tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62870454888763599292012-12-16T12:15:22.868ZA Crochet NinjaA place of wool related rantingMaggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-76415863191756392212012-12-16T12:15:00.001Z2012-12-16T12:15:22.877Z2012-12-16T12:15:22.877ZTHE CHRISTMAS CRAFT IS DONE!!!!!Yay, I knew I could do it. I'm so glad it's all done. True I still have tonnes of wrapping to do but it seems a small task after the almost 30 projects I have made. So the last few projects worked up nicely. I made a disguise kit with felt and elastic to make some hilarious beards and mustaches. I feel the parents will be using it more than the kids though.<br />
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For my nieces I knitted some cute fingerless gloves. I used the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jazz-fingers" target="_blank">Jazz Fingers</a> by Misty Wade from Ravelry. I ended up using the 1 year old size as the larger size fitted me. That's what I get for not checking the gauge. I crocheted some flower to decorate them and added some beads for extra glam.<br />
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And the last project was this crocheted abomination. It is for a friend who drew a picture of a monster and I did my best to make it into an Amigurumi. (note the empty bottle of wine in the background, I was celebrating the end of the Christmas Craft)<br />
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So there is lots of craft that have been considering now the marathon is done. I did whip up a few hexipuffs and I think I might attempt doing a few with pictures in them, just for something different. I am looking forward to getting some progress done on the hexagon patchwork. This is it so far...<br />
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and I've been looking at options for how I will quilt it and I think machine quilting diamond pattern is the best for me. I did get a little excited and started making hexagons for a cushion as well. I like to arrange it in a rainbow as I love rainbows. This is my hexagon kit so far :)<br />
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Well I hope you have enjoyed my crafty rantings<br />
Tata!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-7641586319175639221?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-71405733654412328562012-12-09T11:24:00.001Z2012-12-09T11:24:19.742Z2012-12-09T11:24:19.742ZThe end IS in sight!After my very pessimistic last update I have made some considerable progress with the Christmas craft and I am now into single figures of projects left to be made. I am very happy about this and I can't wait to get back to work on projects for me once it's all done. So the completed projects for this week are...<br />
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This lovely crocheted cowl I have made for my sister in law. The yarn is a lovely chunky merino. Merino is defiantly in the top 5 of Maggie's favorite fibers. Its so very soft and warm and the pattern is just a simple dc1, ch1 around then on the next round you dc1 into the 1 ch space.<br />
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I had some of this lovely merino left over so I knitted a headband/ear warmer. The pattern is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blue-leaf-headband" target="_blank">Blue Leaf Headband</a> from Ravelry b<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">y </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/adrienne-krey" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">Adrienne Krey</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It knits up pretty quickly and looks awesome. I don't want to take it off the dummy because it looks so good. it's a shame it </span>doesn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> suit me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also made up some chocolate sugar scrub for bath sets that I have made for a few people. Yesterday I finished a reusable lunch set with leopard print sandwich wrap and snack bag, very glam.</span></span><br />
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Well hopefully next week I will be able to announce tat all of the Christmas craft is done *fingers crossed*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-7140573365441232856?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-34412120295443113002012-11-25T14:27:00.000Z2012-11-25T14:27:38.462Z2012-11-25T14:27:38.462ZThe end is not in sightI'm starting to feel the pressure of the Christmas crafting. I think following Santa on twitter was not a good idea as he counts down the days to Christmas like he is taunting me. I still feel like I have so much to do, hopefully I can get a few things ticked off the list in the next week. I'm still working on the socks for my brother which I hope to get done tonight.<br />
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I finished knitting a cowl for a secret santa gift in work. The person I made this for looks really good in blue so I hope they like it. It was curling lots while a was knitting so I crocheted an edging but it still curled but thankfully after blocking it is nice and flat now.<br />
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So with all of this crafting for other people at the moment I have not had much time to make stuff for myself so instead I have been keeping a creative journal.<br />
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I have combined two journals that I had made to make one super journal. The cover is crocheted from banana silk, it has the most amazing sheen and is very soft and strong.<br />
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I've been having lots of fun doing what the hell want on each page. It's so much more fun than just writing about what you have done each day, it's more like playing than journaling.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-3441212029544311300?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-55186420496020662592012-11-17T19:31:00.002Z2012-11-17T19:31:52.631Z2012-11-17T19:31:52.631ZThe Christmas Craft Continues Hello friends,<br />
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Well it's been very busy recently and shows no sign of slowing but at least there has been some progress.<br />
I have finished some chunky knitted bags which turned out very well. My favorite is this striped one as it was a stash busting project and the stripes look pretty cool and makes me want to make other striped things.<br />
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I've also been knitting socks for the men folk in the family. Though for some stupid reason I have ended making socks for the men with the biggest feet, Sigh! Thankfully I have found a pattern that is very quick to knit. This pattern from <a href="http://cornflowerbluestudio.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/free-knitting-pattern-toasty-toes-socks.html" target="_blank">corn flower blue studio</a> uses aran/10ply yarn and as they are ankle socks they really don't take much time at all. They are a bit big for me but you get the idea.<br />
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Today I have been working with the sewing machine making presents for the kids. I love making crayon rolls. They are so easy and kids really love them. I have adapted this pattern from <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2010/05/crayon-roll-tutorial/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a> to make it fit the chubby pencils I got. Despite falling out with the sewing machine over tension issues I am very pleased with how they turned out.<br />
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Well I hope you are enjoying the Christmas craft updates,<br />
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TTFN<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-5518642049602066259?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-90696571563646487392012-11-04T14:33:00.001Z2012-11-04T14:33:06.577Z2012-11-04T14:33:06.577ZBack on TrackHello Friends,<br />
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Well the Christmas crafting is back on track now, but I still feel like I'm not doing enough, Sigh, I guess I'll feel better once I know it's all done. So this week I have been working on presents for my nieces.<br />
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These tutus are going to go down a storm. I made them by sewing some elastic together then tying strips of netting to the elastic, I ended up using 2 meters of netting per tutu and I like being able to change colour to make them more fun. I posted a picture n twitter and some of my friends have fallen in love with them so I may have to make some adult sizes soon.</div>
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And to match the tutus the girls are getting a crocheted crown each. I love this pattern for the <a href="http://stitch11.com/princess-crown/" target="_blank">princess crown</a>. it turned out so well I am tempted to make one for myself</div>
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Well it's a short one this week but i hope you enjoy my crafty updates :) see you next week</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-9069657156364648739?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-64233265994842664702012-10-28T18:02:00.002Z2012-10-28T18:02:50.029Z2012-10-28T18:02:50.029ZHappy Halloween Hello Friends,<br />
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Sorry I couldn't post last week. Sadly I came down with an icky bug and spent last weekend getting better acquainted with the toilet.<br />
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So I have piles of craft supplies ready for Christmas. Lots of cute netting to make tutus for my nieces. Lots of felt to make disguise kits for the boys and Crayons to make more crayon rolls. Today I started on a project for beloved that is going very well:<br />
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I'm making a pair of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gloves for him. So please with how they look so far and if I'm pleased with the pattern I may post it on the blog :)<br />
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I'm pleased to say that I have some commission work to do through someone who got in touch through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaggieMakesStuff" target="_blank">Maggie Makes Stuff</a> so I have some cute baby hats to make. Pictures to follow :)<br />
