Dress Making at Dollys!

Last Thursday was super exciting as I went on a dress making workshop!

I caught the train from Wigan to Warrington - a short 10 minute journey - to go to Dolly's Haberdashery & Sewing School to make a Picnic Dress.

The first thing I loved was the shop front. Then I entered the shop and it's just so quirky - there's a beautiful vintage skirt on a mannequin, a super cute children's dress and lots of fabric, ribbons, zips and other haberdashery items. 

Lindsey is the owner and teacher and is just lovely - she was wearing the most amazing dress she'd made (of course) in vintage fabric. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience in dress making as well as being a geat teacher: she really knows her stuff. 

There were 6 of us on the workshop - a great number as we got the attention and support we needed. Most importantly, the teapot was always full and there were biscuits & cake to fuel our sewing needs.

At the end of the day I was exhausted but I'd made a dress - yay! 

There are still a few tweaks to make and I'm going to add ric rac round the bottom of the skirt, but after my day I feel confident to do this myself. I learnt do much in just one day, I put a zip in correctly on my first attempt (in the past this has taken me many gos) and stitched darts and bias binding! 

So now I just need to decide which workshop to do next! 

Go and check out www.dollyshaberdasheryandsewingschool.wordpress.com 

Handmade Christmas

Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I last blogged. In fact, I can't believe how quickly this year has gone and Christmas seems to have sprung itself upon us.
We have finally got the decorations up and, this year, there are far more handmade ones than ever before. We have opted for a branch tree this year - Mr Bunny has worked very hard painting it and fixing it into a lovely silver plant pot so that it doesn't fall over. All of the decorations are either handmade or very special - there are some crocheted stars I made last year, 2 beautiful needle felted bunnies (My bunnies) that were made for me last year and even a weeping angel decoration I made for Mr Bunny. It is all very simple but very beautiful!
This afternoon, I finished a mistletoe wreath decoration which is now hanging in the doorway. The tutorial came from a great book I borrowed from the library (sorry I can't remember the name!).
As ever, I've got my rag wreath up and my hand made festive bunting making my home look pretty.
Have a great Christmas!
Sarah x

4KCBWDAY5 - Something a little bit different!

Today's Knitting and Crochet Blog Week task has been a massive challenge - to blog in a different way to the way I normally do.  That really only left 2 options, audio or video.

I have opted for a video blog. A pretty big challenge although not as hard as I thought it would be.  It has taken me 5 attempts to record my final video (mainly because I have no idea how to edit it!) but I am pretty pleased with it and watching it back and listening to myself was not as painful as I thought it would be.

I'm hoping to post some video tutorials up in the future so let me know what you think of my first attempt at a video blog.

Until tomorrow,

Sarah x

WiP Wednesday - Shhh! It's a secret.

Hello again. Apologies for not writing a WiP post last week but I'm back on the wagon this week so here goes!

Crochet
I'm still working on Mr Bunny's Lego blanket (which is going to take a while I think) and I've made some progress on my Granny Square coat and have nearly completed the first sleeve!
I made a cotton dishcloth in funky colours for the current Caithness Craft Collective swap and have started work on a new baby gift for my friend who is due to give birth any day now!  pictures of both of these projects will be shared once they have been received by their new owners!

Sewing
I've also been designing and sewing this week for my shop! I've had plans for some crochet hook pouches for some time and have finally made them. They are made from funky cotton prints with interfacing to make them more sturdy. The hook holder is felt as it is 'sticky' and great for stopping hooks from slipping out. They fasten with a rather cute ribbon loop and button.  These are currently for sale in my Folksy shop and can be made to hold crouchet hooks, Tunisian crochet hooks and knitting needles!

What have you been up to this week?

Until next time.

Sarah x

Out with the old and in with the new



(Photo courtesy of anniemandbenc on Flickr)

I can't believe that it is New Years Eve 2012!  I'm not the biggest fan of New Year (I'm much more of a Christmas girl) but I do like the opportunity to spend a bit of time reflecting on what the past 12 months have bought and thinking about what I want the following year to bring.

2012

2012 has been a funny old year for me. 

Personally, it's been quite a tough year for me and I've made some pretty massive decisions about my life.  In fact, today is officially my last day in my current job as a full time primary school teacher (I'm not going to go into details now, that is for a future post!) The decision was a hard one but one I am extremley happy with.  I will be working as a supply teacher for a while, as well as continuing with my private tutoring - which I love.  I will also be able to devote more time to The Gingerbread Bunny, which I am really excited about.

