© Alyssa-Jean's

2012-01-14T18:39:00.001Z

Hello friends :)

I have knitted a shawl for SIL's Birthday, the ruffle is supposed to be more ruffly.....haven't got a clue what I did wrong, but SIL loves it so all's good :)

Knitted on the Brother KH800 in 100% lambswool.

Hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas, ours was a quiet affair but great :)

*hugs* Heather x

Sorry I'm late......

2011-12-29T19:41:00.003Z

Hello Friends :)
Happy belated Christmas Wishes everyone.....sorry I haven't had the chance to say it earlier....mum has taken a turn for the worse, now she needs someone with her constantly....this has fell to myself and hubby, because my brother and mum's boyfriend works......mum comes to us at 8 am until 6pm, then Paul (her boyfriend) picks her up from here after he finishes work.

This increased schedule, hospital visits for both mum and hubby, has delayed my time that I get to spend here on the net.

I have found time at the weekends to knit socks for everyone in the family for Christmas......everyone has the same colour to make it easier.....beige for males and bright colours for females lol,

Everyone loved them though, so no complaints :)

I did find the time to go see Alyssa's school play as well.......doesn't she look cute :)

She was a Shepherd......although she wanted to be an Angel....we think she made a marvelous Shepherd :)

Right, I can't think of anything else to say at the moment,
Take care everyone, All the best for 2012!
*hugs* Heather x

2011-11-18T19:19:00.001Z

Hello Friends :)
There has been a battle going on in our home, now it's getting to winter here in the UK, I want Alyssa to wear trousers but she wants to wear skirts.....so my solution to keep her legs warm?
Leggings/Leg warmers!

I haven't mastered knitting tights yet so these are singles, leg covers,

They have got a pattern on them (tuck stitch) but its not showing up to well with my camera.
I have used the Passap DM80 tension 4 rib and tension 5 tuck stitch. Bramwell 4 ply white.

Happy Knitting :)
*hugs* Heather x

Oh dear, they just keep following me home!

2011-09-01T09:44:00.003+01:00

A new to me Brother KH260 Chunky knitting machine!
Hello everyone :)
Look what followed me home at the weekend.......I know...I know.....I was squealing too.....just look at this beauty....took me hours to clean up and make it me own, but well worth it :)
I have been playing with it ever since.....I've been knitting hats and scarves and testing out the patterning that this machine is capable of.

I have to sew up the seams of the hats and then I will update with photo's :)

Have a wonderful day everyone and happy crafting :)
*hugs* Heather x

The pink hoodie.....

2011-08-14T15:40:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)
I have finally finished Alyssa's Hooded Cardigan.....pink of course lol.
Well I say finished, it still needs 6 buttons sewing on.
I had to knit the hood part 3 times, the 1st was way too big and the 2nd was too small but number 3 came out just right :) (I will be uploading the full pattern to the pattern blog shortly) I knitted this on the Passap Duo 80.

Well its my birthday today and I am trying to find a birthday gift to buy from the money all my family gave me, I am trying to find a Chunky Knitting Machine for around £150, so far not had any luck finding one in a 50 mile radius of Chesterfield Derbyshire (everything I find is pick up only on ebay and they are miles away from me) I know I won't get a Brother KH230 or KH260 for that price so I have been looking for a Brother KH395.......oh well off to do some more searching :)

*hugs* Heather x

The lace set.....

2011-07-09T15:33:00.004+01:00

Hello friends :)
Well it's finished! The matching dress to the Lace Cardigan on previous post is now finished.
I have knitted this with a shaped waist and repeated the lace pattern on the bottom to match the cardigan.
This was my first attempt at a SCOOP NECK, although it was simple to do, I do think it is a little low for the dress, so next time I will stick to my usual round neck :)

PATTERN :- worked with Standard Gauge Knitting machine
Gauge over 4 inch/10 cm........29.0 sts by 42 rows age 6-8 years
FINISHED DIMENSIONS (cms) TIGHT FIT
Chest: 73.0 Armhole: 32.0 Top neck opening: 15.0
Waist: 66.0 Hem width: 0.0 Front neck width: 15.0
Hip: 78.0 Front neck depth: 12.0
Back width: 30.0 Back neck width: 13.0
Body length: 81.0 Back neck depth: 1.0
Back waist length: 33.0 Collar Length: 5.0
Hem length: 5.0

BACK:
1. Cast on 116 sts in WY using TD2 and open edge method. work 6 rows ending COR
change to MY. work 26 row (picot on 13th row) turn and graft the cast on row to last row knitted.
knit 1 row.

2.(RC000) Change to lace carriage and pattern 24 rows

3. Change to Stocking Stitch and work to 136 rows on RC

4. WAIST SHAPING: Dec 1 st each end of next and every following 6th row 8 times (98 sts)
Work 6 rows even, then Inc 1 st each end of next and every following 14th row 4 times (108 sts). (242 rows) Work 14 rows (256 rows) COR

5. ARMHOLE SHAPING: Cast off 6 sts on next 2 rows. Dec 1 st at each end of every alt row 3 times (264 rows with 90 sts) Continue until 324 rows.

6. SHAPE NECK: Thread centre 38 sts to WY 26 sts each side remaining.
7. Right neck, LH needles in HP. Dec 1 sts at neck edge every row 3 times until 23 sts at row 324 at the same time start shoulder shaping.

