tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44360087384563376062024-03-05T09:23:11.377+00:00FabrilushusSew far sew good! This is the blog for my shop Fabrilushus. If you like fabric and you love handmade goodies then you are in the right place.Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-85019493561891670342014-03-18T10:00:00.000+00:002014-03-18T10:00:07.826+00:00February Craft ChallengeWell I did choose a craft for February.... button craft. I didn't get very far with it! Due to circumstances I decided not to choose anything new for March but to try and progress with the buttons.<br />
<br />
I LOVE buttons. Old, new, plastic, wood, glass, ceramic, you name it I love them. There is such variation and the colours..........swoon!<br />
<br />
So what were my plans at the start of February for all my buttons? Well I wanted to have a go at button pictures and also button jewellery. I have seen the most gorgeous creations on the internet and in fact I have several Pinterest boards dedicated to them. Check them out here by clicking the links.:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://gb.pinterest.com/jilly_sansum/buttons/"><b>Buttons</b></a> </span>Look at these pretty ones. Plain white, but oh so beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GoDk9GuNwuXjd5KYG_W7cEqe31tZyNtIiOFSWPGfvSMZf6YIpE612Z7Qhn3TxNuQvX88c99V8bY461kW0NyELBCwc8ZHrC_w49L2k8LVMtRDn-a2eEjXFR6pCH9O08euDi_tm07inw/s1600/b16452d6349c8adc7446994372ac63ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GoDk9GuNwuXjd5KYG_W7cEqe31tZyNtIiOFSWPGfvSMZf6YIpE612Z7Qhn3TxNuQvX88c99V8bY461kW0NyELBCwc8ZHrC_w49L2k8LVMtRDn-a2eEjXFR6pCH9O08euDi_tm07inw/s1600/b16452d6349c8adc7446994372ac63ad.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://gb.pinterest.com/jilly_sansum/button-art/">Button Art</a> </span></b>Wonder how many buttons it took to complete this?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EDb3DaMp9eUqAALpYFGsahSsTjA4LK9F4AacvleCRwTEVbzeYduMVBgvV8a6ROKfYbMqt4971Szuj6IAkr2EkFi0lJ3X1ujNKEt1WAuRKQWHnELiVlJzTxBhB8YNzbwVQYXSEDeZNg/s1600/6945702bcf69e54e646c0097e149d61b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EDb3DaMp9eUqAALpYFGsahSsTjA4LK9F4AacvleCRwTEVbzeYduMVBgvV8a6ROKfYbMqt4971Szuj6IAkr2EkFi0lJ3X1ujNKEt1WAuRKQWHnELiVlJzTxBhB8YNzbwVQYXSEDeZNg/s1600/6945702bcf69e54e646c0097e149d61b.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="http://gb.pinterest.com/jilly_sansum/button-crafts/">Button Craft</a> </span></u></b>Such a pretty bracelet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKHe85YAY-Rh8bl0-owSMDjTrVkhzBNW3V-nMFW-A8UR4hA_owvenRMpHY7-o18fKsDcGvzpdMnY8ewcqjoCihsM-Bo5Ey6DonN8Eutlt0dbC89hM1jHtFfOg8LiIRbbFuzzNtLZssg/s1600/16acd47ad9985862fb14e8c8e3bd32e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKHe85YAY-Rh8bl0-owSMDjTrVkhzBNW3V-nMFW-A8UR4hA_owvenRMpHY7-o18fKsDcGvzpdMnY8ewcqjoCihsM-Bo5Ey6DonN8Eutlt0dbC89hM1jHtFfOg8LiIRbbFuzzNtLZssg/s1600/16acd47ad9985862fb14e8c8e3bd32e2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately despite so much inspiration and so many ideas in my head I have only actually made one thing so far.<br />
<br />
I made a button heart picture as a valentines day gift for Simon. It is done in shades of blue as I wanted it to go in our living room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLsLFreYgvpVjpq3iWvN0HoDgYINxsuuE31zbUt7MbQRJWT4qNwxaNsVx4Q8WCPS1oa71eI0YUSf4ZHZkqGYZ8EVrHzcy4VGPY9CNCJel3D9Mb4TMC_9VScJ2ODyt7uOa1CT3tqsdkQ/s1600/DSCN0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLsLFreYgvpVjpq3iWvN0HoDgYINxsuuE31zbUt7MbQRJWT4qNwxaNsVx4Q8WCPS1oa71eI0YUSf4ZHZkqGYZ8EVrHzcy4VGPY9CNCJel3D9Mb4TMC_9VScJ2ODyt7uOa1CT3tqsdkQ/s1600/DSCN0393.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4DnBZUuSv8PpnHdtmxP5WByea4c6TeD8gbdNwPa8FUI_6GG0f-1XwsFoqClzSTo__vcP6zPLYMH1NtX59smzS7yZib6SIrZmO2NL5G_dFyW_5ky5oYQMsbmwp5yJL0AvAndr72qnzw/s1600/DSCN0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4DnBZUuSv8PpnHdtmxP5WByea4c6TeD8gbdNwPa8FUI_6GG0f-1XwsFoqClzSTo__vcP6zPLYMH1NtX59smzS7yZib6SIrZmO2NL5G_dFyW_5ky5oYQMsbmwp5yJL0AvAndr72qnzw/s1600/DSCN0388.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67GCl47H2UwoG0XeDBax_YLiHrhyphenhyphen7_m_wIYVy92vd_Q4YT6ubsjigIgd2EkodcUq4EJCAVnUGkM0cjR_bzIqXXgj-bXuBLRbYfddJUA3DkOYpPeiwdof7XXr2zUm_FB7lSczVkksDuA/s1600/DSCN0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67GCl47H2UwoG0XeDBax_YLiHrhyphenhyphen7_m_wIYVy92vd_Q4YT6ubsjigIgd2EkodcUq4EJCAVnUGkM0cjR_bzIqXXgj-bXuBLRbYfddJUA3DkOYpPeiwdof7XXr2zUm_FB7lSczVkksDuA/s1600/DSCN0392.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKSvScAXtw9uxy23uyK-iTku_vn7VB6nXbnw5Uf7OLimneX7babpmHFRGOkeDndXxenNMSvWWBaXhfdGqQoSNhTcrCVEHGdgTlVcPVb5cV7VbBiJUl7zszEVECXqgqF3djXc6_0wxNA/s1600/DSCN0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKSvScAXtw9uxy23uyK-iTku_vn7VB6nXbnw5Uf7OLimneX7babpmHFRGOkeDndXxenNMSvWWBaXhfdGqQoSNhTcrCVEHGdgTlVcPVb5cV7VbBiJUl7zszEVECXqgqF3djXc6_0wxNA/s1600/DSCN0391.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was much more time consuming that I had thought it would be. Not to mention messy! I used a glue gun and you know that stuff gets everywhere. Why can't they make a glue gun that doesn't make those long stringy bits? <br />
<br />
Anyway, I was quite pleased with the overall effect. It's not bad for a first attempt.<br />
<br />
As that was the only thing I managed to make I decided to continue with button craft for March as well. So far I have not done anything else. I have 2 more weeks so you never know. I'll keep you updated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZiVMlIh5uM4dqQJu2V7aInz-h0-3QLOgsp_Jvk4dyRCK9rpEpGp0tZRntR_eOv7-CCeirwb4DzprHakEW0q2DY69nb7IFNoLv9o-0MvJfaNrPXncFPKQzZ7MiIoOl5XCrZh-93oy7A/s1600/Jilly_smpl102-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZiVMlIh5uM4dqQJu2V7aInz-h0-3QLOgsp_Jvk4dyRCK9rpEpGp0tZRntR_eOv7-CCeirwb4DzprHakEW0q2DY69nb7IFNoLv9o-0MvJfaNrPXncFPKQzZ7MiIoOl5XCrZh-93oy7A/s1600/Jilly_smpl102-SSC.jpg" height="98" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-43205656182247456662014-03-18T00:12:00.000+00:002014-03-18T00:12:56.321+00:00Missing in ActionWell February has been and gone and so has half of March. I had such good intentions but life kind of came along and messed them up.<br />
<br />
My Dad had a very serious stroke at the beginning of February. He spent the whole month in the Lister hospital in Stevenage and then on the 4th of March he was moved to a specialist neurological unit for rehabilitation. Sadly he has just today been moved back to the Lister as he is very poorly.<br />
<br />
I have been keeping busy but find it hard to really engage my brain for blogging. As you know I had intended to try a new craft each month. January was knitting. I have continued with basic items. I have knitted 2 more pairs of the mitts with thumbs. One pair in the pink again and one pair in black along with a black cowl for Simon. He hasn't actually worn them as the weather has been milder. I have also done lots of garter stitch squares.<br />
<br />
As promised in my last blog here are the photos of me in my new kit. You can have a good laugh at the one where I have my eyes closed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRokhTXKv_bx0fKg2ey20gYWUtUbRLFwaRP26qLgno42soCWouxW0fsy1Fz0L6BojJJbHzdf-eI1GtEv_gWygj5O3KZsro0Sfh2EC7bg1nP9vHfVjCarGN1iKEwmohXHqIRaq-uZskA/s1600/My+cowl+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRokhTXKv_bx0fKg2ey20gYWUtUbRLFwaRP26qLgno42soCWouxW0fsy1Fz0L6BojJJbHzdf-eI1GtEv_gWygj5O3KZsro0Sfh2EC7bg1nP9vHfVjCarGN1iKEwmohXHqIRaq-uZskA/s1600/My+cowl+(1).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWjgZKOyJ8nJEcFwwK4xm9S9lkmJvqrdAvMmmh23NP97VF0uHN1URm0OtV436kEMJ0Vc8VSC9c4Uh996fz1akZZSykeh4JY-ECe_c0CDBganP79dcK9W16giFNuiZSjeGGK1WP4AbWQ/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWjgZKOyJ8nJEcFwwK4xm9S9lkmJvqrdAvMmmh23NP97VF0uHN1URm0OtV436kEMJ0Vc8VSC9c4Uh996fz1akZZSykeh4JY-ECe_c0CDBganP79dcK9W16giFNuiZSjeGGK1WP4AbWQ/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLl0fORLnmBgoHP18GPgUL6qiepReNDSWVPeOOuaXozUO89o_kuWVxIUjTq5NrqjNbaXpHHphj_ZQlx5mezIoPMv5E0ztdtku9eQa6W2gyTl5dTTBJQuifXeFZYU45P0WF7OAgmt43A/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLl0fORLnmBgoHP18GPgUL6qiepReNDSWVPeOOuaXozUO89o_kuWVxIUjTq5NrqjNbaXpHHphj_ZQlx5mezIoPMv5E0ztdtku9eQa6W2gyTl5dTTBJQuifXeFZYU45P0WF7OAgmt43A/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ALC-xWSxlpwtWNDz-Ih9R0fEC7h-VV_0YrqX0Ba6duZXdbMmaKhxQ4azBU1clDxfd8UWul0yzGcnHsWxvjAAIoPXv15XRFTPp2mTKF_nVyvV2Y0apKHhkCQLOwAP25B8z9KLsnWrQ/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4ALC-xWSxlpwtWNDz-Ih9R0fEC7h-VV_0YrqX0Ba6duZXdbMmaKhxQ4azBU1clDxfd8UWul0yzGcnHsWxvjAAIoPXv15XRFTPp2mTKF_nVyvV2Y0apKHhkCQLOwAP25B8z9KLsnWrQ/s1600/Me+in+my+knitted+gear+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So knitting was fairly successful although I have yet to try anything harder. <br />
<br />
I did choose a new craft for February....... Button Craft. Tell you about that tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgW0JSG_f2v1-NGDs72KKfHu1pBG0jttUHR1PlgD9wObzcCDPY3l72wXgyD60TaWQ1J6td-aWbLei1tFDMoTFmPR0XaDuKH3eVkQ5XvY-n_inAskZNYkXvK6W53nDLxBmcf2Nt-SbK4g/s1600/Jilly_srprz47-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgW0JSG_f2v1-NGDs72KKfHu1pBG0jttUHR1PlgD9wObzcCDPY3l72wXgyD60TaWQ1J6td-aWbLei1tFDMoTFmPR0XaDuKH3eVkQ5XvY-n_inAskZNYkXvK6W53nDLxBmcf2Nt-SbK4g/s1600/Jilly_srprz47-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-36925903353647211242014-01-31T23:30:00.000+00:002014-01-31T23:30:01.661+00:00January's craft challenge is over.As you know this month I have been trying out knitting. Well January has been and gone so time to discuss how it went.<br />
<br />
I began with 8 inch squares in garter stitch so that I could practise. I have now done 10 of them using up all sorts of scrap wool that I have. Some squares are better than others! Some look more or less perfect whilst others have mistakes including holes where I have lost stitches. If I ever get around to knitting enough for a blanket, I am sure Loulou will not mind!<br />
<br />
I started out knitting fingerless mittens as my first real garment. That was the pattern that I tested for my friend.. They turned out really well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQh1R4CSOpOAmZl_yQMS2AJwVEtdJGFe72hiCTY-u8yJtFFX972Onlz_DYbVisXzg8ese6uHUrmAqDtGZYtTjWf32RCSuRo0ZPL44HVTBhoA2T91KD_Z5X9m3gOM7d_fNRI8IizavXw/s1600/My+first+fingerless+mittens+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQh1R4CSOpOAmZl_yQMS2AJwVEtdJGFe72hiCTY-u8yJtFFX972Onlz_DYbVisXzg8ese6uHUrmAqDtGZYtTjWf32RCSuRo0ZPL44HVTBhoA2T91KD_Z5X9m3gOM7d_fNRI8IizavXw/s1600/My+first+fingerless+mittens+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After that I found a free pattern online for a fifties style keyhole scarf. I was so pleased with myself when that worked out OK. It was fiddly doing that keyhole bit as the stitches get put on a holder and that was a new thing for me. I think it could have been a bit tighter in that area but also I think I used wool that was too thin. Neverless it is wearable and looks quite cute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix15QSjy2n5-wtPdbMpir-NvSGha2e-WeXFsxHGhTIdu2kNsxR3AOpGBTBrMkoIRI33XgeyOyExRx5BAaSSqm3GMoEbqzRTeRUF_e1Xo5hhn0hiTqYUvIHudNhT7gZiTRX41dw5cn0mg/s1600/Me+in+my+scarf+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix15QSjy2n5-wtPdbMpir-NvSGha2e-WeXFsxHGhTIdu2kNsxR3AOpGBTBrMkoIRI33XgeyOyExRx5BAaSSqm3GMoEbqzRTeRUF_e1Xo5hhn0hiTqYUvIHudNhT7gZiTRX41dw5cn0mg/s1600/Me+in+my+scarf+(1).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once that was finished I purchased a pattern from another Etsy friend for a cowl, a scarf, mittens and a headband. It is knitted with chunky wool on big needles. Both new things for me to try out. The pattern is worked over 6 rows and includes a new technique for me of wrapping the wool twice to form a loopy pattern. It is really beautiful. <br />
<br />
I found the cowl, scarf and headband relatively straight forward but the mittens were more of a challenge. I was OK until I had to shape the thumb and that took bit of pondering! I think I did it right as it looks OK. <br />
<br />
I am really, really pleased with how they all turned out. <br />
<br />
So, in 31 days staring from the very beginning I have managed to knit 10 garter stitch squares, 2 pairs of fingerless mittens, 1 keyhole scarf, 1 cowl and 1 long scarf. I think that is pretty good going. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Will I continue? Yes I shall. I don't think I am ever going to be fantastic at this, not sure that I would have the patience to do anything beyond the basics or even that I want to.<br />
<br />
I do intend to carry on with the squares as they are very easy and it is relaxing and I can do it and sort of half watch the TV. I have also ordered some chunky wool in plain black to knit a cowl and fingerless mitts for Simon to wear when he works in the garage. I am still on the look out for a very basic hoodie jacket that I can knit for Saskia's baby too. <br />
<br />
I will of course continue to update you on my progress over the coming months. Look out for photos of me wearing my new woolies very soon.<br />
<br />
So with January over it is time to choose my new craft for February............Hmmm.................. I know............<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHJ8zCEwLA1vWpXsiUuEjRPA7rGcxCFuGiyGIJjtQptCk8tFp5sCUOZPiGzk4PpAImxPV-gbEF79OlX5xD1um_z6s2R3IZAXNj7J2FjgSZ-rOWILsK4GeBOBE7DEZUhsHNpG0As8FrA/s1600/Jilly_tddybr02-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHJ8zCEwLA1vWpXsiUuEjRPA7rGcxCFuGiyGIJjtQptCk8tFp5sCUOZPiGzk4PpAImxPV-gbEF79OlX5xD1um_z6s2R3IZAXNj7J2FjgSZ-rOWILsK4GeBOBE7DEZUhsHNpG0As8FrA/s1600/Jilly_tddybr02-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-69730557688938747732014-01-31T16:07:00.000+00:002014-01-31T16:07:00.459+00:00Crafty Creatives - Christmas Box.Following on from my recent posts on <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Crafty Creatives</span></a> subscription boxes, I want to show you all what was in their Christmas special box. The special boxes which they release from time to time, have much more inside, usually 3 mini kits and loads of bits and bobs. This one was no exception. They are of course more expensive at £20 plus P&P.<br />
<br />
It looked different from normal, the box although the same size, was in a red wrapper rather than the normal bright pink and it was heavy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEWBWeSPfKF91PyG42Wa7r50b_czusBFeTKRatzLrAPR3YNewj8QK4cKVEiVXvlDNTrc3hyphenhyphen1-wck_2LLyKbqTvMSrqSCkRLDt3kMQ9uDuVNrmAMz2XkXzeoJFPXFQ_olIuvlhtm1U-Q/s1600/SDC13948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEWBWeSPfKF91PyG42Wa7r50b_czusBFeTKRatzLrAPR3YNewj8QK4cKVEiVXvlDNTrc3hyphenhyphen1-wck_2LLyKbqTvMSrqSCkRLDt3kMQ9uDuVNrmAMz2XkXzeoJFPXFQ_olIuvlhtm1U-Q/s1600/SDC13948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfW8XnqHVHfa1NEpCSLwe0_fbBVe12mDyXpsiby8M87wNFUokLmqX4Fq87D3YY0W3xOVSmend59TGOChBt7cRLGnwR6D83huU1P9ng2UoNoMKFMgT-k0wrMbxzUgaZpMfTFlVZkjNrA/s1600/SDC13950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfW8XnqHVHfa1NEpCSLwe0_fbBVe12mDyXpsiby8M87wNFUokLmqX4Fq87D3YY0W3xOVSmend59TGOChBt7cRLGnwR6D83huU1P9ng2UoNoMKFMgT-k0wrMbxzUgaZpMfTFlVZkjNrA/s1600/SDC13950.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sgN4fDgK_AoJ86seCu3NwAOT9C_HzD1i7HchHDvB3vXe1tCVdiKVJ14OAtNM6mFXD0e6tqOvNuN0CncmJDQcFeu0kGqGd40-c7l5yddtPUp6P5WHGlohwiHoV_clOyfsGfQO-cdelw/s1600/SDC13951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sgN4fDgK_AoJ86seCu3NwAOT9C_HzD1i7HchHDvB3vXe1tCVdiKVJ14OAtNM6mFXD0e6tqOvNuN0CncmJDQcFeu0kGqGd40-c7l5yddtPUp6P5WHGlohwiHoV_clOyfsGfQO-cdelw/s1600/SDC13951.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lets take a look inside and see what I found.<br />
Kit 1. Beaded Xmas bauble with purple beads.<br />
Kit 2. Felt tree decoration with full reel of ribbon.<br />
Kit 3. Lip scrub gifts with all ingredients to make 5 little pots which were also included.<br />
3 wooden snow flakes.<br />
3 Cardboard cones.<br />
Tiny little jingle bells.<br />
