Tree Gift Tag

Yesterday I posted the Angel Gift Tag, today as promised it's the Tree Gift Tag. Both of these new designs match the Christmas Bauble Gift Tag from a couple of years. There is also some photo's on how to decrease in filet crochet.on that blog post.
Instead of making this as a gift tag you could make a Christmas tree decoration.
The chart can be used not just for crochet but also knitting, cross stitch and beading weaving, beaded crochet/ knitting, tunisian crochet, embroidery.....
I recommend a 1X1 filet crochet and no10 cotton, but you could use any yarn (make sure the hook is correct for that yarn thickness) The size will depend on the thickness of yarn used. 
 

Chain 27 turn, chain 3 (this will count as first treble crochet (UK)/ first double crochet (USA) of first row), 1 treble crochet (UK)/ 1 double crochet (USA) into the 5th chain from the hook,treble crochet (UK)/ double crochet (USA) in next 2 chains to

complete bottom right solid square of pattern.

Continue following pattern for the first row reading the graph right to left. After completing first row, chain 3 to turn to start next row.Continue following graph until all rows are complete.

At end of row 19 fasten off.

Angel Gift Tag

 I designed two new gift tags this year to match the Christmas Bauble Gift Tag from a couple of years that proved very popular. There's also some photo's on how to decrease in filet crochet.on that blog post.
I am posting the angel gift tag today and the tree gift tag tomorrow.
Instead of making this as a gift tag you could make a Christmas tree decoration.
The chart can be used not just for crochet but also knitting, cross stitch and beading weaving, beaded crochet/ knitting, tunisian crochet, embroidery.....
I recommend a 1X1 filet crochet and no10 cotton, but you could use any yarn (make sure the hook is correct for that yarn thickness) The size will depend on the thickness of yarn used.
 


Chain 27

turn, chain 3 (this will count as first treble crochet (UK)/ first double crochet (USA) of first row), 1 treble crochet (UK)/ 1 double crochet (USA) into the 5th chain from the hook,treble crochet (UK)/ double crochet (USA) in next 2 chains to

complete bottom right solid square of pattern.

Continue following pattern for the first row reading the graph right to left. After completing first row, chain 3 to turn to start next row.Continue following graph until all rows are complete.

At end of row 19 fasten off.

More fabrics

 

These are the other digital printed fabric pieces that arrived recently.

The black and white (with a little highlight of yellow) fabric is called "Midnight Cat Does Damask" this is the small size print there is also a larger scale print. And here's a photo of my
model in the garden. Always ready to model for food.

The blue fabric with the cameos is called "Cameo Girl Cogs" again this is the small size and there is a larger scale version. I wanted something that was a mix of old and new just like steampunk and it matches my other cog and gear fabrics. This was print on satin.

The final fabric also blue, but with sweets/ candys I remember from my childhood called "Sugar Mice and all things Nice" sugar mice, allsorts, smarties, candy canes and lollies swirling around in a sweet 'n' tasty dream. All the things I remember you could buy with your pocket money in the local sweet shop as a child, although I hated liquorice (and still do) it always looked pretty.

The fabric comes in three colours blue (as in the pic), pink and green.

Now I need some time to do lots of sewing :)

Fabric arrives

Recently spoonflower had a BOG OFF sale (buy one get one free) on fat quarters of fabric. My fabrics arrived last week, here's some of the pics.

 
The first two are cut and sew patterns, both printed on 100% cotton fabric.
"Mr Fox Awake/ Asleep Cover" is inner pillow/ cushion, that is filled with wheat or rice to create a  heatable pillow(in a microwave), it can then be put into the fox (one side awake the other side asleep) outer cover.

"Bees 'n' Flowers Barrel shaped pencil case" make one lined barrel shaped pencil case with a strap, or two unlined barrel shaped pencil cases :) 

 

 

And "Mom's Recipe - Soda Bread Tea Towel" this is printed on the linen/ cotton blend as its larger size, I think I may also make a smaller size so two prints can fit on a fat quarter. I was very happy with how this printed and it just needs the edges neatened and hemmed.

I'll post the other fabric quarters as soon as I photo them :)

Fibre Monday

Spoonflower.com are having a 12 hour free shipping worldwide event starting today :)
My fabrics from their last special offer have just arrived, I will post some pics of them tomorrow.

