gemmipop designs

Sunday Makings!

2012-02-12T17:54:00.000Z

It's been the perfect Sunday - my lovely husband and I have been for a cup of tea in our favourite cafe, had Sunday lunch out, and we've had a chilled afternoon watching "Harry Potter" movies and I've been crocheting snuggled up with the kitties on the sofa.

Here's Brian trying out my chevron blanket. He seems to rather like it.

I'm quite enjoying trying out the colours from my new stash of yarn, they seem to be working well!

Shopping List Saturday!

2012-02-11T11:56:00.003Z

My sock knitting obsession has become so all-consuming that it only seemed right that I share some of the lovely socks I've spotted on Etsy! They're beautiful!

Knee High Socks Turquoise Lace with Red Ties hand knitby pinkcandystudio

Hand knitted socks. Elven by BoBoKarin

Hand knit socks, Estonian patternby Kampsun

Hand knit socks: knee high with cable pattern by Woolmint

Famous!

2012-02-09T21:37:00.000Z

Last Friday I had an interview with a reporter from a local newspaper, about how I came to be where I am now. I found it quite interesting to think how making peg-angels with doily wings might have started me on a path to making for a living. I've always liked making stuff - There was the under-the-sea scene with crepe paper jelly fish and a felt dolphin, and the zoo with trees made from kitchen-roll tubes, all housed in cardboard boxes that my dad used to bring home from work for me. I think one of my best childhood memories is of the day when I came home and my mum had bought me a huge pack of multi-coloured crepe-paper - I still remember being overwhelmed with the options for that lovely bright paper.

I think that sometimes when there's pressure and deadlines and money that needs to be made, it's easy to forget the reasons for doing what I do (I don't want to sound like a spoilt brat, I know precisely how lucky I am, having been out in the world and having dreadful jobs) but this is a nice little reminder!

More Yarn Shopping...

2012-02-09T21:04:00.000Z

I've been working on a very snazzy chevron blanket for a while now - I started it as part of a plan to use up the ridiculously big yarn stash that I seem to have accumulated over the last couple of years. I had lots of odd stuff that wouldn't be useful for any large projects on it's own, but would do a row or two on a blanket. So I've been very good and used up loads, but them I had the problem that all I had left were colours that either weren't suitable for the colour scheme that has emerged, or would have meant loads of repetition... Now as part of my New Years Resolution I decided I would finish each project before starting a new one, but my chevron blanket is one of those things that I pick up and put down when I'm in the mood, but hitting the point where I have nothing for the next row means it would come to a standstill and it would end up in a bag in the spare room (aka the graveyard of unfinished projects). So I did the unthinkable today and bought more yarn!

I think this will keep me going for a while! They're all lovely colours that I think will work well with the ones I've already used, and I feel all excited about carrying on with my blanket. I'm sure I'm not the only crafter that hits a point with a big project where you wonder if it's going to get finished, and the chevron blanket is getting a bit like that because I've done fifty rows and I think it's easily going to need one hundred more...I'm sure it's going to be worth it though!

Another yarn related highlight of today was this lovely book which was a belated birthday pressie from my lovely friend Amy! It's got some really good stuff to make, and just flicking through it over a cuppa I spotted knitted squares made on double pointed needles which look pretty fab!

Day Out!

2012-02-07T20:39:00.000Z

I spent today in Wolverhampton, having a mooch around the charity shops, the art gallery and drinking a lot of tea! As usual I bought lots of books...

I am justifying the purchase of seven books with the fact that I am reading so much at the moment, and this whole stash cost less than £10, the big bargain of the day being the 1970s copy of "MoominPapa at Sea" which was £1!!

I love the Moomins, Tove Jansson's work is just so delicate and beautiful! I found the book on a stall that sets up in one of the shopping centres - It's not always there, and since I don't get to visit Wolverhampton as often as I used to, I didn't know if it would be on, and they have HUNDREDS of books, all in random orders, so this book was obviously meant to be mine!

As well as my charity shop finds, I had a look in the independent yarn shop, and feeding my sock addiction, picked up this very snazzy yarn!

When I went to pay the lady asked if I would like a free sock pattern. Well, who am I to turn that down?! I particularly like the cable socks with the kilt - very cute indeed!

New Display Stuff!

2012-02-06T19:52:00.003Z

I was busy working on my order for Siop Cwlwm Croesoswallt this morning when I started looking at my glass cabinets and thinking about what they needed to finish them off. I came to the conclusion that they definitely needed some pretty signs, so I got to work and this is what I came up with...

I thought this would be a good way to make it clear that the necklaces, brooches and earrings can be a set!

I also made this little heart, because obviously, I really rather like crocheting...

And here it is on the back of the cabinet, I think it looks quite pretty!

Flea Market Finds

2012-02-05T14:38:00.000Z

I had a lovely afternoon out with my charity shop co-conspirator Vicky on Thursday, and we both had a couple of really good finds! In particular I like this coral coloured extending Tunisian Crochet hook, which I think would be long enough to use to make a blanket. It's been so cold here over the last few days that my mind seems to wander towards blanket making!

As well as these lovely things, I bought a very pretty floral dress top, which I am wearing today. We are having a delightfully relaxing day - we've been for a cup of tea in our favourite cafe, and had eggs for lunch because our girls are steadfast in their laying, despite the freezing weather. We're watching "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" now - it's a classic from my childhood, I remember watching it over and over again, as well as "Alice in Wonderland". I think I drove my poor mother to distraction with my repetition of my favourite films!

For more Flea Market Finds pop on over to see Sophie Isobel!

Shopping List Saturday

2012-02-04T18:56:00.002Z

This week's list is all about owls because I think they are pretty ace...

Owl necklace silver - Whimsical owl in a tree by lulubugjewelry

Ceramic Owl Planter Vintage Design Lemon Yellow by Wendy Alderman

Tito The Owl Wooden Brooch by Lucie Ellen

owl love token plush by Debbie Terry

Making things pretty!

2012-02-04T18:37:00.001Z

When I first opened my stall I bought two very pretty glass cabinets, and for several months now they have been in a stall downstairs in the market displaying my work, as part of a deal with another stall-holder where we exchanged space. This week they came back up to live in my stall, so I had some fun on Wednesday re-dressing them with new stock, and making them look pretty.

I think there might be a bit more to do to finish them off, but for now I think they look pretty good!

Today has been a strange day - the market has been pretty quiet because of the threat of snow, but we've only really had a bit of a flurry. After I finished for the day, my lovely husband came to meet me and we went for a nice walk around the town in the snow, had a look in the charity shops and went for a hot chocolate and now we're having a lovely cosy evening at home. Perfect!

Busy Days!

2012-02-03T21:35:00.000Z

I've had a really lovely day, one of those days where everything has been really exciting! It started out a little bit shaky with unhappy chickens (they don't like ice) and as a result of their shenanigans I was late to open the stall. But after that everything was fab - I did a telephone interview with a really nice reporter from one of the local papers, which I think went pretty well, then I spent a bit of time knitting my latest sock, and I had an email from lovely Emmah from the gorgeous blog Vintage Sweetheart because there are pics of her wearing a necklace that I made for her and she really is as cute as a button!

many thanks to lovely Emmah for giving me permission to use her gorgeous photograph!

When I finished in the stall I had a really great meeting with Lowri from Siop Cwlwm about our next collaboration, which I will be designing over the weekend. Lowri co-owns (with her lovely mum Linda) a shop selling Welsh language products in the Market, and I have been making exclusive products for them for about a year now, including brooches and necklaces featuring Welsh dragons, Christmas baubles with Welsh phrases, and various personalised products. Today we've been working out some ideas for new personalised goodies, so I'll be making some samples next week!

And to finish off the day nicely, I've had a very lovely evening with my hubby, eating pizza and macarons, and watching "High Fidelity". I think I might well need to re-read the book, I had forgotten how much I love the obsessive list making and musical geekery!

No such thing as bad publicity...

2012-02-02T19:32:00.003Z

Today I was featured in one of the local papers, promoting the installation of the new lift in the market. I have to say though, the fact that they have put my name but not the name of my stall, or even that I have a stall, is a bit of an oversight. The caption might as well say "Gemma Bentley - local lift lunatic!"

But anyway, it's publicity for the market, which is great.

New Socks...

2012-02-01T20:10:00.000Z

I've had a busy day working on the display cabinets in my stall and putting orders together to send all over the place, so I haven't had any time to work on my new socks, but nonetheless they are coming along nicely!

This is my forth pair, and they're not as stripey as the last two pairs that I made, but I like the subtle pattern! The ribbed section is pink and a mossy green (I'm afraid it's not all that obvious...) and the zig-zag bit is pink and white - I think they're going to be pretty spiffy!

I am getting on quite well with "Water for Elephants", I'm on page 166 already, and I'm really enjoying it!

I just wanted to share a couple of bookish blogs that I've stumbled across recently, just in case anyone is interested...

Musings of a Bookshop Girl - worth having a look at the "Mixing it up challenge 2012", which has 16 genres for you to try out in 2012
Katie's Book Blog - full of reviews and recommendations

Both worth a read!

Readings...January

2012-01-31T20:12:00.000Z

This morning I finished my eleventh book for January - "The Comfort of Strangers" by Ian McEwan. I'm really very pleased that I have managed to get through January maintaining (and exceeding) my New Years Resolution. So these are the books I read...

