The Tor Glastonbury

Some photos from last weeks trip to Glastonbury.
This is a good uphill walk (lots of steps) and it was worth it for the excellent views at the top. It was a really hot day and it would have been a good idea to bring a bottle of water! I brought an empty one so I could fill it up with the spring water near the base of the Tor (on the other side) I post those photos later in the week.


This is The Tor a hill topped by the roofless St Michael's Tower which dates to the 14th century. The slopes of the hill are terraced, but the method in which they were formed remains unexplained. Items have been found, dating back to the Iron Age.

The Tor is mentioned in Celtic mythology and is often in myths linked to King Arthur.


The whole site is managed by the National Trust.

Stonehenge

Last week I got to see Stonehenge. I have wanted to see it for a very long time and it has been on my most see list since I was a child. There's something about standing stones, how they were moved and why they were placed the way they were that's fascinating.
Here are some of my photos :)

Spoonflower - Free Shipping Day

Spoonflower are having a free Shipping Day from Monday 9am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to Tuesday 9am (EDT) it's free shipping worldwide. So I am off to order some fabric :)

Backing Up

I keep saying I must back up my blogs, so today that's what I have been doing. If you have a blogger / blogspot account it's very easy, just go into your dashboard - choose Settings - then choose Other - finally click Export blog and save. That's it done. The file should save to your My Documents - Download File on your computer.

It's useful to also save your blogs template/ design. Again go to the dashboard - click the Template tab and click backup/ restore - Download Full Template. That's it just

repeat every month or so :)

Linen Moth Part 2

If you have made your flower from yesterdays symbol chart post, now you are ready to transform it into a moth.

You have make some yarn friendly moths. Add them to bags, hats, make into brooches or necklaces have fun and let me know how you use your moths :)

Linen Moths Part 1

This year I have been trying to encourage more crocheters to read symbol charts. They are easy to follow once you know what the symbols are and tend to have less mistakes. Spring also sees the return of moths, I have been busy making little lavender bags (to put in with my yarn) when I got the idea to make some moths. I do like moths but outdoors and nowhere near my yarn. This is a moth/ or flower pattern I designed a few years ago for a crochet class.
This moth pattern uses 3 stitches

Slip Stitch 



Chain Stitch



Treble Crochet (UK)/ Double Crochet (USA)



I used 2 ply 100% linen yarn from Namolio for the moths. The linen comes in tons of colours all stunning, its one of the nicest linens I have tried. But the pattern works well in most yarns (make sure you use the correct size hook to match the yarn/ thread/ wire you choose) I have even tried 0.2mm wire (it took  approx. 11 metres of wire).

Leave a 10cm/ 4inch tail of yarn (for one of the antenna) Follow the chart and you will end up with this pretty flower, you are now ready to make your moth. I will post Part 2 tomorrow. Update: Click Here's for part 2

Bees

Spoonflower's latest design contest is called Bees. I had to enter this one. I love bees and could watch them buzzing around flowers all day the noise is so relaxing. They are so important pollinating over 80% of all fruit, vegetable and seed crops, without bees the cost of pollinating food would be so expensive many of our favourites may no longer be produced like broccoli, cucumbers, pumpkins, blueberries, watermelons, apples, cranberries, and cherries, almonds. Plus they make both honey and beeswax. Bees are decreasing so plant a few flowers for them in your garden.
The brief for this weeks contest was "Create a bee-inspired design to be previewed at the fat quarter size (21" x 18"). Deadline for entry is Tuesday, April 21st. Voting will open on Thursday, April 23rd" Here's my design called Bees Together, it matches my filet crochet chart on my website (its a free chart) called Here Come The Bees.
To see this weeks entries and vote for the designs you like the link is below. There is no need to sign in and you can vote for as many as you choose.
http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=300
I am looking forward to seeing all the other entries.

Variegated tulip

The sun has returned, not sure for how long and this beautiful tulip seems to have appeared in the garden overnight, it has stunning red and yellow stripy petals. We got it from a variety pack of tulip bulbs that are all different, so far only this variegated one has grown, but there are more blubs starting to appear so hopefully there will be more :)

Glass Beads

 

Recently I went to the Spring Knitting and Show at Olympia, it was costly to get in (£16.00 at the door) and I think this put me off buying yarn (shock! horror! I only bought a few skeins of pure silk that were a super bargain @ £1.00 each) plus my credit card malfunctioned and the pin don't work (mmmmm...... the universe also sending me a message no more yarn buying you need to use what you have!..) So my budget was much smaller, but that was good.

I did find a very good bargain at beadtime's stand, they had nice glass beads and metal charm packs. I wish I had bought more at this stand, I only got one pink and one green glass bead pack and a couple of metal charm packs. It was only when I returned home and opened the packs I discovered how nice the glass beads were. I decided to make a necklace with the pink and some of the green glass beads. I used a pink copper 0.8mm wire I already had (bought from jewellerymaker ages ago on a large reel, it took several metres of wire to make but there's loads still left) and decided to use my one step big wire looping pliers (made by beadsmith) instead for a change. I don't know why I don't use these more, it makes looping so easy. I added a little photo how to above on using them :) I think the pink wire compliments the glass beads and am happy with the results.