The Gingerbread Bunny has continued to grow. I've developed some new designs and my funky applique clothing line as well as teaching more workshops and selling at a few events. 


Last year I set myself 2 crafty resolutions:

1:  To learn how to do Tunisian crochet.  I saw Holly (who has started a crafty blog - check it out) doing some Tunisian crochet and the final effect is gorgeous.  

I'm pleased to report that I have been learning the basic tunisian crochet stitch thanks to the beautiful shawls designed by Aoibhe Ni.  I have made a couple of Pax Shawls, for me and as gifts, and made the Elderflower tunisian crochet hat.  I have actually just ordered a set of hooks and a book so that I can get to grips with more stitches next year. 


2: I also what to attend more workshops next year.  I have already enroled on the next Textiles course at night school for this term and am really looking forward to it.  I really want to go on a dressmaking course and definitley need to get myself booked onto another art journaling workshop at Art from the Heart in Harrogate!

I started the year with a textiles course at night school - where I made my patchwork crochet bag.  Then I took a big leap and enrolled on a City and Guilds Textiles Level 1 Course (through felt) with Arty Bird in Carnforth.  I have to say, it is one of the best things I've done in ages and I love it.  I'm really looking forward to this years weekends and am hoping to stay on to do level 2. I did enrol on a dressmaking course but, unfortunatley, this was cancelled due to the ill health of the tutor. 

2013

So, what do I want 2013 to bring?  In terms of my life in general I have but one goal:

(Photo cortesy of coffeecupsandraybans on tumblr)

Being happy, in all aspect of my life, is extremley important to me so I'm going to make sure that I do things that make me happy (not what will make others happy but me miserable!)  If I'm happy, then those closest to me will also be happy.

2013 Crafty Goals

Following the success of 2012's crafty goals, I'm going to set myself a few more for 2013.

1. To sew myself a skirt!
I have the most beautiful Amy Butler fabric in my stash which is just crying out to be made into a skirt.  2013 is the year I learn to make a skirt (with the help of a few friends).

2.  To develop The Gingerbread Bunny through: a website, teaching workshops and selling at craft fairs.
2012 has seen The Gingerbread Bunny grow and I want to see that continue into 2013.

3. To blog regularly.
I am aware that I have neglected my blog over the past few months and I want to remedy this in 2013.  I love my blog and, unfortunatley, life got in the way.  I have so much to share with you all and want to make sure I do this.  I've 'borrowed' a few ideas from blogs I love to follow as well as developing some of my own.  New features include a WIP Wednesday post (Work's in Progress) and an Inspirational Quote of the Week on a Sunday (although the first will be tomorrow!) as well as other exciting book reviews and other crafty goodies dotted around during the week.  Hopefully, by adding some structure to my blogging, you will get to read more.


All that leaves me to do is to wish you all a Happy New Year where ever you are and however you like to see it in.  This year, me and Mr Bunny will be enjoying a Lord of the Rings marathon with a few cheeky drinks and nibbles.

Choosing the one

This week I have acquired a new lady in my life and I'd like to introduce you all to Dorothy, my new sewing machine.

A few Christmases ago, my husband bought me my first sewing machine (much to the horror of a few of my work colleagues who couldn't believe that I was getting a 'tool' for Christmas!) I chose a John Lewis mini in bright pink. It was reasonably priced and basic. I chose it because, quite frankly, the more advanced machines scared me to death with all those dials and selectors and so I wanted something easy. It was perfect and did what I needed - straight and zigzag stitch. It was a great little machine to get me started but I needed more from my machine. It was time to say goodbye.

There are so many sewing machines out there that picking the right one is, quite frankly, like choosing a partner!

Can I live with this machine for the rest of my life? (or at least for the forseeable future?) Sewing machines are a big investment with some costing hundreds of pounds!

You have to pick a machine that is right for you and suits your needs. Are you just doing a bit of sewing for fun? Do you want to make clothes? Are you interested in embroidering with it? All important considerations when buying a machine.

These where all questions I had to answer.
My new machine is also a John Lewis model (which I'm led to believe are made by Janome) As me and my first machine got on so well, I decided to stick with what I know.

I want a machine for sewing and dressmaking. Im not interested in using it for embroidery (and am not likley to in the future) Dorothy (my machine) can do button holes and has a removable bit to make cuffs and legs easier to sew - very handy for a wannabe dressmaker!

