Reflections

It's been a good year for us all at Cakes Knits and Cosies. We re-branded during the year to two new shops:

Lynne's Pattern Parlour - for fun patterns to knit and crochet
and
Lynne's Knitted Notions - for fun knits and fab gifts

You can find both of these shops on etsy and folksy and I'm pleased to say they're both doing well. My aim next year is to build up more stock for Lynne's Knitted Notions. My neck cosies are really popular, as are my flower neck scarves and my little amigurumi creatures.

My daughter has been a great help too - she helps me to knit when I'm really busy and is a great model, being so beautiful. She has some great marketing and business ideas - remarkable, considering she's only 16.

Our Waldo scarves are becoming more popular - I'm working on a new design for a Waldo hat, so watch this space. If you haven't heard of Waldo the Worm - click here to buy his fab book. Great for kids and adults too - the artwork is amazing ......

I've designed for Let's Get Crafting magazines - I've been featured in every issue this year, which is amazing. I hope it continues. So what's next for Lynnes Pattern Parlour and Lynne's Knitted Notions? Well I have loads of design ideas to write up and I hope to secure more magazine commissions throughout the year. I'll be planning, designing and marketing much more in 2011. Fingers crossed for more success my handmade goods and patterns.  Hope you've all had a good year too, and may 2011 bring every success.

Let's Knit and Craftgawker

I was recently directed to a Craftgawker, a gallery where anyone can showcase their art, crafting and photography skills. It's a great place to discover new artists and handmade goods to inspire your own creations. The submission requirements are quite specific and they only accept "beautiful, well balanced, craft related photographs". They have to link to a blog (not just a shop).

So I was absolutely over the moon when my ladybird bootees were accepted. Since then I've had a few rejections. But I persevered and my latest commission for three donuts were accepted. If you click on the link below you can favourite the images - so please could you take a look and favourite mine - thanks so much .....

http://craftgawker.com/

I made these donuts because Let's Knit magazine want to feature my donut pattern. It's just a link to my folksy shop - not the actual pattern - but any publicity's great - especially in one of my favourite knitting mags.

Here's a clip of the front page of cratgawker, featuring my delicious donuts:

The donuts link to my other blog at http://lynnespatternparlour.blogspot.com/

My Rosacea

I thought it's about time I started to talk about my rosacea. Mainly in the hope that I can inspire other rosacea sufferers to get to the doctors and get some help . That's just what I did and now things are a lot more managable and boy, does my skin look a million times better. To be honest, it's barely noticable now and I feel happy again. I was quite traumatised over christmas when it flared up really badly, so much so that I was glad to be snowed in the house.........

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face and neck. For more information from the NHS, click here. Sadly there's no cure, but it's managable with various gels and medication. The main thing is that certain factors trigger off rosacea, such as stress, sunlight, cold weather, hot drinks, alcohol and certain foods.

The trick is to work out what triggers your rosacea. It's very time consuming but the best way to manage rosacea is to avoid the triggers.

My triggers are, hot water (eg. hot bath/shower), chemicals (eg. in shampoos, soaps, bathroom cleaners, those dreaded air fresheners that keep spraying every few minutes arrrrh!!!), direct heat (eg from radiators, fires, sun), various food products and drinks - any alcohol, pepper and I'm sure it's either sulphite additives or food that trigger a release of histimines. I'm still working on this one.

So, as well as my wheat and gluten intolerance, I have to avoid lots of other foods too.

I've seen three different GPs, had allergy tests and blood tests, and finally the 3rd. GP I saw prescribed Rosex gel and antibiotics for three months. The antibiotics really worked and now I just use the gel, twice a day, as well as avoiding all the triggers, which in itself is hard work. Cold showers, washes and no alcohol. I also take an anti-histimine every couple of days, which helps too.

I feel a lot happier now though, I look pretty normal again and my face is a lot less sensitive. I would urge anyone suffering from Rosacea to push their GP to find a solution for them. It's definitely manageable.

