Knitting the Bolero Update

Just a bit more done. I would like to think that one day I will finish it.

The trouble is I am only doing a couple of rows each evening, if that.

And now I am looking about for something that is quick to knit.

Flower Clips for the Hair

My creation
Originally uploaded by bigbluebed

I had great fun making these flower hair clips.

I think they would be beautiful for this 'orrible weather - to brighten us up. And also for the Spring which is just around the corner, and Summer.

The clips are available in my etsy store. But if you prefer to pay in £ then I am always happy to transfer something to folksy.

And this is the first time I have managed to make a mosiac. If you want to make one too then go here.

Knit, Knit, Knitting..

I was given a lot of yarn most oddments, and single balls. But I do have 3 balls of merino wool & silk. I really wanted to make something with this soft buttery yellow yarn - it is so beautiful.

I spent a long time searching for a little shrug pattern as I thought I might just have enough for that. And I found a great pattern on this wonderful blog - 10 Feet High. It is also available via Ravelry.

You can see in the photos all my workings out, and I also wrote down the lace pattern and what things like 'SSK' and 'YO' mean as although I have been knitting for yonks, I wasn't sure what these mean - as maybe they are the American terms.

My yarn is thinner than that used so I had to do a tension square first, but it was all quite easy to work out using the wonderful pattern from 10 Feet High.

After I took these photos I did a few inches of ribs but unpicked them and started again using a larger needle to knit the lace bits as I don't think my yarn would have lasted. And to be honest I am still not sure I have enough yarn so it might turn out to be a nice scarflet.

But if so, I really want to try this bolero pattern in other yarns and colours.

I will keep you posted with pictures of my progress.

Butterflies on a Sunday

I want to tell you how much I love indietutes blog. There are a wealth of wonderful patterns and advice, and fun ideas of things to do for all the family.

I found this lovely butterfly idea and on Sunday morning we decided to make one. As you can probably tell from the photos, Mary and I had great fun with glue and paint.

Waiting to begin. Everything ready.

Putting the yarn in the glue.

The yarn is glued on, and now we paint inside the shapes.

Adding the finishing touches.

Have a look on indietuebs blog to see the original tutorial http://indietutes.blogspot.com/2009/12/butterflies.html and have fun with your little ones.

Pom Poms Galore

I have been inspired by Kirsty of That Crafty Fish blog this week. In this post just before Christmas, she talked about pom poms.

And they have stuck in my mind. I thought the children at the club where I work would love to make them. So I gathered together some wool (from charity shops, cheap shops, and my own stash) and took them to work.

I also bought a couple of plastic pom pom making rings. I had a practice at home with these and realised I need to find some small sharp scissors. Then again at work the lack of small sharp scissors was a problem - but a visit to the pound shop the next day solved it.

In the end we found that making cardboard rings was easier as there were enough to go round, they could be taken home to finish there, and the children could make what size they want.

So this week it has been pom poms galore. Yesterday we had to add another table as more children wanted to join in. The children are so inventive with colours as well. Few are making ones of a single colour but using lots of colours to make wonderful pom poms.

Thank you Kirsty for reminding me how much fun it is. And thank you children for letting me share your fun. I love my job!

My Weekend WishList

My friend Maisy of Tea and Jewels blog and lots of lovely online shops, had this idea from a friend from the EST forum on etsy.

So I thought I would join in too.

I will check back on Monday to let you know what I have accomplished.

* do my tax return or at least start it

* do some revision my my exam on Wednesday

* do some making & crafting with my daughter

I have kept it short this time, as I need to get those top two main things done.
See you on Monday.

Cookies and a cup of tea.

My daughter was given a chocolate chop cookie kit from Scarlet Bakes .

With her daddy's help, she made them yesterday. Then then unwisely left me alone with them this morning. Since taking the photo and uploading it, I can tell you that there are 4 missing. Must have been the cat!

The mug was a Christmas gift from my mother in law. It is one of a set of 6. Paul and I also had another mug each from them. I think for the last 6 Christmases we have had at least 2 mugs for Christmas from her. And there are only 2 of us! (Well 3 but the little one doesn't drink tea or coffee). The trouble is I love all my mugs and the thought of parting with any is sad.

But I must say I do love my new mugs they are just the right shape and size for a perfect cup of tea.