Looks also came into it to (some people may consider this when choosing a partner!) Dorothy is a stunner! She is purple with contrasting pink dials and very sleek. I know I shouldn't be, but I was drawn to her looks!

Like most people, I was working within a budget. I could have spent a little more than I did but I certainly didn't have the funds to buy a fancy machine (which I probably wouldn't use because it would be to complicated and intimidating!!)

I have had a play with Dorothy and she is amazing! I feel like a professional seamstress.

Me and Dorothy are going to be very happy together!

Please Note: no sewing machines where harmed in the making of this blog. Mini machine has been rehomed in Freckleton (with my sister) where she is leading a productive and seeing filled life.

Now, that's not to say that we can't substitute effectively. Last weekend I discovered that a pair of £5 dog brushes work very well as carders. Sometimes we can use a different tool and get the job done equally well.

Busy, Busy, Busy!



Look what I've been up to - Oswald the Owl

As the title suggests, I've been rather busy lately. My creative mojo is most defintley present and my head is full of crafty ideas for The Gingerbread Bunny. 

I have been planning my newest venture, Crafty Parties for children and workshops for both children and adults and am currently checking out venues to hold these in.  I am really excited about these as teaching is what I do.  I love sharing my knowledge and passion with others and empowering people to be able to do it for themselves.  I am hoping to hold my first workshop before the end of the year and then, come the new year, I can really get stuck into them.

I have also been working on some funky applique designs.  This all came about because I wanted a t-shirt with a russian doll on and I couldn't find one anywhere. So, I decided to have a go at making one.  I bought a vest and used the internet to find a suitable template and then set about using up scraps of fabric in my stash, some bondaweb, embroidery thread, felt and Suzie the sewing machine to put it all together.  I really enjoyed making it and loved the finished product.  My Mum thought I'd bought it! From this, ideas came into my head for other designs, including ones for bellydancers (my alter ego!) and it has taken off from there.  I have developed 4 designs so far, Rita the Russian Doll, Oswald the Owl, Fatima and Tania the Tribal Bellydance Doll.  There are plans in process for a Gothic Doll, a lotus flower and a yarn themed design.  So far, I am creating vests, tshirts and tote bags but again can see project bags for knitters and crocheters, children's tshirts and even babygrows in my applique future - if it stands still, it is in danger of being appliqued!

Rita the Russian Doll

I am still crocheting as well and have just completed a custom shrug for my aunty to wear to a wedding.  I used some lovely orange Sublime bamboo and pearls yarn which is so soft and has a beautiful sheen to it - ideal for a wedding!  The design was very simple and, to add a bit of something special, I bought 2 beautiful bamboo buttons from the Textile Garden which had branches and orange flowers painted on - they really finished it off.  I would highly recommend the Textile Garden for buttons, shawl pins, clasps and even funky ribbon. 

The new term brings lots of new courses to.  At the end of September I am starting a City and Guilds Felting Course with Artybird in Carnforth.  It involves me attending 1 weekend a month for around a year and I am so excited about it.  I have always wanted to learn how to felt and this is a great course.  At Woolfest examples of work and projects were out to look at and, I have to say, it was amazing.  I only hope my work is as good.

I am also hoping to do a 6 week dressmaking course starting in November.  My aim is to be able to make an A-line skirt out of the beautiful Amy Butler fabric I bought in the sale from John Lewis last month.  I am far to scared to take the scissors to it at the moment so this should, hoepfully, help me turn it into something I can wear.

And finally, at the end of November I am returning to The Tribal Sleepover (a bellydance event in Huddersfield) to teach 2 crafty workshops in Fabric Flowers and Art Journaling.  I have some exciting ideas planned and I am really looking forward to sharing my love of craft with others.

To add to all this, the full time day job has returned.  The summer holidays are officially over and my crafting has to fit in with my job as a primary school teacher.  For the time being, crafting is limited to evenings and weekends although change is on the horizon and 2013 is definitley bringing new starts and challenges for myself.  Watch this space!

Gingerbread Bunny HQ

Around a month ago, me and Mr Bunny embarked on the arduous task of redecorating the spare room, aka Gingerbread Bunny HQ! We are hoping to up sticks and move north of the border sometime in the not to distant future and this was the first room to be made over. Unfortunately, I don't have any before pictures but it was pretty dismal with pale blue walls, a manky border and generally an uninspiring room where I didn't want to spend much time creating and, as I have plans for The Gingerbread Bunny to grow, it needed to change!

