Fran - Member of the Month

Tell us three things about yourself -
1. I develop food products for a major retailer and that means I'm always doing something new and interesting.
2. I'm a Mum to twin boys who have just turned fifteen.
3. I researched my Family Tree to discover where the twins came from. Eventually, I discovered  that my   great-grandmother was a twin.

Who taught you your first craft?
Probably my Mum. However, my Gran was in the WRVS and did filet crochet which was very intricate. Granny knitted for all of us, but it was Mum who got me into crochet.

 What finish are you most proud of?
Probably, the cross-stitch project I attempted of Footprints Poem which I did for my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary.

What was your biggest crafting disaster?
 I had completed quite a bit of a cross-stitch project before I discovered that I was just one stitch out.........everywhere!

What other crafts do you do?
I do some machine sewing, cross-stitch and crochet. I like to learn new skills. It is nice to try new things like the workshops at the At Home Days here.

List of Favourites -
Favourite yarn - Double knitting.
Favourite designs - Granny stripes and granny squares.
Favourite colours - The muted colours, dusky pinks, beige, browns.
Favourite shop - Hobbycraft or on-line.
Favourite book - "CROCHET step by step," by Sally Harding.

What would you like to achieve in the future?
I would like to continue to learn new stitches, such as the crocodile stitch which looks amazing.

What would you like to listen to or watch while you are crafting?
Just whatever is on the telly in the background.

What words of wisdom would you give a beginner?
Not to give up!

What craft would you like to learn in the future?
I'd love to try felting.

What are you working on at the moment?
The Attic 24 Granny Stripe blanket for ME!

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A stranger marched into the room and demanded to know if this Balaclava was the correct size for our group charity, Hats for Seafarers. That stranger revealed herself to be Isabel. The answer to her question was.........Yes! "Well, I'm never doing another one. It was really boring to knit!" I thought Isabel modelled it beautifully and I'm sure someone will be delighted with it as they sail around the icebergs.

Anthea was really thrilled with crochet hooks and stitch markers that Lisa had made for her. Anthea had requested Harry Potter and Dr Who themed goods. If you look carefully, you will be impressed with Lisa's inventiveness. I love Harry Potter's owl!

Lisa had completed a cute hat for her new arrival. The ears are really cute. My apologies to Lisa. I had rotated the picture on the iPad and was feeling rather smug with myself, but the PC fought back and refused to play ball.

I completed another pair of socks for myself. This time I used some of Lisa's hand dyed-yarn, which I adore.

June completed this amazing Granny Square blanket as a gift for a baby called Pippa. As you can see, June, has added extra interest to the blanket by making  each square different.

Sally has been busy creating two intricate cotton scarves for herself. The first is knitted lace and the second is crocheted. I was amazed at the weight in each garment and I am sure Sally will get great use out of them during our balmy summer evenings.

Morag has something to display each week. What a busy crafter! This week she has completed this lovely green baby hat with tassels.

Anthea has been experimenting with dyeing her hand spun yarns. This colourway is called Fruit Salad and is self striping. It is a Merino/ silk blend and is sock weight. Come on Anthea, we can't wait to see what you create with this delicious yarn!

Please remember that the Challenge has been postponed until June 24th to allow more time for people to complete their work. I look forward to June to see those stunning entries!

A big thank you to Anthea who found my scarf. You made my day!

Monkey Business!

This charming monkey made us all laugh! This masterpiece is by Morag and I think you will agree that he would make anyone smile. The red hat is also by Morag and has been crocheted. The photograph just does not do it justice. Great workmanship!

 Margaret was as proud as punch with her version of Shaun the Sheep. Margaret is one of our crafters who is able to turn her hand to most things. This Easter card is for Karen, but it is a secret at the moment, so mum's the word!

Margaret has also completed four hats for the Seafarers charity. At the moment we have about 40 hats. This charity runs until 24th June. Plenty of time to do a few more.

I completed these lace socks just at the weekend. I thought I would attempt something different from the usual plain sock that I do and feel quite pleased with myself with the finished article.