10 Xmas tree beads in bright colours.<br />
1m of Xmas ribbon.<br />
2 small plastic rings for making wreaths.<br />
2 mini Xmas boxes.<br />
2 small craft papers.<br />
Silver snowflake charms.<br />
5 x card blanks.<br />
Xmas tree stickers.<br />
Festive cabochon.<br />
Gift wrap seals.<br />
Xmas sequins. (These had run out so my box contained a Santa bead instead.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX1D7Jw9BlBSnhuOHH2k5Yv2sDowbhkyFW-337qPyAVoT6jTu7h-3n4Jyy7fnKeS4JwxfIIY_r3JAFeag-ccndjWS8ZUWE103scamvp5pIsbX6SLbYzgwy9JyjLqJpibXfiEmUFY4lw/s1600/DSCN0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX1D7Jw9BlBSnhuOHH2k5Yv2sDowbhkyFW-337qPyAVoT6jTu7h-3n4Jyy7fnKeS4JwxfIIY_r3JAFeag-ccndjWS8ZUWE103scamvp5pIsbX6SLbYzgwy9JyjLqJpibXfiEmUFY4lw/s1600/DSCN0284.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTrjH3qhsQomZHzW_YSPyRpKvMXdtd_TOiAkBeYLwKX0fxG_77UWBZ8llOBV_rQnP6qYT3ggGI3ybXgNK2vzqtK9UrnfGR2vHUpIM8eAE2QjRb3a8mxQvPQvJLUs21Cka-5ompQi8Sg/s1600/DSCN0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTrjH3qhsQomZHzW_YSPyRpKvMXdtd_TOiAkBeYLwKX0fxG_77UWBZ8llOBV_rQnP6qYT3ggGI3ybXgNK2vzqtK9UrnfGR2vHUpIM8eAE2QjRb3a8mxQvPQvJLUs21Cka-5ompQi8Sg/s1600/DSCN0283.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOc15t6cTBjXJjwo7Y2pSTHTezCHhGRZNEcRRvFRsinB2BYFFOhGdSG0u-iUxyXyZhpIr1-VdbVHt2XwkVQnUj_juTYDw6V7BS2xEOd6Get7Ff_i6bAKl3ufYqXgZO_sB601Angz0YQ/s1600/DSCN0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOc15t6cTBjXJjwo7Y2pSTHTezCHhGRZNEcRRvFRsinB2BYFFOhGdSG0u-iUxyXyZhpIr1-VdbVHt2XwkVQnUj_juTYDw6V7BS2xEOd6Get7Ff_i6bAKl3ufYqXgZO_sB601Angz0YQ/s1600/DSCN0285.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsir8cVk8AHKU3i0GQj2bTqnh5LOJqarj8-YrO7UM7sRC9We7RxWXZNHD35W1Egf76YZT9ObnTK15z7VAzPA6xRF4dml3QOwRqdN7YEND2CYLP1lql2qVFTlTphmaRaaUHDuNFWv7k2g/s1600/DSCN0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsir8cVk8AHKU3i0GQj2bTqnh5LOJqarj8-YrO7UM7sRC9We7RxWXZNHD35W1Egf76YZT9ObnTK15z7VAzPA6xRF4dml3QOwRqdN7YEND2CYLP1lql2qVFTlTphmaRaaUHDuNFWv7k2g/s1600/DSCN0286.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQeSbESa792FjrXXr1xE1KlfWy2EeApbQSXMzVH7W0OQF8sdYMDDMMcvmi9sZka2b-lnvmOvAuca13yRvPFXNjrGy8UKUKZ30o3P4X1-EXpCtHu7YXVHLiblzPU3PZdFywZ7YI-_iAQ/s1600/DSCN0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQeSbESa792FjrXXr1xE1KlfWy2EeApbQSXMzVH7W0OQF8sdYMDDMMcvmi9sZka2b-lnvmOvAuca13yRvPFXNjrGy8UKUKZ30o3P4X1-EXpCtHu7YXVHLiblzPU3PZdFywZ7YI-_iAQ/s1600/DSCN0287.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgQiM133WrGaAXvDkwlxsxClj3mRtVbgdTE-bpzHMFm_ec5QeR4pj1HeaudcmDag7n-_DSBY6L6WSenqmczH5gVW52KuyBcOUUIce86regDSsIkNQqI7J4nl2XEKuqtYdAdxLyxCGEg/s1600/DSCN0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgQiM133WrGaAXvDkwlxsxClj3mRtVbgdTE-bpzHMFm_ec5QeR4pj1HeaudcmDag7n-_DSBY6L6WSenqmczH5gVW52KuyBcOUUIce86regDSsIkNQqI7J4nl2XEKuqtYdAdxLyxCGEg/s1600/DSCN0288.JPG" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
That is a whole lot of stuff. Not sure how they managed to cram it all in! Do I think it was good value? Yes I do. To buy all those bits individually would have cost way more. Will I make good use of it? Well some.....<br />
<br />
I shall make the lip scrubs and the decorations. Will probably use the plastic rings to make a couple of tiny wreaths too.<br />
<br />
The things I weren't sure about were the cardboard cones, the Xmas tree stickers and the gift wrap seals. Those last 2 seem to have no place in a craft box. . <br />
<br />
All in all I think it is an excellent box, worth the money and ideal for passing a few hours on a cold afternoon. Rather a pity I didn't open it up before Christmas but hey ho, there is always next Christmas. I believe these Christmas boxes are still available on the <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">Crafty Creatives</a> </span>website if you want to get a head start on this years decorations!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JOjiAW_XSyrakc6x8T2Q1m8DCdLpB53z4mb8Nnd0jXqCzHStG8KwXvCtKppvhtcgT86ZMtTKKXRWt9NxiNXcjHtS25TSOA1aGQEk_bLDoiNqiZwNZzpQW5Gq3zorWnrFUk7IaiFH0w/s1600/JillyJoyBearddm-vi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JOjiAW_XSyrakc6x8T2Q1m8DCdLpB53z4mb8Nnd0jXqCzHStG8KwXvCtKppvhtcgT86ZMtTKKXRWt9NxiNXcjHtS25TSOA1aGQEk_bLDoiNqiZwNZzpQW5Gq3zorWnrFUk7IaiFH0w/s1600/JillyJoyBearddm-vi.gif" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-25647910512969886842014-01-30T10:30:00.000+00:002014-01-30T10:30:01.747+00:00Knitting progress.Morning! Thought I would drop in to show you my knitting progress. I am now working with the chunky wool on the pattern that I got from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/madmumknits"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">MadMum aka Liz. </span></b></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I began with the headband. The pattern is easy enough once you get used to it but does involve wrapping the wool twice around the needle to form the loops and I had never done that before. You can see the loops in the bottom photo. I have yet to sew the headband together as I do not have a sewing needle with a big enough eye! A friend gave me a darning needle but as the wool is chunky it still wouldn't fit. I have ordered some special needles now. They are plastic.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv-7QUtn2JLgcQA8nf1758se1Zp-r7fw8mpXrPq6WJKVwC27QbTvIiHMfJ8ZIR-Aic-KScoHAz5T11qRradzwqGEQj1maG4aPc8DiOXqOr2uS3kWtDmrk_JkAtbLjbYwF1XoQj7bvIA/s1600/SDC10211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv-7QUtn2JLgcQA8nf1758se1Zp-r7fw8mpXrPq6WJKVwC27QbTvIiHMfJ8ZIR-Aic-KScoHAz5T11qRradzwqGEQj1maG4aPc8DiOXqOr2uS3kWtDmrk_JkAtbLjbYwF1XoQj7bvIA/s1600/SDC10211.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67bW9Nu7J_FnSC7lLt5sWDX5JO3QRVgA_UKOotBrgpBJzL0Z4YrRYs-jDN98SHTgmr0gUdhs51Fwl9zzF9BmUt_Sy4JvB070atGvJsmfK3bLt37cdOZ05UIG5-pQCeBdvKKiUuhDLOQ/s1600/SDC10212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67bW9Nu7J_FnSC7lLt5sWDX5JO3QRVgA_UKOotBrgpBJzL0Z4YrRYs-jDN98SHTgmr0gUdhs51Fwl9zzF9BmUt_Sy4JvB070atGvJsmfK3bLt37cdOZ05UIG5-pQCeBdvKKiUuhDLOQ/s1600/SDC10212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next I started on a mitten. These are much fancier mittens than the ones that I did a few weeks ago. They have a thumb! I managed quite well with the pattern up until the point where you need to shape the thumb. I think I have it right! It does look odd though as I have stitches on both needles and this bit in the middle. Once again, I can't progress as I need to sew the thumb together first. Not too sure where I go after that as it involves picking up stitches. Liz said she will skype me so she can show me but I have my friend Denise coming tomorrow and as she is a brilliant knitter I am sure she will be able to show me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOWYtrhMwjAbcjlkAHQB0OUxYe4kicJfehQMP110nYlF817MR1v09yp1gyCUvD84ehVYvf5gYmRKnwL5BG8tUpaYzqTsoVPC2pvZVq5IFm9RmskSsZ7Px6h1Vl-UJmJdUp_pMAlATbw/s1600/SDC10219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOWYtrhMwjAbcjlkAHQB0OUxYe4kicJfehQMP110nYlF817MR1v09yp1gyCUvD84ehVYvf5gYmRKnwL5BG8tUpaYzqTsoVPC2pvZVq5IFm9RmskSsZ7Px6h1Vl-UJmJdUp_pMAlATbw/s1600/SDC10219.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPtvWljZU9pBk4GDh5-nngTfOzECxIPf7YY5E8kRi7UVym3glol9E0XS0hytN5aQLb6fdvFCRSs4THZJJi3i9Me5xYAK7XAiFG3wg6U1QkL8-47LiT9Ar1BKB0PjDaS_rHuNcI5g-FQ/s1600/SDC10213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPtvWljZU9pBk4GDh5-nngTfOzECxIPf7YY5E8kRi7UVym3glol9E0XS0hytN5aQLb6fdvFCRSs4THZJJi3i9Me5xYAK7XAiFG3wg6U1QkL8-47LiT9Ar1BKB0PjDaS_rHuNcI5g-FQ/s1600/SDC10213.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASaf_ReBpvA3XESQurapn2QnDRDu3k9f1vWtU6ZM0LiGABxN0S69s9RW-E9sX4VH8Naj4CjXsi96iqeeK53asMgzzX5G3L3DLV5mrZKPcjLMwKbmZHE2AZ4EIMDBd6xQ6e2_hhyJeAg/s1600/SDC10216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASaf_ReBpvA3XESQurapn2QnDRDu3k9f1vWtU6ZM0LiGABxN0S69s9RW-E9sX4VH8Naj4CjXsi96iqeeK53asMgzzX5G3L3DLV5mrZKPcjLMwKbmZHE2AZ4EIMDBd6xQ6e2_hhyJeAg/s1600/SDC10216.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So at a standstill once again, I decided to begin on the cowl. This should be easy as it is just the 6 rows of the pattern repeated until it is 20 inches long. The challenge however is that this is on jumbo needles. Well they seem jumbo to me! 7.5mm, that is big right? I found the casting on awkward but once I got going it was fine. It is about halfway I think. I am a bit unsure about the loose edge on one side but the pattern makes big loops. I think it will be lovely when it is completed. The colour in this photo is much truer to life than the ones above where it looks lilac. It is pink. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw86MXtNyr8jE3IEsfuT7n1I3jy-2pw_7Mjt_8gHwGerRgjxMDu9W49fXabTgSaY4chYfYd77epbRj2bCj56ytth3Tooap6oTOm52tFeQV-5ekdhG13mxoa1E4hxdS97c9MyU_iHA9sw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw86MXtNyr8jE3IEsfuT7n1I3jy-2pw_7Mjt_8gHwGerRgjxMDu9W49fXabTgSaY4chYfYd77epbRj2bCj56ytth3Tooap6oTOm52tFeQV-5ekdhG13mxoa1E4hxdS97c9MyU_iHA9sw/s1600/photo.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hopefully it won't take too long and then I can do the scarf and I will be all set for the winter weather. I will do a post of me wearing them soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnT1CwaZwMrmSiAfBnLbCk1c0xuUiIu03Mz5-mZNDsCz6UKjBH20EAaDxkcEMoquKtGp_hCBcf0IdrMX-3_Uqn5Jn5GCSp_K-x7wLigkCqkeTTogxxPmkrDNqCSS7ZEFozihoExIevw/s1600/Jilly_brds17-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnT1CwaZwMrmSiAfBnLbCk1c0xuUiIu03Mz5-mZNDsCz6UKjBH20EAaDxkcEMoquKtGp_hCBcf0IdrMX-3_Uqn5Jn5GCSp_K-x7wLigkCqkeTTogxxPmkrDNqCSS7ZEFozihoExIevw/s1600/Jilly_brds17-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-60756445032838417252014-01-29T14:00:00.000+00:002014-01-29T14:00:05.498+00:00Crafty Creatives Boxes 18 & 19I have finally got around this week to opening 3, yes 3, <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">Crafty Creatives </a>boxes! I have just been so busy so I have saved them up until I had time to inspect them in detail. <br />
<br />
The first one I opened was the last of the themed boxes. <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">Crafty Creatives </a>have changed the format. From this month each new box will contain just one large kit rather than several small ones and bits and pieces.<br />
<br />
So, <b>Box 18 - The Handmade Box.</b> What was inside?<br />
<br />
A pin cushion kit, including wadding and 2 squares of fabric.<br />
Tiny button charms.<br />
Glass tiles and bails to make pendants.<br />
Scissors charms.<br />
Wooden bobbins a3.<br />
"Handmade with love" ribbon.<br />
Metal altoids tin.<br />
Small pack of neutral buttons.<br />
"Handmade" wooden tags x2<br />
Sticky pencil for picking up tiny jewels etc.<br />
Khadi paper x 3 small pieces. (Made in India from recycled rags).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5VqitihO_TjeD7Jn5fgZgjTdHVU2RIR-VcYkKOMHHQeQc50jsMzTYSWSM7fTY0DhP4_gKgUYTYBHc4ndq1G1Xpso1Cbd6SHwqyOpjciMYBf6E5Up8clA6g4G6Lp3EVcSQtq_jHKNTw/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5VqitihO_TjeD7Jn5fgZgjTdHVU2RIR-VcYkKOMHHQeQc50jsMzTYSWSM7fTY0DhP4_gKgUYTYBHc4ndq1G1Xpso1Cbd6SHwqyOpjciMYBf6E5Up8clA6g4G6Lp3EVcSQtq_jHKNTw/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclIGuDO-j8VKSyEY6Izsa82uYwIkCFxw2qOBe02hZxX9zrVZIFo5fm8ZKPJZgQOfZk7T3MZi2XDSjeq5Lzkcx22gb7lT-K8aWtaZxTRG4C0uvEvhGUop7-o6Tk4p_dNI5FbQxv49Ung/s1600/DSCN0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclIGuDO-j8VKSyEY6Izsa82uYwIkCFxw2qOBe02hZxX9zrVZIFo5fm8ZKPJZgQOfZk7T3MZi2XDSjeq5Lzkcx22gb7lT-K8aWtaZxTRG4C0uvEvhGUop7-o6Tk4p_dNI5FbQxv49Ung/s1600/DSCN0280.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOZywkjqMWl1GGWNeAsei1z-1E3T_5uwYFIyZuHjQZ3mkwVt_o8Wo11MoDzQx4fFxY5ECAvvQx1yqymNMaDe2YbKZ1_ZPlQpPH7ayS_-MKkCneYiP8Yg5-tEW-KsxZmdnfibpyIMxyw/s1600/DSCN0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOZywkjqMWl1GGWNeAsei1z-1E3T_5uwYFIyZuHjQZ3mkwVt_o8Wo11MoDzQx4fFxY5ECAvvQx1yqymNMaDe2YbKZ1_ZPlQpPH7ayS_-MKkCneYiP8Yg5-tEW-KsxZmdnfibpyIMxyw/s1600/DSCN0281.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglcJdKPf3W6EfUWZJmSwoWbtjzZHlNbk2Y6n5otmjXAjHHzSchJWLM31QHVlYvtAF1in5m_E8TUFoUXsgcGP6eK15rzA1FfBNkhdAtTTEdL8g_q_4-qLIkEu7rztsTeb7JjmcOnYH0Q/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglcJdKPf3W6EfUWZJmSwoWbtjzZHlNbk2Y6n5otmjXAjHHzSchJWLM31QHVlYvtAF1in5m_E8TUFoUXsgcGP6eK15rzA1FfBNkhdAtTTEdL8g_q_4-qLIkEu7rztsTeb7JjmcOnYH0Q/s1600/DSCN0282.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So what might I use? I will use the fabric but probably not for a pin cushion. I will make some pendants with the glass tiles. Buttons are always handy. The charms will probably be used eventually.<br />
<br />
The wooden bobbin, the tin and the paper seem like cheap add ons. I can't see me being able to make anything with these. It is a very basic box, I think. Nothing of real worth. I didn't feel this was very good value.<br />
<br />
<b>Box 19 - Marbling Kit</b><br />
Next up is box 19 the first of the new format. I opened it up, not sure what to expect as it was quite heavy. It contains a marbling kit. Consisting of a large bottle of some kind of water thickener, 7 small bottles of ink, half a dozen small cards, 2 small pieces of scrap, cotton fabric and a porcelain heart. Basic instruction sheet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DXfDyRNvASU3WP8J51RGHtN6fnMbzurvdmdYgMVXSBBtIa9es-upLLpMDYiVf7-T2ZwDa4dHtK1yC5z53o0GmlHG_yI1gmfYk8bwFTGU8YnQU3WjhTg19TcxO6I7tFr1n6BajSWjjQ/s1600/DSCN0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DXfDyRNvASU3WP8J51RGHtN6fnMbzurvdmdYgMVXSBBtIa9es-upLLpMDYiVf7-T2ZwDa4dHtK1yC5z53o0GmlHG_yI1gmfYk8bwFTGU8YnQU3WjhTg19TcxO6I7tFr1n6BajSWjjQ/s1600/DSCN0289.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVYp2vmXzQc999cN_bA1l3rLDiDQjw-BIx4ArZ3D6832UB3Cz8_TRl9zV2kHXt8xvR9y3SzySLxV9JYS4y7bHg3KOpOFnBpXtAmfeLhjWlzSnIZgdDutkabbm_WPJpPUUvDOX22mZ3Q/s1600/DSCN0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVYp2vmXzQc999cN_bA1l3rLDiDQjw-BIx4ArZ3D6832UB3Cz8_TRl9zV2kHXt8xvR9y3SzySLxV9JYS4y7bHg3KOpOFnBpXtAmfeLhjWlzSnIZgdDutkabbm_WPJpPUUvDOX22mZ3Q/s1600/DSCN0291.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU3QLQxA1mzWXc9eAtAEtGpEN-7Igi1HnCkZPnYVWM6Ux7XgJKwIlAhRiyRly6h_zV0KUBrHZNE7H7beZ3V51fEoLSmaegSVk1YAqE1vG0Nir8wtWDM9kQmMxeMjCgaWrUdvSYY_WUw/s1600/DSCN0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU3QLQxA1mzWXc9eAtAEtGpEN-7Igi1HnCkZPnYVWM6Ux7XgJKwIlAhRiyRly6h_zV0KUBrHZNE7H7beZ3V51fEoLSmaegSVk1YAqE1vG0Nir8wtWDM9kQmMxeMjCgaWrUdvSYY_WUw/s1600/DSCN0290.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Obviously, I have yet to try this out as I have only just unwrapped it. I have never tried marbling before so I am quite looking forward to giving it a go. However my thoughts are that it is not something that I would have ordinarily purchased and it does seem quite pricey for what is actually in the box which has now gone up to £15 plus P&P at £2.75.<br />
<br />
I am debating at this point in time about cancelling this subscription. I did like the old format boxes but probably wouldn't have continued any longer with them. I think what was needed there was a lot more ideas of what to do with the contents on the <a href="http://craftycreatives.com/blog/">Crafty Creatives blog.</a> Sadly, their blog hardly ever seems to be updated. As for the new format of 1 big kit, my concern is that sooner or later it will be a kit for a craft I already do. As I said in an earlier post you can always return them but that incurs costs.<br />
<br />
That said, and this is totally unrelated, I found out in a forum on Etsy yesterday that legally a seller is obliged to cover return postage costs no matter what the reason for return. It is stated in the distance selling regulations.<br />
<br />
I think<a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/"> Crafty Creatives </a>do allow you to just make one of purchases of individual boxes once they have been released to subscribers so I think I may do that instead of subscribing. That way I will know what I am getting and can decide if I want to order it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">Crafty Creatives</a> are a good Company. They offer a very professional service and if you like what is in the box and can make use of it then they generally offer fair value. My problem is that I now have lots of bits that will never get used.<br />
