Tabbyblog

Busy Busy Busy

2010-02-23T13:31:00.009Z

My last post was us in the snow. I'm keen to get another one posted before it stays there too long(last years snowmen stayed there all year!)
I have been very busy the last few weeks, and I will be for a few more too. I have Been involved with High Coniscliffe school's Art week. I was the textile artist, for the week and we made a felted banner for the schools reception area.
The girls were off school for half term last week. Much of it was spent winning rosettes at pony club. But we also went to the Botanic gardens in Durham. It was a frosty start, but gradually it warmed up. I had issued them with a sketch book each, to keep them busy, and it worked. I was surprised at how focused they were. We fed the fish in the green house (it was much warmer in there!) then had a half term treat in the cafe.

On Friday we went to seven stories book museum in Newcastle. There was an exhibition of Lauren Childs work (Charlie and Lola) I love the way she uses collage and scraps of fabrics to build up pictures. Also an exhibition of Judith Kerr's work and life story(Mog, and The tiger who came to tea). The images were so familiar to me, it was wonderful to see original art work of her illustrations. Her own story was just as interesting, she was a Jewish refugee who had to escape Nazi Germany as a child.

And now I am looking forward to my next project. I will be working with Middleton st. George hospital, creating a mural, again it will be felted. I have spent the past week dying pieces of prefelt. I have some designs prepared but I will post them when I am further into the project. I am quite excited and a little nervous about the whole thing!!

We love the Snow

2010-01-12T19:21:00.005Z

Happy New year. I am slightly nervous about putting on a snow related post, as my last one was my only one for most of 2009. but I couldn't let this glorious weather go unposted. I actually missed out on a white Christmas, as it had disappeared at my Parents house in Sussex, but we certainly made up for it when we got back!!
At the weekend we went sledging at the farm, soooooooo much snow. Here we all are, look how prepared we are!! By the way I really haven't eaten too much Christmas pud just well wrapped up.
And Paul doing Snow Angels, I really think he loves it more than any of us.
Leia made a fantastic Snow pony but the photo doesn't do it justice. Hope you're all keeping warm where you are.

I'm really not that bad!!

2009-12-10T13:57:00.008Z

I have just spent the past 2 hours taking photos of some of the work I have made over the past year, (yes I have been making stuff, just not blogging!!). I have a terrible habit of spending a long time making something, then putting it in a box and forgetting about it, or being too critical about it and not wanting to see it again.
I have been asked to bring some scarves into a local jewelery shop 'Not the Norm' to sell, and being surprisingly organized I thought I'd have a photographic record of them before I took them in.
So making the most of the sunshine out I went with my camera. Draped over my borrowed manikin, the scarves actually look O.K.

And finally , the project which has absorbed all of my creative juices since wool fest. My hand spun, hand knitted jacob/teeswater coat.
So when I look back at what I have done, it actually looks quite respectable. Maybe if I brush up on my photography skills I could be ready for etsy? Watch this space!!!

Snowmen

2009-02-17T21:14:00.007Z

How deep is your snow?

2009-02-03T11:55:00.007Z

So much fun yesterday, as we were covered in a white snowey blanket. We picked the girls up from school (Paul had taken a half day off work, I think he definately wins the prize for the MOST excited!!), and we set off for the farm.
wrapped up like michelin men we ventured out, with sledges and plastic feed bags. Even Granny was zooming down the slopes!!, My first attempt found me face first in the snow (Oh how they laughed).
We stayed out until it was far too dark to see, then back to the farmhouse for hot chocolate.
Looking out of the window right now, it's as if it never happened. We had rain last night and its virtually all gone. But I have a warm glow inside me that we made the most of it! Maisy had the pinkest rosiest cheeks, and I think it summed up how we all felt.