8. SHOULDER SHAPING: Cast off 7 sts at armhole edge, then 8 sts at armhole edge twice (329 rows)

9. LEFT NECK: COL. Work as right, reversing the shapings.

FRONT:
1-4 same as Back.
5. ARMHOLE: Dec for armhole same as back. continue until 278 rows (90 sts)

6. SHAPE NECK: COR Thread centre 44 sts onto WY 23 sts each side remaining.
7. RIGHT NECK: LH needles in HP Then work 46 rows even (Total 324 rows)
8. SHOULDER SHAPING: Cast off as for back.
9. LEFT NECK: COL work as right neck revering the shapings.

RIGHT SHOULDER SEAM: sew front to back seam.

SQUARE ROLLED NECK EDGE COLLAR:
1. Bring out 156 needles. With wrong side of work facing, rehang 3 sts from left back neck edge, 38 from WY, 3 sts right back neck edge, 34 from front neck edge, 44 from WY, and 34 from left front neck edge.

2. using TD2 work 22 rows, cast off and leave to curl naturally.

FINISHING: sew remaining seams and single crochet around the armholes.

Happy knitting everyone :)
*hugs* Heather x

Lace Cropped Cardigan.......

2011-07-03T16:19:00.001+01:00

Hello Friends :)
I have made another Cropped Cardigan for Alyssa, this time using lace punchcard number 18J on the Brother KH881..pattern is same as previous cardigan HERE....I had some white wool and a mint green wool from the charity shop, but the ply was a little too thin, so I put them together to thicken them :) I estimate that this has brought it to an equivalent of a 2-3 ply yarn so the cardigan has a very light feel to it, super for this warm spell we are having :)

This is a view of the back and below is a close up of the pattern.

Thank you for visiting today, happy knitting everyone :)

*hugs* Heather x

How to post your photo's in a Ravelry discussion :)

2011-06-28T22:39:00.001+01:00

This is to help Breezyridge and anyone else having trouble posting their photo's into a Ravelry discussion :)
Click on the photo's to make them bigger to view clearly :)

1. upload your photo to your projects page on Ravelry and save.
2. click on your photo to make it appear large on your screen

3. right click on the large photo

4. click "copy image url" then go back to your discussion and press the image button as below

5. a box will appear for you to paste in your link

6. click "ok" and then post your message

All should be ok......now you have posted your photo :)

*hugs* Heather x

cropped cardigan....

2011-06-09T11:37:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone :)
This is a cropped cardigan for Alyssa, I have made this on the Brother KH881 (yes another machine lol, they just keep breeding don't they) using card number 2J and slipstitch over tension 6 for the main and tension 4 for the picot edge.
Gauge : 26 sts x 67 rows over 4 inch using 3 ply yarn.
Chest 24 inch. Age 5 years.

Pattern :-
BACK:
1. Cast on 94 sts in WY (waste yarn), Using tension 4 and open edge method. Work 6 row, ending COR (carriage on right). Change to MY (main yarn) work 10 rows stocking stitch, make a picot edge (transfer every other stitch 1 over) Knit 10 more rows and pick up the start stitches of MY to fold the hem.
2. Change to tension 6 and slip stitch, RC000. Work 78 rows. COR.
3. Armhole shaping. Cast off 5 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. COR. Dec 1 st at each end of every alternative row for 6 rows. Total 86 rows with 78 sts remaining.
4. Work a further 96 rows. COR. Total 182 rows.
5. Shoulder shaping. Cast off 7 sts at beginning of next 4 rows. COR.
6. Total 186 rows with 50 sts remaining for back of neck. Place sts on WY or stitch holder.

FRONT : Right side worked first.
1. Cast on 46 sts in WY, using T4 and open edge. Work 6 rows WY, change to MY and work edge same as back.
2. Change to tension 6 and slipstitch RC000. Work 78 rows.
3. Armhole. Dec for amhole on right as for back. Continue to 144 rows, with 38 sts remaining.
4. Shape neck. COR. Thread left 15 sts onto WY or stitch holder. Dec 1 st at neck edge (left end) every row 9 times, until 14 sts remain. Work 29 rows. Total 182 rows.
5. Shoulder shaping. Cast off as for back.
6. Left front. Work as for right reversing shapings.

SLEEVES : (2 alike)
1. Cast on 48 sts in WY using T4 and open edge. Work 6 rows WY, change to MY and work edge same as back.
2. Change to T6 and slip stitch RC000.
3. Inc 1 st at each end every 27th row 6 times to 60sts (162 rows)
4. Work a total 188 rows. COR.
5. Shape cap. Cast off 5 sts at beg of next 2 rows (50 sts rem) Dec 1 st at each end every 4th row 3 times, then dec 1 st each end every 5th row 10 times, then dec 1 st each end every 4th row twice. Total 260 rows. COR. Cast off rem 20 sts loosely.

SHOULDER SEAMS :
1. Sew fronts to back along the seams.

PICOT COLLAR :
1. Bring out 118 needles to HP. with wrong side facing rehang 15 sts from right front holder, 19 sts from right front neck edge, 50 sts from back neck holder, 19 sts from left front neck and 15 sts from left front neck holder. Hang weights. Push needles to FWP, latches open. Using T3 work picot edge as for back, cast off loosely and sew edge down to cast on edge.

