Lockdown Discovery…………

 that’s proved to be expensive!

 At the end of last month I left you with a little teaser as to what I had just discovered, and I will get to that shortly.

I had just one finish this month, as I’ve been busy trying to get my craft room into some sort of order.  I really want to decorate in there but can’t decide what I want to do, so it’s become a bit of a dumping ground if I’m honest.  But in an effort to use up my excess of odd balls of wool I’ve been crocheting lap throws and have just finished the second one.

The two finished throws will be heading to one of the many good causes on Helping Hands.

Now to my discovery.

Everyone had heard of You Tube right? 

Well, I’ve just discovered that there is also Floss Tube,  a  whole community of crafty people showing off their cross stitch WIPs, finishes, thread storage, tutorials, plus lots of other crafts too…….oh my, I’m so happy!!

The trouble is, it should come with a danger warning because every time I watch a video, I end up with the list of new charts I want to stitch, gadgets I can’t do with out and things I want to try. Lol.

One of the first things I noticed was that many stitchers were using lovely clear fronted projects bags to store their work and of course I needed one, so I ordered this one from ‘Ness Loves Needles’ on Etsy.

 Now this is beautifully made, but at £23 a time, owning a few would set me back quite a pretty penny. But after doing some research on Floss Tube I found a number of tutorials and am going to try making some myself……. which leads me my nicely to my next couple of purchases, 20” fabric squares and zips.

Nothing too expensive just in case I mess it up, so …………….Watch this space!

Another thing I noticed was that everyone was using a magnetic needle minder on each project, so again I looked on Etsy and came across Denkai Designs.   A few days later these arrived.

I splashed out on charts too, this time from Peakside Needlework's web site

I’ve been eyeing up “Little Sheep Virtues” from Little House Needlework’s  for some time and finally took the plunge and ordered all 12 charts and the cute buttons that go with them.   

I’m just waiting for the fabric to arrive and I’ll be making a start.

So that’s about it for now, so until next time, Stay Safe.

 

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

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Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

A New Year and a New Start…….. All be it a little late!

 Here we are, half way through January and here I am wishing everyone a Happy New Year, and yes, like many of you I was pleased to see the back of 2020 for more reasons than one.

Firstly the pandemic which is affecting everyone –

I’m fortunate that up to now no one that I know and love has been taken by it, but a few did actually catch the virus which was worrying.  At least we have the vaccine now, so my fingers are well and truly crossed that we can soon get back to some sort or normality pretty soon.

The next reason 2020 was a crap year for me was the loss of my sweet companion BoJangles back in November –

It’s so sad and strange not to have his little paws on my lap when I crafting.  I miss him so much.

And lastly, it was the problem with my eyes that made 2020 a bit challenging.

I won’t go over it all again, as I’ve mentioned it on here before but I’ve had various problems since my detached retina but in 2010, culminating in a cataract operation that didn’t go to plan and left me with bad double vision, but the good news is that back in September I had laser treatment on it and it’s virtually back to normal now and I can finally get back to my first love……cross stitch!

So, onto the ‘crafty’ stuff!!

Up until now, because I was unable to stitch, I’ve been filling my time with knitting and crochet.  So when a friend of my was clearing out her loft and came across a Tiny Tears doll that her Grandmother brought for her when she was a child(She’s 60 now!) and told me she would never get rid of her but her clothes were looking tied after all those years, I decided to made some for her as part of her Christmas present.

As you will see from the photos, I had a small problem because they made two different sized Tiny Tears and not knowing what size hers was I had to guess……and got it wrong, Lol.  Mind you, she was still pleased with them.

So are you ready for the Tiny Tears Fashion Show?

The next thing I worked on was a disaster too.

Back in 2019 I decided to knit myself this jacket in a Deep Plum yarn. 

I finished it but felt that because it was knitted on 10mm needles, the stitched were very loose and it didn’t hang right.  So it sat in a bag in the bottom of the cupboard until December last year, when I decided to unpick it and knit it again, this time on smaller needles. 

Now fully finished for a second time, I’m still not happy with it.

I don’t know what it is, may be the fact it has no neck shaping, I just don’t know, but what I do know is that it’s going to be unpicked again and next time I’m going to knit a jumper instead.

 

My last project was crocheted.

I’ve been using up some of the many odd balls of wool to crochet lap blankets that will go to one of the many projects on the Helping Hands Facebook Group.

The one I’ve finished was using the mile a minute pattern, where you crochet strips and join them together.

And the second one, which I am still working on will be made with granny squares.

 Well that’s it from me for now.  Join me next time to find out what my new discovery has been during lockdown.

