Art, Craft and Makes 2017

**JanieB** · 05-01-2017, 11:01 AM

I have 3 babies due this year. My granddaughter, very good friend and my niece are all expecting. Soooo I bought needles and wool and started a very complicated lacy shawl intending to make 3 of them. I have now pulled it back to the beginning 3 times now. I'm not a beginner and I'm pretty good at knitting. I need to find a way of marking where I've got to quickly as when I'm interrupted it's difficult to go back to.

I photocopied the pattern and mark each row as I knit them, it's when I'm in the middle of a row I have problems.

I've had an email about Innocent Smoothie hats to help Age UK. I thought I might make some of those too. Something to do whilst my bronchitis keeps me indoors.

**mrswadders** · 05-01-2017, 11:03 AM

I made a start on this year's xmad pressies just before xmad! Not finished yet but in the process of making quilted tote bags,placemats,coasters,tissue holders and some other bits. Mr Wis planning on making some table lamps from drinks bottles also t-light holders from wine bottles. Will post piccies as we go along....

Great post, I shall look forward to seeing everyone's makes

**Miss Mousetrousers** · 05-01-2017, 11:58 AM

I'm still in the process of making a cross-stitch picture of all the things she likes for my great-niece that was supposed to be finished and framed for Xmas; however I'm stuck on the last bit because she loves collecting stones and wanted to put some falling down onto a little pile to the right of the clown's ball. I've attached an earlier pic so you can see what I mean.

Attached Files

P1000770 (2).jpg (0, 19 views)

**Ms-T** · 05-01-2017, 12:38 PM

I make cards.note books and a few anther bits and bobs

Attached Files

**MagpieKnitter** · 05-01-2017, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by JanieB

I need to find a way of marking where I've got to quickly as when I'm interrupted it's difficult to go back to.

I photocopied the pattern and mark each row as I knit them, it's when I'm in the middle of a row I have problems.

Stitch markers and lifelines are what you need. Stitch markers can be used after each pattern repeat. These can be fancy ones, although I use tiny scraps of high contast yarn tied in a loop then slipped on the needle after each repeat. Just slip them as you go. Then whenever you pick it up you just have to see where in that repeat you are. It also helps make sure your stitch count is right and if not, you can help figure out which section is wrong.

Lifelines. Bits of lightweight yarn or dental floss, when you get to the end of a row repeat, thread it on a darning needle and push it through the 'live' stitches on the needle. (This is vastly easier if you are using a circular needle.) Depending on how many rows to a repeat, you can put these in after every repeat, or every 10 repeats or whatever you decide. If you go wrong. Remove any lifelines ABOVE the mistake, if any, and pull work back to the relevant lifeline, then slide the needle in alongside the lifeline, and continue, knowing you're at the start of a repeat. When you have finished, and checked it, remove lifelines.

**JanieB** · 05-01-2017, 02:03 PM

Thanks MK. I should have remembered that but it is about 25 years since I did any "proper" knitting although I have done small bits over the years.

**sparrow100** · 05-01-2017, 02:10 PM

The only sewing I do is cobbling holes together or (very slowly) making tiny red felt socks to fill with chocolates at Christmas & hang on the tree.

But this year I'm reviving a very old tradition in our family and painting blown eggs for Easter. We eat loads of eggs here, and blowing fresh eggs is easy-peasy. 14 shells are ready here so far, I just need a quiet afternoon to put on the initial undercoat, steal OH's brushes & acrylics and start.

**Jay22** · 05-01-2017, 03:43 PM

You lot are just too clever by far!

**hcmtm** · 05-01-2017, 07:27 PM

Up-cycling in primary schools

Next week I am starting an up-cycling club in two local primary schools. Our first task is to make things out of plastic water bottles so I'll start with bird feeders and also lacewing shelters. I have a couple of other quick makes for variety but everyone is most welcome to add suggestions. Maybe I'll start a thread, eh?

**Guest** · 05-01-2017, 07:34 PM

^^^ Here is one that was made earlier

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ead_30193.html

**Mrs Bee** · 05-01-2017, 08:20 PM

These are some of last years makes.

I am in the middle of an embroidered Christmas stocking for my granddaughter. I had hoped to get it done for last Christmas but time just ran out on me.

Attached Files

**Mrs Bee** · 05-01-2017, 08:28 PM

And a few more odds and sods.

Attached Files

**Scarlet** · 05-01-2017, 10:02 PM

Ive just started a cake...due Saturday

cakes were baked today.i'll cover them tomorrow and decorate Saturday.
They want a cake similar to one I did last month...

with a few more berries, blackberries and rose hips...just started the decs tonight.

Attached Files

**Nannysally99** · 05-01-2017, 10:05 PM

Scarlet, your cakes are amazing, just so realistic. Keep the pictures coming in

Announcement

Art, Craft and Makes 2017

Art, Craft and Makes 2017

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Latest Topics

Recent Blog Posts