BANDS :
1. Bring out 74 sts to HP. with wrong side facing rehang sts (approx 1 sts for 2 rows of knitting).
2. T4 work picot edge same as collar, cast off and sew down.
3. Repeat for next band.

Hope you enjoy using this pattern, I would love to see what you make :)
*hugs* Heather x

woohoo this one fits!

2011-05-26T13:54:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)
Well what do you know....waistcoat number 2 fits and I don't know why :) The 1st waistcoat was the same brand of yarn that I knitted at tension 6 and it came out as a dress, I then knitted just a back at tension 4 and it was too small....this one I knitted at tension 5 1/4 and its perfect......the lesson here is....it matters what tension you use lol.
I love how the varigated yarn makes shadows on the petals and with a bright plain white contrast it really makes the flowers pop.
Both are a 2ply babysoft yarn, I love the snuggly texture of the finished waistcoat :)

Take care everyone :)
Happy crafting,
*hugs* Heather x

started as a waistcoat now its a dress.....

2011-05-15T20:49:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)
Well I did a test swatch and put the gauge into knitware to make a pattern, I measured Alyssa's chest and she's a 25 inch so thought ok I'll do a 24 inch......I don't know what went wrong with the calcalations but its too big for her!
I used the Passap Duo 80 and Deco card 3 with White Sirdar Snuggly 2ply and a nondescript pink 3ply half cone I got from the charity shop :)
Alyssa's wearing it as a dress...she wouldn't let me put it away until she's older lol.

*hugs* Heather x

Cardigan for me.......

2011-05-05T20:07:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone :)
I have finished this cardigan for myself, its knitted on the Passap Duo 80 using 4 rows N/AX <- and 2 rows N/N <- with a pale blue brushed cotton 2/28.
The bands were done with the yarn doubled and N/N.

It is now in the washer and then going into the dryer, this will make the cotton shrink a little so I will see what the end result is and take another photo :)

*hugs* Heather x

Selling Passap E6000....

2011-04-25T14:47:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)
Well I've had a week to play with this knitting machine and have come to the conclusion that I prefer using my Duo 80. I can't be doing with the faffing about with the console....its awesome that it has built in patterns but I prefer going straight to my Duo and arranging the pushers for patterning and getting on with it :)

I am selling this one on ebay HERE if anyone is interested.

*hugs* Heather x

Confession time lol......

2011-04-18T19:06:00.000+01:00

I bought another machine....yes I know...the 4th one in under a year....but I NEED it lol.
This is my new to me Passap E6000 electronic knitting machine.....isn't she a beauty :)
I took this photo before I started stripping it to give it a clean, oil and replace the needles on the front bed....I noticed it kept skipping stitches so thought it wouldn't hurt to give it an M.O.T and spruce up :)

I had a 10 minute play with the console before the clean and it looks like me and this new machine is going to be the best of friends.......it seems straight forward to programme :)

Well I best go back to the cleaning before Ian thinks I'm leaving him to do it all ;)

*hugs* Heather x

Summer top disaster!

2011-04-09T13:52:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)
Well what can I say, its awful! I did the pattern through knitware software and the armholes are too big.......you can see my boobs, not a look I want at my age lol.
The crochet edge on the neck makes it look all floppy and the cast on is baggy too.

I do love the honeycomb pattern and I love the colour, so onwards to the start of Summer Top 2......I won't be wasting this one though, it will make a great winter vest under my clothes where nobody can see it lol.

Oh dear, what a disappointing finish...I am not perturbed....I will be back lol.

summer top in progress....

2011-04-07T16:15:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :)

I haven't abandoned you all, I am currently knitting myself a summer top using 100% combed cotton 2/28 in light blue. To thicken the fabric a little, I am using CX/BX <-

I will update with photo's as soon as the camera is charged, I have finished the back and am just starting on the front.

*hugs* Heather x

Hello from Alyssa-Jean.......

2011-03-19T13:36:00.000Z

Hello everyone.
I am Alyssa and I am 5 years old. I have knitted this scarf all by myself (mummy had to sew the ends for me) with my new knitting machine by Barbie!

Daddy has helped me to type this and we have hyjacked mummy's blog.....well it is named after me, so why not?

Love Alyssa xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jumper for Hubby....

2011-03-06T19:50:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
Well here it is at last, my 1st adult jumper/pullover!
This would have been finished last week but I had to re-do the neck....I made it too small....hubby has a big head lol.
I have knitted this with Scottish Lambs Wool 75% Silk 25% in Straw, Plum Fleck and Brown Multi Fleck 4ply on the Passap Duo 80 at tension 6.
This wool feels very scratchy and smelly when knitting with it, was worried that hubby wouldn't like it, but it softened up in the washer and the smell vanished too.....hubby loves it!
I am now making a smaller version for number 3 son because he loves the jumper too :)

*hugs* Heather x

Ever have one of those days?

2011-02-25T13:47:00.000Z

Hello friends :)

I am having a terrible time with this jumper for hubby.

I started it 3 days ago and everything was going great until I came to sew it up.....the front was longer than the back by 12 rows and I have no idea how it happened, I thought I was doing well keeping track of the rows.

I rectified that and started on the cut and sew for the neckline at 7 1/2" width and 3 1/2 " drop at front and 1" drop at the back, sewed the crew neck collar on and now it won't fit over his head....arghhhhhhh!

