Monday 31 December 2012

Thursday 20 December 2012

Scrappy Stars

Progress has been made, click the link below to see the latest
 

Monday 17 December 2012

Thursday 13 December 2012

Friday 7 December 2012

Dawanda Competition

 DaWanda is offering you the chance to win 500 Euros worth of DaWanda products.
Head over to the competition page and find out just how easy peasy it is to enter. Good luck!

A Finish

Thursday 6 December 2012

Thursday 29 November 2012

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Monday 26 November 2012

Have you Forgotten?

I have moved, so if you want to see what I've finished this weekend, come on over to
Loopy's Place and have a look.  Kettle is on.

Saturday 24 November 2012

Preparations

Preparations for what you may ask.  To see the answer and what's on my table go over to here-
 
Regular readers, please change the links in your blog roll and readers, I'd be really happy for you to follow me in my new home.


Friday 23 November 2012

I'm Moving

I'm a person that enjoys moving, and coming up to five years in this house, it's time to move.  Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to move to a new bricks and mortar house, so I'll have to do it another way.
 
I'm not moving house this time, but I'm moving in cyber space.
 
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been building my own website, Loopy's Place.  Over in my new home, I have a new blog, a place to de-stash, and my own shop.
 
As you know, moving takes time, so over the next couple of weeks things will be added to the new website almost every day.
 
The first blog post is already there, so please come and visit.  I'm hoping that all my friends will come and still visit, it's not that far away.
 

Thursday 22 November 2012

Safe Places

I had great plans for sewing garments this week, all the pieces of the jigsaw were dropping into place.
 
You will all remember me buying the patterns, then lovely Evie sent me some fabric.  Yesterday the sewing machines were serviced and repaired, I was all set to go.
 
Trouble is, the patterns were put in a safe place.  However, that safe place is nowhere to be found and I'm blaming Sue.  I think my safe place has gone to hide with her safe place, it's just taking a long time to come out of hiding.
 
In the meantime, I went to a quilting shop, and have bought what I need to finish two more projects.  Maybe I'll come across the patterns while I'm doing that instead.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Keeping the needles busy

This is the first pair of adult slipper/boots off the needle, just waiting for some buttons.

These turned out a lot larger than they were looking during the knitting process.  With the wide legs, these will be perfect for winter nights, fitting over jeans and trousers.
 
Now I've done these, I think I prefer the rib versions.  I'll try a pair in the adult size to compare.  At the moment, I'm back to doing small ones.  I'm going to a craft fair on Sunday, wonder how many pairs I can get done before I go.

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Last One

My fingers are happy to be getting a break from attaching purses to frames.
This is the last of the frames I bought, so now it's time to move on to new projects, or in some cases, to finish old ones.

Not sure yet what will be next in the sewing corner, but the knitted slippers are still in progress.

Sunday 18 November 2012

Another Crumb Purse

Another purse today, using up more crumb blocks and charm squares cut from leftovers.
This time, the main colour is purple.

I have one more frame to use, and that will be the end of purses for a little while.  I haven't chosen the fabrics yet, so it's  going to be a surprise.

Saturday 17 November 2012

Crumb Block Purse

I'm slowly getting to the end of the purses.  This time, the purse is truly made of scraps and leftovers.
The front and back are from crumb some 41/2" crumb blocks I had, 

the sides, and the lining are from  leftover fabric cut into charm squares.
 
The crumb blocks presented a new challenge to sewing these purse up.  As there are no straight lines to focus the eye, it made it difficult to see if they body was lined up straight with the frame.  It was worth persevering though, I like having a unique back and front.

Friday 16 November 2012

Young Talent

One of the things I enjoy, and would like to do more, is to help younger ones develop their talents.  It was with great pleasure that I spent an afternoon with 14 year old Minnie earlier this week.
 
I first met Minnie five years ago when we moved up here to Sheffield.  She is the same age as my youngest son, and part of the home education group here.  She would attend most of the art sessions I organised over the years, and is now at college studying art.  Throughout this time, one of her passions was origami.
Minnie is now making earrings with origami pendants.

The papers she uses are so pretty, with delicate colouring and patterns.

She makes all sorts of shapes and sometime combines beads too.

