My New Apron

I've been spending a lot of time on Pintrest lately and pinned loads of pictures on my sewing board. I finally got around to completing one of the projects this week. It was nice and easy, an apron made from an old pair of jeans.

I really like the idea of recycling and that theme runs through my sewing board. There is so much you can do with old jeans, tshirts, jumpers and even sheets. Can't wait to do some more. I have even been inspired to start sorting my wardrobe to see what treasures I can find. As the nights begin to shorten I'm begining to start thinking about my winter crafting. Something I can do in front of the telly is always good. Just heard today that there might be a bag of old wool in my mother's. Will have to ask about that.. Could be useful for some new gloves and hats. Here's hoping for a productive winter.

A couch transformed

My crafting sessions have become few and far between during these summer months. Not that you'd know it was summer though with the weather we are having, but the kids are off school so it must be. My latest project pictured above was a joint one with my husband. We recovered an old couch we had with some lovely green and red material. It wasn't as hard as you think a couple of long evenings and it was finished. My husband did the green frame and I did the cushions. It is such a transformation from the drab blue color it had become and really brightens up the kitchen where it's now situated We are both really happy with our work and suprised it looks so well.

Bags, bags, bags

It's been a while since I updated my blog but believe me I've been busy. It took me a while to decide on a project. First I started to practise my crochet making some samples but nothing too exciting. Then one of my aunts gave me lots of leather samples so I spent time researching on the internet before starting my project. It's still not  finished but here's the pictures so far. I decided to make a handbag. It has a zip and is fully lined. I really impressed myself.  I'm having difficulty finishing it though, it needs somnething. It could do with some handles and embellishments, but how? Some more web browsing required. 

While I was doing my leather research I spotted lots of lovely bag patterns on the net and  I just couldn't resist so I had to buy some fabric. First I made a large beach bag for my upcoming holiday. Next I made a lovely handbag. I was pleasently suprised at how easy they were to make and they only took a few hours each. I've lots of material left for more, so the leather and fabric bag story will be continued shortly...



Bright Springtime Cushions

 I am delighted with my finished cushions. I made 2 large crochet granny squares and one knitted one like the table runner. I made some cushion covers and sewed the granny squares onto the front. The knitted cushion was harder. It wasn't as strong and I had to sew a border along the edges and sew some lining material behind it before making up the cushion. I'm really happy now they brighten up the room and I'm now in springtime mood.

I've 2 other projects on the go a the moment. I've sewen a bag from more curtain material but now need to think about handles, embellishments and maybe a zip (should have thought about that before now!). I'm also crocheting granny squares from scraps of wool to make a knitting bag for myself. It's all about recycling a the moment! 

Clothesline Basket

I found the instructions for this while I was browsing the web one day and have been dying to try it. The basket is made with cotton clothesline which is wrapped with strips of fabric. It's all then sowen together using a large zig zag stitch. I'm not great using the sewing machine and had my usual teething problems but even still the basket only took me about 4 hours to make. You could probably do it in 2 if you were good on the machine. It's made with leftover curtain material my Granny had.  It looks a bit rougher in real life as you can see alll the frayed ends. I found instructions on the web for a similarbasket that didn't require any sewing. It was made in the exact same way but glue gunned together rather then sowen. So everyone can have a go. 

A Trip to the Attic

My eldest son came home from school the other day and said he had done some weaving in school. He asked for a cardboard box as wanted to replicate the work at home. This reminded me of my old loom. I got a loom for Christmas one year. Actually I asked for a loom. I had seen it on "The Late, Late Toy Show"! I asked my Dad to have a look in his attic to see if it was still  there. He found it today and in the bag with it were a number of other crafting projects I'd tried. I brought the bag home and set the loom up for my son. This is his work below. 

I only ever managed to complete one project on the loom. It was a bag. The unfortuate reason for this was that the wool I was given fot the project was extremly thin and it took ages.I haven't made the same mistake this time.

The bag also contained my old lace making set. I made a few small lace mats and bookmarks. Unfortunately I've none left to show you but for anyone who's interested here's my cushion and bobbins. I even remeber going into town to buy extra bobbins and beads.

I also found a piece of Broderie Anglaise (hopefully spellt correctly) I started. The idea for this came from a really old craft book my granny had given me. I still refer to this book when I get stuck. I never did any more of this but having seen it now I like the effect so you never know.

I have just realise how many different crafts I tried before study and social life got in the way. Now with 3 children to mind I spend plenty of evenings in and have begun to get very interested again. I've always got a few projects on the go or in my head waiting for their turn.

Cushions in Progress

When I finished my table runner I realised I had quite a lot of wool left over so not to let anything go to waste I am after makng 3 cushion fronts. Yes not covers just the front. I intend on sowing on a plain material back, not sure what colour yet. I just finished all the knitting tonight or I should say crocheting, I did the first front exactly the same as the table runner then got bored of that pattern so decided to try some crocherting. I haven't done any in years. I had to get out my trusty Ladybird book just to check my stitches! I just made simple granny squares using the same stripes as the table runner. I'm midway through sowing in all the ends now, such a tedious job! I love it when I'm finished though it's worth the hassel.

I'm already thinking of my next project. I was given some old curtain material my Granny used yesterday. Some lovely material that is grey/brown in colour with hot pink flowers. I'm thinkng of making a rope bag or basket and wrapping the fabric around the rope. Have seen some great tutorials on utube. I also need to get started on the cards for my next class. There just aren't enough hours in the day. Happy crafty weekend everyone. 





