#craftblogclub, Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

Spring Show Fun

If you are a regular reader of my blog you will know I am a big fan of the @twistedthread Knitting and Stitching shows. Earlier this month was the Spring show at Kensington Olympia and I went along with my friend and co-host of #craftblogclub @fizzijayne. We had a wonderful time :) The stall holders were pretty much the same as those I had seen at the Harrogate show last November. The show is so vast so I was pleased to have the opportunity to take in all these fabulous stalls again.

I fell in love with this foxy quilt! Being a Leicester girl (and with our current football success) foxes always catch my eye and I will certainly be making one of these for our home.

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Another high of the show was having the chance to catch up with @JenniBobTaylor. Jenniffer is a wonderful supporter of #craftblogclub and so it was nice to finally meet in person. It gave us a chance to talk about a guest host slot with Jenniffer and an exciting up cycle challenge – more details to follow!

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All in all, these shows are fabulous for being inspired and meeting likeminded people. So get out there and visit a show near you and be inspired!

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet

Looking forward to Spring!

I don’t know about you but I am really looking forward to Spring. I’m already on my second bunch of Daffodils and I am looking forward to the smell of fresh cut grass and of course the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show. I am really excited to have been invited to attend the show at Olympia London at the beginning of March.

The Knitting and Stitching Show ‘offers over 200 exhibitors selling essential supplies and craft materials. Whether you want knitting yarn and accessories, fabric, sewing machines or embroidery threads you’ll find all the knitting supplies and craft products you can think of at the best knitting show in London!’ The show is hosting a new element this Spring with an exciting competition. The Knitted Feast invites you to showcase your knitted item of food. You can find out more about the competition, knitted patterns and enter here.

Make sure you also follow @twistedthread to check out all of the knitted makes and news leading up to the show.

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show 2015

On Saturday I attended the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate. To say I was excited is a HUGE understatement. The night before was like Christmas Eve – I just wanted it to be morning and show time! I had wonderful company with me, Hilary, my mother in law. This was actually a Christmas treat from last year from me to her. I thought we would go all out, so I got us VIP passes which was fab as it allowed us to jump the queue, have a goodie bag and get a reduced price on the workshops.

My favourite stand by Amanda Blackwell at Joe's Toes

My favourite stand by Amanda Blackwell at Joe’s Toes

Festive Robin

I just love this Robin!

The show had the most wonderful stands and suppliers of every craft you could possibly imagine. There was also an ‘artists in action’ area which allowed us to see the artists at work, plus fabulous exhibitions of stunning projects.

It sure was busy but everyone was so lovely – especially the stall holders. We had a lovely chat with Jane Greenoff, founder of the Cross Stitch Guild, and she was kind enough to sign Hilary’s book.

I've made lots of fabric brooches - this has given me the idea of building them up to make a wreath.

I’ve made lots of fabric brooches – this has given me the idea of building them up to make a wreath.

How cute is this quilt? Love the bunnies tail!

How cute is this quilt? Love the bunnies tail!

I couldn’t get over just how vast the show was – we were truly inspired and ideas were flowing over lunch as we discussed our crafting goals for 2016.

We ended the day with a Dressmaking workshop with Sandra Togher of Bowey Gallery. We both want to get into dress making next year and so we thought this was the perfect kick-start, and it certainly was. We were given a free pattern and both now feel more confident to give it a go in the New Year.

We had the most wonderful day, needless to next years show dates (1-4 Dec) are already in the diary! This really is a show not to be missed.

Workshop time!

Workshop time!

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Our free pattern :)

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate Ticket Giveaway!

Are you a lover of all things creative? Looking for some inspiration? Then I have just the thing for you. I have 3 pairs of tickets to giveaway for the Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate. Yes, 3 pairs!

The show runs from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th November at the Harrogate International Centre.

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Working Studio Harrogate

Aisle - Art van go

Described as ‘The definitive event for anyone with a love of stitch and crafts’ you really will find every kind of creative craft. The show is packed with the best suppliers, workshops, demonstrations and interactive features including ‘Artists in Action’ where you can watch as textile artists create new pieces. I am particularly excited about The Dress Making Studio!

So, fancy coming along? Here is how you enter this amazing giveaway:

There are a number of ways you can enter the Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate ticket giveaway. Each of the below will be counted as 1 entry so do all three and you will be entered three times!

  1. Please leave a comment here on this blog post sharing why you would love to go to the Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate
  2. Share this post on Twitter tagging @katiegetscrafty using the hashtag #KGCGiveaway
  3. Give the Katie Gets Crafty facebook page a like and leave a comment on why you’d love to win.