These are only a couple of the ones she's made, I forgot to take photos of all the ones she bought with her.  I was amazed at the patience she must have, the folds are tiny.
 
Minnie is doing her first craft fair next week, and I shall be going with her, but she has one pair for sale here - http://en.dawanda.com/product/37817041-Modular-Origami-Earrings
 
I am looking forward to seeing what else Minnie makes in the future, you  may even see her visiting here again sometime in the near future.

Thursday 15 November 2012

Button Variety

I'm back to knitting the slipper socks.
This time, they have longer legs and buttons,

only, I need to go and buy some.
 
I've got some more wool so I can knit a variety of sizes and styles.  The adult ones take a lot longer to knit than the baby ones.  Hopefully, the first adult pair will be off the needles this week.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

UR Priceless Giveaway Winner

I must say a big thank you to all who visited during the blog hop, there were over one hundred visitors.  Unfortunately, there can only be one winner.  If it wasn't you, you can blame Jonathan, he picked out the winner!
 
Congratulations goes to  Thearica who left the following comment
 


 LOVE the orange coin purse!! and the 2nd one matches my purse! I need that one. lol
 
 
Thanks again to all those that took part




Tuesday 13 November 2012

All bar the button

Plain knitting and large needles, really made the rest of this cardigan quick to knit.
In a very short time, another sleeve was done,

and then the border.  The border only went down the fronts and across the back, so they were quick to do.
 
By the time the borders were complete, the only sewing up was the sleeve seams.  All in all, despite the glitch at the beginning, these was a quick and enjoyable project. It needs one button, but that might be a while in coming.  I need some buttons for other projects, so I might save them up and get them all at the same time.
 
This cardigan was knit using Sirdar Babouska, a brushed chunky. 52% wool, 39% acrylic, 9% nylon

Monday 12 November 2012

Blue is the colour

Blue is definitely easier to work with than black!
This one has been made from the leftover fabrics used for a small quilt.

The lining was from when the quilt was trimmed.  The batting for all these purses have come from quilt trimmings.  These are so economical to make.
 
The next two are going to be slightly different.  Fabric picking has been done.

Sunday 11 November 2012

They Keep Coming

I had intended to do one purse a day, until I'd used up my frames.  However, life had other ideas.  There seemed to be a lot of running around going on this week, but the next one is now done.
It's another one to fit in with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge colour for this month, but I liked this fabric and thought it would be perfect for a purse.

Again, the interior is black.  That makes four purses so far, and the fabric has been chosen and is on the table for the next one.  The next one isn't black!

Saturday 10 November 2012

One By One

The cardigan is growing quickly now.
One sleeve done, one more to go.

Friday 9 November 2012

Sleeveless

The cardigan is now behaving itself, it's growing quickly and there are no more glitches.
It seems a lot quicker to knit as the bottom is all one piece.  Now, time for two sleeves.

Thursday 8 November 2012

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

This month, the colour chosen for the rainbow scrap challenge was grey to black.
I didn't have many scraps, but I did get one block made.  There isn't a colour for next month, so I've managed to get at least one block of every colour throughout the year.  Now I have to decide what to do with them.

I've also got another crumb block to add to my collection.  Once I've got some other quilts finished, I shall have to think about settings to use these up.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

For Dog Lovers

After the first two purses, I thought it would be a good idea to make some more.  I ordered six more frames. I shall enjoy picking out fabrics for each one.
The fabric for this one was chosen in line with this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  The colour is grey to black.  In amongst the scraps was a small piece of the Cute Dog fabric.

I just love the shape of these purses on the bottom.

The inside is fabric is black to co ordinate all the fabrics used.  This would make a lovely present for someone who loves dogs, definitely not one for me!

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Confetti of Hardanger-Part 7

This was a stress free installment.
I've done woven bars before, so this was an enjoyable interlude on a busy day.  Next part is out on Saturday

Monday 5 November 2012

U R Priceless Blog Hop Starts Today

A big thank you to Madame Samm for such a lovely pattern and clear instructions, and to Katherine for all her time to get us all organised.
 
When I've made purses before, I used the frames for gluing, so I was a bit nervous about the stitched in method.  I needn't have worried, it was all plain sailing.
I made the orange version first, then was straight on the lookout for the next one. 