<br />
All opinions here are my own.<br />
<br />
I said at the beginning of this post that I opened 3 boxes..... the 3rd one was the Christmas special and I will do a separate blog for that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvCpoO2kOsTlT2i96oMXCzFLNqqhgI3p_i5Vc-UkLWhyDjxpuqJ-emihyPYZb7t9i4ew2VRWxLb2heb4HwH_NkYud6yaS-CQ1m4KraXrj4n4p3KAUY5oIpk-yP8ZvYqltYVPP5_qRTQ/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvCpoO2kOsTlT2i96oMXCzFLNqqhgI3p_i5Vc-UkLWhyDjxpuqJ-emihyPYZb7t9i4ew2VRWxLb2heb4HwH_NkYud6yaS-CQ1m4KraXrj4n4p3KAUY5oIpk-yP8ZvYqltYVPP5_qRTQ/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" height="320" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-87949708835353703782014-01-27T17:00:00.000+00:002014-01-27T17:00:02.200+00:00Needles and Yarn.I think most of you know by now that I am challenging myself in January to learn how to knit. Wow, it is one big learning curve isn't it. Before you even begin to knit you have to get your head round the needles and all the different kinds of wool. <br />
<br />
Thought the needle bit would be easy. I had some old needles, don't know where I acquired them from. I have 5 needles that say 7 on them, 3 needles with an 8 and 1 each of size 2 and 3. OK. I kind of thought something was going on here. Good job I checked. It seems the needles that I have are numbered on some old, antiquated British system. Seems that we are now in metric. So, my number 7 needles were fine as they are 4.5mm and just what I needed. The needle situation is complicated further because the Merikans across the pond use a different numbering system.<br />
<h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #422f72; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 28px 0px 14px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Knitting Reference – Needle Sizes</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #422f72; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 22px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Knitting needles in the UK are now sold in metric measurements. However, if you’ve inherited your great-grandmother’s knitting bag you may have needles with the old UK ratings so these have been included for your information. Where there is a gap in the table this is where there is no direct equivalent size.</div>
<table style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-spacing: 0px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 0px; color: #422f72; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px auto 22px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><tbody style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">US </strong></td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Metric </strong></td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Old UK </strong></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">0</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">2mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">14</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">2.25mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">13</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">2</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">2.75mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">12</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"></td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">11</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3.25mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">10</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3.5mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">5</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3.75mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">9</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">6</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">8</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">7</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">7</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">8</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">5mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">6</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">9</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">5.5mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">5</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">10</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">6mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">10½</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">6.5mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">3</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"></td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">7mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">2</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">11</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">8mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">13</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">9mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">0</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-color: rgb(191, 187, 164); border-bottom-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">15</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">10mm</td><td style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0.7em 1.25em; vertical-align: baseline;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So with my needles sorted it was time to turn my attention to yarn. I will call it yarn as wool is a misnomer because half the time it isn't actually wool. My limited knowledge was such that I thought pretty much everything was knitted in double knitting wool which I actually know is 8 ply and yes thank you, I do know what ply means. I was aware (vaguely) that there was something called 3ply which was for things like shawls and something called chunky which I wouldn't have a clue what to do with.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seems that there is way more to yarn than I ever could have guessed. First comes the weight, which means the number of ply. I think there are about 7 to choose from and they would be used for different things. Of course it is complicated again by those Merikans who have totally different names to us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once you know what your pattern requires and so far I have been using DK, then you need to actually choose the yarn. Cheapest seems to be acrylic, then there is pure wool or how about cotton or any number of mixes in between, The mixes can use alpaca, silk, mohair, merino (isn't that wool?) angora and I am sure there are others. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Angora? That opens a whole can of ethical wormies. I personally wouldn't touch anything with angora in it. Do you know how that is obtained? Want to see a bunny skinned alive? Google it. Sick, sick, sick. If you have any shred of decency then I urge you to boycott anything that contains angora. Sorry, off my soap box now. <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">**</span></b></div>
<div>
<div>
<table align="center" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; width: 95%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<h1 style="color: navy; font-family: verdana, serif; font-size: 10pt;">
<b>Yarn Conversion Chart</b></h1>
<br />
<table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;" valign="middle"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>USA</u></b></span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;" valign="middle"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>UK</u></b></span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;" valign="middle"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Australia - NZ</u></b></span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Lace</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2 ply</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sock or Fingering</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3 ply</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Fingering</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4 ply</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sport</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Some double knitting yarns</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">5 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Light Worsted</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Double knitting</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">8 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Worsted</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aran</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">10ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td height="16" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chunky</span></td><td height="16" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bulky</span></td><td height="16" style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">16 ply</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Bulky</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Chunky</span></td><td style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">20 ply</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
To think all of these considerations for needles and wool have to be made before you can cast on the first stitch. It's a minefield. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Having completed a pair of mitts and a little keyhole scarf, I am now going on to the next stage. A whole complete set of scarf, cowl, mitts and headband. I have purchased this pattern from fellow Etsy teamie <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/madmumknits">MADMUM. </a> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX2hc_VaE_mX8szsdNbqouBnFZEEThMJAPnN3OAn9B1Rwc6IEH2Q-q4n8EiN4jihLM8wWlO6H9sgRHI3a0AY1EBAJooXmT3hfztJbfkgy7HEHFPnXiyxdI2sfVDixO8dhmi01T-EcKQ/s1600/il_570xN.463510892_oudj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX2hc_VaE_mX8szsdNbqouBnFZEEThMJAPnN3OAn9B1Rwc6IEH2Q-q4n8EiN4jihLM8wWlO6H9sgRHI3a0AY1EBAJooXmT3hfztJbfkgy7HEHFPnXiyxdI2sfVDixO8dhmi01T-EcKQ/s1600/il_570xN.463510892_oudj.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Isn't it lovely? It does have some new techniques in there for me. It also requires that I branch out into chunky wool and I need some new needles as I do not have the required 5mm ones. Now I thought I had needles sussed out, but when I went to purchase some I found there was a whole new conundrum....... do I get plastic, bamboo or metal??? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Long story short I have opted for bamboo. My old needles are metal so I thought I would try something different to see if it actually does make any difference. I suspect not but I am sure that there are peeps out there who swear by one or the other. I think I might just be swearing about the whole thing! In the course of my research for my purchase it has come to my attention that there are also needles that are pointed at both ends and short needles joined together by plastic tubing. The mind boggles, well my mind does! Who wants needles with points at both ends? The stitches would all fall off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My chosen wool after many hours of deliberation is this one. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4ajr1Lx-2fdCUXVqny1SItAmL8d64kDcg26R9tYHWIH0nqLXGq8aGQG8E_8V4CxxQtgs7qdSCyeWdUKpC-JcmtrHED5n3pUxc2Br3TySAiOGbFcNJAypAXqef9kpZVUw-UhbafD0HA/s1600/$(KGrHqVHJBEFEKzNvYWiBRD4n,(BjQ~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4ajr1Lx-2fdCUXVqny1SItAmL8d64kDcg26R9tYHWIH0nqLXGq8aGQG8E_8V4CxxQtgs7qdSCyeWdUKpC-JcmtrHED5n3pUxc2Br3TySAiOGbFcNJAypAXqef9kpZVUw-UhbafD0HA/s1600/$(KGrHqVHJBEFEKzNvYWiBRD4n,(BjQ~~60_12.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
James C Brett Marble Chunky in pink mix. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I have my chunky wool on order and my bamboo needles. Hopefully they will arrive in the next few days and I will make a start. I will keep you updated on the process.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">** </span>Actually, I am not sorry at all it is the most horrific process and should be banned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifBziCtcbscff-j51LJfi5RAOcQqvpl9cNvirAUqAwjoYNNPbFS5ZD9xcbE9tOr8HG-1PRG4dzcTp3qA-GLbMteocsYEowJSMoy_7mAIGdfS0NAkocCbNiZ4wgtbLWRSMMlz3ieGGFw/s1600/Jilly_tddybr21-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifBziCtcbscff-j51LJfi5RAOcQqvpl9cNvirAUqAwjoYNNPbFS5ZD9xcbE9tOr8HG-1PRG4dzcTp3qA-GLbMteocsYEowJSMoy_7mAIGdfS0NAkocCbNiZ4wgtbLWRSMMlz3ieGGFw/s1600/Jilly_tddybr21-SSC.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-15630305838222879732014-01-25T10:00:00.000+00:002014-01-25T10:00:07.079+00:00January Knitting Challenge Progress. Well, I am very pleased to say that I am keeping at it! Never thought I would get this far actually. I was so pleased with the fingerless mittens that I knew I had to find something else.<br />
<br />
While I was searching easy patterns I knitted a 3rd square using up the mitten yarn and some mint green. It is actually square even though the photo makes it look wonky! Not sure if I said before but OH reckons if I knit about 50 of these I would have enough for a doggie blanket! Hmm, that is going to take a while!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1xi8vzrglcnrkTVtKXIzlNL5R0oKCnMFCWg4-atZwv8ZIz-EGByGvNuD2vULgqDVDTcXJne9vvV9qvX5ZiCSjajCK6KNkVdP7nNC4AztEBcGxF7BOrz11__sFTvC3qYEHLyU8PTFrA/s1600/2014-01-17+23.05.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1xi8vzrglcnrkTVtKXIzlNL5R0oKCnMFCWg4-atZwv8ZIz-EGByGvNuD2vULgqDVDTcXJne9vvV9qvX5ZiCSjajCK6KNkVdP7nNC4AztEBcGxF7BOrz11__sFTvC3qYEHLyU8PTFrA/s1600/2014-01-17+23.05.05.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While I was looking for patterns I came across one for a keyhole scarf very similar to the gorgeous one that I purchased recently from my teamie <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/jarg0n">Jarg0n. </a> You can see it below with it's matching mitts and headband.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslwuiG_Jgwjam2fbDMS66xjOBQnahGjmZmwM6Pb0QoTvug284L69RjJfv7IIlGKfwT_4nnxgiybOEeTpS54WsUCRkpoh_2pf6o9HtavDPZ_ijbv5QXvflfI89gXa6r2J6TLSQ37jdkQ/s1600/My+gloves+scarf+and+headband+from+Jargon+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslwuiG_Jgwjam2fbDMS66xjOBQnahGjmZmwM6Pb0QoTvug284L69RjJfv7IIlGKfwT_4nnxgiybOEeTpS54WsUCRkpoh_2pf6o9HtavDPZ_ijbv5QXvflfI89gXa6r2J6TLSQ37jdkQ/s1600/My+gloves+scarf+and+headband+from+Jargon+(6).JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The pattern looked manageable as it is mainly garter stitch and rib like I did on the mittens. It did mean that I had to learn how to increase and decrease and I can tell you that was a learning curve!! I Googled it and watched some videos which made it look simple enough....... yeah right! I found it incredibly difficult to get the needle in the back of the stitch. I am still not convinced that I was doing it totally right but it has come out OK so who cares!<br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Work in progress. </b> I have no idea why the wool looks pink here. These were taken with my iPad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB14cAj-Uhn7SdrvUMcuKM967mwJNqA14tWYEbOrrjnAdpseVcWg0EWKQ7gGKYYVvFJ189B27znRsN8XTsR8gZ7UXBi1_tOWcm2Xy8DuDPBB6DAc4OPJ1krbxu_2-2LvwS7R6zL8foQ/s1600/2014-01-17+22.33.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB14cAj-Uhn7SdrvUMcuKM967mwJNqA14tWYEbOrrjnAdpseVcWg0EWKQ7gGKYYVvFJ189B27znRsN8XTsR8gZ7UXBi1_tOWcm2Xy8DuDPBB6DAc4OPJ1krbxu_2-2LvwS7R6zL8foQ/s1600/2014-01-17+22.33.05.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qhN0a8j0WEebu47hyphenhyphenlyJZHrTJOo_DfRM75UUrtzj9eIhZNc3nF45e-OrCrhI0074hnXe1tC-mLJxSEoMpjTisvxOLoFOPxwiPRQRw5s0qDd0RQH8jP0vINXIChdK_7FzNSNK4JJXpg/s1600/2014-01-17+23.04.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qhN0a8j0WEebu47hyphenhyphenlyJZHrTJOo_DfRM75UUrtzj9eIhZNc3nF45e-OrCrhI0074hnXe1tC-mLJxSEoMpjTisvxOLoFOPxwiPRQRw5s0qDd0RQH8jP0vINXIChdK_7FzNSNK4JJXpg/s1600/2014-01-17+23.04.03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1PcOzL-H2JAQZn89uh71V6qpwUSw3EDS9GDzSSvwwVd4PLgF91y0aVCzPE_kBQAiFVe8frPexAGKfbM39mKW3W6AVgzSGHez818I_N_-YxIzaUgcg1vnWciT_kPU8zhJFoQ1vK3Ouw/s1600/2014-01-17+23.04.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1PcOzL-H2JAQZn89uh71V6qpwUSw3EDS9GDzSSvwwVd4PLgF91y0aVCzPE_kBQAiFVe8frPexAGKfbM39mKW3W6AVgzSGHez818I_N_-YxIzaUgcg1vnWciT_kPU8zhJFoQ1vK3Ouw/s1600/2014-01-17+23.04.08.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM74tirk6nWukzD2OCKeXoMhVZYtsmBt3u2aV1IDughRxXt2wMeQlsmnk4qdfwmLTOx_-0Z8uCOSyOJ6apQwIK-x3xuv_yO9sphj5KfBhcGbp_Wa_RP6Sau1P4hJ5dd2dxiTZuR1NLLg/s1600/2014-01-18+20.18.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM74tirk6nWukzD2OCKeXoMhVZYtsmBt3u2aV1IDughRxXt2wMeQlsmnk4qdfwmLTOx_-0Z8uCOSyOJ6apQwIK-x3xuv_yO9sphj5KfBhcGbp_Wa_RP6Sau1P4hJ5dd2dxiTZuR1NLLg/s1600/2014-01-18+20.18.18.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">The finished article. </b> This is the actual colour of the wool. A pale lilac.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxBZUJLPBaVKEL_EagL2bwqyCnG4IEkrl2u6N45WTgir80Aenyux5tlQn3ltFjVK5NVw7hZpdPwkXC6viY6nfhUOWYKQVRdWN9D-QVRCreJFHUOtD3LYwRcFif2BrW68uqz5e_7XyZw/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxBZUJLPBaVKEL_EagL2bwqyCnG4IEkrl2u6N45WTgir80Aenyux5tlQn3ltFjVK5NVw7hZpdPwkXC6viY6nfhUOWYKQVRdWN9D-QVRCreJFHUOtD3LYwRcFif2BrW68uqz5e_7XyZw/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
