Tag Archives: Knitting

#craftblogclub

#craftblogclub Spring Clean Gift Swap Challenge Reveal

At the end of March #craftblogclub set a new challenge – The #CraftBlogClub Spring Clean Gift Swap.

The challenge was to create and send a gift to a fellow #CraftBlogClub-ee, using materials that have sat unused.  The idea of this challenge was to use up those materials that have been lying around and to help you have a good clear out.

I was partnered up with the lovely Kay. I know Kay likes her knitted items so I saw this as a chance to dust off my knitting needles. I had some wool left over from a scarf I made years ago. So I decided to make Kay some wrist warmers. Not much use to her now but ready for the winter.

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I also had some fabric left over from a jute bag I made last year and there was just enough to make another. To my delight Kay loved them both.

From Kay I received the most wonderful gift. Next month I am getting married and Kay has made us a beautiful cross stitch as a keepsake for our special day! How thoughtful?! I’m not ashamed to say I shed a few tears when I opened my gift. Thank you Kay x x x

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I can’t wait for the next challenge – there really is nothing like getting a special hand made gift through the post! #craftblogclub is every Tuesday 7-8.30pm GMT, join us for lots of crafty chat, blogging inspiration and fun challenges – Come Join Us!

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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

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

2014 is certainly here!

A belated Happy New Year to you from Katie Gets Crafty. I hope you all had a wonderful festive break and have braved the cold and rain of January.  Like many of you I spent most of January resting, recovering and planning for the year ahead. Now February is here I feel like it is time to put those plans into action.

Firstly February is my birthday month and on Sunday I turned 29. There I said it, 29! I have had mixed emotions about this but I have decided I love my new age. I am now a proper grown up but I can still, just about, get away with some childish fun behavior. Despite feeling pretty rubbish with a head cold I was totally spoilt and enjoyed a really relaxing day. Check out this fun bag that a special friend got for me. It’s so cheeky and I love it! It’s from the collection of Kelly Connor Designs.

11a. Knitting

On turning 29 I have set myself some personal goals to achieve before the big 30. The main focus of these goals are to push myself more and to not let nerves and lack of confidence get in the way of trying new things. That said I am very excited (and a little nervous) to be helping out the lovely @livepeachy by hosting the occasional #craftblogclub this year. #craftblogclub is a twitter chat that takes place every Tuesday 7-8:30pm for like minded craft bloggers and lovers of all crafts. It’s a fun and really friendly place where we discuss topics and support one another. Make sure you join me on Tuesday 4th Feb as I host for the first time and launch this month’s challenge.

I am so excited to really kick start 2014 and I hope you are too. There are big plans for Katie Gets Crafty in 2014. There is also a move to contend with at the end of Feb so do bare with me if the blog goes a little quiet. But I promise Katie Gets Crafty will be very active this year with lots of new projects in the pipeline. I can’t wait to share them all with you. Wishing you all the very best for 2014! Let’s get to it!

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