Spoke Too Soon!

Last week I was complaining (in jest) that there were far too many finishes as it took me ages to write the post. I was kidding but Tuesday I honestly thought people had taken it to heart as there were none. At least none at first. Turns out they were just holding out on me. First up we had Jean (and I did think it was going to be only Jean) who finished another lovely bracelet. I love it. It's quite classy and could be worn casual or smart.

She also knitted this lovely scarf. It's done with a type of ribbon yarn. I remember this type of scarf did the rounds when the group first started. it's nice to see it back as it does knit up lovely.

You will recognise this from last week. In a short period of time Jean managed to create another one. This was commissioned by Isabel who wanted one as a birthday gift for a friend. I am thinking we may have to talk Jean into giving us a wee beading demo some time.

Norma has been busy once again in her wee crafty house. She finished this lovely blanket and hat. I like the purples in the yarn. I think spacing them with white squares really highlights the colours in the variegated yarn.

Just to prove how productive she is Norma also finished this baby poncho on the night. This is the first one she has done and it's impressive. All of these items are for a craft fair that she has coming up. I think she is smitten with the poncho though so we may be seeing more.

Our Yvonne has finished yet another pompom blanket. I told you she was addicted to them. They are very cozy and soft so you can't really blame her. Plus the mix of white and blue made a rather fab pattern.

She has also been trying her hand at jewellery making again. She made this gorgeous bracelet and earring set. I think she made these as for a friends birthday. I love the silver on black.

Every time I see a large granny blanket I call it my favourite. This is my new favourite. This was made by Lyn. It's the colours I love. I do like a neutral colour breaking up vibrant ones.

Fee has also been busy on the crochet front. She made these adorable baskets. I love them both but the one with the lid is especially cute. How good would these be as little gift bags? I can tell you that Fee was working on more of them on the night so hopefully we shall see more.

 Last but not least is this rather sweet crochet cushion by Roberta. As well as having a fondness for blankets I also have a weak spot for  cushions. I love the colours in this one. I also love the fact that it's circular. I can also report that it is very squishable. I hugged it just to test it.

Although Helen was off on holiday we still did our weekly raffle. This time Norma won and she got a rather adorable snail which also acts as a tape measure. She was rather chuffed with it.

I'm Back!

Yep, it has been a few months since I have been along to the group. Huge thank you to the lovely Helen who has been keeping the blog updated since Christmas. You have me for the next few weeks for definite. Helen was experiencing technical difficulty so it was a good thing I was back. It meant that I could go round and see what everyone had been up to over the last few months. I am mightily impressed by what everyone has been doing. There is a rainbow blanket by a certain Caroline that I have my eye on. I am hoping I will be there when it is finished.

I don't know if many of you know but Isabel is an OT and now and then she comes across something new to try in her job. Last week she found herself making sugared flowers with icing. This poor rose has wilted a little in the car but it still looks good to me.

Both Margaret and Isabel have been knitting hats for the Seafarers charity. I will need to get a tally from Margaret of how many we have so far. Just a reminder that you have until the 24th of June to hand in hats. There will then be a prize draw.

Margaret has also been knitting for a friend in work. She says this baby outfit is the last and then she will move on to something for herself. About time too.

Although I have been away I have still managed to get a few things knitted up. These socks are my latest finish. Knitted up for my sister I am sure that she will not be missed with them on.

Do you remember the mood blankets that a few of us were doing?  Fran was also taking part but had made hers a little larger than the rest. Not that it mattered. At the end of the day as long as you liked what you created was the main thing. It meant that Fran has been working on hers a little longer than the rest of us and who would not love this? I did have it wrapped round me at one point and I can testify to its being soft and cosy. I love the colours too.

Our Esther is at it again. Trying to hide away some her finishes. These gorgeous booties were knitted for another members grandson. So on handing them over they were brought straight to me to be photographed. These should be acknowledged Esther!

 Linda has been busy doing some baby knitting. This pattern is the same as a blue one that Norma knitted a few months ago. The yarn is amazingly soft. I also like the subtle hints of pink throughout.

It would seem our Sally is another one for hiding away her finishes. Thankfully daughter in law Audrey ensured these were shown. The baby set is gorgeous. I like the hint of colour round the bands and pompoms. It really sets a finish off. I also love this little crochet wallet. It would be fab for a project or even a kindly or iPad. I have it in good authority that Sally is a fabulous crocheter but tends to leave them unfinished. So we have now to nag at her to get her projects sewn up.

#Since I have been away our Norma has got her crafting mojo back. Good thing too since she has her own we house of crafts. I didn't pick up the name of this yarn. I can tell you that it is very much like peacock feathers. Norma isn't a fan because it's a little scratchy when worn. However, it might soften with some conditioner.

