The Wild Unknown

The week before last I had a very exciting parcel from little red tarot of my new tarot cards.  I've been debating which set to purchase for a while and had asked lots of tarot-reading internet friends for their favourite cards.  I already have a Rider Waite set, and two of the Titania packs, but they are currently at the bottom of my storage unit and I wanted some more, right here, right now.  There have been some major changes happening here lately and I felt like I needed some guidance to help me find which path I would be treading.

I had a few recommendations to peruse whilst deciding - youtube is great for this purpose as there are lots of tarot reviews online which is nice because you get to see the cards themselves before splashing the cash.  I debated between the following sets:

 

These are all gorgeous sets and I liked each of them, but I didn't love any of them.  I continued my quest and discovered this set, published independently and therefore only available from limited suppliers.  They are also American which means a heftyish price in comparison to the above tarot sets but they really made my heart sing and these are what I chose...

These are mostly black and white drawings with a splash of colour on them, designed by Kim Krans from The Wild Unknown and there's not a person amongst them as most of the images are of animals and the outside area.  Want to see some of them?

I think they are beautiful and I've really been taking my time getting to know them.  Unsurprisingly they have proved pretty accurate to date!  Inside the lid of the box it says  "Welcome to the Wild Unknown tarot. You'll find no wrongs or rights inside this box, only mirrors for reflection. Open your mind, draw a card and have fun on your journey."

G x

It's all about the eyes

Never watch QVC when you're feeling a little low, you can always find something to spend your pennies on - in my opinion!  The beauty hour was on at my parents' house the other week, and I got sucked in whilst in the kitchen to an eye make-up company called Eyeko.  I've never heard of them before, but they only specialise in eye make-up, and even Alexa Chung is a fan!  I watched the demo and was suitably impressed but then left to return on my journey home.

Over 2 hours later though I was still thinking about these products - me who spends about £1.50 on mascara was suddenly debating buying a product that retails for £20!  I know, £20 for a mascara, bloody ridiculous if you ask me!

I'll just have a quick look on the website I thought, see if the offer they had on was still available.  Just a look mind you....

There it was - two mascaras, one eyebrow pencil and one eyeliner for under £30 with p&p.  If I brought them individually, it would cost me nearly £80 - the results on the screen did look impressive....

I ordered it.  I must have been insane.  Would this be a total waste of money?  So far, I've only used the skinny brush mascara and the making eyes eyeliner pencil and I have to say I love them both.  Yes they are costly but the eyeliner goes on like a dream and stays put which is a bonus, and I have never noticed my eyelashes looking so long as they do with the mascara - its fabulous. 

What's your biggest make-up splurge?  I won't tell anyone!

G x

Not another wool order

Oh yes, the curse of the wool addiction continues.  This time in the form of a Ravelry pattern that I've seen loads on pinterest, and most recently on Sophie's blog nest. 

How gorgeous is this sweater?  Incredibly so, in my humble opinion, and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. It's called 'climb every mountain' which just made me want it even more! I've just downloaded the pattern - and kind of freaked myself out by how complicated it looks, but I've committed now. 

This is the version I saw on pinterest in straw

An email to wool warehouse two weeks ago informed me that they would have a new delivery of Cascade 220 sport wool in shortly (as I wanted the straw colourway - totally mirroring Sophie here).
It has now arrived in stock, so 7 balls of wool will be winging their way to me shortly.  I am envisaging lots of evenings at home alone soon so will have lots of time to read, knit and craft. Hopefully!

G x

Beekeeper's Quilt

After debating it for an age, I finally decided to take the plunge and buy the Tiny Owl Knits pattern for the Beekeeper's Quilt.  If you haven't seen it in all of it's glory - feast your eyes on this:

Made up of over 300 hexipuffs this is a year long project and I wanted to give it a go.  Only problem is that it involves double pins and I hate using them (cause I'm rubbish)!

I decided that to begin with I'd treat myself and order some Jamieson's Spindrift Shetland Wool and promptly purchased 6 balls - my choices were mainly based on what they were called!