It is amazing what a very large tub of white paint can do! Now white isn't a colour I would normally choose for my walls but they need to be pretty neutral for renting out purposes. Now worry not, I got the colour in there! My woodwork and radiator is yellow and I have managed to get just about every colour somewhere in my room to make it bright!

Storage was a big issue before (despite the large built in cupboard -which was full of rubbish!) We tidied up and organised the cupboard, putting a large curtain in front of it, and added some shelves to display my craft books (I never realised I had so many!) I've even managed to squeeze a 2 drawer unit under the table!

My favourite part of the whole redecoration was wall art! I found a gorgeous owl picture in IKEA and a great Make do and Mend canvas in a discount shop for £3.99! I have lots of cards and pictures I wanted on the walls so I created a little washing line and used pretty pegs to hang them all up! I even painted a notice board and glued buttons onto pins to make it all crafty!!!

I love cushions but haven't had any need for them, until now! My little cosy area is a place where I can sit and browse books, magazines and do a bit of crochet! My foam blocking boards are at the bottom (useful and stores easily) with a throw and my Attack of the Giant Granny Square blanket on top and lots of cushions!

I now love spending time in the new Gingerbread Bunny HQ and feel much more inspired to create and make!

(I apologise that all the photos are at the end but I am blogging from my phone and it won't let me place them anywhere else!!)

Patchwork Project Bag

It seems like such a long time since I last blogged (probably because it is!)  I have been busy working on a number of projects, many of which I have completed, and now have plenty to keep me going with my blogging for the next few weeks.

As part of the textiles course I have been attending at night school, we looked at patchwork.  I really love the mix and match look of patchwork and have had a go at a few projects using simple rectangular strips of patchwork in the past.  On the course we looked at the use of hexagons to create patchwork, a technique very popular in Victorian times and again in the seventies.  In class I made a simple hexagon patchwork flower, using some patterned fabric from an old skirt, which could very simply be used to decorate a cushion cover.

The patchwork page in my sketchbook

Everyone on the course chooses a final project to make.  I have been dying to make the hexagon patchwork knitting bag from Cath Kidston's Sew for a long time and saw this as my opportunity to finally get it made.  Now, this wasn't a small project - would I pick anything easy?  And has taken me quite a long time to finish.  This is why:

It required 60, yes 60, hexagons to make the  bag.  That meant:

Cutting out 60 small paper hexagons. (I used an old magazine)





Cutting out 1 larger paper hexagon to use as a template to then cut out 60 fabric hexagons





Sewing 60 fabric hexagons over the 60 paper hexagons

Sewing all 60 hexagons together, in a specific way, to make the bag and then sewing in the lining and attaching the handles!

A lot of work?  Definitley, but I really really enjoyed it!  It was a great project that could be picked up and put down as and when.  Some nights I managed 2 or 3 hexagons whilst other days I would make lots of progress.  It was really rewarding to watch it grow and to see how all the different patterns of fabrics came together and I love my finished bag. 

My finished bag

In the interests of sustainability, and saving some pennies, I used fabric from my stash.  There are fabric scraps left over from past projects, fabric from old clothes, fabric from larger pieces I have and, if you look carefully, fabric from the printing I did earlier on in the course; I just made sure that they were all of similiar weights.  Each fabric appears no more than 3 times and I arranged them carefully to create a real mix of pattern and colour.  The lining fabric and handles I already had; I bought absolutley nothing new to make it. 

Now I have caught the patchwork bug, I am desperate to tackle a large project - a cushion? another bag? or maybe an entire quilt??

Couching



Examples of couching can be seen in the Bayeux Tapestry


In what appears to be a catch-up series of posts, I wanted to share with you all some more of my work from my textiles course, couching. 

Couching is the technique of sewing down fabrics, yarn and other fabrics to a large piece of cloth. 

It is generally thought of as an embroidery technique and examples of couching can be seen on medieval textile work including the Bayeux Tapestry!  It is still a technique that is popular today, being used to decorate Indian and Palestinian clothing, most commonly wedding dresses and formal wear.

For my sample, I found examples of couching work on the internet and Pinterest, and then found whatever I could lying around, yarn, scraps of fabric and even some plastic, and stitched it down!  You can use straight forward running stitches or more fancy embroidery stitches to sew them down and can sew the fabrics straight or in spirals, zig zags and curves. 

