Linda - August Member of the Month

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am married with 2 children and 2 step children. I work for NHS as an assistant case manager. I love reading but don't get to do it as often as I would like.

2. Where did you learn to knit?

I was taught at school. The first thing I knitted was a dolls blanket. It was in red DK wool and done in plain knitting. We added a red and white gingham to the back using blanket stitch. I thought it was wonderful.

3. What is your biggest success?

My big Mickey Mouse cross stitch because it took me so long to do.

4. What was your biggest disaster?

A blue aran cardigan I knitted. I ran out of wool with only 2 inches at the top of the sleeve left. I couldn't get more of the exact colour in that yarn as it was no longer on sale. It sat in a bag until I eventually ripped it out and used the yarn for something else.

5. What other crafts do you do?

I cross stitch, latch-hook, a little bit of crochet (would like to be able to read a pattern) and I used to do dress making.

6. List of Favourites

yarn- I love cotton (the kind that doesn't split).

product - Overlocker (used for hemming).

shop - John Lewis - love their craft area. Stitch n time in Hamilton.

Online - ebay

Colours - I love blues, lilac and purple.

7. What is your future goal?

I would love to have a room that's all crafts. I can disappear in it for weeks without being disturbed.

8. What do you like to watch whilst knitting?

I love to watch mysteries such as diagnosis murder and murder she wrote.

9. What advice would you give to other knitters?

Make sure you buy lots of wool. Also read the pattern carefully. Have the wool and needles at hand whilst reading the pattern as it helps.

10. What non craft books do you like to read.

I love Harry Potter. Anything with Harry Potter.

A New Knitter!

Magdalena's little girl has been wanting to learn to knit for a while now. She has been taught at home but Magda has since decided that the best place to learn is at the group amongst other knitters. Suzanna is only 6 and was happily knitting away the entire evening.

Here you can see her first finished piece. She made a little sampler square where she could practice lots of different stitches. After being shown how to cast off on part of the square she did the rest herself. Suzanna's next project is a pink scarf for her teddy bear.

Elaine also had a finish. She knitted these football gloves for Stephanie. Everyone loved them (and I do believe many wanted a shot).

Janette finished this lovely cowl. The colour changes in the yarn is lovely. This is going towards Linda's show box charity.

Caroline has been making Christmas decorations. She got a boot design and turn it into an ice skate. She designed the blade by simply drawing the shape on paper and then measuring against it as she knitted.

We also had a few celebrations over the last few weeks. Two big birthdays for Dawn and Joyce. Plus Helen celebrated her official retirement with the kids going back to school.

I did Linda's member of the month interview so look out for that over the next few days.

Hello from Monika and Aileen's Wedding

Monika emailed us some fantastic photo's and a little message from Poland. I got permission to post some of them here. How lovely does her new home look?

This is the view from her balcony and the wild Strawberries grow near here. Monika spent the first few days with her friend and they all went swimming in the nearby lake (definitely not recommended here in Scotland). Sounds like Jan is having a ball too. She has promised to keep us updated and send us more photo's which I will post here. I know Monika mentioned the possibility of her own blog once settled so as soon as it's up and running I promise to also link it to this one.

Another email was sent out and this time from Sheena with some pictures of Aileen's wedding. She looks absolutely stunning and they all had a wonderful day.

Alison - July Member of the Month

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 4? and was born in West Yorkshire. I moved to Glasgow 8 years ago for work. I now have a wonderful neighbour (Roberta) who looks after me.

2. Where did you learn to cross stitch?

I was taught at school. I went to an embroidery and sewing class that ran at lunch time. It was either that or play in the snow.

3. What is your biggest success?

My first tapestry. I was 16 at the time and still at school studying for my O levels. I wanted to do something that wasn't studying related and so tried that.

4. What is your biggest disaster?

The first time I tried to knit. I was supposed to be knitting a scarf but in the end it looked more like a plant pot cover.

5. What other crafts do you do?

I do a bit of knitting, cross stitch, tapestry, card making and embroidery. I will have a go at anything. Back home I used to build models for my dads railway.

6. List of favourites.

Favourite threads - anchor for embroidery. twilleys for tapestry

Favourite designs - I love kits. maps or whatever I'm in the mood to do (preferably with very little outline).

Favourite store - Hobbycraft and the fairs at the SECC.

Favourite colours - pastel shades but also striking colours.

7. What would be your ideal challenge?

I would love to do a big quilted throw for my bed. I just need to learn how to do quilting. I already have a quilted through but obviously I didn't make it.

8. What do you like to listen to/watch whilst stitching?

Music I like something with a good beat like Tina Turner, rock n roll, the Eagles.

TV I like something easy to watch like soaps.

9. Any advice for other stitchers out there?

Keep at it and remember that a lot of mistakes will only be noticed by you. Also don't be afraid to ask for help.

10. Favourite non-craft books?

I like a good mystery like Frederick Forsythe, etc.

Bon Voyage!

Last Tuesday we said a very sad goodbye to Monika. She decided a while back that while she loved Glasgow she missed Poland and so was returning home. To say goodbye many we gave her an album filled with photo's of her finishes and group events. We also had photo's of each member in the group with a goodbye message beside it.

These were just some of the many goodbyes. As you can see Monika will be very much missed. From day one she was a prominent member of the group. Always interested in what everyone was doing and the first to praise. She also discovered her love of making toys after winning last years autumn challenge. It's not goodbye forever though as Monika has promised to keep in touch. She also plans many trips back here and will come along if she is here on a Tuesday night.

Monika did manage to get one more finish in before leaving. This beautiful bag was made by Monika for Magdalena. Magda was delighted with it. It even has little pockets inside which fit her blackberry perfectly.

A while back Elaine had suggested we knit boobs for charity. The NHS were looking for them to teach breast feeding. Colour didn't matter and they encouraged different sizes. Isabel so far is the only one who has had the courage to give it a go which you can see above. After much laughter Isabel has said this is the last boob she will ever knit and went back to knitting bunny egg covers.

Thought you might like to see how much our group loves it's youngest members. Isabel and Elaine had a small creche going on with Jan, Magdalena's baby boy, and Amilee, June's grand daughter. Donna was also kept entertained with Monika's little boy Jan.

In the next few days I will be posting Alison's member of the month interview. Watch out for that, especially the photo's as she has some treasures.