All Kinds of Everything!

Caroline was delighted with this very apt Wedding Gift made by Norma. A wonderful keepsake.

Phyllis created this lovely shawl with a sparkle using ICE YARN. The pattern is German Scalloped.

Lisa invited Phyllis to visit her studio and even allowed her to play with the dye pots! This scarf is hand dyed by Phyllis and the pattern was created by Phyllis and is for herself. The second picture is a cozy hat made for her darling grandson using aran yarn. The pattern is called To The Point.

Allison is very fond of using Fluttterby yarn and this baby wrap pattern is one of her regular makes because it is so soft and practical and adorable.

Norma has been busy making lots of odds and ends for craft fairs. At the moment she is very much in love with these little baby slippers.

Fran has found time to make something for herself. She was inspired by this DK yarn that her sister brought back from Turkey and crocheted this c2c shawlette. Fran has also been planning ahead for the winter and made this cowl using yarn from Woolly Knits.

Kat has been to Turkey and brought back this DK yarn to make a Road Trip shawl. Kat has had fun experimenting with colour and shape. This star blanket is stunning and is intended  for her BOX!  For those new to the group.......this means that the garment will be put aside until it is required OR you feel strong enough to part with it!

Izzi has a friend going to work in a country ending in .....stan! We can all be a bit forgetful! Anyway, Izzi made 20 pencil cases to be sent out to there as gifts for local children.

Izzi also made this magnificent quilt for Granny Janice to give to baby Christopher. Stunning!

I've been playing with hexagons and paper piecing to create a small table mat. My hands are acting up so with this I can do a little at a time.

Janice made some of the little fabric trinket baskets and is well ahead with Christmas preparations. How many weeks is it until Christmas?

Roberta has also been busy making fabric baskets and I love the way a different fabric can change the look of an item. Thes are easy and fun to make.

The Happy Hookers will be participating in the Beatson charity walk on Sunday 16th August.

The Scottish Quilt Championships will be on show at Ingliston Friday 25th  to Sunday 27th September.

We meet in Conference Room as usual on Tuesday night.

If you are considering taking up some form of exercise you may be interested in BELLY DANCING! Dance With Suraya is a group of ladies who do belly dancing as exercise and fun. They are going to strut their stuff in aid of Alzheimers Scotland at Eastwood Park Theatre on 2nd Octobet 2015 at 8pm. The show is called WHEN EAST MEETS WEST. Tickets are available from the theatre of their web site , from the box office or by calling 0141 577 4956. Tickets cost £12.50.

 Happy Crafting!

What's in the Box?

Jillian has joined the BOX SET! Whereby a busy crafter creates something because they like the pattern or yarn and then put it aside in their box to be gifted to someone at a later date. This is a great idea! Then you have a selection of baby gifts ready and waiting. Jillian saw this pattern in cotton yarn and just had to knit it. This outfit is so summery and the navy and white is in vogue at the moment.

Magda created a thank you card for the nursery her four children attended. Number 4 child is about to start Primary school in August! I can remember Jan's baby shower! Time passes so quickly. The coloured flowers were created from B & Q paint charts and the shapes were cut out using Anthea's Daisy Die Cut.

Talking of Anthea.........she has been experimenting with FIMO recently and created this stunning sunflower brooch.

Phyllis had just completed this blue and white star blanket using ripple and shell patterns in baby DK. The pattern is a Debi Y pattern. I so love the pastel shades.

Linda is another busy crafter. This week she has been using the Women's Institute yarn to create a beautiful blanket for a friend.

I knitted this wee hooded cardigan with some alterations. It was originally an edge to edge jacket but I just couldn't leave it at that as it looked unfinished. I'm still struggling with the tension and would probably use a larger set of pins next time round.

I saw this wee baby hat pattern on the net and had to have a go. It will go in my box with the cardigan.

Donna's little one, Abby, got her Daddy a kindle for Father's Day. The protective cover is still lounging about in the post, so Donna crocheted a cover to keep the device safe. Clever Mummy!

