Handmade By Halo

Finally something.....Bert Bear!

2011-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I posted! Lots of stuff going on, we had Christmas, then we had Finland (Anniversary / honeymoon) and now it's almost May? I haven't been shy of the knitting, Since February I have been teaching children to knit at school, as part of an after-school club and we are working towards knitting a cosy for one of the wooden beams in our atrium! Photo's to follow!

In the meantime, I'm working on Bertie Bear, another creature from 'The Odd-Bod Bunch by Donna Wilson' He is a cutie!

Here is what I have so far.....
One side of him, minus an ear!

done!

2010-11-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

Scarf update

2010-10-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Just over halfway now! And my hands have blisters!

The Hidden World of Eloise

2010-10-16T06:20:00.001-07:00

Another reason me and my husband are considering a move to Yorkshire...such wonderful inspiration! http://hidenseek.typepad.com/

Riding hood scarf....cable cable cable

2010-09-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

WestFest

2010-09-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

Well, Westfest was a fantastic weekend, we sold lots of knitted cakes, flowers, tea cosy's and egg cosy's to the lovely people of West Didsbury. We enjoyed being part of Silver Apples 'Village fete', ate far too much cake, drank too many Pimms & lemonades and generally over-indulged!

We even got snapped for the local rag, which I will post a copy of as soon as I see it myself!
Here's a link to some more photos from the day

Last minute WestFest prep

2010-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, Westfest is this weekend, and as I'm back to work on Thurs/Fri, I have lots to do still! Finished off 2 cakes today, and caught up with the stamping/pricing process!

Working for WestFest

2010-08-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

The basket is filling up, but I still have a long list of things I want to make for the stall.
I need to fill these birds with lavender, sew them up and add a ribbon.
Make more flower brooches, cakes, apple badges and hair bows!
Wish me good luck!

Afternoon Tea

2010-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

More additions for the Crafty Apple WestFest Stall!

Paper flowers in an hour....

2010-08-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

Have you ever found yourself in a shop, of lovely handmade goods, and thought, I could make that, wouldn't take me long? I was in such a shop yesterday and stopped myself from buying some gorgeous paper flowers that I thought would look lovely on my kitchen window sill.

Today, I dug out some wallpaper samples, a reel of gardening wire and some super glue, and an hour later I had a lovely vase of paper flowers...it really is as simple as that!

New rose

2010-08-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

Purple & Green should always been seen!

WestFest Banner

2010-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

After a few failed attempts, due to my sewing machine deciding to chew up my cotton, I managed to complete this banner for our WestFest stall.

I used lots of scrap fabric, some old clothes and the apple I had made using the I-cord technique!

Really excited about it now!!!
Need to get knitting!

I love my home

2010-08-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

With my craft circle 'Crafty Apples', I will be selling handmade goods at the West Didsbury WESTFEST event in September!

Our venue is Silver Apples, where we meet most weeks to craft, chat and sample there amazing selection of cakes...during WestFest Silver Apples will be working the 'village fete' idea. From bales of hay to a life size scarecrow, face-painting, outdoor cake stall, hot dog eating competition, morris dancing and special weekend festival food, including festival ciders and ales, German bratwurst, chilli, pork pies etc.

Other reasons to love West Didsbury...
http://didsburylife.wordpress.com/

I-Cord technique

2010-08-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

This technique is really quick, and you can make easy shapes by pinning it to a template as you go.....

Use any scrap yarn / wool Cast 3 stitches onto dpns Knit 3, then instead of turning around, slide the stitches to the other end of the dpn and knit again, keep knitting to desired length. This will create a thin rope, which you can then wind into any shape.

For the cloud I sketched the shape onto a piece of paper, and wound it around, starting on the outside, I pinned it, and then stitched it together on one side.

I have used 100% pure wool for the cloud so i can felt it in the wash, then Im going to sew it onto a canvas bag!

Knitted Bow headbands & Brooches

2010-08-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

I found this pattern on this lady's blog A Common Thread

The pattern is for a knitted bow headband, but you can pretty much use them for whatever you like... I think they make nice brooches, necklaces, pins for bags etc...

