Baby Love

For my job, my position came available due to two girls in the office becoming pregnant around the same time, and so they needed someone to cover their maternity leave. As I was already broody before starting work there, this hasn't really helped me quieten the biological clock ticking! However, it does mean that I have an excuse to make baby related things to give to them as presents! I have many things planned, but the first project I have finished is these adorable little baby booties! They were surprisingly simple to crochet, and were made in the round so no stitching required! I am really proud of them. I even managed to avoid "second sock syndrome" and finish the second bootie the day after completing the first, which is a great achievement for me!

I found the pattern for these here.

February Ten

Photo by Sue Jan

With Spring teasing me but not yet completely “sprung”, I know exactly what Soule Mama means by the February funk. So, inspired by both Soule Mama and Four Good Corner’s February tens, here is my own crafty February ten – a list of ten happy things to help keep you smiling through February! After you have read mine, why not post your own, either in the comments here, or in your own blog (but be sure to post a link here to the post!)

1) Finding some beautiful new beads to make new jewellery with! (as per previous post)

2) Finding patterns on sale in Boyes for £2.95 – bargain! I have bought a pattern for 5 different beautiful dresses, and am really excited about trying one out!

3) Nearly finishing my pointy kitty (again inspired by Four Good Corners!)

4) My button jar. I love the look of them, all different colours and shapes, and looking at it always makes me smile!

5) Finding some gorgeous material with tiny strawberries on it – and on sale too!

6) My new necklace, bought from Bradford Bead Shop – so beautiful!!
7) The anticipation of the multicoloured crochet blanket I plan to make. I do love blankets.

8) The sun shining through the window as I craft in a warm room (while there is ice outside!)

9) A new lovely box decorated with a celtic knot for storing crafty items, my Valentine present! I love celtic knots, they are beautiful and really intrigue me.

10) My art hanging lines above my computer, full of art mailed to me from all over the world!

Like A Kid In A Sweet Shop

Whilst wandering around Bradford market the other day, I noticed a shop I hadn't seen before. As I entered the shop, I got more and more excited. You see, this was a new bead shop! Not only that, but the more I looked, the more wonderful beads I found - beads I just had to have! I was on my lunch break, so begrudgingly I paid for the few beads I had already picked up and left.

I went back for a proper look on Saturday. This time I had plenty of time to look through the beads, and I spent about an hour there! The stall is full of such unusual and beautiful beads. I got chatting to the girl who runs it, who told me that she buys the bead whilst travelling round Europe, and knows where most if not all the beads came from. I love the idea of this - that instead of just buying wholesale, she picks them out especially - no wonder there are so many wonderful beads!

The beads are all sensibly priced, and as well as beads and findings, there is plenty of gorgeous handmade jewellery on display. I spotted a necklace I loved but it wasn't in the colour I would like - I mentioned this to the owner, who promptly made me a necklace exactly as I wanted it! You wouldn't get this kind of customer service in bigger shops.

I spent lots of time and money in this shop, and I know I'll be back! You can check out her website, or if you are in Bradford, go have a look for yourself! She is based in Kirkgate market (I have to wander about until I find it, I always get lost in there!!)

Look out for my new jewellery in the store based on beads from this stall - I couldn't wait to get started making them!

Be The First To Know!

Photo by Kah Zanon

Want to be the first to know when something new is posted on this site? Now you can! I have set up a mailing list - sign up here and I will email you every time something new is posted on here, whether it is on the blog, or in the shop, or on any part of the website! Plus, from time to time, members of the mailing list will get special "members-only" offers in the store!

Spring For Joy!

Last weekend I went out for a walk to take pictures of the snow. This weekend, Spring has appeared at last, and it has been lovely and sunny, and today I noticed lots of beautiful flowers had made an appearance in my front garden! What a difference a week makes! I love Spring, I always feel so much more inspired and full of hope for the future when the sun starts shining again.

What about you - what makes you inspired? Which season do you prefer and why?

Knitting Cute

I was hunting around the internet for inspiration, and I came across this lovely site - some lovely cute (and free!) knitting patterns! With Easter just around the corner (well, there are lots of Easter eggs in the shops!!!) I love the little knitted eggs and egg covers. There are also patterns for a knitted tea party, with biscuits and cake and little sandwiches - so adorable!

These look fun and easy to make, and quick too - I shall hopefully be trying my hand at some of these this weekend!

Mobius Scarf!

I have recently learnt to crochet, and whilst searching for patterns online, I came across a pattern for a knitted Mobius scarf! I love this so much, I just had to share it. If only I was any good at knitting I would have a go at this, the maths geek in me would absolutely love to have one of these!

I have, however, been working on many other projects such as a baby hat with ear-flaps, a sewn kitty, two tops, a skirt, a scarf for a friend and an i-pod case! Details of these to follow! :)