My ribby bit for the key hole is a bit loose. Not sure why that is. Not sure that the wool was totally correct either but I am still working with scrap balls that were given to me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCLkcB7EMBDM0e5s9ztv29mHyiRNXKog7y4YT-QIv6-GXMfl4mFghcZfjdEVLl0gEW4z4rMD7KQKt9b7U4X6AtA0X6AarmuBYpYytVPu-l1ZaaZGbJlGFtioGEuLh7L9s79zjhW3uHg/s1600/DSCN0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCLkcB7EMBDM0e5s9ztv29mHyiRNXKog7y4YT-QIv6-GXMfl4mFghcZfjdEVLl0gEW4z4rMD7KQKt9b7U4X6AtA0X6AarmuBYpYytVPu-l1ZaaZGbJlGFtioGEuLh7L9s79zjhW3uHg/s1600/DSCN0270.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, I am secretly dead chuffed with myself. Never imagined I could make something like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmQbzkZVeDQcBLWtehEHdJF-RYxviGcVxzfnCvo45Uz_qp4enmHfdjD6-31nUhTVcxx6lYCoWarAFOBiMfq90qWbKWPFu7JMrAZUphQu74oh1i52Ue0UXFCtnPNLttkZNKAQ7hjXNtw/s1600/DSCN0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmQbzkZVeDQcBLWtehEHdJF-RYxviGcVxzfnCvo45Uz_qp4enmHfdjD6-31nUhTVcxx6lYCoWarAFOBiMfq90qWbKWPFu7JMrAZUphQu74oh1i52Ue0UXFCtnPNLttkZNKAQ7hjXNtw/s1600/DSCN0272.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWiDYbFRivH9eZ4rJFbOsYQedrECvc7MfkVjhJPpM0ICdEqoXJjwaeJKyBS94Qxp6YgbZlWRXEjnXwQp2hbXiMYlJR-K8NFqgncYSojOX1mgirOp4-_7djuklifhNcpuRylSUfjR_xg/s1600/DSCN0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWiDYbFRivH9eZ4rJFbOsYQedrECvc7MfkVjhJPpM0ICdEqoXJjwaeJKyBS94Qxp6YgbZlWRXEjnXwQp2hbXiMYlJR-K8NFqgncYSojOX1mgirOp4-_7djuklifhNcpuRylSUfjR_xg/s1600/DSCN0278.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am now looking for my next challenge. I would like to knit the mitts again for OH but they need to be much bigger and I don't know how to make them bigger. Well, I know I would need more stitches and to knit more rows, I'm not totally thick! I just need someone to tell me exactly how many stitches and rows!!<br />
<br />
I do want a new project though and am looking online for easy, free patterns. I am thinking of a cowl or maybe a baby jacket for Saskia's baby. Thank you to everyone who has sent me links to good pattern sites and wool shops.<br />
<br />
Until I decide what to do next I shall knit some more squares. Only another 47 needed for a doggie blanket!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFVEaRLzuE48mAHNasNLBAgh4U_40aDQedjzFlu81KECvWZ4tkpMSv_uOlcD6XOHEcloYHNzk7E8ojj1IvlGuZPe2f0_GzrDepTKoXXIIRYVLgIezSiQ3kOCuIBmd2cM-UntScFJ90A/s1600/Jilly_tddybr101-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFVEaRLzuE48mAHNasNLBAgh4U_40aDQedjzFlu81KECvWZ4tkpMSv_uOlcD6XOHEcloYHNzk7E8ojj1IvlGuZPe2f0_GzrDepTKoXXIIRYVLgIezSiQ3kOCuIBmd2cM-UntScFJ90A/s1600/Jilly_tddybr101-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-58516129931153112962014-01-23T11:30:00.000+00:002014-01-23T11:30:03.766+00:00Crafty Creatives - box 17This was my second subscription box from the lovely peeps at <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Crafty Creatives.</b> </span></a>I have yet to make anything much from it but I thought you might like to see what was in it. It is box number 17 which I think was the November box. It is a themed box -Medieval. OK, not sure again if it is really for me but it does have some rather nice bits and pieces.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is what it contains: <b>Box 17 : Medieval</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Art card by Luisa Kelle</div>
<div>
CC kit : bead woven pearl bracelet</div>
<div>
20 gold fleur-de-lis charms</div>
<div>
5 silver shield pendants</div>
<div>
2 bronze crown charms</div>
<div>
1 fat quarter of floral printed fabric</div>
<div>
Metamica paint in silver by Stewart Gill</div>
<div>
Angelina fibres in metallic colours</div>
<div>
2 sheets of printed papers</div>
<div>
String of red glass crystal beads</div>
<div>
Roll of washi tape</div>
<div>
2 bronze filigree stampings</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N1qMgk97pR3PoXh5iAaIcbtfELAAodBydDgc-z0wumWKJafE2V3AjvEJK2k7sPduAfqFO98fznDO8LiLPlraF7xpVaTPcsYTBZDOYEyeupv-e_AnUAvahnL3LC7iBx9tY5ohz5-MSA/s1600/DSCN0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N1qMgk97pR3PoXh5iAaIcbtfELAAodBydDgc-z0wumWKJafE2V3AjvEJK2k7sPduAfqFO98fznDO8LiLPlraF7xpVaTPcsYTBZDOYEyeupv-e_AnUAvahnL3LC7iBx9tY5ohz5-MSA/s1600/DSCN0090.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My thoughts so far..... The bead woven pearl bracelet does look good. I have never done any kind of jewellery making so I am rather looking forward to getting started on this. It looks fiddly but i have read the instructions and I think it is do able. Looks like something I would wear too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHcxhYhF7u3VBJehaM_fzpav4tJbXbzo8Kmt3oePSlTWXmCOSaJLImor1Jm-yiJEujGbjitCThAItK6kUDfMQLoUcJ2AoHJLqX3FzaushU9b0w8THOxzqTD0F_zwzzyGQvUvzBbAaRA/s1600/DSCN0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHcxhYhF7u3VBJehaM_fzpav4tJbXbzo8Kmt3oePSlTWXmCOSaJLImor1Jm-yiJEujGbjitCThAItK6kUDfMQLoUcJ2AoHJLqX3FzaushU9b0w8THOxzqTD0F_zwzzyGQvUvzBbAaRA/s1600/DSCN0092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The FQ of fabric is quite lovely but I haven't yet decide what to make with it. I may make a cushion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gfliOIXqxboeuGBxkvK1L2juNF6LZF6QS2I51Nbn698yziwVS8IDJceXrlo_rFVSmTXfEzT2ZX905NHQGo51zljCjckD8jN-qmUJknKunxB4OpLPP5MqXfwXU5JfRZnZNlJPnYOv0Q/s1600/DSCN0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gfliOIXqxboeuGBxkvK1L2juNF6LZF6QS2I51Nbn698yziwVS8IDJceXrlo_rFVSmTXfEzT2ZX905NHQGo51zljCjckD8jN-qmUJknKunxB4OpLPP5MqXfwXU5JfRZnZNlJPnYOv0Q/s1600/DSCN0094.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other items that may be useful are the washi tape, metamica paint, and the red beads.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2taTirJ1s_9k4P4SiFZuHjOpxKiA1vg9QGj07CPtsO1Q4HNVJ9ohQiyg-mR9ug7Q3Rg44iAdoRCh26i20C7qGNonr0pk8gKlndrta1A5sMXL4jUpWaCI-og7oIG5xGntG4O_O6UkUZw/s1600/DSCN0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2taTirJ1s_9k4P4SiFZuHjOpxKiA1vg9QGj07CPtsO1Q4HNVJ9ohQiyg-mR9ug7Q3Rg44iAdoRCh26i20C7qGNonr0pk8gKlndrta1A5sMXL4jUpWaCI-og7oIG5xGntG4O_O6UkUZw/s1600/DSCN0093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have already used one of the bronze filigree stampings in a felt brooch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That leaves, the art card, the charms and pendants, Angelina fibres and printed papers. Not sure when or how I can possibly use those. To be honest I don't know what the art card is all about really. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So is it value for money? In my opinion, for my use, this box probably has given me good value. The bracelet kit would probably cost around £5 if purchased in a hobby store. A FQ of Fabric around £2, Not sure of the price of Washi tape but am guessing at maybe £1.50? The paint I would think would be around £3 and the beads maybe a pound so that gives a total of = £12.50. OK, I probably would not have purchased the paint but it may be interesting to try it out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I need to mention here that if you do subscribe to <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Crafty Creatives</span></b></a> you are able to return any box to them for a full refund should you decide that it isn't for you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They are also on Facebook and Twitter and you can find useful advice and hints for projects.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Twitter - @Crafty Creatives</div>
<div>
FB - https://www.facebook.com/craftycreatives</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am hoping to begin on the bracelet this week so will let you know how it goes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc2i6Jwce7O0vFbfISCGtxoN8JXBfmsPrJd-Q6gnkUGe_stBZQmXvQy3ycAo6BUI9BkasXO0jgw3DrS1U-GGUiNtS5VrBR8lKsXT90wd56Tlqrk64nIkeDzj4m6TikUnDq9TyMCUaTA/s1600/Jilly_brds11-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc2i6Jwce7O0vFbfISCGtxoN8JXBfmsPrJd-Q6gnkUGe_stBZQmXvQy3ycAo6BUI9BkasXO0jgw3DrS1U-GGUiNtS5VrBR8lKsXT90wd56Tlqrk64nIkeDzj4m6TikUnDq9TyMCUaTA/s1600/Jilly_brds11-SSC.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-89481285536481272862014-01-21T10:00:00.000+00:002014-01-21T10:00:08.466+00:00Spinning Streak.As you all know I recently tested a knitting pattern for fingerless mittens for Sue of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SpinningStreak"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Spinning Streak.</span></b></a> Sue is a fellow team member on the Etsy Craft Britannia team. This is a little bit about her from her shop page.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">I belong to the Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers and have been spinning away for over 15 years. I live partly in England in a city by the sea and partly in rural France, so plenty of inspiration for colours! I love the surprise element of dyeing - I tend to use professional quality acid dyes in England and a wide range of natural plant material in France."</span></span></b></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
Not only does she spin and dye her own wool but she makes lots of gorgeous woolly things. You can check out<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SpinningStreak">Spinning Streak</a></span></b> by clicking on the link.<br />
<br />
To give you a little taster of the gorgeousness, here are a few of my favourite items from the shop.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The wool.</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUumVH-GKiqO1xJkV1LhEoNghI9xIYsImXNa4fJsvmbsHEJ6jiwOWuBcEph0laOv4gvSI_wh7Kh8TpT9Pv1lVkWv6O098MI9ch0l9kBNeQFg4jWhyphenhyphenHdYdMjusLvGzHwQSdFp4EKUSjw/s1600/il_570xN.439426174_10nv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUumVH-GKiqO1xJkV1LhEoNghI9xIYsImXNa4fJsvmbsHEJ6jiwOWuBcEph0laOv4gvSI_wh7Kh8TpT9Pv1lVkWv6O098MI9ch0l9kBNeQFg4jWhyphenhyphenHdYdMjusLvGzHwQSdFp4EKUSjw/s1600/il_570xN.439426174_10nv.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt95lxgN5029F_RqdvNoCAfLkWLmr6OHUye1QQEKDUSV9uwdGH_uJyMchmMIgm1kS9LntqhD77bgPhfwA-08mJYG8lYCIZWvFnyy6psY1kHX7wvV-qD9xnNyzZ7XXPGNnsr_CWR0MTPA/s1600/il_570xN.548953172_3ibk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt95lxgN5029F_RqdvNoCAfLkWLmr6OHUye1QQEKDUSV9uwdGH_uJyMchmMIgm1kS9LntqhD77bgPhfwA-08mJYG8lYCIZWvFnyy6psY1kHX7wvV-qD9xnNyzZ7XXPGNnsr_CWR0MTPA/s1600/il_570xN.548953172_3ibk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zQqai3i0WcPtn2Z_rrGqQUGwcre8wkGc5gSvbj99Y51g4UwvNw2Gb2NdZWNGwo7UfNNwFfTo9vEakR3ibzCoTsnb9-a2Cet07sFPo1Wq4M_P2todt16_PyDuaK68HwoToxH7DPcrYA/s1600/il_570xN.552621951_o70t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zQqai3i0WcPtn2Z_rrGqQUGwcre8wkGc5gSvbj99Y51g4UwvNw2Gb2NdZWNGwo7UfNNwFfTo9vEakR3ibzCoTsnb9-a2Cet07sFPo1Wq4M_P2todt16_PyDuaK68HwoToxH7DPcrYA/s1600/il_570xN.552621951_o70t.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu19cafozNaqIffOlChcRiJS0bZbFlsMC8weZ2HrvQL2ZAw2kzYZme8WXMI7RVpLxFkirYnvKQngOzMb9HCLQKicsZGzn883DmidPtwk0RmI1BfmKG-yrUOFFQICMq7NV8NpMe97p9uA/s1600/il_570xN.437194220_nqp0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu19cafozNaqIffOlChcRiJS0bZbFlsMC8weZ2HrvQL2ZAw2kzYZme8WXMI7RVpLxFkirYnvKQngOzMb9HCLQKicsZGzn883DmidPtwk0RmI1BfmKG-yrUOFFQICMq7NV8NpMe97p9uA/s1600/il_570xN.437194220_nqp0.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Beautiful hand knitted garments for everyone. </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2XCx9nbglImcMrtb3BJUNfT1Ewe-vTUQl6kWBrGIZeWYRJin_Asc6TiSCWPDC-s_9jAMvzFiuvxjTw2ybqjixybXF-L4DrndgbfSWGLeoxjPQ5Mbtu8bBIHBXGUkULKMdIYSXBtcqA/s1600/il_570xN.289381450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2XCx9nbglImcMrtb3BJUNfT1Ewe-vTUQl6kWBrGIZeWYRJin_Asc6TiSCWPDC-s_9jAMvzFiuvxjTw2ybqjixybXF-L4DrndgbfSWGLeoxjPQ5Mbtu8bBIHBXGUkULKMdIYSXBtcqA/s1600/il_570xN.289381450.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0baao5cVO76Ay3MB70DCNs0WD_splAQcEgN7o7QdVKNbUCtvq_Up5St8u2bCSkPgL8XSX33sckH-OUQKf7Mp5PyGd7BH8QZsOcBX9M0OtAb5CH15axv9iSBsP1ekzeg4wwQa8I5Tcg/s1600/il_570xN.539922169_a709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0baao5cVO76Ay3MB70DCNs0WD_splAQcEgN7o7QdVKNbUCtvq_Up5St8u2bCSkPgL8XSX33sckH-OUQKf7Mp5PyGd7BH8QZsOcBX9M0OtAb5CH15axv9iSBsP1ekzeg4wwQa8I5Tcg/s1600/il_570xN.539922169_a709.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xp7efcVLlKuo0grk-eaDokpI0cNP7s4n9Ob8SylqeHlQfzvYu7EjXbMqtHF82vSbUaPkb7qiX7zN1a-8yn8CSsx_fqYdPXVqjWdjS1G0-v2n_rB7xSnZcMk_FWblAB1GTLwhxTOiEw/s1600/il_570xN.546966305_mhig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xp7efcVLlKuo0grk-eaDokpI0cNP7s4n9Ob8SylqeHlQfzvYu7EjXbMqtHF82vSbUaPkb7qiX7zN1a-8yn8CSsx_fqYdPXVqjWdjS1G0-v2n_rB7xSnZcMk_FWblAB1GTLwhxTOiEw/s1600/il_570xN.546966305_mhig.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V4paZ-NPT5HgfOgpBWAJ1niEYhGaxhoYRhh75rp9iBBFPV25XsKXwr40-OS_OgcZkkqHvNdZKNbU8vamYesf16NTl_6_HndplSA5QiQyZsmpcHT8EgVhNMXzVt0wZOFBw-pCZm5nDA/s1600/il_570xN.313876375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V4paZ-NPT5HgfOgpBWAJ1niEYhGaxhoYRhh75rp9iBBFPV25XsKXwr40-OS_OgcZkkqHvNdZKNbU8vamYesf16NTl_6_HndplSA5QiQyZsmpcHT8EgVhNMXzVt0wZOFBw-pCZm5nDA/s1600/il_570xN.313876375.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTy9g4V2y-C1dQJR1kaiueSQt3Ka9Fu98DNxHNb_BCLjBqY6EQDbDGULdZ3aRDIpvVjFIKrtXoYyh6HzJxye63lrb0_BOh24ouHm9D4L0IG6rlB_I7y22SYDSfUCFo9TGXQlbXnYbYA/s1600/il_570xN.380154121_ho73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTy9g4V2y-C1dQJR1kaiueSQt3Ka9Fu98DNxHNb_BCLjBqY6EQDbDGULdZ3aRDIpvVjFIKrtXoYyh6HzJxye63lrb0_BOh24ouHm9D4L0IG6rlB_I7y22SYDSfUCFo9TGXQlbXnYbYA/s1600/il_570xN.380154121_ho73.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0iQRjPm94isPPEFCq0diiUxM01lJsg2k0TkpoQ5df6bqmVWvWdD59c_yG5obqwCkjZ5UZAQ2w1PJL-p36bvMC6G7TZK6dfJyRDmComa_wUOMvYW9TyOErY6SSgYGYqy6kdgezfkbsg/s1600/il_570xN.410370365_kwsz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0iQRjPm94isPPEFCq0diiUxM01lJsg2k0TkpoQ5df6bqmVWvWdD59c_yG5obqwCkjZ5UZAQ2w1PJL-p36bvMC6G7TZK6dfJyRDmComa_wUOMvYW9TyOErY6SSgYGYqy6kdgezfkbsg/s1600/il_570xN.410370365_kwsz.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Please do go and check it all out for yourself and remember that very soon there will be kits so that you can make your own mittens from the pattern that I tested. If I can make them anyone can!<br />
