Its Beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Margaret saw a very plain Christmas wreath during a Christmas shopping expedition. It was just what she wanted! She worked her knitting magic and added some seasonal adornments. Now she has an original door decoration with handmade charm. Love it.

Norma made this fabulous Star Bunting as part of a Secret Santa organised by For The Love Of Yarn. The stars were crocheted and then stiffened. They look great. Lovely idea. I must add this to my list of things to try.........that is turning into a really long list!

Spot the Grandma-to-be! Janice is totally motivated to create a stash of useful things for her future bundle of joy which will appear in June 2015. The Baby Ball is made from old jeans donated by the Mum-to-be. A lesson in recycling. The wee hats were knitted from a pattern that Janice got at the group last week. and below are a selection of bibs ready to be used.

Recycling comes in all shapes and forms. Anthea's daughter was doing The Rainforest Project at school and was encouraged to produce something that had been recycled. Anthea remembered an old project that had been lying in a bag waiting to be completed. Craftily, Anthea, recycled the yarn and made Sam the Sloth. Sam has become a bit of a hit at school and even the classroom assistant wants one.

Esther made these cute mini Christmas decorations!!!!!! I love these. Esther you are a star.

This traditional aran jacket was knitted by Catriona for a friend's grandson. I'm very fond of aran style jackets and I adore this one.

This dog hat would put a smile on anyone's face! Jill completed the baby hat for a friend. It will be loved and cherished.

Roberta knitted these Christmas mitts for her Granddaughter. The photograph does not show the sparkle in the yarn. These mitts will be worn with pride. Lovely.

Tuesday 2nd December is the Christmas party night. Just bring yourselves and a small gift for the pass the parcel game. Please do not spend a great deal of money on this. It is just a bit of fun. You could even recycle a gift you received last year and didn't use.

Congratulations to Karen who graduated as a nurse last week. Those three years flew in. Well done from all of us.

The group starts back again in the new year on Tuesday 6th January 2015 at 7pm. Have a safe and happy Christmas season.

Bling! Bling!

Jean produced another of her stunning bracelets this week. I'm always amazed by the intricate detail found on each one. This was a special commission for Stephanie.

Love those funky boots! Jean also feel in love with the pattern and just had to make these wonderful slippers. And in her spare time, Jean was able to make this tea-bag hat for her lovely grand-daughter.

Talent, talent and even more talent pops up on a regular basis at this group. Jillian found this pattern in Mandors and was inspired to create this stunning coat. She is also in the process of finishing off another coat for her daughter. Can't wait to see that one!

This beautiful Ballerina cloth doll will be loved and treasured by a little girl who will have a special Christmas. The doll is a creation by Caroline P and has been made for a friend's grand-daughter. Not to be outdone, Caroline completed this fabulous little Christmas jumper for her own grandson.

Busy Norma has been making these very popular coin purses. Look at the size of the miniature purse!

Breath taking! Catriona has a style all of her own. The eye-lash yarn just gives the little cape and hat a touch of luxury.

Sandra was celebrating completing this pompon pram cover. It took a while because Sandra was only able to use one hand. Fabulous.

Lorraine knitted this little hat and dress set for a friend who will become a mum in February. She will be delighted with this gift.

Paula has been learning to crochet. recently she completed a couple of granny squares just to learn the stitches. This cowl is Paula's first completed project and I just adore the bit of bling that she used to finish it off. I wonder what she will make for her next project?

Peek-a-boo! Magda was thrilled with her new mitts. It isn't often that she has time to make something for herself but her hands had been cold and she just happened to have some of Lisa's double knitting yarn and..... the picture says it all.

Fiona Orr has been learning to crochet by watching video tutorials and then following directions from a crochet guide book. This hat was based on a pattern supplied by Phyllis. So clever!

Esther knitted this great hat. This is the woman who says that she never finishes anything! Esther, it is beautiful!

Isabel enjoys doing colour work socks. This magnificent pair is for a friend at work.

Notices
The Christmas Party night will be on Tuesday 2nd November. Eats and drinks will be supplied. Please bring a small gift for our traditional gift sharing performance that is organised by Elaine. The gift could be something you were given as a present and didn't get around to using or if you wish to buy something.....please do not spend any more than £5.

The Conference Suite will be refurbished in the month of May 2015. The group will meet in Hobbycraft during that time.

Karen is updating the e-mail list for the group. If you would like to receive e-mails about future events, and don't already do so, please give your details to Karen or Margaret.

Tuesday 2nd November will be our last official gathering before Christmas as parking becomes an issue leading up to Christmas. Tuesday 6th January 2015 will be our starting date.