Here is my first attempt...

And more again....

2010-07-26T06:29:00.001-07:00

Daisy daisy

2010-07-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

I got this pattern from the book Knitted Flowers, 20 t0 make by Susie Johns
I think they make lovely pins for your coat, cardy or bag!

I ♥ hearts

2010-07-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

These were really simple, I found the heart pattern online, and knocked up 4 of them in about an hour!
http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2010/02/knitting_pattern_vintage_lace.html

Pretty ladies

2010-07-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Been working on a few things for a fair in September
I love using old clothes for new crafts....and it saves money too!

Rainy Days

2010-07-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

I've just got this pattern from http://mochimochiland.com/blog/
Very cute website, very cute patterns!!!

Summer craftng is around the corner....

2010-07-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

One week until I'm free to craft for a whole six weeks...woohoooo
watch this space

Knitting is the best medicine

2010-06-29T06:19:00.001-07:00

So, I've not been feeling so great the last few days and over the weekend, thanks to the hot and humid weather here. But it has allowed me to get a good start on my Riding Hood scarf, which is already looking lovely, I really like the pattern, and now I'm getting used to the stitch pattern it's just going to be a matter of perseverance and determination. It will measure almost 300cm when finished!

Winter Wardrobe essential 2010

2010-06-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

Riding Hood scarf - Rowan Midwest Modern Knits by Amy Butler

http://www.knitrowan.com/patterns/midwestmodernknits.aspx

The knitting starts next week....

T&TT never to be seperated again!

2010-06-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

Now we just need eye's mummy!!!

2010-06-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

The smaller head of T&T Twin

2010-05-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

I've made some good progress with Terry and Tina this weekend. Thought I would share the blurb about them from the book.... Terry and Tina Twin are good friends, but I suppose they would have to be. Terry is calm and easy going; Tina is small but feisty and usually gets her way. Terry likes reading and writing stories; Tina likes robots and dislikes bad breath.

You could come to the conclusion that Tina is the small head and Terry has the big head, but I like to think that they share heads, with all the bad thoughts in the small head and all the good ones in the larger head...but thats just me!

Two heads are better than one...

2010-05-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Terry and Tina Twin
Odd-bod Bunch
I think I have some sort of addiction to this book, I promise I will break out of the cycle soon!

Ladies and gentlemen,,,,,Vanessa Hare

2010-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Wedding Album

2010-04-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Since I got married in Feb, I have been waiting for my photos so I could start to put together my wedding album, I have done a little this wkend, and will post more as I add to it.

Vanessa 'Odd Bod' Hare

2010-04-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

This one is for my friend's new arrival Casper, who resides in Finland, so he'll need this one to keep him nice and snuggly.
Another character from the odd-bod bunch; Vanessa Hare. I decided I wanted to have a go of cable knitting. Its hard going as it's using wool cotton and 2.5mm needles (v.thin), so the first foot I did is a little messy but I'm getting the hang of it now.

That's the front completed, I've just started on one leg, the back is a little easier as it's not cable, its all in moss stitch so it shouldn't take as long.

Quick camera case

2010-04-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

A quick easy peasy camera case, made by knitting a rectangle (ribbed knitting is good for padding), folding it over and stitching it together, then adding a zip. I thought the little camera motif added a little extra cuteness.

Flamingo finished

2010-03-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

At long last I finished the flamingo, it was a twelve hour session on saturday to get it fnished but it was worth it. The body was hard because you have to stuff the neck beforehand and its hard to know where to put it, and it twists the wool around. Anyway, I was pretty pleased with myself.

Odd Bod Flamingo Update

2010-03-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

She's growing.... knitting in the round isnt so much of a novelty now.... in fact im going to be knitting on 2 needles for a while after this.
Once I've finished I wont have anything to talk about anymore, it's become a big part of my life.
Anyway, on with knitting....

Odd bod Flamingo

2010-03-07T07:17:00.001-08:00

I've started another of the Knitted Odd-Bob Bunch from Donna Wilson's book. Fifi is being knitted for my mum's birthday, she loves flamingo's and this will look great in her pink bedroom.