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Some one else who got in touch was Katrien who sent me a picture of her cookie monster that she made from <a href="http://a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/cookie-monster-pattern.html" target="_blank">my pattern</a>.<br />
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I love seeing what people have made from my patterns. It's also a relief to see that people can understand my patterns.<br />
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Since it is Halloween it wouldn't be right to have a post without some pumpkin crafts so this was my pumpkin for the family Halloween party (which was amazing by the way)<br />
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Happy Halloween!!!!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-6423326599484266470?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-66271688540466696042012-10-14T15:03:00.000+01:002012-10-14T15:03:50.306+01:002012-10-14T15:03:50.306+01:00Weekly UpdateHello Friends,<br />
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I'm glad to say that the progress continues on the Christmas craft. I have planned to make sets of body scrubs with knitted wash cloths as gifts. I have the wash cloths all done and I plan to make the scrub closed to Christmas so that it keeps longer.<br />
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I have started knitting socks for some of the men in the family. I have been using this <a href="http://gormalcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/chunky-socks-pattern.html" target="_blank">Chunky Sock Pattern</a> that I found on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. I have knitted it up twice before to make socks for Beloved. It knits up really quickly and makes lovely thick socks. I am knitting with two strands of Aron held together so they are turning out very thick, but they will need to be for my brother's massive feet!<br />
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I'm looking forward to making this <a href="http://stitch11.com/princess-crown/" target="_blank">Princess Crown Pattern form Stitch 11</a> for my nieces, They love dressing up, I'm going to do matching tutus as well.<br />
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I have been very tempted by some TMNT themed crafts for beloved. This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tmnt-heads-charts" target="_blank">TMNT heads chart</a> from ravelry looks great. I want to do it in Tunisian crochet as colour work looks really great in Tunisian crochet and I'm not so great at colour work in knititng.<br />
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Speaking of not being so great at knitting. The cardigan I was working on has turned out to be an epic fail. The sleeves fit fine but under the arm is way to baggy and the button band is to tight. Sigh! Well the plan is to pretend it didn't happen for a while then frog it when I find something else I want to use the yarn for.<br />
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Oh well, the ups and downs of crafting.<br />
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See you next week...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-6627168854046669604?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-18703344661203137412012-10-09T16:40:00.000+01:002012-10-09T16:40:41.098+01:002012-10-09T16:40:41.098+01:00Weekly UpdateGreetings Friends,<br />
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Well I am pleased to say I have gotten some Christmas craft done this week. I have made four note book and diary sets. I got some plain books and used double sided tape to stick fabric to the books. They have turned out really well, now I want to make a set for myself.<br />
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So as I have been off for the week me and beloved took a trip to Totnes. It's a little market village in Devon mostly run by well meaning hippies. Despite the rain we had a great time. We got some delicious garlic and olive focaccia bread in the market and ate the entire loaf in one day! It was that good! We may have stank of garlic but damn we're we happy.<br />
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There are a few craft shops in Totnes now, some places that sell beautiful dress making fabric (but a little expensive for my taste) and I visited a lovely shop called the <a href="http://www.thebeadroom.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Bead Room</a> where I got some bits to make lovely necklace for myself.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul7_DN8cKzk/UHRCKkcwKpI/AAAAAAAAAXI/MPLxOrDPPKg/s1600/2012-10-09+16.25.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul7_DN8cKzk/UHRCKkcwKpI/AAAAAAAAAXI/MPLxOrDPPKg/s320/2012-10-09+16.25.17.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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I picked up the key from an antique shop on the high street. I have a thing for keys and I was really pleased as this one is very old and pretty.<br />
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During the week I felt the need to do a bit of patchwork and finally I added another row to the hexagon patchwork that I have been working on.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KTPXgkhpQE/UHRDDDuFRoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/UbiOtr2FbA0/s1600/2012-10-07+00.11.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KTPXgkhpQE/UHRDDDuFRoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/UbiOtr2FbA0/s320/2012-10-07+00.11.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was great to see some progress happen with this as it has been sat waiting for attention for some time now. I know it will take a while to get it finished but the anticipation is a part of the fun.<br />
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And finally on the crafty makes for this week I whipped up a cover for the new net book. I had loads of this leopard print left from last years Christmas crafts and I knew I wanted it to look like a clutch so this is how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oUInWpjuGI/UHRD_b582CI/AAAAAAAAAXY/x3XPzAnwoRk/s1600/2012-10-03+17.12.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oUInWpjuGI/UHRD_b582CI/AAAAAAAAAXY/x3XPzAnwoRk/s320/2012-10-03+17.12.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well that's all for this week. No stitch and bitch for this week as we are off to Bingo instead. Wish me luck :)</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-1870334466120313741?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-73402648062828048592012-10-01T17:15:00.000+01:002012-10-01T17:15:08.791+01:002012-10-01T17:15:08.791+01:00Yay Back To Updating WeekleyThat's Right, I have a new little net book so I can finally get back to blogging on regular basis. Still getting used to the smaller keyboard but it's shiny and purple and that makes everything better.<br />
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So in crafty news I went to the Library recently (because it's like book shopping for free) and picked up a bunch of knitting books to amuse myself with:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitting-Vintage-Claire-Montgomerie/dp/1847327346" target="_blank">Knitting Vintage by Claire-Montgomerie</a> I am thinking about making the Lacy Collar from this. This book is lovely, the models are all stunning and not only does it have wonderful patterns but there is something to read about each era.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evil-Knits-Projects-That-Night/dp/1408147068/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349106054&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Evil Knits by Hannah Simpso</a>n Well I'm a fan of anything monster. I really like the monkey pattern in this book and there are lots of cool ideas for Halloween crafts and great present for people who are fans on horror movies.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitted-Dinosaurs-Tina-Barrett/dp/1861088175/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349106336&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Knitted Dinosaurs by Tina Barrett</a> these patterns are so cute and I love that they have been designed in bright child friendly colours. The book layout is great as well, with great pictures at the beginning of the book so you can see all of the patterns and it's educational as you can learn the names of the dinosaurs and facts about them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pints-Purls-Portable-Projects-Knitter/dp/160061146X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349106777&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Pints and Purls by Karida Collins and Libby Bruce</a> This book has been designed for the social knitter and has lots of projects that are perfect for popping in you bag. I like the drinks rating as a guide for how difficult the patterns are and how much concentration is required. I am currently working on the Cherry Cordial Cardi. I had a hoody that I knitted about 3 years ago with some lovely alpaca yarn but sadly it was an awful fit and I only wore it about twice so instead of condemning it to death by moths I decided to frog it, wash the yarn and re-knit it into this cardi. The pattern knits up quite quickly as it is bulky yarn and I'm hoping to get it finished soon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0gsX8SfO3Y/UGnABxrtuqI/AAAAAAAAAWM/K_QPV0RdqPA/s1600/2012-09-16+10.01.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0gsX8SfO3Y/UGnABxrtuqI/AAAAAAAAAWM/K_QPV0RdqPA/s320/2012-09-16+10.01.20.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
This was the hoody before frogging...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JO8v6brdydQ/UGnAK6Zwi2I/AAAAAAAAAWU/Mzjig8N2IkU/s1600/2012-10-01+17.03.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JO8v6brdydQ/UGnAK6Zwi2I/AAAAAAAAAWU/Mzjig8N2IkU/s320/2012-10-01+17.03.46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
....and this is the cardi work in progress. I hope it fits ok, its so hard to tell when its not finished but we will have to wait and see.<br />
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Well I hope that next weeks blog I will be able to tell you that I have gotten some on the Christmas craft started.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-7340264806282804859?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-47006835395939631812012-09-14T13:06:00.000+01:002012-09-14T13:06:02.460+01:002012-09-14T13:06:02.460+01:00UpdateHello Friends,<br />
