Nobody is probably reading this right now..but in case they are.. a whole year has passed (and more). Our little fairy made a quick appearance in the middle of August so all craft things went on hold.
I am just getting back into the crafty world and blogland but have also taken up YouTube. I have been vlogging for a few months and really enjoy it! I do plan on some crafty videos soon so until I have got my blogging head back on here are the links to my YouTube Channel and my Facebook Page.
Hope to be back soon!
Monday 28 September 2015
Tuesday 22 July 2014
A Lovely Day Out to see Crafts and Steam! (lots of photos!)
I haven't posted for a while - I have been trying really hard to get as much knitting of Emily Doll done before our Little Fairy makes an appearance (3 weeks to go!) I will do a W.I.P post on Wednesday so I can show you what I have so far - I'm surprised at how much I have done as I'm really not a very fast knitter.
We had a little day trip over the weekend to a Steam Fair in Cornwall. It was perfect for hubby who likes steam things and also Little Bear who thinks anything steam related is automatically a "choo-choo".
There was also a few of these around which reminded me of the Famous Five and their adventure in their caravan - it looked so idyllic!
It was SO hot here - being heavily pregnant in this heat was not fun...but Little Bear loved it..until nap time and he was too hot to sleep (cue Hubby leaving me under a shady tree and pushing the buggy around to get him to sleep!)
Both Hubby and I play archery - I haven't been able to play due to bump lately but couldn't resist a quick go with a child's bow!
They had lots of other stalls there - and some lovely displays! I tried to get this shot of all these lovely baskets so many times but people kept on walking in front - I thought I finally got it but when I got home this little dog was featured!
They had some crafty bits around the event too - I found a wool tent!!!! Quite pricey but lovely to look at all the colours!
This was quite a strange stall - all walking sticks! I wish I had a closer look really as I do use one myself but I think I would either look old or like something out of Lord of the Rings if I used one of these rather than my pink polka dot one! They were however very beautiful.
This next stall was lovely - all handmade clothes. I've always been interested in this as my Mum made all my clothes growing up and it's just nice to have some handmade special things for you're children. We got a lovely summery dress for Little Fairy when she arrives - it isn't pictured here though.
A fair of this kind wouldn't be complete without the (very) loud organ!
Ahhh now THIS is the bit I had my eye on.. the craft exhibitors tent! All the steam engines very interesting and amazing to look at and listen to and even smell! But my little crafty side needed a crafty fix and I certainly got it! Look what I found!!
Bobbin lace work - I have always liked the unusual bobbins that you find in antique shops and I got to see a demonstration of this amazing craft - I really want to try it out. Not sure how practical that would be...toddler running riot, newborn a few weeks a away but I have a really strong feeling of wanting to try this! Do any of my readers know anymore about Bobbin Lace? If you so pleeease tell me more about it!
Also in the craft tent I found these lovely chaps!
A few crochet stalls - lovely booties - I resisted buying as I have already made some of these for Little Fairy but the colours were lovely.
Speaking of colour - look what was on the next stall! Now THIS is colourful!
Heading back outside again (it was very stuffy in the tent) there were a few odd display tents so I went to have a closer look.
The picnic sets were all different ones from across the years - what a fantastic display to end the day!
We were all very tired and hot and bothered but it was certainly and event worth going to and no doubt we will be back there next year with another little person.
I hope you enjoyed coming along to see too!
Holly x
PS. Bobbin Lace people...please get in touch! Desperate to hear your stories!
We had a little day trip over the weekend to a Steam Fair in Cornwall. It was perfect for hubby who likes steam things and also Little Bear who thinks anything steam related is automatically a "choo-choo".
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| Steam engines were huge! |
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| This one was a bit smaller. |
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| This one was the perfect size for Little Bear! |
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| This steam contraption is actually a cherry stoner! |
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| Old Gypsy Caravan. |
It was SO hot here - being heavily pregnant in this heat was not fun...but Little Bear loved it..until nap time and he was too hot to sleep (cue Hubby leaving me under a shady tree and pushing the buggy around to get him to sleep!)