I started this Friday - and failed.  I started again on Saturday - and failed.  I then spent another age trying on Sunday and eventually a hexipuff started to come together. 

It must be right because even Stephanie herself favourited it over on Twitter!

I think I am knitting it the wrong way round though as I have to turn them right side out when I get to the end, but I'm doing it, and as of yesterday, one hexipuff became two!

I'm going to keep going and hopefully I'll get quicker as I'm going along.  They aren't perfect but I'm hoping that once they are sewn together, all flaws will disappear in it's beekeeping glory!

G x

Julie Arkell

Oh my goodness me, I meant to blog this super day out at the Hope and Elvis studio weeks ago but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance.

At the end of last month I was very lucky to get a coveted place on the Julie Arkell stitchy day up at Louise's studio.

There were less than 20 of us there on the day, but over 150 people applied to go - such is the draw of the wonderful Ms Arkell.  To say I was in awe of her is an understatement, but she is super nice and friendly - and if she ends up on Instagram, it's all down to me!!!!!

We started off by making wooly war brooches.  This is mine - I don't know if you can see, but it says Happy on it, because that is how I always feel when I go to H&E.  I always seem to end up sitting with the naughty, giddy people though - Louise must think I'm such a rogue!

We were having such a good time I barely took any photos though!

In the afternoon we were able to make our own Julie Arkell inspired thingy.  I chose to make a watch, using one of Louise's own vintage watch straps that she had recently acquired.  I don't think it is finished yet, for I believe it needs more adding to it - when I have a mo that is!

Julie 'admiring' my watch!

I finished stitching it at 2:50 pm

I wanted so much to buy a piece of Julie's work but alas and alack the pennies weren't flowing sufficiently for that to occur - her stuff is not cheap, no siree bob it's not, but I did get some postcards to sit alongside my books.

I hope I can meet her again for some more making!

G x

It started with a...

...post on Instagram by the lovely @bodkincreates, aka Hesta who makes lots and lots of different bits way down south in Sidmouth.  Hesta posted a picture of one of her beautiful crochet nests, and I was smitten.

She runs workshops to make them, but as she is so far away from me, there was no chance that I could attend one so I asked her if she sells them.  A hesitant reply came, and it was a sort of maybe!

Time continued, and lots of other photos, plus some more nest pictures came and went over on IG and I kept up my hinting.  Then came the reply I was looking for, a nest of my own was to be winging it's way to me, once Hesta could bear to part with it!

My nest arrived today and it is beautiful.  It is so intricate and delicate I'm glad it safely made the journey northwards in it's cardboard box.  I plan for it to reside in Agatha van where I can marvel in all her beauty whenever I am crafting away.

I've not managed to make very much recently as I'm still teaching, but I did start, and finish, a Ros Badger bow scarf which I'm delighted with, and the lady herself commented on how great my knitting was over on Twitter - squeal.  Think I'd better go and make another now (despite the heatwave)!

And talking of heatwaves, I've finally gotten around to ordering my Salt-water sandals!!!!!  Having not found a stockist to try them on, I was dubious about ordering online.  However, if you go onto the Salt-water website they have a template to download so you can see which size fits you!  Hopefully I've got it right, and my sandals are on their way right now.  I'm thinking I need these exact socks to go with them too!

G x

A Good Yarn

A Good Yarn by Katherine Poulton

Published by Kyle Books

18th September 2014

Hardback Edition

 

From the co-founder of the fashion industries favourite ethical knitwear brand, The North Circular, comes a collection of 30 beautiful and stylish knitted projects, including gloves, snoods, scarves and hats. With clear instructions and beautiful photography, A Good Yarn is perfect for first-time and experienced knitters alike. Katherine's keen eye for style means that you'll be knitting eye-catching and fashionable accessories for yourself and loved ones. From Classic Bobble, Rib Beanie to cosy Knee Socks and Moss Eternity Scarf, the 30 projects in this book show you how to knit your own timeless pieces. The book also includes advice on choosing the right yarn, explanations of knitting abbreviations and step-by-step instructions as to how to get started. There is also advice on ethical buying and sourcing local, sustainable wool Handmade doesn't have to mean compromising on style or quality.