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Well I have been a busy crafty bunny on my week off. Its nice to start a new project and have the time to really make some headway in getting it done.<br />
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I've started working on a fusion blanket, The squares are from a moda charm pack that I have sewn together, I then did a blanket stitch around the edge then crocheted into the blanket stitch. Once I joined them all together I just crocheted around in a granny square style. I'm going to keep going until the yellow yarn runs out then possible add a few flowers:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLFOdQUIEJE/UFMaQFdZToI/AAAAAAAAAVY/yD3vutFbxNs/s1600/IMAG0464-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLFOdQUIEJE/UFMaQFdZToI/AAAAAAAAAVY/yD3vutFbxNs/s320/IMAG0464-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This project is going to be for my mum's Christmas present, quite pleased that I am getting started on the Christmas craft already.<br />
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So with my time off I have been getting re-acquainted with my sewing machine. I have realised now that my machine is very sensitive so I have to change the needle regularly for different types of fabric, otherwise the tension goes all wrong and I get angry.<br />
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So in the process of getting re-acquainted I have been whipping up these super cute hand warmers:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLTJ6lzrB7Y/UFMbvgFQiWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/2wcN2ccRHxQ/s1600/IMAG0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLTJ6lzrB7Y/UFMbvgFQiWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/2wcN2ccRHxQ/s320/IMAG0445.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25Cf9yYdRoI/UFMbw4lzNmI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Qeo6v57mmDU/s1600/IMAG0453-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25Cf9yYdRoI/UFMbw4lzNmI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Qeo6v57mmDU/s320/IMAG0453-1.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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I have made a whole bunch to sell on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaggieMakesStuff" target="_blank">Maggie Makes Stuff</a> they are £4 for a pair and are filled with wheat. All you have to do is pop them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on full power and "bing!" you have toasty warms hands. They are small enough to keep inside your gloves and I have even made some in manly fabric so the guys can be toast warm too.</div>
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Take a browse, I hope you like them.</div>
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And on a final note, the Hexipuff total now stands at 45!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smr1RZJc8bk/UFMdKGpYYyI/AAAAAAAAAV0/B7ix6BNA06A/s1600/IMAG0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smr1RZJc8bk/UFMdKGpYYyI/AAAAAAAAAV0/B7ix6BNA06A/s320/IMAG0439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After laying them all out I have realised I will need at least 100 to make anything of use, but I'll keep at it and see where this takes me.</div>
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Well I hope you are all well, Thanks for reading and keep crafting :)</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-4700683539593963181?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-59265919341500655532012-08-31T19:27:00.001+01:002012-08-31T19:27:32.667+01:002012-08-31T19:27:32.667+01:00Weekly(ish) Update<br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dear Friends,</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Sadly my updates will be
intermittent for a while due to my poor laptop breaking so I will be updating
when I get the chance to use other people’s computers.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m glad to be updating with
good news, my sewing machine is finally back and running like a dream. I’m
being extra careful with it now and making sure I change the needles for
different types of fabric and I couldn’t be happier, I’m looking forward to whipping
up a bunch of sewn goods for Maggie Makes Stuff.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have a wedding coming up in a
few days and I have just finished knitting a clutch bag for the big day. The
yarn is very thick, and has a beautiful sheen to it. I always feel like a genius when I do cable work as it
looks so complex when it’s finished. I lined it with green fabric to match my
bridesmaid dress and I’m very please with the finished results.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://p.twimg.com/A1ftINgCQAASuDf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://p.twimg.com/A1ftINgCQAASuDf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">You may remember just before my
sewing machine broke I had made a re-usable sandwich wrap from oil cloth
fabric. Well I was so excited when I got the sewing machine back that I whipped
up this re-usable snack back to match. I think a few people might be getting
matching lunch sets for Christmas.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://p.twimg.com/A1fu6SQCQAEbqZq.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://p.twimg.com/A1fu6SQCQAEbqZq.jpg:large" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">As you can tell I have been
busy with my beloved machine since I got it back and since the weather is
turning I have been thinking of making a few hand warmers for Maggie Makes Stuff, they will be filled with wheat, you just pop them in the microwave for a minuet and
Bing! Toasty warm hands. I'm planning to do them in sets of two so you can have one in
each glove/pocket.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well I hope I can get back to
updating regularly soon. If you do miss me (lol) then follow me on twitter as
my phone is working just fine<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt;">J</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-5926591934150065553?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-83311116770943378172012-08-18T12:49:00.002+01:002012-08-18T12:49:48.264+01:002012-08-18T12:49:48.264+01:00Weekly Update<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Greetings Friends,</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Well this week has flown by. I
went to visit some lady friends form university last weekend and had a great
time catching up over fine food and cocktails. On the journey I managed to get
a few hexipuffs made which brings the total up to 33!</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">I also picked up some sock yarn
from an amazing crafty shop is Salisbury, it has so much fabric and yarn, it
was awesome. I’m pleased to have more colours going into the hexipuff
collection I think the next colour purchase needs to be some orange or yellow
colours.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Well the sewing machine it
still at the manufacturers getting fixed, I spoke to them on Tuesday and they
said they are waiting for a new motor to put in it, sigh! I haven’t heard
anything since Tuesday so I’m hoping some progress has been made. If the
machine is not fixable I might request a refund and get a less complicated
machine as it is easier to fix and maintain a simpler machine. Sob, I just miss
having it so much. When I get it back I just won’t know what to do with myself
as I’ve been without it for so long.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the weather seems to be
turning for the worse here so it’s time to think about this years winter hat. I
seem to be leaning towards a cloche design, this is the short list so far is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slouchy-hat-with-picot-edge">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slouchy-hat-with-picot-edge</a>
a slouchy hat with a lovely picot edge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This very cute cloche with crocheted cable <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boutique-ribbed-cable-cloche---crochet-version">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boutique-ribbed-cable-cloche---crochet-version</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This very classy cloche with botany inspired detail <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/regina-2">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/regina-2</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I will also keep looking and maybe think about
designing my own pattern as I would like to incorporate buttons into the
design.<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with thinking about winter
hats the Christmas make list creeps into the back of my mind…oh the horror!</span></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-8331111677094337817?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-2631625739095288522012-08-09T18:06:00.001+01:002012-08-09T18:06:40.716+01:002012-08-09T18:06:40.716+01:00Update<br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Greetings Friends,</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Apologies for the not so
weekly, weekly updates. I have had a series of busy weekends. Last weekend I
was collecting my Granny form the airport. She is the amazing woman who planted
the seed of crafts and nourished it with bits of fabric and scraps of wool to
make the craft nut you know today. She is Awesome, she has super human bargain
hunting skills, she presented me with a bag of 7 balls of sock yarn that she
got from a charity shop (thrift store) that she paid 35p a ball for! The
charity shops in Scotland are an untapped resource! I was so excited about
showing her my crocheted jacket and she loved it so much I’ve had to lend her
the book for the pattern. Anyway… I tried to explain hexipuffing to her over
the phone and failed and managed to show her when she came to visit, I tried to
teach my mum to hexipuff but I can’t say it was very successful.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I also went to Thorpe Park at
the weekend. It’s the first theme park I’ve ever been to and it was amazing. I
got a sore throat from screaming on all of the rides and ate far too much
sugar.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well back to the crafty stuff.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hexipuffing current total is 24!