I've not attempted knitting in the round for a while and had a little help from a fellow Crafty Appler to get going but once I did you couldnt stop me.... ill keep updating as she grows.

New Beading project

2010-01-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

On the back of my enjoyment and success of the headband beading project I have now started a beaded cuff, I think it will look lovely worn together, especially for my hen do, as I am planning on wearing all black and it will add some sparkle..wooooo...here is the beginning stages

Beaded Headband update...

2010-01-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Well I finally finished the beaded headband, and I love it, it's come out so much better than I thought it would. I want to wear it everyday...but it's got to stay special.

Ring Cushion for the Wedding

2009-12-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

I decided to make my own cushion for our wedding rings, as I wanted to carry through my wedding colours and the pattern I used on my invitations. I used Sanderson's Dandelions fabric, which I got a sample of through the post from their website.

I think it's very cute, and not at all like other ring cushions which is exactly what I was hoping for...

New Shoes?????

2009-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ahh don'tcha just love the sales, picked up this lovely pair at Monsoon for over half price, and just right for New Years and my Hen do in Feb. Just got to practice walking in them now...

Christmas goodies

2009-12-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Two of my favourite gifts this year, a carved wooden mushroom and a lovely cake stand....

Christmas at Hampton Lodge

2009-12-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Our first year of hosting Christmas this year and I think it went rather well :-)

Crafty Apples Inspiration

2009-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Since Crafty Apples began in October I have met some lovely people, and some excellent crafters, one such crafter, Lucy, introduced me to this lovely book from Donna Wilson called; The Knitted Odd-Bod Bunch

http://www.donnawilson.com

Today I began work on one of my favourite characters from the book Mimi Mushroom ;-)

Beaded Headband

2009-12-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

Iwanted to make something for myself for the wedding, almost everything at my wedding has been handmade, just not by myself. For my evening look, I wanted a 20's/30's style headband, and found some inspiration from this lady on Etsy... Quirky Beauty

And here are the beginnings of my 'beaded leaf' headband....

Crafty Apples @ Silver Apples

2009-10-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

My new venture....

Save the date....

2009-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Its a date...

2009-09-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy...me and Colin have finally set the date for the wedding

13th February 2010 Manchester Town Hall

As you expect I have already picked out the style, themes and colours, I have even bought my accessories and bouquet, I also know where Im ordering my dress from and I am happy to announce alot of these things are handmade products bought from Etsy. I also plan to make some table decorations of my own, but Im not overwhelming myself with too much of this.

Swapsies!

2009-08-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

I recieved a wonderful gift through the post today....my swapsie back from Carmen, after sending her over a bundle of lovely lace...

What a perfect little package of handmade crochet sweetness, and all tucked inside one of Carmen's 2 minute gift bags, made with some lovely floral fabric.

You made a girl smile, thanks paws x

Buttercream is a dream

2009-08-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

It's my dad's birthday today, so I thought I would cook up something tasty... even though my dad doesn't tend to indulge himself as much as the rest of us do. I went with this simple sponge cake recipe with raspberry jam and buttercream filling, covered in chocolate fudge icing with choccy bits and sugar alphabet...which spell out my dad's signature catch phrase, the most over used comment in the Morris household, due to our delicate tummy's and eye's bigger than our belly's... 'Shouldn't of had that'

Match made in heaven

2009-08-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Whilst out and about I picked up this perfect little frame in a charity shop for £2, and I have had this print of a boy with guitar and girl knitting for a while now, I think they make a perfect pair...just like me and my own guitar playing companion...

Retro / Kitsch goodies...

2009-08-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

So this week I have been fulfilling my role as English Supernanny, looking after 2 monsters.. dragging them around the city, soaking in information from various cultural resources...two of my favourites are Manchesters Science and Industry Museum and the Imperial War museum, and I have to admit it's mainly due to the great stuff you can buy in the gift shops... here are a few treasures I picked up along the way...