She has also been working on some blankets. mint and grey blanket is just gorgeous. I do like grey blankets with a hint of colour. However the first blanket is just breathtaking. Some baby is going to love the bright colours in it. I personally love the touch of pompoms round the edging.

Lastly Norma used some of the yarn to make this cute little hat. It's going to the Yarnigans preemie charity.

Yvonne is still addicted to the pompom baby blankets. Can't say I blame her as they are very effective. The little bow at the bottom is tied on rather than stitched. This way it can be changed or removed. It means that this little blanket could be reused when it's owner becomes too old for it. Love that idea.

 Between starting her new business Fiona has still managed to find the time to get some crochet done. First of all she crocheted this cute hat. Then she crocheted up this ripple sampler. Fiona is more sensible than most and decided to do a little sample so that she could work out colours and size. Is it just me or would this sampler make a lovely scarf?

Our Janice has been equally busy. You may not know but she is one of the volunteers for the Commonwealth Games (trying hard not to be jealous). In the spirit of that she has knitted up the Commonwealth Games Mascot - Clyde. She has even knitted some airforce cadets.

When not knitting mascots she has been working on some baby clothes. I love the cables in those cardigans. Believe it or not the booties in the first pic came from the same ball of yarn. I think they look fab.

Last but not least we have another wallflower (not our Isabel who is posing). Jean brought along some of the bead work she has just finished. The amount of time and effort that must have went into each of those items. Well worth it though as they are fabulous and I do believe that our Isabel is smitten with them.

It's a Wrap!

So a few months ago Helen started up giving raffle tickets to people who completed projects. Each month there is a lucky dip and the chance to win a wee prize. Isabel won the November dip but she was away. Back for her last day we re-enacted the moment.

Seriously, the stage is missing a truly great actress. Isabel was delighted to be a winner and was lucky enough to pick out a ball of yarn that will knit up into one of these fancy scarves. Isabel does love a scarf (even if she loses them) so it was good that she picked out something that she would use. Helen was the December winner and picked out a pin cushion.

Janice has been going to quilting classes for a good few weeks now. It's with the class she has been learning to do her large squares to make a quilt for herself. She also learned to make these beautiful glass-stained Christmas hangings. The Christmas tree was the one she was taught in class. As she had some Christmas fabric she decided to make another and designed the stocking herself. Very impressive.

Janice also has a new addition to the family. Her son recently got engaged. Not wanting her to feel left out she has made her future daughter in law this lovely Christmas stocking.

Her son also couldn't be missed out and she made him these Christmas minions. These were actually requested by her son. Love the bells on the tops of the hats.

Norma has been busy working on a commission. A friend of hers asked her to make a crochet bag. The bag was to be done in cotton and Norma isn't a fan of crocheting in cotton. However she managed to get it finished. I think it looks stunning. The lining matches the colours exactly. If her friend isn't happy with it I know a good home which would happily take it in!

Norma seemed to have a finish every five minutes on Tuesday. These beautiful baby blankets are for a friend and she finished them on our last evening. The deep pink is my favourite. The boldness of the pink is set off by the black edging. It makes a nice change from lots of pastels.

Fiona also had a finish. She finished this gorgeous baby blanket for a friends wee boy. The yarn is super soft.  It will make a fabulous blanket but it can also see baby using it as a play matt. I love the little flecks of dark blue throughout.

Helen is making sure that she stays warm this winter. She knitted up this cowl so that she could wrap it beneath her jacket to stay warm. It can also stay on when the jacket comes off. Love the colours! Also it's nice to see Helen knit something for herself for a change.

Margaret has been busy too. Her last cross stitch card was revealed. She stitched this gorgeous owl card for myself. I do love an Owl. I may have to find a wee frame for it once Christmas is over so that I can hang it up next year.

She is also continuing with the baby knits until she uses up all her baby yarn. This is the latest cardigan to be done in the pink. Like the others she has done over the last few weeks, it is for the hospice charity shop.

I have also been busy getting Christmas presents ready. I needed help in thinking up something I could make for friends when Lisa suggested mug cosies. This is what I cam up with. I filled it with hot chocolate and chocolates. Then decorated it with a little cross stitch tag.

I also have the last of our bucket lists. If there is anyone I didn't get round to I apologise. It's been a busy few weeks. Plus there is always next year. This list is longer because I forgot to list some of the previous weeks. The lovely Helen went round asking the question this time as I was giving a little impromptu sock lesson.