I am now pulling stitches and my hair!

I have the sleeves left to do, hopefully nothing else will go wrong :)

Have a great day everyone :)

*hugs* Heather x

Alyssa's Jumper......

2011-02-09T11:43:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
Here's the finished jumper from previous post.....it's an every needle ribbed tuck stitch, drop shoulder.
I have knitted this on the Passap N/AX T4 1/2 rib, T 5 pattern.

*hugs* Heather x

Making progress.....

2011-02-07T16:40:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
I am knitting Alyssa another jumper.....this is the front, I've done the back and now I am starting on the 1st sleeve. I am knitting it with Cashmillon pale apricot......although it looks pink to me lol.....and using every needle slip tuck on the Passap Duo 80......I tried taking a close up to show you the pattern, but my camera skills aren't upto much :)

*hugs* Heather x

Finished the lace shawl....

2011-02-01T14:30:00.000Z

Hello friends :)

Well its finished! Thanks to Lorna on Ravelry telling me to add more weights, I finally made the lace shawl with no dropped stitches :)
I couldn't get a willing person to model it for me....so you get the ironing board lol.
Knitted on the Passap Duo80 with Yeomans 2ply Fifty-Fifty in Fudge.

*hugs* Heather x

Lace shawl

2011-01-31T14:12:00.001Z

Hello friends :)

I am trying to make a lace shawl on the duo 80 for a friend of my mum's who broke her hip last week.
Attempt 1 had 5 or 6 dropped stitches...

which caused holes in the pattern....

Attempt 2 added a lot more weight (thanks Lorna) still dropped a couple of stitches (not in same place so not a needle fault) but I could live with latching a couple up....then came the cast off, which I messed up totally so this is getting frogged and trying again :)

Oh and its a fudge colour - Yeomans Fifty-Fifty yarn......my camera thinks it's grey!
Love the pattern though, so I'm not giving up lol.
*hugs* Heather x

New machine......

2011-01-26T15:32:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
It's here and all set up! Now I just have to build up the courage to use it!
It's a Passap Duomatic 80.....Seth is his name (Liamm named him after Seth Green his favourite actor lol).
The Rolls Royce of machines.....So the passaper's on Ravelry say about these machines.....I think that's why I am nervous to use it yet.....why I am sat here typing this instead of playing....I'm stalling aren't I, I really should be threading this baby up and seeing what I can make :)

Ok I'm going to go and have a word with Seth and tell him to play nice or else!

Have a great day :)
*hugs* Heather x

more finishes.....

2011-01-25T12:09:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
I have finished this cardigan for Alyssa, its in a lovely Olive with a sheen to it. This was knitted on the Toyota KS901 tension 4 stocking stitch in 4 ply yarn King Cole Superwash.

Yep more socks! This time for myself :)
These were knitted on the Toyota KS901 tension 5 with Patons Fairytale sock yarn and the ribbed top done on dpn's.

I am so loving this knitting lark, so much so that I have just purchased another machine :) Its a Passap Duomatic 80 *cheshire cat grin* I'll share photo's as soon as it is set up ready to run :)

Take care everyone :)
*hugs* Heather x

Ok all you machine knitters out there....

2011-01-08T17:16:00.001Z

Edit.....Thank you friends, I have now found out from your help, what all the mysterious parts are :)

Hello friends :)
I need help identifying some parts....

The right one looks like a weaving attachment, not sure if this goes with my KS901 Toyota or not.
The middle one looks like a carriage lock, but not sure.

These say L and R on them, not sure what these are and I can't see anywhere they fit on my machine.

These look like brackets for holding the machine to a table, but there is a set that came with the machine, so not sure what these are for.

This bracket is a total mystery and the next one, I'm at a total loss! Apparently this plastic thing is a bike clamp that holds a light....would never have guessed that!

I must add that all these came in a box with my KS901 Toyota, the lady who sold me the machine said her mum had this box of stuff with her machine and so I best take them as she didn't know if they were important or not.

Any help would be a great help, I don't want to throw them out and then find that I did need them after all!

*Hugs* Heather x

bloomin camera!......

2010-12-21T14:19:00.002Z

Edit to add.....camera's not knackered....I put the memory card in upside down! I must be getting old lol.

Hello friends :)
Well I've finished a scarf for my brother for xmas and a pair of socks for my mum (she keeps moaning her feet are cold, so I think she was hinting lol).
I've come to take a photo so I could share with my friends and the bloomin camera is flat....I am sure I only charged it up the other day, I hope its not knackered.

I will be back later with photo's :)

*hugs* Heather x

my 1st fairisle sample.....

2010-12-13T18:36:00.000Z

I finally got my card punch today, hubby punched me a card and I got to play!
Yes...I did make a mess on the right hand side where I dropped a couple of stitches....but it was still fun lol.
Isn't this a beautiful pattern! I can imagine this as a super long scarf for a male....what do you think?

Right I am off to play again :)
*hugs* Heather x

A new hat.....

2010-12-03T11:02:00.000Z

Hello friends :)
I have knitted this hat from a vintage knitting pattern in Aran wool.
This is part of a xmas gift.....I still have the scarf and gloves to make :)

I am really enjoying these vintage patterns, they make a change from the norm :)
Pity I can't knit with Aran on my standard gauge knitting machine, it would be a lot quicker lol.