Janet Bolton

2008-12-06T22:18:00.006Z

I have just come back down to earth from a fantastic weekend of creative indulgance. My Mum and I had been planning to go on a course together for many years, but life, Kids, and illness had always managed to get in the way.
So we took the plunge, and decided on a course a West Dean college, Sussex, Only 10 miles from my parents house. Janet bolton had always been an inspiring craft artist to me, and also suited mum's style of work too!
The weekend started on Friday evening, with an slide show introduction of her work, it was quite apparent at this stage that I was on the right course and I was going to have a great weekend, Janet came across as a clearly tallented but unassuming character, who liked to break the regular rules of stitching.
Saturday and Sunday we were able to have a go for ourselves, with a big basket of fabrics, plenty of buttons thread and Janets encouraging words, we were off!!
Her mantra of 'Being true to yourself' was very helpful, and we must have taken it on board, as all of our finished pieces were very personal and individual.
There were eight of us in the group and we got on really well. we were all very keen to get our heads down and work, and had to be dragged away when it was a break.
The meals were fantastic, West Dean has it's own walled garden, much of the produce ended up on our plates!! And I've never had so many puddings in my life!!
Best of all was the time I spent with my Mum, a very special time indeed.We will be talking about this weekend for a very long time.
I will post some more pictures soon of my finished work, The gardens, and West Dean Tapestry studios.

Losing the plot !!!!

2008-09-16T21:22:00.004+01:00

I have not posted for ages, mainly because I have been far too busy with entertaining the girls through the school summer holidays. I have been 'making', but only as a means to retain my sanity. and not nearly as much as I would like.
Now the girls are back at school, and I should have more time to weave, I find myself worrying about my new Term of teaching at the Arts centre. I now have three courses on the go (weaving, felting and Tapestry weaving as well as 'in stitches' the monthly knitting cafe) No matter how many years I have been running workshops it still sends me into panic when I think the first day back.(just like being back at school).Will it ever feel any easier?
The tile of this blog refers to me giving up my allotment garden after six years, a hard decision for me but the right one. One less thing to worry about!!
No pictures today, it takes me far too long to post pictures, and I need to do some weaving, (it's good for the soul). I will put some pictures on next time.

2008-08-30T22:24:00.001+01:00

Wing of the moth

2008-08-10T16:11:00.006+01:00

It all started with a ball of roving I couldn't resist, a merino wool and silk blend in a beautiful golden ochre colour.
It was so easy to spin, the silk made it glide, making it possible to get quite fine. 100g seemed to slip through my fingers so fast, and before I knew it I had a ball of fine spun singles.

I had found a pattern for a shawl 'Wing of the moth' which after a couple of tension swatches I made it fit my yarn.
It was the first shawl I had made, but I really enjoyed how it evolved, although towards the end I had about 500 stitches on my needle and it took forever to finish a row.

When it was all knitted up, it was blocked, (another thing I hadn't done before), but what a difference!! the pattern suddenly appeared, and the whole piece draped beautifully.

Best of all though, I entered it in the handicraft section at Sedgefield show and I won first prize!!!

Wool fest and beyond!!

2008-07-10T22:52:00.006+01:00

It is now 2 weeks since we were at wool fest (where does the time go?) and what a wonderful time we had. We (Bev, Kath and myself) were staying at the Graysonside campsite just outside of Cockermouth, Thanks to Kath we had luxury accomodation in her caravan, ( with added conservatory) I'm afraid I was a bit rubbish at taking photos over the weekend, too busy enjoying myself, but I managed to take a couple of shots of us enjoying the Knitting cafe that evolved while we were there!!
Wool fest was as expected, plenty of wool plenty of fibres, oh and I bought a spinning wheel!! one I had had an eye on(and saved up for) for a whole year, My majacraft suzi professional, (or madge as she is now known!!!)
Also managed to find some yarns:

and some fibres:
best of all though was meeting up with other bloggers, especially the lovely Artis-Anne who is an inspiration.
Only a year 'til the next one!!

Summer's here!!!

2008-06-08T19:55:00.008+01:00

"It was drowsily warm,
with dozens of bees
lazily buzzing
through flowers and trees.
Hairy Maclary decided to choose
a space in the shade
for his afternoon snooze."
(from Hairy maclary and Zachary quack by Lynley Dodd)

If ever there was a photo which summed up todays beautiful weather then this is it.
Paul (DH) and Leia (DD) were glued to the cricket on the telly. Maisy(other DD) said that cricket was boring grabbed a book and a cool drink and found a shady spot in the garden. I had to agree with Maisy, it was too nice to be stuck indoors!!!