Oh the irony of posting a review of a knitting book for hats and scarves etc on what is forcast to be the hottest day of the year, but then there is nothing like being prepared for the forthcoming seasons and planning your accessories for the autumn/winter to come.

A Good Yarn is by Katherine Poulton, model and knitter.  Alongside her friend (and also top model) Lily Cole, they have founded The North Circular which aims to change the way that ethical knitting is seen.  Between them, they have produced A Good Yarn, a book with 30 patterns for hats, scarves, socks and gloves, knitted, in dare I say it, gorgeous (but pricey) wool.

Chunky Stripe Hat

Lily perfectly captures the ethos behind A Good Yarn. 'We are all so increasingly obsessed and addicted to the new...that there's a danger of us forgetting to look back, appreciate and hold onto the amazing things, values, skills and traditions that previous generations and the past offer us. I'm really interested in marrying the old and the new...wearing a modern sleek designed hat, hand knitted old-school style in real wool!'

Aaron Gloves

It's definitely a coffee table book this one.  The photographs are gorgeous, as are the models, of which Lily Cole plays a staring role, and with the exception of just one pattern (the balaclava - don't even go there), the others are all really nice, and makeable; which makes a nice change from getting a book in which you find yourself only wanting to make a handful of the patterns included.

Moss Eternity Scarf

I have to say, I thought the layout of the book was great, because everything is actually very well laid out and spaced out.  Nothing has been squashed up, and there are lots of great photos accompanying every project.  I like that.  There is also a section at the end on yarn choice, and knitting techniques, should you require them.

Narwhal blanket

My biggest dilemma is actually which project to begin first, and then, of course, will I look as adorable as Lily in any of my creations?  Only time, and the coming autumn, will tell!

G x

Scrubbing

It must be Easter because it was time for the annual caravan cleaning session to begin at the weekend.

It's an regular event here, which sees me now cleaning two caravans as best as I can and as quickly as I can.  By last night I was looking rather green.  The problem with having two caravans in a tree-lined garden is that they do tend to deposit their green foliage onto all stationary buildings, and our special spaces are no strangers to that rule.

On Sunday as the weather was dry and reasonably sunny, I made a start on the girlies caravan.  They have had this for a number of years now, made by my out-laws as a surprise Christmas gift. 

And then of course it was Agatha's turn.  Her current appearance did not speak of being my pride and joy but more of a sadly neglected storage container dumped at the bottom of the garden.

Armed with hosepipe, bowl of soapy water and my new scrubbing brush, I was soon cleaning away yesterday in the Spring sunshine.  My new decking area is almost complete, and hubby has promised me electricity to her anytime soon so Agatha van will soon be more than just a hidey hole for all my bits and pieces, but a proper crafty caravan all of my own!

She looks a bit more cherished now she is cleaner:

And modelling her new numberplate, which was my mother's day present most gloriously in the sunshine I think

Did you all have a lovely Easter too?  My girlies are away so I have every intention of sewing something between now and when they return on Thursday, and maybe even getting the overlocker out of the box for the first time since buying it!  I might just have a quick flick through my new read first though...

G x

250 Knitting Stitches

I have just found the perfect knitting compendium from Search Press.  It's called 250 Knitting Stitches by Debbie Tomkies and it's fabulous.  The instructions are clear, as are the photographs, so you can see just how your work is supposed to look!  There are also written, and chart instructions too.

Acrobats cable

I can't wait to try some of these ideas out, I'm thinking a knitting squares blanket, made up of lots of different stitch patterns.  Now I've mastered using a cable needle, I can see endless possibilities coming up!

Spring Flowers

That is, of course, once I've finished the yoga blanket and the odds-and-ends blanket!

Happy weekend everyone

G x

Going back to my roots

Thanking Debbie over at qalballah for reminding me that I hadn't yet bought the Winter issue of 60 North Magazine - a magazine all about Shetland.  I'd seen it ages ago and meant to buy it, and then something must have distracted me because I didn't press the order button.  Debbie's post reminded me of that, only when I went on the website, I found out that it had now SOLD OUT!

