Old and New!

You will know from the last post that I did Elaine's member of the month interview two weeks ago. Most of you will also know that I ask those being interviewed to bring along some old finishes. In some cases this has involved people bringing in other types of crafts (like Alison with her beautiful tapestry) or finishes that most of us hadn't seen yet. Elaine brought along her Rosie and Jim dolls. This photo was added at the end of her interview but I felt that since everyone loved them so much it would be a shame if it went by unnoticed. These lovely dolls were knitted about 10 years ago and look amazingly like the real thing.

Donna also had a couple of finishes. First off she finished her baby sock from the sock knitting lesson I gave over the last two weeks. Look how neat it is? Have to say it is a lot better than my first toe-up attempt.

Donna also brought this lovely shawl she made using crochet. It was originally done for a wedding. However, in the end she didn't use it as the outfit she bought didn't match. Determined not to let the life of the beautiful shawl be in vain she now uses it as a scarf.

Margaret has also been busy preparing for Christmas. She has knitted two Snowman families for her two daughters and a Christmas pud tree ornament. That night she was working on a third snowman family for herself.

On the 26th we will be having another swap night. It's a fantastic way of getting rid of unwanted crafts and picking up something new. I know a few members even picked up something in a craft they hadn't tried before.

Carol has also kindly offered to give a demonstration on Japanese Quilting as so many of us are interested. I look forward to that myself. Unfortunately she is unable to come along tonight but is happy to arrange a new date.

Elaine - September Member Of The Month

1. Tell us about yourself.

I have been separated longer than I have been married. I have a daughter, Amy, who is 19. I went back to university a few years back and got a business degree which I don't use in my current job with the NHS.

2. Where did you first learn to knit?

I remember doing it at school. We knitted a teddy bear. My mums older sister used to teach me and Anne, a friend of my mum, also helped.

3. What is your biggest achievement?

Just learning something new. My cakes as they are for others and so have to be just right.

4. What is your biggest disaster?

I used to knit for a shop. The first thing I did for them was a baby cardigan. It was handed back to me and was told to sew it again.

5. What other crafts do you enjoy?

Cake decorating, crochet, cross stitch, bead work, clothes making, sewing curtains and bedspreads (although I don't do that last one as much anymore).

6. List of Favourites;

Favourite yarn - anything with a nice feel to it.

Favourite tool - my food mixer for cake making.

Favourite designs - I like anything with colours that blend well.

Favourite shop - any craft shop. Hold me back!

Favourite colours - purples and pinks

Favourite craft book - I like to look at anything.

7. What would you like to achieve in the future?

I would love to learn to quilt. Especially the Japanese folding quilts that Val and Carol do.

8. What do you like to listen to or watch whilst crafting?

Music or soaps. Something that doesn't need concentration. Whilst baking I like to have the radio on.

9. What would be your advice to other knitters/crafters?

Like Anne used to tell me if you are going to do something do it right. Don't be afraid to start again.

10. What are your favourite non-craft books?

I like Chick lit. Any romantic fiction but I love the Chicken Soup series. They make great presents.

A Night for the Stitchers

There were no knitting finishes on Tuesday night. But there were some amazing stitching finishes. First of all Magdalena had sewn a beautiful dress for her daughter Suzanna. She had gotten and old skirt and turned it into this dress. Then she accented it with pick ribbon and a flower. Magdalena, the perfectionist, was not altogether happy with it but the rest of us thought it was beautiful. Magdalena spent the evening working on a lovely top also for Suzanna.

Val also brought along her stitching finishes. She brought a long a beautiful table runner she had quilted. The colours are lovely! I also love the oriental touch to it with the darker squares of fabric.

Val is also the maker of this beautiful quilt. The colours were picked out by her son who will be receiving the quilt. It has been named "Fire and Ice" due to the contrast in colours. It's a pity you can't see the stitching close up as it fits in with the title too. Val spent the evening doing more stitching. She worked on her flower cross stitch.

We also had our sock lady Ginnie back. She was telling us stories of her travels to Alaska which was a quilting tour. We are trying to get her to give us a slide show of her photo's now that we have the perfect space for it. She saw so many amazing sights including lots of different animals. And she picked up some knitting which was not socks. She is currently working on a beautiful lace scarf from the book Arctic lace. The yarn she is using is gorgeous and is one of the most expensive she has ever bought. I will get more details next week as I forgot to write it down.

The second part of the sock lesson also went on. This time Ginnie was there to lend a hand as I was also interviewing Elaine for September member of the month (watch out for that in the next few days). Donna and Dawn have now successfully knitted the heel of the socks. Next week the knit the cuff and then cast off.