 

Please stay safe in these uncertain times and

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

 

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by.

No Excuses!

Having had so much time on my hands over the last few months, I’ve absolutely no excuse for not updating my blog.

Unfortunately I’ve been unable to do any cross stitch. (my first love). 

Because of complications during an operation to remove a cataract back in 2018, I was left with double vision in my Left eye and awful glaring from any bright lights.

I did try to work on ‘A Heart Full Of Gratitude’ from The Songbirds Garden series, which I started back in May, but it's worked on 36 count linen and I have to work with a magnifier and lamp.

You can guess where this is going!

The glare from the lamp and the tiny stitches were proving to much of a strain on my eye, so I finally had to give in and put it away, but the good news is that last week I finally got to see a consultant and they are going to do laser treatment, which hopefully will improve things.  Fingers crossed I don’t have to wait too long for the appointment, although, with another lockdown starting next week, who knows.

Anyway, on the upside, I’ve still been able to knit and crochet and have been continuing to keep busy.

Firstly I wanted to use up the oddments of wool left over from making the rainbows at the start of the first lockdown back in March………I hate waste!

I made a bunting to hang in my window, consisting of crochet, padded hearts and pompoms. 

Then it was back to knitted and crocheted items for the NICU at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow and I was able to send them a largish parcel of clothes, a bunny, 3 blankets, and some Octopi (or Octopuses if you prefer) back in August.

I’ve still more to catch up with, so don’t forget to pop back.

 

Please stay safe in these uncertain times and

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

Lockdown Lifting

After isolating for 15 weeks and only venturing out for shopping once every two weeks or so, things are finally getting back to some sort of normality at last.   

If I’m honest though, I’m not really in much of a hurry to mix with too many people and am happy to keep my distance, but having said that, it was wonderful being able to meet with some friends at the weekend and celebrate a special birthday for one of them.

With so much time on my hands, I’ve been busy crocheting more little outfits for the NICU at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow in Essex.

For most of the items I’ve done my own thing but while searching the internet of inspiration I came across the beautiful patterns from Kerry Jayne Designs.

This first set is called Bobtail.  

Sadly the smallest size finished up being too big for the preemie size I was looking for, but I’m sure the unit will still be able to use it.

Preemie Peach Lace Cardigan, Hat and Booties.Lavender Shell Jacket, Hat and BootiesYellow Cardigan and Hat.White and Blue Cardigan, Hat and Booties.Pink Daisy jacket, Hat and Booties.Beanie Hats.

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

 

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

 

Covid 19 – Day 45 of Lockdown

What a week it has been!

The Corona virus still has a hold over the world and every death is one to many, but although things are looking to be heading in the right direction here in the UK,  I can’t see a return to ‘normal’ life coming anytime soon.

As I have for the previous 4 weeks, I was out at the end of my driveway on Thursday at 8pm, clapping in support for those on the front line of our NHS, but this week there was also a very special birthday to celebrate too.

War veteran Captain Tom Moore, captured the hearts of the nation when he set out to raise one thousand pounds for the NHS by walking 100 circuits  of his garden celebrated his  100^th birthday yesterday.

To make his day an extra special one, not only did he receive a special card from the Queen and around 135,000 from the general public,  he was made an honorary colonel and given a replacement World War Two Defence Medal .  

And as if that wasn't enough, he is now in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest person to have a No, single, "You'll Never Walk Alone", sung with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care choir.

But above all of that, his effort to raise £1,000 has exceeded all his expectations and the total broke the £31 million mark yesterday and is still climbing.

Such an inspirational man, who could teach us all a thing or two don’t you think?

Happy 100^th Birthday Coronal Tom

So, now onto what I’ve been up to this week.  My sewing machine and crochet hook has been flying again while I've been in lockdown.

29 Toiletry &  8 Scrubs Bags that are heading to St. Margaret's Hospital, Epping.

20 Crocheted Hearts 

   

And these 28 hearts were made last week.

Please all stay safe and well

&

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

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Covid 19 – Hearts & Rainbows

So, it has been another busy weekend of crochet and sewing.

I have completed another nine rainbows, all of which have homes to go to and I have sewn a further 48 hearts.

The crochet pattern for the rainbows is free, c0urtesy of
Kerry Jayne Designs   

Mind you, it didn't all go as smoothly as I had hoped, because I had a major catastrophe this morning, when I was trying to finishing the hearts off.  

Much to my annoyance, I somehow managed to break the bar in my overcasting foot on my sewing machine, meaning I was unable to continue.  I've managed to order a new one on line,  but the down side is that I  now have to wait until at least Thursday for it to be delivered before I finish the last few off.

