Look what I’ve been making

I’ve been beavering away on 2 projects that do not involve my computer or camera.

First some bunting to decorate the marquee that my uncle used for his big party this past weekend. 

They only had to withstand being put up and one evening and as I was making 5 x 40 feet of bunting I went for the easiest method and attached each with one staple (except when I missed the yarn and took 2 or 3 to attach it).

Well worth the effort as they did make a big difference – alongside the length of crepe paper bunting my Mum had made

My other project involved wool and a crochet hook.  I’ve been making items for a charity which provides warmth to AIDs orphans in South Africa for several years but in a rather haphazard way.  Over the past few months I’ve been experimenting with crochet patterns and decided to turn them into something useful.  So I’ve challenged myself to create enough squares for one blanket. 

I actually have another 5 which I haven’t photographed yet so my goal is reachable.

Several of my squares started as circle patterns which seem to be popular in crochet blogs and magazines at the moment.  I then turn them into a square

I’ve also been playing with making a square from the corner and adding on two sides on each row

Trying out the different patterns and mixing colours keeps me amused and motivated to make more.  I also like the size as I can finish them quickly which makes it easier to experiment with different patterns and colourways.

Do you have any big creative projects on the go?

multi media fun

While my main creative space is my computer, I’ve been creating across a range of media recently – concurrent multi-media rather than the normal kind, I guess

I’ve liberated my art. 

I had the postcards printed with Moo and was very pleased with the ease of the online process and the quality of the cards.  I used the minimum quantity – 20 – and chose 10 images to print.  They came out at 50p (74c US) each. I’ve sent off the requisite 5 to Kat and am looking forward to receiving 6 back in April.  Sign up is open until 17 March if you’ve been thinking about participating and haven’t done so yet.

I finally found a knitting group that I enjoy – with the right combination of relaxed about the knitting; snacks they bring and chat topics.  Over half the members are new to knitting so I spend some of my time each session helping others with their knitting.  Last week I taught someone to crochet – she was so pleased as she has been trying to learn for months and finally made a 2 ring granny square.   I’m knitting squares for a South African charity which sews them together to make blankets for orphans, and most of the new knitters have decided to create squares as they learn different techniques too.

I strung some amber beads that my Mum has had for years. 

I alternated the amber with pairs of small bright beads from my stash – the result is lovely and bright (for spring if it ever appears). I made it really long so that I can create a big knot as in the image or loop it round my neck twice.  It also means I didn’t have to fiddle with a fastening.  I strung it on embroidery thread – also from my stash.

Which crafty media have you been using recently?

recognising the everyday shot

Yesterday I walked into my living room and looked at the sofa and thought – that is an everyday shot – it sums up part of my life right now.

I used it with an overlay from Cathy Z and printed as a normal size photo.  This is becoming my favourite method of memory keeping.

Have you had one of those moments or shots recently?

Calling UK knitters and crocheters

I enjoy knitting and crochet but since my nephews grew up I have not had a good home for lots of wool items.  [the photo is a baby blanket for a friend due at Christmas]

Then I discovered the Loving Hands site organised by a lovely lady to provide clothes, toys and blankets for range of different charities.  She sets seasonal challenges and the ones due in January are newly posted.  She also welcomes donations of wool and fabric for use in the projects.

I will definitely be joining the 800+ members when I’m back in Scotland.  Will be nice to have a reason to knit and crochet and also help some people less fortunate that me.