I am Still Here

Well, I haven't posted in ages, so sorry about that.

I am a pathetic person and what with.. our main PC getting a virus which ate up our Internet explorer; a dodgy connection on our laptop; added to me working Easter Club which meant getting up at 6.15am to start work at 8am (although I was there before that time) and finishing at 5.45pm.

I know that many many of you work full time and are tutting right now about my inability to work long hours. Sorry. I admire you and I did use to have a full-time job. But now I only work part-time and it is lovely having my mornings back.

I will be posting soon about t-shirts! If you have a favourite t-shirt, manufacturer, shop, or/and have a preference for a style which suits your size - please email me at bigbluebed@live.com. I will be talking about my favourite shapes but will happily include your recommendations.

Thank you.

My Work Space

My family and I live in a one bedroom flat. Last year we bought a sofa bed and gave over the bedroom to our daughter as her room. So our lounge is also our bedroom and my workspace.

A few days ago we bought this storage unit and after many many hours putting it together, I had the fun of sorting through my boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff and putting it all into MY cupboard.

It is not very neat - much to my husband-to-be's annoyance. But it is a workable space for me where I can access what I need. Or will be when I have finished sorting. I still have lots of fabric to put on the shelves. And some paperwork to file which for now I have put behind the doors. Oh yes and much yarn which lives in plastic boxes hidden to the left of the cupboard.

But I LOVE IT.

It is Spring and Purple Flowers are Growing

Well the sun may think it is Spring but the cold wind doesn't.

But I have been working on some more flower hair clips. I bought some sumptuous purple fabric. And started with these flowers.

Then I was thinking - roses. And they of course have lots of petals. I love old roses and spent a while thinking about it and then in the end just got out my trusty scissors and cut some petals of different sizes. A few beads and this is the result.

This one is a present for a work friend. But I will be making some for my shop soon. If you want one of you own in the meantime then do contact me as I love making it so much I will be happy to make some more.

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.