I cannot believe that it has been 2 months since I last blogged !! I have so busy with making stuff that I haven't had a chance to show it.

Briefly I have been trying out new weaving techniques, especially ones which distort the surface structure.
First I started with woven pleats. On the loom it looks quite unremarkable, but when it has been taken off and washed, creates ridges and furrows in the fabric. It is quite a hit or miss technique, and depends on alot of things being just right. The sett ( closeness of the warp threads) has to be quite tight. The warp is best if it is a lofty yarn and the weft needs to be fine. The texture is created by the way the warp is threaded, with stripes of alternating twills. After all of this I couldn't be sure that the pleats had worked until it was compleatly finished and washed!!

My latest project has been Collapse weave, creates a distorted fabic by using over twisted yarns.
On the loom the fabric looks increadably basic, the woven structure is just plain weave, but when it is off the loom and immersed in water, the over twisted yarn tries to un twist and distorts the surface of the fabric.
For this one I used hand spun singles of gotland sheep fibres, with some cotton yarn. It takes a while to over spin the yarn, but it is so effective when it is finished.

School felting project

2008-04-04T21:55:00.009+01:00

Although I haven't been blogging very much recently, I have actually been quite busy. I was looking at my photo back log and thought I should Share some of the fruits of my hard work..

Last month, I was involved with a school arts project with a local school in Darlington. My brief was to make a collection of banners with the reception and nursery department, and include every child, all 120 of them!!!

Felt was the obvious material of choice, so very tactile, and even the smallest hands can get stuck in.

The first reception group made a beautiful bright rainbow, we laid out the fibres in the morning, then in the afternoon poured on the hot soapy water. It still fascinates me when the fibres, turn to felt. One little girl said ' The rainbow's melted' when she saw the finished product! I know what she meant!

Next day,with the second reception group we made a sun burst(by this time I was famous, all the children knew my name!!)
This one had so much warmth and texture in it.

Then I worked with the Nusery school, this was so much less structured than reception. As they were younger the children's attention was much shorter, they dropped in for a few minutes then went off to play with something else. we did manage to make some fantastic hangings though

All the hard work was worth it when I saw the hangings pinned up on the wall in the corridor

The weavers children have no scarves!!!

2008-03-31T22:43:00.006+01:00

Unless, that is, they weave their own!!
Yesterday, I spent a lazy sunday morning in my weaving shed, Eventually followed by the girls (who don't think it's right that mum should be by herself when there is crafting to be done).
I was just about to put a warp on my loom, Leia was fiddling with my spinning wheel, Maisy was busy choosing the colours she liked from my wool stash, and had selected a beautiful range of pinks, all in different thicknesses and textures.
I started to show Leia how to use the spinning wheel properly, but she realised it was harder than it looked, she did manage to spin a lovely thick slubby yarn but got bored, and went back to the house, with Dad.
Maisy was still arranging the yarns, and really enjoying playing with different colours, so I got her to choose her favorites and made her a warp for a scarf, as they were quite thick yarns, it didn't take very long at all to warp up, and we were weaving in no time.Her legs wern't quite long enough to reach the peddles, so I had to do that bit while she concentrated on the weaving. It was great watching her choosing which colour to weave with next, no logical order, but it worked!!!
When Maisy's concentration had run out Liea was back again, and helped me to finish the weaving.
The scarf was off the loom the fringe was twisted, and the ends were sewn in.
Although it took the best part of the day, and a whole lot of patience, the result was so much better than I could have planned for myself. I get too caught up with how thing 'should' be done, and it was a joy to see the work evolving because Maisy liked the way it looked.
I will look forward to working with my co- designer again soon!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-26T15:44:00.000Z

Well O.K. the year isn't really that new by now,but it is my first blog of the year, and my first chance to pass on my seasonal wishes.
I have just spent a couple of hours digging at the allotment.The ground was probably too wet to be working on but I was determined to make a start. I feel great now, it's always a good way to get the endorphines (have I spelt that right??) flying!!
Term has begun at the arts centre, both my courses (Weaving and felting)are fully booked up and everyone has turned up eager to be creative. Some of them are even coming along to the Knitting cafe on friday!!!
This term for weaving we are making tea towels, I never realised how many different patterns there were, so I have been busy making up samples.( I shall post some pictures when my camera is behaving it's self)

Heres to another busy year of making stuff!!!

