Lecien Giveaway

Very Berry Handmade and I are teaming up this week for an exciting giveaway.  The winner will receive a fat quarter bundle by Lecien Japan and 2 metres of red spotty print bias binding.  These beautiful prints are from the Old and New 1930's collection and are 100% cotton.  I've received a new shipment so please visit http://stitchmelane.com/fabric-by-maker/lecien-fabrics to see the full range.

To enter, visit Very Berry Handmade's website and leave a comment about this giveaway.  If you're not already familiar with her wonderful blog it is definately one to follow.  It is packed full of wonderful crochet patterns (my latest love), sewing tips, shopping guides, yummy recipes and much more!   The site was set up by Ali Burdon and Sandy.  Ali has recently started selling Liberty prints, so be sure to check them out.

For another chance to win visit Very Berry's Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/Veryberryhandmade?ref=ts, follow her on twitter and retweet for an extra chance to win as well.

Crochet update

I recently learned to crochet and am in love.  Oh, no. A new hobby!  I'm currently co-teaching some knitting and crochet classes at Hulme Library.  It will culminate in an outdoor display during the Hulme festival.  The theme is flowers and creepy crawlies.  We've been making bugs, flowers and allsorts.  I thought it would also be nice to have some bunting hanging from tree to tree.  I saw this pattern on line http://lilley.typepad.com/lilley/2010/07/crochet-granny-bunting-a-pattern.html and decided to have a go.  It is essentially a granny square with three corners instead of four.  I've made a few to see how they are looking.  Here are the results:

While I was looking for a bunting pattern, I came across these fantastic day of the dead designs and free pattern.  I can't wait to have a go..... http://www.sharalambethdesigns.com/2011/08/skull-crochet-pattern.html

I love seeing what people make!  When I parcel up fabric to send to someone I always wonder what it will be used for.  That's why I'm always delighted to see picture of what you've made with the fabrics you've bought from my shop.  I've had three send recently and here they are..... I'm so impressed!

First up is the talented Clare Dutton owner and maker of DollyCool http://dollycool.co.uk  She's been making some real lovelies.  This is a pencil skirt out of Alexander Henry Folklorico Fabric.

And this is her uber cool Russian Doll Dress.  It has a true retro vibe.  Check out her website for amazing jewellery and accessories.

Next up are these adorable dungarees from Little Glad Rags.  Gemma makes amazing children's clothes.  They are beautifully made and different from what you find in the high street shops.  You can see loads more of her beautiful clothes on her facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/littlegladrags

 

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.