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></b><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SpinningStreak"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Spinning Streak.</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 73px;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Jilly @ Fabrilushus</span></a></span></span></b></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-89590579361761723632014-01-20T17:27:00.001+00:002014-01-20T17:27:48.110+00:00My Knitting Technique.Recently when talking about doing knitting for my January crafting challenge I happened to mention my "technique". It seems that I do it a little differently to most people!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I remember my Mum would have her elbows out and both needles would be kind of going at the same time. They used to fly. I can't do it like that. I have tried but it just doesn't work. If I manage to get the needle through the stitch then I have no fingers or hands left to move the wool around. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, the way that I do it is to hold the right hand needle in a vertical fashion and to kind of use the left needle to move around it. The right needle does not move. Everyone seemed very confused when I said this so I have done a video for you. I hate videos of myself and hate the sound of my voice too so don't look at me or listen to me, just be amused by my novel knitting technique"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nWL2b3wkMaI" width="480"></iframe></div>
<br />
It works for me. Well so far!<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TeIwjZO6jaXXoSPUdHfhV5-_9R8-ldgP6CvZbxHwu35OOCcaD-9wJF-0OLk2sfNBqYhFvmOtWSVqEEp1LpyHm3HzHaA9tZJoFOTAGdo11ypXD5DuAQeaUauNSUx2k4Ww7C9tAiFAMQ/s1600/Jilly_misc12-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TeIwjZO6jaXXoSPUdHfhV5-_9R8-ldgP6CvZbxHwu35OOCcaD-9wJF-0OLk2sfNBqYhFvmOtWSVqEEp1LpyHm3HzHaA9tZJoFOTAGdo11ypXD5DuAQeaUauNSUx2k4Ww7C9tAiFAMQ/s1600/Jilly_misc12-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-63357362012943247122014-01-20T13:21:00.000+00:002014-01-20T15:35:15.463+00:00Crafty Creatives - box 16Way, way back in November I told you about C<a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">rafty Creatives</a> subscription boxes. They have now changed the format a bit so they include a complete kit rather than themed items. To be honest I haven't even opened my last 2 boxes yet. I struggled so much to make anything useful from my first box which was box 16 - Victorian Circus Theme.<br />
<br />
I like the idea of the boxes but am not sure how I am going to like the new ones with kits. I'll let you know. They certainly were good value for money as they were packed to the brim with goodies. Only thing is, I have struggled to use said goodies!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I did say that I would show you what I made with the contents of box 16. So...... There was a kit to make an animal pendant. Hmm, OK not something I really see myself wearing but I can give it to Ellie maybe. So far I have glued the bits on the plastic elephant and he just needs Simon to make a hole so I can screw in the eyelet for the chain. I don't feel this was much of a kit to be honest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuWtC556M0xxmUQRNcjnfBTLFoEptDoBni1PIL5AL5jJ7AAlOEDELbuwW2E_X52EpF6FBt2G_ixorHDXrQ1axWdS20RefF4B3UXV3JrcRFClqC1AGxdSWY1NFwRNf2NWRbTCQLDhWJA/s1600/DSCN0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuWtC556M0xxmUQRNcjnfBTLFoEptDoBni1PIL5AL5jJ7AAlOEDELbuwW2E_X52EpF6FBt2G_ixorHDXrQ1axWdS20RefF4B3UXV3JrcRFClqC1AGxdSWY1NFwRNf2NWRbTCQLDhWJA/s1600/DSCN0267.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEoCI6f09KqM7zB5Di116XHlMmQI5wX5uI6ZmkwApcoNRQMDlFs33GsVpbAgPnz4LeJ4pqfYM-F7eK_RoHaDPJtF2qJsU3Y5g4gk9h_MrpPmncqHSRYv_LFuM0IMazdRjLq36dAEvDw/s1600/DSCN0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEoCI6f09KqM7zB5Di116XHlMmQI5wX5uI6ZmkwApcoNRQMDlFs33GsVpbAgPnz4LeJ4pqfYM-F7eK_RoHaDPJtF2qJsU3Y5g4gk9h_MrpPmncqHSRYv_LFuM0IMazdRjLq36dAEvDw/s1600/DSCN0268.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used the 2 craft papers and one of the stripey buttons to make 2 of my February birthday cards. The stripey buttons are quite cool and I will be able to use them in other projects.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKawpe3AiHLjlpBGjDQjBP5wdKiu8Z3yzpsyIiudilUOBggWegto3Hj2HlNMIlUgJEBLLEAsGLDYbxTjdkfN_KUOEs-GMTqsTtukPwbEnnJ-pjwKq4KR_zBnH-pkGSINle0cqUbwMyxg/s1600/DSCN0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKawpe3AiHLjlpBGjDQjBP5wdKiu8Z3yzpsyIiudilUOBggWegto3Hj2HlNMIlUgJEBLLEAsGLDYbxTjdkfN_KUOEs-GMTqsTtukPwbEnnJ-pjwKq4KR_zBnH-pkGSINle0cqUbwMyxg/s1600/DSCN0265.JPG" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ot46hac6qwBRRtOvwjee-t4D4rv5tCOHMqUPpyfPOKadoWtBcy_WWzzXuXq4ZEpS9KJszq_dV46E6YSSEPGRpU8dzG2LpT_QgQkhAagUakOyEpGZG7krN7-aURRWTR9wJA7sIhclRg/s1600/DSCN0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ot46hac6qwBRRtOvwjee-t4D4rv5tCOHMqUPpyfPOKadoWtBcy_WWzzXuXq4ZEpS9KJszq_dV46E6YSSEPGRpU8dzG2LpT_QgQkhAagUakOyEpGZG7krN7-aURRWTR9wJA7sIhclRg/s1600/DSCN0266.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
I have not used the circus stamp set and to be honest the stamps are so tiny that I can't really see many uses. Then there were the admission tickets and someone somewhere suggested using them with the glue to make paper beads and then make a pendant. OK, so I did that. Couldn't really think of anything else. Once again they seemed an odd addition to the box, but that is just my opinion. I did learn a cool technique for joining them together by threading the cord backwards and forwards. I was even brave enough to wear it out!!! My son did take the "Mickey" out of it! Can't really see me wearing it again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nGZAdNSITd_2CmnwpED9i1jVmFR8ZjwXnUdMfnnbqx8LqQQcSis1TB04cBWQfQ5aLdjwtpG1xfcwcjBMzg3AHyRTcDNHXH5I_xWsOhXOvsrSIj3dDAhlosivFOWwz5Og8whzi-2ciA/s1600/2014-01-16+19.23.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nGZAdNSITd_2CmnwpED9i1jVmFR8ZjwXnUdMfnnbqx8LqQQcSis1TB04cBWQfQ5aLdjwtpG1xfcwcjBMzg3AHyRTcDNHXH5I_xWsOhXOvsrSIj3dDAhlosivFOWwz5Og8whzi-2ciA/s1600/2014-01-16+19.23.37.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamdswX3t-TtXD14Jh0DVqfTfiWCT_fxVNPDtw_b7SdMJ86GuICkKTbCxd7IIIcA9fkS8AaRxYiuNEz1SBOdvywY3eiFb7mErXLznjcTHrR8ougCdDfiddhJhfmFFa5vvFqpP2Tpiscw/s1600/2014-01-16+19.23.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamdswX3t-TtXD14Jh0DVqfTfiWCT_fxVNPDtw_b7SdMJ86GuICkKTbCxd7IIIcA9fkS8AaRxYiuNEz1SBOdvywY3eiFb7mErXLznjcTHrR8ougCdDfiddhJhfmFFa5vvFqpP2Tpiscw/s1600/2014-01-16+19.23.12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The other sort of kit thing was to transfer an image to a cardboard coaster. 2 sheets of black and white circus images were included but I decided to use a colour photo of my dogs. I am glad that I tried the technique as I have never done it before but to be honest I wasn't thrilled with the result. I may try the technique again at some point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuolfww2GBOXsWS2JJYrNmdnMmjRa8P-m0w5PLYCRYcAhsRIb9jr9CLN9MKf_we7dSCiI__q30RlgncUDsqU_B_4A1zp3lF1BM1_W7O4gOg8GwoDr9uEhx3GqtZydhj-9c91f9W75JlQ/s1600/2014-01-08+15.48.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuolfww2GBOXsWS2JJYrNmdnMmjRa8P-m0w5PLYCRYcAhsRIb9jr9CLN9MKf_we7dSCiI__q30RlgncUDsqU_B_4A1zp3lF1BM1_W7O4gOg8GwoDr9uEhx3GqtZydhj-9c91f9W75JlQ/s1600/2014-01-08+15.48.17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK4D-8o0b6GU1YmwvTVsN-dvMuuuYEKkLaSbpWanyEn95jNwzDtx_agUDznBrmxMkMNPJIKkcVXN2VC4gBz4TizDzjKQwIOjlMr1envQJTH0HAhI4Wwd4_HDyseBC6d1VqMQei8Drqw/s1600/2014-01-08+15.58.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK4D-8o0b6GU1YmwvTVsN-dvMuuuYEKkLaSbpWanyEn95jNwzDtx_agUDznBrmxMkMNPJIKkcVXN2VC4gBz4TizDzjKQwIOjlMr1envQJTH0HAhI4Wwd4_HDyseBC6d1VqMQei8Drqw/s1600/2014-01-08+15.58.01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have yet to do anything with the string of purple beads or the charms. So to conclude, I didn't really make anything at all useful. For my money, and for future projects I have some PVA glue, 2 big red and white buttons, a string of purple beads and some small charms which I may or may be not able to use. I could have actually purchased those items for way less than the £12.95 the box cost.<br />
<br />
This definitely was not a good box for me. I am just starting on box 17 now which is a Medieval theme which I think maybe even less up my street but I'll see. If you are interested in the new format boxes you can check them out <a href="http://www.craftycreatives.co.uk/">HERE.</a>They are a great company. All opinions are purely my own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqCRnWxecZdSK-KDnzK6VDxjCZFLvxJiYAEDjL_1lkG_THJH9mC4jUvrUVAI0emqlhgYtVRdKdGtUYINb8MH3qwSmrnMhYvh6iM9cHMDZModj-kSDYdzNFdmDs0AH4re_CRLS2cL2yQ/s1600/Jilly_srprz19-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqCRnWxecZdSK-KDnzK6VDxjCZFLvxJiYAEDjL_1lkG_THJH9mC4jUvrUVAI0emqlhgYtVRdKdGtUYINb8MH3qwSmrnMhYvh6iM9cHMDZModj-kSDYdzNFdmDs0AH4re_CRLS2cL2yQ/s1600/Jilly_srprz19-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-16284963304530768872014-01-18T00:20:00.000+00:002014-01-18T00:20:51.544+00:00Fingerless Mittens.Remember that I told you I was testing out a friends pattern for knitting fingerless mittens? Well I have finally managed to complete them. I am pleased to say that Spinning's pattern is just fine and that now I have learnt a little more I could knit another pair probably quicker and more easily. This is a grand pattern for beginners as it is fairly quick to do once you get the hang of the stitches.<br />
<br />
My knitted squares stood me in good sted for casting on. No probs there. The pattern begins with the rib stitch which is done by alternating knit stitches with purl stitches. Hmm, OK. I had to Google the purl stitch and watched a couple of You Tube vids to get the hang of it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMhRbgHEo4XHImx-dLZgPXo9ME9k-i74BOVtNlAjIDdU-5kybcqBuOhwN6AzWMVR5Ba-2fEZahnZmUD08yhSFaE4LVoUj2VtItYCNOLRVXOC2inMbZaSBcc1N9iOK6JNlDDEF6HTCjw/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMhRbgHEo4XHImx-dLZgPXo9ME9k-i74BOVtNlAjIDdU-5kybcqBuOhwN6AzWMVR5Ba-2fEZahnZmUD08yhSFaE4LVoUj2VtItYCNOLRVXOC2inMbZaSBcc1N9iOK6JNlDDEF6HTCjw/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.07.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It seems to be like a backwards knit stitch.... I think! The needle goes in the back instead of the front and the wool stays at the front instead of the back! I think! At least that is what I have been doing. It's a bit of a pain this rib lark because alternating the knit and purl means the wool goes from front to back all the time. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I made a start. I got to 5 rows and it looked OK, but it didn't look ribby to me. I feared I had done it wrong. I checked the pattern. Nope I had done as instructed. Still didn't look ribby though! It was at this point that I confused myself further by Googling the rib stitch. Seems to be a lot of conflicting advice. One website said you had to have an odd number of stitches which was odd because my pattern has an even number. Another website said that you start each new row with the same stitch that you finished on...... so you end with a purl stitch the new row will start with a purl stitch. My pattern seemed to my novices mind to be saying do every row the same!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYODzm0Vxm71apRGAswiEC9tfs9yX9PQEKi60VsmQtugHhABAIrUre_2vpr8DTeFT64AWDbJsiF_2AlVB-RDrxWdnNlbtNdgacSoFANpbxgpnNaOG617psCe5Xor-MgJB6lHTlU1SmA/s1600/2014-01-14+18.13.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYODzm0Vxm71apRGAswiEC9tfs9yX9PQEKi60VsmQtugHhABAIrUre_2vpr8DTeFT64AWDbJsiF_2AlVB-RDrxWdnNlbtNdgacSoFANpbxgpnNaOG617psCe5Xor-MgJB6lHTlU1SmA/s1600/2014-01-14+18.13.19.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh dear, my knickers were twisting further and further with every passing minute. I did ask advice from my wonderful teamie friends at Craft Britannia as I couldn't get hold of Spinning. They told me I had it right as far as they could tell so I thought I would try a few more rows. I did and it began to look sort of ribby. Got to 8 rows and there was a hole on row 7. WTH? How did that happen? It was at that point that I opened the red stuff! After a glass or 2 I concluded it was probably best to go to bed and leave it.<br />
<br />
The following day after speaking to Spinning and confirming that I was doing it right I unpicked it and started over. Long story short, I unpicked it 4 more times before I had that little piece of rib correct with no holes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrSv2M49tP5wAB3AKmeGQRIsuO4x7ruSHe-kwm4IjSrm-evxc66JtQpsqkup-qOAMkHEfL_jZMG7_6qLrTKP_PDJD0U6AuJdu8HxvQioB4SeMJThGZIKAQh1X_ZJkUk4as6D2vrgd0g/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrSv2M49tP5wAB3AKmeGQRIsuO4x7ruSHe-kwm4IjSrm-evxc66JtQpsqkup-qOAMkHEfL_jZMG7_6qLrTKP_PDJD0U6AuJdu8HxvQioB4SeMJThGZIKAQh1X_ZJkUk4as6D2vrgd0g/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then it was time to start the flat bit. That was a bit easier as it is alternating rows of knit and purl which form stocking stitch. Got half way through that though and must have lost track as I had knitted where I should have purled. Unpicking time again!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsHuKyHESQTUMhGs3S0Co8gvwAd5hZvxPWb3OQ7rmTJcaddMDKWYGnBIPbOiu1I9rt1Wxfx09llXB03ZTNp8HPCv7fr7dzz1NTs6WN452naij2ukdDRrHPmcMTXdeWtmV5M3TbLCuwg/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsHuKyHESQTUMhGs3S0Co8gvwAd5hZvxPWb3OQ7rmTJcaddMDKWYGnBIPbOiu1I9rt1Wxfx09llXB03ZTNp8HPCv7fr7dzz1NTs6WN452naij2ukdDRrHPmcMTXdeWtmV5M3TbLCuwg/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyc7stlF7Ynaim1rk9TLoidi4JzM3a-u5-4V8a7Ztkm1-ivNUzdGnphIatzp7SqTrKch-rE_oz-ndLWmGD_Q05l9LLSxMlOisCG1_IqCfhwDjiY0HlHSvJJlW_0jvytuRBp_zmq5B5Q/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyc7stlF7Ynaim1rk9TLoidi4JzM3a-u5-4V8a7Ztkm1-ivNUzdGnphIatzp7SqTrKch-rE_oz-ndLWmGD_Q05l9LLSxMlOisCG1_IqCfhwDjiY0HlHSvJJlW_0jvytuRBp_zmq5B5Q/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally after many hours I completed it. I was so chuffed. The second one I am pleased to say was much easier. I was very careful and counted everything and I did it in one go without any unpicking! Go Me! All that was left to do was to sew them up. Rights sides together and away we go. <br />
<br />
