U Rock!

It's been a hive of activity here at Little Blue Shed.  My brain has been in overdrive since plunging into the crafty world of selling.  Well ok, it's just the school fair......but....still!

I had a New Year aim of selling my crafts and I'm determined to fullfill at east one of my resolutions.  Well the loosing weight one went out the window ages ago.  Maintaining my current weight is tricky enough.

Ahem!  Back to my news, I've set up a Facebook business page and I'm starting small.  Just local like.  A craft fair or two but its a start.  

So this week I have been working on some Fathers Day cards.  They are not finished yet but it has meant that I needed to get the cross stitch out.  It shows you how long I have done this as I found a project that I took to hospital with me when I had to go in for observation when I was pregnant with Rob.....18 years ago!  And it's still unfinished!

Hmmm, cross stitch and I have a love hate relationship.  I love the finished result but I'm seriously rubbish at it.  I've lost count of the amount of times I have had to unpick the work.

Anyhow, here is the result of my frustration, now I need to attach it to a card.  I'll be back soon to show you the finished result.

Sian's small things swop...

Hello there!

I had some happy hooky hours in the garden at the weekend but alas the glorious sunshine has now disappeared.  It's the law isn't it? 'Two days of sunshine and then a week or so of rain'.  Oh well that's why England is so green I suppose......but still!

Anyway, I'll share crochet projects later this week as today I want to share what I received in the post from Sandra, my small swop swopee.  It's all there, sewing, cycling, buttons, butterflies and pins. Thanks Sandra. 

Sun,hail,wind and rain.

What a week! We experienced every type of weather this week except snow!  I wouldn't normally mind......oh all right I would still complain about it (its nearly June for gods sake).  But it was worse because I was off out in it every day with my Year 6 children.  

Yep! It was cycling week!  Totally exhausted but pleased that they all passed.  I think we had all had enough when even your underwear is wet through from the rain.  Couldn't help whizzing through a puddle, totally soaking my feet in celebration though.

So the Hi Viz tabards are washed, ready for my next group in June.  Please let it be warmer.  But for now I'm on half term holidays and planning all my crafty ideas that I haven't had time (or the energy) to do.

You colour my life...

It's the little things in life that can really make your day or your week.  I'm still smiling about my 'wooly' delivery last week.  Just look at that Stylecraft DK....don't it warm the cockles of your heart?  It was an impressive delivery from the 'Wool Warehouse', less than 48 hours from ordering.

Unfortunately it's a busy week this week for me as I am working extra time at work so I can teach a couple of on road cycling courses.  Also I need to finish my cushion  that I started before I start another project. 

So my gorgeous  yarn will have to wait a while, at least until the end of the week as its........half term! Hooray! Can't wait to get hooking something new.  Hopefully by then I can show you a finished cushion.

'Sigh' ......so many ideas, so little time.

Ooh sparkles....

Ooh! I'm all excited!......Well you would be too if you had just come home to a bumper delivery of yarn.  Ok maybe you wouldn't of but whatever your into craft wise, then just imagine a lovely big package of supplies.....see! Your excited now aren't you?

This week some cute flowers have been tripping off my crochet hook and now I have some lush 'sparkly' yarn to make them with.  I can't wait to get started.  But for now you will have to make do with a photo of just the 'sparkly' yarn that I will be using and one of the flowers made up using Wendy Merino yarn.  The pattern can be found in this months Simply Crochet magazine.

I timed myself that it took around 25 minutes to make a flower so if i start now I will just have enough time to get one done before lunch .......

..My go to..

So when the opportunity arrises to play with paper it's normally because I have an occasion like a birthday coming up and I need a card to send.

I'm normally thinking ' let's get this over with' and end up thinking ' I'm really enjoying this, I really should make more. However my 'go to' card supplies have recently been some Samantha Poole typewriter stamps with suitable quotes, my polka dot embossing folder, corner rounder crocodile and Tim Holtz Core Definitions scrapbook paper. The ingredients differ slightly each time but I love the slightly vintage look with a modern twist.

