Happy Birthday!

We had two birthdays last week. The main one was Elaine who had a big birthday. I'm sure she wouldn't mind me telling how big but I'll keep quiet just in case. Elaine herself makes fabulous cakes which we can all testify to. Her workmates felt that there was no pointing in baking her a cake as they could get Elaine to make her own and it would taste better. So instead they all knitted her a cake and Elaine had to guess who did what. The group thought this was a fantastic idea and we all admired the knitted cakes which Elaine brought along. I'm afraid Elaine only got one right.

This chocolate cake was knitted by Linda who works with Elaine too. How yummy does it look?

Our second birthday girl was Roberta. She finished knitting this cowl for the shoe box charity. It was originally going to be a scarf but Linda stitched it together. Looks quite effective.

Rhona also had a few finishes. She finished the aran waistcoat (which I tried to get her to model but alas no). She also finished this jumper which I love. It's a loose knit and yet still has large cables. It was meant for her older daughter but she didn't like the sleeves.

The last few weeks Freya has brought her sewing box along. On Tuesday she stitched a headband and wristband for her bear. Then she stitched the red dress also for her bear. Guess who's bear is best dressed?

Helen finished knitting one of her scarfs. The marbling effect of the purple yarn is lovely. Helen herself was just happy it was done as the yarn is supposed to be used in two strands which was rather irritating (the yarn came like that).

I can also finally announce our charity this year. We have decided to take part in the Big Knit. I don't know if any of you have seen it but every December Sainsburys sell innocent drinks wearing knitted hats. The knitted hats are sent in by knitter from all over the UK. For every one of these bottles sold 25p goes to Age UK. We have decided to hold a little competition alongside it. A prize for the member who knits the most and a prize for the most inventive. So watch out for all these photo's.

A Little Bit Of Crochet!

Over the weekend Roberta has taught Alison to do some crochet. The above photo is some of her samplers.

She then used some variegated yarn and made herself this crochet case for her camera. I think that's amazing  progress in just a weekend.

I've also been doing a bit of crochet. I finished the granny square cushion which was from a Cath Kidston kit. I then made a circular cushion which I have since passed on to my mum.

Magdalena also had a finish. She knitted this beautiful jumper for her oldest son. I love the red and blue of the yarn. Now all her kids have their own lovely jumpers.

I also tried to teach some of the group how to do the circular granny square. It's really so that I can show people how to do the ridges when crocheting the squares together. Not sure I did a very good job but fingers crossed there will be some cushion covers by the end of it. Will be continuing with it for as long as people want to learn.

We also got our business cards which I handed out to everyone. I think almost everyone got one with a picture of one of their projects on it.

Craft Day Prep!

Anthea has been addicted to crochet of late and has completed one or two projects in the last few weeks. These two lovely blankets were made for her little girls dolls/teddies. I have to confess that the first one is my favourite. I love the wavy pattern. She has been working on a large crochet blanket since then.

  Poor Elaine has been working on this lovely jumper for the last few weeks. The pattern is beautiful and the yarn is unusual. Sadly in the end it went to her daughter. Her daughter was pleased but I don't think Elaine was. Elaine spent Tuesday getting her materials ready for Saturday.

Alison finished stitching this lovely card for her mum for Mother's Day. She was determined to have some stitching finished to show to everyone. She spent Tuesday working on her birds cross stitch which is getting there.

I used up the sprinkles yarn and knitted these four chicks. I spent the rest of Tuesday working on some Easter socks for my sister.

Elizabeth is one of our newer members. I don't think I have introduced her here yet. She is an avid knitter. She finished knitting these two lovely chicks for her grandchildren. Instead of the sprinkles yarn she used snowflake which looks just as effective.

We also had some craft day preparation going on. Izzi brought along fabric and her cutting board so that everyone can get ready for her class on Saturday. Which means Gartmore at home is finally here. We love our craft days and we have all been looking forward to this one. If anybody new wants to come along this would be the perfect time to meet our group. We will be in the management suite at the Glasgow Fort from 10am - 5pm. Just let security know you are there for the group when you buzz in then come up and see us.