Terms and Conditions The giveaway is open to UK entrants only. The tickets are NOT valid for entry to the show on Saturday 28th November, but are valid for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Deadline for entries is 14th November at 5:30pm. The 3 lucky winners will be picked at random using random.org and announced at 8pm on 14th November 2015. I will make contact with the lucky winners via Twitter and Facebook.

Good Luck!

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet

Arm & Finger Knitting Book Review

I first started knitting in 2010 using the basic knit, purl, increase, decrease and to be honest I haven’t stretched my knitting skills since then. So imagine my excitement when I was asked to review Laura Strutt’s latest book Arm & Finger Knitting. What a perfect way to expand on my knitting skills, plus I love reading Laura’s blog and always admire her knitted creations.

30. BookI have to admit I was slightly nervous about trying this new approach to knitting but my mind was put at ease as soon as I saw the ‘useful terms & abbreviations’ list. I don’t know about you but I am so often put off by this list in some books, but in this case there were just 9 things listed and I was fairly sure I knew what they all meant. Phew!

Before picking up the yarn I enjoyed an evening of reading through the book and admiring the different projects. The book is neatly set out with arm and finger knitting projects for both the home and to wear. I am particularly fond of the knits for home. The projects will add warmth, texture and colour to any home. As someone currently planning a trip, the travel blanket on page 51 really caught my eye. I love the concept of the pocket that allows for the blanket to be folded away whilst at the same time making a comfy pillow.

This book is a real pleasure to follow with clear instructions and a natural flowing commentary throughout. The ‘Make it yours’ and ‘Tip’ sections make it feel as though Laura is personally willing you on as you knit. This book is ideal for the avid knitter looking to try a new technique to the absolute beginner, it really is the perfect gift for any keen crafter.

Arm & Finger Knitting (CICO Books) is available from all major book sellers including Amazon

Please also make sure that you check out Made Peachy at www.madepeachy.com  Twitter and Facebook 

30. Book Tour Poster

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

#craftblogclub – What’s your favourite online craft tutorial?

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For tonight’s #craftblogclub chat we shared our favourite online tutorials. Tutorials are a great way to learn a new skill or for a quick refresh. Below I have listed some of the suggestions from tonight’s chat. Here you will find tutorials for crochet, paper crafts, sewing, jewellery making and lots more. I hope you find something that will inspire you to get crafty!

@ForestFlower23

For all things #crochet you MUST visit attic24.typepad.com – Lucy’s blog inspired me to learn to hook!

Lucy’s blog is so colourful and inspiring. So good to see her popping up in various craft mags now :-)

Also for a weekly dose of craft tutorials check out @craftsonsea #pintorials loads of things to do plus you can link up too!

Here’s one of my most popular tutorials – lots of traffic via @Pinterest!

Really my best suggestion would be to go to Pinterest – there are tutorials for EVERYTHING!

 

@IcySedgwick

I quite like Crafts Tuts Plus crafts.tutsplus.com 

Crafts Unleashed do some good tutorials craftsunleashed.com

And there are some good jewellery tutorials on Flamingo Toes flamingotoes.com

 

@eightandsixteen

Our latest tutorial shows how to make a wire bead cage – http://www.eightandsixteen.co.uk/2014/07/jewellery-101-diy-wire-bead-cage.html 

My favourite DIY of Erin’s so far is these photo coasters: http://www.eightandsixteen.co.uk/2014/07/diy-shabby-chic-photo-coasters.html

 

@katiegetscrafty

I used this tutorial for my first sewing machine make. Simple and clear instructions for an easy cushion cover bit.ly/U1DcB9 

I watched this earlier and am inspired to make a skirt. She makes it look so easy http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkuJY1dJ6SCWxPcAVvdVpPg

 

@fizzijayne

For papercraft I like https://www.youtube.com/user/Claritystamp stamping, gelli plate and brayer techniques

 

@hugsarefun

My favorite tutorial is @thezenofmaking on English paper piecing. I’m addicted now! http://www.thezenofmaking.com/2013/08/english-paper-piecing-tutorial-series.html

 

@createitsam

I still love @MS_Living tutorials they are so simple and inspiring

 

@CornerofCraft

@EmmaRuthJones also has some ace tutorials on blog!

 

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet

Are we creating a craft legacy through our blogs?

Three weeks ago today my Nan passed away. My Nan was a creator in many ways having 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She adored her family and her football! My Nan was a keen knitter with the family benefiting from many lovingly made items. Her most popular creations were Jean Greenhowe knitted toys. She would find the perfect knitted friend for any occasion. A favourite of mine has to be the football octopus mascot. If only City could have a player with 8 legs!