My couching sample

Couching is a simple but effective way to decorate a piece of work and I think it would fabulous on bags, purses and other small items. 

Crafty Bath!

Last week saw the anniversary of 4 years of wedded bliss to Mr Bunny.  We chose to celebrate this momentous occasion with a few days away in a city we have been desperate to visit for quite some time.  Bath. 
Bath is famous for it's impressive Georgian architecture, Roman Baths and as home to Jane Austen.  We were not disappointed with our visit and spent hours wandering around admiring The Crescent visiting the Abbey and admiring the art work in The Victoria Art Gallery.  There was even time for a sneakily large piece of cake and a pot of Breakfast tea! 

The Crescent

However, behind the tourist attractions of Bath you will find an array of craft, wool, art and vintage shops awaiting us crafty types.  Being very organised, I had already made a comprehensive list of places I wished to visit so that I didn't miss out! 

First stop was The Makery, a cute little sewing shop nestled down an alley in the middle of the city.  I first became aware of The Makery through Mollie Makes magazine and, as well as the shop, they also have a separte premises where the majority of their workshops are held.  Although small, the shop sells a good selection of fabric and other bits 'n' bats including stamps and thread.  I purchased 2 fat quarters of fabric, a hair slide ready to be decorated (I think I'm going to use buttons), a magnetic bag clasp and a wooden bobbin purely because I liked it. 

The Makery

Wool is, as the name suggests, a yarn shop.  It is situated in the middle of the city and stocks a wide range of yarns in all weights.  I spotted popular brands such as Rowan and Debbie Bliss as well as some less well known ones.  They also stock needles, hooks and some very pretty stitch markers.  There was a good selection of patterns and books with a comfy couch (which was wearing a rather pretty granny square throw) on which to sit and peruse these.  Although I didn't buy anything from here, I was getting rather tired by this point in the day, the lady in the shop was really friendly and helpful and was assissting some of the locals.

Wool

The final crafty attraction, which was also my favourite, was my trip to Great British Yarns (GBY).  GBY can be found on a little industrial estate just off the A4 as you head towards Bristol.  It's location means that parking is really easy and, as I did, men can be left in the car safely as long as you leave the window open for them!  GBY is mainly an internet based yarn store however, a trip to the showroom is a must if you are ever in the area!  The properitor of the shop (who I think is called Sharon but don't quote me on that!) is exceptionally friendly and explained really clearly how the showroom works - basically she has one of each yarn in each colour on display and then you just ask for the quantities and she goes and gets it for you!  They stock a great range of yarn - Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Jamieson Shetland, some King Cole and Knit Picks.  I had gone for the Knit Picks, which is amazing! Everything is organised really well with clear prices.  They also stock a good selection of patterns and books and KnitPro hooks and needles (yes I did buy a new hook).  I had a lovely natter whilst I was paying and shopping at GBY was such a great experience.  It is well worth checking out the online shop if you can't get to the showroom.


My stash from Great British Yarns

Bath is a beautiful and amazing city to visit both for it's traditional tourist attractions as well as it's crafty ones!  It is definitley a city I will be visiting again. 

Embroidery and Cross Stitch

A few weeks ago (yes I am behind with my blogging updates) we learnt about embroidery, the use of coloured threads to create decorative needlework through designs and pictures onto fabric done by hand or machine.  There are many absolutley amazing examples of embroidery dating as far back as the Iron Age and the Zhou Dynasty in China! 

There are a wide range of stitches used in embroidery and I learnt only a handful of them!  I could already do running stitch, back stitch and blanket stitch (an impressive range I know?!) but by the end of the lesson I could do the gorgeous sheaf and fly stitches as well as a french knot!  Now hand embroidery is something that I haven't really attempted before. I am a fan of speed, being very impatient, and so favour sewing by machine rather than hand but there was something so relaxing and calming about sitting with my embroidery hoop, like a Tudor lady, experimenting with the various stitches.  I have to say, I quite enjoyed myself! 

My Stitches

I also learnt about cross stitch and how the same stitch has to go at the back each time.   I had a go at this as a child with very little success but am pleased to say that I cross stitched, for what seemed like an eternity, my very small  heart and ABC! 

Not to scale! (It is much smaller in real life!)