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| This tree in fact! |
Both Hubby and I play archery - I haven't been able to play due to bump lately but couldn't resist a quick go with a child's bow!
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| Robin Hood! |
They had lots of other stalls there - and some lovely displays! I tried to get this shot of all these lovely baskets so many times but people kept on walking in front - I thought I finally got it but when I got home this little dog was featured!
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| Lots of wicker. |
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| Lovely hanging baskets - so colourful! |
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| Wool! |
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| Lots of walking sticks. |
This next stall was lovely - all handmade clothes. I've always been interested in this as my Mum made all my clothes growing up and it's just nice to have some handmade special things for you're children. We got a lovely summery dress for Little Fairy when she arrives - it isn't pictured here though.
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| Handmade children's clothes. |
A fair of this kind wouldn't be complete without the (very) loud organ!
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| Organ. |
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| Bobbin lace work. |
Also in the craft tent I found these lovely chaps!
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| Teddy Bears. |
A few crochet stalls - lovely booties - I resisted buying as I have already made some of these for Little Fairy but the colours were lovely.
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| Crochet. |
Speaking of colour - look what was on the next stall! Now THIS is colourful!
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| Felt Flowers |
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| Picnic baskets. |
We were all very tired and hot and bothered but it was certainly and event worth going to and no doubt we will be back there next year with another little person.
I hope you enjoyed coming along to see too!
Holly x
PS. Bobbin Lace people...please get in touch! Desperate to hear your stories!
Wednesday 16 July 2014
July Weather!
Living in the UK you get use to the quick changes in the weather but all this wet, damp and stuffy weather is getting a bit much! We want to get out into the garden but no such luck! On the rainy days I have been looking through blogland and gaining inspiration from different people. I was feeling in a sewing mood so I got very excited when I came across this from Bunny Mummy.
Hubby is very excited about the amount of tomatoes we have - I am pleased for him - I just wish I liked the taste of them! He has however planted some more lettuce seeds at my request - yum yum!
Here is what I have come up with so far..
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| Mushroom House |
A little felt Fairy Mushroom House! No doubt this will end up in Little Fairy's room eventually. I have cut out some flowers which I will add down the bottom but I don't really want to do too much to it.
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| Fairy Door |
I even added a little door knob to the door!
It's been quite enjoyable to work with - although I am use to cross stitch needles which are a lot blunter than normal sewing needles...so there was a fair amount of blood shed over this! Can't wait to show you when it is finished completely!
This morning I have made some bread which is smelling good so far and also some Rose Water cupcakes - these are quite sweet tasting but also very delicate - has anyone tried them? Highly recommended especially if you are heavily pregnant and craving sweet things *ahem*..
I managed to dash outside to snap a few photos of the flowers we have in the garden at the moment - all covered in rain drops but I think they are thriving!
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| Lots of colour |
I have been dead heading these (as has hubby) which has really helped them come on well.
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| Raindrops |
These always look so delicate to me.
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| Beautiful! |
Look at the oranges and reds on this - just lovely!
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| Lily buds |
Finally my Lily has started to bud! These are SO pretty when they come out but you have to catch them as they change so quickly.
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| We have tomatoes! |
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| Hanging Basket |
And finally, our bargain hanging basket which has been brought back to life.
I hope you have all been able to enjoy some of the weather even if it has been a bit wet - I would love to see if anyone else has tried to make a felt picture using a cross stitch hoop - I think these would make lovely presents!
Sunday 13 July 2014
Ta-Dah! Crochet Dress
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| Crochet Dress |
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| Seam and button fastening |
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| Stitch detail |
Now onto Emily Doll!
PS. Hubby has just ordered me a new fancy camera - how very lucky am I! Can't wait to try it out!!
Thursday 10 July 2014
Library and a sneak peak!