I continued with this format when I made some Thank you cards for Rob to send out after his recent celebrations for his 18th birthday.

Sometimes you just want to get on with the job and not faff around getting all arty. I'm not sure I could cope without these supplies to get me out a tight spot.

What's your 'go to'?

Popcorn and icing biscuits...

I confess I have been procrastinating a little lately. What with applications for student accommodation and student loans for the teen. Coming of age preparations and work , I just haven't had the energy to get crafty.

Although I was inspired from my WI biscuit decorating post to make a felt iced brooch and start a new cushion crochet project.

The brooch was super easy. I cut two brown biscuit bases with a round nestabilities die with a white felt creamy centre. Topped with scolloped die cut felt icing. I sewed tiny stitches around it all to hold it together, larger stitches as decoration on the icing, added a pale pink heart with an embroidered scroll. I think it would look good as a bag charm too.

Yesterday I tried out a new crochet stitch called a 'popcorn' stitch which gives a lovely textured feel. I'm using the Rowan red and green wool I showed you recently. And yes as some of you said, It is very soft and cosy to touch. But I have found it to 'split' easily when you crochet. I have been using my 'Compendium of Crochet Techniques' by Jan Eaton to help me along too.

This week my big boy turns 18.....he reckons he is ordering the first round for us and his grandparents when we go out to celebrate......not sure he is buying though! I'll update you on that at the end of the week.

Hope you all have a good week and it turns out to be another sunny one:)

Hello sun...

It's all been a bit bleak at work this week but at least the sunny weather has brought out the springyness in the garden. Even the fungi is looking beautiful.....

I'm such a rebel....

Ha ha, I bet your wondering what I'm going to confess now? Nothing raucous, nothing naughty I'm afraid but still it was a little mini achievement for me.

This week I was amongst a little merry band of four who visited our local WI. I know! WI! Now your thinking of grey haired ladies arranging their buns and rustling up a floral arrangement (or is that the other way round?) But no my lovelies, it wasn't like that at all at The Saint Albans Belles WI!

This WI is a fairly new group who are inspired by craft, baking and vintage. Even the ladies who run it are 50s inspired young ladies with victory rolls in their hair and wearing pretty floral tea dresses. Of course you don't need to look the part but it has quickly drawn in a group of newbie ladies with a lower age average (and I'm putting myself in that bracket) who want to craft with like minded ladies.

So off I went with three other friends, we are all a bunch of nervous Nessies so pushed each other in front through the doorway. But what a lovely night we had. A demonstration of icing biscuits using sugar paste and stamps ( yes, stamps that we use for stamping but obviously these ones had not seen ink before). Then later we made paper roses and before we knew it three hours had passed and it was time to go home.

We haven't signed on the dotted line yet and become fully payed up members but we have two more sessions to try before we have to decide.

Next month a vintage inspired hair stylist is coming in to talk and demonstrate a victory roll or two and maybe a seventies beehive.....who knows? But they are definitely not what I expected the WI to be and everyone ( at their headquarters and us too) think its a pretty unique group and can see it becoming pretty popular.

I'll let you know how it goes but in the meantime I have some Birthday biscuits to ice and stamp for a special birthday in the household coming up soon.....here's one from the night:)

Wordless Wednesday...

Things that are making me happy this week....

Ta-da!

Hoorah! I have finally finished a crochet project that I'm proud of (perfectionist, moi?). It's taken longer than I expected.

First of all I had to get the squares finished and crochet them altogether. I tried just darning them together with wool but didn't like it, it didn't look neat and because all the squares have different coloured edges it showed up too much for my liking. So I tried crocheting them together using a double crochet stitch. It was slow work but worth it as I really love the effect.

I didn't want a crochet back to it and instead opted for a lovely floral fabric found in my local second hand emporium. I can't say it was cheaper that way but it was just the effect I wanted.

I had a clear up of the craft room earlier this week and moved all my yarn and fabric in there too. So now my bright retro style cushion sits on my 70s brown chair....very comfy it is too for a little crafty mess making in the afternoon.