We also found this great free craft class for kids..or the young at heart such as myself, 3D Dino modelling...as you can see we were quite successful Rarrrrrrrrrrrrrr

New Broaches

2009-08-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Finally I have sewn up the broaches, and will be selling them on Folksy this wkend, two have already gone to friends....proof that they make the perfect pressie :-)

http://www.folksy.com/shops/handemadebyhalo

a new project

2009-06-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to use up some left over fabrics and get some more of those Brooches made, I've cut out the patterns and they are laid out ready to sew... soon to be available through my Folksy shop

Right Paw Left Paw

2009-05-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have recently made the acquaintance of this lovely lady, who makes some v.cutsie crochet and other crafts, including some excellent guitar pedal plushes, which i have already been ordered to make by my own 'music equipment kleptomaniac' fiance....

http://rightpawleftpaw.blogspot.com/

Something old....

2009-04-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

So, as I have been digging out all my crafts, I finally found my 'ideas' book, and found alot of interesting collages and picture collections I had put together to inspire my Fairytale Collection, here are just a couple of my favourite pages.....

...let the crafts commence...

2009-04-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, after searching for 2 hours for my sewing machine pedal, I finally got around to sewing my first seam in our new house. Since the say we moved in, ive had my eye on the pair of wooden chairs that came with the place; both had faded sad blue covers, that due to our rental agreement, i can't touch. But I didnt let that stop me, and after purchasing some very lovely fabric from Dunelm Mill this morning, I wipped up some chair covers, and put new life back into those faded old recliners :-)

I also whipped up a cushion with the fabric that was previously
covering the old chairs....

It's been so long since paper birds....

2009-04-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

It would be fair to say I've had a few distractions since my last post, firstly I would say xmas'08, followed by and long and agonising application process for teacher training and more recently the most stressful and time consuming task.... moving house.

I can happily report that we are much happier in our new pad, and now have enough room to be more creative than ever, its just taken us so long to get here and 2 months to get the place in some sort of order, but now we are ready to begin and hopefully I will have some updates of this v.soon.

In the meantime here are some photos of our new home.

And now for the all important room...the studio

She-Bird Stage 3.....finally.

2008-11-03T11:54:00.001-08:00

She-Bird stage 2..."the golden glow"

2008-09-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

Joan Walsh Anglund books

2008-09-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

I found myself in Cheadle on Friday afternoon, and as well as collecting some leaves and Autumn falling's from the ground to make pretty pictures, I also pickled up this pair of oh so twee childrens books from the Oxfam Books Shop! I think I am in love......

Here is some info about the author....
(1926-) Joan Walsh Anglund became successful with her first book, A Friend Is Someone Who Likes You, in 1958. She's been making books featuring these same round-faced mouthless characters ever since, and her popularity continues to grow. There's something ineffably sweet about her creations, which are based in large part on people and places in her own life-- particularly on her children Joy and Todd.

The illustrations are so cute and perfect, I would so love to get hold of a picture to frame, I may scan one in and make my own.

Pinocchio

2008-09-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

We all know the story... wooden puppet come to life and despite guidance from the beautiful Blue Fairy (Braschi) and the love of his father, Gepetto (Guiffre), Pinocchio's curious spirit leads him into on wild adventure after another, an enchanting and magical journey.
I love it... my parents brought me back this lovely puppet from their travels...

Papier-Mache Models

2008-09-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last post, I have been working on a papier-mache model of my she-bird character in the Fairy Tale Collection, here is the dried model awaiting paint and costume...

Also Col has been working on one of his own, quite a creepy creature....

New 'Fairy Tale' Collection

2008-09-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

I've finished a few new projects but haven't time to take photos and scan them in yet as I started my new job as a SEN teaching assistant last week. After re-discovering Julie Arkell at the Ruthin craft centre I've been looking at doing some more artsy based work, in particular a collection of mixed media projects based on fairy tales.

(C) Handmade By Halo 2008

This is my first piece, a collage using a papier-mache background, layered with paper, wool, wire, fabric and felt for the details, I made most parts separately. I am really happy with the results!

I have also began stitching some small felt banner scroll's with quotes from fairy tales, which are to be used across all my pieces as a narrative to the theme of the piece.