Lyn - Learn to knit socks, dye yarn and finish the snowman I started a year ago. Also would like to do more sewing

Fee - learn to do more sewing, taking up knitting without tossing it and finish everything I have started

Fiona - try to move on from blankets and scarves and actually do something I have saved or bookmarked.

Lisa - knit socks, master amagurami

Carol - amagurami

Janice - knit socks and learn to crochet. Finish my quilt

Stephanie - learn to crochet, learn to do applique with Val

Noreen - knit socks and learn to crochet

Norma - learn to knit socks, learn to sew and quilting

Susan - I would love to learn tatting. I've seen it done on TV and I'd love to give it a try.

This post is over a week late but that's us done for the year. We are back on the 7th January. We are having a swap night then so bring any unwanted craft items and you might get inspiration or pick up something you like. I will also be starting sock lessons that night.

Until then I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and an amazing New Year!!!!!!

All the Pretties!

This adorable little girl belongs to Lisa. She is modelling a hat that Lisa knitted for her. Sadly none of the photo's I took really shows off the hat. Trust me though, it's lovely. It's done in crochet using variegated yarn (possibly Lisa's own yarn?) and has a pom pom on the end (as all the best hats do).

One of the group also commissioned Lisa to make a crochet hook. She already made R2D2 so it seemed only fitting that C3PO was next. But then, as a Star Wars fan, I am a little biased.

Margaret has been working on some Christmas decorations. She knitted up two elves. One for me and one for herself. It's the same elf that Roberta knitted. Margaret couldn't get the shade of green suggested so picked out a darker one. Again, I love the difference just changing a shade of colour can make. I also love the little tree decorations. Especially the robin.

Audrey emailed this picture to me because these cushions were already heading down to London for her nephews Christmas. A while ago we had show and tell and Audrey had brought a little owl cushion which my camera then lost. This is a bigger version of that owl. Audrey adapted both patterns to make them larger. Love them and probably just as well she wasn't able to bring them in as I might have tried to go home with them.

These are boot liners or boot cuffs. I knitted them up as I had just treated myself to a pair of wellies. A few people were asking me about the yarn. It's by Wendy and is called Roam Fushion. The colourway is called Fosse. It comes in 100g and would be perfect for socks. I got it from John Lewis but I am sure that you could get it online. The pattern was free from ravelry.

This is the lovely radley dog  and was knitted by Roberta. He turned out a little larger than expected but I think he is cute. Roberta also adapted the pattern to suit herself. I love his little dog collar.

Elaine has been preparing for her craft fair and knitted up some of these bags. She used bangles for the handles as Izzi taught about a year or so ago. I love how the different yarns make them look different. The fluffy ones using the eyelash yarn are my favourite. Would have loved one of these when I was a little girl.

Elaine also finished crocheting this beautiful blanket and pillow set. The amount of time that must have went into that and well worth it too. They aren't colours I would have thought to put together and they look amazing. This was well admired by the group.

Another finish we all admired was this beautiful quilted pillow by Linda. Each of these fabrics are from dresses her daughter wore as a baby. Her daughter is now 16 and this makes a fabulous memory piece. It's so pretty too. Such a good idea!

Magdalena is all set for the winter. She finished her cowl/scarf. It looks so lovely on and I love the colours. Very autumn like. I also love the buttons. They all go so well with the colours in the scarf. I love the fact that she used different colours.

Anthea has also been busy but nothing for herself. Everything she made is for Christmas. These hats are all for other people. It's a shame. Not sure I could give them away. Although, I am sure that the people who receive them will love them. I love the crochet flower on the red one.

These were also by Anthea and again are Christmas presents. The scarf is for her husband. Anthea is really getting in to her cables although she hated knitting black (don't blame her). The poncho is being modelled by Magdalena. The amount of time that has went into that. It's especially admirable since Anthea loves colour and doing so much work in grey was difficult. Turned out beautifully though.

I have been dying to see some of Fee's work and it's finally happened. In case you don't know Fee is a silversmith by day. She designs a lot of pieces but as it's for the shop she works for she can't exactly bring it in to let us see. We just get to hear about the wedding rings she designs from her mum, Lyn. Well, she made this lovely heart necklace for Lyn for her birthday. It's such a pretty design. I love the simplicity of it and I'm not surprised that Lyn was wearing it with pride. Beautiful!

Well, we have one more week left before Christmas and we have one more member of the month interview. So look out for that!

I also have a favour to ask on behalf of Fiona. Her sister is taking part in crocheting triangles for bunting. It's for a charity. So if anyone has any spare time after Christmas and would like to crochet something let us know. Fiona is going to give me the pattern so I will send that out after Christmas.