Glastonbury

I went to Glastonbury in Somerset for a day trip last week. I had never been before and friends said it was an interesting place to visit. It is steeped in history probably the most famous been its connections to Camelot and King Arthur.
The high street has many old buildings made of stone (I like stone so many beautiful tones and textures), there are lots of interesting, quirky and colourful shops to wander around. The place has an atmosphere I can't really describe, you have to visit the place to experience it. I hope if I return to see some more of the local places of interest like the Chalice Well Gardens with it flowing red water.
Here are some of my photos of the High Street and nearby Abbey

Midnight Cat does Damask

This weeks Spoonflower.com contest is Cat Damask here's the information that was given for entries - "This week we're asking designers to come up with damask-inspired prints that incorporate illustrations of cats. Previews will be sized as quarter yards (21" x 18") “

This is my entry "Midnight Cat does Damask", can you see the damask shaped cat-head?

http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/3502190

There are 320 entries this week, you can vote for as many or as few entries as you like or just have a look, no need to sign in or join to vote. Note: you have to go all the way down to the end entry to confirm your vote/ s. To see them all and vote here's the link

http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=270

International Crochet Day 2014

It's IDC or International Crochet Day today, ICD was created 7 years ago to promote crochet, what are you doing to celebrate :)
What will you do?
Here's a few ideas
- teach a friend to crochet
- crochet out in public
- read crochet bloggers posts and leave a comment to encourage them:)
- crochet a small gift for a friend
- try a different crochet style (broomstick, hairpin, filet)
- try a new stitch
- crochet with a different material (wire, recycled plastic, string)
- sort through your yarn stash (I so need to do this!!)
- visit Jimbo on his blog who created ICD, he has an excellent competition to win one of his beautiful hand craved hook (I won one several years ago and have purchased one also) at http://jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/international-crochet-day-approaches.html

So to celebrate I am posting the mini version of my I ♥ 1 bookmark, follow the grid or follow the symbol chart below.

Starting at bottom of pattern chart, chain 28

Chain 3 to turn which will count as first double crochet of first row.

Treble crochet (UK)/ Double crochet (USA) in 5th chain from hook. Treble crochet (UK)/ Double crochet (USA) in next 2 chains to

complete bottom right solid square of pattern.

Continue following pattern for the first row reading the graph right to left. After completing first row, chain 3 to turn to start next row. 

Continue following graph until all rows are complete.

At end of row 31 fasten off.

I have some tips on decreasing in filet crochet on a previous post here at Christmas Gift Tag  

And here's some links to previous pattern I posted for ICD
ICD 2009 - Red flower
ICD 2010 - I love crochet bookmarks (2 of them) also available free as a pdf via ravelry
ICD 2011 - Hearts Bookmark
ICD 2012 - A spiral flower pattern


Have a HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY :)

Summer snaps

Its so nice to get out of the city and breath in some fresh air,
take a walk and snap some photos.

Its also great that this summer we have had lots of sunny bright days in contrast to the extremely wet winter and spring.

So here are some of my holiday snaps.

    

Fabric Arrived

The first of my fabrics arrived and I am very happy with the results, its my "Sweet 'n' Sour" print. This fabric makes me think of cool summer drinks. Now to make something for the summer before it ends :)

Supermoon

Did you see the supermoon last night (in between the rain, clouds and lightening).
The full moon was extra bright due to the fact that the moon is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit (perigee) it appears 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger. It was the 2nd of the supermoons this summer the last was in July and the next is in September,so if you missed it this month, you have a chance next month to see it.

Hexagons part 1

Here's a little "how to make" for the pieced hexagon patchwork, as I have had several requests

You need 2 sizes of hexagon, 1 for the paper pieces and 1 for the fabric pieces, this is the size used for the paper hexagon with a seam allowance of your choice all around usually about 1/4" / 6mm
I use normal printer paper for my hexagons, not the really cheap stuff just the normal weight paper. When I print stuff instead of recycling it in the recycle bin I cut hexagons from it. I also recycle leaflets and junk mail that keeps coming through my letterbox. I have used 2"/ 5cm sized hexagons (the paper hexagon size) but you can usethe size you prefer.

 

1. Place a fabric hexagon with the wrong size facing up and place a paper hexagon centred on top. You can pin the paper and fabric hexagon together if you prefer.

2. Fold over 1 edge, I usually run my fingernail along the seam (finger press). Tack the fabric to the paper by starting in the middle of the seam do a few small stitches or knot the thread to begin with (whichever method you prefer to do!)








 

3. Fold over the next seam and finger press, make a stitch or 2 in the corner through all the layers of fabric and paper. Make another stitch in the middle of the seam.

 4. Repeat until last fold. Fold the corner fabric to match the other sides, stitch to secure.











You need 7 hexagons to make a flower (my next hexagon how to make)

Free Swatch

From 12pm EST on Thursday, June 5th until 12pm EST on Friday, June 6th, you can get a free, custom-printed swatch of  Spoonflowers new Faux Suede fabric, along with free shipping. (One free swatch per household. This is an international offer) there's more information on their blog http://blog.spoonflower.com/2014/06/get-a-free-swatch-of-faux-suede-for-24-hours.html

You can get your own design printed (or photo, kids drawings)  or choose from the 1000's of designs available


The swatch is 8" X 8" (20cm X 20cm) 
I ordered mine and will make a small purse from it like these ones I blogged about a few years ago:)

My spoonflower shop is http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/nezumiworld for the prints in the photo and lots more :)
 
 

Blooming Marvellous Design Contest

I just entered the Blooming Marvellous Design Contest over at the Bags of Love website. That's my entry with the giant bee :)
Here's a little about it from from there site "
With summer on its way and the beautiful flower shows on the horizon, Blooming Marvellous is a new, unique competition, which celebrates gorgeous flowers and their impact on the design and creative worlds."