Kirstie's Handmade Britain is currently being shown on Channel 4 (If you haven't been watching it you need to get on 4OD and watch all the back episodes - I have watched each one at least twice!)  In one episode Kirstie made the most amazing applique and embroidered cushion for the Great Yorkshire Show competition which she won!  After learning embroidery and applique, I really admire Kirstie's determination and patience with her cushion.  Hand embroidery is not for the faint hearted - it takes real commitment but the end results are so worth it!

As for me?  Hand embroidery is a craft I will be using as and when I need.  I am, however, desperate to try my hand at machine embroidery.

C is for Christmas Cards

Christmas is getting nearer (49 days away infact) and I am well under way with my preparations.  I have to say I am surprising myself with my organisation this year and hopefully I will be able to avoid the dreaded Christmas Eve shopping for last minute gifts.

This weekend has been all about card making (and re-doing the Christmas cake!) A few months ago I decided that I wanted to make some applique christmas cards for my friends and family and, after seeing a few ideas in magazines, decided on baubles with a jewel colour theme which is the colour scheme for my wrapping this year.

My completed Christmas cards

I started by making the baubles.  The first two I made I actually stitched the bauble onto the snowflake print fabric but then had the idea of actually making the bauble dangle so that it could be removed and used as a decoration.  I attached, using fabric glue, some pretty festive ribbon I picked up for a really reasonable price in Lidl, across the middle and used some thinner ribbon to make a bow and dangle for the top.  To finish it off, I blanket stitched around the outside in a contrasting fabric.

I then cut a piece of christmas fabric (mine is a turquoisey teal snowflake print from Abakhan) and then a pieice of felt slightly bigger.  I attached this to the card base using the sewing machine which was so much fun.  I have never sewn onto card before but it is great!  I didn't worry too much about it being really neat and central.  Finally, I carefully stiched round the ribbon to attach it to the card.

Although it took quite a bit of time, I think it is well worth the time and I sure my friends and family will love receiving these this year!

All about applique

I am a little bit behind on my textile course updates!  (Ooops - sorry!)  Being half term, my class hasn't been on this week but I am looking forward to learning all about trapunto quilting tomorrow night.  So far we have covered rag rugging, applique (the subject of today's post) and embroidery and cross stitch.  I have to say that I am really enjoying the course and have learnt lots of new techniques, met some fabulous people and have been truly inspired.  One aspect of the course that I am finding really useful and fun is keeping my themed sketch book and I will definitley be applying this strategy to my crafting at home.  It is just such a great way to store ideas and inspiration.

So, on to applique!  Applique is the craft of sewing, or attaching, one piece of fabric to another. The word applique comes from the French, appliquer, which means to put on.  It is a technique which is believed to have been around since people could sew and quite possibly began as a way of patching holes up in clothing.  One of the earliest examples found was in Egypt depicting a ceremonial canopy.  Today applique is a very popular technique used to decorate all manner of items by adding shapes and pictures in contrasting fabrics to the base. 

We learnt the quick and easy way to applique using bondaweb and it is just fantastic!  In class I appliqued a very simple tree shape and it worked really well.  I have also made my bellydancer phone cases from felt, appliquing (is this a word?) the bellydancer onto the base cover.  I don't use bondaweb for these as the felt 'sticks' to itself and doesn't move around when sewing. 

My (very simple) applique tree

I really enjoyed applique and am planning on using this technique to make some Christmas cards for friends and family.  If you haven't given it a go, I really suggest you do!

Christmas Rag Wreath

Colonial Christmas Wreath courtesy of Wormwood_3 on Flickr

Christmas wreaths can be dated back to Roman times and traditionally are seen in Catholic churches during Advent, lighting candles to countdown the Sunday's to Christmas.  I have alwyas loved the wreaths that you see on peoples front doors, all bright and festive with pine cones and fir leaves, but have never been able to have one on my front door as it opens onto the road and I just know it wouldn't last 2 minutes! 

You may recall a few weeks ago I learnt how to rag rug in my night course.  The following week we all shared our work and one lady had created the most gorgeous rag wreath for Christmas.  I absolutley loved it and knew that I wanted to make one to hang in my house as a decoration so I asked her how she had made hers.

To make mine I have used the inside section of an embroidery hoop for my base ( which I bought this for £3.10 from Abakhan)  but you can use any circular base, even an old wire coat hanger bent into shape. 

