Demo Time - Plastic Bags.

Before she went on holiday, Magdalena had been doing some crochet with plastic carrier bags. It had us all curious. Five minutes before home time she tried to explain to us how to cut up the bag in preparation. Not easy in just five minutes. So now that she is home she kindly gave us a wee demo.

We all brought bags and scissors so that we could join in. It involved the cutting away of the bottom and handles and then folding.

It was then cut much like you would cut to make a Chinese lantern. Magdalena then demonstrated how to ensure that you end up with one long strand of carrier bag.

It really does work. You can see Magdalena here rolling up her now carrier bag yarn.

Everyone managed it successfully too.

You can see here our hard work paid off. I will say though that if you want the full carrier bag to ensure that it isn't torn somewhere before hand. Otherwise you end up with a smaller ball (voice of experience here).

Elaine started working with it straight away. It has quite a nice effect. You could also collect other bags to give it a striping effect.

We had some finishes too. Our youngest member had her very first finish. You can see Amilee here proudly showing off a lollipop she made with her craft kit.

Janice has been growing some tomatoes and brought some of them along for Helen. Margaret has also been growing tomatoes but they don't last long enough to be brought in.

Janice also finished this lovely baby jacket. Everyone has liked it so much that there are a few people planning on knitting one up.

One of our newer members, Audrey, had been wanting to knit socks. She is primarily a cross stitcher but she does knit too. As I was already teaching sock knitting a few others and a different pattern I was only able to talk her through a few bits with Dawn helping her with the rest. Not that she needed it. From me all she needed was some advice about the heel and a week later there was a pair of finished socks. They look fantastic. Looking at the toe you wouldn't know this was a beginner. Very impressive!

Carolin is going on her Caribbean cruise soon and has just finished a smaller bag to go with her beach bag. She used the same flip flop fabric and adorned it with buttons. Unfortunately her sewing machine went to sewing machine heaven in the process but it didn't stop her from getting it finished.

Jean also had a finish. She made this lovely card for me. Knowing my love of camper vans it was perfect. Thank you Jean!

Roberta has been busy knitting up baby hats. Well, the first three were done in crochet and look lovely. I especially like the flower. The rest are little preemie baby hats.

I also had a couple of finishes. I stitched this little owl hanging. It came free with a magazine and was supposed to be a keyring. However, I decided that I wanted it as a little hanging instead and I chose not to stuff it. I also finished my last pair of mosaic socks. These ones are for my dad.

Next week we have another busy one. We are having a show and tell. Just a fun way for everyone to bring along finishes they are proud of and let us all have a nosey. There will be no judging as it's just for fun but there will be a raffle with some prizes.

Pretty Nails!

I am afraid that I have little knowledge of anything that went on on Tuesday. I was there but all my attention was focused on nail art by Elaine's sister Tracy. As I have mentioned in previous posts, Tracy has her own nail art company and she kindly comes along every so often and does our nails for a good price. This time it was Isabel's turn. She wanted her nails done to impress her 10 year old granddaughter. She was flying out the next day to visit her and was determined to be a hip gran. She had lovely natural nails done apart from one pinky. This little guy is her new friend and she has named in Ruben.

Then I got my nails done. By the time they were done it was time to go so you can understand why I didn't see much of what else went on. I did get to talk to Tracy about what she does though. I also got to watch her at work. It's fascinating to watch. A steady hand is very much needed and I was extremely impressed. Far from being original mind you I got the same work Dawn had done a few weeks before. Tracy started out her nail art in her teens when she practised on herself. She was always doing her nails and still does them on a daily basis. Her friends soon asked her to do their nails to and eventually she built up a little side business for herself. This isn't her day job but it's a fun one. She even has an idea for gifts for people who can't have fancy nails because of work. Hopefully I will be able to show some of that off for her. In the meantime go and check out her facebook page. Nails by Cutiecles.

I did get to chat with Isabel whilst she was having her nails done. She had this tattoo as part of her attempt to impress Abby. We will have to wait a few weeks to see if it works. Lets see if Abby believes that it's real or not. I say not, what do you think? Her husband does think that we should all have this done and keep it as our 'tag'. Someone watches way too much TV or has us confused with another group who carry sharp objects.