"Wintering - a novel of Sylvia Plath" by Kate Moses
"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Amsterdam" by Ian McEwan
"Juliet, Naked" by Nick Hornby
"When God was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman
"Slam" by Nick Hornby
"One Day" by David Nicholls
"My Week With Marilyn" by Colin Clark
"Black Dogs" by Ian McEwan
"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
"The Comfort of Strangers" by Ian McEwan

I started "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen this afternoon in a waiting room, and I am already on page 82, so I suspect February may be another successful month! I also started another pair of socks yesterday, and they are coming along quite nicely too. I am definitely feeling more positive about my work/home life balance - not only am I having something that resembles "free time", I am more productive and efficient at work. It's a great feeling to have everything under control and going in the right direction!

Sunday Afternoon

2012-01-29T14:02:00.001Z

After a couple of weekends gallivanting all over the country, we're having a lovely Sunday at home together. We popped into our favourite local coffee shop for tea and cake, and sat reading - I'm onto "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro (book 10 for January), and my hubby is reading "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (apparently zombies were the thing that was missing from the original...)

My plans for this afternoon involve more tea, more reading, and watching "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", which I think is a pretty good Sunday afternoon movie. Last night we went to see "The Iron Lady", Meryl Streep really does deserve all of the praise she's been getting, regardless of your political perspective, or opinion of the person she plays. It really was astonishing.

Flea Market Finds

2012-01-28T22:52:00.000Z

My Flea Market Finds this week came at the end of a very busy day in the stall today...

Fat Face top

White Stuff top

They're both really pretty, with lovely prints. I had a huge New Years clothes clear-out so I really needed some new stuff, and these will be fantastic with layers for the rest of the winter, but also nice and light for the summer. Ironically, they both came from the same charity shop that I took my clothes too, so I'm taking it as karmic reward that I found them...

I'm still experimenting with instagram, but I rather like it!

For more Flea Market Finds, pop on over to see Sophie Isobel

Another Pair of Socks!

2012-01-27T20:44:00.001Z

Two small victories here - another pair of socks finished, and my first attempt at with the instagram app!

It's been a busy day, but I am enjoying a nice quiet evening in with my hubby, watching "Grosse Point Blank" and eating pizza. All in all, I have to say, life is pretty sweet.

My Creative Space

2012-01-26T18:38:00.002Z

My Creative Space this week has been focused on a wholesale order that I have for a brand new shop that is opening in Brighton. I was asked to make thirty-five brooches - five designs in seven colours. I've glued the pins on so I'll be packing them all up tomorrow ready to send!

I also tried something new - mirror plastic! I just cut out a deer, so I could find the right setting, and find out if my usual glue works on a different type of backing. I think it's pretty cute!

I also put a new Flying Duck Necklace design up on display. I'm just making this one for now, to see what my customers think - I'll be making it as a commission rather than part of my every-day ranges.

So I've been a busy bee!
For more creative spaces, pop on over here

Readings...

2012-01-25T21:19:00.001Z

This evening I finished my eighth book for January, "My Week With Marilyn" by Colin Clark. I quite enjoyed reading a book that had a slightly different perspective on such a well known woman, even if suspension of disbelief was required for some of the long-winded exchanges that occurred (I mean really, how much of a conversation could be remembered in such word for word detail?!). But besides that it was an interesting read.

I picked up a biography of another well known lady this evening, after my film-going experience on Monday...

Generally I'm not a fan of Royal biographies, they're not really my cup of tea, but I find Wallis Simpson quite intriguing; the idea of someone being so thoroughly captivating that she could throw a whole country into turmoil. I have to say it would be interesting to read something about her that portrays her in a new light, which is what I suspect this might be...I will be working my way around to this, but my next book is "Black Dogs" by Ian McEwan, which was recommended to me by the nice girl in the bookshop who served me when I bought "Atonement". So I'm going to pour another cup of tea and get started on it right now!

Another Trip to London...

2012-01-24T14:28:00.001Z

I have been very lucky to have had so many opportunities to get down to London over the last few weeks. My trip this weekend was another tag along with hubby, because he had another meeting. Since we were both getting over the lurgy, we went to the Heymarket on Sunday afternoon to see "Shame" (which was not quite what I was expecting...), had a look around the National Portrait Gallery, as well as a cup of tea in the National Gallery.

On Monday I wandered around on my own - my first stop was for a cup of tea, then onto Carnaby Street to have a look at a shop that had approached me about selling my work. It's a really nice shop, but there are some figures to work out before I make any decisions. From there I went the the Contemporary Applied Art Gallery, which has a lovely exhibition called "Target the Heart"

Image of work by Susie Freeman from the CAA website

I had a look around a couple of charity shops just off Tottenham Court Road, and then went to the cinema to see "W.E". It's a beautiful film, full of stunning detail and fabulous outfits. I really enjoyed it.

image from IMDb

After the movie I mooched up through Covent Garden and up to the British Museum for a look around. I had a cup of tea in the cafe and read for a while before I met up with hubby after his meeting. It was a really lovely weekend.

Today I had a bit of a false start - I got up early for a meeting, but it was cancelled right at the last minute, so I've been at a bit of a loose end all day. I have taken the opportunity to read and drink tea - I think last weeks lurgy is still making me feel a bit run down, but hopefully it's nearly done!

Shopping List Saturday

2012-01-21T19:09:00.000Z

I haven't made a list for a while now, so here's a round-up of some of the things I've been admiring lately...

A Few of my Favourite Things 8x8" Print by LolasRoom

Embroidery Flowers Multi Bright, limited edition giclee print by EloiseRenouf

Vintage Miniature Kitchen for a Doll House by oppning

Teapots A4 Print by LauraAmiss

So many pretty things!

Knit Knit Knit!

2012-01-21T17:59:00.000Z

Here is my finished calorimetry! I love this yellow, although I'm not sure it is helping my dodgy post-cold complexion! It is really warm and cosy though, and that's the main thing!

And today I finished my stripey sock! Not bad going given that I only started it on Wednesday!

I was really pleased to be well enough to go into the stall today, after feeling so rough for the last few days, and it was worth it, with three necklaces and two pairs of earrings off to new homes!

My Creative Space

2012-01-19T13:56:00.001Z

I must confess that this isn't really a creative space post, more of a round-up of what I've been making, because after what feels like months of avoidance, I have finally been caught by the dreaded lurgy. I woke up yesterday feeling really quite rotten. But I try to look on the bright side - I went into work for a couple of hours (the drawback of self-employment, no-one to do my job for me...) and as a reward for dragging myself in, decided to finish knitting my mustard yellow calorimetry (it still needs the ends weaving in and a button), and I cast on a new pair of socks...

Because I finished a second pair on Tuesday evening! I love the stripes, and I am so pleased that I can make socks to fit my odd sized feet!

Today I have spent the morning resting in bed, and I finished reading "One Day" by David Nicholls. I am onto "My Week with Marilyn" by Colin Clark now, all wrapped up cosily on the sofa under a lovely warm quilt.

For more creative spaces pop on over here

Shopping Trip...

2012-01-17T15:21:00.001Z

This morning the cold weather related Cabin Fever kicked in. I took myself out for a couple of hours, with no particular plans other than to check out the charity shops, as well as the yarn shop and the independent bookshop Booka.

The charity shops weren't too fruitful today, but I did pick up two balls of mohair for 50p. I've never used mohair before so it's going to be a bit of an experiment!

From the bookshop I got Angie Lewin's beautiful "Plants and Places" book, which I bought with birthday vouchers. I've loved Angie Lewin's work for a while now, I love the simple shapes and choice of colours, so I thought this would be a perfect belated birthday present to myself! I took myself for a hot chocolate, and had a look at my new book, before heading to the yarn shop, where I picked up some more sock yarn. I've been coveting this lovely green/pink/cream combination for a while so I finally gave in today. And as I was heading out of town I spotted a pair of gorgeous grey knitted boots. I must admit that it is only recently that I started liking these boots, and I can say without any doubt that I will not be wearing them with shorts, but I think they will look pretty cute with a skirt and coloured tights, and they are so cosy!

So that was my little trip - I feel much better now, full of inspiration!

Readings...

2012-01-16T16:39:00.000Z

I'll be honest; when I set myself the task of reading a book a week for 2012 I thought it was a bit of a long shot that I would manage it. I am willing to accept that New Years Resolutions tend to last for about 24 hours after they are made, and although I always make them with the best intentions, it is always inevitable that something gets in the way. But it would seem that this time I am sticking to it!

I thought that the half-way point in the month would be a good time to share my January reads so far...

"Wintering; A Novel of Sylvia Plath" by Kate Moses
"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne
"Amsterdam" by Ian McEwan
"Juliet, Naked" by Nick Hornby
"When God was a Rabbit" by Sarah Winman
"Slam" by Nick Hornby

So my plan to read a book a week / four books per month is going pretty well, since I've read six books in two weeks!

My other New Years Resolutions are also going pretty well - obviously I am making time for myself (given the amount of reading...) and I have only started one new project which is a mustard coloured calorimetry, which I think is fair given the cold weather, but other than that I am only working on existing projects - a second pair of socks and the chevron blanket that I started at the end of last year. It's all going very well and I am finding that the focus is helping with my work too, everything is really well organised and I feel good!

