Buttons and Bows.

What do you do with your old buttons? Last week Janice displayed her beautiful cushion decorated with buttons left over from various projects. The lovely Norma has been putting her button stash to good use by creating these decorative letters. I have a feeling that there may be a world shortage of buttons soon.

Norma has her creative mojo back and is busy crafting for craft fairs at a nursery at St. Francis Primary in the Gorbals and a at Mearns Primary in Newton Mearns. This poncho and hat set will be fought over. The fairs are on the 6th and 7th of June if you are looking for somewhere interesting to go.

Norma was thrilled to win craft supplies from Lisa's "For The Love Of Yarn" site for her inspirational colour photo. She is determined to create something for herself with the hand dyed chunky yarn and buttons.

Stephanie is really getting into the swing of things with this lilac knitted ripple baby blanket.

Margaret completed the sashiko needle-case that she started at Gartmore. I love that pattern.

This handsome owl cushion was also knitted by Margaret and is for her daughter, Karen. Lucky thing! The knitted hats are for our group charity which ends on June 24th.

I finished another pair of socks for my daughter. Socks are an easy knit and I just love the way the yarn comes together to create a recognizable garment.

Talking of socks, have a look at this. Linda created a granny square blanket using up the remnants of sock wool. This is such a clever use of bits and pieces that would normally be discarded.

If you thought the granny square blanket was clever then have a good look at Linda's granny stripe blanket. Fabulous.

Izzy made this gorgeous little Scotty Dog Bag containing a dolls blanket and pillows. This would be ideal for any little girl to carry her most essential play things. The good news is that you get a chance to bid for it on Calum's Challenge Auction over on Lisa's "For The Love Of Yarn" site on Friday night after 8pm. All proceeds go to Cancer Research.

Yvonne's Auntie Jean kindly donated this handsome  knitted teddy for the auction.

Paula completed her sashiko needle case that she started on the Gartmore weekend. It looks great!

As you know, Fi is really getting into crochet and made this lovely little baby jacket. You will find the free pattern on Lisa's "For The Love Of Yarn" business page on Facebook.

At the moment I think the crochet people outnumber the knitting people at the group at the moment. Just to prove this point, have a look at this chunky cowl crocheted by Fiona using Pattons Fab Big Colour Yarn.

Anthea completed this Aran weight shawl in four and a half days! The pattern is called CLAPOCHET. It was for herself but a friend, who was visiting from South Africa, insisted on buying it!.The other shawl is crocheted in Regia sock wool and the pattern is called SAUCE-A-LA-CHECHE.

Fifi Trixibel crocheted this marvellous flower in a glitter yarn. I feel inspired to watch someone crochet!

Finally, Isabel completed her sashiko needle case and is about to tackle another. That just goes to show that hand stitching is not such a scarry thing after all!

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.

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.