(C) Handmade By Halo 2008

My new project is to be a papier-mache 3d model of my bird character used in the collage, for which I am using mesh, newspaper, paper, acrylic paint, fabrics and other.

More coming soon....

Mirror mirror on the wall....

2008-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

I inherited this mirror from my mum a while ago, but it was just varnish wood, very dark and very boring! I'm not a fan of varnished wood, unless its highly polished, so I decided to buy a Vintage gold paint which worked really well...it looks like an antique now, and I love these peacock feathers, which give it a real 1920's glamour feel!

Folksy Shop

2008-08-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Now stocking my recently made fabric flower brooches!
http://www.folksy.com/shops/handemadebyhalo

New Sketches

2008-08-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have been working on some sketches for my new fairy tale themed characters/stories I plan to make for xmas, I am planning to create some mixed media pieces based on these ideas. I was really inspired by the work I saw at the Ruthin Craft Centre, and I've always had a passion for a dark fairy tale.

Business Banner

2008-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

I started knitting a summer scarf back in April with some lovely Jaeger ROMA wool I got on sale at Hobbycraft. Unfortunately I didnt pick up enough and the scarf was very short, so I decided to turn it into a banner for me to use on my craft stall! I used some ribbon lace for the trim and cut up an old shirt for the lettering.

Lace

2008-08-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

I went on a lace and ribbon hunt, and see what I found... oooooo

Ruthin Craft Centre

2008-08-18T03:41:00.000-07:00

Whilst in Ruthin for the weekend we visited the newly opened Ruthin Craft Centre its a great building, very modern, and is home to three galleries, six artist studios, a retail gallery and residency workshops. It is very similar to Manchester's craft centre in its aims. The exhibition that caught my eye was Andrew Logans magnificent jewelled portraits of Gandhi, Sian Phillips, Zandra Rhodes and Maria Callas and all of the dazzling sculptures he has created! I loved how the Mosaic tiles and glass twinkled in the gallery creating a really magical atmosphere! His work has a great sense of humour also, which makes you smile as you walk around the many portraits on display. As well as sculpture there was a large amount of jewelry on display, which is also available to buy!

I was also very happy to find work by Julie Arkell on sale in the retail gallery. I discovered her work at the knitting and stitch show in Birmingham last year and fell in love with it! Julie has created a world of people, creatures and surroundings from papier-mâché and mixed media including wool, fabric and old jewelry. Her 'Folk Art' creations are a joy to look at and a real inspiration to any crafter! I love the fairytale themes and handmade authenticity of her work and one day hope to be able to afford just one piece of her papier-mâché world.

Crafts & Castles

2008-08-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend my fiance took me on a Romantic weekend break to stay in Ruthin Castle in North Wales, It's a beautiful building, with alot of history and we spent alot of time exploring the grounds and taking lots and lots of photographs...

Pin pin pin pin......

2008-08-11T09:46:00.001-07:00

broaches_sets, originally uploaded by carolinejhm.

Based on the broaches I made at the Manchester Craft Mafia's Lo-Fi DIY event, I made these 4 felt and fabric pins. They are so easy to make and so cute! x

More photos here....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27295460@N05/sets/72157606664118132/

manchester craft mafia night - brooches (1)

2008-08-11T03:25:00.001-07:00

manchester craft mafia night - brooches (1), originally uploaded by ladyfort.

Lo-Fi DIY High

2008-08-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

So.... I went along to the Manchester Craft Mafia event 'Lo-Fi DIY' tonight, and had a great time, I just wanted to post some piccies of what I made there....

I found it a great way to meet like-minded people who love crafting and talking about crafting, I really hope this becomes a more regular event....and I will be there with 'buttons' on!!!

Photos from the event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladyfort/sets/72157601821066212/

Smarty pants rag dolls....

2008-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

I like smart people, I love smart kids.... thats why Im really liking my new Sleepy friends... 'Prim and Proper' and 'Smarty Pants'

New Ideas.... rag dolls

2008-08-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

New ideas Book

2008-08-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going to ........Lo-fi DIY!

2008-07-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

A brand new crafting club for renegade boys and tearaway girls who want to make things happen.