Fraya is one of our junior members and is always happy to attempt a new technique. This week she had completed this handsome felt mouse.

Fraya saw this emblem on someone's jacket. The girl who had the jacket was knicknamed ACE for obvious reasons. Fraya thought this was cool and made her version of ACE using fabric paints on a plain t-shirt. Great idea! 

Norma crocheted three little premie hats for Lisa's charity.

As you know, Esther is shy about showing off her skills, but look at these baby bootees! Such a beautiful gift to give. Well done!

Fiona created these little hats in treble crochet for Lisa's charity. Fiona was so chuffed with herself because she mastered the magic loop! Go girl!

Elaine has been busy for another of our charities. This cosy hat and scarf combo is destined for the Shoe Box Appeal.

NAME THOSE LEGS! Only joking....... Isabel has returned from yet another holiday in sunny California and was dying to show off her legs, I mean Jacquard pattern socks. I think they look fab (the socks and the legs) but Isabel is disappointed with the recommended yarn for the socks. The pink/ orange yarn did not give the effect she had anticipated. I think they look great! Look at the complicated pattern!

How cute are these? Lyn knitted these wonderful Easter chicks and Easter bunnies for a charity sponsored by Hobbycraft. The best news is that these little charmers conceal a creme egg!

Fran brought along a load of finishes this week. I think she has been saving them up for several months! First of all, we have a collection of premie hats in a variety of colours and sizes for Lisa's charity.

Next, Fran has had fun crocheting blankets and matching hats using shells or working from corner to corner. These are also for Lisa's charity and they are stunning!

The variety of finishes this week has been amazing. Allison knitted this baby blanket with hood in Flutterby. The completed item is so soft to the touch and ideal for a baby. Just look at those ears! Not Allison's....but on the blanket hood.

This week, Rhona was delighted to show her collection of finishes. Above you can see a cosy baby blanket knitted in a variegated yarn and finished with a crochet trim.

Next, we can see a little baby ballerina cardigan that is just waiting for its buttons.

The top above and the cotton cardigan below are for Rhona. She plans to add a zip to to complete the top. I think Rhona is getting organised for summer.

Just a few reminders: -
- The Challenge is 29th of April and the theme is "What Glasgow Means To Me."
- We have two baby showers coming up. Check your e-mails for details.

HELP! If anyone found a grey, square, silk scarf on Tuesday night, Its mine! I've lost it!

Spring is in the air!

Stephanie used her quilting skills to make this gorgeous mini baby quilt, complete with a fleece backing for her daughter's friend who is expecting a baby shortly.

This bonnie wee jacket is also by Stephanie and is for the same baby. As you know, anyone who receives one of Stephanie's make is considered  to be honoured! Usually, Stephanie's makes reside in a protected vault.

My apologies to Fiona. I tried to rotate this stylish baby hat but the PC fought back. I love the look of this double crochet baby hat and am impressed with Fiona's developing skills with the old crochet hook.

Fiona also managed to find time to complete three premature baby hats for Lisa's charity. The size is amazing!

This eye-catching child's hat was created by Norma. Red and black is such a great combination.

Norma had a finishing weekend recently and this stunning fleece lined baby blanket was one of her finishes. Zoom in and have a look at the bow and mini charm. Great idea.

This cosy granny square blanket is another of Norma's makes. This one is for her daughter.

Audrey is always busy crafting and this week she completed four hats for our group charity.

Spring is here and Lyn knitted these rabbits for Easter gifts. The lucky recipients will find a luxury chocolate egg inside. I did something similar involving Easter chicks. Sadly, the little Easter eggs kept disappearing!

This blue hat for the Seafarers charity was donated by Linda.

Elaine crocheted this purple hat for the Shoe Box Appeal.

Jill knitted this smart wee pullover for her nephew using yarn from her stash.

Morag knitted another stylish hat for our group charity.

Audrey completed this intricate cowl during the evening. The yarn is 50 per cent silk and has a lovely shine to it.

Caroline crocheted this fabulous purple brooch for herself and I just fell in love with this Easter bunny, complete with a little pompom for a tail.