It wasn't all just decoration. There were some finishes too. Lyn finished her crochet blanket. She has been working on these squares on and off for a while now. The colours all go wonderfully together and I love the fact that the squares are a mix of crochet styles.

Whilst I was having my nails done I also taught Isabel to do the kitchener stitch. This meant that she finished her socks that night. I have to say I was impressed with them. These are the first pair of socks, other than baby socks, that Isabel has ever knitted. Not only did she learn the basics of sock knitting she decided to start with a complex pattern. Really doesn't like to make life easy for herself.

Helen had also finished her mosaic socks. I love the colours. Helen may have knitted socks before but this was her first pair with a pattern. After years of refusing to try other patterns she decides to go for the most complex. Worth it though as the look so pretty. Like Isabel she has started on her second pair.

That wasn't the only finishes Helen had. She finished a gorgeous table matt which was done in Sashiko. She has really taken to the Japanese form of quilting and embroidery. It's impressive. She also finished this cute girls cardi. This is for the Hospice.

Next week we have another demo. This time Magdalena is going to show us how to cut bags to prepare them for crochet. So if you want to join in bring along some scissors and some carrier bags.

Pretty Colours!

Over the last few months Magdalena has been patiently crocheting little squares. All in between other projects. This beautiful blanket is the end result of all that hard work. The colours in it are amazing and it has already been well loved. Magdalena assures me that this one is for herself for a change. I wonder how many people will be making themselves blankets after seeing this?

 These gorgeous jumpers were another labour of love by Magdalena. These are for her two older boys. Again the colours are amazing and they go very well with stripes. I love the fact that they match. If you look closely you will see that the share two colours.

I apologise now! Our resident Christmas fan is at it already. Margaret has started her Christmas cards. This lovely penguin was a freebie in a kit. I have no doubt that there will be more Christmas projects from Margaret to come as she is working on another festive cross stitch.

Caroline has been hard at work at the sewing machine again. She really has an eye for the fabric. This will be her holiday bag which is very apt. She has even  added little buttons the bottom of the handles and to some of the flip flops. It really sets the whole bag off. I have my doubts if she will do it again though going by her description of sewing the buttons on then trying to iron it. Looks fab though.

A while back I had also shown you Caroline working on a production line for Linda's shoebox charity. These gorgeous needle cases are the end results. I love the little motifs on the front.

Speaking of charity. Margaret had another four scarves to hand in. She says though that this will be her last four so Isabel's coveted prize is safe.

Stephanie also handed in a scarf for the charity and even included the rest of the box. This also came with matching hat and mitts. Every year Stephanie fills up a box for the charity and this one if for a baby girl. She has another at home almost ready.

Last but not least we also have Roberta's gorgeous baby hat and mitts. These are also for Linda's charity.

We have a busy few weeks ahead. The lovely Tracy will be back to do our nails. This time I will try to get some photo's. The following week Magdalena is going to show us how to set up a plastic bag so that it can be crocheted. For that everyone will need to bring plastic bags and scissors. The following week again we have our show and tell. That's also not mentioning the September member of the month. I have someone in mind for that but still to ask. So look out for the next few weeks.

Lyn - August Member of the Month

1. Tell us three things about yourself we might not know.

I was a store detective for 20 odd years. I had my own wool shop in the Savoy Centre. The cards sold at the till for charity in Hobbycraft are made by me.

2. Who taught you your first craft?

My mum taught me to knit.

3. What finished project are you most proud of?

My knitted nativity scene.

4. What has been your biggest crafting disaster?

Generally anything I sew or machine sew. I've only recently learned from Izzi.

5. What other crafts do you enjoy doing?

I like to make cards, scrapbook, make models and decopatch.

6. List of favourites

Favourite yarn - bonus DK
Favourite designs - knitted dolls
Favourite colours - blues and greens
Favourite store - hobbycraft and craft world
Favourite online store - craftsuprint
Favourite craft book - anything with altered arts.

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

I would like to become more proficient with the sewing machine - I would like to sew dolls

8. What do you like to listen to whilst you craft?

I like to listen to country music, mainly Irish country.

9. What advice would you give to a beginner?

Keep trying - don't give up (according to Esther, Lyn is the best teacher in the world).