Wordless Wednesday

This week....

My precious memories...

I'm joining in with Sian from High in the sky today and blogging my precious...

My precious is a memory....

One that I remember from long, long ago. I was a mere 18 year old and in love.

In this precious memory my sweetheart proposed to me. A precious memory and now also a special place in my heart too.

A place I visited this week with my teenage son. Inspiration for a final college project.

Kew Gardens....

Who knows what the future may hold for him and my hubby and I. But what ever happens I have memories....

Broadens the mind...

Crochet broadens the mind.....that's a statement and a half isn't it? Yes truly it does.

For instance this afternoon while crocheting I learnt that baby squid take three weeks to hatch and dolphins like to play 'pass the seaweed'. Also I decided that I wouldn't like to live in Norway as in November they only have five hours of daylight.

Ok, so I was multitasking today and watching Blue Planet while I continued my 'Uni Blanket' ......but still, I wouldn't of known these facts if I hadn't of taken the time to sit down and crochet.

So it's official.....crocheting broadens your mind.....

Traditional grannies....

I'm just taken a little time off from the Uni Blanket to have a change in colour scheme.

Chocolate brown, raspberry, pistachio and cream......mmmm.....delicious. A few more squares to go and the front of my new cushion project will be ready to sew.

Its half term around here and I have plenty of hooky projects planned and a few adventures too.

Vintage finds...

Talking of wearable vintage crochet the other day reminded me of this gorgeous photo.

It's a beautiful vintage belt owned by my lovely friend Kelie Marie. It was once her grandmothers. She doesn't know if her grandmother crocheted it her self or not but its still a treasured heirloom.

This is definitely a wearable vintage crochet item. What do you think? I really appreciate the time taken by my bloggy friends when you leave a comment. I may not say it enough but thank you.

And if your a new reader who happens to of stumbled into my little crafty world, say hi.....new bloggy friends are always welcome:)

Confession....

 

OK, it's confession time...

 

I have grown out of love with all things paper...

 

Phew!  I feel better for saying that.

 

I'm not quite sure why as occasionally I will still make a card or two and really enjoy it.  I just don't seem to have the motivation to go and sit at my desk and play with paper.  Maybe it's just the whole weather situation, you know, not wanting to remove myself from the warm, comfy sofa and go upstairs to the cold craft room.

 

So, Crochet has taken over.  I can sit in my nest of wool, magazines and itouch and be crafty in comfort.  The only trouble being is that crochet projects take a lot longer to finish so I don't have a lot to show you guys...

  

Some of you may know that I like a thrifted item or two, I am a fan of all things retro....and I have a fondness for... 

 

Vintage Crochet Pattern Photos...

 

I know I have seen some that are highly amusing...

 

 

Usually originating from the seventies...

 

But I actually like a few of them...

 

I may even wear them...

 

But what about you?

 

Is it us crafters that see beyond the faceless, bland fashion world or do I just have bad taste?

 

Please enlighten me with your thoughts.  Is it stylish crochet dresses?

 

Or Crochet for home wares only?

 

Wordless Wednesday...

Cookies, cupcakes and new hairstyles...

Playing hooky...

I'm slowly plodding along with my crochet squares 'Uni Blanket'. I'm not always making two a day but I am trying my best to keep picking it up and having a go.

I have even taken it into work to try and get some done in my lunch break. But anyone who works in a school knows how little time you actually get to enjoy your lunch. It has sparked some interest in some of my colleagues though. You never know it may encourage a few to have a go themselves.

I chose colours that are more 'blokey' greens, blues, beige, grey, red and mauve. Sounds a bit random but being a Fair Isle yarn they do seem to be matching up in an 'earthy' type of way.

Better get on with it then...

Bring me sunshine...

...all the day!

Remember Morecambe and Wise singing this? The Morecambe and Wise Show was one of my favourite childhood television shows. Their programmes and performances still bring a smile to my face.

A friend had been feeling a little down recently so I rustled up this quick and easy card to brighten her day.