In the meantime I'm changing production to toiletry bags to keep me occupied while I wait. 

Please all stay safe and well

&

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

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Covid 19 Hearts Appeal - The Desperate Situation Continues

When I last posted around this time last month,  I really wasn’t prepared for just how serious this pandemic would turn out and continue to be.

Fortunately no one close to me has succumbed to the virus,  for which I am extremely thankful, but I am fully aware that behind the frightening  numbers that are reported from around the world every evening, there are families grieving for their loved ones.

I myself have been in isolation for almost 4 weeks now and as difficult as it has been I keep myself sane with my crafting.

I’m still plodding along with the construction of my Virgin Queen’s Stitching Wallet, but when the call went out for the Covid 19 Hearts Appeal, I decided to put it on the back burner for a while and get my crochet hooks out.

The aim of the appeal is to make pairs of matching hearts that can be given, one each to Covid patients and their family, to remind them they are loved at a time when they can’t be together.

Here are my first 5 pairs of hearts.

The hearts don't have to be crocheted, I've seen, knitted, fabric and even felted hearts, so anything goes as long as they fit into a greetings card envelope.   

It's a great way to use up all your odd balls of wool as well as being quick to make, so over the following couple of evenings (while watching tv) I made another 9 pairs.

I had lots of fat quarters in my stash too, so got my sewing machine out and made 11 pairs of fabric hearts 

bringing my grand total so for to 50 hearts that all being well be heading to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex.

Please all stay safe and well

&

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

A Bit Too Close To Home

It’s quite rewarding being able to make items, whatever they be, for the Facebook group   Helping Hands, and knowing that I’ve been able to make a small difference to other people while still enjoying my passion for crafting.

I started making heart shaped cushions back in 2015, when a very good friend of mine had to undergo a mastectomy and up until that point I hadn’t realised that something as simple as a cushion could bring so much comfort to someone after their surgery. 

I made two for my friend, and then two smaller banana shaped ones, that she said were more comfortable to use when she was driving.

That was the start.

Since then I’ve made more than a hundred, all of which have gone to Broomfield Hospital in Essex, and that have been given to unknown women who have gone through something that I hope I never have to face, please god.

But in recent months, another special friend of mine has found out that her family carry the BRCA2 gene.  Fortunately she was tested and was clear, but she has already lost one of her sisters to this awful disease and another is undergoing chemo at the moment.

 These latest four special cushions have been made for Donna with love in every single stitch.   Needless to say that we are all praying for a good outcome.

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

Helping Hands Are Never Idle

If you have time to spare and are looking for a worthwhile cause to occupy you, why not why not pop across and join our Facebook Group over at Helping Hands.   
There you will find a group of like minded people who just love making things for others.  There are various projects  all over the UK and abroad that you may be able to help with.

In a bid to use up some of my many odd balls of wool, as well as the Octopuses, I’ve been crocheting preemie baby clothes for Princess Alexandra Maternity Unit in Harlow, Essex.

So far I’ve managed six little cardigan and hat sets and 4 tiny hats.

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

I'd like to be under the sea………..

In an octopus' garden in the shade!

I’d like you to meet  ‘Billy the Squid’ and ‘Octopussy’

These little guys are the first two I’ve made for my Helping Hands Project  and  they will be heading to Princess Alexandra Maternity Unit, in Harlow Essex, along with the other items I have made.

They use them to comfort the preemie babies. 
Apparently they hold onto the tentacles and it reminds them of being in the womb  and holding the umbilical cord.   Amazing, isn't it.

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

X

Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by. 

On A Quilting Roll!

Mine was one of the first projects added to the file list on the  Helping Hands Facebook Group  back in 2015.

At the time I was asking for knitted blankets and bonding hearts for the neonatal unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, but since then I have also sent them prem baby clothes and Incubator quilts as well. 

It’s actually been a while since I sent them anything because the things I’ve made have gone elsewhere,  but I’m back on the case now and the two small quilts I made last month will be heading there, together with these four little quilts that I’ve finished this month.

  Back

  Back

If you feel you could help out by donating tiny quilts, knitted or crocheted blankets (with no holes for tiny fingers to go through) or  bonding hearts, please leave me a message here.   

Blankets and quilts should be approx. 16” x 22”

You could also visit the  Helping Hands Facebook Group  where you’ll find lots of other worthwhile projects you could help with.

Happy Crafting!

(Whatever you passion may be)

Sue

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Please feel free to leave a comment if you stop by.