Bye for now,
*hugs* Heather x

More pictures as promised.....

2010-11-27T14:43:00.000Z

Hello Friends :)
Here's a picture of the knitting machine set up

and here is the back of the jumper.....

Now I would share a pic of the front.....but somehow it came out smaller than the back.....not sure what I did wrong, so I need to do another one.......I get to play with the knitting machine again woohoo! ROFL :)

Take care everyone :)
*hugs* Heather x

I've got a new toy!

2010-11-25T17:49:00.000Z

Hello Friends :)
Look at this new (secondhand) toy that my dear hubby has bought me!
I have always wanted a knitting machine, especially since my fingers have been steadily getting worse and can't hand knit for long.
Its a Toyota ks901 and comes with all accessories except the punchcards are missing so will have to get some off ebay.....I forgot to take a photo after I set it up, so will take another photo tomorrow....along with a jumper I have knitted for Alyssa :)

I am so in love with this machine! Its so easy to use and very addictive lol.
All I need now is a ribber attachment, so I don't have to hand rib, then transfer to the machine :)

Keep well everyone, I will catch up with you again tomorrow :)
*hugs* Heather x

Lap blanket finished....

2010-08-23T10:01:00.001+01:00

Hello friends :)
Sorry I haven't been active on this blog for a while, I have been making papercraft commisions on my other blog "Heather's Creations" and soon the xmas card orders will be coming in....busy...busy :)

I finished this little blanket for Alyssa last month but haven't had the time to show it until now, please forgive me :)
I have really enjoyed making this granny stripe, it makes a change from going round and round :)
I want to make a ripple blanket next....but I am having trouble with the pattern, I forget where to do the valleys and mountains lol. With perseverence I will get there :)

Thank you for visiting and bearing with me during this hectic time :)
*hugs* Heather x

woyww 57.....

2010-07-07T20:20:00.000+01:00

Hello friends :0)
Well folks, its wednesday again and you know what that means.....Whats on your workdesk wednesday with the lovely Julia Dunnit, I babe *waves* :0)
Now I normally do my woyww on my other blog Heather's Creations, but seeing as I have nothing stampyfied to share today I decided to do it on this blog instead :0)
Sorry I am running late too, I did have this scheduled to post this morning, but as usual blogger wasn't playing fair!
So what is on my workdesk today?

I have my sewing head on today! These are 3 giftbags that I have made for the teachers at Alyssa's school, I am filling them with goodies for the teachers to say thankyou for wonderful teachers and helping to develop Alyssa into the young lady she has become....4 1/2 years going on 21 lol.

If you don't know what woyww is or what I am waffling on about, then nip on over to Julia's and check it out, she's so wonderful at explaining it lol....oh and while your there, go on and snoop at everyones workdesks :0)

Have a great day everyone :0) I will visit you shortly....
*hugs* Heather x

2010-06-05T17:55:00.002+01:00

Hello friends :0)
I found a blog by Judith Tetley this morning advertizing for bloggers to join in and make homemade gifts for xmas, Although it is a sewing blog, Judith is wanting papercrafters to join in too as she loves to get ideas for xmas cards and paper gifts too.
How many times, like me, have you said every year that you are going to make little gifts for xmas....but then when xmas comes you haven't and its too late?

If you are interesting in joining in too, then pop on over and take a look :0)
The first challenge is to cover a journal and make your gift list......I am off to cover my journal/notebook now :0)
Catch you later and hope to see you there :0)
*hugs* Heather x

Napkins.....

2010-06-05T14:22:00.000+01:00

Hello friends :0)
Sorry that I haven't updated this blog for a while, I have been busy over at Heather's Creations updating cards for birthdays and orders.
I needed a break from cards today, so I have started on some napkins for my table. My younger children are messy eaters so there was no point getting anything expensive that would probably end up in the bin after a years worth of spaghetti sauce on it :0)
I found this pack of 10 large handkerchiefs cheap at Asda and they are great for stamping and colouring on.
I have stamped Sheena Douglass' roses onto one corner as a test and coloured with inktense pencils, love how it has come out and so I will carry on playing until I have had enough or run out of space lol.
Right I am going back to play some more,
Keep well everyone,
*hugs* Heather x

finished...

2010-03-05T10:36:00.000Z

well almost...I still have to buy some buttons to put on it :0)

I love the colours, they suit Alyssa beautifully.

I really enjoyed making this and will definately make her some more, may even attempt a crochet dress for next winter :0)

I have not used a pattern to make this cardigan, it has all been made with trial and error lol.

I work so much better without the restraints of a pattern and it keeps my brain active to boot.

well keep well everyone,

*hugs* Heather x

Alyssa's Cardigan...

2010-03-01T09:20:00.000Z

Hello everyone :0)

I have almost finished Alyssa's new cardigan, Just a sleeve and the neck to finish. I love how this colour combo is coming along......green, pink, peach and black.

Alyssa's going to look so cute in this, I will have to sew up a new pair of trousers to go with it :0)

I will be back later with a picture of her wearing this when I have finished, I am hoping to get it finished tomorrow :0)

Take care everyone,

*hugs* Heather x

Vancouver 2010..Congratulations Amy Williams!

