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.

Fran - Member of the Month

Tell us three things about yourself -
1. I develop food products for a major retailer and that means I'm always doing something new and interesting.
2. I'm a Mum to twin boys who have just turned fifteen.
3. I researched my Family Tree to discover where the twins came from. Eventually, I discovered  that my   great-grandmother was a twin.

Who taught you your first craft?
Probably my Mum. However, my Gran was in the WRVS and did filet crochet which was very intricate. Granny knitted for all of us, but it was Mum who got me into crochet.

 What finish are you most proud of?
Probably, the cross-stitch project I attempted of Footprints Poem which I did for my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary.

What was your biggest crafting disaster?
 I had completed quite a bit of a cross-stitch project before I discovered that I was just one stitch out.........everywhere!

What other crafts do you do?
I do some machine sewing, cross-stitch and crochet. I like to learn new skills. It is nice to try new things like the workshops at the At Home Days here.

List of Favourites -
Favourite yarn - Double knitting.
Favourite designs - Granny stripes and granny squares.
Favourite colours - The muted colours, dusky pinks, beige, browns.
Favourite shop - Hobbycraft or on-line.
Favourite book - "CROCHET step by step," by Sally Harding.

What would you like to achieve in the future?
I would like to continue to learn new stitches, such as the crocodile stitch which looks amazing.

What would you like to listen to or watch while you are crafting?
Just whatever is on the telly in the background.

What words of wisdom would you give a beginner?
Not to give up!

What craft would you like to learn in the future?
I'd love to try felting.

What are you working on at the moment?
The Attic 24 Granny Stripe blanket for ME!

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A stranger marched into the room and demanded to know if this Balaclava was the correct size for our group charity, Hats for Seafarers. That stranger revealed herself to be Isabel. The answer to her question was.........Yes! "Well, I'm never doing another one. It was really boring to knit!" I thought Isabel modelled it beautifully and I'm sure someone will be delighted with it as they sail around the icebergs.

Anthea was really thrilled with crochet hooks and stitch markers that Lisa had made for her. Anthea had requested Harry Potter and Dr Who themed goods. If you look carefully, you will be impressed with Lisa's inventiveness. I love Harry Potter's owl!

Lisa had completed a cute hat for her new arrival. The ears are really cute. My apologies to Lisa. I had rotated the picture on the iPad and was feeling rather smug with myself, but the PC fought back and refused to play ball.

I completed another pair of socks for myself. This time I used some of Lisa's hand dyed-yarn, which I adore.

June completed this amazing Granny Square blanket as a gift for a baby called Pippa. As you can see, June, has added extra interest to the blanket by making  each square different.

Sally has been busy creating two intricate cotton scarves for herself. The first is knitted lace and the second is crocheted. I was amazed at the weight in each garment and I am sure Sally will get great use out of them during our balmy summer evenings.

Morag has something to display each week. What a busy crafter! This week she has completed this lovely green baby hat with tassels.

Anthea has been experimenting with dyeing her hand spun yarns. This colourway is called Fruit Salad and is self striping. It is a Merino/ silk blend and is sock weight. Come on Anthea, we can't wait to see what you create with this delicious yarn!

Please remember that the Challenge has been postponed until June 24th to allow more time for people to complete their work. I look forward to June to see those stunning entries!

A big thank you to Anthea who found my scarf. You made my day!

Monkey Business!

This charming monkey made us all laugh! This masterpiece is by Morag and I think you will agree that he would make anyone smile. The red hat is also by Morag and has been crocheted. The photograph just does not do it justice. Great workmanship!

 Margaret was as proud as punch with her version of Shaun the Sheep. Margaret is one of our crafters who is able to turn her hand to most things. This Easter card is for Karen, but it is a secret at the moment, so mum's the word!

Margaret has also completed four hats for the Seafarers charity. At the moment we have about 40 hats. This charity runs until 24th June. Plenty of time to do a few more.

I completed these lace socks just at the weekend. I thought I would attempt something different from the usual plain sock that I do and feel quite pleased with myself with the finished article.

Fraya is one of our junior members and is always happy to attempt a new technique. This week she had completed this handsome felt mouse.

Fraya saw this emblem on someone's jacket. The girl who had the jacket was knicknamed ACE for obvious reasons. Fraya thought this was cool and made her version of ACE using fabric paints on a plain t-shirt. Great idea! 

Norma crocheted three little premie hats for Lisa's charity.

As you know, Esther is shy about showing off her skills, but look at these baby bootees! Such a beautiful gift to give. Well done!

Fiona created these little hats in treble crochet for Lisa's charity. Fiona was so chuffed with herself because she mastered the magic loop! Go girl!

Elaine has been busy for another of our charities. This cosy hat and scarf combo is destined for the Shoe Box Appeal.

NAME THOSE LEGS! Only joking....... Isabel has returned from yet another holiday in sunny California and was dying to show off her legs, I mean Jacquard pattern socks. I think they look fab (the socks and the legs) but Isabel is disappointed with the recommended yarn for the socks. The pink/ orange yarn did not give the effect she had anticipated. I think they look great! Look at the complicated pattern!

How cute are these? Lyn knitted these wonderful Easter chicks and Easter bunnies for a charity sponsored by Hobbycraft. The best news is that these little charmers conceal a creme egg!

Fran brought along a load of finishes this week. I think she has been saving them up for several months! First of all, we have a collection of premie hats in a variety of colours and sizes for Lisa's charity.

Next, Fran has had fun crocheting blankets and matching hats using shells or working from corner to corner. These are also for Lisa's charity and they are stunning!

The variety of finishes this week has been amazing. Allison knitted this baby blanket with hood in Flutterby. The completed item is so soft to the touch and ideal for a baby. Just look at those ears! Not Allison's....but on the blanket hood.

This week, Rhona was delighted to show her collection of finishes. Above you can see a cosy baby blanket knitted in a variegated yarn and finished with a crochet trim.

Next, we can see a little baby ballerina cardigan that is just waiting for its buttons.

The top above and the cotton cardigan below are for Rhona. She plans to add a zip to to complete the top. I think Rhona is getting organised for summer.

Just a few reminders: -
- The Challenge is 29th of April and the theme is "What Glasgow Means To Me."
- We have two baby showers coming up. Check your e-mails for details.

HELP! If anyone found a grey, square, silk scarf on Tuesday night, Its mine! I've lost it!