Experiments with Embroidery.  

I've always wanted to have a go at embroidery, especially with all the lovely new books out. (well, some have been out for several  years now)  I decided to start with a sampler from J. Hart's book.  It's the one that says "stitches I know".  It was good fun.

My  next go (which is still a work in progress) is the craft octopus.  There will be a different craft implement on each tentacle.

The pillowcase are a gift for my friend Claire.  She's a rockabilly gal who loves cherries.  Check out her shop at  www.dollycool.co.uk  I bought some white pillowcase and added some cherries.  The cherries don't quite match.  Woops.  Didn't realized it until the finally knots had been trimmed.  I'll make her another set when I get the hang of it.

 I've ordered some new fabrics which will be arriving in about 6 weeks. That's the only sad part of ordering fabric is waiting for it to get here. You'll be seeing some fun Timeless Treasures, Clothworks and Leicen in stock. Here's a peek at some of the Timeless Treasures fabrics

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Website Launch

It's official! The website is up and working. Whooooo Hooo. It's been a long process and I'm very pleased with the results. A big "Thank you" to Craig for his web design skills and DollycoolClare for her wonderful banner design.

Here's... what's on offer: 10 percent off any and all purchases until the end of the month. Just type in the coupon code grand01.

First Giveaway: Two fat quarters of Michael Millers Geo Spa and a metre of white one inch grosgrain ric rac. All you need to do to enter is pop over to the website and let me know what you think. Winner will be announced on Friday. (randomly generated number) There were will be more give aways to come. Here's a picture of this week's free loot.

New Classes in Bolton

My blog has been much neglected lately.  I've been working on a website which will be launching soon and teaching and planning for new classes.  Here's what we have scheduled so far...

Make New and Mend at the UCAN centre in Breightmet

We will be meeting every Wed. from 1:30-3:30 doing alternate craft and knitting classes.  Next Wed. will be an introduction to Jewellery Making.  We will be making earrings and bracelets.  If you'd like more info, just get in touch.

Leverhulme Children's Centre

Learn to knit 1-3pm.  Come and join us even if you can already knit for a relaxing afternoon and to meet new people.

Back in Action

I'm home from a long visit in Tennessee with the family and friends.  I'm ready to get cracking and get some things made.  My resolution for 2012 is to finish some of the things I started in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.  Yikes.  No doubt I'll be squeezing in some new projects in between. 

One will be making something for Chris Webb's 52 week charity craft along.  You can read all about it on his blog  www.lazycrafternoons.blogspot.com

I also want to double my stock and start selling renaisance ribbon. Whippey!

Vintage Santa and Sleigh

I got this cutie last year but it didn't arrive until after christmas. i love him.  i remember my grandmommy having one that she would put chocolates in his santa sack.  he'll need some TLC soon as the base got a bit damaged while it was being stored......

Christmas Decorations

I've truly been looking forward to decorating for Christmas this year. We were away for x-mas last year to spend the holidays with my family in Tennessee.  We didn't really bother with the tree and all the trimmings.  I opened each box with delight today remembering some some of the things I made year before last.  One of my favorites is this recycled Christmas card wreath......

It's very easy to make, if you would like to have a go.  I always save my cards and had quite a pile.  I bought a styrofoam (might undo all the good of re-using the cards but ha-ho) and traced a holy shape onto each one.

After cutting out enough to give me a hand cramp.... I hot glued each one to a cocktail (toothpick) stick and stuck it into the styrofoam.  bingo bango, your done.  Here's a picture from the side angle to show you how I've stuck them in.