2010-02-20T12:14:00.000Z

Congratulations Amy Williams on winning a Gold Medal, you make us British very proud that you have represented us and to bring us gold is an awesome acheivement!

Mum is back home from the hospital after suffering a mild stroke on thursday, she has been left with no permintant damage and is now recovering at home.
Thank you to everyone who has left well wishes, all my blogging friends are very dear to me :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Mum's had a stroke

2010-02-18T08:40:00.000Z

Our family is having some very bad luck this year. Mum had a stroke last night and was rushed back into the hospital, she was only just recovering from the surgery she had and now this!

We could really do with some good luck sending this way, I can tell you!

I know that I have only just got back to blogging with you all, now I am going to be taking a break again for a while.

I will catch up with you again soon x

*hugs* Heather x

Feb applique and crochet....

2010-02-13T10:05:00.001Z

This as far as I have got with the Feb 2010 project from The Rabbit Factory.

I am not happy with it so I am going to do it again with different materials. How on earth do you sew something straight into a curve without it puckering? I am struggling :0(

Anyway, while having a break from this, I am crocheting a cardigan for little miss....it involves crocheting lots of little squares and then assembling them into a cardy.

I have done 60 little squares done so far and another 60 to go :0)

Oh and as usual, I have other projects on the go, over on my other blog Heather's Creations (link on top left sidebar), I am currently making birthday cards and valentines cards......I need more hours in the day lol.

Take care everyone x

*hugs* Heather x

My first applique...

2010-02-05T22:29:00.000Z

Hello everyone :0)

I have attempted my first applique project using Jan 2010 project from The Rabbit Factory.

I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this, although I have zig-zagged around mine because I need more practice at turning under.

I am going to make a start on the Feb 2010 project tomorrow :0)

Take care everyone and keep crafting :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Sorry I have been awol......

2010-01-26T10:21:00.000Z

Hello everyone,
Sorry that I haven't been active since the 16th December, my Mum was taken ill the day after my last post and was rushed into hospital with a burst bowel, apperently she had an ulcer on her bowel that burst making an hole in her bowel.
After 2 weeks in intensive care and 3 weeks on a normal ward, we were very happy when she finally came home :0)
Because Mum missed xmas and new year, we planned to have a second xmas with her when she got home, but so far she is still feeling weak and not eating as well as she should, so we have decided to leave it until easter and have a family get together then.

I am having trouble getting back into my crafting since I have had such a long break, I have half finished projects all over the place lol. I have a couple of bags to finish, and I wanted to have a go at making the "Joseph's Coat" that I spotted on Don't Look Now, but I have alot of catching up to do lol. I love a challenge, so who know's I may have a go at a later date, when I am not going over to Mum's everyday :0)

Well I can't think of anything else to say, except keep well everyone and give someone you love a big hug :0)

*hugs* Heather x

some makes finished.....

2009-12-16T14:22:00.000Z

Hello everyone :0)

I have finished some xmas gifts for the family and wanted to show them to you (I am safe because I am the only one in the family with internet lol) I have made this basket bag with a wash mitt out of furnishing fabrics and added some Nivea shower gel and creams to finish.

Here's a close up of the wash mitt, I still haven't got the hang of binding, I am thinking of buying a binding foot for my machine....will it be worth it?

This is a bottle bag, I have made 2 of these and will put a bottle of whiskey inside.

This was made from some end of line furnishing books and I love how they have turned out, because the fabric is stiff it holds its shape.

This is 1 of a set of oven mitts, I still have to finish the binding on its partner :0)

This quilted bag is also from furnishing fabric that I got from our local curtain and furniture fabric supply shop, the lovely lady saves me all the scraps and end of line showroom books and charges me £5 for a binliner full, how cool is that! I get to buy materials that I can afford and I get to recycle which is a plus :0)

Well thats about it for the finished projects, I am now currently crocheting a new blanket for our little girls bed, I will be back with a progress so far picture :0)

Have a great day everyone and keep well :0)

*hugs* Heather x

time is going too quick....

2009-12-10T16:15:00.000Z

Do you feel like xmas is aproaching too quick? I do and I don't cope too well under pressure lol.
Our family this year is having an homemade xmas, As well as some bought presents we are giving each other homemade presents too this year, as the cost of xmas gifts get more and more expensive each year, we have got to the point where funds just don't stretch anymore.
There has been a tv programme on here in th UK called "Kirsty's Homemade Christmas" with Kirsty Alsopp, and she is learning how to make soaps, candles, glass baubles, chutney, teddybears and other exciting homemade gifts. This has given me lots of ideas for homemade gifts for my family and friends, but as with all my best intentions, things don't always go to plan lol.
I have lots of ideas in my head but time is just getting away from me :0)
Anyway, I hope that your xmas gift making is going well :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Are you ready for xmas?

2009-11-29T16:11:00.000Z

Our family always starts getting excited about xmas when the nights start drawing in here in the UK (usually around middle of November) but I make them wait until the 1st December to put the tree up.....well usually, this year I gave in on the 29th November and let hubby and the kids put up the decorations.

Here's our main tree this year, its a 6ft fibreoptic spruce. We usually buy a real tree but this year we have decided to just use our artificial one as spce is tight this year. This year I have used some batting to wrap around the bottom to make snowy mountains and put our xmas express train around......oops someone forgot to buy the batteries for the loco, reminder to self, go buy batteries and make sure you have batteries for the xmas gifts too lol.