And one of the things that made me feel really good today is this; a feature on Rebecca Danger's blog! I'm really thrilled!

Flea Market Finds

2012-01-15T10:47:00.000Z

I have two special little critters to share this week!

I spotted this little grey kitty when I was mooching around Covent Garden Market on Monday. She was on a table with lots of cat ornaments, but her big blue eyes stood out from the crowd (also the rest were generally not nice...). I knew she was coming home with me so I pushed my way to the table, past a man who really didn't want to move (I'm not normally so rude, but he was just chatting!) and grabbed the kitty, and clung onto her as I scrambled in my bag to find my purse, and she was mine!

The squirrel came from a different shopping trip, on Tuesday. It was a much less frenzied experience - he was sat patiently on a shelf in a charity shop, and I must confess that I wasn't instantly sure that he was for me. The wavering was due to the fact that he is a pepper pot, and although that wouldn't normally put me off, he is obviously meant to be holding the salt shaker. But I couldn't resist, he's just too cute. So I will need to think of something that he can hang onto!

So they have a temporary home on my shelves, until I can find a permanent home for them.
For more Flea Market Finds, pop over to see Sophie Isobel

Today's Makings...

2012-01-11T20:17:00.000Z

I had a lovely day of making today! I made some heart garlands for Valentines day out of vintage book pages...

And I started to sew together some crochet flowers into a scarf. I have used gorgeous bamboo yarn for these flowers, it was quite a treat to work with!

So my time at work was spent on fun stuff, and when I got home I had boring paperwork stuff to do. Seems a bit wrong somehow. But I have pushed on with my "to-do" list, and now I can have a lovely day off tomorrow! So I'm going to get my big research book out and pop in some of the stuff I saw in London, and possibly finish my second book of the week - "Amsterdam" by Ian McEwan!

Birthday Girl!

2012-01-10T21:26:00.000Z

Sunday was my 27th Birthday, and my husband took me to London for a couple of days! We had lunch in a French patisserie, perused the second-hand book stalls on the South Bank and went to have a look around Tate Modern. Later we took a stroll down to Tower Bridge, one of the few landmarks that I'd never visited before. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

And we walked past St Paul's Cathedral which was beautiful all lit up in the dark. We had dinner in my favourite restaurant, and watched "500 days of Summer" in the hotel. It was a lovely birthday!

On Monday I spent the day on my own (while hubby was in a meeting) drinking tea and mooching around -

I got into the National Gallery early enough that I had the Van Gogh / Gauguin room all to myself, and walked around Covent Garden Market, which was buzzing with people.

image from www.bbc.co.uk/news

In the afternoon I went to see "The Artist" - it's a really fabulous film!It's been ages since I went to see a film on my own, there's something quite frivolous about going to the cinema on a Monday afternoon! After the movie I went to The National Portrait Gallery, and the British Museum, where I treated myself to a big cup of tea and some chocolate cake (I'm going to call it birthday cake, makes it seem less over-indulgent!).

It was a really lovely birthday trip, it was so nice to have the day off and be in my favourite place with my favourite person!

I spent today with one of my other favourite people - my gorgeous friend Vicky. We haven't seen each other since before Christmas, so we exchanged presents - I made her a pair of little fabric birds and a cat's eye glasses necklace...

and as well as some amazing bamboo sock needles, Vicky knitted me this awesome chappy - he is nameless as yet, but I'm sure he'll tell me before long! The foxy ornament was my birthday present, I've been looking for a fox for ages! Vicky knows me too well!

We went out this afternoon for lunch and did some shopping - I bought some mustard wool for another calorimetry, and a new critter, but I'm saving him for my Flea Market Finds on Sunday!

Flea Market Finds

2012-01-08T08:16:00.002Z

For the first time in absolute ages, I got to go Charity Shopping with my husband during our Christmas break. This doesn't happen much these days due to conflicting schedules, and we both really enjoyed it! I got a stack of books, including "Enduring Love" which I am giving a second chance after a-level English nearly destroyed Ian McEwan for me...

My New Years Resolution to read a book a week is going well, I finished "Wintering - a novel of Sylvia Plath" by Kate Moses on Wednesday and have nearly finished "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne. And I'm rather enjoying the challenge!

For more Flea Market Finds, pop on over to see Sophie Isobel!

Back to Work!

2012-01-04T20:03:00.001Z

My stall re-opened for the first time in 2012 today, after a lovely ten day break. It was really nice to be back, catching up with the other stall holders and friends that popped up to say hello. I have a nice big list of stock that need to be replaced from the run-up to Christmas, and some orders/commissions, so that's tomorrow morning planned out. My plans for tomorrow afternoon include drinking tea, reading, and starting the second of my stripey socks, because once that is done I have plans to crochet some moomins with this fantastic pattern. My new years resolutions are going well so far!

Anyway, I'm going to put the kettle on, but here are some interesting crochet links that I've mooched over to this evening...

Sarah London has posted a "Crochet a Rainbow" update
Heidi Bears has a new Crochet Edging which is very pretty
Sophie at Her Library Adventures is making gorgeous squares

Enjoy!

New Year's Resolutions...

2012-01-03T17:02:00.000Z

2011 was a pretty hectic year. I'm not complaining - it's been amazing, I've loved being busy and seeing my business go through changes and get stronger. But sometimes I get a bit wrapped up in things that need to be done, get a bit distracted and forget to look after myself properly. I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person to fall into that trap but having made a concerted effort to make positive changes towards the end of 2011, I have realised that I don't have to be working for 24hours a day to make things happen. So my resolutions for the new year are pretty simple, straightforward changes to my habits so that I make time for myself...

I want to read a book per week (or at least average four per month). It's not a huge thing, but it will definitely help me to relax
Having two days off per week - my stall is only open three days per week, which leaves me a day to do design/admin work and a day to laser cut/make stock, and still have two days off per week. I just need to be organised!
And of course, my on-going resolution which I always break accidentally - finishing crafty projects before starting new ones...Unlikely that I'll manage this one, but at least the will is there!

from we heart it

So those are my resolutions. They're not huge, but they will hopefully mean that I can function more effectively, and be more creative. I'm wondering if anyone else has made any resolutions that they'd be willing to share? It would be interesting to know what kind of goals are being set for 2012!

Lovely London...

2012-01-01T18:08:00.000Z

The Christmas period is a hectic time for our household, in a very good way I must say, since hubby and I both celebrate our birthdays within two weeks of Christmas Day. We both got very spoiled over Christmas, so instead of going crazy buying birthday presents for each other, this year we had a trip to London! We set off early on Thursday morning and went straight to Tate Britain. We saw the John Martin Apocalypse exhibition, and the Barry Flanagan Early Works exhibition - they were both really impressive. The rainy weather put a dampener on our plans to go to Tate Modern, so we went to the Haymarket cinema to see "The Lady" and "My Week with Marilyn", and I really wasn't disappointed!

On Friday we went over to South Kensington to the V&A, to see the "Private Eye" exhibition, and this lovely lady caught my eye in the new acquisitions section ...

1960s Barbie - she's gorgeous!!

We had a lovely mooch around the shops in Covent Garden on Friday afternoon, and there was a bit of a theme to my shopping - I got a paper Moomin making kit and a Moomin coaster from the Magma shops...

and we found the Moomin pop-up shop in the Covent Garden Market, it was absolutely amazing!

Hubby sneakily bought me these awesome little figures, they are the cutest!

I also picked up another Soop ring from Magma. I just love it!

I first came across Soop when I was at uni, researching acrylic jewellery, and I fell in love instantly. I have quite a collection now...

I have been fancying the alligator for a while, but it's the first time I've found it in my size, so I just had to buy it! I think I need some way to display them all!

The trip was a lovely way to wrap up 2011. We had a relaxing New Year's Eve, we did some charity shopping and I got a couple of books, and I got some really lovely double knit cotton for my next project!

Sock Knitting!

2012-01-01T17:22:00.000Z

Firstly, Happy New Year everyone! 2011 was an amazing (and very busy) year, and I'm hoping 2012 will be just as much fun! It's started pretty well - so far today we've had a marathon of "Futurama" season 1 with lots of tea and playing with the kitties, and I've finished another sock!

After making three pairs for Christmas presents, I finished the very first pair for myself during the week! They're really cosy...

I've got some other sock yarn to use up too, so I will soon be wearing my very own handmade socks everyday!

Christmas Presents!

2011-12-28T19:07:00.000Z

Here are some of the things that kept me busy in the run up to Christmas...

Amy necklace with star earrings

Darrenosaurus Rex for my buddy "Dinosaur Darren"

Three pairs of socks for my dad, mum and hubby

And a bunny for my sister. There are a few other bits, but I can't share them just yet!

I had a lovely relaxing Christmas, full of time with my lovely friends and family, and plenty of time for knitting - I have finished a pair of socks for myself, and I have done half a sock for a second pair. My stall is closed until next Wednesday (Jan 4th), and I'm taking the opportunity to have a rest. It's been a long time coming!

Some Info...

