We Have Some Winners

Yes, plural. My competition ended at midnight last night; there were a couple of glitches with comments at the beginning; I had the settings turned to Google comments only. Also, my blog is turning ten years old in 24 days time so what better way to celebrate than by honouring a bag to the three people who took the time to comment.  The bags gifted will be the gorgeous ones chosen in your post.  Congratulations guys I hope you like them.  Can you please message me your details either through Ravelry, Facebook or email so I can get them sent to you as soon as possible.

                                                              xoxo xoxo

Fighting Crime...Scarecrow Style!

 

I've been very busy this week, my little craft hands have been working like mad to get things finished for a special event. Every year just before the schools go back for their new term, the little village that I work in holds an Agricultural Show.  They ask all the locals to get their thinking caps on (straw) to put their village on the map,  as everyone  is invited to take part in a Community Scarecrow Competition. The villagers use their imagination and come up with scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and form, in an attempt to secure the best scarecrow in town award.  Last year, we took the children on a Scarecrow Hunt,  to see how many scarecrows had been displayed. We thought we might see six on the day, but we must have seen closer to 12 or more.  Well this year the little one's have chosen a subject close to their hearts, a context that we have seen popping up over and over again throughout the year.  

Some indication of what we are up to: the body, legs and arms have been completed and just need joined together, and I have promised to make some very important features for the scarecrow.  The picture above may help.

Can you guess who our Scarecrow is going to be? 

Giving some credit to the knitting pattern designer, the piece is Bat Hat by Joanna Rankin.

Taadaaa!!

Hi, everyone!  Hope you are all swell =D

Well, I woke to a wonderful surprise on Wednesday.

 I am now the proud owner and one of forty winners to obtain a copy of Mollie Makes Issue 1.  I already have issue 2 & 3- I absolutely adore the magazine- but this issue is really like gold dust,  so I'm one very happy Squirrel.  I had thought of purchasing the magazine as a digital edition but, it's not really the same as having a magazine that you can thumb through at your leisure. Not very environmentally friendly, I know.

 Crocheting
I've been busy on the crocheting front.  I fell in love with Inga's Hakelbeutel back in 2010 on Ravelry.

Inga's Hakelbeutel

  Mmm.....!  My queue of items on this site is quite extensive.  I'm going to have to live until at least a hundred to get through it.  Anyway back to the bag, I loved it so much that I decided to make my own.  I've gone for crochet flower squares for mine but still followed Inga's  formula for putting the bag together.  My bag is in Neapolitan-ish ice cream colours and made with Rowan Cotton.

My variation of Inga's Hakelbeutel

I would highly recommend creating this bag it's quick to make up, just needs a little patience to put together but it's so worth it.

Made with Rowan Cotton

I was going to sew the squares together, but in the end, I just used a running crochet stitch which has given the bag a raised detailed seam.  Not only does it look more professional but it keeps the squares from stretching when the bag is in use.

The bag is fully lined with an interior zip pocket and magnetic fastener

The interior of the bag is also fully lined.  I'm not going to tell you how much of a beep-beep (excuse the language) that was to sew in place, especially around the V section at the top of the bag. However there was no way I was giving up after cutting and making the letterbox zip pocket,  so I  persevered, and it paid off.  I will soon be strutting my stuff once I've attached the woven handles I bought for it.

FO -finished object!

Button Close-up

 I have finally finished my Anais.  She has been blocked, sewn together, tried on, buttons bought, buttons attached,  tried on again, stroked, ooohed and aahed over.   Yip! She's  stunning, and I love her.

She's stunning

another button close-up

It took me a couple of days to find the right buttons,  I had 4 in my button collection- Anais needs 10-  when I saw them I had no reservations about snapping up 6 more.

Stunning

 Please don't ask me how these little guys ended up in my basket.  All I'm saying is my hand must have slipped, and they fell in at checkout. Honest! Wink, wink!

Squirrel Buttons, so cute!

Whats Next

I have a few potential new knits that I have my eye on.  Just don't know which one to start first as I love them all.

First up is Margate by Sarah Hatton.  I love this little shrug. However, some of the pictures I have seen on Ravelry it sits above the bust line,  I'm a busty girl,  so if I made this, I would have to lengthen the body, which is no problem. I love the pink colour but not sure if I have any in my stash.  So this is a maybe.