Pleased to report Little Bear is a lot better - no more temperature! He still has his horrible cough and cold but has turned back into being my cheeky boy. He has gone to see his Nanny today and usually I am at work but due to school strikes I have the morning off.
So it's about 11am and so far I have done the food shopping, gone to the wool warehouse (a.k.a Holly Heaven), been to the library, cleaned the kitchen and cleaned the bathroom. So I feel like I can sit down and have some me time!
I don't often go to the library (usually because of time or lack of) but today I wanted to see what knitting and crochet books they have in. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and came away with these..
Five books on knitting or crochet and a book called The Relaxed Home (I bet this book doesn't contain the word toddler..). There are two in particular that really caught my eye so thought I would share some photos from each of them. The first one is 50 Pincushions to knit and crochet by Cat Thomas.
Isn't the sewing kit holder lovely? I love the idea of using the cross stitch ring to frame it as well.
These colours remind me of the baby hats and moses blanket I have made here.
I loved the added floral ric rac on this one - very pretty as a finishing touch.
I have never seen anything like these before and they are SO sweet and I bet they wouldn't take long to make. They are all made from DK Cotton (probably why I am drawn to them!) I could photograph every design in this book they are all so lovely. Have a look in your library to see if you can find it - definitely worth a look!
The second book is all about edgings and is titled Exquisite Trims in Thread Cotton by Caitlin Sainio. Have a look at some of these ideas - aren't they unique?
I was thinking these could be added to the edge of a blanket perhaps. There are tons of different themes in this book - the Christmas ones are especially clever!
I can't wait to sit down tonight and browse through these books, no doubt they will make me want to make things NOW but I made my promise to hubby - crochet dress first and then I can start on Little Fairy's doll (although I'm sure a little tiny pin cushion wouldn't count as they are so small?!) Anyway, would you like to meet her?
Say Hello to Emily Doll! She is sweet isn't she? We wanted something fairly traditional for Little Fairy (we are way too old before our time - we are both 27 by the way and like nothing more than an early night with no T.V a book for hubby and wooly things for me!)
I have made a few things from Jean Greenhowe patterns like Little Bear's special toy here which means I have a few colours that are needed already. So today I came away with these..
I do however have a dilema - the pattern uses a lovely pale blue for her dress (the ball of yarn on the far right) but I couldn't help but spot this lovely lavender colour (the ball of yarn on the far left). So I am thinking about changing her dress colour.. Here they are both together as a close up with the bright pink for the shoes and hair ribbons.
I think both balls of wool go nicely with the pink but still a bit undecided - any thoughts? If so please do let me know. I'm hoping I can start Emily Doll really soon as I only have 5 more rows on the crochet dress before it is finished!!! A lot of people do a Ta-Dah! moment when they finish a project... I can feel one getting ready with this dress!
So it's about 11am and so far I have done the food shopping, gone to the wool warehouse (a.k.a Holly Heaven), been to the library, cleaned the kitchen and cleaned the bathroom. So I feel like I can sit down and have some me time!
I don't often go to the library (usually because of time or lack of) but today I wanted to see what knitting and crochet books they have in. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and came away with these..
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| Library books |
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| Mini sewing kit holder |
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| Flower Mandala |
These mandalas are everywhere in blogland at the moment - partly due to Lucy over at Attic24. The idea of turning it into a pincushion is great though!
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| Water Lily design |
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| Spring flower design |
I have never seen anything like these before and they are SO sweet and I bet they wouldn't take long to make. They are all made from DK Cotton (probably why I am drawn to them!) I could photograph every design in this book they are all so lovely. Have a look in your library to see if you can find it - definitely worth a look!
The second book is all about edgings and is titled Exquisite Trims in Thread Cotton by Caitlin Sainio. Have a look at some of these ideas - aren't they unique?