Decorated Mini Easter Egg Chart

 

Easter is fast approching, here is a simpler and smaller version of the Decorated Easter Egg Chart I posted a few years ago on my NezumiWorld Website
This pattern could, be used as an insert on cushions, pillows, clothing, bags. Or if using a thinner thread a bookmark.

Remember the finished size is dependant on the yarn weight/ or thread and hook size used (plus if using the chart for filet crochet the type of filet crochet 1X1 1X2 1X3 made)

Note: The chart is not just a filet crochet chart, you could also use the graph/ chart for tapestry crochet, beaded crochet, tunisian filet crochet, crocss stitch, embroidery even knitting!


APPROXIMATE FINISHED SIZES Using 1 X 2 filet crochet blocks = 1 square (As a guide only always do a tension square/ swatch):
Using Crochet Cotton size 10: width = 2.5 inches, height = 8.2 inches
Using Crochet Cotton size 20: width = 2.4 inches, height = 7.9 inches
Using Fingering/Baby Weight: width = 7.7 inches, height = 23.8 inches
Using Worsted Weight: width = 9.9 inches, height = 30.4 inches
TENSION/ GAUGE:
Using Crochet Cotton size 10: 10 squares = 2.3 inches, 10 rows = 2.5 inches
Using Crochet Cotton size 20: 10 squares = 2.2 inches, 10 rows = 2.4 inches
Using 4ply / Baby (UK) Fingering/Baby Weight (USA): 10 squares = 7.0 inches, 10 rows = 7.2 inches
Using Aran (UK)/ Worsted Weight(USA): 10 squares = 9.0 inches, 10 rows = 9.2 inches

INSTRUCTIONS (Following the chart) 1x2 filet crochet blocks:
Starting at bottom of pattern chain 34. Chain 3 to turn this counts as first treble crochet(UK)/ double crochet(USA) 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 first row reading pattern right to left. After completing first
row, chain 3 to turn to start next row. Continue following pattern until all rows are complete. At end of row
33 fasten off.

If you prefer following using crochet symbols here's a chart for you

Chain Stitch
Treble Crochet (UK)     Double Crochet (USA)

As an added bonus here is the

INSTRUCTIONS (Following the chart) 1x1 filet crochet blocks:

(better for a thin thread when making a bookmark)

Starting at bottom of pattern chain 23. Chain 3 to turn this counts as first treble crochet(UK)/ double crochet(USA) 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 first row reading pattern right to left. After completing first row, chain 3 to turn to start next row. Continue following pattern until all rows are complete. At end of row 33 fasten off.

Happy Easter :)

Jewellery Jigs

 At Christmas I treated myself to some jewellery jigs. They are quite cheap so I was not sure if the results would be good, but I was pleasantly surprised. They were very easy to use and gave good results. Here's a few pic of one of the earring wire jigs. I'll post more results soon.

Which came first the sea dragon or the egg

Yesterday I managed to finish and enter (just in time!) my entry to the "Mythical creature plushie pattern" contest run over at Spoonflowers site. Here's the brief "Create a cut-&-sew pattern to make a plush mythical creature toy. The sewing pattern, with instructions, should fit on a fat quarter of linen-cotton canvas (27" x 18"). Contest will close for entries on February 17, 2015. Voting opens Thursday, February 19th."

So here's my entry "Sea Dragon and Egg" usually I do more complicated cut n sews but decided to keep the pattern simple and let the design shine through. I thought also my doing this the design could be used for an appliqué onto a t-shirt, cushion, bag. There's also a little touch of the metal cogs design to match my other steampunk inspired "Cogs and Gears Collection".
Here's the link to vote for your favourites, no need to sign in and you can vote for as many as you choose.
http://www.spoonflower.com/contest_voters_temp/new?contest_id=291
I am looking forward to seeing all the other entries.

January Speeds By

It feels like the month has only just started not coming to an end. I have been busy transferring and updating patterns because as of the 1st of January the EU VAT laws on digital services, that includes digital downloads (this also includes music, apps, ebooks) yes knitting and crochet patterns. Here's the link for the UK government page for more information. Basically I can register in all the EU countries that might sell one of my patterns in and file quarterly paperwork (even if I don't sell anything) or as many have no longer have my pattern for sale (big companies who are VAT registered do not have to do this). But a third option was found in December when Loveknitting.com came forward (together with ravelry.com) and they will handle the payments and paperwork for designers who go through them. This means all my EU (except the UK as I live here) pattern sales will now go through loveknitting.com links will still be on ravelry as normal. Loveknitting also sell books, needles, hooks and yarn.

My other transfers have been to a new fabric shop on Woven Monkey similar to Spoonflower who I still love. Woven Monkey are UK based
this is a little info from their site "Woven Monkey was set up to give individuals the opportunity to have their own designs printed onto fabric. All our printing takes place right here in the UK, at our premises in Derbyshire. The textile industry has a rich heritage in the area, dating back almost 300 years. We’re passionate about reviving the industry through new ideas and technology"
They use the latest in digital fabric printing methods and very important for me was they use eco-friendly pigment inks on natural fibres. Been UK based it also means UK and EU customers who want to buy fabric will not have to worry about additional customs charges and lower shipping costs (they post free if in the UK)

Happy New Year 2015

A Happy New Year 2015 to Everyone :)

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.