Yarn Bombing

My lovely crafty friend Mhairi owns Weft Studio here in Carlisle, I sell some of my wares there and run crochet workshops. However the thing I love best is sitting having a brew and a crafty natter, she has a nice view of Castle (although it would be better without a bloody dual carriage way in front of it- politics, sorry) and people watching is a great hobby of mine. 
However it has become apparent that the drivers of Carlisle cannot park on the street outside her shop, it's quite narrow to squeeze into the spaces and in the course of one day in the studio I witnessed 3 cars bump a signpost outside the shop door, and one car bump into another and drive off.  
So I thought I must do something to help drivers see this post.

This is my first piece of Yarn Bombing, and I'm really chuffed at it, especially when 2 different people stroked it as they went past. I'm hoping to cover the whole pole, but as there's lots of other crafter's that use the studio I think it may become a mixed media affair. 
Some people say why? I say why not? 
I think it highlights the craft, but in this setting does it then become art? 
Have I someone managed to bridge the gap between artist and crafter, this topic is one that comes up often in my crafty chats. I consider myself a crafter, but what is the difference really? And what do you consider yourself to be?


"I don't see craft as something you make, but rather something you need to achieve good art."
 -Dawn Detarando


"Art can't deny craft, but refuses to acknowledge it.  In the end they are still brothers."
-Christian Barr.


Questions, questions my blogging friends.  My mind is full of questions.
Comments, as always are welcome.
Amanda.x.

First Crochet Workshop

When I say first crochet workshop I mean the first I've ever taught, eek, it was so scary. 
I think I'm pretty good as a public speaker & talking to people on a one to one basis but when it comes to actually showing 6 other people how to do your craft it's really mentally taxing.
I understand why my Nana had a hard time trying to teach me as an insistent 5 year old at her knee, I think learning crochet is a lot about muscle memory, the ebb & flow of wool through your fingers is something which becomes remembered by your hands and happens when your brain switches off.  But learning those initial skills is hard work, and you have to concentrate on every little loop.

The workshop took place at Weft Craft Studios run by the lovely Mhairi below, who played with my pom pom maker all night instead.

I find it fascinating watching peoples hands working with fibre, and I loved the age range of all the ladies attending, and that some of them actually finished a lovely little flower for their coats by the end. 

The lovely ladies and I at the end of the night, I hope they had a lovely time and as my computer won't let me attach their refresher worksheet to their email I think I'll post a how to guide on my blog.

So would anyone else like to crochet along?

Amanda.x.

A Bit Of Work In Progress

So if anyone is keeping track you'll notice I am a great starter of projects, just view the column to the left where you can my started projects. 
Worryingly there's not too many in the finished column considering we're quarter of the way into the year, but hey who said crafting with 2 young children, a house & Hubby to look after would be easy.
Annoyingly the cushions are almost finished but the finishing up takes all the time, I'm blaming the dust cloud; 
why not? every one else is.  So I thought I'd start some quick gratification projects to keep up the pace.
These are crocheted flowers, I love making these & remember my Grandma showing me how to crochet different types of flowers, so they bring back lovely nostalgic feelings as they glide through my fingers.

I really like this style rose but the way I've made it I think it looks like a water lilly. These are made with a thick cotton which makes them lovely and tactile.

This is a curly flower style & the colour reminds me of Creamed Rice Pudding I connected very close together at the back to give it small full appearance.

Where the larger version above it is kept loose making it wider and less structural, I think it would suit a button or pearls in the middle. This nude colour is everywhere at the moment as is anything floral so I'm hoping to be bang on trend with these.

I just have to attach the backings then these lovelies will be in my shops soon. What other colours would you like to see?

Dreaming of flowers & Summer days.

Amanda.x.

for the love of Ripple

Well I've not blogged for a while and this is the reason why

I'm obsessed with crocheted ripple design, although in my eagerness to skip ahead I started a mammoth throw first (craft madness sometimes takes me over)only for it descend into chaos and have to be frogged, when sanity reined me back in I thought making a cushion first would be a better testing piece. And there it is in all its almost finished glory, I love this colour combination its so warm and snuggly, and you just can't help stoke those curves.

If you're interested in taking your crocheting to waves there's some great tuition guides and beautiful blogs on the subject at Attic 24, Rosie little things and The Purl Bee.

I'll update soon with the finished result.

Although this is a new skill for me I don't think it can be taken off my goal list as its just an extension of crochet which I knew how to do already.

What are you crafting? and are you hoping to learn a new crafting skill this year?

Amanda.x.

Baby, its cold outside

Now I'm going to tell you a little secret, come closer....

Whoo, there I said it.

Today in our anti-snow country its a bit daunting to say such things but there is something so pretty about everything being wrapped in a blanket of white, like nature pulling the duvet over and saying hey I wanna stay in bed.

I know for some its been a traumatic time, falls, frozen pipes, no heating, broken bones, no bread, chilblains, schools closed etc... but I think it has given a lot of people myself included a wonderful opportunity to slow down and enjoy life, and their family.

My Christmas as usual was a hurried affair, working in retail I worked till late Christmas Eve and was back in 8am Boxing day, but the snow made everything last longer, I enjoyed going everywhere a little slower, staying inside crafting while drinking hot chocolate, playing in the snow, explaining weather systems to my 3 year old, watching my husband building a snowman with her, seeing Lucas touch snow for the first time, going sledging together, all this is more precious than any commercial bought gift could be.

Wishing for more snowy times ahead.

Amanda.x.