I blog more about my daily rountine and the products I use - as my GP said - you don't need to buy special creams that cost a fortune.  It's certainly helped me, so hopefully I can help someone else.

Craftgawker

I was recently directed to a Craftgawker, a gallery where anyone can showcase their art, crafting and photography skills. It's a great place to discover new artists and handmade goods to inspire your own creations. The submission requirements are quite specific and they only accept "beautiful, well balanced, craft related photographs". They have to link to a blog (not just a shop).

So I was absolutely over the moon when my ladybird bootees were accepted. They're now on the front page. If you take a look - perhaps you could favourite me (click on the heart on the photo). The more hearts the better, just click here then click the heart on the photo.

The bootees link to my other blog at http://lynnespatternparlour.blogspot.com/.

Here's a clip of the front page

I've done it!!

Well, after much ado and with a lot of help from my patient hubby, I've finally launched my two new shops on etsy. I have split my old shop CakesKnitsandCosies in two new shops:

Lynne's Pattern Parlour, for my knitting and crochet patterns

and

Lynne's Knitted Notions, for my handmade gifts

I hope I've done the right thing. I've been wanting to do this for ages, as I don't feel that the name of CakesKnitsandCosies really reflects what I'm doing. I want to have shop names that are clear about what I'm selling. I'll be closing my CakesKnitsandCosies shops and blog eventually.

I need to open my shops in Folksy and MISI still, but I have a headache now, after all the computer work I've done today. So I'll tackle those another day.

I still have my patterns to list in Lynne's Pattern Parlour and I need to get some handmade goodies listed in Lynne's Knitted Notions. But at least all the tricky technical stuff is done now.

I'll be blogging about my (hopeful) success on my new blog here and posting some free patterns too along the way.

I'd love some followers on my new site, and at some point I hope to create a monthly newsletter that you can sign up to.

Dancing Folksy Friday

My daughter is away at the moment on a 3 day Dance Workshop with the British Ballet Organisation at the prestigious Elmhust School for Dance in Birmingham. She was really excited as she wants to train professionally as a dancer, so this is a great opportunity for her.  She's 15 at the moment, so she may change her mind, but she's always danced and is really good. I can't wait to go and watch the performance on Saturday.

My folksy friday this week is dancing, hope you like it.....

From top left, clockwise, these dancing folksters are

1. Annabella designs
2. All beauteous things
3. Jay designs
4. LJG Art & Illustrations

For more gorgeous folksy friday showcases, click here

Destash#2 - Rowan Cotton Rope

The instructions for the first part of my preemie baby blanket are here. Now for the second part. Because my blanket isn't big enough (only 33cm square) I need to edge it with a complimentary chunky yarn. I've chosen some white Cotton Rope from my stash, as I have just over two 50g balls.

Rowan Cotton Rope is a softly twisted rope like yarn, which knits up quickly. It's a combination of cotton (55%) and acrylic (45%).

Good points: Nice and soft - lovely to crochet with. Firm texture.

Bad points: None that I can find.

Edging instructions:
Take a 5.5 or 6mm crochet hook and make a sl st onto your hook. Join with a double crochet (dc) to any side of the blanket. Working around the blanket, dc into the space between every row. When you get to a corner make 3dc into the corner space. Work around all 4 sides and join to the first dc with a sl st.

Next row: Make 3ch (counts as first treble crochet (tr)). Work 1 tr into every st of the previous round. When you get to a corner, work 5 tr into the middle st of the 3 corner sts. Join to 3rd ch of first tr.

Repeat this row until you are happy with the size of your blanket (don't forget to work 5 tr in the middle st of every corner group of 5 sts). Cut yarn and pull through st on hook. Darn all yarn ends into the blanket and trim.

Here's my finished blanket. I'm not overjoyed with it. The creamy white colour in the sirdar spree just looks like dirty white and the knitted middle is very loose. I hope it's OK as a preemie blanket. The good thing is that it's nice and soft and the cotton mix should be great for delicate skin.