Fiona Orr has had fun trying out a pattern that she found on the web. How cute is this wee turban style baby hat? This is another one for the box!

The RED Challenge. In memory of Margaret we have agreed to stage a challenge which is open to all members.
- The creation must be RED in some form of shape and size. It can be made of yarn, fabric or any other medium as long as it is RED. 
- There will be several prizes to be awarded at the discretion of an independent judge.
- The Challenge Night will be Tuesday 6th October.
- No Entry Fee is required for this challenge.
- No Entry Forms to fill in. Just provide details and information about your entry as you hand it in.

Ready, Set, Go! Get crafting! Can't wait!

A little touch of purple!

Lyn's crafting takes her in many directions. To celebrate Caroline's forthcoming wedding Lyn created this wonderful lucky horse shoe for Caroline to take to Millport, sorry, Greek Island for the wedding.

Janice is still a Granny in waiting and had a bit of fun trying out this garter stitch pattern in two different colourways. Both look fab! She also had time to knit this great hooded jacket for when the baby is a little bit bigger. Not long now, Janice!

I'm still struggling with Carpal Tunnel but managed to knit a basic wee cardigan for my box. You have no idea how long this took to complete!

Linda and Elaine have been busy making one of their baskets for a friend at work. Linda made some fun bunting and Elaine created a cute hot water bottle cover complete with jungle animal buttons for decoration. Their friend will be delighted with the basket of goodies.

Ok, own up. who made this corner to corner blanket? Somehow I got distracted and missed the opportunity to list the details of the maker. Sorry, just remind me and I will be happy to celebrate your success in next weeks blog.

As you know Phyllis is a speedy crafter but she sometimes forgets to show us her finishes. This week she remembered to bring along this lovely pink and white circular shawl. I love these coconut ice colours. Star blankets are on trend at the moment and I really like this colourway. Phyllis was too busy gabbing to give me any details.

I was never very fond of granny squares but I feel inspired to try making Phyllis' Giant Granny blanket once Lisa makes me a chunky crochet hook. I wonder what finishes Phyllis will bring in next time.

Correct me if I'm wrong but this might be another of Phyllis' blankets. Please check that I actually write down your crafting details. I think I suffered from too many interruptions last week but I love to see your finishes and have a chat. I just can't do both at the same time!

Anthea wanted to spin something that was a bit chunkier than the stuff she did for Magda. That was mighty fine! Here you can see undyed Shetland yarn. The larger hank is double plied and is Aran weight. 204 yards in length. The other hank is Navajo plied, that is tripple plied. Ok Anthea, what are you going to make with this? No pressure!

This is little Bella's star blanket. Lisa made it for her and it has been in constant use because the colours appeal to the little lady and it is so soft and cozy.

Jill sent me a picture of the completed pram blanket she had been working on. This is stunning and is already on its way to its new home.

Caroline announced the Happy Hookers had raised £451 so far for the Beatson.

A big thanks to everyone for their donations in memory of Yvonne's husband, John, who sadly passed away. We have £115 for Yvonne to give to John's chosen charity. Another big thanks to all who attend John's funeral. I know that Yvonne appreciated your support at this difficult time.

Roberta had originally suggested that we knit for Nepal. If you have time to knit or crochet 8 inch squares or strips that can be sent off by the group to the appropriate charity where they will be sewn together to create blankets. The cost of postage will be met by group funds.

EXCITING NEWS! On Tuesday 16th June we will be doing our bit for the International Knit in Public Day, although we have delayed it by three days! We will be meeting in the Marks and Spencers' cafe at the Fort that night. You can knit, crochet,sew, whatever. Tables will be set aside for us.....just ask when you arrive.

Seasonal Greetings!

This was our last Meeting before the Christmas holidays and it was lovely to have such a crowd of cheerful happy crafters participating in Christmas frivolities. First of all, we had the finishes. This little skaters jacket was knitted by me, with my own fair hands and was for the Hospice shop on Baillieston Main St to help with fund raising. The eyelash yarn is called Eskimo.