Back to where I started from

2007-11-26T23:48:00.000Z

As some may have noticed I've been taking a very low profile recently on the blog front. There have been many reasons for this, but mainly because I have been thoroughly disillusioned with the direction my work has been going, and haven't felt like telling the world about it.
I love my crafts, I have a workshop which houses my loom, wheel, yarn and fibres, and just about every other piece of equipment to do with wool. I have time ( although there is never enough) to weave, spin, knit, dye, felt. And I have a very supportive family who let me get on with it.
When I'm not in my workshop I'm at the local Arts centre, taking a weaving, or felting lesson, or a Knitting cafe.
So where is the problem? Well, I'm very easily distracted, which is a symptom of a creative mind, but it has lead me astray recently.
I have for the past two years, been up and running as a business, selling wool(of course) on the market. I haven't made a killing, (anything but!!) but I have enjoyed the stall, and have met many fantastic people who I share the same interests with.
The trouble is it has consumed me, and I have turned into a sales person instead of a maker, I have become a slave to the stall, and my creative lust has faded. I want it back again!!!
So here I am back at the beginning, looking for inspiration. It seems I'm not the only one, having looked at other blogs.
I have decided to start with my workspace, which has recently turned into a dumping ground, I know it will never be completely tidy, but it would be a good place to start.

Washing fleece while the sun shines!!

2007-08-30T22:24:00.000+01:00

I have been making the most of the good weather, by washing all the fleeces I have collected over the past couple of months.

pictured is the blue faced Leicester, and the brown (or morit to be correct) shetland, which I picked up from wool fest. Also the black hebridean lambs fleece, which I found on my doorstep last week, thanks to Julie who I met on the stall weeks ago, she had promised me a fleece and here it is, I have named it Amy, 'cause it looks just like Ms Winehouses hair!!

My felted bag turned out sucessfully, it was difficult to get a decent picture, but the texture is perfect

I also finished of the crochet flower that I started off at Knit knots Knitting cafe, with thanks to Carrie-Anne.

Finally I finished Leia's jumper. This was knitted with hand spun Alpaca fleece, from Fowberry Aplacas. This particular Fleece was from Giselle, you can see her on the Fowberry website. www.fowberry-alpacas.com . The pattern was a neck down circular pattern, which meant that all the stripes matched up perfectly. It fits Leia really well , but I didn't think it was fair to make her pose in this weather!!!

Felted Wensleydale bag

2007-08-25T20:58:00.000+01:00

I found a really simple pattern on Drops for a felted bag, I was looking for a no brainer pattern for the 6 hour journey down to my parents house in Sussex( I wasn't doing the driving by the way) Stocking stitch all the way, even in the dark. The tention exactly matched Wensleydale Aran, and was beautiful to knit up.

I've just finished sewing up the seams today, even though I've been back for almost a month!! (I must point out though that our washing machine had packed in, and we had to wait for over a week for the new one to be delivered, not very encouraging for finishing off felting projects!!)

This is how it's looking before felting

This is a close up of the stitches, showing the twisted strap.

I am just off to the (brand new)washing machine now, taking a deep breath. Watch this space!!!

Birthday treat!!

2007-07-09T22:27:00.000+01:00

As promised I was taken to the seaside for my birthday treat. Didn't know where exactly, I left that up to Paul. There were two very excited girls in the back of the car, with swimming cossies packed.

We had got as far as Guisborough, by lunch time. And somehow we managed to find ourselves outside the Levens craft shop. a patchwork paridise!!! stacked with beautiful fabrics of every colour. Paul rolled his eyes and bit his tounge, then let me carry on. By chance there was a knitting cafe in progress, so had to pop my head around the corner, I even knew one of the knitters, Sheila, so had a chat for a while, I could easily have sat down and joined in, but knew the rest of the family wouldn't be impressed.