Table Runner

I've finished my table runner. I really like it. It's the Alfresco runner from the Rowan website. I used King Cole Bamboo cotton because I couldn't find the recommended wool. I love the colours. I've quiet a lot of wool left so I think I'll make some cushion covers to match. They'll help to brighten up the sitting room. I'm begining to think the room is looking slightly tired but I'm certainly not ready to start redecorating. The thought of all the mess....I also finished the second tea cosy for my parents. I've got to the point where I can't sit down in the evening without a project. I'm really enjoying it though. Gotta go traweling the net now for a nice cushion cover pattern.

Teacosy

I finished my teacosy on Sunday. I found a great new place to knit in relative peace while keeping the kids happy. I brought the kids to an indoor play centre early Sunday morning and got an hour and a half of knitting done! Normally I save my knitting until at least 7.30 when my youngest goes to bed, so to get lots done so early was a joy. Later on then I learned how to knit an Icord. I needed it for the top of my teacosy. It was very easy and very clever. I used 3 stiches and 2 double pointed needles. Basically you knit a row. Slide row to other end of needle. Do not turn the work and  repeat.  Even my husband admired it! I know that was probably just to keep me happy but he pulled it off so who cares. I'm now making another for my mum and dad. finished one side last night.

The epic baking session I spoke aboput didn't happen. I only managed to back one swiss rol with the help of 2 of my children. It was a nice. I had forgot to stock up on ingrediants after my last baking session. i'vve started this weeks shopping list already. That won't happen again.

Multicrafts

Here's a picture of the finished cake I made. It tasted lovely. My brother didn't realise till today that I made it, he had thought that I had bought it and was amazed. I bought a proper hand mixer today so I can make more. I think there'll be an epic baking session tomorrow. There goes the Jan diet...

I also made a few cards this week. Here's one I made with a stamp I bought in Tescos. I bought a pack of flower stamps for 1 euro shortly after Christmas. I was begining to wonder would I ever use them. I now think it'll come in very handy and they will get lots of use.

I've also started knitting a teacosy. I downloaded the pattern from the Rowan website. It has a very apt heart shaped pattern. The pattern is a bit complicated and although I'm watching telly while knitting I don't actually see any of it I just hear what's going on. It's a shame they don't have lots of good dramas on the radio. Although it's small it'll probably take a couple of more nights work, then I'll put up a picture.

Card Class

I held my first card class on Thursday and all went without a hitch. We made 4 cards (pictures of which I put below). Three of those attending had never done any cardmaking before and they did really well. Hopefully they'll keep it up now and extend the crafting circle. I've purchased the materials for the next class, some Bobunny paper decorated with cupcakes and can't wait to start designing. I need to wait for a bit of peace and quiet here first though. I finished knitting my gloves and even managed to make a second pair! The second pair were better then the first as I actually got the pattern right! I did some baking today. I made a proper sponge for the first time. Normally I make a victoria sandwich as I was led to believe that it was hard to get a sponge to rise but all went well. I even made a second sponge for a swissroll and that seemed to work too. All will be revealed though when it is eaten later....

Feb Card Class

I had great fun last night playing with all the goodies for the class. Here's a few sneak peaks:



Has been a busy week of crafting. Made a few more cards and am midway through knitting some fingerless gloves for myself. Wanted to try some fancy stitches so decided to start small. Used some leftover wool I had from a bag I knitted my sister last year. Managed to knit the first one in 2 nights. Was very pleased. The second is taking a bit longer and probably won't get a chance to finish it now till Sunday. It's great to make something so nice and pretty so quickly. After the epic bag it was needed.

Here's one of the cards I made. A very simple card this time. I made a feature of the embossing by colouring it in. I think it worked well.

 

I ordered and received all the goodies for my Feb class. I love getting all the bits in the post. I am going to make my sample cards tonight.

Card Making Class

I have just organised a card making class for Feb 2nd between 8 and 10. We will be making 4 cards in the class including a valentines card. The cost is 20 euro. Leave me a message if you are interested.

Finished!

The epic bag is finished! Three 95 degree washes and an hour and a half in the dryer and it's done. I've never felted anything before so it was interesting project. It's shrunk which I was expecting. The edges of the knitting have rolled in, making the handles, the loops and the top nice and strong. The whole bag is much sturdie and the fabric thicker. The holes are obviously smaller but it still only for carrying larger items. I thought about lining it but my huband said that I'd have to sow around each hole or dirt would get in between the lining and the bag! I'll have to think about the lining a bit more before attempting anything. I'm very happy with my new bag. Anyone thinking about attempting felting their knitting should definately give it a go. There are lots of patterns on knittingcentral.com for both big and small bags.

Loopy Bag

As I am writing this my bag is being transformed (I hope) in the washing machine. This is a picture of it just before I put it in. It's in on a 95 degree wash and will then go into the dryer.I'm getting excited. Will let you know how I get on.

My new toy!

I have been having great fun playing with my new toy! I bought a Cuttlebug at the weekend. My kids think it's wonderful too. It nearly came to a sudden end today as my 2 year old let it fall down the stairs, but it survived. I bought lots of flower dies and embossing folders to go with it. Having 3 boys my scrapbooking tends to be very male orientated so I decided to use the cuttlebug to let my feminine side out and have been making lots of cards with flowers.

Loopy Bag

This is a photo of the epic bag I'm knitting. This is the wall of the bag. I've just got a few rows of the base completed. When finished the bag is felted and the holes become more like loops. It's a Lionbrand pattern if anyone is looking for it. It doesn't look like much now but hopefully the finished product will be lovely. I better get knitting.........

Birthday Card

Here's a card  I made for my aunt over the Christmas Hols. I needed a break from cards after making over 100 for Christmas! I managed to sell some for the first time and really enjoyed the challenge of making so many. Have been doing a lot of knitting lately trying to finish a bag I've been doing on and off for a few months now. Think I'll be taking a break soon again though to do something else.