Christmas Slippers

I knitted lots of lovely bits and bobs for christmas presents, but one of my favourites were these slipper socks, loosely based on a 1940's vintage pattern. I knitted them for my daughter who loves all things vintage. The green yarn is vintage and I thought the red and cream added that christmassy feel.

I am still working on this pattern. It still needs 'tweaking' on the heels as they are far too square and 'lumpy'. I also need to work out the knitting instructions for all adult sizes. I looked everywhere for a men's slipper sock pattern (size 12) but couldn't find a nice pattern anywhere. So I'll be creating these in XL size for my hubby and daughter's boyfriend.

The pattern and slippers will be for sale in my etsy shop soon, so don't forget to keep looking.

Hope you are all having a lovely christmas, and all the best for 2009!!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree.........

I'm so pleased with this cute and colourful tree. It's not knitting, I know, but I thought I'd try something different this week. I found the pattern and the instructions on 'little birds handmade' blog.

Her instructions and simple pattern are downloadable and easy to read. You simply print off the pattern and cut it out. Cut out the two pieces from your felt or fabric and you're ready to sew.

Here are a few extra tips, if you decide to make one yourself:

When sewing on buttons, leave a 2cm gap around the edge of the tree seam and tip of the tree -don't sew any buttons within this gap. The buttons will interfere with the smooth running of your sewing machine. Turn the tree the right side out and sew on the rest of your buttons before stuffing.

Make 3 or 4 (or more) at the same time - complete all steps on each tree before moving on to the next stage of making up. This saves lots of time - it's quicker than making one tree at a time.

Using contrasting christmas coloured thread to sew your buttons on, for that extra christmassy finish.

Reduce the pattern down to 80% for a slightly smaller tree - this way you can cut two tree pieces out of one 9 inch felt square.

If you love my delicious spotted buttons, you can buy them from a fabulous etsy shop called 'Bigfish'. Kirsty is a great seller and sells the most gorgeous buttons and sewing accessories - you'll be addicted to buttons in no time.

Good luck with your project - I'm off now to finish my Christmas Woodland........

Finally.......

I've set up my blog.

Each week I'll be posting a blog on the trials and excitement of knitting, sewing and desigining, with sneaky peaks at my new designs, finished pieces and top tips that I've found along the way.

My first post will follow soon, so keep watching ......