Had something to eat in the little bistro over the road then set off again in search of the sea.

and here is the first glimpse of the sea!!

And this is where we ended up, Runswick bay, where Paul spent many of his holidays as a child.

The best thing is that it's off the beaten track, and uncomercialised apart from a small cafe and bucket and spade shop. The girls had eyes for only one thing though!!

The sun kept coming out from behind the clouds, and it was so beautiful what better way to spend a birthday??

Back up through the village then on to Whitby for our tea!!

( had to put up a wonky one for old times sake)

7th of the 7th of the7th

2007-07-09T00:12:00.000+01:00

A very special Birthday!

Not sure who was more excited about opening my presies me or the girls! this is what was in them....

What isn't shown are the rubber car mats from Pauls typically practical parents (they are already in my car!!), they did also give me a voucher for the day spa at Broom mill, all I have to do is choose a treatment,( the chocolate body wrap sounded tempting!!).

Infact there seemed to be a bit of a chocolate theme going on, chocolatey bath products and yummy chocolates (already eaten!!)

My mum sent me a hand bound note book covered in felted shetland knitting (chocolate coloured!!)

The postman arrived with a parcel (always exciting). Inside was a beautiful felted crochet bag from Carrie-Anne, and she had also made a bound book with so many different patterened pages, including photos from Shetland. How am I going to use this, without spoiling it? Thanks Carrie.

Well I was going to tell you about my Birthday trip to the beach, but as it is 1am you will have to wait for my next blog.

Fruit and the loom!

2007-07-07T00:59:00.000+01:00

My second blog of the week!! and I've been busy.

While at woolfest,I started spinning with baby camel/silk fibres, as some of you may remember.

I chose it mainly because I liked the colour, and the idea of making something out of baby camel fibre, but it has inspired me all 27g's of it. It spun so fine and the handful of fibres seemed to go on for ages.

I decided to make a small sample using a weaving pattern from my newly purchased 'Lace weave' book. I was aware that if I used the yarn as a single ply it would slightly distort the finished fabric, so I wanted to try this out.

Thursday morning the sun was shining,and I felt the need to be out in the fresh air(having been house bound all week) so I went to the allotment. I had to hack through the weeds but I was delighted to find my red currant bush was full of fruit (muffin bush season is over!!!) and took home 5lbs of fruit.

which I made into Red currant and rosemary jelly

Then made little hats for them!!!

As I was doing this I was also finishing of my woven sample, which ended up being long enough for a scarf, I was so pleased with it, the lace weave created a delicate fabric with a beautiful drape, it shows off the soft shine of the hand spun yarn.
What a productive week!!!!

Wool fest stash.

2007-07-02T10:02:00.000+01:00

Here we are again, Back from wool fest. And this is what I found..... Not a Knitting yarn in sight!!! Only fibres, which means I have a lot of work to be keeping me busy.

I was brave and with the help of Kath picked out some raw fleeces, a beautiful moorit shetland, a bluefaced leicester, and a ryeland. I couldn't resist the angora rabbits so had to get some fibres from them, some raspberry ripple tussah silk, some angelina fibres for mixing, baby camel and silk(which I'm spinning at the moment)and some raw Gotland fibres.

I have seen the wheel of my dreams....a majacraft....oooh. But I need to be saving my pennies, and my old faithful traditional is still going strong, especially with the new parts I bought it.

A good time was had by all. and it was so good to meet up with good friends, old and new. I just need a year to recover!!!

Lots to show!!

2007-06-22T14:25:00.001+01:00

Happy Birthday Mum

2007-05-08T21:37:00.001+01:00

Hello, here at last with a belated birthday blog, with special greetings to my Mum who celebrated her 60th birthday last week.

We ( the Sunter 4), travelled down to Hereford, where Mum had rented out a converted barn for the weekend.

The rest of the family were already there, my brother with his family, my sister, and of course Mum and Dad.