Margate by Sarah Hatton

Second up is Dapper by Marie Wallin.  I've only used bead work once or twice and loved it.  I'm not sure if this is a bit dressy for me.  I usually only wear jeans and trainers.  Then again maybe making this would put me back in touch with my feminine side. I also like the model's hair too.  I've been toying with having mine chopped into a bob for ages.  It's the same colour and thickness as the models in the picture,  then again, that could be construed as stalking,  wearing the same cardi and having the same hair do. Lol!  Think we should jump onto number three.

Dapper by Marie Wallin

Third up is another Marie Wallin design called Sedate.  It's not a very clear picture,  the bodice is plain with a lace sleeve.  I love this colour. However, I have just knitted Anais, and the colouring is very similar.

Sedate by Marie Wallin

Fourth and final design I like is Serene by Martin Storey.  I'm not keen on the colour, beige tends to wash me out. I am more of a jewel coloured person.  Ohhh!  I've just noticed someone on Rav has made this in black and red, which I like very much.  This could be the next one on the needles, peeps.  What do you think?

Friendship Blanket

The following squares are for the month of July and from Leg on the forum.

Beautifully wrapped, I was also thrifty and kept the ribbon

Dogman needs a hug 

  

My poor little boy hasn't been very well all week.  He has had a nasty tummy bug and not to go into too much detail, he's had stuff coming out either end.  He's had no energy, he's not even been moaning- which has been very strange,  as he's a hound.  He's only been able to drink water which is also odd as he's like a hoover normally.  So could everyone send him big hugs and tell him to get well soon.  He's my world, and I would be so lost without him.


My Mobile is Full of Silliness

I thought instead of talking about what's on my I Pod, I would tell you about the silliness on my phone.
I don't use my mobile very often, only for texting my mum, sister and Paul.  I don't even talk on it since developing a phobia of phones during my EMDR Therapy.  It's not just my mobile, any phone no matter who's calling I just can't face picking it up and saying hello.  Odd I know, hopefully, the CBT will sort this out.  Not being able to talk on the mobile doesn't stop me from adding silly stuff to it though.

Like wallpapers I change frequently:

Boo!!!!

Domokun

Domokun he's friendly really

Help!!

So Who Is Domokun?

He is a strange creature born from an egg.  He has a sawtoothed mouth that is locked wide. His body is bulky, but his heart is pure.  He likes to daydream and often finds himself in trouble for not paying attention. He is strong but gentle.  When he's in a bad mood, nervous or upset he breaks wind. Lol!
His only form of communication is by producing a low pitched noise which sounds like his name.
I love him he's cool.

I also like to add silly tunes, so if my phone does ring it makes me smile, even though I don't answer it.

In the form of Bod!

or Roobarb and Custard

Or my all time favourite The Flumps. Yes, I'm a seventies kid and proud of it.

Shirley xoxoxo

And The Revised Winner Is........ Kirsty!

I have had no contact with the original winner of this competition-which is a shame, as the prize is wonderful. I have asked Paul to re-pick a name out of the hat and I have made contact with them.  Once they accept the prize I will announce who they are.   Shirley x

 I still haven't heard any word from the winner of this competition.  If she hasn't made contact by Friday, either through email or by leaving a comment on this blog,  a new name will be picked out of the hat for the prize.

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and took the time to leave a comment. Whenever I see a new comment, it makes me smile. Then I always run and  announce it to Paul, cause I'm sad like that.  =D

Now down to the nitty gritty:

Names written out on to bits of paper- Check  ✔
Paper folded tightly- Check  ✔  
Names placed in hat- Check ✔

Paul picks winner - Check  ✔

 
Paul announces winner- Check  ✔

So who's the winner Paul:
Drum roll.......  

 Well done Kirsty, you're the winner.  I have sent you a  message.  Once again congrats and thank you to everyone who entered. 


Shirley xx

Big Baby & Blog Competition

Only a couple of days left to enter my competition.

Just leave a comment to be in with a chance of winning.  If you're not in it, you won't win it.

Hi folks, hope you are well!

This week I haven't been able to survive without my knitting firmly by my side.  I find when I'm feeling vexed, crafting is my only source of release from my worries,  that and watching movies while I  knit.  