This is the finished article. The ones that Spinning sells in her shop are decorated with crochet flowers but as I have yet to learn that skill I had to choose something different for mine. (These photos look a different colour because I had to use flash).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Ax88nan7It-_Yo5e5rhBJiyoo0G72DVI8SvJ3bjWTy-WqCPw2yXEwnW2ebXwrXi3r8Qc0IF1h6o3fPFOaJG3j_wdMOxgbeumx3XJmXepzLPezXaYWeWJCHOoxzDARSzOvNhdsYcgg/s1600/SDC10044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Ax88nan7It-_Yo5e5rhBJiyoo0G72DVI8SvJ3bjWTy-WqCPw2yXEwnW2ebXwrXi3r8Qc0IF1h6o3fPFOaJG3j_wdMOxgbeumx3XJmXepzLPezXaYWeWJCHOoxzDARSzOvNhdsYcgg/s1600/SDC10044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRipqSYXbLZ1w19WEs3DjFafvZrQgkDknKnmJxx7ctp1L0T0wGG_BzHMeEdVFgcT11PC34T0m0t3Cxw7V31p6x4mGKQImK48y1XEfQC1zqstz-l0xDdwnNoxR0WctdU-Fw8iwXdqNeQ/s1600/SDC10038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRipqSYXbLZ1w19WEs3DjFafvZrQgkDknKnmJxx7ctp1L0T0wGG_BzHMeEdVFgcT11PC34T0m0t3Cxw7V31p6x4mGKQImK48y1XEfQC1zqstz-l0xDdwnNoxR0WctdU-Fw8iwXdqNeQ/s1600/SDC10038.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9elwX6KGuwJVRu1PrmEQeVAXvJgBzdR2NqyLVIZLNw_xbLUkVZwP1pKhIkz3trSx-tk778LxAiPjNTYwYVd3hGTKtjGyf_Kre8mz4Je_3j4cjXq4wkxNxcygvbaqlGieYveei9BLiA/s1600/SDC10040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9elwX6KGuwJVRu1PrmEQeVAXvJgBzdR2NqyLVIZLNw_xbLUkVZwP1pKhIkz3trSx-tk778LxAiPjNTYwYVd3hGTKtjGyf_Kre8mz4Je_3j4cjXq4wkxNxcygvbaqlGieYveei9BLiA/s1600/SDC10040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you would like to see Spinning's work you can check out her shop where the pattern that I tested will be available shortly. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SpinningStreak"><b><i> CLICK HERE.</i></b></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ngByEQCFtFVzqnPA1PB8nCiFTkr4tr750hItyj0F1uYqN2ffftt0qfHjfw-ojjZNW5hhUqUVere7njq_8IhEdiB6L9KlamYe__6HgS_24mgbNI_5P5aWUM25UFkhYuun-FZ4mZwktg/s1600/Jilly_tddybr07-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ngByEQCFtFVzqnPA1PB8nCiFTkr4tr750hItyj0F1uYqN2ffftt0qfHjfw-ojjZNW5hhUqUVere7njq_8IhEdiB6L9KlamYe__6HgS_24mgbNI_5P5aWUM25UFkhYuun-FZ4mZwktg/s1600/Jilly_tddybr07-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-6795369444409752122014-01-15T17:40:00.000+00:002014-01-15T17:40:09.270+00:00Knitting challengeI'm still persevering with the knitting. Yesterday I finished my 2nd square. I had the correct number of stitches and I think it is slightly better than the first one although something is not quite right on one side near the beginning, Hey ho! I'll do another one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZTiyDwGKcpvhNQs_CTGFQwFIIXHCspqzn8o0onJ8y3We78fm_BMOMeVpHuCaBsEuNIOtmxQq8T2PzHMlJcDZzT3ffVmRpS9wh-mIs82xE7B6MAe9Qi__lCy0hu0thPoPts9fQzvDQg/s1600/DSCN0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZTiyDwGKcpvhNQs_CTGFQwFIIXHCspqzn8o0onJ8y3We78fm_BMOMeVpHuCaBsEuNIOtmxQq8T2PzHMlJcDZzT3ffVmRpS9wh-mIs82xE7B6MAe9Qi__lCy0hu0thPoPts9fQzvDQg/s1600/DSCN0107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZvUoQwu1hcVG-apgDsBJbJvAGDjcgeYN5-HhKUMwihzy-QkthmSY9jBmpp-0_C7T_ES8ELtRe-Pl_oOTAEwavDWSw8uHjA8LQsxmBgxoS2vdJNlSAwm_O1Dsou04rWebdnFZF8cvfg/s1600/DSCN0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZvUoQwu1hcVG-apgDsBJbJvAGDjcgeYN5-HhKUMwihzy-QkthmSY9jBmpp-0_C7T_ES8ELtRe-Pl_oOTAEwavDWSw8uHjA8LQsxmBgxoS2vdJNlSAwm_O1Dsou04rWebdnFZF8cvfg/s1600/DSCN0106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPo0pdFqL8trZmL0C1wunOHT1NfxczNqtWDua06qzOOgifzDfUOsxRJwM3DVaXYg4NuUdJk96UT3mpzkVTMgGIwgeUGDW1LOuYJn-sa4O8EHE8B44Six8gDogoQ18LpSptAhIbeZVxg/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPo0pdFqL8trZmL0C1wunOHT1NfxczNqtWDua06qzOOgifzDfUOsxRJwM3DVaXYg4NuUdJk96UT3mpzkVTMgGIwgeUGDW1LOuYJn-sa4O8EHE8B44Six8gDogoQ18LpSptAhIbeZVxg/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.26.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwH3YgLo-t_zaX_DytwHcoCd_fjLJkGFf2JOn8PWHvGjWKq-tWH6JCGrSgW4BcoRauRqW4aZyHbA2Zac312KlYdCFbzoI-5RmpafyYqZfzUWQqspfMIVvZ_dAFMNF9_06MUHL6QgJ4w/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwH3YgLo-t_zaX_DytwHcoCd_fjLJkGFf2JOn8PWHvGjWKq-tWH6JCGrSgW4BcoRauRqW4aZyHbA2Zac312KlYdCFbzoI-5RmpafyYqZfzUWQqspfMIVvZ_dAFMNF9_06MUHL6QgJ4w/s1600/2014-01-14+17.53.43.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now this is much more exciting than knitted squares, this is real knitting. Something functional that I can actually use. Well hopefully! A friend on the Etsy, Craft Britannia team who spins her own wool, dyes it herself and then writes her own patterns before knitting gorgeous garments has allowed me to test a pattern for her.<br />
<br />
It is a beginners pattern for fingerless mittens and she has very kindly sent me some of her own beautiful wool to make them with. It arrived today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEoXKA3bmrpIer_rx1U_VQVVtvT6PPm4kHZ4HlAPuHsgiPQmxby4bcxVwlnUi4XBzpIBsKlXzwSLqJb7wvVim7h62oa7o2esxw8dOfsEvIGBWvYBT3mfYUiJTIlKKM25UcHVnBytYWA/s1600/DSCN0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEoXKA3bmrpIer_rx1U_VQVVtvT6PPm4kHZ4HlAPuHsgiPQmxby4bcxVwlnUi4XBzpIBsKlXzwSLqJb7wvVim7h62oa7o2esxw8dOfsEvIGBWvYBT3mfYUiJTIlKKM25UcHVnBytYWA/s1600/DSCN0104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wv6iukdnfiEZo8UahG_RH1SFpWQYfBWxKpUB_FND8O6pn1RMW3loKnEQyrABsqGCWRC5qA_YGh3MBwEtSkMnwllGxuJsGWsOyJQLW405GYnuHTEt81wXFGaM7VBqxpMFwH2AMbt_Bw/s1600/DSCN0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wv6iukdnfiEZo8UahG_RH1SFpWQYfBWxKpUB_FND8O6pn1RMW3loKnEQyrABsqGCWRC5qA_YGh3MBwEtSkMnwllGxuJsGWsOyJQLW405GYnuHTEt81wXFGaM7VBqxpMFwH2AMbt_Bw/s1600/DSCN0105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't it just gorgeous? The colour is actually about halfway between what you see in the 2 photos. Still trying to get to grips with the camera!<br />
<br />
If you would like to see more of Spinnings work then you can visit her shop here <b>:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SpinningStreak"><span style="font-size: large;">Spinning Streak</span></a></b><br />
<br />
I will do a blog post all about her in the next week or so and don't forget to check back and see how my mittens are doing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xPk9Ss85qYbLr4GsBqv-VGo8oD7bUCKCh8gsFs4JUqhAYp0FvclcGiCdmqBarmHbKdvAacEJAk6bjuOqyP9tgTHgqR6Wpw3hw7KYyRwZwsPgoklaTc5S_i835tJb8KD-BMAcXIQz3A/s1600/Jilly_misc24-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xPk9Ss85qYbLr4GsBqv-VGo8oD7bUCKCh8gsFs4JUqhAYp0FvclcGiCdmqBarmHbKdvAacEJAk6bjuOqyP9tgTHgqR6Wpw3hw7KYyRwZwsPgoklaTc5S_i835tJb8KD-BMAcXIQz3A/s1600/Jilly_misc24-SSC.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-29751024671559045832014-01-09T16:34:00.000+00:002014-01-09T16:34:22.690+00:00New craft challengeI am not sure if I have mentioned this previously but one of my goals for this year is to try out a new craft each month. There are so many things that I would like to do and never seem to have the time. I figure if I just try out one thing at a time it will be easier. A month seems a decent amount of time to give something a go. Also short enough that if I really hate something it will soon be over and done with!<br />
<br />
Who knows I may be totally hopeless at some things but may just find a hidden talent.<br />
<br />
So, January is knitting. I am a novice. I knitted a square to earn my Brownie knitting badge that was about 45 years ago. I have tried several times since then but just can't really get the hang of it. My Mum was a good knitter and was never without her knitting when I was a child. I can still remember the sound of those needles clicking away at great speed. She passed her skills on to my sister who is a beautiful knitter although she no longer does it very often.<br />
<br />
When I knitted that square for brownies I remember that I couldn't get the hang of holding the needles. I still can't. My technique is to have the right needle sort of propped vertically in my lap and then I knit round it with the left needle. The right needle does not move!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I decided to start with the basics. A knitted square of plain stitches. I found a website that said 40 stitches knitted on 4.5mm needles would give me an 8 inch square. That seemed a good size. I had the needles and some scrap wool in blue that someone gave me ages ago. I had to find a tutorial to remind me how to cast on. It took me forever!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBBsAKAOorau2dHX-no-y_YXwB3lfJi_98E5HC0IrdUFyC6EoxdIF7ETqx5uoe4rKIqZw9d9LVEYM_kYTAvDK7HowXaVbPLkzgItAvmPZLb6QgSzGZ3g6OGG5mUkzg5cFx3I3D0-ntg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBBsAKAOorau2dHX-no-y_YXwB3lfJi_98E5HC0IrdUFyC6EoxdIF7ETqx5uoe4rKIqZw9d9LVEYM_kYTAvDK7HowXaVbPLkzgItAvmPZLb6QgSzGZ3g6OGG5mUkzg5cFx3I3D0-ntg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the stitches were cast on, I got knitting and I did remember how to do that basic knit stitch. I have since learnt this is called garter stitch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsctZ0HhzSWB3oL3APrVZjN_axCjfuul0lVjtlLG912WtbPojCAJmKWcIxLPj1t7wnTGOS2xRS32VYxP5cZEDyb5sY2me58iHRZGbtNR_R_25fj2jI9vfehQQVTopARQzzrnlFM_UcA/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsctZ0HhzSWB3oL3APrVZjN_axCjfuul0lVjtlLG912WtbPojCAJmKWcIxLPj1t7wnTGOS2xRS32VYxP5cZEDyb5sY2me58iHRZGbtNR_R_25fj2jI9vfehQQVTopARQzzrnlFM_UcA/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPyoGSIOOQHZ7cH79ibgUBHOQq0-z18fSsKWfozNH9SqCxdcJ4Fohk9P3d_zY9ox0r2m-uMTvXwuFx-PRzofVprZEEmW-3JkHQ564aAdpnvlPuamew2EE_EV1mfXWfZKgPQ6ohnoxsA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPyoGSIOOQHZ7cH79ibgUBHOQq0-z18fSsKWfozNH9SqCxdcJ4Fohk9P3d_zY9ox0r2m-uMTvXwuFx-PRzofVprZEEmW-3JkHQ564aAdpnvlPuamew2EE_EV1mfXWfZKgPQ6ohnoxsA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I knitted around 80 rows to get it to 8 inches. I'm not exactly sure as I lost count. It took me about 4 hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96s2WrYPHx5rZkGkQofyVjueOsc3DbZo63HgziauRd29TXJjUWjZg5vdZ7YgDX7Di5DB_5LrlRqSYt3X3Nqc8OMuqpkTa0dq6csGe0r5Nw3pFNP4QnNFQLeaKnVz1leNkwaL97SNvWg/s1600/2014-01-08+16.32.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96s2WrYPHx5rZkGkQofyVjueOsc3DbZo63HgziauRd29TXJjUWjZg5vdZ7YgDX7Di5DB_5LrlRqSYt3X3Nqc8OMuqpkTa0dq6csGe0r5Nw3pFNP4QnNFQLeaKnVz1leNkwaL97SNvWg/s1600/2014-01-08+16.32.47.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC31vDQ0nH04SyJ-Whqy_e9MeKbEa7D_99uqJmzi6KeHhKNUp-wUwz88OIGFYR8M5LyQeDqb6s1pn5LvNbWSFJy1bcI-lmKeRSabF6gAGwnd5fnA6Ks52l1Wp2JVpKbDliHWBWcr8hYg/s1600/2014-01-08+16.33.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC31vDQ0nH04SyJ-Whqy_e9MeKbEa7D_99uqJmzi6KeHhKNUp-wUwz88OIGFYR8M5LyQeDqb6s1pn5LvNbWSFJy1bcI-lmKeRSabF6gAGwnd5fnA6Ks52l1Wp2JVpKbDliHWBWcr8hYg/s1600/2014-01-08+16.33.48.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I ended up with 41 stitches and one small hole so not sure what happened there! Do you see it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrT8fRML9MBPmq9GfJ8vlWWLn9ISyEHgDo7tCEHtxOqGUs-ALHDA9YJzfxekNsCcpB1vde_DR7CxNjDsme55OVHKJZOyRlaXqRkVD0hR6Knfijqf61WD1rqwU3UP9COjnyO72aBlztA/s1600/2014-01-08+16.43.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrT8fRML9MBPmq9GfJ8vlWWLn9ISyEHgDo7tCEHtxOqGUs-ALHDA9YJzfxekNsCcpB1vde_DR7CxNjDsme55OVHKJZOyRlaXqRkVD0hR6Knfijqf61WD1rqwU3UP9COjnyO72aBlztA/s1600/2014-01-08+16.43.42.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the finished square. I am quite pleased with this first attempt. All I need to do now is to knit about another 50 and I'll have a doggie blanket! LOL.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ7FJPeXOc-AFWsaqEPW6AiHefXfZH5RCWymt3ZW5GNbv5mdc6gIWN27e7go-0Og7JmgSzNdm0sjcrLfEtLUTEKKXJLbzCWdYpuBXYtYe4v8f_F0T4tlLoNWh7IFgOm_ik36BV6KbcQ/s1600/2014-01-08+16.42.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ7FJPeXOc-AFWsaqEPW6AiHefXfZH5RCWymt3ZW5GNbv5mdc6gIWN27e7go-0Og7JmgSzNdm0sjcrLfEtLUTEKKXJLbzCWdYpuBXYtYe4v8f_F0T4tlLoNWh7IFgOm_ik36BV6KbcQ/s1600/2014-01-08+16.42.54.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This evening I am going to do another one. I want to see if I can do one without a hole and keep the correct number of stitches.<br />
<br />
A fellow Etsian who is on the Craft Britannia team is sending me some of her wool and a pattern that she has designed for simple fingerless mittens. She needs a tester to see how easy her instructions are to follow. She will be on hand if I get stuck. I am really looking forward to giving it a go.<br />
<br />
I shall be doing updates throughout the month to let you know how I am progressing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZtv1j_LsLY/Us62eKMDuWI/AAAAAAAAIGU/IBeGMNM5MNo/s1600/Jilly_tddybr22-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZtv1j_LsLY/Us62eKMDuWI/AAAAAAAAIGU/IBeGMNM5MNo/s1600/Jilly_tddybr22-SSC.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-12799822390758714292014-01-07T14:19:00.000+00:002014-01-07T14:20:23.659+00:00One of my favourite Christmas presents.I had lots of Christmas presents. Those of you that follow my personal blog "Don't worry be happy" will have already heard all about my lovely new Nikon camera. It's red! <br />
<br />
Our family did a secret Santa this year and my daughter Verity was the person who got me in the draw. She gave me a gift bag full of lovely things but the best thing in that bag was possibly the thing that cost her the least in money but most in effort.<br />
<br />
I LOVE buttons. All kinds of buttons. I had mentioned how nice it would be to have some vintage buttons. I have a few but not many. Verity not only found me some vintage buttons but she also found a wonderful vintage tin for them. I am so thrilled.<br />
<br />
This is the tin. Don't you just love it? There is something about that little girl and boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhNRpFzY30fXnfTJN-_KARxDFnTe5W4OUIzFBN1xl2ZuSuEDtG0uZxHlXtIJisX0BRaHs1Z_CvXTn5cOX_t6MO0JiaZUyxefKHN86J54zxsz6EFsjCvFFf3kaaAb20oCYsS8QMwoVKQ/s1600/DSCN0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhNRpFzY30fXnfTJN-_KARxDFnTe5W4OUIzFBN1xl2ZuSuEDtG0uZxHlXtIJisX0BRaHs1Z_CvXTn5cOX_t6MO0JiaZUyxefKHN86J54zxsz6EFsjCvFFf3kaaAb20oCYsS8QMwoVKQ/s1600/DSCN0081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These are the buttons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcaBvRf5xm3_3YNPaCdlv_eCrQfadBmfQnZbkEO3dIA-sqqvQJaGc-3JE5KyGHp7qL8Y6-DbdmySGeKcwiepX5BAdqiawA4QFQmgHbOxxIfTrYJ1dbE-IZbWipqwSnlOcaZrnuvDnLQ/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcaBvRf5xm3_3YNPaCdlv_eCrQfadBmfQnZbkEO3dIA-sqqvQJaGc-3JE5KyGHp7qL8Y6-DbdmySGeKcwiepX5BAdqiawA4QFQmgHbOxxIfTrYJ1dbE-IZbWipqwSnlOcaZrnuvDnLQ/s1600/DSCN0083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3WesoXG2vtmWSTzjRBIa3YGyHPfyHxEcQZsdBHU9v8sSKznJcvLPIVfCuxuyqb48Sc9i7wwrEG3sZZdFcNXrNOCepRdIOgx1bfHf4v-bmLRg8b9ho3r2XNruiozKzCf7_plhbKzQZQ/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3WesoXG2vtmWSTzjRBIa3YGyHPfyHxEcQZsdBHU9v8sSKznJcvLPIVfCuxuyqb48Sc9i7wwrEG3sZZdFcNXrNOCepRdIOgx1bfHf4v-bmLRg8b9ho3r2XNruiozKzCf7_plhbKzQZQ/s1600/DSCN0085.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
These are my absolute favourites.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSIQRZx77xL8F-D61jHW2d3zYWFDPD-vON9hcF1yyd5fOqVFLCB34VspoPC2UhT_UHLAO5XLeg1xUpVs7K1YGwtjcoqItum5unNEdnGMZ3weEhRy1haX_qgj0qcEX-hJTZAgw4KLkKw/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSIQRZx77xL8F-D61jHW2d3zYWFDPD-vON9hcF1yyd5fOqVFLCB34VspoPC2UhT_UHLAO5XLeg1xUpVs7K1YGwtjcoqItum5unNEdnGMZ3weEhRy1haX_qgj0qcEX-hJTZAgw4KLkKw/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Just have to decide what projects to use them in now! I do have quite a lot of buttons so I shall take some more photos and show you. If anyone has any they would like to sell (or donate ;) ) Please get in touch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0eXHxOxyBdi_8S6IqZXQpQhdXxzn5LfI6rnnucP3xNAM4vKZ5AgeFO8rymjW8NM_dkGuq8aPwGMxtcAJO-FEM1-VS6JqAJ9O29_YGaNXxK0YCXNKrS5q3vb2HED1EEJPWwWYyVftmQ/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0eXHxOxyBdi_8S6IqZXQpQhdXxzn5LfI6rnnucP3xNAM4vKZ5AgeFO8rymjW8NM_dkGuq8aPwGMxtcAJO-FEM1-VS6JqAJ9O29_YGaNXxK0YCXNKrS5q3vb2HED1EEJPWwWYyVftmQ/s1600/download+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-61039369131403192132014-01-02T10:00:00.000+00:002014-01-02T10:00:05.096+00:00Getting ahead<div class="MsoNormal">
Well Christmas is over for another year. Only 358 days to go until next time! One of the things I have learnt since having
my little shop on Etsy is that you must always be thinking ahead to the next
occasion or season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, February 14<sup>th</sup> – Valentine’s Day. I shan’t be making anything special for this
but fortunately I do have a lot of heart shaped, felt brooches so I have been
busy today retagging them all and changing the titles to read Valentines