 12a - Octopus

I asked my Dad if I could have a pair of my Nans knitting needles, as I like the thought of knitting something with them. When I visited my parents at the weekend I was presented with 2 boxes of needles and patterns to look through and 3 bags of wool. As I am sure many of you will have experienced, going through a loved ones belongings brings up many emotions. I had a few tears but I mostly had a smile on my face as I read the notes she had made on the patterns. She would scribble the lucky recipients name next to the pattern along with sizes and comments such as ‘just fits nice but next size up would be best’. One in particular really made me giggle as it was a ladies sweater pattern with my cousin Ian’s name next to it. When I see him next I will be asking if he still has it!

12b - Nans Things

As well as patterns, needles, buttons and wool there were two projects that she hadn’t finished, a half knitted Santa and a baby’s cardigan. Knitting was my first craft but since getting my sewing machine I haven’t picked up my needles as often. These will be the perfect excuse to get me knitting again as I would love to finish them for her.

Looking through my Nans knitting collection made me realise the legacy she has left behind. I will certainly remember her for her knitting and will treasure everything she made for me. I believe this is her crafting legacy, as one day I hope to pass on the treasured items as well as the craft of knitting. This got me thinking about the importance of my blog. Social media is so much about the present, the here and now and I have been treating my blog in a similar way. But as I think about my Nans knitting legacy, I realise that my blog is my legacy. As a craft blogger I am sharing my interests and craft that will hopefully inspire others. So when I now write my blogs I am going to think more about who and how am I wanting to inspire and what lasting thought do I want to leave the reader with?

When I think about my Nan she inspired me to make things for the people I love the most. As for a lasting thought, that has to be ‘live life to the full’.

12c - Me and Nan

Tonight I am the host for #craftblogclub from 7pm. This blog post has inspired tonight’s topic ‘Are we creating a craft legacy through our blogs?’ I hope you will all join me and share stories of who inspires you and how you are using your blog to inspire others. Plus, I would love to hear your thoughts on the importance of a craft legacy and are we already doing this through our blogs?

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

#craftblogclub Secret Santa

The wonderful Emma from @livepeachy is the host of #craftblogclub and for Christmas Emma had the idea of setting up a secret santa for all #craftblogclub regulars. As Christmas has now come and gone the secret is out so I am able to talk about it!

I was given the lovely Sonia from @layoutlines to make a christmas gift for. I decided to make Sonia some personlised bunting. I was very relieved to read the following tweet that not only had Sonia received my secret santa, but that she liked it! ‘Feeling the #craftblogclub Christmas love, yay, big thank you to my #secretsanta’.

10a - Sonia SSIt was so great watching all the tweets come in with everyone sharing their lovely handmade secret santa gifts. I received my gift on 3rd Jan and I can tell you everyone in the house knew about it! I was running around like a kid on Christmas morning. My parcel had come all the way from America from @teenagebabushka.  I was very lucky to receive not one but two hand made gifts! Check out my headband hat and wrist warmers. I am still feeling the #craftblogclub Christmas love. A big thank you to @teenagebabushka for my secret santa and to all #craftblogclubers for taking part in a very special secret santa.

10b - Secret Santa

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Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

More Christmas Crafts!

I have so enjoyed all my Christmas makes. I can’t share all of them yet as it will ruin the surprise on Christmas day! But I’m pleased that the Santa sacks for my fiancé and brother-in-law are now finished and hopefully they are excited to put them out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Andy

I have also finished my Christmas bunting. They have been given out as early Christmas presents as I want the recipients to have them hanging up alongside their other decorations.

Bunting

I have also been pom pom crazy after watching this fab tutorial. I will be wrapping my gifts this year with pom poms to make people smile!

Pom Pom

Amongst all of this Christmas crafting I had a last minute addition to my list of makes. My fiancés mum had the task of making 6 choir surplice gowns for her schools Christmas carol concert. We had a rather late evening but we did it. I can’t take any credit for them really as my fiancés mum did most of the work, it was a real achievement. The yokes were so fiddly but we got there in the end.  Needless to say when we finished we crashed on the sofa with a large glass of sherry! Sadly I was unable to make it to the concert but I am told they looked fabulous.

Surplice

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Inspiration, Knitting & Crochet, Sewing

About me

Hello! I am Katie and thank you for visiting my website.

In September 2009 I picked up knitting needles for the first time. I have since attempted crochet, cross stitch and machine sewing. I consider myself a beginner with a lot to learn. Katie Gets Crafty offers an opportunity for me to share my crafting journey.  Be sure to follow me on twitter @katiegetscrafty and check out my folksy page.

Wish me luck!

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