So I opted for and watched Toy story 3

Kody

It's only the third time I've watched this film. Nevertheless,  it now holds a special place in my heart.  Today while watching it Paul announced my little nephew Kody looks like Big Baby. Lol!  I love the Big Baby character, can't say why, I'm not sure if it's the name,  the way its face looks, or the blinky eyes. I had a blinky eyed doll when I was little, and I'm sure one of the dolls eyes ended up like Big Babies. Anyway,  the character just makes me all fuzzy and smiley inside.

Big Baby

So when I told  Kody he looked like Big Baby,  he replied: "I don't like big baby, it's scary". Lol!  Bless.

The film then prompted a huge discussion between my sister, oldest nephew and I.  My oldest nephew Curtis,  confessed that he thought it was the end for the toys, the furnace scene,  he said he felt very sad at the thought of them all melting and perishing.   Wow! That's a lot of emotion for someone who will be nearly  16 in October. Hahaha!  But to be fair he grew up with Toy Story, so we'll let him off.   My sister, on the other hand, is just embarrassing.  She cried at the end of the film when Andy gave his toys away.  I shouldn't be surprised at this,  she was inconsolable watching Watership Down when the rabbit dies at the end. *sigh* there's no hope for her. Ha Ha Ha!


Oh! and my all time favourite film is Bram Stoker's Dracula starring Gary Oldman.  I love the costumes, the music, the scenes, the colours and I also have a secret crush on the Gary Oldman character Prince Vlad.  It's a film I will never, ever,  tire of.  This was watched after Toy Story 3.

So the film was watched to stop me procrastinating. I'm in the middle of deciding a life change, and it has resulted in me jumping into not just one new knitting or hooking project but 5 altogether.  Yes, I'm afraid  I've entered the dark side, will I ever finish these projects or are they destined to live as WIP's for the rest of their lives. Lol!     

Sunshine Cardigan
Anais Cardigan by Kim Hargreaves  
Hunters Socks
Manly Socks
Hawaiian Flower Blanket

I'm fairly flying through my Sunshine Cardigan.  I'm now on the sleeves. Won't be long till I'm finished.

I've also started this:

Anais Cardigan by Kim Hargreaves

I'm loving this knit, and the pattern repeat is very easy to memorise.  Should have this finished in a couple of days the rate I'm going at.

I've decided to knit this in the large size to accommodate my ample bust.  I'm using  Sirdar Calico instead of Rowan milk cotton.  For one I had the Sirdar yarn in my stash and two the Rowan yarn isn't.   Also, I really can't afford a splurge at the moment,  as pennies are tight.  = (

Hunters' Socks

What else have I been up to?  Oh yes!  Paul celebrated his summer birthday yesterday.  His original birth date is in January, but as it's so close to Christmas and the weather is usually miserable, we decided to move his celebration to Junuary.  I made these:

Hunters Socks

These are made in undyed alpaca yarn from a lovely lady in America, Dawn is her name, and she kindly sent me a load of goodies for making her socks.  I have a dark chocolate version of the yarn and a cream version too and tonnes of it.  This yarn is so soft, very cosy but not sock weight.  So the Hunters' pattern is ideal for this project as it asks for worsted weight yarn.    Now to any normal human being these would just be too hot to wear in summer and probably more suited to January instead of Junuary but not Paul.  He wears 2 pairs of socks everyday-not sure why and I've never asked- just a strange boy thing I suppose.

Hawaiian Flowers

My mums birthday is also this month, next week to be precise and keeping with my thrifty theme I decided to make Hawaiian Flowers by Sarah London.   This pattern has been in my queue forever but I just never got round to making it until now.  Doesn't look much, when you see the picture above.  I made 14  flowers of each colour, think there are 5 colours in total.  Paul thought I had lost the plot- I just kept churning these little guys out.  Then he saw this:

I still have to block it.  It's not a normal sized blanket but a leg cosy- for when you're sitting in a chair.  My mum mentioned she normally snoozes in her chair when she finishes work and that her legs become very cold, hence the blanket.

I really do hope my mum likes this as I've  poured a lot of work into. I will also be very sad to see it go as I'm in love with it.   Paul, on the other hand, hates crochet- he says it's granny-ish- stopid boy.   Hahahaha!

I'm also loving the weather we've been having.  Two whole days of sunshine, keeping fingers crossed that tomorrow and the day after will be the same.  Love hanging out my washing when the weather is this hot.  My mum laughs as I'm just as anal as her at hanging out my washing.  Underwear goes on one section of the line with one colour of pegs, tops on another section of the line with another colour and so on and so on.  I hate when Paul hangs the washing out as he hangs the tops the wrong way and I twitch until it's sorted.  I also always wipe the line before putting out my stuff,  I never leave my washing out over night and never leave the pegs out on the line-my sister does this, and I had to tell her off.   I sound like a nutter.  I also like to smell the washing while I fold it (not the underwear though, that's just pervy).