I used the fabric leftover from the Lynette Anderson quilt. 
This pattern is perfect for using up small pieces of fabric and batting, and you end up with something perfect for gifts.  I have bought some more frames, and have the fabric chosen for two more purses.  I have two more to choose fabric for.

 
If you would like to make some yourself, Madame Samm is very kindly offering the pattern for sale, just contact her at madamesamm@me.com, with coin purse as the subject.
 
To see what the others have been doing, here is today's list of participants
 
Katherine has the full schedule on the side bar of her blog - http://www.sewmesomethinggood.blogspot.ca/
 
 
I will be having a giveaway, you can choose from one of my completed purses.  I will pick a winner on Tuesday 13th, November.  If  you would like to take part, please let me know in your comments.
 
 
 


Sunday 4 November 2012

I can do it

After the false starts, I am pleased to say the rest was plain sailing.
This is the pattern section for the back and fronts all done, the rest is stocking stitch, so no more problems are anticipated.
 
It has grown since this photo was taken.  The fronts and backs have now been divided, and I'm about to work on the first front.

Saturday 3 November 2012

November Stars

The first week of November hasn't passed, and I have my star blocks done.
If  you nip over to Terry's, you can see all the participants in this QAL, and see what they've been making.  We might all be following the same pattern, but everyone's blocks are so unique.  There will be some lovely quilts at the end of this.
 

Friday 2 November 2012

Better Late Than Never

If I don't do anything else, I do like to get at least one block done in the colour of the month for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  October seemed to be taken up with illness, and it's taken a while to get back into a routine.
 
I know October is over, but I've done my brown blocks.
I just made enough blocks to use up some of the 21/2" squares I have in my scrap bag.  Now  I can eagerly await the new colour for November.

Tuesday 30 October 2012

U R Priceless Blog Hop Almost Here

Madame Samm at http://www.sewwequilt.com/ comes up with some fantastic ideas for blog hops, and coming up is the UR Priceless hop hosted by Katherine at www.sewmesomethinggood.blogspot.ca.
 
After a slow couple of weeks I'm finally getting organised and have my first purse completed, but I had three purse clasps, here you can see preparations being made for the second purse.
I can't promise to have all three done for my day, but come back on November 5th and see what I've done.  There might even be a giveaway/
 
The full schedule is below, but Katherine will have all the details on the sidebar of her blog
 
 
Day 1 - Nov. 5th
Quiltin' Jenny
Hill Valley Quilter
Loopy Lou's Adventures Into Handicrafts
Just Let Me Quilt
Lixie Makes It
Beaquilter
Sunshine, Handmade
Buzzing and Bumbling
Sew Much 2 Luv
ANNIEOFBLUEGABLES
Needled Mom
The Slow Quilter
A Quilting Sheep
I Have a Notion
Quilt-n-Queen

Day 2 - Nov.6th


The Crafter's Apprentice
Jane's Fabric and Quilts
Rosemary B
Why-Knot-Kwilt
Random Thoughts..do or "di"
Mary T.
Supermom No Cape
Lily Pad Quilting
.Quiltscapes.
Stitch, Stitch, Stitch
Rose Creations
The Treehouse
Gracie Oliver Arts
Quilting Prolifically
Stekje
Grammie Q's

Day 3 - Nov. 7thI Love Wool
I Like to Quiltblog
Keep Your Fork There's Pie
Sew.Darn.Quilt.
Retired to Quilt
Selinaquilts
From This to That
Jenny E.
Domestic Deficit Disorder
Pig tales and quilts
CherrysPrairiePrimitives
Espritpatch
Maria
Count it all Joy!
Creavtive Notions

Day 4 - Nov. 8thStitchin By the Lake
as sweet as peaches
Deborah B
Birgit H
Fish Creek Studio
A Quilter's Table
Lily Patch Quilts
Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio
Mary F
Rose Prairie Quilts and Farm
The Desert Rat Chronicles
Sally K
Paris at a Certain Age
From the Blank Pages
Quilt Taffy
Barb H