Destash #1 - Sirdar Spree Chunky

My first destash project uses Sirdar Spree Chunky, a cotton mix of candy colours (60% cotton 40% acrylic).  I have made a preemie baby blanket.

Here's my review of the yarn, after knitting with it for the first time:
Good points: Lovely and soft when knitted up. Colours look pretty too when knitted up, nicer than I expected, although he creamy white colour just looks a little like a dirty white.  Cheap (69p)
Bad points: Splits like crazy. It's a little heavy and loose when knitted up - I wouldn't like to make a jumper in it, I imagine it would hang pretty badly and fall out of shape. I'm dreading washing my little blanket in case it loses it's shape.

Initially, I wasn't sure what to make with this. I searched Ravelry for pattern ideas, but absolutely nothing grabbed me. So, I decided to knit a preemie blanket. 100g isn't quite enough I don't think, so I will have to edge it to make it bigger, maybe with some white yarn from my stash (two balls in one project can't be bad eh?).

First, I started to crochet the blanket, but it splits terribly and I got really frustrated. So I frogged it and started to knit instead. It still splits with knitting, but not as much. I decided to knit a blanket starting at one corner and increasing on every alternate row and until I'd used approx half the ball (I kept weighing it until there were 50g left). Then I decreased on every alternate row. Here's the instructions for anyone who wants to knit a really quick and simple preemie blanket. It took me about 3 hours, and because it using only garter st, I was able to watch TV too.

Using the needle size recommended on your ball band.Cast on 2 sts.

Row 1: kfb in each st

Row 2: sl 1, k to end

Row 3: sl 1, kfb, kfb, k1

Row 4: sl 1, k to end

Row 5: sl 1, kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1

Row 6: sl 1, k to end

Repeat Rows 5 and 6 until half the yarn has been used (use scales to weigh your ball of yarn) finishing on a Row 6

Next Row: sl 1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1

Next Row: s1 1, k to end

Repeat last two Rows until 4 sts remain

Next Row: k2tog, k2tog, pass 1st st over 2nd st. Pull yarn end though the st and tie off.

With this 100g ball of chunky yarn, I made a square of approx 33cm, which isn't big enough for a preemie blanket. So in my next blog post I will show you how to crochet an edge around the blanket to make it bigger. Here's a photo of this first stage, with a crocheted double crochet border - to be explained in my next post.

Knitted Folksy Friday

A happy Easter to you all. My theme this week is knitted - one of my favourite crafts. It also coincides with the launch of my latest project - Project De-stash. I will start my blog today and you can follow me as I work my way through my huge yarn stash. Hopefully raising some funds for charity as well as knitting for charity on the way.

Here are my knitted folksy favourites this week

From top left clockwise
1. Sara Carr
2. Handmade
3. Claire Crompton
4. Knit Happens

For more great folksy fridays, click here

Bunnies and Bootees

I've blogged about my latest crochet pattern already, but I've just made another cutie from the pattern and added a little bag and a carrot, so I thought I'd share the piccys with you.  I made the bunny for a creature shop, organised by  Giraffe Craft on Folksy. I hope the little bunny doesn't eat the creme egg en-route!!  I also hope my creature swap recipient likes my bunny.  The cute little chicken isn't my work - I'm recycling it from a previous swap.

I've also made a pretty little pair of bootees for my mum-in-law for a friend who is having a baby. I looked everywhere for a nice free pattern for bootees but wasn't over-excited by any of them, so I have created my own. This is another of my patterns that I'm just about to release - I'm just working on a matching beanie hat.

I really must get my patterns written up and published soon, but I just don't seem to be able to fit everything in these days. There's just so much to do all the time.

For example, today we simply bought 8 shallow bowls for our Denby collection (they were a real bargain at £3.99 each so we coudn't resist). However, when we got home, we had to sort the kitchen cupboard out to fit them in. This resulted in all cupboards being sorted. It's amazing how many cups and plates you can amass over time. We've had a massive clearout and now got a huge bag full of mugs, glasses and other bits and bobs to take to the charity shop. Now everything doesn't just fall out of cupboards all the time. I'm really pleased to have a nice clean and tidy kitchen again.

