WIP: Stash-Busting Blocks

This is a very quick post just to prove that I am still about. As part of my January challenge to use up the yarn in my stash I am going to start knitting some blocks for Evie to play with. There are loads of patterns out there, but my plan is to just knit a load of 3" squares, then sew them all together and stuff them with a foam cube.

In an attempt to get this project started, here is the first block. Nothing dramatic, just a simple stocking stitch square (try saying that quickly!) to get me going.




I am hoping to include some patterned squares containing letters, numbers and maybe some pictures, so if I do design anything I'll try and post the patterns here.

I do hope that this project will get me back into knitting as I feel a bit lost without a big project to work on, having finished Evie's Red Riding Hood.

WIP: Tree Blossom Fairy

I haven't had as much time for knitting and crafting as I'd like this last week. Mainly because of work committments, Evie being awake a lot more, and planning my birthday celebrations!! Yes, it's my birthday tomorrow, and today is my last day in my twenties. And I don't feel a day older than 17.

I will say my twenties have been pretty great. I met my current husband. I graduated uni. I moved into my house. I got married. I gave birth to my daughter. I've made some great friends. I've met some amazing people.

So all I can really say is - Thirties, you've got some living up to do! :D

Onto crafting news, I have finally finished all the knitting for my first fairy, just need to find the time to sit down and sew it all together.

Hopefully it'll be ready for FO Friday.

FO Friday: Red Riding Hood

It's finished! The duffle coat from Debbie Bliss' Ultimate Book of Baby Knits, was finally finished on new year's day. It's a lovely coat and a great fit for Evie. I made the 3-6 month size and it does have a bit of room to grow into. The knitting (all garter stitch) was very straight forward, unfortunately my making up needs a bit of work - but I won't let this put me off. The yarn used - Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - is lovely and soft and I love the colour. Plus I have 1 and a half left over balls of yarn, so may make a hat.

I am  so pleased with this. I love the hood and cute little pockets, and will most likely make it in the next size up. (I would love to try and scale it up for me, but I think that's a bit beyond my skillset at the moment.)

Now off to Tami's blog to see what everyone else has been up to...

WIP: Knitted Fairy

I've had my days a bit out of order this week so completely missed WIP Wednesday yesterday. Here is what I am currently working on. It's the Blossom Tree Fairy from Fiona McDonald's 'Knitted Fairies' book.




I am using yarn from my stash, as per my January challenge and don't have the recommended yarns, but  have found quite good alternatives and it should look almost similar. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished fairy and get a feeling this could become quite addictive....

A new year, a new challenge

Happy New Year! 

What a year 2011 was.  The highlight being welcoming my beautiful daughter into the world. I am really excited by 2012, I have so many plans and ideas - crafty and otherwise - and so many interesting opportunities and ventures ahead. But most of these will be covered on my other blog.

As you know I like my lists and challenges. It helps keep me organised and focussed, and this little blog has encouraged me to try new things, read new blogs and actually focus on finishing projects so I have something to show for FO Friday. And the promise of a new year is an ideal time to set some new crafty goals.

1. To have a fnished object to show EVERY Friday.
2. To work my way through my Crafty Bucket List.

That's it. I have a lot to focus on this year but I don't want my crafting to take a back seat and I hope this blog will encourage me to keep going.

And now, for my January Challenge - to use the yarn in my stash. I have plenty of yarn that's been hanging about for a while and it's time to start using it up to make way for some new and wonderful skeins. Luckily I have a few projects up my sleeve, ideal for such a challenge. Making some knitted blocks for Evie and knitting fairies from Fiona McDonalds lovely book.