

So, as part of my 30 day challenge, I have begun the process of turning my stash into 

• soft furnishings for our home or the kids uni flats
• Christmas presents/birthday gifts for friends and family
• items that I can try to sell online, either Ebay or in my currently abandoned Etsy shop

This morning I began with my stash of checked cottons, most of which began life as my daughters shirts.

From this....

....via the ironing board.....

....and the die cutter....

 

....to these lovely triangles just waiting to be made up into something new and gorgeous!

So far I've only used the smallest scraps for these tiny triangles, the larger pieces may become different shapes - hexagons or tumblers perhaps?

Etsy Treasury # 4

Another beautiful treasury for your perusal. This one is from Effie at UnicornsOgStuff who has kindly included one of my knitted bowls - many thanks Effie!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/treasury/NDQyOTI5MzZ8MjcyMzQyNTU5Nw/sundays-gifts?ref=pr_treasury

Etsy Treasury # 3

Here's an Etsy Treasury I put together the other day from the many talented crafters on that site.

I was inspired by the start of Spring, the welcome sunshine and the flowers seen on my dog walks.

 I hope you take time for a little look to brighten your day!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/treasury/MjAxODM2MDZ8MjcyMzM4NjkyMQ/snowdrop-and-crocus?ref=pr_treasury

Tiddlypots!

I made these lovely little knitted pots over the weekend and popped them in my shop to see if they would sell. I'm sure I can find many uses for them if they don't!

I found the pattern in Craftseller magazine, which I love. It is a Gina Alton design from Pots To Knit And Crochet. 

I'm now off to raid my stash (along with the biscuit tin!) and see what variations I can make.

Peace, love and chocolate biscuits :-D x

Dresden Plates - my first attempt at hand quilting.

Some time ago I pieced together some Dresden Plate flowers and I've finally got around to doing something with them!

I managed to make 2 each of the 4 colourways with material from my stash using the English paper piecing method. My favourite toy piece of equipment, my Sizzix Big Shot, was used to cut out my paper shapes.

I love EPP for patchwork as I can be downstairs watching telly or listening to the radio with Malcolm. While my sewing machine is great for bigger items like cushion covers or bags I prefer to do most crafting by hand. Although it's more time-consuming it just seems more satisfying and therapeutic, like making bread by hand rather than in a bread machine.

Also, I have to use Bethany's bedroom (when she's at uni) or the kitchen table for my sewing machine, with the ironing board set up in the living room - not very conducive to the creative process!!

I've wanted to have a go at quilting for some time but found the idea of tackling a whole quilt very daunting, especially with a basic sewing machine like mine (and my even more basic skills!) So with this in mind and the reasons mentioned above, I decided to combine hand-quilting with quilt-as-you go for new project.

Ooops, wait!

I had to remember to remove all my paper pieces before pinning the layers together!!

My first two finished blocks

and the back, not perfect but I kinda like that!

All I need to do now is decide what to make them all into. The blocks are 12" square and there are 8 of them. I could intersperse them with other blocks and use sashing and borders to increase the size. I'm thinking maybe a wall hanging or cot quilt....

..... any ideas?

Crochet cushion ta-dah!

Here's my latest item for my Etsy shop, a lovely plump purple and blue crochet front cushion.

When I began this project I had no particular purpose for it other than having something to do. Malcolm is always asking "what are you making?" and more often than not the answer is "I don't know yet, it depends what it turns into"

Does anybody else work in this way?

I currently have 8 completed Dresden Plate style patchwork flowers which may or may not become 8 small cushions, 2 large cushions or a duvet cover. Who knows what they may morph themselves into!

Peace, love and marshmallows xx

For me and mine.

 As you can see, my Etsy shop is bereft of items except for a lone knitted apple cosy - which I will probably use for work if it doesn't sell! 

I have decided that it is high time I spend some time creating lovely things for myself, my home and my loved ones. Also Christmas will soon be looming and I need to think presents if I'm to have enough time to make some seasonal gifts.

So here is a round-up of the latest :-)

This is the laundry bag that I made for my daughter, Bethany, to take to uni with her. Hopefully it will encourage her to be a tad tidier than she is now - and even do some washing occasionally! 

I used the pattern in Emma Hardy's Sewing In No Time which was a doddle to follow.

I'm pleased with how well the main fabric and the lining work together and the barrel shape makes it more roomy.

These crochet pots, a Kirstie McLeod design from Simpy Knitting magazine, are perfect for tidying up the bedroom.

  

I wasn't sure if I had enough of each colour for stripes so I took inspiration from Jacquie at Bunny Mummy from her crochet bowl tutorial. Using the cotton doubled gives a much sturdier finish too. I use this bowl for all those bits and bobs - hair bands, Q-tips, cotton wool, lego, dog poop bags (empty!!) - you know the sort of thing!

Things look better already.

I also finally bought pads for my round cushions and finished them off (after finding them again!)

                                      

Have you any Christmas projects on the go yet? Or is it  way too early to think about it?!

Peace, love and marshmallows!