But I digress - here are my latest fibre works of art.

Easter Bunnies Folksy Friday

I've been busy crocheting rabbits for the last couple of weeks, testing my latest pattern. So to continue my rabbit obsession, I've chosen my favourite folksy bunnies, especially whilst it's nearly easter. They're so sweet. From top left, clockwise, these fab folksy sellers are

1. Widget and friends
2. Dotty Daisies
3. Once Upon a Charm
4. The Linen Cat

For more folksy fridays click here. There are some gorgeous items on show this week.

White Rabbits

For some time now I've been working on the design of a crochet rabbit. My first design was OK, but I thought it was a little too small and fiddly to crochet. Not a good basis for a pattern really, especially for the less experienced crocheter.

So I've fiddled and pfaffed with the design and now I think I have it. My little bunny is slightly bigger and the ears are much better, although I may end up fiddling with them a bit more. This is where my pattern designs often come to a halt, as I tend to get a little fed up with fiddling, and move onto something different. But I'm determined to finish this pattern and get it published.

The other aspect of design for me is to make sure my creations are different to what's already out there. Now that'a a challenge, especially with something like a rabbit as there are lots of amigurumi bunnies out there, some of which are really sweet.

I checked all of the online shops like etsy, folksy, MISI and I happy that my little bunny is quite different.

I hope you like her - I have some little 'additions' to make - they're a secret, but will just finish her off nicely. I'm in the process of writing up and checking the pattern, so it should be available in the next few weeks.

Cheery Folksy Friday

Yes it's that time of the week again. I can't believe how fast folksy fridays are coming around. It's a lovely bright day outside, must havng some washing out!! The bright sunshine has inspired my folksy friday, along with noodlebubble's button swap.

Here are my favourites this week.....

From top left, clockwise,

1. jamball

2. LAM designs

3.Handmade by Bethany

4. Sarah Elizabeth designs

For more fab and funky folksy fridays click here.

Aslo a BIG thanks to oddsox for including my ladybird bootees in her pretty picks this week. It's the first time I've been included in a folksy friday, how exciting.

Gluten free cheese burgers, potato wedges and veg - a 40 minute meal

We've just had tea, and everyone's plates were empty. To be honest, they always are in our house. My little boy has given up asking whether he can leave his last potato or handful of veg - he knows the answer is no - eat them up like a good boy - and he does. He's a little sweetheart.

Tonight our gluten free meal was cheese burgers, potato wedges and veg. The rest of the family have 'normal' buns because they're OK with wheat and gluten. I have a gluten free bun and no cheese because it triggers my Rosacea.

For anyone else out there who's gluten free, here's the recipe. Apologies about the vagueness of the quantities, I just make stuff without weighing. You don't need to use organic veg - I buy them because they have less additives and pesticides.

Serves 4 people.

4-5 medium-large potatoes

4-5 slices cheese

1-2 organic carrots

large handful of organic green beans (about 50g)

approz 300g lean steak mince
Normal buns (for non gluten frees)
Gluten Free bread or bun

First make the potato wedges. Scrub the potatoes and slice into eight wedges - cut each potato in half, then cut each half in two and each quarter in two. Put them into a glass bowl. Drizzle two tablespoons of oil over them. Cover with a lid and shake the oil around the potatoes. Place the bowl (with lid) into a microwave for 10 minutes. Drain off the excess liquid and tip onto an oiled baking tray. Spray or drizzle oil over the potatoes. I spray them, to avoid using too much oil. Put into a hot oven at 180 for 20-25 minutes.

Next cut the green beans in half and peel and slice the carrots. Wash and put in a pan with enough water to cover them. Don't starting cooking them just yet.