I’m stepping it up a bit now as I have many weekends away and it’s an easy
project to pick up and take with me and knit on the train/bus. Thanks to Granny’s
kind gift I have loads more sock yarn to play with as well. Which reminds me, I
have promised many pairs of socks to beloved, best get started soon.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">It was my mum’s birthday this
week. She has had many of my hand made projects inflicted upon her and it’s
hard to think what I can make for her now. This year I made her a keyring:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Which I am quite pleased with and I gave her one of these
awesome <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=403079.0" target="_blank">Tea Wallets</a><u>.</u> I got the idea from <a href="http://www.craftster.org/" target="_blank">Craftster</a> but I used it
to keep handbag essential in like plasters and paracetamol etc. I think it will
come in very handy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s also my friend Ellie’s birthday
at the end of the month and I’m going to visit her this weekend. I’m so excited
as it’s going to be a little reunion of a few university friends. I made Ellie
a crocheted clutch from the left over merino yarn from my jacket. I reinforced
it with thick felt so it would be more stiff and lined it with pretty fabric. I
didn’t write the pattern but if I make it again I’ll make sure I do </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’ve added a new album to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaggieMakesStuff?bookmark_t=page" target="_blank">Maggie Makes Stuff</a> called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513312798683911.131047.500464859968705&type=3" target="_blank">Gifts and Comissions</a> where I can showcase things that I have made. Take a look, you might like it </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">With being so busy my Ravellenic </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;">project is a bit further behind
than I would like it to be. But thankfully this giant knitting does work up
quickly. Now that my friends and family know that I am stash busting all of the
horrible synthetic novelty yarn people have been donating more so that they can
get it out of their lives. I feel this rug is becoming a community interests
projects.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I’m so glad that I could make this post today, it almost didn’t
happen. I accidentally spilt water on my laptop and now the keyboard won’t work.
I was so worried that I’d have to go begging to the bank to get money to get a
new one but thankfully I have been able to plug in a USB keyboard and it works
perfectly. I just have to put up with this and save for Lappy 2.0<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-263162573909528852?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-45559836879790281612012-07-29T15:34:00.002+01:002012-07-29T15:34:45.336+01:002012-07-29T15:34:45.336+01:00Weekly UpdateHello Friends,<br />
<br />
Apologies for being missing in action last week. My weekend was filled with pounding the pavement for the <a href="http://www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Luke's Midnight Walk</a> I walked 13 miles in 3 hours 35 minuets and raised over £80 for the charity. It was such a buzz to finish.<br />
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So in the crafty news I am still working on that doily for my friends birthday, I forgot how long lace work takes, I think she'll be getting and IOU for 1 doily on her birthday.<br />
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As always I have been distracted by another new craft. I have recently been making Kanzashi flowers.<br />
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They are so pretty and addictive to make.There are a lot of good tutorials around to fold your perfect petal. My favorites are:<br />
<a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/how-to-make-fabric-daisy-flower.html" target="_blank">Little Birdie Secrets tutorial for the pointed petal</a><br />
and<br />
This one form cut out and keep for rounded petals.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="280" scrolling="no" src="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/easy-kanzashi-flower/embed" width="350"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/">See Easy Kanzashi Flower and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep</a><br />
<br />
I have put all of the flowers I have made so far on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaggieMakesStuff" target="_blank">Maggie Makes Stuff</a> along with some 5 strand braided head bands I made.<br />
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And last but not least I have cast on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Maggielove/stashbusting-rug" target="_blank">Ravellenic</a> project today, for the synchronised stash busting event. I have a big bag full of all my nasty synthetic novelty yarn and I'm using the giant knitting needles to make it into a rug. Its looking pretty good so far as all the colours are complementing each other and it's really fluffy.<br />
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I'm knitting with about 11 strands of yarn and one it's done my nieces' will be playing with it.<br />
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TTFN friends, keep crafting<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-4555983687979028161?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-1525726004292403692012-07-14T12:53:00.000+01:002012-07-14T12:53:27.436+01:002012-07-14T12:53:27.436+01:00Weekly Update<br />
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hello Friends,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Well the Fox is now very well
dressed with evening gown, cardigan, skirt and two pairs of shoes and off to
it’s new loving owner. That little fox was very popular with the ladies at
stitch and bitch, may have caused a bit of brooding.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Progress has halted on the
hexagon patchwork due to inconsiderate people having birthdays, lol, but I hope
to get some more of this done soon.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hexipuffs: My begging for left over sock yarn has paid off. One of the lovely ladies at stitch and bitch gave me some sock yarn which has spurred me to get hexipuffing again. So far the total is up to 14. I'm going to take them away with me on a trip in August so I'll get loads more done then.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crochet doily: I’m currently
working on a doily in a rich purple crochet cotton. It is intended to be a Birthday present for a friend, I wasn't sure if she would like it though so ended up telling her what I was up to. Turns out she loves doilies. So glad I asked, saved me worrying about it. The pattern is from ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coffee-table-topper" target="_blank">coffee table topper by Agnes Russell</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I mentioned ages ago working on
a slouch hat with hearts on it, I think I am going to frog this one as I havn’t
worked on it in ages and I’m sure the moths are having a feast on it so it’s
best it gets ripped out and sealed in the yarn stash.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Journaling: I still currently
have two pages for my creative journal but with being a busy bunny I have not
had the time to make further pages though I have been pinning lots of beautiful
pages for inspiration and making notes of ideas for the next pages.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;">So much craft, so little time. There are so many things on my crafty wish list at the moment;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Weaving, after my failed
attempt at weaving a rug I have decided not to give up entirely on weaving,
there have been a few tutorials on pintrest and cut out and keep for weaving
with newspaper or magazines to make bowels etc and also an interesting
technique for weaving a quilt out of flat strips of fabric, of course I cant
try that until my god damn sewing machine gets fixed. I like this tutorial because of the unusual shape of the bowl it's made:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I have been wanting to do some
fabric covered books or a while, I have a craft encyclopaedia that would look
awesome covered and I could cover some diaries and note books and put them on
Maggie makes stuff as matching sets with pretty button and ribbon details :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Needle felting, for some reason
I really want to try needle felting now. There are some really good beginner’s
kits online like ebay and <a href="http://www.bloomingfelt.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blooming Felt</a> which look great and not to expensive. There are lots of cool things to do like making 2D pictures or 3D objects like
animals etc, you can felt directly onto clothing and use things like cookie
cutters to make nice neat shapes. I feel I may be buying a kit soon to add to
the many crafts that I already do.</span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Anyway I hope you enjoyed this weeks crafty rant.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">see ya'll soon</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-152572600429240369?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-46593816029849358352012-07-07T11:32:00.000+01:002012-07-07T11:32:24.428+01:002012-07-07T11:32:24.428+01:00Weekly UpdateHi Friends,<br />
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Well it's been a crafty week. I have been busy making lots of presents for people. The fern cowl turned out really well.<br />
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As I was using a chunky wool I stopped half way in the lace pattern so that it wouldn't be to long, I was worried when I finished it as it wasn't sitting very nicely but after blocking it's perfect. I am going to give it to the birthday girl today. Very excited.<br />
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I have also been working on my niece's birthday present. I was looking for a doll that I could make clothes for so she could play dress up but couldn't find a doll that wasn't hideously expensive or hideously ugly so I got a stuffed animal instead.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_aCBtBNfas/T_gLPnMkfAI/AAAAAAAAAS0/nsbk3ljBM9E/s1600/2012-06-30+17.51.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_aCBtBNfas/T_gLPnMkfAI/AAAAAAAAAS0/nsbk3ljBM9E/s320/2012-06-30+17.51.37.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHRvCmDuTTU/T_gLU2EcsFI/AAAAAAAAAS8/hq8gVVKhRio/s1600/2012-07-01+22.00.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHRvCmDuTTU/T_gLU2EcsFI/AAAAAAAAAS8/hq8gVVKhRio/s320/2012-07-01+22.00.41.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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So far this cute fox has an evening dress (blue and sparkly one) a cardigan, a skirt and a shoe. I am yet to make the other shoe. I'm pleased with the cardigan as I have been looking for a project to use this cute rainbow yarn in for ages.<br />
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I have lots more to make over the next few weeks as I have two more birthdays to make for, Busy busy busy.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Another thing I have been working on this week is my new facebook page </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MaggieMakesStuff" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Maggie Makes Stuff</a><span style="background-color: white;">. I've had all my stock from craft fairs just sitting at home not doing anything so I decided to put them all on a facebook page so everyone can see what I have. I'm looking forward to making a few other bit's and </span><span style="background-color: white;">pieces</span><span style="background-color: white;"> so I'll keep you updated on what's new. Go on take a look, have a browse and don't forget to click like :)</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-4659381602984935835?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-64366942178546782632012-06-30T11:52:00.001+01:002012-06-30T12:04:50.479+01:002012-06-30T12:04:50.479+01:00Weekly Update<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">Greetings Friends,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I hope you have enjoyed my no sew cowl tutorial, I had been wearing mine loads.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15pt;">So in the continuing saga of the broken sewing machine, I am useless and
still haven’t organised a box to send it to the manufacturers. Bad Maggie! It’s
very frustrating not having it available to play with so my priority for this
weekend is box hunting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">A few birthdays are coming up so I’ve been whipping up a few projects.