Louise x

Two 'jobs done'.

Yay! I've finally finished Bethany's crochet blanket!

Well it's more of a throw in size than a blanket a. because I was getting fed up and b. because (shock, horror) I had just about used up my stash of DK!!

Anyhoo, it is big enough to wrap around her on winter nights and will certainly brighten

her room at uni. (And, yes, I've already bought some new wool, lol!)

The other thing that I've just finished (yesterday) is my job as a part time Teaching Assistant. I have worked in the same First School for 8 years now - the longest I've stayed in any job. Unfortunately funds are short and, as the child I support is moving to Middle School, they are unable to keep me on  :-(

Thankfully, though I have a new job for September as a Childcare Practitioner (there are so many different titles these days!) at a Day Nursery, working full time!!

Now that my children are all but grown I was looking for more hours anyway, so things have worked out for the best. I will miss the staff and children at my old school but as it's local I'm sure to see many of them around :-)

The Year 4's, who are also leaving, made me a card with thank you messages and a God's eye, one of the many crafts we made together.

The staff treated me to a meal out, some gorgeous flowers

a beautiful scarf - I just adore those hedgehogs

and also a voucher for Hobbycraft!! Best of all I've got the whole of the Summer holidays to decide what to spend it on :-D

Much love and thanks to all my colleagues - have a fab Summer xxx

Reasons to be cheerful!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while, I seem to be chasing my tail a lot these days. Malcolm working full time again (yay!), my work schedule changing weekly to fit around school trips, sports days etc., new job jitters and general, everyday 'stuff' seems to have me more than usually frustrated and tired. 

I'm also trying to get my house in order, quite literally, but with each task I begin to tackle  I'm thinking of all the others still to be done! Add in the mountain of debt we're supposed to be trying to clear and......well....*@#*!!

Anyhoo, time to find something to make me smile :-)

I made my first sale on Etsy! These lovely little crochet pots are winging their way to a lovely lady in the USA, I do hope she likes them.

Don't get too excited, it's taken me a year to get a sale, but hey it's a start :-D 

The lettuce is growing well,

enough to make a salad to go with our quiche, they're sort of 'cut and come again' so I just pick what we need, when we need it, no more left over lettuce going soggy in the salad drawer,

and the spring onions are growing too. I know I should probably thin them out but it always seems mean to the ones I remove!!

The pumpkins have failed to put in an appearance, though!

I used Frugal Queen's idea of making an inventory of food in an attempt to get meal planning under control (we used to be sooo good at this!!)

Freezer	Dry goods	Tins/jars	Baking	Seasonings/spices
1 portion lasagne	¼  pack prawn crackers	Hoisin sauce		Fajita mix
Sm. Pot cooked, diced pork	Gravy powder	Wholegrain mustard	Golden syrup	Malt vinegar
4 bags fresh herbs	Cornflour	½ jar gerkins	Black treacle	Sea salt
5oz sliced crusty bread	Red lentils	½ jar pickled onions	Custard powder	Fish sauce
Sm. Portion hot pot	Star anise	¼ jar beetroot	Suet	Oyster sauce
4 flour tortillas	Cinnamon sticks	Branston pickle	Cocoa powder	Rice vinegar
7 homemade samosas	Box cloves	Pear halves	Gelatine	Dark soy
½ bag cooked mussels	Box dried red chilli	Sardines	Baking powder	Light soy
3 orange lollies	Box whole cardamom	Beetroot pickle	Bicarb. Of soda	Sesame oil
8 pack white rolls	Barley	Marmite	Cream of tartar	Chilli sauce
½ bag peas	Broth mix	Honey	100’s and 1000’s	Worcester sauce
½ bag sweetcorn	3 poppadoms	Peanut butter	Glace cherries	Balsamic vinegar
½ pack raspberries	½ pack lasagne	Chocolate spread	Easy bake yeast	Sherry
1 mini choc ice cream	Mixed pasta shapes	3 cartons chopped tomatoes	Mixed fruit	Ketjap manis
4 portions Bolognese type sauce	Spring roll wrappers	1 tin corned beef	Currants
500g lamb mince	Egg noodles	1 tin cannellini beans	Few sultanas
2 sm. packs beef mince	Basmati rice		Handful dried figs
500g pork mince			Sm. pack flaked & ground almonds
2x8 pork sausages			Vanilla extract
1 pack cass. steak			Jelly glaze mix
1 pack pork chops			Handful mixed nuts
Whole chicken			Plain flour
Ready made steak pie			Self-raising flour
5 chicken breasts			White bread flour
			Icing
			Caster sugar
			Demerara sugar
			Wholemeal bread flour
			Dess. coconut
			Ready to roll icing

 and as a result we also have two scrubbed clean and organised kitchen cupboards! Two birds with one stone - result!

Just a few reasons to be cheerful but I'm feeling better already! Perhaps the best thing that has happened this week is that Malcolm received his first full months pay cheque in three years and his self-esteem is well on the way to being fully restored :-D (I'm now off to pay the car tax!!)

Peace, love and marshmallows 

Louise x