10. What craft would you like to learn in the future?

I would like to be able to paint. I can draw a little but I would also like to paint.

Hooks and Needles at the Ready!

In case some of you haven't heard, Norma now has her own crafting studio which has been built for her. We have all been jealous of the photo's she has been posting. It is working too as she has managed to crochet these baby hats in a short period of time. So pretty and cute. The grey one is for Fiona who wanted one for her niece. The rest will be part of a collection Norma plans to sell at a craft fair. Someone has managed to talk her into having a stall at some point in the near future so her crochet hook has been busy. As soon as I find out the details I will pass them on.

A while back Val had come along to one of our craft days and taught us to do Sashiko quilting. We were all intrigued by it and a few of us planned to do more. However, Helen has been the only one who has managed it. She stitched this gorgeous bag and book cover. I love the book cover. My favourite has to be the bag. The white thread on black fabric is very striking. Helen got the designs from a book and they are beautifully done. Would love to have another go myself.

We have another dark horse in our midst. It would seem that Kathleen is another beader. She goes along to beading nights along with Jean. They recently went to a new one and Kathleen decided to bring along a couple of projects that had been lying around unfinished. These beautiful bracelets are the end result.

Fran has also been busy with her crochet hook. The blanket she had been working on in purple and green and her son is now the proud owner. It has already been much loved by Kyle and who can blame him. The vibrant green and purple are striking together. She also crocheted this lovely yoga bag. I had always seen these in mags but this is the first one I've seen done in person. It looks fab!

Fiona's sewing lessons have continued. This lovely dress is her latest project. She isn't 100% happy with it but I think it looks fantastic. The sequence round the band really sets it off. The straps are a little different in that they tie at the top. If it was me I would be proud of it.

Aileen has also got the sewing bug. Donna had recently sent round an email letting people know about a sewing maching offer she had seen. Aileen got herself a lovely little Singer sewing machine as a result. She brought it along to get some advice on setting it up to which Helen was more than happy to help. I can't wait to see what projects she whips up.

On Tuesday I did the August member of the month which I will post soon. Lyn was the latest victim. She brought in a few finishes to photograph for it. Along with that she also brought in some scarves for the charity. Isabel had also brought one along just to ensure she is in the lead.

Amilee was with us again on Tuesday. She kept herself thoroughly entertained by popping bubbles in some bubble wrap. I have to say I was a little jealous.

Speaking of Amilee, I'm not sure if I had posted this here. June had sent this photo to me a while ago. It shows Amilee not only enjoying her ice cream but wearing a jumper that June had knitted for her. Amilee had requested it and when it was finished she refused to wear it. Now she refuses to take it off. The fickle minds of toddlers.

We also had Tracy along again on Tuesday there. A few people once again had their nails done. Sadly I didn't get any photo's of them finished. I do know that Dawn had the Cath Kidston nail art. Tracy will be back along on the 27th.

Elaine is still waiting on people getting back to her in regards to their deposits for Gartmore. Please ensure you have it in over the next two weeks to ensure your place.

Remember to look out for Lyn's interview!

Oops, forgot to mention that there is a new edition under members blogs. Magdalena gave me the link to her personal blog. Lots of yummy images of her projects! http://www.megannismaking.blogspot.co.uk/

Minion Madness!

Minions have become a quick favourite of the group. Janice in particular is smitten. Or rather her grown up children are. She promised her son one and now they all want one. She personalised them by adding initials to their overalls. She even made a few girl minions.

This gorgeous pom pom baby blanket was knitted by Jean. She also made these cute little booties. The booties are meant for hanging on the hoods of prams. She has made them to sell at a coffee morning charity event. With projects like these it will definitely be a success.

The group always love to see new things even if it hasn't been made by someone they know. A friend of Elaine brought these bags back from a holiday. Knowing we would get a kick out of them she pinched them off him for the evening. Although an avid fan of owls I would find it difficult choosing between the two.

We also had another scarf for our scarf charity. This was donated by Isabel. She is fast becoming our biggest contributor.

I know it seems early but Elaine is organising Gartmore 2014. She is struggling for people to come forward with their deposits. If you intend to to go please hand in your deposit over the next week or two.