Next put your mince into a large bowl and season with salt and pepper (I don't use pepper as it triggers my Rosacea). Squash the mince into balls and flatten with the palm of your hand (I do this on a plate). Make the burgers as big or small as you like - depending on the size of the buns. There should be enough mince for 6 or 7 medium burgers - in our house that's one each of the children two for me and three for big daddy (that's tall daddy not large daddy - heehee).

Turn on the veg and turn down the heat when the water starts to boil - your potates should have around 15 minutes to cook now, so both will be ready at the same time.

Turn on your frying pan to heat it up. You may need two pans if you have 7 medium burgers. If it's non stick you shouldn't need any oil. If not, put a little bit of oil in to stop the burgers sticking.

Place the burgers in the pan (or pans) and leave to cook on each side for 5 minutes on a medium heat. When you turn them over, after 5 mins, turn on your grill. After 5 mins each side place the cheese on top of each burger and grill until melted. Slice your buns. For my gluten free burger I just have one bun cut in half, or a lsice of bread and place a burger on top. Gluten free buns can be quite dry and difficult to swallow, so I just have half a bun with the burger on top and I cut it up and eat it rather than pick it up with my hands.

Turn the oven off and serve up your wedges. Drain off the the veg and serve. Place the burgers on the buns. All done - a nice quick meal for all to enjoy.

Let me know if you give it a try.

Happy Mother's Day ...........

To all mums out there.

I've had a lovely weekend so far. Yesterday we went shopping with my mother and father-in-law. We all bought some lovely things and they stayed for tea. We had a good catch up and everyone had a nice night. My mother-in-law has been poorly and is still recovering, so it was great to see her smiling and happy.

My thoughtful family bought me a gorgeous silk scarf for Mother's Day, an eyeliner pencil and some origami papers which I can't wait to use.

We're off to my parents today, so looking forward to seeing them.

Hope you've all have a lovely day too xx

Folksy Friday

This weeks picks are in the theme of Lime Green, one of my favourite colours.
From left to right, top to bottom, these fab folksy sellers are

Moocow - gloves
Oh gosh - purse
Sweet Scented Soy - candle
Lily Vanilli - brooch

Click here for more Folksy Fridays

My First Award

I've been nominated the Sunshine award by The Felt Fairy - thank you, it made me feel so happy. It's a lovely sunny day too, which makes it even better.

The rules for accepting the award are -

Place the logo within your blog or post.

Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.

Link the nominees within the post.

Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

My 12 nominees, in no particular order, are as follows:

1. Jelly bums

2. Lynwood Crafts

3. Blonde Design

3. Crafty Chicita

4. Catface and Pancakes

5. Crazy Daisy

6. Mini Felts

7. Niche handmade

8. Gooseberrymoon

9. The Sock Garden

10. Yorkshire Rose Yarns

11. What Helen Did

12. Ellies Treasures

I've really enjoyed this award as I have read some great blogs during the process. Thanks guys and sorry I only had 12 to choose - I could have chosen a lot more xx

Gluten free living

I promised to talk about gluten free living, and haven't done much of that, so I thought I'd share some tips and advice on gluten free meals and products. The problem with my diet is that I also suffer with Rosacea, a skin disorder, which is triggered by both foods and environmental factors (like heat). It can be really painful, irritating and soul destroying. I'm managing my Rosacea at the moment with prescribed antibiotics and gel treatment from the doctor. They're working well together, so I'm a happy bunny.

So as well as being wheat and gluten intolerant, I am trying to work out my Rosacea triggers. So far I know they're wine, chocolate, pepper and heat. So my diet is pretty restricted. Here's an insight into my daily routine:

Breakfast: Whole Earth Organic Cornflakes topped with a chopped banana and skimmed milk (I'm slightly dairy intolerant too, so only skimmed milk passes my lips; definately no cream). Earthwhile Organic Cornflakes are cheap compared to other gluten free cereals, at around £1.30 for a good sized box that last me about 10 days and I have a big bowlful everyday. I have a large glass of 'not from concentrate orange juice' (juices made from concentrate make my face itchy - I think it's the sulphite preservatives that they add but I'm not sure). That pretty much lasts me until lunch time.

