Camper Van trips to the beach & beyond.
Our workshop on Saturday afternoon was to fill a blank canvas using 'mixed media'. I loved the way most people had obviously given it a great deal of thought at home and prepared so well for it. I was also pleased to see that 'fibres', featured on so many too.
Cottage garden.
Exploring with 'Alice'
The falling leaves of autumn
School report & family photo nostalgia.
Yesterday we held a felt making workshop and all enjoyed the therapy gained from doing something really hands on. All that rubbing, rolling and squashing - you can't beat it!
First we made pads of the background colour and then layered on the design. We had dots,
We had flowers,
Sunsets,
Crows,
And a badger too.
The began the rubbing and rubbing & rubbing,
Finally the rinsing,
And then we could admire our handy work.
And the felted pictures were done.
Pretty impressive, I think you'll agree.
Lets take a closer look at some of the other blankets exhibited that weren't in Isabella's top 4, but certainly would have been if there was any way she could have juggled it!
Sarah Hill's lovely pink cot blanket whos textured hearts and delicate edging were admired by many.
Inspired by mulled wine & log fires this random patchwork blanket of Jo Barretts was soooo tactile. I spent half the afternoon stroking a furry pink square. (sorry Jo!)
Sue Rogers, Master Knitter!! created this gorgeous blanket the rest of us could only marvel at. It really had to be seen to appreciate the work that went into it. Sue must have been awake for many nights to finish this one.
How pretty is Chrissie Cole's baby blanket? Inspired by Spring and adorned with daisies, this blanket had many admirers on Sunday.
Holes where they are meant to be! Now that was a novelty - a real talking point for our visitors and a favourite with many. Designed and made by Trish Back and inspired by pebbles, this blanket had real movement & texture.
Our own Jane Richards tucked herself away in her lovely cottage and then produced this beautiful double bed sized crocheted throw - as if like magic! I know there were times when she was tearing her hair out trying to decide how to edge it, but the results prove it was all worth it.
At last! Emily Kemp's gorgeous blanket in all it's finished glory! Our judge was very taken with the 'sweater style' textures & stitches of this one. Well worth staying up all night to finish Em.
Well, I couldn't set my lovely K&N ladies the challenge of making a jazzy blanket and not join in, could I? So here is my offering, inspired by a cottage garden.
I hope you have all enjoyed viewing our work. If you would like to join Knit & Natter, we meet every Tuesday & Thursday in Crafty Angel/Angels & Petals, Hatherleigh at 7.30pm. Our next exhibition will be in the spring. Look out for details, coming soon.
Wow! What a superb display of blanket we had to show off on Sunday. Thank you to all of you who worked so hard to make it a truly stunning exhibition. Not forgetting those who provided an array of delicious cakes which kept us sustained throughout the day and were greatly appreciated by our visitors. I have been stopped a couple of times today by people who popped in to see the exhibition and were genuinely impressed. You all deserve a pat on the back and I hope you are really proud of what you achieved.
One side of the hall
And the other.
Isabella Whitworth had the unenviable task of choosing her favourites. A task she took seriously and ensuring I knew her thoughts about each blanket, which I could pass on.
And winner was Debbie Fowler's cable edged beauty, inspired by sweet peas in her garden. Well deserved indeed.
Second place went to Sue Tinkler's raspberry, grey & white blanket inspired by a favourite Ikea cushion. Isabella especially loved the rippled edging. On the left is Olive Bush's Neapolitan ice cream blanket who's tonal shades were admired by our judge and awarded 4th place.
3rd place went to Rosemary Cooke and her cot blanket inspired by log cabin quilts. The hard work that went into all those little peices of knitting was appreciated by Isabella who also felt it truly was a 'Jazzy Blanket' .
Well done girls.
Check back later in the week to see all of the blankets we had on display
Anyone who was up before 8am today will know just how bloomin' cold & frosty it was.
There was also an ethereal mist hanging over us. But then the sun began to rise.
It was obviously going to be a rather splendid morning.
The last time I actually stood and watched a sunrise I was up a mountain, and you can't beat that, but this was pretty spectacular too.
Enjoy your sunny Monday. Blanket Exhibition photos to follow soon!
It's hard work being a shop keeper you know? Having to source beautiful eye catching items on a daily basis. Ha! not at all. It's the best job in the world & I love it. Never more so than at this time of year when the stock I've ordered, sometimes months ago, finally comes in. At this time of year it's all about presents. What people would like to give and most importantly what people would be delighted to receive.
Here's one present that ticks 2 boxes..
Not only would this make an excellent gift in it's own right, but it is also ideal for those who want to make special little gifts for Christmas from their own kitchen.
Who could resist home made Turkish Delight, dusted in icing sugar and packed in cellophane packages tied up with ribbon?
Or jars of marinated goats cheese, looking so lovely it seems a crime to open the jar.
This Honeycomb is always a hit. So easy to do, yet it never fails to make an impression.
Perfect for giving to neighbours these little cakes look very moreish.
Just how pretty do these sugar lumps look? Surprisingly simple to do I thought this idea was genius.
And how about a few pastel coloured macaroons? Presented in a prettily decorated box, what could be nicer?
Last Saturday we held a Felted Flower workshop. Participants were given the choice of needle felting a flower, or using flat sheet felt. Many chose to do both, which produced some very pretty results. Here are some photo's taken on the day.
A combination of flat & needle felting in blue shades.
Flat felt & a button make a pretty brooch.
Seed beads finish off this pumpkin rather nicely.
Flat & Needle felting using to stunning effect.
Pretty Clematis flowers being needle felted.
Flat & needle felt in gorgeous purple.
Finishing touches being added to this statement flower.
A cluster of needle felted blooms.
A cute needle felted acorn on a flat felt leaf.
Don't forget we have a wet felting session (lots of rubbing & hot soapy water!) next Wednesday 27th October and just a few places left - be sure to book your place!
Many of you will remember the lovely Rosemary Byrne who came to our Knit & Natter for a few weeks in the early summer, when she visited the UK. Rosemary's home is in California and so she isn't able to come to our exhibition of blankets, but gamely took up the challenge and has sent a photograph of her gorgeous jazzy blanket, for us all to enjoy.
Isn't it great? Well done Rosemary. We'll save you a slice of cake in cake you have a sudden urge to join us!
I know a few of you have been waiting for the ever popular singing bracelets to come back into stock. They arrived today.
Because of all their little bells they make a lovely tune as you go about your daily business. A happy little addition to any wrist!
I'm not really a fan of bling, but I couldn't resist ordering these rather lovely snowflake earrings
Sure to make you smile as dressing in the morning becomes a chillier & chillier pastime!
An inspirational gift & craft shop in a pretty market town.
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