Day 5 - Nov. 9thPolka Dot Classic
Geta's Quilting Studio
Busy Bee Free
Briarside Lane
Quilts and Dogs
Blueberrymoon
Debbie R
suebee's World
Englating
Les passions de Cliodana
Colorpoint Quilter
On the Go Quilting
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments
Freemotion by the River
grannygoodstuff
Scrapbook-ChickADoodle


Day 6 - Nov. 12Read, quilt, cook, pray...The Learning Curve
Bacon Then Eggs
Nati's Little Things
by Mary
Feltfree på Åsly
El Patchwork de la Abuela
Amy's Crafty Shenanigans
Maryjo J
s.o.t.a.k. Handmade
Chloeandme
Janice M
throw a wench in the works
Everyone Deserves a Quilt
A Stitch in Time
Sew Me Something Good

Day 7 - Nov. 13Julia P
Tina
Dachsies With Moxie
Marci Girl Designs
The Sunflower Patch
Wish upon a star
Mary on Lake Pulaski
Greco Mara
Linda M
Mack and Mabel
Dreaming in Patchwork
Judith Handmade Treasures
Kaydie
Caesarea Scrappers
Patchouli Moon Studio
Sew We Quilt

Monday 29 October 2012

False Starts

Evenings, when you're tired, are not the best time for starting a new cardigan that has a lace pattern.  You make mistakes, and have to start again.
 
Using a fluffy yarn when starting a new lace pattern, when you're tired means you have to start again.
 
Having children that talk to you while counting stitches, in a fluffy yarn, on a new lace pattern is a disaster, you have to start again.
Three attempts and two days, I finally get past the third row.  The boys have now had their gags removed, and normal communication has resumed.

Sunday 28 October 2012

So Cute

I just love these little slippers.  The whole process is so satisfying, seeing each individual part come together to form a slipper, fantastic!
This pair has a shorter leg than the first pair, and went together better too.  Practise has certainly paid off.  I'm definitely going to make adult ones, but first, there is another style to try.

Friday 26 October 2012

Last, but not least

I've been surprised at the variety of textures in each of these scarfs.  Although they've all have the same ruffle effect, they are completely different in texture.
This one is like a net, and in reality, is ice blue. 
 
This is the last scarf I have planned, at least, for a little while.
 

Thursday 25 October 2012

Confetti of Hardanger-Part 6

This is where the real fun begins.
Time to start cutting, and removing threads.

With woven bars, it still has quite a bit of substance.
 
Can't wait until Saturday to see what's next

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Still Loopy

This one has a completely different texture to the first loopy scarf, not so fine, and no pompoms.
This one is knit using Loopy Creative, and is quite a bit longer.  I have one more to do, and again, it has a different feel to these two.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Confetti of Hardanger-Part 5

This is one of those pieces that you can't do unless you have a clear head.  Not being well delayed progress, so the next instalment is out before I've done this one.
Never mind, it's growing and different parts are getting filled in.

This time, the blanket stitch border was added, and then then eyelets.
 
Now, to get part six done before the next part is released on Saturday.

Monday 22 October 2012

Something Quick and Easy

I do have to catch up with the Hardanger SAL, but I can only do that in daylight.  That means I need something to do in the evening, and, as I'm still in a knitting mood, I picked up something quick and easy to do.
This is a scarf knit using Loopy Pompon.

The little bobbles are so tiny, I love them.
 
I have some more of these to do, but each yarn is a different texture, so it will be interesting to see how each one turns out.

Sunday 21 October 2012

Done It!

I did get to the end of the border, eventually, and then there was the small matter of sewing it on.
Surprisingly, it didn't seem half so long when I was sewing it on, that part seemed to go really quickly.
 
The border definitely gives all the bits their shape, and finally, it looks like a proper cardigan.  Being black, and wool, over the months it's been in the making, it's managed to pick up a lot of threads, so now it's been washed.  I shall block it, and it's ready to go, no buttons are needed for this one, so no delays.
 
There is a version of this with three quarter sleeves, which I may do, but it won't be in black.

Saturday 20 October 2012

Are We Nearly There Yet?

It feels like one of those journeys that never seem to end.  I knit, I measure and knit some more, and I still haven't got to the end.
Like all journeys, it will end, and hopefully, today will be the day.