Brooch. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought you might like to see a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigess3vtLArkoVjMYZ_v6XJYpVMBJV4nkhxSAApbZGR3-DEyMb4bcccooJCFv6AsiUztRqkwrVdYtphj7OXtFwQVLrl-ulpOuD8Isna5If1SJKkrLn6q_IN0gINVyKPU4CbF4ZAwENEA/s1600/il_570xN.497091316_t7up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigess3vtLArkoVjMYZ_v6XJYpVMBJV4nkhxSAApbZGR3-DEyMb4bcccooJCFv6AsiUztRqkwrVdYtphj7OXtFwQVLrl-ulpOuD8Isna5If1SJKkrLn6q_IN0gINVyKPU4CbF4ZAwENEA/s320/il_570xN.497091316_t7up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwp3B3pgdv-jw9QfvAkKvphPmYmQjcfXw6uFbGykJPuVDDUQRwKVblkqiKx9MxvNokghGmiuMr2xeTJep03ofB6tN1rxntk1G5Urm_ATB5dsciCzp2EEgza1TFe80B5_ZODiUG1uJRmw/s1600/il_570xN.458442654_g8lc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwp3B3pgdv-jw9QfvAkKvphPmYmQjcfXw6uFbGykJPuVDDUQRwKVblkqiKx9MxvNokghGmiuMr2xeTJep03ofB6tN1rxntk1G5Urm_ATB5dsciCzp2EEgza1TFe80B5_ZODiUG1uJRmw/s320/il_570xN.458442654_g8lc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp-hUpJXIyHzMkBFTvDWikDNDSst-g-3_EHd8ie0cYEqkSBGlbomSr7_APgrjaOBShT3BUR0z8BZ7YG6IbkEzAgdPRBzXbrhYG_9JQI4a2m1XFok8VzNVF0s5eZjNepK6lBNWDweRAw/s1600/il_570xN.497009518_tfw8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp-hUpJXIyHzMkBFTvDWikDNDSst-g-3_EHd8ie0cYEqkSBGlbomSr7_APgrjaOBShT3BUR0z8BZ7YG6IbkEzAgdPRBzXbrhYG_9JQI4a2m1XFok8VzNVF0s5eZjNepK6lBNWDweRAw/s320/il_570xN.497009518_tfw8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4MCeBNJib9YTTZ-TnZs1_apIHsT0jTRB0yZ2kMvxE_mH9tgwfu36Nswl14UqLwZtdzRM9gEywtK3fXf0WLNpeSopWVS2gqyznbUvZxolTH2zLI_9I9aNG1otCzWp2WmRmLQ5mFmVMQ/s1600/il_570xN.458423165_q4ol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4MCeBNJib9YTTZ-TnZs1_apIHsT0jTRB0yZ2kMvxE_mH9tgwfu36Nswl14UqLwZtdzRM9gEywtK3fXf0WLNpeSopWVS2gqyznbUvZxolTH2zLI_9I9aNG1otCzWp2WmRmLQ5mFmVMQ/s320/il_570xN.458423165_q4ol.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxGXN2rUNCOZpjKoAqh2iJuXk2OR4YCk7O_pdPbyfbEjLH48W-HIVwgtWNp4zIGOIwwT_NIDqoAdLpOVc56eNv9NBPZwZVTMVwtMMe5ihUFirgfXIl272UadIQ96_DqYOd0YWLs0dMQ/s1600/il_570xN.458602595_lhgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxGXN2rUNCOZpjKoAqh2iJuXk2OR4YCk7O_pdPbyfbEjLH48W-HIVwgtWNp4zIGOIwwT_NIDqoAdLpOVc56eNv9NBPZwZVTMVwtMMe5ihUFirgfXIl272UadIQ96_DqYOd0YWLs0dMQ/s320/il_570xN.458602595_lhgg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3urTD5oznlW1cGAJQ3Ms7bRNhiFK3ICEqeazwnp1t5MTqQGz1UBqBFb0EySdZEs3M1FIbaFqGLkIJjQ73glMpOypBRW4cp75drbIQRLFvGET47bq8w8_NSdJCcPyWfgM0PFROm1aqg/s1600/il_570xN.458434673_5orc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3urTD5oznlW1cGAJQ3Ms7bRNhiFK3ICEqeazwnp1t5MTqQGz1UBqBFb0EySdZEs3M1FIbaFqGLkIJjQ73glMpOypBRW4cp75drbIQRLFvGET47bq8w8_NSdJCcPyWfgM0PFROm1aqg/s320/il_570xN.458434673_5orc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RB9XdU6sfyqnCXhVk6h8waS9AmtsEACiqSPofwwGdsODWnVLWogPvnsqkQ7TIOnphek4cEnm0R6J-AmunRLIc6xDhM6LUSVVpLBlJuYsBRhlYEthtJ4qVJOeFMNYnbJEWznteBHhRQ/s1600/il_570xN.458497063_hm0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RB9XdU6sfyqnCXhVk6h8waS9AmtsEACiqSPofwwGdsODWnVLWogPvnsqkQ7TIOnphek4cEnm0R6J-AmunRLIc6xDhM6LUSVVpLBlJuYsBRhlYEthtJ4qVJOeFMNYnbJEWznteBHhRQ/s320/il_570xN.458497063_hm0c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also have a few key rings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoh2-Ikloy-BQNXADY-BaYA5oSqf2uKMJV3BGviUWGoX5JbuhzBDpcz7fRi-QMy6ppb-NC32VTVigfovHXwmBdQtpL8zeeD6IGl4wc0JECefnlrIwLG2XvbRsuREAh2FJr5TOL7MKTw/s1600/il_570xN.442635181_qlff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCoh2-Ikloy-BQNXADY-BaYA5oSqf2uKMJV3BGviUWGoX5JbuhzBDpcz7fRi-QMy6ppb-NC32VTVigfovHXwmBdQtpL8zeeD6IGl4wc0JECefnlrIwLG2XvbRsuREAh2FJr5TOL7MKTw/s320/il_570xN.442635181_qlff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Rvz93mtPQLGE3lpLFtxHlG5p1XSfEQxM4MdGOTLolNQqpRzq_IXqi4rs2KZ8Eao-3k7yBDGnOIQ3YofV9adMM0Lo8H_OtUnMYrRU7ldIW4adkpV1-DAbchPx7d5xwWfYl8qssVbMg/s1600/il_570xN.446028038_72a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3Rvz93mtPQLGE3lpLFtxHlG5p1XSfEQxM4MdGOTLolNQqpRzq_IXqi4rs2KZ8Eao-3k7yBDGnOIQ3YofV9adMM0Lo8H_OtUnMYrRU7ldIW4adkpV1-DAbchPx7d5xwWfYl8qssVbMg/s320/il_570xN.446028038_72a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plus some heart shaped hanging decorations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAntFr-7SZRVy14hUpf_gjaaZuNnkzDZYHypO8cfvO1yIoEiw2nOV1AoWagPm5wO1qV4Y7gmZ6sOdPP3j4ZHCPvfpsUKM5XkrwhHJO0pAHd_qeiEYoGBRkUCfqW-HWnkhR28qIQQRhQ/s1600/il_570xN.484825671_n0y0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAntFr-7SZRVy14hUpf_gjaaZuNnkzDZYHypO8cfvO1yIoEiw2nOV1AoWagPm5wO1qV4Y7gmZ6sOdPP3j4ZHCPvfpsUKM5XkrwhHJO0pAHd_qeiEYoGBRkUCfqW-HWnkhR28qIQQRhQ/s320/il_570xN.484825671_n0y0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAogRkG7cKVKy7wUuq9DHN3vNRvIXagA4Ry8SHYlo9oNaGpqQYzSzBc0yqgOGKtxyF80kPPjRB1EvTOKNmBbSmzDD8mOYfitJ9i8hAFOrrQwbc-bNh_edW4BLWAyZhmpUdbL4YGoo4w/s1600/il_570xN.477480968_ia3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAogRkG7cKVKy7wUuq9DHN3vNRvIXagA4Ry8SHYlo9oNaGpqQYzSzBc0yqgOGKtxyF80kPPjRB1EvTOKNmBbSmzDD8mOYfitJ9i8hAFOrrQwbc-bNh_edW4BLWAyZhmpUdbL4YGoo4w/s320/il_570xN.477480968_ia3e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day or do you feel it is an
overly hyped up occasion designed to make money for the big corporations? I usually make OH a card. He will buy me a card and I usually get
flowers too. We don’t usually go out but he will cook a special meal at home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find my Valentines brooches and other bits and pieces in the shop here:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus?section_id=12847088"> <b><span style="color: #4c1130;">F<span style="background-color: white;">ABRILUSHUS.</span></span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVQtM6Pwc6DxLmUZHWHaje01FPemq4jG28Qls1wf7kUEyAZGIW4LTh4IiefjFlR6tNHbsPyFhvh19diErva9ymskUPxS7_xF0nT0ZYqgQs9jniXMQjq1pYhlCWUlDe1aLICuhs83MOg/s1600/Jilly_misc15-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVQtM6Pwc6DxLmUZHWHaje01FPemq4jG28Qls1wf7kUEyAZGIW4LTh4IiefjFlR6tNHbsPyFhvh19diErva9ymskUPxS7_xF0nT0ZYqgQs9jniXMQjq1pYhlCWUlDe1aLICuhs83MOg/s320/Jilly_misc15-SSC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-23178519244453024012013-12-31T23:30:00.000+00:002013-12-31T23:30:03.550+00:00Happy New Year!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;">I
am sitting here enjoying the last few hours of 2013. It is just myself,OH and the dog. Robbie Williams is on the TV so I have a
smile on my face. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;">2013
was another wonderful year. I've been so blessed. I wonder what this New Year
will have in store? Whatever comes along
I will share it with you all here on the blogs. </span></b><b><span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;">I hope as we pass the
midnight hour and enter the New Year that 2014 will be a good year. I wish
you love health and happiness and as always I wish you ENOUGH.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAOb963B-zoOa5cF86Th_aiRtJXbxscUA7t2Gz2DrdrzUePFFzPxl4cFmgULbT7K2jXu_9veNecaAnOZYskfI6r77j_zvQBNBY3SLZz5rNmQFkZ97LzKrl3PL5FbshSqv-G8zS7BlZA/s1600/Jilly_nwyr02-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAOb963B-zoOa5cF86Th_aiRtJXbxscUA7t2Gz2DrdrzUePFFzPxl4cFmgULbT7K2jXu_9veNecaAnOZYskfI6r77j_zvQBNBY3SLZz5rNmQFkZ97LzKrl3PL5FbshSqv-G8zS7BlZA/s320/Jilly_nwyr02-SSC.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: #604a7b; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #604A7B; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent4; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-58323277551570511072013-12-31T10:00:00.000+00:002013-12-31T10:00:11.960+00:00A lesson in fabric pre-cuts.<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Yesterday I did
a blog about Fat Quarters which are very popular amongst quilters and other sewists. However they are just the tip of the iceberg
as there are many speciality pre-cuts out there. Most top manufacturers offer specialty cut
items in conjunction with their collections. These pre-cuts shorten your cutting time and
give you an affordable way to purchase an entire collection of fabric without
breaking the bank.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Pre-cut items
are fabrics cut into specific sizes and typically packaged by collection. There
are many different sizes but they are based on the most common cuts used by
quilters. The most well-known and perhaps the most useful pre-cuts are charm
squares, layer cakes and jelly rolls so we shall look at them first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Please note
that some fabric manufacturers use different names for the same pre-cuts. The
popular names tend to be the ones used by Moda fabrics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Charms or Charm Squares</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">.
These are 5 inch squares usually
in a pack of 40 coordinating fabrics.
Total average yardage approx. 1 1/8 yards. NB. Riley Blake calls their 5 inch squares “Stackers”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENzDAuZXj3bnoPFzpm9tzdvWB4-XrULgX3-SQ4eavJni0hOq70BV9J6xZLaSiuuh-t52mCAzVWXcGtV9sCfLs4Bf_QFdqRW7ueWh9K6NWpBYEjwquui6GmTn8-ZFngO3EwXcCuJLpkw/s1600/6122CH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENzDAuZXj3bnoPFzpm9tzdvWB4-XrULgX3-SQ4eavJni0hOq70BV9J6xZLaSiuuh-t52mCAzVWXcGtV9sCfLs4Bf_QFdqRW7ueWh9K6NWpBYEjwquui6GmTn8-ZFngO3EwXcCuJLpkw/s1600/6122CH.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Layer Cakes.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These are 10 inch squares, usually in a pack
of 40 coordinating fabrics. Total
average yardage approx. 2 ¾ yards.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr3mgQflhduX_vFPUz1AWDBwZtONChXGHq_3JwKBxSW95sKraiYuUqpY4Td8JENRLdZhKpdDKnJvUv1zgI6Ctc_qhnQHJTEn2YHHOsXFAI-A-BKqiZqaeBDtnKE1UwP2now7_YKgflA/s1600/6037lc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr3mgQflhduX_vFPUz1AWDBwZtONChXGHq_3JwKBxSW95sKraiYuUqpY4Td8JENRLdZhKpdDKnJvUv1zgI6Ctc_qhnQHJTEn2YHHOsXFAI-A-BKqiZqaeBDtnKE1UwP2now7_YKgflA/s1600/6037lc.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Jelly Rolls.</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"> </span><b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"> These are 2
1/2" pre-cut strips, cut the width of the fabric (WOF), from selvage to
selvage. So generally 21/2 x 44 inches. Jelly Rolls are sold in sets of 40
strips from a coordinating fabric line; total yardage yield is approximately 2
3/4+ yards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXs6oz7TTWaUImI3iupo7Z8YHo68PZsAv2CIuPVHXha9r2doZTF143s_0JxFfBz0RGXIwVn-rxH1UoElm0IbFmzR0q-rjx2eaclTxtL3fHJ7Zr-2TZiOzmJWP4GDR5rSHrJkjgFtRSw/s1600/6058jr_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXs6oz7TTWaUImI3iupo7Z8YHo68PZsAv2CIuPVHXha9r2doZTF143s_0JxFfBz0RGXIwVn-rxH1UoElm0IbFmzR0q-rjx2eaclTxtL3fHJ7Zr-2TZiOzmJWP4GDR5rSHrJkjgFtRSw/s1600/6058jr_2.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">The above are
the most popular pre-cuts but there are many more and as I said you may find
that different manufactures use different names. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Here are some
more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Dessert Rolls or Fat Rolls.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These are 5" wide pre-cut strips x
width of fabric from selvage to selvage.
These rolls are fabric strips from a coordinating line of fabric,
typically 40 strips of 20 different fabrics; total yardage yield is
approximately 5 1/2+ yards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Honey Buns or Sweet Rolls</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">. These are 1 1/2" pre-cut strips
cut the width of the fabric from selvage to selvage. These are 40 strips from a coordinating
fabric line; total yardage yield is approximately 1 3/4 yards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Candy Squares or Mini Charms.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These are 2.5" x 2.5" squares
they usually come in packs of 40.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Turnovers.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These
are 6" pre-cut triangles of 40 fabrics from a coordinating line; total
yardage yield is approximately 1 yard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Spoonfuls.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These are by Moda and are 8-1/2"
squares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Bali Bitty Bundles</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">. These are by Hoffman - eight
fat-eights (9" x 22")<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Honeycomb Hexagons.</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> These are new by Moda fabrics.</span> <span style="background: white; color: #333333;">They are collections of 40, 6"
hexagons. Each Honeycomb hexagon measures 6" from point to opposite point,
with a horizontal measurement of 5 1/4". Moda Fabrics are the industry
leader when it comes to inventing new pre-cuts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*</span></b>Other names for
Jelly Rolls include: Bali Pops by Hoffman Fabrics, Rolie Polies by Riley Blake,
Roll Ups by Robert Kaufman Fabrics and Stone Strips by Northcott Fabrics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can see there are a whole host of wonderful pre-cuts
out there just waiting for your next project. There are also many, many books and tutorials
on how to use them all but that is another blog!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before you dive in and get started, I have a last note about
pre-cuts……. DON’T PRE-WASH!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following information comes from <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">The Fat Quarter Shop:</a>-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If you prefer to prewash your fabrics before cutting and
sewing, learn to resist the temptation to wash or even rinse your pre-cut
fabric strips. Washing could cause the fabric to fray, ravel, or shrink,
resulting in pieces that are no longer an accurate size”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For my Merikan friends<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">The Fat Quarter Shop</a> </span>is a great
source of all pre-cuts. UK friends can
find good suppliers in my Fantastic Suppliers list over on the left-hand side
of the blog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please feel free to leave links to your projects in the
comments. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 73px;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Jilly @ Fabrilushus</span></a></span></b></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-81597815647581335222013-12-30T10:00:00.000+00:002013-12-30T17:29:55.155+00:00Fat quarters and other cuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wr_IVa5ZWzvjT7O4MDVECzS7-gXMem1TShVowog1ngwG09snxCYy68q6wPqpRlAj5PmCoCzuVfolq7e8pJn6A0OLIRZuIHFepGDWV-sTaJVekP5ISrGIV0_KKP2nor3L83fxhgOWUw/s1600/WA198_-_A_fat_quarter_is_not.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wr_IVa5ZWzvjT7O4MDVECzS7-gXMem1TShVowog1ngwG09snxCYy68q6wPqpRlAj5PmCoCzuVfolq7e8pJn6A0OLIRZuIHFepGDWV-sTaJVekP5ISrGIV0_KKP2nor3L83fxhgOWUw/s1600/WA198_-_A_fat_quarter_is_not.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The United Kingdom supposedly underwent metrification many
years ago. I believe it was around 1965
when it all began and it was voluntary back then. Some 15 years later, around 1980 we were
forced to follow European directives that would apparently see off the old
Imperial system for good. Of course we
all know that only happened in part. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So are you a metric girl or is your brain still hard wired
to the old ways? I confess to being an
Imperial girl. I still weigh in pounds and ounces and I measure in feet and
inches. It’s nothing to do with metric but for the record I’m also a Fahrenheit
girl for temperature. I simply cannot
get my head around centigrade.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I think my Imperial brain puts me at a
disadvantage but there is one area where it helps……. Sewing and quilting. Have
you noticed how many suppliers still sell fabric by the yard? OK, I know department stores the like of John
Lewis sell in meters but the smaller independent fabric retailers work in
yards. Bolts of fabric are still
generally measured in inches wide. As an
example a common width is 44 inches. 36
inches and 60 inches are also common.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nearly all quilting patterns will quote the fabric
requirements in yardage. Of course sometimes you may not need a full yard so
fabric is sold by the half and the quarter.