2011-12-21T19:38:00.001Z

I am happy to report that all of my Christmas present shopping/making is done, and everything is wrapped and safely stashed under the tree, so all that's left to do now is enjoy the Festive Season. I will be keeping my online shops open over the festive period, but I will not be posting orders until 4th January, because it has been 15 months since I had a decent break so I am treating myself to a long Christmas holiday, starting on Christmas Eve afternoon. I will also be re-opening the stall on the 4th, and have some very exciting new designs coming in January!

I will be back with pics of some finished stuff soon, including some of the presents that I've made, but I suspect this will be my last post before the Big Day, so I'm going to take this opportunity to wish all of my lovely followers a very Happy Christmas! Stay safe and be merry!xx

Busy Days...

2011-12-21T19:34:00.001Z

It's been a busy week so far - my stall has been open every day and will be until Christmas Eve, so I've been trying to have a relaxing time between customers so that I can start to get into the Festive Spirit myself! So I've been drinking lots of tea, and chatting away to customers and stallholders, and knitting things that I actually get to keep myself!

So I've been working on a second sock so that I have a pair to wear myself on Christmas day, as well as a second calorimetry, this time in the lovely pink that my pal Amy picked out for me when she was in Italy.

And I treated myself to something special today too - some gorgeous silver Fox studs from my lovely stall neighbours. The stall is run by a fabulous lady called Elaine, and her husband Philip makes the jewellery. They are a lovely couple, I've been very lucky to have such nice neighbours!

I am wearing my lovely new earrings now, they are really quite cute!

So that's been my busy week so far!

Knitting...

2011-12-16T16:41:00.004Z

For the first time in ages my "to-do" list was short and easy to finish, so I decided to spend the day making something for myself. I've been admiring this pattern for ages, but I've never had the confidence, but since the short row knitting thing is deeply ingrained in my brain now from sock knitting I thought it would be do-able... so here it is, my very first calorimetry!!

It took most of the day, but I think it was worth it! And after giving it a test run in the cold, I can say that it is not only cute but jolly practical - It kept my ears warm, and didn't stress me out with my hair like a beanie type hat does. It may well have convinced me to keep my hair long too, and I have decided that it may well be the perfect project for using some gorgeous yarn that my buddy Amy bought for me in Italy. Obviously I will be making more of these things... My apologies for the photo quality (stupid dark British evenings).

Makings...

2011-12-15T21:28:00.005Z

I spent a quiet evening last night finishing socks for Christmas. I haven't been able to show most of my recent makings because I don't want anyone spotting anything they shouldn't, but these socks are for my parents and they won't peep...

These fancy stripey ones are for my dad, I finished them last night. I really hope he likes them! I am really looking forward to Christmas morning to find out what everyone thinks of their gifts!

At work this week I have a new design, some very snazzy goldfish. They are very cool!

I will be putting them on Etsy later this evening, but they are already on sale in my stall.

The Christmas crazy time of orders and personalised gifts is beginning to calm down a wee bit now, what with the passing of international postal dates and so on, so hopefully the six day week beginning on Monday will be a time for festive joviality with customers and other stall holders. I am still taking orders, and will be until Tuesday, but I think my sales now will mostly be existing stock. It's been a crazy couple of weeks, and I am starting to feel a little bit rough around the edges but I can't complain, I love to be busy, and I am remembering to make time to spend with my friends and family, which I think does me the world of good.

Shopping List Sunday

2011-12-11T21:43:00.006Z

As I have mentioned, I have been busy making lots of goodies for my stall and Christmas presents for my gorgeous friends, so to get me in the mood for post-Christmas making, here is a bunch of yummy yarny goodness!

A Walk Among Trees - designer leafy handbag with wooden handles in burnt orange - eco-fashion by Evelda's Neverland

Heart & Craft Photographic Print by Hurley Sashimi

Yes To Yarn 8x8 Print by Trisha Brink Design

Women's Floral Yellow Fingerless Gloves by vKnit

Another little bird...

2011-12-08T14:47:00.002Z

I really do love making these little birds. This is the latest one - nice and bright! I love yellow.

He's on sale in my stall now, but I seem to be selling lots of them at the moment. I have another ten cut out ready for making over the next week.

My Creative Space

2011-12-08T14:20:00.005Z

My creative space this week is a little bit difficult to share, because it consists of Christmas presents for my friends and family, plus orders which are presents for people who might read my blog...It's been a crazy couple of weeks.

So I have been buried under a pile of work, none of which I can share. But I can share this - my one little project for me, which I have been working away at every time I get a spare moment. I really love this chevron pattern, it's so pretty!

I finished my "to-do" list this morning so this afternoon I am going to be working on Christmas presents for my lovely friends. I'm going to take photographs of everything when I've finished so I can share it all after Christmas!

For some inspiring spaces pop on over to Our Creative Spaces!

Flea Market Finds

2011-12-04T17:41:00.004Z

My flea market find this week is this sweet little chap...I had one of those moments where I just knew that he had to come home with me!

Today we have been decorating our Christmas tree, it is looking jolly festive in our living room, so I am planning to spend this evening reading "Atonement" by fairy light and drinking tea.

For more flea market finds pop on over to see Sophie Isobel

New Flowers

2011-12-03T21:51:00.005Z

Last night was the first milestone in the countdown to Christmas - the lovely little town that I live in has an annual event called "Christmas Live", where the town is filled with little stalls and fairground rides and entertainment. Unfortunately I missed out on the outside festive frivolity because my stall stayed open late, but I had a lovely time chatting to the cheery revellers and I am told that it was a fabulous evening. Today was the Christmas Parade through the town, and again, my stall was open, so I didn't get out to see the fancy floats, but the festive cheer is contagious and I am feeling immersed in the Christmas spirit. So to keep myself busy today I made some new crocheted flower brooches because they are always a big seller in the winter months.

Lots of people buy them to brighten up dark coloured winter coats so I have made them bright and cheerful because we are in full winter-mode right now. This evening I am relaxing after spending twelve hours in the stall yesterday - we have watched "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 2)", and now we're onto "The Fifth Element", and while I am working on my crochet chevron blanket, my hubby is sorting through a huge box of original 80's "Star Wars" figures and vehicles that we picked up from our favourite charity shop tonight. I fancy making myself an Ewok brooch but I'm not sure if I can liberate him unnoticed from the pile of figures...

New Makings...

2011-11-30T17:39:00.003Z

Today I made some more little fabric birds...And some Hedgehog Cufflinks...
and some Dachshund brooches...
And now I'm tired!

Flea Market Finds

2011-11-27T17:14:00.004Z

This sweet little guy came home with me on Thursday. He was on a shelf in one of my favourite charity shops and my thrifty shopping partner-in-crime Vicky absolutely insisted that he must be mine (I took so much convincing of course...), and since it was her birthday I couldn't refuse her! He really is a cutie!

He is currently sat with my collection of deers and other kitsch little creatures, but the permanent home that they need has not been located as yet. I'm sure the perfect shelf or cupboard will find it's way to me eventually!

For more Flea Market Finds pop over to see Sophie Isobel

New Makings...

2011-11-26T20:48:00.003Z

I've been really busy lately! I had a very long day yesterday, going straight from the stall to a Christmas Fair, I took a selection of my work and sold quite a bit, but most importantly I got to chat to some new people, and have hopefully gained a few customers for the stall. Yesterday was a big day for fabric birds - I sold three robins and two regular fabric birds, and then another fabric one sold this morning, so I had some making to do this morning...

These are my newest birds, they are all so pretty. I thought some nice bright colours would be fun! They are all on sale in my stall now, but I suspect that I will be needing to make some more next week, there has been a fair bit of interest in them already!

I also had some laser cutting to do earlier in the week, so I made a new bunny brooch - a white rabbit. I am going to see the Alice In Wonderland exhibition in Tate Liverpool at some point soon so it seemed fitting to make a White Rabbit.

I also made some greyhound brooches - up to now I have been making them to order and just selling them on etsy, but I decided to put some in the stall too. They are so cute!

So I have been pretty busy making things for the stall, so tomorrow I am planning to spend some time on my chevron blanket!

My Creative Space

2011-11-24T17:28:00.002Z

I don't know if this is so much a Creative as an UnCreative space. I am confessing. The time has come where I have to acknowledge that I have a problem. I keep starting projects and not finishing them. I know I am not alone, so I am sharing the evidence in the hope that this will be the incentive to finish some of this stuff.

There are all the usual excuses - not having time, projects that are more pressing (Christmas presents for example), and work related crafty projects that take priority. Some of these are valid points, but there are also less valid reasons - "oooh a new pattern to try", and "oooh, look at this lovely yarn", and "I want to learn to make....(insert project here)".

So this is my stash of unfinished stuff. There are also Christmas socks and a chevron blanket and a rag rug....It is quite clear that I have some kind of addiction. Some of these projects are close to finished, just needing ends woven in or edging, but some are in a less complete state. So here is a list of the unfinished projects (hanging my head in shame...)

stripey blanket (about 3/4 done, but will need edging)
socks (for me - one down, one to go)
African Flower Hexagon blanket (each hexagon needs a white edge and then joining)
Bear ear Scarf (not even a little bit near to finished)
Fox hat (again, just about started)
Stripey cushion cover (Second of two, back done, just needs the front and a zipper)
Rectangular rag rug (a long way to go yet...)
Granny square pile (completely without purpose)
Large granny square blanket (needs ends weaving in and edging)
Blue/white/ red granny square blanket (ends need weaving in)
And two embroidery projects that need finishing and a purpose

So that's it. No more new projects. I mean it this time. All of this stuff will be finished before I start anything new. I have Christmas socks to finish, and a couple of other bits for presents, but there's nothing new for me. I really mean it. I'm going to start small with things like edging and weaving in, but I really am going to finish this stuff. Honestly. I really am going to try....