This one is Alyssa's tree....its PINK!

We let her decorate it herself this year, didn't she do a great job, my 4 year old has a better eye than her mama lol.

I hope you have enjoyed visiting today :0)

*hugs* Heather x

more xmas gifts

2009-11-24T08:57:00.000Z

Hello everyone,
Well I don't know about you but at xmas time when the older children ask "can I just have money mum, I saving for something" I get stuck on how to make money exciting to open at xmas.
In the past I have put the money inside xmas cards or inside a box with a little gift, but this year I wanted to handmake something special :0)

I have made money pouches!

The material is offcuts from furniture recovering and I ran it throught the Big Shot with the xlarge scallop die (as a cardcrafter, I am trying to incorperate as much of my cardmaking stash into my sewing as possible, that way if I find something I haven't already got I can say to hubby...I really need that for my sewing Lol).

I have folded it into a little pouch and used my sewing machine to run a straight stitch all around, then with 4ply wool I highlighted with blanket stitch. They are Just waiting for large press stud fasteners to finish.

Here is what it looks like opened. The size of this closed is 4" x 4 1/2".

Well thats about it for now, happy crafting everyone :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Batting....

2009-11-16T03:04:00.000Z

I have found a new blog today that is going to be so helpful, if like myself you are interested what the difference between each makers of batting or wadding is....IE:- how they quilt, wash and dry? Then go on over to here and check out Debra's new blog and see how she road tests each different make on the market :0)

*hugs* Heather x

A gift......

2009-11-15T12:36:00.001Z

Hello everyone :0)

Ever since I saw a tutorial for these on sew mama sew this week, I knew I just had to attempt to make one for my mum's xmas present :0)

I had such fun practising freemotion quilting on this bag, I think that my control is getting better, I don't run wild all over the material.....ok I do, but not as bad lol. I am eagerly watching Leah Day's blog every day, getting more and more inspiration and hopefully with more practice I will slowly improve :0)

I had such an hard time trying to stitch in the ditch on the face mask and the hand thingy, I am afraid that my stitching on these have gone pretty eratic. I need to practice alot more :0)

I made the diameter of the bag smaller than the tutorial, so it is tall and thin and I am going to add some Oil Of Olay products to complete the gift.

I will leave you with a picture of the quilting on the bottom of the bag :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Aren't these just the cutest?

2009-11-13T15:11:00.002Z

Hello everyone :0)

What do you think to my santa advent? Alas I cannot take the credit, my hubby found someone who made these on his Vauxhall Vectra Members Club that he is a member of and ordered 3 of them for xmas, 2 for our youngests and 1 for our grandson. We plan to fill the pockets with little gifts and sweets.

If you would like to buy one, you can email the maker at hounddog901 (at) hotmail.com his name is Richard.
There are about 23 left, and they are £5.00 plus P&P
I think the little ones are going to have fun with these, don't you?

Right I am off to stroke his hair again, I think I am falling in love with wool now lol.
Have a great day everyone :0)
*hugs* Heather x

isn't this beautiful?

2009-11-12T18:39:00.000Z

This blanket belonged to my husbands mother, it is nearly 20 years old, a woman who she used to work with made it for her.

Ian's Mum died of a brain tumour 14 years ago, so this is a treasured reminder of her.

I have never seen this crochet pattern anywhere before, it is so intricate and delicate.

The size is kingsize, it must have taken the lady who made it a long time to do :0)

Here is a close up

Thank you for visiting today, please leave me a comment so that I know you have called by and I will come visit you :0)

*hugs* Heather x

A Tote Bag.....

2009-11-01T12:41:00.000Z

Hello everyone :0)

Well the lap quilt that I was making for my friend Denise didn't get finished in time for yesterday, so I made her a surprise bag instead and will finish the quilt at a later date.

I really enjoyed making this bag and it went together beautifully, Denise loved her surprise and filled it with some books and other things that she takes with her for her chemo sessions.

On the inside I made a liner from some satin fabric that I had, I made a little pocket to put her umbrella in, she says that you can bet that if it starts raining when she's out, she's more than likely left her umbrella back at home!

Here's a close up of the material on the front of the bag.

Wow, 1st November already....where has this year gone?

Have a great day :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Oh Dear!

2009-10-26T20:10:00.000Z

Remember the lap quilt from the previous post? Well I have spent 2 days staring at it, I decided it didn't look right and I wasn't happy with the colours......so I have spent all day today unpicking it, sewing it to other material....unpicking that and now I am back at square one!
The perfectionist in me just keeps screaching NO NO NO!

Oh Dear! Back to the drawing board lol.
*hugs* Heather x

Tops finished.....

2009-10-24T19:04:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :0)

I have finished the top of my friends lap quilt.....yes I know, it was supposed to be a table runner but I got carried away lol.

I wanted the top to be a bit scrappy so it was a bonus that I just cut and sewed without taking the time to match the flowers lol....pure accident honest :0)

Ok it could have been better, I could have bought a pattern and stared at it for hours not knowing what to do....I am new to sewing as well as quilting lol.

So this is off the top of my head, I will probably look back on it in a couple of years time and cringe at my first attempt, but at this present time I am proud at what I have achieved :0)

I am off to town on Tuesday to sourse some batting and to buy a darning foot for my machine so that I can try my hand at freemotion quilting.