 Folksy Shop Update

Other news:  I have more pattern keepers in my Folksy store and website and also different fabric designed bags.  The pyramid bags are going down a treat and have sold quite a few since placing them in my store.  Will try to publish some of the lovely comments I've received from customers in my next post.

BLOGOVERSARY COMPETITION

I've just noticed my blogoversary is coming up soon.  My little blog is 5 years old in 3 days time (I know, what on earth have I been gibbering about all these years) and to celebrate  I'm giving these goodies away:

A Russian Doll Pyramid bag,  Brittany Straight Knitting Needles, Set of Bamboo DPN's , 2 pattern keepers and 100g/333m  of Merino Tencel in Raspberry by Krafty Koala.

To be in with a chance of winning all these goodies.  Just leave a comment.   I will ask Paul to randomly select and announce the winner on the 3rd of July at 7 pm.



Shirley xx

And The Winner Is........

First off, I'd like to thank all of you who have taken an interest in Shirley and her talents. What she does through her love of crafts is very genuine and the very likes of this wee competition is the kind of event that I hope should be one of many to kick-start a fledgling career in what takes her to a place she should probably have been a long time ago...

Okay, here we go.

I imagine a few of you will be disappointed but I thank all of you for taking part at least - that means a hell of a lot ! The entry I've chosen is fairly simple, but it's really because of how the the words run together and compliment one another... That being 'Daisy Haze' !

So congratulations to our winner and a very big thank you to all who took the time to post and show an interest. For what it's worth, I hope you all keep following Shir and who knows, you might just be the next person to pick up a future item that we need your input for.
Keep looking in and keep an eye open for forthcoming events i.e. Blogoversary!

Thanks y'all.

Paul x

Shirley pops in and pushes Paul out of the way!

Congratulations Polarpurplebear aka Loupylou on the Phoenix Knitting forum.  I'm glad I asked Paul to pick the winner as it would have been so hard for me to chose.  Some of the names where outstanding.  Paul spent a couple of hours looking at the bag and looking at the suggestions ummmming and aghhhing all the while.  It was a tough competition to call.
He's now sitting drinking a well earned beer and playing Red Dead Redemption on his PS3.
Lets leave him to do his killing, shall we.

Shirley xx

Made By Sun Rae *shop update* plus Competition!

Sewing needle case

Hi everyone, hope you are well! I've been very busy this  past week or so, making items for my Folksy shop and my website. I have now introduced Sewing Needle Cases and more Pyramid Knitting Project bags.  The new Pyramid Bags come as a standard size 7"high and 7"wide.  Heavier designer fabrics have been used in some and they are fully lined throughout. If these prove to be successful,  I will endeavour to produce more in other colour waves.

                    Sun Flower Passion

                       Watermelon

                         Sherbert

The Sewing Needle Cases are reinforced with interfacing and heavy duty wadding to stop needles protruding   out and also to help it maintain its shape.
*****Update***** Paul has just come up the stairs to spy on me and has also confessed my Sewing Cases are very cute-not me- the sewing cases Lol.
Pyramid Bags

Flower Power Love

          
 

Flower Patch

                             

Daisy Haze (name suggested by Loupylou)

                              

Sherbert Dib-Dab

Marshmallow

                            

The last Pyramid Bag is made in a lighter weight fabric i.e. cotton and fully lined.

On Safari

        

The heavier fabric pyramid bags cost £12.00 whilst the lighter fabric ones cost £10.00.  The Sewing Needle Cases cost £6.00 each.  All these items will be available from 6pm tonight  are now available on my Folksy page and website.

Competition
In this post you may have noticed one of the pyramid bag designs caption reads ??????
This pouch doesn't have a name :( .  To be in with a chance of winning the pouch, please just leave a comment with your suggestion of what I should call it.   I will leave this competition open until  8pm on Sunday 15th May.  Due to the maintenance glitch I will be extending the competition closing date and time until, Monday 16th of May at 7pm.  I will ask my O/H to pick the best name and he  will announce the winner on Tuesday 17th May at 7pm.

Goodluck!
Shirley xx