For lots of other creative spaces, pop on over to Our Creative Spaces!

Chevron Blanket

2011-11-23T19:35:00.003Z

After weeks of knitting socks for Christmas, I needed a lovely crochet project to stop me from getting the sock-crazies. I couldn't quite work out what that project would be - I'm already working on a rag-rug, and African Flower Hexagons, but I just had that feeling that I needed something new. So I have started a chevron blanket...

I am using the lovely pattern from The Royal Sisters blog. I am up to 20 rows now, and it's got a nice fresh feeling that is lovely on the cold wintry days that we're having here in grey old England. I really do need to get on and finish some of these other projects though, I am hopeless.

New Fabric Birds

2011-11-23T19:20:00.002Z

I've been busy making Robins for weeks, but last week I sold two of my regular fabric birds so I thought I'd better make some new ones! I have eight cut out ready to stitch, and these are the first two!

They will be on sale on Friday, and I will be making more soon. Tomorrow I will be busy working on Christmas socks whilst drinking lots of tea with my lovely friend for her birthday, and I am so looking forward to a day off!

Magazine Feature!

2011-11-22T15:09:00.004Z

I had a lovely visitor to my stall on Saturday - a very sweet lady called Verity, who writes for Craftseller magazine. Verity was responsible for my first feature in Craftseller issue 2, and contacted me last month to ask about online selling, specifically packaging, and on Saturday she brought up the feature for me to see! It is included in the little booklet "Dos and Don'ts of Selling On Etsy" which will be with issue 5, which I believe is released tomorrow! So here's a sneaky peep at my little quote, with a photograph of my star earrings...

It's so exciting!

My star earrings are on Etsy as well as in my stall. They've been pretty popular so far! I have been busy working on a stand for my earrings over the last week, one of the other stall holders passed along a metal stand that she didn't need any more, and it was in need of a little bit of TLC, so I decided to wrap in with yarn!

I think it looks pretty! So I've put out all of my button earrings, and the bottom two rows will be for stars and hearts. I have been making lots of stock this morning so I will be busy gluing and packaging everything tomorrow!

Flea Market Finds

2011-11-21T13:06:00.004Z

I'm a little late with my Flea Market Finds this week because yesterday I found myself wandering around Tate Modern. But that's another story. So here are my finds from last Monday (it's hard to believe it's been a week, where is the time going?!), two very kitsch ducks and a very sweet little deer!

All found on my trip to Wolverhampton last week, the ducks were from a charity shop (£1 each) and the deer (50p) was on a market stall. The deer is a little pepper pot, and I can't help but wonder what happened to her sister the salt shaker? I hope she is safe and treasured somewhere!

I am starting to think that I need some kind of display solution for all of my little ceramic sweeties. I am considering some kind of corner unit for the living room wall. Bless my sweet husband who continues to accept my increasing collection of kitsch ornaments with his usual good humour. I am a lucky lady indeed.

For more Flea Market Finds pop on over to see the lovely Sophie Isobel!

Public Service Announcement!!

2011-11-21T12:52:00.006Z

A bit of a boring admin type of post, but I have just updated my Etsy shop with the last postal dates from the UK if you would like parcels to arrive before Christmas, but please be aware that I may need to actually make the item for you so if you have shopping plans, I would advise ordering sooner rather than later!!

International Airmail
Mon 5th December - South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (including Japan), Australia and New Zealand
Fri 9th December - Eastern Europe, USA and Canada
Mon 12th December - Western Europe

UK folks have a wee bit longer, up to the 14th December for Standard Parcels, and 23rd December for Special Delivery, but I suspect that will cost a fortune. Same applies here - I may need time to get stuff made so the sooner the order the better!

image from http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/

My Busy Day

2011-11-18T18:28:00.003Z

This was how my work bench looked yesterday...

I was busy making lots of orders!

Just a taster of how much I've made over the last few days. I'm worn out!

Busy Days!

2011-11-15T11:09:00.004Z

The last couple of days have been packed full of shenanigans, so my apologies for the quietness on the blog front!

I spent Sunday in London, helping out husband with a sixth-form trip. There were 35 students (all 16/17 years old), five teachers and little old me. It was a really good day, we took them down to Seven-Dials, gave them maps and a check list and sent them off to explore. So we all went for cups of tea sat outside in Covent Garden, then went for a walk along the South Bank, and then back up to Seven-Dials for 3pm to meet the students, via a French Patisserie for Macaroons and yummy pastry. While we waited for all of the students to arrive, I popped down to Magma (one of my favourite shops ever!!) and picked up a gorgeous Lucie Ellen "Sidney the Dachshund" brooch and a new Soop ring with a cute little ginger kitty!

So cute! We took the students down to Trafalgar Square, then down to Westminster, and on to Buckingham Palace. After safely checking all of the students into their hotel at 7.30, I went to dinner with hubby and the other teachers, to our favourite Turkish restaurant Tas, which is just down by the British Museum. It was a lovely day! We came home in the evening, since hubby had to be in school the next morning (the other teachers and the students got to stay on until Monday), and I was tucked up in bed at about 1.30am.

So after five hours sleep, we got ready to head to Wolverhampton to get hubby to school. I went along for the morning because I had a hospital appointment in the afternoon.

I started the day with a huge cup of tea, and spent the rest of the morning wandering around the charity shops, market, junk shops and little independent shops in the city centre. I got a couple of sweet little things that I am saving to show off in my Flea Market Finds later in the week, as well as some more sock yarn (I'm addicted!) and some books.

I had lunch in the Wolverhampton Art Gallery cafe, which was delightful, and started reading "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger, which is pretty intriguing so far! Today I am resting up after the hospital appointment, which to quote the nurse, was a "MOT MRI". I'm fine but my left arm is a bit messed up from the dye injection I had to have. So knitting, crochet and anything else that involves using two hands at once is out today. So I think I will be spending the rest of the day reading. Doesn't seem too bad really!

Stall-iversary!

2011-11-12T20:55:00.004Z

Today has been a lovely happy day - my one year stall-iversary! I can't believe that a whole year has passed since I opened my stall, the time has flown by! I had lots of lovely visitors and have had strangers congratulate me and then explain that they follow me on facebook - it's so nice to meet such sweet people! I had some cards and presents too, which was so totally unexpected - it's been an overwhelming day. I took in some little apple pies for everyone, to share the happiness, and it's been a genuinely wonderful day.

Opening Day 13th November 2010

This evening I have reflected on the last year - it has been utterly astounding - I've had some crazy times, lots of ups and a couple of downs. I've learned a lot about myself, made some friends that I hope I will keep for life, and become much more assertive - over the last couple of weeks I have had to defend my little business with more assertiveness than I thought I had in me, and although that was tough I know that I, and my business, will be stronger for it.

Happy 1st Birthday Card from the lovely ladies at Siop Cwlwm

So with all of that, I want to thank everyone that has helped out so much over the last year - everyone that has encouraged me, provided opinions on new designs, listened to my over-excited rambling and my little moans, and parted with hard-earned cash in exchange for my work. It's been an amazing journey so far, and I am so excited to see what is in store for the next year!! Thanks again folks, from the bottom of my heart.

It's been a busy week!

2011-11-12T18:28:00.001Z

Some of the highlights from a jolly busy week...

I made some Flamingo earrings to match the brooches that I already had! So kitsch!

And I made the "Nadolig Cyntaf 2011" baubles for Siop Cwlwm, plus a customised "Ioan" version, and special new cufflinks...

Tractors! They made their debut last night at a Fair in Llanrhaeadr, which was a Young Farmers Event, so Tractors were the perfect thing to take along! This was my table at the event, I took lots of lovely things along so hopefully people got a little taster of what I make.

And of course, the obligatory photograph of me behind my stall. It has to be done I suppose!

A shiny bit of publicity too; a fantastic interview in one of the local papers with Lowri from Siop Cwlwm, featuring a pic of my baubles! Lowri has been very supportive, we collaborate quite often now, and she is delightful!

So it's been quite a hectic week, but so much fun!

Shopping Day!

2011-11-08T19:46:00.002Z

Is there any better way to spend a day than shopping, knitting and drinking tea with a lovely friend?! I got this super kitsch crochet book, two row counters (because they keep getting lost) and some gorgeous blue cotton from the charity shops, and some more sock yarn from the wool shop. Because three balls of sock yarn just wasn't enough...and I just couldn't resist the fabulous snazziness of it...

And just a small update on my rag-rug, which is coming on very well! I didn't have as much red as I would have liked, so yesterday I ran into my favourite charity shop in the hope that I would find something suitable, and I found a whole load of red - 2 double flat sheets in fact! And it's the same shade as the one that I had! Jolly lucky indeed.

So now I have enough fabric to get going again! Woohoo!

Nadolig Llawen Baubles...

2011-11-06T22:17:00.005Z

I mentioned earlier this week that I have been working on a special design for Siop Cwlwm Croesoswallt, which is a lovely Welsh Language shop in Oswestry Market. I collaborated with them earlier this year making custom jewellery for the National Eisteddfod, and now we're working on something new; Christmas Baubles!