Lunch: I have Dietry Specials crispbreads with butter and tuna, ham or left over cooked meat from our previous evening meal. I love these crackers, and they're cheap for a box at about 90p. They're also yummy with jam (must be homemade for me to avoid the dreaded sulphites). I also have a couple of pieces of fruit and a gluten free biscuit (I try to avoid ones with potato starch in as these also contains sulphites which make my face go red and itchy). Trufree bourbons are my favouites, but they're a bit pricey at around £1.80 for a box of 10.

Tea: Fish or meat (chicken/turkey/steak/pork or omlette or bacon although I have to choose bacon with nitrate preservatives) with potatoes - either wedges, roast, mash or sliced, or rice or pasta (I have Dove's gluten free organic pasta) and a couple of veggies - carrots, green beans, courgettes, brocolli, swede, leeks etc; whatever's in the fridge. The rest of the family have sauces on their meals or gravy, but I just eat mine without. You get used to it and you can taste the flavour of the food much better.

Pudding: Vanilla ice cream (swedish glace is great at £1.80 a tub and it's free from everything being soya based) with fruit or another gluten free biscuit of some description. Sometimes I have a soya yoghurt or soya dessert.

If I get hungry before bed I have another bowl of cornflakes. I don't drink tea or coffee - tea aggrevates my rosacea and coffee hurts my stomach - it's not recommended for people with wheat and gluten intolerances or allergies, so I just drink hot water which I leave to cool to a nice temperature before drinking. I'm always nipping to the loo, I drink so much water.

Sticking to this diet, I feel a lot more healthy. Before I was diagnosed with a wheat and gluten intolerance I was tired all the time with headaches, bloating, severe stomach pains and lots of other problems. Now I just feel great although I really miss the wine and chocolate.

People often wonder how I cope with no wine, chocolate, cream cakes - basically anything nice!! It's funny really because I don't think of it like that. Instead I see them almost as a poison - if I eat them I have a reaction that ranges from mild to severe depending on how much I eat or drink. So I prefer not to have them at all, rather than have to deal with the consequences.

I will share some recipes asap and would love to hear from anyone who suffers too.

Folksy Friday

Well it's Friday again, and I was determined not to miss Folksy Friday again this week, despite my busy day....

My theme this week is Dinosaurs. Here are my favourites.

Dinosaur baby shoes from With Hugs and Kisses - so sweet

Mini T-Rex silhouette pin from Lost at Sea

Stompy the Tricerotops rocker from DreamCraft

Eat your Greens bib from Nickynackynoo

Last but definately not least is this cute card from "It belongs to turtle". I haven't seen this shop before on Folksy and I've definately been missing out. Now I know where to buy cute birthday cards.

For more Folksy Fridays click here

Folksy Friday

It's my daughter's birthday today, so my Folksy Friday is dedicated to her. She would like these....

Pretty earrings from Celine's Little Boutique. She has a shell bracelet from Celine, which would match perfectly.....

Hot Orange Rose Brooch from Gelert Design

Handmade 60s/70s fabric cushion from Betty Valentine

For more Folksy Fridays, click here

Flowery Folksy Friday

Happy Valentine's - my Folksy Friday theme this week is flowers and as it's Valentine's day, there's a red theme too. Just click on each seller name to go to their Folksy shop.

This pretty painting from Sascalia reminds me of my daughter. Sascalia's whimsical drawings are delightful.

This card would brighten up your day from letterpress design.

I love it when I find a new favourite folksy shop. These flowers by hms design are soooo funky. I love them!!

Make a statement in this gorgeous red rose scarf by Lynwood Crafts

These balloons are really fun and unique - by balloon baboon. They sell the most amazing balloon creations

For more folksy fridays see Fairly Girly, Linziloop, A Simple Melody, Pippistrelle Crochet Design, Found on Folksy, Lady Luck Jewellery, Helen Limbrick, Wellydogdesigns, Haptree and me, Hotdog and me.

