Some Commissions!

I've had some commissions lately which is really great - it's good to be working on something that you've already sold! Far better for your confidence, although it can be more stressful, especially as you have a customer's expectations to worry about too. But my customers have all been lovely so far, so fingers crossed. It's a real mixed bag of projects. Gill wanted a hat... it's just been finished, and this is me wearing it - excuse the crazed smile (see below, I'm very tired). The yarn is Colinette Point 5 in a shade called Velvet Damson. It really is lovely and a real pleasure to work with. I've also crocheted up another in a shade called Bright Charcoal (I couldn't go to the shop for just one thing could I?) - can't decide whether to sell or keep that one! I am becoming slightly obsessed by Colinette yarns, they are such blissful colours and I love the different textures and structures that they produce. I've had some requests for proper full-sized stockings, so I've been having fun working on designs. I thought it might be interesting/scary to post a picture of my initial design so that you can compare it to the final result. So, here's my design.... The customer requested pink and wanted the stocking personalised, and I suggested the applique. I think the one thing that this tells everyone is that my artistic skills are extremely limited. And don't you like the use of the pink gummed paper I pinched from my sons' craft box?! I'm going to be using pink corduroy for the main body of the stocking, and felt for the tree and the letters. The stocking is going to be lined with some gorgeous Michael Miller fabric called Yule Trees (the link will take you to Hancock's of Paducah - I warn you not to click on it if you suffer from fabric issues). We tracked down a UK supplier of this fabric on Ebay - it's been a very helpful service so far from Quilted Mouse Fabrics. Another item I've been asked for is a blue hippo amigurumi with a nurse's hat and apron. I'm thinking felt for the hat and apron - I'm hoping it's going to look pretty cute. Other stuff I have almost finished at the moment are: business card wallets made with some really funky Free Spirit fabric, 2 or 3 crochet brooches and a patchwork bag. Phew! And of course there's just the small matter of my lads' 6th birthday party at the weekend and finishing decorating the front room by Christmas. See, I told you there was a reason I look tired...

A new top for me!

I had the fantastic opportunity to go to the first day of England's second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord's last week. I love cricket, so this was as a wonderful treat for me, and I felt like I needed something new to wear for the occasion. My summer wardrobe is so boring, and I didn't have anything that seemed quite right for such a fantastic event. I didn't really have the cash to go shopping, but a few weeks back I bought a Japanese pattern book - Beginner's Dress and Tunic book - from the fab Etsy seller Pomadour24, and I've been dying to have a go at one of the patterns, so it seemed like a good opportunity. I didn't really have the time to do it either, but the patterns are very straightforward (in spite of being in Japanese of course), so I thought I would give it a go. I wanted something comfy but reasonably flattering, and I also wanted to use this gorgeous Michael Miller fabric called Boho Blossoms, which I had in my stash. So here's a picture of what I came up with. It's actually nothing much like the pattern, which doesn't have the contrasting high waisted panel or the belt, and is considerably longer. But it was great to have the pattern to help me with the fitted bodice, the neckline and the arms. I really enjoyed wearing it, and thought it looked ok - the arms especially have a really flattering kimono-style fit. It's the 1st piece of clothing I have made for myself in years and it was fun to do. I started thinking about getting myself a dressmaker's dummy - a very bad sign!

Whilst I was in London I made my poor friend accompany me on my craft-related shopping activities. I couldn't buy too much because I knew that I would have to take it with me to the cricket, and wouldn't have much space for a picnic and yards of new fabric. But I wanted to get some pink ribbon for drawstring bags I'm making, and so took the opportunity to visit the brilliant VV Rouleaux in Marylebone. What a shop - it has the most fabulous array of trimmings, ribbons, cords, tassels...etc. etc.. I could have spent a fortune. I also happened upon the Button Queen, also in Marylebone Lane, which has a fantastic array of antique and vintage buttons, as well as lots of fashion buttons to buy. I hope I get to London again soon - with more bag room this time. As for the Test match? It was fabulous and, WE WON! Roll on the 3rd Test.