My partners mum was thrilled with the Bias Blanket I knitted and it now takes
pride of place on her sofa. I’m currently crocheting a lacy cowl from Inside
Crochet for a friend’s birthday.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qPZHEzytSCY/TSo9gKBSjYI/AAAAAAAACOE/bHOwrNHvSg0/s1600/cowl.jpg&sa=X&ei=9dTuT5n8BtPb8gOX5_2uDQ&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHRFK4A-Ufi4oTLAFpQg1809fzPeQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qPZHEzytSCY/TSo9gKBSjYI/AAAAAAAACOE/bHOwrNHvSg0/s320/cowl.jpg&sa=X&ei=9dTuT5n8BtPb8gOX5_2uDQ&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHRFK4A-Ufi4oTLAFpQg1809fzPeQ" width="156" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I am doing it in a brushed chunky grey yarn. She’s so stylish I knew she would like
something original and she loves statement looks. It’s also my niece’s birthday coming up so I plan to get a
doll for her and crochet a bunch of outfits for it so she can play dress up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The hexagon patchwork is coming along slowly I have now joined two rows
together and taken the card out of some to make it easier to work with.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0ig8xSwrdw/T-7WaWi0CZI/AAAAAAAAASA/PbFjcV-S16o/s1600/2012-06-30+11.32.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0ig8xSwrdw/T-7WaWi0CZI/AAAAAAAAASA/PbFjcV-S16o/s320/2012-06-30+11.32.11.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">As usual I have been distracted by another new craft and I have started
a creative journal/smash book/art journal. I was inspired by the likes of <a href="http://www.teeshaslandofodd.com/myjournal/pages1.html" target="_blank">Teesha Moore</a>. She makes
amazing patchwork journal covers and has <a href="http://youtu.be/2Cm4RoEsgl0" target="_blank">videos on youtube</a> of how you can make
them yourself. The journal pages are also amazing, lots of lovely colours
textures and layers. So far I have done two pages and very much enjoying it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0rhiOM_Sz8/T-7XcuP0U-I/AAAAAAAAASI/_h6_VPktH0A/s1600/2012-06-28+20.17.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0rhiOM_Sz8/T-7XcuP0U-I/AAAAAAAAASI/_h6_VPktH0A/s320/2012-06-28+20.17.41.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> This is the cover of my journal and I'm looking forward to making more pages.</span></o:p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-6436694217854678263?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-87924788468781818202012-06-23T13:23:00.001+01:002012-06-23T13:23:43.345+01:002012-06-23T13:23:43.345+01:00No Sew Cowl TutorialSo with the devastation of the broken sewing machine I have been forced to think more creatively about some of my crafting. So here is a tutorial I whipped up for a super easy no sew t-shirt cowl.<br />
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You will need:<br />
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2 T-shirts<br />
Scissors<br />
a large crochet hook (between 5 and 8mm)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7mmD3vNNfI/T-WvkjNktZI/AAAAAAAAARE/UzhPRPhDi7A/s1600/2012-06-22+18.39.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7mmD3vNNfI/T-WvkjNktZI/AAAAAAAAARE/UzhPRPhDi7A/s320/2012-06-22+18.39.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4svrhW3rhh0/T-WvxMnsLaI/AAAAAAAAARM/oCb-rYfkwj0/s1600/2012-06-22+18.42.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4svrhW3rhh0/T-WvxMnsLaI/AAAAAAAAARM/oCb-rYfkwj0/s320/2012-06-22+18.42.56.jpg" width="320" /></a>1.Take your t-shirts and cut off the bottom edge and cut across under the arms so you have two tubes.<br />
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2. Cut out the side seams so you have 4 rectangles of roughly the same size.
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3. put all the pieces together lining up the short edges and cuts about 2cm deep and 3cm apart (this does not need to be accurate) on both sides, make sure you have the same number of cuts on both sides<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNRnaWHc5R4/T-WxdWmNRxI/AAAAAAAAARc/yNAdqEWvi3Q/s1600/2012-06-22+18.46.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNRnaWHc5R4/T-WxdWmNRxI/AAAAAAAAARc/yNAdqEWvi3Q/s320/2012-06-22+18.46.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
4. Cut a small hole in the middle of each flap<br />
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5.Lay two pieces of fabric side by side. Put crochet hook through the bottom hole of the left hand piece of fabric and through the bottom hole of the right hand piece of fabric. Take the loop from the left side and bring it over the right side loop. Pick up the next loop on the left side and bring the right side loop over that.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPgcJONRjQo/T-Wxv81H8hI/AAAAAAAAARk/sWh5zE92F8o/s1600/2012-06-22+18.52.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPgcJONRjQo/T-Wxv81H8hI/AAAAAAAAARk/sWh5zE92F8o/s320/2012-06-22+18.52.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
6. Repeat the process to join the fabrics in a plat effect. Repeat with all of the pieces of fabric and join in a loop.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZowrR6VYws/T-Wu-cDRjzI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/RnN7natTvBI/s1600/2012-06-23+12.50.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZowrR6VYws/T-Wu-cDRjzI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/RnN7natTvBI/s320/2012-06-23+12.50.49.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
This make a very long cowl, it goes around my neck 3 times comfortably, feel free to to amend the pattern to make it shorter if you wish and enjoy.<br />
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<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-8792478846878181820?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-40549541712122706692012-06-09T13:42:00.000+01:002012-06-09T13:42:03.087+01:002012-06-09T13:42:03.087+01:00Weekly UpdateHello Friends,<br />
<br />
I hope you have enjoyed the cloud pattern last week. Devastation has struck this week, I was happily sewing away on my lovely new sewing machine that I got in March when it jammed and the needle snapped, now it will not work at all. I guess that is the problem with fancy computerized sewing machines, the more they can do the more can go wrong with them. So I called the company I bought it from as I have a guarantee and they said they will not insure the machine in transit unless it is in the original packaging (which I do not have) they offered to sell me the packaging but they don't have it in stock so not I need to arrange my own packaging and courier to take the machine to be fixed. Sigh! moral of the storey, read the small print, keep the packaging.<br />
<br />
So just before my machine broke I did manage to whip up a few cool things. I made a reusable sandwich wrap with some oil cloth fabric I had. Here is the tutorial that I found on Pinterest from <a href="http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/sandwich-cozy-tutorial.html" target="_blank">smashed peas and carrots</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cd47RNeZd00/TemXES1BozI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/pO9-A4iY4pg/s640/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cd47RNeZd00/TemXES1BozI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/pO9-A4iY4pg/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Its so very cute, I want to make a whole lunch set in matching fabric.</div>
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And since the machine is broken it's been all about the hand sewing. I whipped up this cute little phone cover:</div>
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<a href="https://p.twimg.com/Auz9865CAAMm5WC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://p.twimg.com/Auz9865CAAMm5WC.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Inspired by a phone cover on pinterest. I think my new phone is soon going to have a better wardrobe than me.<br />
<br />
Works in Progress<br />
The hexagon patchwork is coming along very well. I drew up a schematic for how it was all going to be laid out<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96VRVx2D1Uc/T9MyyyDZecI/AAAAAAAAAQc/6PRDM8tZN4A/s1600/2012-05-29+19.02.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96VRVx2D1Uc/T9MyyyDZecI/AAAAAAAAAQc/6PRDM8tZN4A/s320/2012-05-29+19.02.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I laid it all out and taped it together:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBFR3vBfxvw/T9MzIA2_TTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/pB3QkR58SeA/s1600/2012-05-29+19.02.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBFR3vBfxvw/T9MzIA2_TTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/pB3QkR58SeA/s320/2012-05-29+19.02.30.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I have now started sewing together the flower shapes into the rows then sewing the rows together. It's going to be a long process but totally worth it in the end.<br />