Folksy Friday

It that time of the week again, so here's my Folksy Friday selection with a theme of Pirates......

One of my favourite Folksy crafters is baby blonde design here. I love the fabrics and quirky designs which are all beautifully made. This Pirate Cushion is one of my favourites.This litte hat is so sweet, from Raggtagg here. She also has a cute pair of matching trousers.

These earrings would look great on a female pirate - from FluffsStuff here. FluffsStuff makes some really unique pieces.

I love Elli Moody's cards - all printed from her original illustrations at a great price. See more Elli Moody here on Folksy
And last but not least this cutey Pirate Kitty from Covetables here at folksy

For more Folksy Fridays see:
Pippistrelle Crochet Designs - hares / Fairly Girly - Indigo / My pearl box - spring treasures / Lynwood Jewelry - Valentines / Rose and Raven - Leaves / Linziloop - Birthdays / Niche Handmade - snowdrops and daffodils / Hotdog and me - We love the 1950s

Folksy Friday

It's a bit late in the day I know, but it's still Friday, so here goes ....

My theme for this week's Folksy Friday is (drum roll - ta da daaaaaa)

Paper

One of my favourite folksy buys so far is a very sweet and delicate origami crane by 'Little Crane' here

This set of four small handmade pillow boxes would be great for wedding or party favours. They feature an eye catching poppy field design in red design printed on both. By 'gooseberrymoon' here.
This pretty handmade glass pendant is made with Japanese chiyogami paper by 'Silvervescence' here. Home is Where the Heart' is from 'Niche Handmade' here. This is a limited edition run of six, made from repurposed packaging cardboard and paper and is finished with white acrylic paint.

Last but not least this unusual, pretty birthday carousel from "Under the Stairs Studios" here.

For more Folksy Fridays see

Niche Handmade here - birds and bees, Fairly Girly here - blue, Muddybarefeet here - tartan, Eviegeorge here - weddings, NatsNest here - eggs, Ellies treasures here - equine.

Ladybird, Ladybird, Fly Away Home ......

I've finished my latest design - a cute pair of 3D ladybird Bootees. I'm so pleased with the way they've turned out. They're so cute. The ladybird spots stick out and the eyes and antennae are sewn on, to give a 3D effect.

I've still not quite finished with writing up the pattern as I'm struggling with photos. I think I will knit them in a different colour so that I can take photos of the knitting stages, as the red isn't photographing well on white background. It's taken me a while, but I'm determined to write up my knitting and crochet patterns that are half done, before someone else beats me to it!!

I started off using 4ply, but double knitting worked better. I just had to adjust my stitches and spots to suit the thicker yarn. The first size are tiny, but I've left them in the pattern for a preemie baby or doll.

I'd love to hear what you think....

Folksy Friday

It's Friday again and I've got that Folksy Friday feeling. What's the theme this week?

Its .................

Our Furry Friends.

One of my all time favourite sellers in Handylittleme. Her work is beautiful. I love her cosies and rabbits the most. This pretty bunny is called Rosie and you can visit her and her bunny friends in Handlittleme's shop here

Hide n Seek is another one of my favourite sellers. I bought the most gorgeous pocket mirrors for my daughters for christmas. They love them to bits. Click here for more gorgeous goodies from Hide n Seek.

I adore Lupin Handmade's bright and cheery felt work. I love this grey squirrel brooch. Click here for more Lupin Handmade

Sophie Cat makes the cutest things. I love this little amigurumi mouse. Click here for more Sophie Cat.

and last but definitely not least - how cute is this one of a kind polar bear from Catface and Pancakes here?

Here are some more folksy fridays:

FairlyGirly - green

BeadyPool - brooches

Your Special Delivery - Men

Haptree and Me - buy a new watch

Ellies Treasures - Round

Pipistrelle Crochet Design - Foxy

Top Floor Treasures - Kawaii

Niche Handmade - Print and Pattern

Natalie Wilson - Lost in the Forest