I referred to the fact that even though I'd not created anything out of buttons lately, I had still been creative. I've completed 3 projects in the last couple of months that I don't think I've mentioned on here.
The first was a cushion for my close friend Anna. She's a fan of purple and so when I saw this kit I just had to have it. I'd knitted it up fairly quickly as it was done in strips and then sewn together for the front. The back was done in one piece. Although it was man-made fibres it was lovely to work with and I think the end result was rather nice. I stuffed it throughly and its made a very soft and welcoming cushion, which Anna really likes.
The next pieces I have been working on are the blankets for the two neighbouring babies. I may have mentioned that I've babies on either side of my terraced house. Ellie is now 7 months old and Fin is 5 months old. I couldn't resist making something for them, and so I chose to make a blanket.
I took the traditional route, and have made a blue buggy blanket for Fin, and for Ellie I've had a go at a crochet blanket out of 42 'granny' squares which I then joined together with double crochet and edged neatly finishing with a picot edging. I chose purple and pink for the blanket, and joined and edged it in a green that her room is painted in, which is a great contrast. I've really enjoyed working on these two projects and think the pictures show that.
Its really brought home to me how much I enjoy creating things for other people and not only that, but I enjoy making homeware more than clothing. Its given me lots of ideas for myself and others for future pieces. I've some great wool to make a joint knitted/crochet blanket with and then I've several other designs I'd like to try too.
My next main piece will be a cushion for the Olympic Woolsack project which is now part of the cultural olympiad for next year. They are hoping to create 20000 cushions from British wool to give to all the participants of both Olympics and Paralympics next year. I'm hoping to create at least two and the first is underway currently! http://www.woolsack.org/
I can't believe its been so long since I've been able to write this... time has flown by!
Main problems for me have been the sudden speed that took over as the end of term drew near. It was like all I could do was work all hours to keep up with where I needed to be, and even then I still have a few bits left over to sort for next year!!! That's before I start my 'holiday' work lol
But before then I am going to have a few days of being very creative and try and get my mojo back. One big boost for that was selling an Owl picture in the local gallery http://www.moonmeadow.com/ Apparently it was the last purchase two regular buyers made from the gallery before emigrating to New Zealand!!! I hope it's gone with them and is speading the word far and wide :)
I haven't stopped being creative while I've not been on here. I've handed the blue heart that was on Folksy to the Gallery to keep my work in there, and I have everything crossed I am able to be creative again now I've managed to get rid of a lot of stress recently.
I've been knitting and crocheting a lot, as I find both very relaxing and rarely sit and do nothing even if I'm watching tv etc. I've just been putting the finishing touches to two baby blankets. One knitted for the little boy next door, and the other crocheted for the little girl on the other side of me! Fingers crossed they are well received...
I am also working on my Woolsack Cushion project, which is my next WIP to finish, then I think I'm going to look at making something for myself. Mum was shocked at the multiplying wool stores I now have all over the house and is supplying more boxing for me to keep it safe in as she's working down her stash by making small crocheted blankets for my school project for the Dogs Trust! I have been investigating other charity projects lately as I like the idea of helping others, and I'm probably going to do a wrap for www.irhh.org/wrappedwithlove and I'm also thinking that knitted mice could be fun for http://www.battersea.org.uk/about_us/whats_new/cat_knitting.html Will post any completed projects for either on here.
Next year at School I'm considering renaming the 'group' I'm running Creative Wool Crafts and see if I'm allowed to do some Yarn or Pom pom bombing in the school site to make things a bit more colourful!!! Lets see how far my good will with the head goes :)
Best rest now and get some sleep as I'm off to http://www.mainpinecompany.com/ tomorrow and I'm very excited. How I wish I could afford a kitchen made by them... maybe investigate a mantle piece instead lol Love their recycling wood philosophy. Enjoy and keep smiling :) xx