<br />
I have also started knitting a top <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/cap-sleeve-lattice-top/" target="_blank">by purlbee</a>. I was going to buy some merino yarn to make it but thankfully managed to save myself some money by getting a cotton jumper at a charity shop for 99p and ripping it out, so now I have some lovely cotton yarn to knit with.<br />
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Much Love<br />
Maggie<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-4054954171212270669?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-1163643057806029812012-06-02T10:37:00.001+01:002012-06-02T10:38:10.114+01:002012-06-02T10:38:10.114+01:00Cloud Amigurumi PatternHello All,<br />
<br />
I thought in order to celebrate this lovely bank holiday I would post a new pattern, This has been waiting in the wings for a while and I am glad to finally unleash it on the public.<br />
<br />
May I introduce to you; My Amigurumi Clouds:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sT9PAT1Wy0c/TZg9i-bYb2I/AAAAAAAAAO0/D_sgP8xOLZc/s1600/crochetclouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sT9PAT1Wy0c/TZg9i-bYb2I/AAAAAAAAAO0/D_sgP8xOLZc/s320/crochetclouds.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
To make these cute little clouds you will need:<br />
<br />
5mm safety eyes<br />
double knit or worsted weight yarn in your chosen cloud colours<br />
3.5mm hook<br />
black embroidery floss and needle<br />
fibre fill<br />
and a stitch marker<br />
<br />
<b>Cloud</b><br />
Beginning at the bottom of the cloud working in a continuous spiral<br />
Chain 11<br />
R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 9, 3 sc in last chain, work along other side of foundation chain, sc in next 8, 2 sc in last stitch.<br />
R2: inc in first st, sc in next 8, inc in each of the next 3, sc in next 8, inc in last 2. (28 sc)<br />
R3: sc in first, inc in next, sc in next 8, inc, sc, inc,sc, inc, sc in next 9, inc, sc inc, sc (34sc)<br />
R4-7: sc around (34 sc)<br />
R8: dec in first 2, sc in next 9, dec 4 times, sc in next 9, dec 2 times (26 sc)<br />
R9:dec in first 2, sc in next 6, dec 3 times, sc in next 8, dec. (20sc)<br />
R10-11: sc around (20sc)<br />
R12: sc in first 3, dec in next, rep around (17sc)<br />
R13: sc in first 2, dec in next, rep around<br />
Add eyes and embroider mouth<br />
R14: sc in first, dec in next, rep around<br />
Stuff<br />
R15: dec around untill closed make a chain to desired length if you with then FO.<br />
<br />
<b>Rain Drop</b><br />
R1: 6sc in ring<br />
R2: sc around increasing twice anywhere you wish (8sc)<br />
R3: sc around<br />
R4: dec, sc around (7sc)<br />
R5: sc around decreasing twice anywhere you wish (5sc)<br />
R6: dec once, sc around, slip stitch to close, make a chain to desired length and attach to cloud<br />
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<b>Lightning</b><br />
Ch 5 leave tail to sew.<br />
R1: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain, ch 1, turn (4sc)<br />
R2:-3: sc across, ch1 turn (4sc)<br />
R4: sc across, chain 3, turn<br />
R5: sc in 2nd chain from hook and in next chain and all stitches across, ch1, turn (6sc)<br />
R6: sc across, ch 1, turn (6sc)<br />
R7: sc in next 4, ch 1 turn (4sc)<br />
R8: dec in first, sc in next 2, ch 1, turn (3sc)<br />
R9: sc across, ch 1, turn<br />
R10: dec in first, sc, ch 1, turn (2sc)<br />
R11: dec, ch 2, slip stitch in stitch you just decreased, slip stitch around the edges to tidy up doing 3 slip stitches to turn corners. FO attach to cloud.<br />
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Enjoy your new crochet weather system<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-116364305780602981?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-30970459270465859742012-05-26T11:40:00.000+01:002012-05-26T11:40:44.143+01:002012-05-26T11:40:44.143+01:00Weekly UpdateHi Everyone,<br />
<br />
Well this week I have been a poorly Maggie with a grim sinus infection, but I am suitably drugged up now and and ready to rock. So ready to rock in fact that I have finally finished the bias blanket after our little set back a few weeks ago.<br />
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So glad that it's done. Its going to be a present for a special someone and I'm thinking of making a patchwork bag to keep it/present it in.<br />
<br />
I love the bias block pattern, it's so simple and versatile. The pattern is very easy (knitting) :<br />
Cast on 3 stitches<br />
Knit 2, increase 1, knit to end, repeat for every row until black/blanket is desired length<br />
Knit for 2 rows<br />
Knit 2, decrease 1, knit to end, repeat till you have 3 stitches left then cast off.<br />
<br />
You can use this pattern to knit lots of little blocks and stitch them together or make one huge blanket. It's really easy to figure out how much yarn you'll need if you are doing a big blanket. Just get 2 skeins of yarn, work the pattern until the first skein is nearly done and knit the middle 2 knit rows then attach the 2nd skein for the decrease rows. This pattern is great for baby blankets as the edges are so stretchy there is no hard cast on or cast off edge that will rub on the baby.<br />
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<b>Works in Progress</b><br />
So with the bias blanket done my attention has turned to getting some work done on the hexagon patchwork. This weekend I hope to get all of the flower shapes completed so I can start a plan of how they will look all together. I hope for next week to have some photos to show you of the planning process.<br />
<br />
<b>Crafty Web Stuff</b><br />
This week the discussion on twitter has been about the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravelympics-2012" target="_blank">Ravelympics</a>. For those of you who are currently thinking "huh?" I shall explain. Every Olympic year <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">ravelry</a> hold the Ravelympics. Various groups on raverly become teams competing and yarn based crafty <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravelympics-2012/pages/EVENTS-2012" target="_blank">Events</a>. I am competing in Team Cold Sheep, a group dedicated to stash busting and I am entering synchronised stash busting with my giant knitting needles. There are loads of events, all with witty names. I loved the sound of it last Olympic year and has to be a part of it this year.<br />
<br />
I also wanted to have a bit of a gush about June Gilbank, she is my crochet hero and creator of <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/" target="_blank">Planet June</a>. I look up to June as she is an incredibly hard working independent designer. She has many <a href="http://planetjune.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=11&zenid=99684d267a560699f3f913c524db00dd" target="_blank">patterns</a> and written a book called <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/the-complete-idiots-guide-to-amigurumi/" target="_blank">the complete idiots guide to amigurumi</a>. She has made many amazing things, this is one of my favourites as I am a Terry Pratchett fan:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/images/amidiscworld1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/images/amidiscworld1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
But the thing that I think is most awesome about June's work is her tutorials. Most recent of which is <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/invisible-increase-for-amigurumi/" target="_blank">the invisible increase</a> and my favourite the <a href="http://www.planetjune.com/blog/how-to-make-a-seamless-join-in-amigurumi/" target="_blank">seamless join in amigurumi</a>. Many people come into the world of craft but few innovate and share. Thank you June!<br />
<br />
Well enough of my crafty girl crush. I've got work to do.<br />
<br />
Happy Crafting My Lovelies<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-3097045927046585974?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-63947399092677940082012-05-19T13:27:00.000+01:002012-05-19T13:27:55.412+01:002012-05-19T13:27:55.412+01:00A very tired and slightly hung-over Maggie writes this blog today. Yesterday was beloved's birthday and there was much drinking and silly dancing to be had. Among many other presents beloved did receive some knitted socks which went down very well.<br />
<br />
During the week I have been doing a spot of hexipuffing and the collection is up to 10 now. Still not enough to make any kind of project from but it's keeping me amused. I have started begging friends for left over sock yarn now so that I can have more colours.<br />
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I finally got my new phone which means I can do nice pictures now and I whipped up a phone case to keep it nice and safe.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuyIlKj_1yM/T7eNyjP8v2I/AAAAAAAAAQA/TM7_8rdUDLk/s1600/2012-05-13+19.05.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuyIlKj_1yM/T7eNyjP8v2I/AAAAAAAAAQA/TM7_8rdUDLk/s320/2012-05-13+19.05.50.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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I know the fabric and the ribbon might not go together but I just wanted to put my favourites together.<br />