There’s a special old-fashioned world of homemade fun to be had out there you know!

Lo-fi DIY is all about having fun, sharing ideas and making new friends. We like picnics in the summer and cosy handmade mitts in the winter.

Come and join us on Tuesday 5th August between 6-8pm at Manchester Craft & Design Centre in the Northern Quarter.

£3.50 will get you a comforting drink and snack from the cafe to help you settle down to it.

Please confirm your attendance to the email below. If you would like to know more about the night or need some ideas for a first crafting project please email us at nico@opheliabutton.co.uk

Lo-fi DIY is brought to you in association with manchester craft mafia
Thanks to the guys at Manchester Craft & Design Centre too.

Sleepy Pirates

2008-07-22T03:43:00.001-07:00

The Sleepy Pirates are all packaged up and ready for their new home with Pirate Jake, my cousins little bundle of joy....

Fashion Icon - Audrey

2008-07-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

Fashion Icon - Audrey in the making

2008-07-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

I was bought this book for my birthday in May and havent got around to making anything yet! So I decided to try one out, and Im going to make Audrey for my friend Jo, which I know she will love, I have a list of others to make from friends so I better get knitting...

Progress...

Pirates in progress

2008-07-08T10:31:00.001-07:00

Felt pirates for my cousins little angel....Pirate Jake! They still need stuffing and the finishing touches....

Russian Doll

2008-06-16T01:38:00.001-07:00

I have had an obsession with Russian Dolls since I was a little girl, my gran used to collect them and promised me that I would inherit them. Sadly I didn't and I have no idea what happened to them. Ever since I have been attracted to them, and anything with the Russian doll pattern, which seems to be around at the moment. Anyway, I have been wanting to try this out and it worked pretty good, i made the pattern myself and its made from felt and some bits and pieces I had lying around such as buttons and small fabric flowers! I think its pretty cute!

Bird Camera Cosy

2008-06-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yummy Pin cushion

2008-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

I made this cake pincushion for my friend Katy for her birthday as she is studing for a MA in Textiles @ Chelsea College of Art and Design, so I thought it might come in handy for those sewing projects!

Its made out of felt and ribbon, with small beads for the topping of 'hundreds and thousands'... yummy

I think I may make one for myself now!

Birthday dummy!

2008-05-28T03:42:00.000-07:00

The newest edition to my sewing family....
this should help!
Thanks to my parents I recieved this supa-fit dummy for my birthday.

Rags to Bitches Dressmaking courses

2008-04-18T02:37:00.000-07:00

So, I have this dream of making my own wedding dress, and now Im engaged I really need to take some steps towards this, so for my birthday my lovely fiance has offered to pay for this course at Rags to Bitches, a vinatge clothes shop in Manchester.

Get the best from your sewing machine

This course is for all of you who have sewing machines at home but don't know how to get the best out of them.
Our teacher, Jenna Barnes, is a machinist with several years experience in industry. She will teach you how to work your sewing machine, how to do pockets, button holes and lots of stitching techniques. If you want to learn how to sew this is the course for you. Places are limited to 6 people to ensure individual tuition.

The Black Apple

2008-04-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

www.theblackapple.typepad.com
theblackapple.etsy.com

Amazing, Emily Martin is a real inspiration, her artwork, crafts, home, domesticity, fashion and lifestyle. I have bought this amazing painting from her etsy shop, I like it as it looks alot like me knitting :-) I think I have found a new obsession. Please take a look you wont be disappointed!

Blythe Card

2008-04-18T02:11:00.000-07:00

I've really been getting into Blythe dolls lately, I love them because they have so much character and expression.... and this results in them looking like people you know, even some that look like me, but that isnt hard due to my large blue eyes which have become my most recogniseable feature. I just wish I had the outfits they do. This one is my favourite so far so I made a little card, a good idea for friends cards too...

Find the little darlings at...
www.blythedolls.co.uk

Bird Purse

2008-04-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

Using the same bird motif I used on the cushion I made this little purse, thats very handy for keeping copied CD's. important papers, jewelrey, or anything I fancy in. I used the eco-wool I used for the small purse to sew up the sides and brown felt.