Fiona O, Member Of The Month

1. Tell us three things about yourself.
        - I have my own beauty room.
        - My family call me Foal.
        - I love to sing.

Who taught you your first craft?
My Mum taught me to knit when I was about seven years old. I remember doing a blue dress and hat for my doll. I sewed it together and put straps on it. I've still got and use the sewing box that I was given when I was about nine.

What finish are you most proud of?
That would have to be the Birthday cake I knitted for one  of the challenges here at the Stitch N Bitch. Mum had to explain the pattern to me and I was still working on it the night before the competition!

What was your biggest crafting disaster?
I attempted to do a blanket in random colours. I hated those colours! They just didn't work for me. I was so miserable working on it. In fact the yarn and part done blanket are still sitting in a bag somewhere.

What other crafts do you do?
Sewing, crochet, knitting and paper cutting.

List of Favourites-

Favourite yarn or supplies -Stylecraft yarn,
Favouite colours -  Traditional pastels.
Favourite designs - Baby things in general.
Favourite shop - Hobbycraft and the wee local wool shop near my work.
Favourite Craft Book- The Complete Crochet Step By Step Guide.

What would you like to achieve in the future? 
I would like to make something for ME. Probably something like Lisa's shawlette box.

What do you like to listen to or watch while you are crafting?
I like to watch cookery programmes or listen to music. Or, if I'm feeling really clever, then I will read a good book on my Kindle and crochet at the same rime!

 What advice would you give to a beginner?
Don't give up!

What are you working on at the moment?
A little hooded poncho for my niece.

Mr Snowman Raises a smile!

The Christmas theme is progressing at a rapid rate within the group. Lyn created this handsome chap just for herself. Although he did get lots of admiring glances from many ladies.

Margaret's mum, Rebecca, a young eighty- something has been knitting lots of hats and little jackets for The Royal Maternity Hospital. It is inspiring that some of our older crafters still manage to support local charities in style. Well done, Rebecca!

Keeping it in the Family, Margaret has completed this wonderful blanket for her Mum's Christmas. This is magnificent!

I had two finishes this week. The cot quilt is made from a panel I bought about a year ago. All I did was add a border, attach to a fleece blanket and then quilt within the sea creatures and plants to add stability. I did a little hand-sewing in the border just to finish it off. More socks for me. I just love using Lisa's yarn. It is so soft and the colours are great.

 Susan completed this masterpiece as a gift for her nephew-to-come. The shawl has been done in 3 ply and is extremely fine. I love these heritage shawls. The little hat matches the shawl beautifully.

Caroline has been using this doll pattern for over 30 years. This little princess is for a friend's grand-daughter. Such a great gift for a wee girl.

Norma loves the Retro style of these little coin purses. The clasps are so cute and the purses are fully lined. Needless to say, they are proving to be very popular.

Stephanie found some yarn in her stash and decided to knit this trendy jumper for her BOX. The self striping yarn is very effective. The table mats were made at the Village Quilters group and the pattern is called The Drunkards Path. The Christmas themed mats are for her daughters.

As you know, Esther is very quiet, shy and retiring. I wish! Anyway, Esther  has been learning to crochet and has completed her first Granny Square. Lorraine is a great teacher but Esther complained that she finds it difficult to concentrate because of the noise! Whatever can she mean? Answers please on a postcard.

Lisa is amazing! This is a little hat for Lady Isabella using Lisa's own yarn and her own pattern!

I have a feeling that Fee chatted to me about a finish or was it a work in progress. I hope it was the later because I can't find a photo to back it up. Sorry Fee. Please set me straight on Tuesday night.

When the Red, red Robin comes bob,bob, bobbing along....

These poor little Robins were blue with the cold. Poor things! Margaret knitted them from a kit. She actually has a rather fat Robin in her garden because someone keeps feeding it. The drunken Snowman has  been celebrating a little too much and will dry out under the Christmas tree during the festive season.

Karen has been knitting these Dennis the Menace socks for her lovely sister. This is a great colour combination and I'm sure Lorraine will be delighted.

This is the latest project from the Village Patchers Quilting group. The pattern is called the Drunkards Path and Janice has used it to create a table mat and a mug rug. Apparently, it is quite an easy project to do. I'll take your word for that, Janice!

Do Not Adjust Your Set! This is Sponge Bob Square Pants! Lorraine created him for a friend's grandson. She might be taking orders.

Magda has been busy making Mug Hugs. The one on the left is in her signature Rainbow colours and Magda assures me that they take no time to rattle up. A great idea for a quick handmade gift.