On Monday I designed "Nadolig Llawen" (Merry Christmas) baubles - the first batch of baubles are white - plain and opalescent (which is a limited edition), but they will be available in green and red too. Today I worked on some "First Christmas 2011" (Nadolig Cyntaf 2011) Baubles, which have the option to be customisable with the baby's name. They are all available from their shop or Siop Cwlwm's website/facebook page. It's a very exciting collaboration, and the bonus is that I am picking up a little bit of Welsh as I go along!

More Robins...

2011-11-05T18:34:00.004Z

Today I finished another ten Robins - they are slowly taking over my stall! I sold another one today, and I have had three orders over the last two days. So the Robin making is in overdrive! Here are eight of the ten...

And this is one of the ordered ones...

The very first tweed Robin! It is so sweet. I made it from a tweed skirt that I had bought to make into soft toys ages ago - finally my habit of hoarding fabric comes in handy! I used lovely red cord for it's tummy, and I have had an order for another one in the same style, so I think it would be worth making a few, it's just too cute!

New Stock on Sale!

2011-11-04T18:05:00.002Z

I have packaged up all of my new stock today - so pretty!

I have listed everything in my Etsy shop too, because I will be making more swans next week since I've sold three of the four that I made yesterday already! I had a lovely crochet lesson today, and I'm booked for double lessons for the next two consecutive weeks. It's all very busy over here!

Today's makings!

2011-11-03T16:19:00.007Z

I did a whole bunch of laser cutting today, making some stock and some custom orders, and I tried out a couple of new designs! I made swan brooches because I had an email asking if I had ever made any. It seems a bit of an oversight that I haven't, because they're so pretty! I made them in white and opalescent shimmery white, but I probably should have done some black ones too!

I also finally got around to making some cuff-links. So now there's something fun for the boys too! I went for robots, because they are the most fun!!

I will be packing all of these new bits and bobs tomorrow ready to go on sale this weekend - I have some pretty kitschy labels for the cuff links!

New Project!

2011-11-02T17:35:00.004Z

Last night I gave into the worst temptation that there is; Starting a new project when I have lots already on the go. I am knitting socks and making Robins, but I really just needed something new to play with, so I started a rag rug for my living room. I have a plan for the colours - it starts with the lemon cream in the centre, then on to sunshine yellow, which progresses into a terracotta orange and finally a dark red. It should go nicely in our newly decorated living room, which is all orange.

I am glad to be working on something new, I hate when making things becomes a chore. I have some Robins and some laser cutting planned for tomorrow but I am going to be doing some design work tomorrow afternoon - I have some new ideas whizzing around in my head and they need to be put down on paper as soon as possible so that they don't disappear!

Makings!

2011-10-31T14:29:00.003Z

I am working at home today, so this morning I did some designs for some commission necklaces and a special project for Siop Cwlwm Croesoswallt, and once all of that was done I started cutting out more Robins! I have ten new ones ready to be stitched up. It would seem that my habit of hoarding fabric has paid off - I found a tweed skirt that I'd bought ages ago to make soft toys with, and of course I never got around to it. So now I have a Robin cut out of it! I am sewing eyes on this afternoon, so they should be ready to sew and stuff in the stall on Wednesday, because tomorrow is a laser cutting day.

Last night I finished the first of my dad's socks. I really love the stripes. So now I need to get started with the second one!

Shopping List Sunday

2011-10-30T12:03:00.008Z

Some pretty things that I've spotted this week! Bright Retro bib necklace by Polina and Sergey Vintage Carpet Bag Coin Purse by CaptainCat
there are lots of nice people to meet by laurageorge
toadstool skirt - red and green by madewithlovebyhannah

Knitting...

2011-10-30T11:31:00.004Z

I seem to be knitting rather a lot lately; I am working on socks for Christmas pressies, and quite frankly, socks are my new obsession! I am getting on jolly well with my dad's pair, I am hoping to finish the first of the pair today so I can get going with the second. I want to finish a pair for myself too, my blue/white/orange sock needs a friend!

As well as that, my lovely husband bought me a ball of pinky sock yarn for myself, which I am itching to get started on! I think I may treat myself on Christmas day by starting a pair, since all of the ones for everyone else will be packed up and distributed by then! It only seems fair after all!

Some other gifty knitting (which I actually finished a while ago), is this little mitten and hat set for the new baby of our Stitch and Bitch host. She arrived in the early hours of Friday morning, so I will be delivering this little parcel soon. I made 3-6 month sized stuff, with the logic that everyone would give her "newborn" things, so now she will have something cosy for when she's a bit bigger. They are made from 100% cotton, and very soft for the little one.

I have been thinking about something nice to make for my sister for Christmas, but I haven't been struck by inspiration yet. There's always the problem of time too, but I would just like everyone to have something handmade, it feels more special.

Flea Market Finds

2011-10-30T11:06:00.002Z

My Flea Market Find this week is always a favourite; vintage pink florals! There's two matching pillow cases and a sheet, I don't have any set plans for any of it yet but I couldn't resist!

I haven't had much time to get out and about around the charity shops lately, I'm hoping to get out for a look around sometime this week but I have lots of work to catch up on after spending the beginning of last week in London. I need to make some more of my Christmas Robins - I sold three in two days so I don't think the remaining nine will be quite enough, so I brought a huge bundle of fabric home with me yesterday! I also need to finish some scarves, and I am working on Christmas socks, I could do with some more hours in the day!

For more Flea Market Finds pop on over to see Sophie Isobel!

Gemmipop Festive Shop!

2011-10-28T18:33:00.002+01:00

Today I put up my Christmas Decorations in the stall! It's looking so cheerful!

I made some new stars on Wednesday too, five fluffy white ones with Red edging! They are really lovely!

My Stall was on TV!!

2011-10-27T20:50:00.004+01:00

I'm sorry for the rubbish quality photograph (it was a pic taken of the TV screen...), but my shop was on TV tonight (My stall is the one in the middle!). There was a feature about lovely Lowri and Linda from Siop Cwlwm Croesowallt on the Welsh language channel S4C and they did a little shot that had my shop in it! Woohoo!

And as well as showing my shop, my gal Lowri was wearing a pair of my button earrings! So we've all had a little bit of fame tonight!

A Dressing Table Full of Bits and Bobs!

2011-10-27T19:01:00.010+01:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I spent the beginning of the week in London. While I was wandering around I found Anthropologie on Regent Street. It is an absolutely beautiful shop, so full of interesting pretty things! So I made a little purchase which required a little re-jig on my dresser!

A little Raccoon Jewellery dish! This little Cutie took some special attention to get home safely, but it was well worth it! So I've reorganised my dresser, and it looks very pretty! I've added notes to everything in my Flickr page just in case anyone is interested!

As well as my Raccoon dish, I got a new necklace. Is anything sweeter than Blythe with bear ears?!

I also got a very cute Macaron ring, (which currently living in my Raccoon dish) because they are my new favourite thing! I had my first ever Macaron on Sunday - a Raspberry one from a Patisserie called Paul on High Holborn, which I munched in the grounds of the British Museum...

And it was so yummy that I bought a bag of six for us to share (we still have four so not bad going...), this time from Yauatcha, a dim sum restaurant in Soho - I got blueberry, cherry, blackcurrant, lemon, raspberry and coconut and they are delicious!

I'm full of inspiration now for getting back to work. Yesterday was all about Robin legs, but now they're done I can get some new designs done, as well as plans I have for making the stall prettier! Lots of things to do...

Lots of Pretty Robins!

2011-10-26T18:33:00.002+01:00

Today I finished twelve little Christmas Robins! They are so sweet!

Some have loops to hang them on the Christmas tree, but mostly they are free-standing. I really hope they all have a jolly Christmas sat on the fireplace of their new homes.

I have been in London for the last couple of days on a little holiday, I haven't forgotten my blog I promise!

Crochet Lessons - Second Lesson

2011-10-21T22:14:00.002+01:00

Today I had my second lesson with the lovely ladies from last week. We worked on stars and Christmas trees from the lovely patterns from The Royal Sisters blog!

They're so festive! I was also pleased that they both brought along their granny square blankets -the first is a continuation from the one started last week...

And this one was started after the lesson, using an 8mm hook and double thickness yarn, and it's for a new baby girl...

I am so pleased, they've both really taken to it, and are keen to learn more. It's a great moment when something is finished and there's a triumphant "YES!", the stars are a fantastic project for that!

My Creative Space

2011-10-19T18:18:00.002+01:00

My space today was a little bit chaotic - I spent this morning getting all of my festive preparation done and it looked like there had been a large multi-coloured explosion on my little table. There's a combination of decorations, Robins, fabric and ribbons, as well as the big green bowl of cotton that always lives on my table for ease of access.

I managed to get everything nicely organised and tidied away, and I'm feeling all festive now!

For more creative spaces pop on over to Our Creative Spaces

Christmas Makings...

2011-10-18T20:08:00.003+01:00

Today was my dad's birthday so I went over for a visit to take him a bunch of pressies (and to have some cake...). Unfortunately he had to go to work at 1pm, so this afternoon I spent some time making Christmas Decorations!