The barn was amazing, very newly converted, large floor to cieling windows with views of rural Hereford. Best of all georgeous patchwork quilts hanging everywhere. I could go on but the web pictures would describe it better than I ever could: www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/Llangarron13627

Out side was a working farm, ......a working chicken farm, not just any old chicken farm though, they supply eggs to the likes of Harrods, and Buckingham palace!!!

Being nosey had to go and investigate this is what I found:

O.K. so they did look a little 'Hen pecked', but they had plenty of space to run around outside, and otherwise were well looked after. (Bit freaky when hundreds of pairs of eyes are looking your way, anyone seen 'chicken run'?)

...and this is what they made!!!!!!

Leia in eggy heaven.

Rat poo

2007-04-06T23:03:00.000+01:00

This made us giggle yesterday, while we were in Reeth. Look closely at the writing on the blue stripe..... Not only 'Experts in bathroom & kitchen logistics', but also 'Experts in Rat Poo & itche Log Tics!!!!'

Good Reeth

2007-04-05T21:00:00.000+01:00

Had a great family trip out to Reeth today, home of the Sunters!!!

We had our lunch in one of the many tea shops kids were being very grown up, (Maisy really enjoyed her chocolate milk).oops i didn't turn it around, and it won't let me change it.

Went to the Reeth museum very small but really interesting, lots of local craft history, plenty things for the girls to pick up and touch. We mentioned the Sunter name knowing it is local to Reeth, the curator brought out a book with details of local family names, a big chunk of which was headed Sunter, a couple of photos (all farmers, and spookily all looking like Paul's family!) There was also a few obituaries, one was a Joseph Sunter, when we read it, it listed everyone who attended the funeral, including Pauls Mum and Dad, and Aunties and Uncles!!
When I have a bit more time it would be fascinating to go back, I'm sure many of the others must have been related in some way. I must try and dig up some info from Pauls parents(easier said than done).

My perfect mummy

2007-03-23T22:25:00.000Z

My perfect mummy is enjoying herself today I know so. So she is beautiful and when she is enjoying herself she is beautiful. By LEIA.

chocolate malteser cake

2007-03-22T12:18:00.000Z

I always knew I was a guru of all things good. Edith Bowman on Radio 1 is even raving about chocolate Malteser cake, she even has the recipe on her web site (this is where i'm supposed to do a fancy link but I never said I was a guru of all things technical!!!) although she's not allowed to use the 'M' word on the radio.

hey look... I've just added a photo

Here are my food technictions carrying out their quality control procedure. It passed.

looking forward to Monday. Ill have to get some easy knitting on the go!!!

wake up Becky, get out of bedded!!!!

2007-03-19T23:01:00.001Z

hello, (she says wiping the sleepy dust from her sleepy eyes,) have I missed something? I've been having lovely dreams of spending all my time sitting around knitting drinking coffee and eating cake, surrounded by wool (she gives herself a pinch) am I still dreaming? have I really been knitting late into the night, chatting, caking, sorting out the world?

Well I said I'd be back, and true to my word, here I am. It has been a while, but I am now out of hibernation, and it feels good.... lets see if I can stay awake!!!!

Was going to put up a picture, hey, one step at a time, maybe next time.

2007-01-24T21:48:00.000Z

2007-01-24T21:45:00.000Z

2007-01-24T21:42:00.000Z

Back on the plot!!!!

2007-01-16T21:32:00.000Z

The year has already got off to a good start, I have been working through my list of resolutions which have to be done or else.
High up there is my Allotment plot, which it has to be said I neglected a bit last year. I was being persuaded to give it up from all sides, and it made me wonder if I should do just that. Then I remembered why I took it on in the first place, Exercise, Fresh air, Organic fruit and Veg.
I went there today, and as if I needed any more reasons, this is the view from my shed..........

It was so sunny and felt warm enough to be a spring day, got a bit of digging done before I picked the girls up from school.

While I was there I even had some company, a well fed moggy who I have named Neb ( he was very nosey, which made it very difficult to take the photo )

I have been told he is a very good mouser, so he will be good to have around!!!

Had a good night last night at the Forum, thanks to everyone for coming, I shall leave you with a photo to drool over of the sticky chocolate brownies we had, (Maisy took the photo, and I think you'll agree, she did a good job!!!)