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While I was out walking on Thursday I spotted some yarn bombing by a woman I met called Wendy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ducTkcB9OE/T7eOEERsbKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/b8tPIZmgbfc/s1600/2012-05-17+13.48.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ducTkcB9OE/T7eOEERsbKI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/b8tPIZmgbfc/s320/2012-05-17+13.48.50.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I am super impressed, this tree looks lovely and snuggely warm. Wendy did this in memory of a friend who passed away and she is currently busy planning knitting charity events with St Luke's Hospice. Very excited about what she's up to and looking forward to getting involved.<br />
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<b>Works In Progress</b><br />
I feel today might be the day to resume work on the bias blanket and get over the little tiff that we had. It will be nice to get it done and maybe move on to some stash busting with the extreme knitting needles.<br />
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<b>Crafty Web Stuff</b><br />
So less craft more cooking this week. I discovered a recipe on a friends pinterest board and I had to try it. It;s called <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/03/15/nutella-mug-cake/" target="_blank">Nutella Mug Cake</a> and is so easy to make, just put all the ingredients in a mug and microwave.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQOEiCBQ5vY/T7eN9vcqXZI/AAAAAAAAAQI/W5X_8ixjyyI/s1600/2012-05-16+18.52.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQOEiCBQ5vY/T7eN9vcqXZI/AAAAAAAAAQI/W5X_8ixjyyI/s320/2012-05-16+18.52.57.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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This was my attempt, it was so yummy but I couldn't eat it all, very filling and had a heavy brownie texture to the sponge. I recommend giving it a go.<br />
<br />
Well I'm off to find sewing patterns for eye masks so I can nap thought the day.<br />
Ta ta<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-6394739909267794008?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-61203204153566991072012-05-12T14:21:00.000+01:002012-05-12T14:30:24.194+01:002012-05-12T14:30:24.194+01:00It's All Been Kicking Off...Afternoon Crafties!<br />
<br />
So as the title suggests, it has certainly been kicking off in craft land. I woke up on Sunday morning to find the poop had finally hit the fan with All Craft Media. Just to fill you in, All Craft Media publish such magazines as Yarn Forward, Sew Hip and Inside Crochet, the latter I used to write patterns for. There had been mumbled complaints of people not getting paid for featured patterns for a while but it is all out in the open now. In a nut shell All Craft Media (formally Kal Media) have not been paying designers, ripping off sock and shawl club members and even selling patterns on to other magazines without giving the designers licence fees. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/friends-of-the-group-once-known-as" target="_blank">This Ravelry Group</a> has all the info of the current situation and help for designers and employees who have been scammed. All Craft Media have now gone into liquidation. Thankfully I did receive all of the money I was owed from Inside Crochet but there are still many people who have received nothing.If you want to read more there are many blog posts with peoples outrage like this <a href="http://www.rockandpurl.com/2012/02/17/dear-publisher/" target="_blank">Letter to All Craft Media</a>.<br />
<br />
The craft world is such a friendly and inclusive community, it makes me sad that someone has taken advantage of so many nice people.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on to more cheery subjects:<br />
<br />
<b>Works In Progress</b><br />
It has been not a very productive week for the yarn based crafts, The slouchy hat remains untouched and so does the bias blanket. I did however join the trend of Hexipuffing.<br />
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<a href="http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/577612526.jpg?key=20481536&Expires=1336828198&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=pORKtJVnguscDPgojqyLhu8JVgRqW1XAujJGxPa3vXv3kSJQwn2EmcRoy0xdJDqqIqup39zv3yAXrTrr7rtdpj5ejVZuocvt7l7F6-plrkIpc2uy~xaafxK1kEB4M9beS1wqhLbT0HdBvWKobDgwwVNUufTYht8eucQdmed64pw_" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/577612526.jpg?key=20481536&Expires=1336828198&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=pORKtJVnguscDPgojqyLhu8JVgRqW1XAujJGxPa3vXv3kSJQwn2EmcRoy0xdJDqqIqup39zv3yAXrTrr7rtdpj5ejVZuocvt7l7F6-plrkIpc2uy~xaafxK1kEB4M9beS1wqhLbT0HdBvWKobDgwwVNUufTYht8eucQdmed64pw_" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Stephanie Dosen, the eccentric genius behind </span><a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/the-beekeepers-quilt/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Tiny Owl Knits</a><span style="line-height: 24px;"> created The Beekeepers Quilt pattern, Basically you knit lost of tiny, squishy, puffy hexagons from your left over sock yarn, stuff them and stitch them together. It's very addictive. I fully recommend giving her site a roam as she has some amazing patterns, I love her </span><a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/mr-fox-stole-my-heart/" style="line-height: 24px;" target="_blank">Mr Fox Stole</a><span style="line-height: 24px;">, it's so cute.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #666666; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: #666666; line-height: 24px;">The hexagon patchwork is making good progress, not long and I will be stitching together the flower shapes. There is a craft shop/studio near me that I will be gatecrashing soon so that I can use the giant table to lay everything out. exciting</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">!</span></span><br />
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<br />
<b>Crafty Web Stuff</b><br />
I had to share with you <a href="http://racheljohn.co.uk/tools.aspx" target="_blank">Rachel John's Extreme Textiles</a> I saw her stall at the creative stitches event in Exeter last year. She sells GIANT knitting needles, crochet hooks, Tunisian crochet hooks and much more. I got a pair of 24mm needles and stash busted this rug. To give you some perspective the long edge is about a meter and a half long.<br />
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<a href="http://c0014139.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_a78643f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://c0014139.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_a78643f" width="320" /></a></div>
It is so much fun working with these needles as you feel like you are a borrower. I'm looking forward to casting on another stash busting rug soon and have desires for a giant crochet hook of my own.<br />
<br />
Well that's me done for another week kids.<br />
See you next Saturday :)<br />
<b style="background-color: #cd529a; color: #e1dfdf; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-6120320415356699107?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-75743252002027096102012-05-05T10:36:00.000+01:002012-05-05T10:39:36.968+01:002012-05-05T10:39:36.968+01:00I'm Back!Greeting Friends,<br />
Please let me start with an apology for my long absence from the world of blogging. I have truly neglected my responsibilities to this blog and I'm sorry. But I'm glad to say that I am back and plan to blog weekly from now on.<br />
<br />
So in my absence from blogging I have been up to various crafty antics; I finally finished the long term projected I had been working on. A very cute preppy jacket from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stitch-Bitch-Crochet-Happy-Hooker/dp/0761139850" target="_blank">Debbie Stoller's, The Happy Hooker</a><br />
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<a href="http://c0014264.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_befb676" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://c0014264.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_befb676" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the poor image quality, getting a new phone next week which will mean better pictures :) Anyway, very pleased with the jacket, just need to block it and put the pocket lining in and it's wearable. I made it from a lovely teal merino yarn, so soft!</div>
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I also finished the marathon task of knitting 20 Hearts:</div>
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<a href="http://c0014249.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_bccb328" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://c0014249.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_bccb328" width="240" /></a></div>
