Sorting Buttons

I am having a stall at a fair on Sunday, it is at Portsmouth's Guildhall so pop along if you can. We will be selling my handmade things but also some vintage supplies.

With that in mind I was sorting through my buttons. The ones I wanted to sew on cards I sorted in to my useful wooden box.

Useful Button Sorting Box

Ready to go..

I started with these lovely red glass ones:

Red Glass Buttons

Glass & Leather buttons

 Then onto the shell/mother of pearl buttons.

 

 

Shell /  Mother of pearl Buttons

I was sewing in quite straight lines, very regimented.

Buttons in a row

Buttons in rows

I did this for a while and then got a bit bored of regiment, and decided to go for something else  - freestyle.

Then after that, I went back to regiment.

 So that was one evening's work.  

Now to do the rest.

Knit, Purl, Save the World - Book Review

Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong

 

When I first browsed through this book I was disappointed that there were not more patterns using home-made recycled yarns.

Now what is that pertinent idiom? -  ‘never judge a book by its cover’!

On second, and further in depth perusals, it occurred to me that I want to knit more than bags using plastic bag yarn, or rugs made using t-shirt yarn. Therefore it would be nice to have an idea of what yarn there is available: from plants, from animals that is cruelty free and yes from handmade recycling.

But then again it is fine to have a book that recommends lots of eco-friendly yarns, but it is the patterns that are important for knitters and crocheters.  Luckily there are a broad range of lovely patterns in this book. I really like the pretty cardigans, and the socks and I was very happy when I saw the jute rug (I so want to crochet that rug). There are things for the body from top to toe, and for the home as well.

The authors are American, and so this book has USA terms for crochet, and the reader will have to check whether the yarns are available to other countries. There is a useful list of resources in the back, so it is worth looking there.

I like books that also have interesting bits to read. As this book is full of tips and facts, I am happy. 

 Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong 

Published by David & Charles

Nordic Knitting Traditions – Book Review

The patterns in this beautiful book have been designed by the author Susan Anderson-Freed, based on traditional designs from places including Iceland, and Shetland, but as the author points out ‘in most cases, the original design is barely recognizable’.

 What is recognizable is the author’s love of colour, and the traditions of fair isle (and similar techniques) in creating lovely patterns.

You will find in this book hats, gloves/mittens, and socks and leg-warmers. Within these basic deigns are an array of patterns and colour combinations that are beautiful to see.

I haven’t tried any fair isle in years, but I do rather fancy the gorgeous tams and maybe a pair of mittens to match. Whilst I would not wear leg warmers with shoes, I think they would be great under a pair of roomy boots.

 

So, using the charts, and helpful tips and techniques in this book  by next Winter I may have warm and richly coloured accessories to keep me warm and smiling.

Snow Day - January 2013

Please let me apologise to those of you in Canada, Austria, Scotland, Alaska - any country where you are used to lots of snow.

We in the South of England are not.  We are a bit pathetic in snow.   We had a couple of inches on snow and the buses ground to a halt. the school shut. What can I say?

So when you look at your own 6 foot of snow please don't laugh when you see my photos.

 

I thought I would try some macro shots but I was not too successful as either the branches or my hands kept wobbling. 

Making Daisies and Teeny Buttons

I have been busy making lots of orders, especially in my most popular design which is
Daisy

I took a little time out to use the tiniest 'o' ring that I have to make a really tiny button. You can see it here, it is the pink and white one, in comparison with the other size buttons I make.



Fiddly, but fun.  Using spring colours, at this time of year does help lift the spirit.

Welcome New Year and New Possibilities

I do not know where this year will take us, but this morning there was a sign of good things to come...

Happy New Year to you all! xx