Carina Coat Complete

2006-12-31T20:46:00.000Z

Finished at last, I said I would get it finnished before the end of the year, and, true to my word here it is, the photo does it no favours, especially as I have put it on wonky, but it is lovely to wear, very soft, and actually is more tailored than I thought it would be. Will be wearing it on Friday at the Arts centre.

Now I have the pleasure of finding my next project, I have a couple of socks to finish off then I can have a look around for something else!!! The next Lana Grossa magazine is out at the end of January, so maybe something from there will inspire me. I really need to try another crochet project( and finish it).

I have had a very exciting 2006, can't believe just how much I have achieved. Here's looking forward to 2007....Wonder what it will bring. All the best to every one xxxxxxxx

'Twas the night before Christmas......

2006-12-24T12:24:00.000Z

...and all through the house, chaos was errupting, last minute pressie wrapping, thank goodness for films on telly, at the moment the girls are watching 'Madeline', peace for an hour!!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care....
We are off to stay at the farm tonight, for two good reasons.... means we don't have to rush on Christmas day, and we can go out for a festive drink tonight( baby sitters are staying in!!!)

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all.
Hope you all have a fantastic Day.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!!!!

2006-12-19T21:05:00.001Z

Good times had by all at Knit Knots yesterday, we ate (mince pies, cranberry cookies and bananna cake) Drank (lots of caffine based drinks!!) and were incredibly merry ( thanks to the endophines released by the repetitive process of knitting!!!) Thanks everyone for coming, (especially those of you who pointed out I hadn't been a good blogger recently....again....what will Santa think????) Never mind I'm making up for it now.
I have been tagged by Carrie-Anne to come up with a list of 6 wierd things about myself. I used to think I was quite Wierd, but it seems to be quite hard to come up with a list.
After much thinking, here is what I came up with:

1. Volcanos. I have always had a fear of volcanos, when I was little I can remember Waking up after a nightmare, and my mum reasuring me that there were no volcanos anywhere near, I'm still not comfortable seeing them on telly even now.

2. Wrists. I can't stand anything around my wrists, which is why I don't like wearing a watch, and when I do I have it half way up my arm so it looks odd.

3.Chalk. When I was pregnant with Maisy I had a craving for chalk, this was totally wierd, knew it wasn't right but I just couldn't stop myself!!!

4. I have been arrested..........

5. When I peg out the washing on the line I like to make sure if I use two pegs they are matching!!!

6. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm ?????? have to think a little harder for number six I'm sure there must be something else, I'll have to ask around.

Hope some of those are wierd enough.
I will be back as soon as I have thought of my final Wierdity.

A Merry blogging christmas!!!!!

2006-12-19T21:05:00.000Z

what a great weekend!!!!!

2006-11-19T22:49:00.000Z

I am just recovering from a very good and busy weekend!!! Friday and Saturday I was at Hexham's Queens hall for their Christmas Craft Fair, although it was an hour's drive to get there in the early hours, it was well worth it. Friday was a bit Quiet although i seemed to do O.K. Saturday was mad, But apart from this the atmosphere was good, and it was indoors!!!!!
Today we had a family day( Saturday Paul had gone to watch Darlo play away at Lincoln, the girls had been at the farm all day) so it was lovely not to have to do anything much. It's Leia's birthday tomorrow so i've been busy baking cakes, making sure I have plenty for the knitting cafe in the evening!!!
This weekend could be the start of a great week, see you tommorrow blogging pals.

My 15 minutes

2006-11-16T10:33:00.000Z

Yes I'm back in the land of blog, escaped from the prison camp with nothing but a knitting needle and a ball of wool!!! Thanks all for sticking with me and my special blogging techniques, Now i'm free what shall I do????

Well I had my 15 minutes of fame last night at Radio Cleveland, promoting knitting everywhere, Mrs. loo roll holder even got a mention!!!
Knew fame had finally reached me, when I stepped into the streets of Middlesborough, a man came round the corner, and said 'so, are you the knitting lady?'!!!
I have been asked back, so watch this space!!!