I then cut my chosen fabric into strips the same length and width using pinking shears to create a pretty, unfrayed edge.  I had to test out a few strips to get the correct length first.  I used 3 different colours which match my Christmas tree and decorations.  The teal fabric is from a set of curtains I bought in a charity shop which have been in my fabric stash for ages, the purple is left over fabric from another project and the pink is from the skirt of my wedding dress! (I got married at Christmas so this is a really nice way to reuse it)

Next I tied the strips of fabric round the hoop, pushing them up next to each other tightly to get that really full effect.  I made sure all the knots where on the same side (the back) to get a really neat finish to the front.  This took me about an hour to do and I randomly grabbed strips rather than having a set pattern to it.

I chose to make a dangle for in the middle of my wreath although you don't really have to!  My dangle is a felt star with a shisha mirror in the middle and then beads stitched on to add a little bit of festive sparkle. 




My finished wreath

 I really enjoyed making the wreath and it is a quick, easy and really effective decoration for Christmas.  I can't wait to put my Christmas decorations up so that I can admire it!

Holiday Happenings!

Half term has arrived!  Hooray!  This half term has been really busy and I don't feel that, on the crafty front, I have managed to get much done so I have lots of crafting planned for this week to make up for it.  Today's post is going to be a quick catch up on what I've been making and what I have planned for the week ahead.

I am still (yes still!) working on my Grandad's knitted ribbed scarf for Christmas.  It is getting there and I am optimistic it will be finished in time (it's a good job I started it back in summer!)  Hopefully, I will get a few more Christmas pressies started this week as there are only 9 weeks to go!

On the topic of Christmas, this week will see the start of some fabulous Christmas card making, a rag rug style wreath for my door and the dreaded Christmas cake.  Last year's Christmas cake was something of a disaster and it ended up in the bin - I do not plan on repeating that this year - and I had to buy a pre-made one from the supermarket which I marzipanned and iced myself.  I'm going to try Delia's recipe this time round which I have heard is really good.
 
Since the craft fair, I have recieved lots of orders for my handmade goodies.  Last night I delivered two handmade hair accessories for two gorgeous dancers and this morning I completed 2 other orders for finderless mitts (my own design!), flower brooch and a flower pencil topper.  I am off to purchase some more wool, including some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, for some mitts and a hat later on this week.

This morning I started a crochet project for me!  I see many photos of the knitted baktus shawl and have always loved it so I googled crochet baktus shawl and found a pattern.  I am using a beautiful hand dyed yarn I bought from The Woolclip (there is a trip planned for Friday) as I only have 1 ball of the yarn.  The baktus is a great project for those one off hand dyed balls of yarn!  Not only is it a really simple pattern but it shows off the colours in the yarn beautifully. 

I am definitley keeping myself busy this week - keep popping back to see my finished items!

Diary of a Craft Fair Seller

Me and my stall.  I know the banner is a bit wonky but if I'd complained
I think Mr Bunny would have taken the scissors to it!

The day finally arrived today - my first every craft fair as a seller and not as a customer!  This fair has been in my diary since earlier on this year and, rather nicely, it was held at the primary school where I work meaning I knew lots of people and the atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed.  I have to be honest that yesterday I was worried that I would not sell anything but, you will be pleased to know, I sold many things and people even placed orders!

Preparing for the craft fair has been a long and time consuming task.  Making plenty of items to fill the stall, pricing up and preparing my table has taken up most of my spare time for the past month or so.  I had a really clear image in my mind of what I wanted my stall to look like and I was really pleased with it.  My table covering came from Abakhan, the banner was from Vistaprint (free!) and I decorated boxes and a picture stand to co-ordinate.  I am also one of those people who likes prices to be visible so I made sure everything had a price on or near it.  Knowing what and how much to make was tricky to but today has helped me to see the sorts of things that sell well and what to have plenty of in the future - I have come to the conclusion that I need a good range of prices and plenty of the lower priced items. 

This morning I arrived nice and early to set up.  Luckily Mr Bunny had volunteered (??) to help and so he tied the banner up whilst I did the pretty things.  I'm glad I left plenty of time to set up my stall as, despite setting it up on the dining table at home as a practise, it still took me a while to decide where things should go. 

The Cake Queen!  Sarah's cupcakes are delicious -
check her out on Facebook!

All in all the day was a success.  Being in a room with lots of creative people (and gorgeous cupcakes) and having the opportunioty to talk about my crafting was great. Listening to people comments and getting feedback on my items was great.  There where lots of positive points to take away and I am really looking forward to my next fair!