First I made jumpers for Baubles (using the super-dooper pattern from lovely Pip at Meet Me at Mike's), but sadly I ran out of Baubles - I could have kept going all day - I was listening to the British Museum/Radio 4 "History of the World in 100 Objects" podcasts and happily baubling away (the spell-checker just flinched but I don't care)...

So then I stitched up five new Robins but I ran out of stuffing, so I have more to make tomorrow, plus these lovelies need legs...

So, having run out of baubles and stuffing, I started on stars. A jolly productive afternoon I would say!

Sock Knitting!

2011-10-17T17:01:00.003+01:00

I finished my very first pair of socks yesterday! Admittedly I got distracted starting my second pair, but it's fine because I have actually finished three socks in total now...This pair will be for my mum for Christmas (she doesn't read my blog so it's fine for me to show them off!)...and this is the first of the pair for me, but yet again I have been distracted because I started a pair for my dad for Christmas last night...

I wonder if I will ever actually get a pair to wear myself?! I think I am officially addicted to knitting socks now, I have carefully planned out the next couple of days workload so that I can sit and knit in the evenings!

Crochet Lessons!

2011-10-14T17:34:00.002+01:00

I had two lovely ladies in the stall today for a double lesson. They both knew how to crochet but were having some problems with spacing and tension - making squares square and that kind of thing. So we started from scratch with granny squares and it quickly became apparent that the problem was not enough chains between clusters of trebles, so we fixed that and they were away!

They both left with a better understanding of how to make a shape work, so next week they are booked in for lessons on stars and flowers, and if we get that done then we can try circles. It's all very exciting!

My Creative Space

2011-10-13T14:22:00.003+01:00

Today I am working on some glittery Christmas Decorations! I have been using the fantastic patterns from The Royal Sisters Blog with some sparkle yarn that I picked up yesterday, so aided by tea and cheesy movies, I am crocheting up a storm!

These are the ones I've finished so far, now I'm going to have a little break to do some work in my sketchbook, and then I'll be back on stars and trees!

For more makings visit Our Creative Spaces!

New Photographs

2011-10-08T22:15:00.003+01:00

My lovely husband spent some time this afternoon taking photographs of some of my work - I'm thinking of putting together a portfolio of new designs. It's been rather a long time since I documented things in a physical portfolio, it's all pretty much exclusively online, and I can't help but think it would be nice to have a book or a file to keep everything in. Here are some of my favourite shots...

I think he's rather clever! I'm off to bed now after a marathon blog updating session - I seem to have had a lot of news to share today!

Festive Robins!

2011-10-08T21:33:00.005+01:00

I've been busy today making Christmas Robins - and it would seem that I'm not the only one feeling festive today - this little group are already packed up ready to go to a new home...

And I made the first Christmas tree Robin, I hope he finds a nice branch to sit on!

And unrelated to stall makings, I finished the first of my stripey cushions! I have the back of the second one made, it's just plain cream, and have started the front. It's very cosy and looks rather nice on our squashy brown sofa!

New Brooches!

2011-10-08T20:56:00.004+01:00

Here are all of my new brooches - all packaged up! I'm really pleased with them...

All available on Etsy now!

Flea Market Finds

2011-10-08T20:35:00.004+01:00

I had a couple of sweet little finds this week, all in the shape of little critters...

The deer and poodle were from a lovely lady that has a stall in the market, and the bun was from a stall at the car-boot sale in the market square. I fell in love with them all instantly! I seem to have an increasing collection of little critters, I will need a special shelf before too long!

For more Flea Market Finds pop on over to see Sophie Isobel!

Hats, Hats, Hats!

2011-10-08T20:06:00.006+01:00

After my "Big Knit" day for Innocent and AgeUK, I continued to take in deliveries of hats from customers and the Ladies group, and today I packed up the last of the hats ready for the deadline next week. I am really proud of the amount that have been made today's batch of 472 plus the 355 that I delivered in August takes us to a really quite grand total of 827!! That's quite a challenge set for next year! So here they are in all their glory...

And just because they are soooo cute - bear hats!!

So that's my contribution to the Big Knit done for another year. I am so amazed and grateful for all of the support that everyone has given, I hope we can do even better next year!

Flowers...

2011-10-05T21:38:00.004+01:00

I just wanted to share this beautiful photograph - I was asked to make crocheted flowers for a gorgeous wedding over the summer, and the family of the bride just sent this along for me to see!

I'm so glad I could be a part of their special day.

Makings...

2011-10-04T16:17:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I worked on lots of new designs - I've been trying to think of new products, to try and diversify a little bit, and I decided I would try out a range of magnets. I made a batch this morning, there will be three in each set - a set of veggies (onions, peppers and broccoli), some fruit (strawberries, green apples and yellow pears) and a cloud with raindrops.

I have to admit that although it's along the same line as my jewellery, it's a bit outside of my comfort zone to be working on interior stuff. I have some ideas for some larger interior things, but I thought it was a good idea to start small!

I made a whole bunch of new brooches too, I now have stegosaurus, chickens, mice, ducks, budgies, frogs, tigers, apples and pears. I also made some poodle earrings!

They're very cute! I tried out a couple of new ideas too, these are my samples - Flying Duck Necklace and Cat's Eye Glasses Ring.

I have been wearing the ring all afternoon, and I absolutely love it!!

I also made some new Christmas Decorations.

and while everything was cutting out I sorted out buttons for earrings and made up some more yo-yo making kits. A very productive morning indeed!

Pretty Makings...

2011-10-01T16:21:00.004+01:00

I had a busy little day today! Last night, inspired by the Mollie Makes coin purse free gift, I dug out a clasp that I bought a couple of months ago, and a vintage pillow case, and started making a purse for myself. I hit a bit of a bump in the road - I was having difficulty sewing the fabric to the clasp because I didn't want the stitching on the outside, but if I put the sewing inside then the outside sagged... so I went around and around in circles. I decided to sleep on it and hope for crafty problem solving inspiration. So this morning, after I had a chat with some of the lovely market ladies where we mulled over the problem, I sat down and looked at it and the solution presented itself - buttons. Always buttons. How silly of me...

So the buttons work a bit like studs in upholstery, holding everything in place. And now it's pretty and functioning!! So once it was done I did some actual work...

and finished a scarf I had been working on. It's so pretty! It wasn't the best time to be working on scarves since the sun has shone on my lovely little town for days now, but at least I'll be prepared for when the weather changes and my customers need something cosy to wrap up in!

Crochet Lessons!

2011-09-30T18:42:00.003+01:00

Today I had two crochet lessons in my stall - a superstar Mother and Daughter Duo! Sophi was a beginner and made a granny square. I was so impressed at how quickly she learnt to do trebles, she's a natural!

And I showed her mum how to make flowers, as she had some crochet experience.

They both did so well, and I just love passing on the know-how to new people! It was certainly a new challenge for me to be teaching two different things at once, I hope I did as well at teaching as they did at making!

My Creative Space

2011-09-29T19:50:00.002+01:00

Well, it's been a beautiful day in sunny Shropshire and my best laid plans went a little astray... Instead of working away behind the computer screen, working on new designs, I took the day off to sit in the park under a tree with my bestest boy pal Darren. We had a picnic of fresh fruit and I worked on my second crocheted cushion back, it's looking good!

This was the view from where we sitting, it's been a lovely day and I'm all set ready to get back to work tomorrow!

For more creative spaces pop on over to Our Creative Spaces!

Lovely Post...

2011-09-27T19:13:00.004+01:00

I had a delightful parcel this morning from Lynne over at Tea for Joy, after winning her giveaway! I'm so thrilled, look at all of the lovely pretty things that came...

Vintage stickers

Pretty paper and envelopes

Notecard

Gorgeous wax tag

Tartan and Blue Check tape

and list cards.

It's all really gorgeous!

Makings...

2011-09-25T17:10:00.006+01:00

I've been a busy bee this week. Here are some of my makings...
Little Blue-Bird... A pair of Festive Robins that have already flown away to spread some cheer...and a special custom necklace!

As well as all of the actual makings, I have been having a bit of a change around in the stall, in preparation for the arrival of a new counter. I wanted to open the space up a bit and use one of the walls for display, which is a good idea in principle, but it means that some of my work space will be given over to selling. Which leads me to the problem that if my cabinet full of making supplies overlaps the "selling" space a bit, it will obviously lead customers to think that my books and buttons and yarn are for sale. So the way to get around that was to add a bit of Dottie Angel inspired cleverness to the cabinet to make it more private, but still pretty and suitable to display stuff (like festive Robins) on. I think it looks really quite fabulous.

Some Random and Interesting Facts About Me...

2011-09-25T17:05:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Shelly for tagging me for this one! I'm not going to pick on anyone in particular to join in, but I'd like to point out that it's fun and encourage everyone to do it!!

A-Age: 26 and 3/4

B-Bed size: Double

C-Chore that you hate: Ick, washing up. I hate wrinkly fingers

D-Dogs: I have kitties, but my parents have a crazy excitable pooch that I like to torment with throwing/chasing games...

E-Essential start to your day: Tea with Soya milk and one sugar. And brown toast.

F-Favourite Colour: That's a really, really tough question, it changes regularly, but at the moment it's mustard yellow.

G-Gold or silver: Silver, both to work with and wear!

H-Height: Teeny tiny 5' 4".