I'm off to Hexham on Friday for a two day craft fair, so I won't be around at the market on saturday, but I'm sure to see you all onMonday evening.

Back again

2006-11-09T23:39:00.002Z

Hello( she says a little sheepishly!!) . I'm back after a bit of a blogging break, well quite alot of a break actually, it has been commented on, but here I am!!!

Back again

2006-11-09T23:39:00.001Z

Back again

2006-11-09T23:39:00.000Z

Back again

2006-11-09T23:19:00.000Z

Took the kids to a P.O.W. camp!!!!! (but had to bring them home)

2006-07-31T01:13:00.000+01:00

Feeling much better today, so we went out for a family day out. We went off to Harperly Hall,with the plan to see the military vehicle display, although, driving past Paul was quite disappointed with the 'appalling lack of massively tooled up vehicles' (his words not mine!!).
So we headed straight to the prisoner of war camp, which I had seen on the BBC's Restoration programme a few years ago, (then a derelict collection of buildings ready to be demolished)
The first Buildings we saw had been restored and used as sales outlets, garden centre, craft shops, gift shop and restraunt. All this was obviously funding the rest of the restoration project. The girls had spotted the adventure play ground, so, they burnt off a little energy before we looked around the rest of the site.
There was a 1940's house which I thought was fascinating, mostly for the textiles, the bed coverings, the hooky mats and the clothing.
We then had a guided tour of the rest of the site, we had a talk, saw a short film then were taken to a couple of the huts, one of which had been transformed into a mini Theatre, with a stage and orchestra pit, made by the prisoners. I could go on but my descriptions wouldn't do any justice, so you will have to go and see for yourselves, it was certainly well worth a visit.(The girls lost intrest after a while, but they did enjoy the play ground!!!!)

lost the will to knit

2006-07-29T22:41:00.000+01:00

I have spent the past few days, in bed with tonsilitus. worse than the pain, the inability to swallow and missing a day at the market, I can't muster up enough energy or desire to pick up my pins!!!!
I've been able to do a little crochet, so that has saved my sanity, but it is so frustrating, all this knitting time...I could have done loads!!!
Anyway I'm on the mend so I'll soon be back on track.

getting hooked!!!

2006-07-04T00:12:00.000+01:00

I started my first crochet project today!!! As I promised myself, I am determined to master the art of crochet by the end of the summer.I have only ever made 'Granny' squares before, and never read a crochet pattern.....so here goes!
A simple bag pattern, in nice bright summery pink. If I can remember how to do it you may even get pictures!!

Photos at last!!!

2006-07-01T22:14:00.000+01:00

2006-07-01T21:38:00.000+01:00

Came back from wool fest yesterday....Wow, had such a great day, if only I knew how to post photos I would be able to show all of my lovely purchaces!!! I could quite easily have stayed for another day, but had to get back to do a craft fair today.

Hartlepool Marina festival....... We had our tables set up outside mainly because there was hardly any space inside, although this ment we had quite a good spot and saw more of the events going on, lots of music and dancing on a small stage just opposit us. There was no shade at all where we were, and I am now 'glowing' with sunburn.
Saw a few familiar faces, and quite a few who had read about the knitting cafes in the papers, met the owner of a local wool shop who was very friendly and would like to stay in touch.
The event was pretty much killed of by 4.00 thanks to the football everyone slowly packed up and went home by 5.
Very tired now, back again to Hartlepool tomorrow, What a busy week end!!!!

Blogging again!!!

2006-03-05T18:10:00.000Z

Let's see if I can work this out this time, I will not let it beat me. I CAN write up a blog, and what's more it will be fantastic!!! I may even get some photos posted too (steady on!!) Keep watching blogger pals, be patient!!!!

Tabbyblog

2006-03-03T12:59:00.000Z

Tabbyblog

sock knitting

2006-03-02T16:39:00.000Z

imgsrc="http;tabbydashery.co.uk/img79"jpg">

knitting socks

2006-02-27T13:32:00.000Z

My very own blog

2006-02-27T13:10:00.000Z

At last I have my own blog, now I can show everything I have made!!!!!