New Folksy listings

I've been busy for the last few days, sewing on flowers and leaves to my latest tea cosy ...... sooooo many ends to sew in and trim off! Anyway, it's done now and listed on Folksy. I just love the rich colours of the flowers - if I had a garden, they're the colours I would like in it. :)

 I've also been finishing off this Aran bag - I had to machine sew the seams because I wasn't happy with the way they looked hand sewn. I think, probably, because the background is reverse stocking stitch, it looked a little untidy at the seams. But I'm happy with the way it looks now and I've listed it on Folksy as well.

 I lined the bag with Liberty print fabric; after over-locking the seams and adding a pocket, I hand stitched the lining to the bag. The toggle is another from the 99p chunky bracelet I found in a charity shop!

I'm currently working on a couple of projects - more Autumn/Winter stock and a little gift for my DGD. Piccies soon!  :)

Autumn preparations

I know, we haven't even had a summer yet (apart from our usual great British summer :-s) but I'm trying to fit in little bits in preparation for stocking my Folksy shop when the weather turns cooler. I love making these fingerless mitts; they have ribbing at the wrist, thumb and fingers to ensure a snug fit, and a ribbed back so that they'll fit a multitude of sizes. They're great if you spend lots of time on the computer or texting ....... or, even, knitting!

 These are made with Robin Paintbox which comes in a great range of colours.

Latest makes

In response to a plea, on CB forum, for ideas for a knitted gift for a 6-year-old birthday party guest (male), I took an idea from Craftseller magazine, played around with it and created a Little Monster!

 Just the right size for a little pad of paper and a few crayons.

Also for CB forum, this time a Crafty Challenge, I made this Hot Pink lacy cowl from some of my (vintage) stash .....

 It took less than 50g and is so light and delicate ..... but also very warm with its mohair content.

I still have another ball so I think I may make a beret to match. :)

Still working on my Xtreme bags ..... I have another two to sew up ...... and a whole lotta stash to sort through for more yarn combinations. Watch this space!

More birthday gifts

I also managed to finish this pink heart-shaped cushion for DGD's birthday (today) using the same technique as the purple one - 10mm needles and 3 strands of yarn. I had just enough of the eyelash yarn to complete the front . . . .

 . . . the back is done with 2 x mid pink and 1 x light pink. If you'd like to make one yourself, here's the link to the free pattern. Enjoy!

 Also made her some bunting, spelling out her name, to go in her new bedroom.

Happy Birthday, Ellie xxx

Fluffy cushion

I've just finished this little cushion for DGD's 4th birthday on Monday. She loves purple! It was a very quick-knit project on 10mm needles, using 3 strands of yarn together - purple/white eyelash, white DK and purple DK. The back is all purple DK - again, 3 strands on 10mm needles.

The squares are made using the same principle as the SANDS baby blanket, but this time in stocking stitch, and sewn together with a simple whipstitch.

Planning ahead ...

Found these gorgeous mini Christmas stockings at Little Cotton Rabbits and they are just so addictive, I can't stop knitting them!

I'm making mine in DK on size 9 needles (3.75mm) so they measure about 6" from top to toe. They're the perfect size for slipping a gift card in.

More extreme knitting .....

Another bag made using 10 & 12mm needles and 4 different yarns all knitted together. This time I used a deep purple 3-ply, pale lilac 4-ply, pink DK and pink multi DK (Stylecraft Apache).

 The circles design on the pink cotton lining picks out the colours in the Apache yarn. I stitched pleats along the top edge of the lining to fit the contours of the knitted bag.