I love birds...

Summer Scarf

2008-04-18T02:03:00.000-07:00

I've started working on this summer scarf, using some lovely muted colours of Jaeger ROMA I picked up half price from Hobbycraft. Its nice and delicate, perfect for a chilly summer evening!

Jumper Cushion

2008-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make this for a while, and finally got around to it. I love this jumper I got from Urban Outfitters a few years ago, however, it has a few holes in the neck and is a little bit tight these days, so I decided to turn it into a cushion cover....

Work Space Update

2008-01-07T03:31:00.001-08:00

Ive had an addition to my craft space, a EC-1 Toyota Sewing Machine! This was donated to me from my auntie, who doesnt have any use for it anymore, I can't wait to get started!

Eco-Purse

2008-01-07T03:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I may need a rest from present projects but I decided that I wanted to try out the Eco- wool I picked up before xmas. I was going to make mittens out of it, but it wasnt really soft or stretchy enough for that, so I thought due to its tough quality it would make a nice purse! Its a few of my friends birthdays in January so I may make a few of them, with different patterns and sizes.

New digital camera shots

2007-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

All these shots were taken on my new SAMSUNG D85, a xmas pressie from my lovely boyfriend. Its 8,2 Megapixel and you can REALLY see tha difference!!!!
In these piccies you can also see the new Momiji doll 'Giggles' also from Col, and 'Stomach Ache' from Rick.....Col recieved a 'Brain Cell' haha love them!!!

Xmas Present No3 Complete

2007-12-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

This is a scarf for my mum, knitted with SIRDAR, Kid Mohair. I did it with two colours plum and toffee.
I also added a ribbon trim on each end to finish it off!

Knitting needle vase

2007-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

I bought this fabric a few months ago, hoping to make an apron out of it, but realised I didn't have enough of it, so instead I made a nice little cosy for my ever increasing stash of knitting needles, I used an old biscuit tin and simply glued on the fabric! I love bird patterns sooooo much!!!

Xmas Wrapping....

2007-12-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

I've gone for some eco-wrapping paper from Paperchase, seen as I'm on a 'saving the world' vibe of late, it also goes with my vintage/gothic aesthetic, I hope its not too dramatic for a fuzzy warm holiday such as xmas???!!!

Xmas Present No2 Complete

2007-12-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

Yes, another scarf but this one was ordered...a plain white, simple scarf and it is exactly that. Again knitted in SIRDAR wool, this time a lovely cotton, wool blend so its nice and soft! I used 9mm needles and it only took me a couple of afternoons!

Xmas Present No1 Complete

2007-12-04T14:37:00.001-08:00

A scarf for my brothers girlfriend! I love the colour and texture of this wool! It is very much like Rowan Kid Silk but less expensive. Its called SIRDAR BLUR with Kid Mohair, its 70% acrylic and 30% Kid Mohair.
It knits very easily, although the tension is very hard to keep constant so it came out a bit wavy, but this is something that really doesn't matter when your wearing it!!!

Wrist Warmers

2007-11-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!!! I finished the wrist warmers I've been working on for a few weeks.... and lord knows I need them at the moment, to protect me from that early morning frost! I found some lovely vintage looking flower buttons from my local wool / haberdashry shop, BUSY HANDS in Ashton-Under-Lyne.

Stitch 'N' Bitch @ Borders

2007-11-06T13:24:00.002-08:00

I now run this bi-weekly Stitch 'n' Bitch @ Borders Bookshop, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester!

Handmade by Halo progress. . .

2007-11-06T12:39:00.001-08:00

My stamp finally arrived, and I also bought a chocolate brown ink pad! I think it looks pretty good... So, now I start to leave my mark on all my handmade goods. At the moment these will mostly be xmas pressies and I may look into selling on Etsy in the new year. . . but who's rushing?!

Below is one of my recent projects, some wrist warmers, who are now going to my friend Hayley for her trip to New York this month, I just need to finish the other one!

Then I'm actually going to knit myself something as I seem to be doing alot for others and not enough to keep me warm...and it is getting colder now.