Project update!

Today's blog is going to be a project update.  So, here goes!

I have been making quite a few gifts recently.  For Amanda's birthday I crocheted her a purse out of some gorgeous turquoise wool, lined with some fabulous spotty fabric!  The pattern was free from the Lionbrand website!  I have the free iPhone App and it is amazing!  The pattern was easy and quick to make and I am planning on making it again!  

I have also been working on some baby blankets!  This blanket was for Jill's baby and she has very kindly said that I can post this gorgeous picture of her snuggled up in her blanket!  The pattern was another free one from Lion Brand and I crocheted it in Sirdar DK Bonus, an acrylic yarn which is really soft and very practical on the washing front for babies!  Rather than using 1 colour, I used a main colour, lilac, then trimmed it in pink as well as making the hood in pink.  The stitch is popcorn stitch and is really pretty.  I love it so much I am making a giant stripey one for me, and yes, there is a hood!

So cute!

I have also been making for me!  I am currently working on an altered book journal (Work has gotten in the way of progress but I hope to do more in the holidays and will be posting a tutorial on how I did it!)  A new journal means a new journal pouch!  I have made this one out of an old woolen/felt dress I no longer wear and have made a feature out of the pockets and the buckles. 

Last week, I bought a pair of purple jeans from a charity shop for £3!  The legs where a bit on the narrow side so I decided to turn them into a skirt!  I used some bright pink cord fabric to fill in the triangles and I love it now!  I haven't hemmed it as I'm not sure whether I want to - I quite like the roughness of the fraying edge!!!



I love the embroidery on the back pockets!

 And finally, my first big crochet project - a gorgeous granny square shrug! This is the Indian Summer Shrug from Issue 19 of Inside Crochet.  It is made in Rico Cotton and, I have to admit, not my favourite yarn!  I perservered with the cotton because I loved the pattern but, I will not be making it in cotton ever again!!!!  I wore it to work last week and had so many compliments about it.  Some people thought it must have been shop bought and couldn't beleive that I had made it.  It is really comfortable and so bright and unusual - I love it!

Spring craftiness!

Beautiful sunny weather!

It is a gorgeous, sunny day here in the north of England.  The sky is blue with a dusting of light, fluffy clouds and the sun is shining brightly!  I could be outside, probably getting sunburned, enjoying this unusally beautiful weather; but I'm not.  I am, instead, inside in my lazy clothes making, blogging, and surfing the web!

Today's post is going to be a quick update on what the Bunny has been upto recently and future crafty plans.

CROCHET

I am loving the crochet!  Since the purchase of the monster hook, I have made a gorgeous open knit scarf all in double chain stitch.  The wool is very soft and the colours I just love.

I have nearly finished the Rapunzel scarf from April's Inside Crochet magazine.  The yarn is Noro Silk Garden which is just so soft and when it is finished it will be such a beautiful and unique scarf.  I just have 1 more strip to go and then join it together and it will be finished!  Keep an eye out for a future post.




Gorgeous yarn!  I love you Noro Silk garden.


SEWING

My sister has comissioned a journal wrap as a gift for her friend.  This one is purple and matches the card she also asked me to make.  (I will post pictures in the future just in case the recipient of the gift see's this! Don't wnt any spoilers.)

OTHER CRAFTY WORKS

I have been reading Treacle and Ink (a brilliant crafty blog with a new, fabulous crafty podcast) and she has made some gorgeous flower pens.  I have made a couple of these as gifts.  I have also been making Easter cards and a horsey themed birthday card have all been completed. (Again, pictures will follow in the future as I have made these for gifts)

I have had a couple of comissions for flowery hair clips from fellow bellydancers.  I so want to keep them but have plenty already!  Aren't they just gorgeous?




Funky feathery clips

 There has, as usual, been lots of journaling.  There is always lots of journaling going on!

FUTURE CRAFTY PROJECTS

The Easter holidays are looming and so I have a long list of crafty projects;

Bunnies for the RSPCA
Other bunny themed items
Fab shawl from the most recent edition of Inside Crochet magazine (Got to learn to block first!)
More journaling!

OVER TO YOU!

I am really interesting in getting to know the readers of my blog a little bit better.  Tell me what crafty projects you are working on at the moment! And, if anyone can help me with how to block, please contact me!