I tried to find other stockists - to no avail, so I emailed the magazine to tell them of my plight.  Thankfully an emailed reply came letting me know that a copy had been found at the Shetland Museum and Archivse Shop and would be waiting for me to call and pay for.  It arrived this week and it's lovely.

The new Spring issue

My great great great something grandfather is buried on Shetland, as my ancestors on my mother's side came over on the longships from faraway lands in the form of the Vikings and settled in the north of Scotland.  Whilst I am English, my roots have always had an allegiance to my Scottish ancestors - wow betide anyone who calls at my parent's house when the Calcutta cup is being played as we are a house divided - with two English supporters, and two Scottish ones!  Our daughters also have a family maiden name as their middle name as it is a naming tradition in Scotland, that we have continued.

As an extra treat, I've subscribed to 60 North magazine for a year for my mum for mother's day.  I'm pretty sure she's going to love it. 

If you head on over to the website you can order the current issue, or download all the earlier issues for free - how amazing is that?!

G x

Tales of an odds-and-ends blanket

I'm still hooking the granny square blanket - I'm on row 30ish of my total of 60 set by Caroline over at Gran Plumley (find her on instagram people, she doesn't blog so much these days). 

Anyway, in between the still-hooking, Caroline made me an odds-and-ends blanket from her stash.  It arrived the other week and everyone loves it - apparently the general consensus is that it is nicer than mine, particularly as she has used glittery wool in her hooking!

I have to confess, she is a darn sight quicker at the old hooking than I am - but I'm blaming school for my lack of making time.  My original 13 day supply job has continued thus far and as it stands, I am set to be there every week day until the end of April!  I am very tired - 27 extremely small people are a handful to teach, but I am loving it too.

Looking good on the sofa

The odds-and-ends blanket needed some love to get it finished, so I've cheated = it is an odds-and-ends blanket no more for I went onto the wool warehouse website and ordered myself some more stylecraft dk!  Oops.  However, it will be used up for another blanket or such so I guess the name odds-and-ends can continue?!

I've also got some fab knitting and other such books that have arrived to blog about - so bare with me, and all will be revealed soonish!

G x

Little Lady Liberty Blog Hop

Today I'm taking part in the blog hop for Alice Caroline's new book Little Lady Liberty, a beautiful book, with over 20 things to make for little girls in adorable Liberty fabrics, for beginner and experienced sewers alike!  As a mum of two girls, what's not to love?  I'm lucky enough to have been able to interview the author herself for the blog.  You can find the other's taking part in the blog tour here  Here's what she had to say....

 

 

Hi Alice, thanks for taking part in an interview for Crafting not Cleaning.

You’re welcome, thanks for joining in 

 

Would you please describe yourself in 5 words?

Liberty fabric obsessed creative sewer 

 

How old were you when you first started sewing?

ooh I’m not sure, i remember sewing at primary school age. I’ve always loved sewing, my mum taught me and my grandmother was an avid quilter. She also did tapestry and made a crochet table cloth which took 40 years to make!

            

Do you do any other crafts - like knitting or crochet, or are you strictly a sewer?

I’m mostly a sewer although I also enjoy drawing and painting. I have dabbled with knitting, but I only knit squares! I would love to learn crochet one day but am not letting myself into another craft yet - too many unfinished sewing projects!

 

What 'top tips' can you advise all us newbie sewers out there?

Have a go! don’t be scared to make mistakes, it’s all part of the learning process - have a stitch un-picker handy!

 

I love this cushion design

 

I know from your twitter timeline that you watch the GBSB.  Who's your favourite to win this year and why?

Probably the Army Guy Neil as he took his sewing machine on tour to Bosnia!! Awesome!!

 

 

Thank you Alice for that great interview.  You can find more about Alice, her Liberty fabrics, kits and patterns over at  www.alicecaroline.co.uk and on her blog  www.alicecarolineblog.co.uk

 

My girls love this Mia doll

 

 

 

G x