I hope the bright colours brighten yours too:)

C&C

Yep! The weather is far too horrid and cold to be venturing out at the moment. The past two afternoons after I get in from work I have been getting on with my 'Uni Blanket'. I introduced a new colour today.....another green tone but with a shot of red. So what's C & C you may be wondering? Crochet and Chocolate of course. Yesterday was a Galaxy bar, today proper milky hot chocolate with marshmallows. Mmmmm:)

Precious...

Happy Mother's Day. To the most precious people in our lives. This cards for mine...x

Love is....

.....being the glue that bonds the family.

Our children are now young adults and are full of angst, hormones and on the cusp of making big decisions. Your own parents and in laws are getting older and may need more care and help with their daily lives.

Whilst you try and be there for everyone the housework chores continue, washing machines break down and you still have a career to lead......even with a migraine.

Crafty free time is in short supply at thd moment but I'm hoping normal service will resume shortly....

Wordless Wednesday...

This week I have been...

Two squares a day...

...keeps the boredom away!

Yep, that's my mantra for my new crochet project. Its the only way to get it finished in a reasonable time period (6 weeks).

I bought the wool and made a start on the 'Uni Blanket'. Being a wool newbie I didn't know there were different versions of Sirdar Crofter DK and bought balls from the Fair Isle range. But as we know in crafting we don't make mistakes but have happy accidents and I kinda like the results....

Puzzling...

Hmmm, it's a puzzle to know what to do when your in a crafting flunk....

I was all geared up yesterday to practise a square of the 'Uni Blanket' (as I am going to refer to it from now on). BUT.....instead, I waisted the day trying, then getting confused, looking on You Tube for tips, to no avail....If any one knows of a good/easy to understand tutorial blog or You Tube video that shows you how to make a 'solid, triple crochet square .... Please let me know. I know the stitches but just can't follow the patterns very well.

So in frustration I finished off some other projects using puzzle pieces....I think it needs to go on card next...

Hello sun....

Hello sun, hello green buds, hello spring....

I've been making the most of the spring like mornings this half term to get my self moving and getting into shape.

My usual power walk route but new photos...

Groovy Granny

Hello there! It's been a little while hasn't it? Just lost my way for a moment there. The mojo went on walkabout, the weather has gotten me down and life got in the way.

But it's half term now, the sun has popped it's head out (still a bit chilly) and life is feeling good:)

I've been practicing my granny squares this week.....it was easier than I thought. So now I have a crazy long list of yarn to get to try some new projects.

First on my list is a ' blokey' granny square blanket for Rob. I'm hoping that he can take it to Uni with him later in the year.....yeah! that's right he had been given conditional offers by two Universities. Just needs to decide which he wants to go to and then get the grades he has been predicted. I'm very proud of him and I just hope he likes the blanket and it reminds him of home. I had better get started on it if I'm to get it finished on time.

Here's my first granny square that I plan to make into a pot stand.

Hibernating...

I really feel that I need to hibernate at this time of year. The cold weather and dark days just suck the life out of me. I should me taking the chance of these winter months as a good excuse to craft but my get up and go just seems to of gone....

Although I have been baking comforting tea time fare and rustling up warming vats of soups and casseroles, it's really not going to help my waistline. I wonder if its a instinctive trait I have, that I need to survive winter, stay warm and eat?

Wordless Wednesday...

My crafty week...

There's no stopping me now...

...I got the groove!

Yeah! Bring on the disco beats, I'm doing my thang! Celebrating my new found skill.

It's only taken me a year (on and off) to master crochet but I seem to have rounded the corner. I struggled for so long, I just couldn't decipher the patterns. Every project seemed out of my reach....then it just sort of clicked! It dawned on me just what the heck the crochet pattern designers were talking about it.

I just wish someone had written a fool proof book for beginners, explaining every last detail of crocheting....even the most obvious because really it wasn't obvious to me!

I still have a lot to learn and try but now I can look at a pattern and know what it means and whether I am capable of trying it.