Stephanie also used eyelash yarn for the first time with this make. The little jacket is divine and the hat is fabulous. I so love this pattern.

Norma had asked if anyone had time to knit something for the, "First Baby born on Christmas day and the First Baby born on New Years day." This was a special request from the Princess Royal Maternity hospital in Glasgow. Janice had time to create this lovely set for a special baby.

In her spare time, Janice is a nurse! In her crafting life, Janice made this pretty quilt on the left for a relative. Zoom in and have a look at the butterfly buttons. The next quilt was made at the behest of her daughter-in-law-to-be. Janice made this quilt from old pairs of jeans. Recycling with a twist! Some patches still have the pockets on as a design feature. It looks great and will be a hit with its new owner.

Stephanie completed her wall-hanging. This pattern is called Japanese Stepping Stones and the idea was taught at The Village Patchers Quilting Group. Stephanie has coordinated her fabrics beautifully while sticking to the Japanese theme.

As you know, Isabel loves her colour work. This week she completed a pair of Christmas socks for her great-nephew. The Advent calendar was a labour of love! The pockets were attached by machine sewing but the details were picked out with a gold thread that had been hand sewn. It only took three years! Good things come to those who wait!

Sharon knitted this charming baby set for a friend at work who just had a baby. The girl will be thirlled with this.

Sharon was asked to knit two blankets for a set of new born twins, one boy and one girl. The blue blanket was knitted from an old pattern and looks wonderful. One down and one to go.The cream coloured pram blanket was made for a doll's pram. This is a Christmas present for a wee girl that Sharon knows.  Lucky girl!

 Gillian is amazing! She just happened to make stylish poncho for her friend and then this lovely coat appeared. I know Gillian said she had done a wee bit of dress making before but WOW! Such talent!

Karen graduated as a nurse last week after three years hard study! This group owes so much to Karen, our founder and inspiration, that we could not let this event go unnoticed. Lyn made an incerdible card for Karen from the group. Magda made one of her famous notebook covers using Karens beloved VW campervans and the rest of us made a donation to vouchers from Hobbycraft and Marks & Spencers. Big well done, Karen!

Swati came along to our Christmas party night and brought the baby who is now four and a half months old. What a little darling! Grandma Sheila came along to say goodbye as she was travelling back to India on Thursday. I know Swati will miss her terribly and skype Sheila every day. I hope Sheila had a safe journey home and that it won't be too long until her next visit to sunny Scotland.

Isabel said, "Let's have a picture with the two babies together!" How did she manage that? Isabel just happened to get a hold of Esha and  Baby Isabella! They look adorable and so do Isabel and Sheila! I was paid to say that.

Two finishes from Magda. She customised a plain cotton bag with her signature Stitching a Rainbow emblem to great effect. Her second finish had been a handmade gift which has already been posted to a lucky friend. Magda's mum found a youtube tutorial on how to crochet an angel and sent it to Magda. Magda made one or two alterations and ,hey presto, you have an angel. Clever mum!

Did you know we have an artist in residence? Elena has come all the way from south London to study at the Glasgow School of Art! She has been learning to crochet as part of a print making project for her degree. Who would have thought that you could print with crochet? It worked out well. A star in the making!

Anthea had made this aviator baby hat a while ago but needed to add some goggles to finish the project. Well done, Anthea it looks great! And finally, this cabbage patch hat is too cute for words. Both will be in the post as I type this. They are off to the USA as a gift.

I would like to thank everyone who donated to Karen's graduation gift. In particular, I would like to tank Karen and Lyn for their makes and everyone else for keeping the secret.

It was lovely to see Swati and the family at our wee Christmas celebration. The Indian nibbles delicious!

A big thank you to Elaine for the Christmas story. Some people need to work on the difference between their left and their right for next year!

Thanks to Karen and Margaret who organised the nibbles etc.

Last but not least...... a big thank you to everyone who comes along and makes the group AWESOME!

Have a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! We start back on Tuesday the 6th January 2015.
If you have any spare time you could start on your gift for Aileen's baby shower. Just saying!