I-Instruments you play: Nope, hideously un-musical.

J-Job title: Self employed general dogs-body...

K-Kids: Nope

L-Live: Oswestry, Shropshire

M-Mother's name: Libby. She's ace.

N- Nickname; variations of Gemma - Gem, Gems, Gemzy, Gemmipop, and most recently Gemrah (thanks to Dinosaur-Darren...)

O-Overnight hospital stays: Far to many, but none recently. Touch wood...

P-Pet peeves: Rudeness drives me crazy, along with two-facedness.

Q-Quote from a film: I'd love to be able to say it's something really profound, but it's actually "there's wasps in my brain" from "Paul". It kills me every time.

R-Right or left handed:The same as Shelly funnily enough "Right handed, with the exception of cutlery, which I have to use 'the other way around' "

S-Siblings: My little sister Hollie, known as Doll since she was teensy, now aged 21 - a beautiful and brave lady.

T-Time you wake up: Depends entirely on where I'm working - for market days it's 7.30 - 7.45 and on working at home days it is usually substantially later. I justify this by the fact that I often work until 10pm, so I feel I am entitled to sleep in a bit!

U-Underwear: Every single day...

V-Vegetable you hate: Brussels Sprouts. I know they're just teeny cabbages, but they're still yucky. And Beetroot. Bleurgh.

W-What makes you run late: Hitting the snooze button.

X-X rays you've had: Legs, ankles, tummy-area (suspected appendix blow up), and MRI scans, which are thoroughly unpleasant.

Y-Yummy food that you make; I love pasta with veggies, simple but effective.

Z-Zoo animal: Rhinos. Every time.

Flea Market Finds

2011-09-25T16:02:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, on a quick walk through the Saturday Market in the square I noticed a sweet little face hidden amongst a mountain of random bits and bobs. I knew straight away that this was one of those moments of fate, and that this little kitty was destined to be mine. So, with my bag still being in my stall and not having even a penny on me, I smiled and asked the (somewhat grumpy) stall holder man if he could keep her for me. He looked slightly bemused. But I returned mere minutes later with my pound coin to exchange for her and she was mine!!

So now she has taken pride of place on top of the cabinet in my stall, and I hope she will be happy with me, away from Mr. Grumpy-Pants stall holder. I like to think that I am a cheery stall-holder. I like to set a good example.

For more Flea Market Finds, pop on over to see Sophie Isobel

Keep Calm and Crochet On!

2011-09-25T15:57:00.001+01:00

My very own "Keep Calm..." poster!Thanks to Sam for posting the link!

My Creative Space

2011-09-22T15:07:00.003+01:00

I'm working on some more granny squares this afternoon. Had a little jaunt to town this morning and picked up some more navy blue yarn, so I had a play around with the order of the colours, and this is what I came up with! These squares will also be made into scarves, I think a white edge would look spiffy.

My next job this afternoon is to work on a new design that I started thinking about yesterday - I hope it will be as good as I imagine...

For more spaces, pop on over to Our Creative Spaces

Back onto Granny Squares!

2011-09-21T08:15:00.004+01:00

I am about to head off for another exciting day in the stall, but I thought I would share the granny squares that I made last night...

It's starting to get dark earlier and earlier in the evenings now, so granny square projects are the perfect thing! These squares will become a scarf. I liked the vintage colours (the peachy orange in particular is quite lovely!). I have packed my hook and yarn, so if I have a sneaky moment to spare today I will be making some more!

And this was the scene that greeted me this morning - William has worked out his swing and he loves it!! Bless them, they've settled into our funny little family quite well!

New Projects!

2011-09-20T11:18:00.003+01:00

Today I'm playing around with some ideas for a new crochet project. I'm trying colours in various orders to get an idea of which combinations work best. I think the second from the top is the one I'm going for...

I'm going to be making some scarves for the stall, I'm trying to diversify a bit and incorporate more textiles.

Shopping List Sunday

2011-09-18T22:05:00.006+01:00

I'm a little late with my list this week, but here it is, with a special theme (which I think my gorgeously delightful friend Shelly will like in particular)...

The Stripey Fox (Green) Mini Print by blackoutwell

Hand Screen Printed Fox in Burnt Orange by robinandmould

Fox face brooch - Woodland creature pin - "Miss fox" by sweetbestiary

Red Fox Screenprinted Pillow by sassandperil

Flea Market Finds

2011-09-18T09:11:00.003+01:00

Yesterday, on my way home, I picked up this gorgeous vintage fabric! At first I was concerned that it was very brown, but then I noticed the little birds in the pattern! (I'm sorry it's a bit creased, I haven't had a chance to iron it yet!)

The pillow case is particularly sweet with the oval section. I already have some plans for this fabric (and some of the rest of my stash) - tomorrow I will be making some cushions for my stall - I'm having a re-shuffle and will be having more counter space, so I will be taking the opportunity to make some bigger stuff!

For more Flea Market Finds, pop on over to see Sophie Isobel at Her Library Adventures!

New Brooches!

2011-09-17T18:55:00.002+01:00

My new brooches are all packaged up and looking pretty, if I do say so myself!
They're all listed in my Etsy shop now

Idle Hands...

2011-09-16T21:45:00.004+01:00

Today was quiet in the Market. Fridays are funny that way. Some are busy and some are not. Today was not. So by 9.30 I was busy putting all of my stock onto strings on the wall. It took a while, but I think it looks pretty spiffy. The idea is that people don't always like to ask if I have a certain colour in a design, and so now they are all on display and it is easy to see what's what. And they don't take much space, unlike when they are under my counter.

I also packaged all of my new stock, made up a whole bunch of star and heart earrings, and stitched another Robin. They'll be needing legs, but they are still quite sweet.

After work I walked home. It was not raining when I left work. I got so far and had to hide under a tree because it was really, really rainy! So when the rain calmed down I made a break for it. I had put my scarf into by bag to cover my books, so when I emerged I moved my scarf to cover my books more thoroughly. At which point a little waspy chap in yellow and black stripey jim-jams, who was hiding all cosily in my scarf, decided my hand look like the ideal place to stick it's sting. It really hurt but it would seem that I am not allergic. Which is lucky. My mum suggested putting vinegar on it, which apparently is also good for jelly fish stings. So I am now prepared with useful knowledge.

My Creative Space

2011-09-15T17:06:00.005+01:00

This is the little surprise project that I mentioned earlier - I made this huge Star Wars cushion for my hubby, so he has somewhere comfy to sit when he plays vintage video games. I hope he likes it! It's made from a duvet cover that I picked up this morning, and it's pretty cool. Although I am concerned that it is a "Return of The Jedi" cushion rather than an "Empire Strikes Back" cushion - I'm sure he'll love it regardless, but I feel that it is rather important that he knows that I know that "Empire..." is better... something about Ewoks I believe. I happen to think they're pretty cute. But then I'm a girl.

I will be making myself a giant cushion too - however it's more likely to be made from some kind of crochet/knitted type of shenanigans.

And I would like to point out that I made this cushion instead of doing the work that I was supposed to do earlier...I am the queen of procrastination today...Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

For more spaces pop on over to Our Creative Spaces

Some little Snippets from my Day...

2011-09-15T13:51:00.005+01:00

Today has been lovely! It was supposed to be a work day but what can I say, I got caught by a flight of whimsy. Here are some of the highlights;

It all started with something perfectly peachy dropping through my door...

and of course something so delightful had to be enjoyed in proper surroundings. So I packed my crochet hook and yarn and my lovely new book into my vintage floral tote bag (with the super gorgeous embroidered flower pocket) and off I went.

Aroma is my favourite little cafe, the staff are lovely and always know that I like my big cup of tea to come with soya milk. So I spent ages in there sipping my tea and enjoying Dottie's "ponderings" and "ramblings".

After the tea was all gone I went for a lovely wander around the charity shops. I found a sweet geeky V-neck jumper (which will be perfect for chilly days with my pretty purple floral skirt and some bright tights!) and a nice little stripey cardigan, as well as Yann Martel's "Beatrice and Virgil".

I also got something special for my hubby, but it's something to make into something else and it's a surprise for when he gets home tonight!

And I went to my favourite bakery to get a fresh loaf of bread, which was quite yummy with rhubarb and ginger jam...

And my last little sweet thing for the day - I wore my polka dot cardigan with my little grey bunny brooch. It reminds me of Daisy and it makes me smile.

I'm going to go and do some work now. Honestly I am. I will not be putting the kettle on, or getting more jammy bread, and I certainly will not be curling up on my squishy new sofa with my lovely new book. Honest.

My Button Stash...

2011-09-14T20:28:00.003+01:00

Lovely Emma Lamb has asked to see some button stashes, and who could resist?! This is my shelf of buttons in my stall, but I can't seem to find a more recent one that features my huge jar of white buttons. I have sorted them all by colour into glass jars for ease of finding just the right button for the right project, and so far my obsessive compulsiveness has paid off - I never have to search for the right colour!!

Today has been a busy day - I glued up all of my new brooches, and packaged all of the new necklaces, and stitched all of the eyes onto the fabric Robins that I am making for Christmas. This afternoon I stitched up the first of the twelve Robins, and it's jolly festive. I will photograph them on Friday when I've done a few more! Tomorrow is a working from home day, and I have some more new designs to work on. Busy busy busy!