Pop over to there site to have a look at the great floral designs, clicking below

http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/contest/2?designid=204#contestentry

Tote bag granny hexagon fabric arrived

My tote bag (Lined Tote Bag featuring a Crochet Print) fabric arrived today. I am so happy with the results of the printing. I will cut out and make the bag later this week and post the results :)

CRAFTSY'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

Craftsy is turning 3 and to celebrate this weekend, they are having a Birthday Flash Sale!
Starting on the 10th May selected classes are available with up to 50% off, Hurry, offer expires on the May 11th at 11:59pm MT. 

Mom's Soda Bread Tea Towel

 

I had planned on doing all the competitions Spoonflower set for the month of April. For two reasons, because it was the Easter break and I had time off from my teaching work and two my mom would have been 70 this month she died this year at the start of January, so it is an upsetting month for us, she believed you should do positive things to be happy, so that's the main reason I set myself this task. I though there was 4 competitions set for April one each week but there was 5 and it is very apt that the last competition from Spoonflower this month is "Moms recipe tea towels" the brief was "No matter where you live in the world, nothing spells comfort like a home cooked meal from your mom or grandmother. Celebrate the important culinary women in your life this Mother's Day by designing a lovely recipe just like mom used to make. Recipes should fit a fat quarter-yard of our Linen-Cotton Canvas fabric. Entries will be previewed at the scale of a fat quarter (27" x 18")"
So the image up top is my entry "Mom's recipes - soda bread tea towel" with yes my moms soda bread recipe. is on it. She made this all the time often making extra to give to friends.  I have this recipe also on my foodie blog if you fancy making it :) My mom liked her fancy tea towels I am sure she would have been so happy to see the recipe on one.
To vote or just look at any of the entries in this week competition click on the link below, please remember to make sure you go all the way down to the bottom of the page and hit submit when you do vote so it is counted (you don't need to sign up to vote)
http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=245

Custom wallpaper contest

This weeks spoonflower contest is not for fabric, but for wallpaper.
Spoonflower print custom fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap and decals, I know they have done a gift wrap contest before but I think this is their first wallpaper contest.

The brief this weeks was "Floral coloring book wallpaper - At Spoonflower, we like to keep our childlike creativity and curiosity alive. That's why we're oh so excited about this week's contest: floral coloring book wallpaper. Create a black and white design that is ready for crayons, pencils, and markers to go wild. Designs are intended for wallpaper, but previews will be sized as a quarter yard of fabric (21" x 18")"


So I got the pencils, pens and paper out and started drawing flowers. I then scanned the rough images into photoshop, cleaned them up and experimented moving them around and I came up with this design. I enjoyed this contest.

To have a look at all this weeks entries and vote for the ones you like go to
http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=244 
just make sure you go all the way down to the bottom of the page and hit submit when you do vote so it is counted, you don't need to sign up to vote

Earth Day Cut & Sew Bag

 This weeks spoonflower competition is for an Earth Day Cut & Sew Bag, the brief was "To honor earth day 2014, we're asking you to create a cut & sew pattern for a reusable shopping bag. The design should be set up to be centered. Preview will be sized at a single yard of (42" X 36") kona cotton."
This fabric design had two stages, the designing of the bag/ pattern and then the design to go on the bag. Spoonflower did supply a file for a bag if people could not make their own, but I felt it had a lot of wasted fabric space and I also wanted to put lining in my bag.
For me when designing the bag I tried to use as much of the yard as I could, I think there should be very little wastage if something is for earth day. The bag is lined for strength and has no seams on the bottom again for strength. The straps are wider so they don't cut into your shoulders when been used, I may even add a light-weight wadding/ batting to them give them extra support and comfort.
For the design on the bag, I used the crocheted hexagon I had been playing with recently (I posted about last month) and decided to scan them into photoshop. I had to do this many thing as what looks like a good hexagon when scanned for some reason does not always look like a hexagon or the stitches do not show nicely. I played with the scanned hexagons for several hours and created a few different fabric prints I was happy with to use on the bag. I also played with the colour a little, keeping with earth day theme I wanted a "green bag" that was green!
I have ordered the fabric and I am waiting for it to arrive to see how it looks when printed. I will make the bag and post a "how to" when it comes.
To vote for my bag or to see/ vote for the other bags in the competition click the link below http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=243 there are some really nice designs. You can vote for as many as you like (only 1 vote per person) just make sure you go all the way down to the bottom of the page and hit submit when you do vote so it is counted (you don't need to sign up to vote)