My latest crochet offering is this rose (pattern from the Attic 24 blog here) which I plan to turn into a brooch. It was actually quite easy.....always is in hindsight. I still re did one of the leaves a couple of times though. So now looking to see what to do next, an excuse to buy more yarn I think.

Soft centres....

You may of already caught a sneak pic of this card that I posted on my Wordless Wednesday post this week.

To brighten a snowy, cold January birthday calls for fresh spring colours, flower patterned paper and a big hunk of love for my beautiful Mum.

Her first birthday without my Dad. A woman made of strong stuff, determination but a soft centre.....Happy Birthday Mum!

Wordless Wednesday...

My crafty week...

I survived....

 

 

Hello there, yes I'm back safely.  Lucky for us when we travelled the snow hadn't reached the West Country or Central London.  Flipping freezing in London though whilst Devon was almost tropical in comparison.

 

 

I took my crochet with me and that helped the 3 and half hour train journey go quicker and look.....

 

 

 

I finished a project I had started before Christmas.  I quite like it.  Obviously its for the slightly warmer weather.  The pattern was from the 'Geek Chic Crochet' book by Nicki Trench.  It's the first crochet book I have found that has clear diagrams that I can follow.

 

It was a nice feeling not having any other distractions or jobs to do.  I felt I could really get stuck into finishing it.  I'm always easily distracted at home.  There always seem to be something to do that is far more important than crafty time.

 

 

So I am back at school now and the snow has returned with revenge.  I must be getting old as I'm fed up with it after a day.  After a quick clear up at home (because my Mums coming round for dinner) I'm going to get my crochet hook out and try something a bit tricky...well for me it will be. 

 

 

 

 

I may be some time...

I'm off on an adventure tomorrow. Well when I say adventure it may well turn into a nightmare what with this snow we are having. I have been checking The Met Office hourly....well almost.

The 'teen' and I are off to the seaside....no really? In January? Are you mad? I hear you say. Quite possibly yes! We are not on a lovely jaunt to eat fish and chips or eat candy pink rock (can't stand the stuff....rock that is, I love fish and chips). No it's all on the name of University interviews. Why he couldn't of found one closer to home I don't know.

So just letting you know that Wordless Wednesday won't happen on Wednesday or maybe not at all this week the rate my crafting time is going. But I am taking my crochet on the off chance the trains are still running from Paddington to the West Country. It's a bit extreme booking a 3 hour railway journey just so I get to craft but needs must;)

See you in a few days....

Wordless Wednesday....

My crafty week.....

Precious things...

 

Awww, my precious things...

 

I feel like I am auditioning for The League of Gentlemen but I don't own a corner shop....

 

But no, hold on a darn moment...I'm talking about my precious object for 'Show and Tell' time at Sian's 'Storytelling Sunday'.

 

Hmmmm, now what to show?  I have many a precious thing...precious in memories but not precious in value (the best sort I think).

 

How about a handmade Japanese style brooch made by a friend...

 

An Eternity ring that I waited an eternity for...

 

One of my sons first paintings of me...

 

It's so hard to choose..

How about my sewing box....originally my Mums, now updated with a lick of paint...It has stood in my Mums house since I was small, used often to sew a button, take up a hem or to even sew my wedding dress.  Lovely memories.

 

I keep all those unfinished sewing/woolly projects inside in the hope that I will pick them up and maybe finish them.

One day I will...
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello 2013...

 

Hello 2013!

 

I'm so pleased to see the back of 2012.....it was not a good year for our little family.

 

But this year is going to be different.

 

My mantra for this year is...

 

She turned her cant's into cans and her dreams into plans.

 

Over the Christmas Holidays I have been busy planning new blog posts and crafty projects.  I feel super excited to get cracking in the craft room and hope that you will feel inspired to get crafty too.

 

Want to know what I have been up each week well welcome to Wordless Wednesday...A photo review of that weeks current crafty projects. 

 

And as I missed Wednesday this week (I'm all a two and eight with the days of the week at the moment) I'm going to post it now...that's how I roll.