Buttercup Bag

Lovely easy pattern, great for gifts. I might make a slightly bigger one for myself as it is quite small. Fabrics are both from Ikea, the lining fabric was only £1.99 a metre so a real bargain. I love the freshness of the look of this bag.

I said I was on a roll!

Little lavender bag made with left over Drops Fabel yarn that I used for the socks. I put a musling liner in the bag so that the lavender doesn't creep out.

Busy Saturday

Another post for today! I'm on a roll!
Here is a little fabric basket (see Pink Penguin) and a tissue holder and lavender bag I made today for a gift. Don't they look lovely and so easy. I'd love this if it was given to me. I used left over Hunky Dory Fabric from the Daisy Chain Quilt. I did set aside today to do some sewing butwasn't ready to get on with some of my purchases from the NEC Exhibition. I have some decisions to make first.

Red Fabel Socks

Yet another pair of socks. I used the basic sock pattern, no frills or textures but no need as the yarn does it all. I love self patterning yarn and this one by Drops is a reasonable price with lovely patterning. Another item to add to my stash of xmas presents.
I love knitted socks!

Daisy Chain Finished!

Very happy with this. I backed it with fleece so it is really soft and snuggly. There was a problem with the fleece stretching so there are a couple of horrid puckers on the back which I'm happy to live with as it is so soft. Next time I back with fleece I will tack the backing on with large stitches rather than just pinning it. That should give me a better result. You live and you learn.

Festival of Quilts NEC

Wow! I was overwhelmed by the quality, variety and colour of the quilts on display. They were absolutey wonderful. The amount of work that must have gone into creating these pieces of art was amazing.
My friend and I had a great day out and had to drag ourselves away at the end of the day because we felt we still hadn't seen it all. It was nice to see some of the faces behind the websites and also to chat to complete strangers over tea or a quilt. I did of course spend far too much and ended up with 3 bag kits, not sure how. I also got some fat quarters and a load of ideas for projects. I can't wait until next year for the next one.

Daisy Chain Blues!

I am feeling very frustrated today as I had intended to start quilting my Daisy Chain quilt. I've pinned the top to the fleece backing and rolled it ready to go into the machine. Now my husband has decided to go into the kitchen to make curry. Oh for a sewing space! I can't set the machine up because my quilt will smell of curry! Oh well I shall just have to knit the second sock of my red 'Fabel' socks.

Finished, Blocked and Fringed.

This scarf feels absolutely lovely, it's soft and squishy. Sadly I have no idea what the yarn is as I bought it without a label. However I was assured by the lady in the shop that it was italian and was made up of mohair and merino wool. It has a slub in it and was a little difficult to knit up at times but I love the scarf. It's going into my stash of homemade Christmas gifts.

Blueberry Muffins!

So easy and very tasty. I'm glad I decided to bake today.

North Ronaldsay Wool

This wool comes from the hardy little sheep that live on the beach in the Orkneys and eat seaweed. I actually had some of the mutton at a lovely restaurant in Kirkwall and it was delicious. So not only lovely yarn, this is a 4ply weight, but yummy too. I did also buy some double knitting and aran weight to play with as well. It comes in a range of natural colours from off white to black. This is dyed from an off white one. I am using the scarf pattern that came free with the wool. Its called cats paw lace. Very easy but looks hard.

Saturday, Must be Make a Bag Day

Finally got round to making the bag on the cover of Cath Kidston book. It was very easy and I added a lining to give it more body. I sewed the buttons on through the strap and bag because I have never done button holes on my sewing machine. I took one look at the button hole foot and thought I would leave it for another time. Anyway as I have given myself the challenge of making all my Christmas presents this year, this bag will go to someone worthy. I have a pair of socks on my knitting needles, a scarf to block and add the fringe to and chutney made. So well on the way.

Flowers

I got a bit happy with the super macro on my camera. I bet I looked a bit silly as I hovered on my knees over wild flowers of Orkney. The wild flowers were lovely but sadly the sea pinks or thrift had just finished. A month ago the cliffs would have been covered in pink.

Fulmar Chick

Spotted this fluffy ball of grey feathers on Papa Westray. How cute is he!

Holidays!

I have been on a lovely holiday in the Orkney Islands. Beautiful, quiet, peaceful. I have taken lots of photos and had a good play with my new camera. So not much sewing, I did knit a scarf in a lacy design that came free with 100g of North Ronaldsay wool. I used an italian yarn I bought in a craft shop in St Margarets Hope on South Ronaldsay. I need to track down exactly what it is. The scarf has turned out beautifully. Photo soon.
There is so much to share so I shall post bits and pieces of my holiday over the next few days.