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| Edgings for children |
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| Stars and Moons |
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| Sailing Boats |
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| Rainbows |
I can't wait to sit down tonight and browse through these books, no doubt they will make me want to make things NOW but I made my promise to hubby - crochet dress first and then I can start on Little Fairy's doll (although I'm sure a little tiny pin cushion wouldn't count as they are so small?!) Anyway, would you like to meet her?
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| Emily Doll |
I have made a few things from Jean Greenhowe patterns like Little Bear's special toy here which means I have a few colours that are needed already. So today I came away with these..
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| Emily Doll colours |
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| Pink, Blue and Lavender |
Wednesday 9 July 2014
W.I.P Wednesday and a poorly boy
Today has been a little hetic - I have a poorly Little Bear who doesn't really know what he wants to do with himself, he has been poorly for about a week but yesterday his temperature hit 41 degrees so it was time to see a Doctor - chest and ear infection apparently poor little thing - he is snoozing away at the moment so hopefully he will be a bit more himself this afternoon.
Whilst he is snoozing I thought I would share my W.I.P's (work in progress).. and yes the 's implies plural - please tell me that I am not the only one to have more than one thing on the go at a time?!
So this is the crocheted dress I am making for Little Fairy's arrival - I have never made a dress before with crochet but it's not very complex and looks ok so far!
The reason I've pulled it back out again and am frantically working on it is because Little Fairy's doll pattern arrived yesterday - much earlier than I thought and I just can't wait to get started on it. I have promised hubby to finish the above dress before embarking on something new though!
The other thing I have on the go at the moment is made from this..
I LOVE this yarn.. it is quite expensive so only bought as a treat or to make special things - the colours and texture are just too lovely!! Really nice to work with and just scrummy! It is James C. Brett Cotton On Double Knitting if anyone is interested. So what have I made with it?!
Baby hats! Each of them had a rose motif which makes them look very girly and pretty. The hat at the bottom was me just trying to get use to using this type of yarn again - just a beanie single crochet hat.
The edging I used on this is very dainty and perfect for a little girl's hat. I'm sure many of you have used this edging before - I first used it on a blanket edge.
Hats don't take up very much yarn at all so I had plenty left over to start on a small moses basket blanket. I am so pleased with the colour combination - it reminds me of Summer?
As you can see the shaping is starting to go a little - think this is down to my tension more than anything but I need to find out if I can block this type of wool in the same way as the usual DK yarn that I use - does anyone know?
Once I finish these two projects I can move onto Little Fairy's doll - I need to buy some wool for her as I don't have quite the right shades I want. No doubt she will have her own dedicated blog post soon!
Thanks to all those who have been leaving comments - I am about to go on a blog hunt to try and make some new friends so will look for all your latest blog posts!
Holly x
Whilst he is snoozing I thought I would share my W.I.P's (work in progress).. and yes the 's implies plural - please tell me that I am not the only one to have more than one thing on the go at a time?!
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| Crochet dress |
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| Stitching details |
The reason I've pulled it back out again and am frantically working on it is because Little Fairy's doll pattern arrived yesterday - much earlier than I thought and I just can't wait to get started on it. I have promised hubby to finish the above dress before embarking on something new though!
The other thing I have on the go at the moment is made from this..
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| Cotton yarn |
I LOVE this yarn.. it is quite expensive so only bought as a treat or to make special things - the colours and texture are just too lovely!! Really nice to work with and just scrummy! It is James C. Brett Cotton On Double Knitting if anyone is interested. So what have I made with it?!
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| Floral baby hats |
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| Rose motif |
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| Rose motif |
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| Scalloped edging |
Hats don't take up very much yarn at all so I had plenty left over to start on a small moses basket blanket. I am so pleased with the colour combination - it reminds me of Summer?
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| Summer colours |
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| So far |
Once I finish these two projects I can move onto Little Fairy's doll - I need to buy some wool for her as I don't have quite the right shades I want. No doubt she will have her own dedicated blog post soon!
Thanks to all those who have been leaving comments - I am about to go on a blog hunt to try and make some new friends so will look for all your latest blog posts!
Holly x
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