Bye for now and thank you for visiting :0)

*hugs* Heather x

I've made a skirt!

2009-10-23T19:53:00.000+01:00

Ok so yes its not an actual person skirt lol.

I got so fed up of keep finding Alyssa's Barbie's laying around naked that I decided to make them clothes, I started with a tartan skirt for Princess Barbie!

You should have heard Alyssa giggle with glee when she saw that I had made her doll new clothes :0)

Oh how easy it is to please a 3 year old! She didn't even care that my sewing was askew lol.

I have improvised patterns cut out for a couple more skirts, trousers and tops for her other 5 Barbies.

Take care everyone :0)

*hugs* Heather x

for denise....

2009-10-21T21:37:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :0)

Here is what I have got so far for my friend Denise's table runner.

I have finished embroidering my flower design onto the peach cotton and I have layed it on the floor to see how it would look against the other two materials that I have chosen.....mmmm not sure at this time if I like the green but hubby say's it brings out the colour of the leaves on the other material and the embroidery, so we will see.

I am still waiting for the quilting ruler that I ordered from an american online store to arrive before I can go any further, sure hope it doesn't take long to arrive, I want to have it finished for the 31st October when we go to visit our friend.

I really want to be able to give this to Denise then, I want to let her know how honoured I am to be her friend. Denise has been living with Cancer for 10 years now, she first got breast cancer in 1999 and had a double mastectomy, after 3 years of treatment she got the news she was waiting for....the Cancer was in remission. Unfortunately early last year after getting ill again she was told that her breast cancer was back, deep in her armpit and that surgery was not a possibility. Last week she was hospitalised after her lungs filled with fluid, she is now back home and awaiting the results of some more tests that she had to have.

I want her to stay strong and not to give up fighting but most of all we want her to know how much we love her.

Thankyou for visiting me today :0)

Take care everyone.

*hugs* Heather x

Candy alert.....

2009-10-20T22:06:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone :0)

There is a beautiful giveaway over at Bunny Tales, go check it out :0)

*hugs* Heather x

Candy alert.....

2009-10-20T16:13:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone!

How would you like to win all this lush material as shown above?

Well head on over to the Pumpkin Patch, Brenda's got some wonderful fabric together for an Halloween giveaway, and while you are there take the time to peruse her wonderful blog, its awesome :0)

Have a great day everyone :0)

*hugs* Heather x

still here!

2009-10-19T11:42:00.000+01:00

Hello all my blogging friends :0)

I am still here, I am sorry I have no completed projects to show you yet.

Do you ever get to the point that you have so many projects that they all end up half finished? Well thats how its got me :0)

1. I have 4 birthday cards to make for November.....I have 4 images stamped and coloured, but no finished cards.
2. I have 39 card backpacks to make for the Nursery teachers to give to the children with sweets in for xmas.......I have 39 templates cut out, 14 sheets of backing paper to decorate and only 2 assembled.
3. I am in the process of knitting hubby a new cardigan for winter........I have the back finished and half of one side.
4. I am in the process of making a quilted table runner for my friend Denise.......I have all the cloth cut to the sizes I need, I have half the image embroidered but need to fetch some more DMC cotton, oh and I need some batting. I hope to have this finished in time for an halloween party we are going to at her home on the 31st October.

I really need to give myself a kick up the backside and get these finished :0)
I hope everyone is well today, it doesn't feel so cold here today so no more huddling in front of the tv and time for me to get some work done :0)

*hugs* Heather x

just an heads up.....

2009-10-12T08:27:00.001+01:00

Hello everyone :0)

This is an heads up for anyone in the UK, due to the announcement that the Royal Mail is about to start their first of four planned strikes this month, it has been advised that anyone sending Christmas cards abroad, that they send them this week to ensure that they arrive safetly.

Well as if we don't get enough disruption with the Royal Mail! Me personally has got very disillusioned with them over the previous 12 months, I have got fed up with my post keep going awol and having to refund ebayers money because items haven't arrived.

They are not doing themselves any favours by striking and alot of people have been talking about using alternative postal services.

The Royal Mail could end up dooming themselves as wouldn't this just encourage the government to close more post offices and perhaps even the Royal Mail hitself?

Sorry I have no sewing projects to show you yet, I am having trouble starting, to many ideas and not enough materials lol.

Take care everyone :0)
*hugs* Heather x

Time to begin....

2009-10-09T09:22:00.000+01:00

Hello to everyone in blogland :0)
Well here it is, my transition from cardmaking to quilting :0)
I have undergone many changes in my crafting life, I started as a knitter and then a few years later I needed a change so my mum taught me crocheting. I still knit and crochet but again needed a change so my great friend Denise taught me how to cross stitch, when I had no wall space left to hang my creations *wink* I moved onto cardmaking 5 years ago and although I adore making special cards for family and friends, I need something else to keep my brain active lol.
I have spent 3 months stalking quiltmakers blogs, I fell in love from the start, and now I am about to cut into my first ever piece of material.....but where to start? What do I want to make? This will take a little more thinking about......but I am here, I have taken the first step *smile*.
I have named this craft space after my lovely 3 year old daughter, she is my inspiration after all, and I hope that you keep visiting and watch this space grow, because without my blogging friends where would I be?

Thankyou for visiting :0)
*hugs* Heather x