Many shops will sell you as little as 6 inches if that is all you
need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a quilter one of the most common requirements is for a
fat quarter or FQ. It took me ages to
actually figure out what this is. If you
are a quilter you will no doubt have a stash of fat quarters but do you know
what they actually are? If you aren’t a quilter
you probably have no idea what I am talking about!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Fat quarters are pre-cut pieces of
cotton fabric. They are taken from one yard of fabric, cut in half lengthwise, and
then in half width-wise.</span> The dimensions are approximately 18" x
22" (46cm x 56cm).<br />
<span style="background: white;">A normal quarter
yard cut from a bolt would measure 44" x 9" (112cm x 23cm).
This is usually known as a long quarter or occasionally a thin or skinny quarter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">A Fat eighth is half of a FQ but can be
cut vertically or horizontally giving different dimensions. Some places also sell pre-cuts known as sweet
sixteens, which you have guessed it…… they are half of a fat eighth and again
will come in 2 different sizes depending on the direction of the cut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTR3yJpcua_qJym3uT-NpzzQHtqmKriwf4dDiKNgoSWbHmuHtEzYpe24HjgPqZbcyBaROSvii3-w5LbD6BxdtuLcxsKbuuf0tBfO4L6vG3EYEKKP9taBWA4OV2KC8bb5mc4GYCeIafg/s1600/fatquarters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTR3yJpcua_qJym3uT-NpzzQHtqmKriwf4dDiKNgoSWbHmuHtEzYpe24HjgPqZbcyBaROSvii3-w5LbD6BxdtuLcxsKbuuf0tBfO4L6vG3EYEKKP9taBWA4OV2KC8bb5mc4GYCeIafg/s1600/fatquarters.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">This YouTube video gives a good explanation of the various cuts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZlCuVy7Cc1I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Fat quarters are extremely popular with
patchworkers and quilters as they can be used in so many ways.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">If you are using 5 inch squares in your
design then a FQ will yield 12 whereas a standard quarter yard will usually
only give 8.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fat quarters are often pre-cut and sold with coordinating
fabric, so they’re easy to pick up and add to your stash. Be warned they are addictive! Most quilters will have quite a collection
and quite often purchase bundles with no idea in mind what they might use them
for! I am guilty of this! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 21pt;">So do you have a stash of FQ’s? What are your plans for them?</span><span style="line-height: 21pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 21pt;">If you have ideas that you would like to
share about using all those FQ’s then please get in touch and we can arrange
a guest post.</span><span style="line-height: 21pt;"> </span><span style="line-height: 21pt;">It is always nice to see
what other people do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxP752UfcMW-x_Ym4sMNmVoEdF4GicU8t4XCOO4sBBQZsg2tr8EIuHQs-URTu3iytZlv-Ga43pbBFTPW8yX1DrG0ViwJSi7Y_8eh4m1naqP48wXLfbFjE9JRpfq1a-o5gFNXHk-gLw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxP752UfcMW-x_Ym4sMNmVoEdF4GicU8t4XCOO4sBBQZsg2tr8EIuHQs-URTu3iytZlv-Ga43pbBFTPW8yX1DrG0ViwJSi7Y_8eh4m1naqP48wXLfbFjE9JRpfq1a-o5gFNXHk-gLw/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 73px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus">Jilly @ Fabrilushus</a></span></span></b></div>
Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-58269992947783558632013-12-29T15:59:00.000+00:002013-12-29T15:59:15.919+00:00Fabrilushus Mega Sale. Good morning. Hope everyone is fit and well and that you all had a great Christmas. Did you get lots of pennies to spend? If you did then I invite you to check out the Fabrilushus MEGA JANUARY SALE. Nearly 100 items have 50 % off. Just use the code JANSALE at the checkout.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w5zJ_7eI7UEWQSOOc9Biaa_CR3KLXiyrXZFgfaldDgKF-t8vyAo386oG5hy0Vvx1sgd2pH44O_eFuxqvCz9ElUSQnHXm2ZQrugLXULz8hpOJFkuvRU9Xe9DqfhTE3qiXFEddmw67TQ/s1600/Sale+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w5zJ_7eI7UEWQSOOc9Biaa_CR3KLXiyrXZFgfaldDgKF-t8vyAo386oG5hy0Vvx1sgd2pH44O_eFuxqvCz9ElUSQnHXm2ZQrugLXULz8hpOJFkuvRU9Xe9DqfhTE3qiXFEddmw67TQ/s320/Sale+poster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jilly.Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-26664107524063396322013-12-24T10:30:00.001+00:002013-12-24T10:30:34.684+00:00Happy Christmas<span style="color: #a64d79;">Well the last post has gone so that is it for my Fabrilushus shop for this Christmas. I will be making some changes in 2014. I am going to concentrate more on my best selling items. I also have some new lines. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">From 27th of December there will be a 50% off sale on many items so please do drop by if you have Christmas pennies to spend. </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus</b></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">All that is left to say is, I wish you all the very best Christmas and many blessings for 2014.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGo9sIMKNio1pUz3_OyRl6n1wKJg16L9TTEOP9NVZ8kqDmhfeMT3RPwqpVFMrxx5vGPyvAG8KpMzBHgkRz_7ag_bEWgxBxM7ChXvUjb94Z84pBZ3mwSQ9fngmBi4NXs7z83k8A8h8iQ/s1600/Jilly_srprz36-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGo9sIMKNio1pUz3_OyRl6n1wKJg16L9TTEOP9NVZ8kqDmhfeMT3RPwqpVFMrxx5vGPyvAG8KpMzBHgkRz_7ag_bEWgxBxM7ChXvUjb94Z84pBZ3mwSQ9fngmBi4NXs7z83k8A8h8iQ/s320/Jilly_srprz36-SSC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-33212347660853588782013-12-23T10:00:00.000+00:002013-12-23T10:00:03.865+00:00All I want for ChristmasIs my two front teeth, my two front teeth. Remember that song? I don't remember the days when I was missing those teeth but my little granddaughter has recently lost her first baby tooth so I expect it won't be too long before she is sporting that cute, gappy look.<br />
<br />
Those days seem so long ago now. What I do recall is that our expectations back then were much more simple than seems to be the case today. So I have two questions for you in the lead up to Christmas. <br />
<br />
What would have been top of your gift list when you were about 7 and what is topping your gift list this year?<br />
<br />
When I was 7 I was desperate for a tiny tears doll. I was a lucky girl as I did get one. I still have her today and my little granddaughters play with her. I think I will try and photograph her and do a blog over on my personal blog, "Don't Worry Be Happy".<br />
<br />
So what do I covert this year? Well if money was no object then I would be asking Santa for this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR97IIi7n_dxm4sTBk2Yx99b1zVEWqrOL_Ll7dMpuwnbZCffxL3g2vSDOMniKJnOsLQIdTG108W_KOCVC_n5ltPz8jWAyqW9kyF6DDKzaFFVZwqxiWwUXvXgoHCVz7Q8IIlBxnzxVQQ/s1600/53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDR97IIi7n_dxm4sTBk2Yx99b1zVEWqrOL_Ll7dMpuwnbZCffxL3g2vSDOMniKJnOsLQIdTG108W_KOCVC_n5ltPz8jWAyqW9kyF6DDKzaFFVZwqxiWwUXvXgoHCVz7Q8IIlBxnzxVQQ/s320/53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is a Janome Memory Craft 15000 and I think it may just do the washing up too. Isn't she gorgeous? She is a sewing and embroidery machine also perfect for large quilting projects due to her size. She works with an iPad so you can even do your own designs. I am in love.<br />
<br />
Sadly I know my Santa does not have the kind of money that this machine will cost. I will have to content myself with dreaming. I haven't even dared to look at the price of her but I am guessing at around the £4000 mark.<br />
<br />
I do have a good Santa though and I think he may just be bringing me a new camera. A much more powerful camera so that I can improve my skills...hopefully. It is something that I want to do next year, learn more about photography. I'll let you know next week if I am a lucky girl.<br />
<br />
I hope you all get what you are wishing for. Don't forget to try and do something for those who won't be as lucky as us. Oh and don't forget to answer my questions.<br />
<br />
NB. I have managed to find out the price of the machine and I underestimated! It costs £6495,!!!! That is roughly $10,609. Where on earth do they get a price like that ? Don't think I could justify that kind of money even if I was super rich and actually had lots of money. Crazy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGaIEitC0QWmbIwaWHfPdFLrBkL6DI_71hSLo2UlHZnjfJVznFd3PKvq4osHetlUDwEjnibFUr_2RiiwrUrHZRekgSq-DiZxSKkzcKMqYCaF0gu3g2NMljkCZlLSrRdD0FvdngTUXmA/s1600/Jilly_cmas30-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGaIEitC0QWmbIwaWHfPdFLrBkL6DI_71hSLo2UlHZnjfJVznFd3PKvq4osHetlUDwEjnibFUr_2RiiwrUrHZRekgSq-DiZxSKkzcKMqYCaF0gu3g2NMljkCZlLSrRdD0FvdngTUXmA/s1600/Jilly_cmas30-SSC.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-187569662749789742013-12-22T20:00:00.000+00:002013-12-22T20:00:00.047+00:00AlfieJust a quick blog today so that you know why I have been missing. It is with much sadness that I have to tell you that we lost our beloved Alfie on Thursday the 19th of December. It was very peaceful and he died at home in our arms in his favourite place on the sofa in the living room. We are beyond distraught and will miss him always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBMpfP9DjeVHi39wby74MKndZFT8bv8NKQnO3zMuqTLj2VgOxTyxERfoHDak4ly5uLlhXlUwMOWPz5Lnqheb-g_ZYtu7n22iwj6Oar_RRD5Dljyj8Xrb_AbpUDWCTqK8MQJ7zFHHWoQ/s1600/2013-12-19+15.28.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBMpfP9DjeVHi39wby74MKndZFT8bv8NKQnO3zMuqTLj2VgOxTyxERfoHDak4ly5uLlhXlUwMOWPz5Lnqheb-g_ZYtu7n22iwj6Oar_RRD5Dljyj8Xrb_AbpUDWCTqK8MQJ7zFHHWoQ/s1600/2013-12-19+15.28.14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Run free my baby.<br />
<br />
I have several Fabrilushus posts ready to go so will put them up over the next week or so. In the mean time, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a super crafty 2014.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD82XuiBXiAUbFhS_EBm5nAFsoOcBeV6a4kNzC5Ft4st8nvDo3b97sNrvtupAHqQ2r1TOAk5c5vhdUTRuT0isu8HADxBi50AUeOKF8tR45lvKGRqRdfAoRkeBpUQUbqn-Xtl1RX-7IA/s1600/Jilly_cmas23-SSC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD82XuiBXiAUbFhS_EBm5nAFsoOcBeV6a4kNzC5Ft4st8nvDo3b97sNrvtupAHqQ2r1TOAk5c5vhdUTRuT0isu8HADxBi50AUeOKF8tR45lvKGRqRdfAoRkeBpUQUbqn-Xtl1RX-7IA/s1600/Jilly_cmas23-SSC.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4436008738456337606.post-53557592791671770742013-12-11T20:00:00.000+00:002013-12-11T20:00:01.040+00:00Everything Etsy <a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Everything Etsy</span></b> </a>is a blog that is SO much more than just Etsy. In fact having the word Etsy in the title may put some people off from having a peek. You may think it is just a shop but it is way, way more.<br />
<br />
This is what they have to say: <span style="color: #674ea7;"> "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>We blog about all kinds of creative awesomeness! Handmade Gifts, Selling on Etsy, Ikea Hacks, Free Printables, Blogging & Social Media and so so so much more! Follow along and join over 100,000 fans and followers. Blogging since 2008"</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
If you don't know of them then I suggest you get over there pretty quick and take a looksie for yourself. There is some amazing inspiration for your Christmas decor including links to 25 handmade Christmas wreaths. Here are a few examples.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/christmas-holiday-crafts/#page=18"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3siN0KVbkOtVtoTG-SBs3RYcKRhNTGWFtui4tPkf2AdHT3XU4RAlhqrk689GpKgMBsY3yvebpZX7ghBMKMaxFS8FguWNsmNKmSazWj0x6cIt6e4bnYCuhGMfanstFLyOP14ZiD35JA/s320/101698537.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.simplicityinthesouth.com/2012/12/framed-christmas-tree-ornament-wreath.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh6p0aZuXQltRC_6Y1tEocmO9yjsE3VMzK-zZifCLjAgoln3x46Va5BvcJxh7I670Ed_DMTs4xfTlo0U-i4Pc7wgtzL4788EUO7D6NBbAgqiq7M6YeYm5dn2PX9JxgB3QToo-36U8EA/s320/Christmas-tree-ornament-wreath.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
The one above was done by Tricia of <b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.simplicityinthesouth.com/">Simplicity in The south.</a> </span></b>A great blog worth checking out.<br />
<br />
As well as a whole host of tutorials and lots of free printables, there is also a fantastic resource area full of advice for anyone wishing to sell their handmade goodies online.<br />
<br />
One of my favourite tutorials on<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/"> Everything Etsy</a> </span></b>right now is the one for Soy Candles. I am SO desperate to have a go at making some of these. Perhaps in the new year! My new year is going to be packed full!<br />
<br />
You can see the tutorial here:<b><a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/2013/12/homemade-soy-candles-diy-gift/"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> Soy Candles</span></a><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span> </b>if you want to have a go. To pique your interest here are a couple of photos from the tutorial.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From this</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyIWrrJnSfIXoCRvFjR4HQXOfGkjL0Yu6Te4JIVJvspoKx43wv21dfb4NAd8umKrKx44ggU9hqd35Z-Hiau8ZERg8Dsiy_8ReqdQteRvU13RWUezvUqkB3jFzMkCn7Ck4zRZio-AkbQ/s1600/Homemade-Soy-Candles-Supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyIWrrJnSfIXoCRvFjR4HQXOfGkjL0Yu6Te4JIVJvspoKx43wv21dfb4NAd8umKrKx44ggU9hqd35Z-Hiau8ZERg8Dsiy_8ReqdQteRvU13RWUezvUqkB3jFzMkCn7Ck4zRZio-AkbQ/s320/Homemade-Soy-Candles-Supplies.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To this</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnX06BIWQiE5z1y8cyDklv2xK6rbUKaROvQl6EZyFT9peUAbTnUcNp5znclfGbAM2gQhZWtDGkQavWQGyhyphenhyphenR9sZgLo7waTbfDCAO4ez5HBDghE5R2RbKlYLSAo-scztktHPPyG0tU_w/s1600/Homemade-Soy-Candles-Step-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnX06BIWQiE5z1y8cyDklv2xK6rbUKaROvQl6EZyFT9peUAbTnUcNp5znclfGbAM2gQhZWtDGkQavWQGyhyphenhyphenR9sZgLo7waTbfDCAO4ez5HBDghE5R2RbKlYLSAo-scztktHPPyG0tU_w/s320/Homemade-Soy-Candles-Step-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To this</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0lZnniWIlFnwli2pMY4x0FDIA7Sc2rG5vGAw88fWBb-Mm3-qNmirB9lhz-7WnjQaQapVCTcTIKf5dyIxcCTPmKfZExti_jhMiNW08aTTnANMkOQiNWrV71S_kCvnpZtdfT4L8wtsOw/s1600/Homemade-Soy-Candles-DIY-Gift-on-EverythingEtsy.com_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0lZnniWIlFnwli2pMY4x0FDIA7Sc2rG5vGAw88fWBb-Mm3-qNmirB9lhz-7WnjQaQapVCTcTIKf5dyIxcCTPmKfZExti_jhMiNW08aTTnANMkOQiNWrV71S_kCvnpZtdfT4L8wtsOw/s320/Homemade-Soy-Candles-DIY-Gift-on-EverythingEtsy.com_1.jpg" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
Aren't they just so drool worthy?<br />
<br />
If you are looking for craft inspiration or help and advice to get you selling online then I can thoroughly recommend <a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Everything Etsy.</span></b> </a> If you do have a go at any of their tutorials, please drop by and tell us all what you made.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 73px;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">J<a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">illy @ Fabrilushus</span></a></span></span></b><br />
<br />Jillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13464199642113069252noreply@blogger.com1