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Again sorry, rubbish camera. I was given a giant sweater that was made for my partners granddad who sadly passed away, and asked what I could do with the yarn from it. Well after an intense sneezy session of frogging the sweater I found this lovely <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearts" target="_blank">pattern on ravelry</a> that you knit on 3 DPNs so you knit both sides at the same time (saves sewing lots of halves together) I made one heart for every woman in the family. I was so happy they loved them. I had loads of yarn left over so started knitting a bias blanket, but after a traumatic frogging incident this week I'm not ready to talk about that project yet, Sigh!</div>
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I also have been lucky enough to finally have a new sewing machine that I got in March so have been doing lots of odd sewing projects and loving it.</div>
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<b>Works in Progress</b></div>
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I am the first to admit I have crafty ADHD so always have multiple projects on the go. I'm currently working on:</div>
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This knitted slouchy <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/from-norway-with-love---hat" target="_blank">hat from ravelry</a> I am knitting the hearts with noro silk to make a lovely colour change. It's slow progress as I'm not so great at knitting colour work.</div>
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The Bias Blanket, as I mentioned, I have fallen out with that project after the frogging incident.</div>
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I am also working on a hand sewn hexagon patchwork:</div>
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<a href="http://c0014199.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_b25b61a" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://c0014199.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_b25b61a" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found a giant box of unfinished patchwork in a vintage shop. Someone had already put loads of hexagons onto cardboard, ready to sew together but never finished it. So I am currently in the process sewing the centres into some of the unfinished flower shapes, then I will be sewing them all together, BY HAND! so glad I have gotten used to sewing with a thimble, my fingers couldn't take it any more! I'm very excited about this project as it is loads of retro fabrics and it's going to look amazing when it's all together.</div>
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I have just finished crocheting some bit's for the book and enjoying a renewed excitement for getting it done. Keeping the pictures under wraps at the moment ;)</div>
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<b>Crafty Events</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The lovely Ruth and Belinda from R&B interactive are working on a beautiful project which you are invited collaborate with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://www.ruthandbelinda.co.uk/interactive/fortherecord.html" target="_blank">For The Record</a>: <span style="background-color: #999999;">conversations over knitting. Is a plan to <span style="line-height: 17px;">created a wall of hand-knitting and knitter's thoughts; to record a 'made census’ of hand-knitters’ work, resulting in a knitted structure or record</span><span style="line-height: 17px;">. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">The bias blocks and tags will be presented as a living document of the knitter's voice. </span><span data-jsid="text" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The little blocks will go to<b> </b></span>create a HUGE structure; as a touring art-piece.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17px;">When the piece becomes tired of being transported around it will be broken down and the knitted pieces will be sent into the community.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><b>Crafty Web Stuff</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I am currently loving </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/maggievassie/" style="line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><span style="line-height: 17px;">, its a great way to keep all of those awesome things you love on the web in one place. I use it for keeping notes of crafty tutorial, recipes and products that I like and the great thing is you can see the pins of your friends and other people that Pinterest suggests you might like. It's full of inspiration, I love looking through the front page at what everybody has been pinning, lots of beautiful images to get the creative juices flowing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I found this <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/hula-hoop-rug-995304/print/" target="_blank">circular rug weaving tutorial</a> on Pinterest that I had a go at. My first attempt was an epic fail! When I cut the rug from the hoop I discovered I have woven it to tight and it snapped into a bowl shape instead of a nice flat rug. Ah well, we live and we learn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Well I hope you have enjoyed catching up with me and I'm looking forward to future posts on a more regular basis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">Much love my craft sweethearts!</span></span></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-7574325200202709610?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com3Plymouth, UK50.3719165 -4.136019850.2908975 -4.293948299999999 50.452935499999995 -3.9780912999999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6287045488876359929.post-83341267082629307852011-07-24T12:41:00.000+01:002011-07-24T12:41:17.779+01:002011-07-24T12:41:17.779+01:00Owl coin purse paternHuzzah!<br />
I have finally found a free moment to write up this pattern. Its been a busy time recently. Just finished a bunch of commission work for the magazine. Now I have a lot of left over yarn and no space to stash it, so a stash busting blanket it on the knitting needles while another monster for the book is on the hook, I wish I could do both at the same time, that would be amazing. I've also been trying to organise the craft supplies and its making me think of my imaginary craft room, sigh, one day...<br />
Any Way, the pattern:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">You Will Need:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two shades of DK or WW yarn of your choice and yellow for the eyes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two black buttons for eyes</div><div style="text-align: left;">A small triangle of yellow felt for the beak.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Darning needle</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sitich marker</div><div style="text-align: left;">3.5mm hook</div><div style="text-align: left;">Zip</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fabric to line</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">R1: 6sc in ring</div><div style="text-align: left;">R2: inc in every stitch around (12sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R3: sc in first, inc in next, rep around (18sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R4: sc in first 2, inc in next, rep around (24sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R5: sc in first 3, inc in next, rep around (30sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R6: sc in first 4, inc in next, rep around ( 36sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R7: sc in first 5, inc in next, rep around (42sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R8-14 sc around</div><div style="text-align: left;">R15: change colour, sc around</div><div style="text-align: left;">R16-22: sc around</div><div style="text-align: left;">R23: sc around in front loops only. this will create a line on the inside to make where the zip goes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">R24: sc around, FO</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Eyes (make 2)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R1: 6sc in ring</div><div style="text-align: left;">R2: inc in every stitch around (12sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">R3: sc in first, inc in next, rep around, ss FO leaving tail to sew (18sc)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wings</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">R1: 6sc in ring</div><div style="text-align: left;">R2: inc in every stitch around (12sc)<br />
R3-7 sc around FO leaving tail to sew<br />
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Assemble;<br />
Sew wings on line where colour changes<br />
Embroider V shapes on tummy<br />
Add eye circles and place buttons in middle of each circle<br />
Sew triangle of felt between the two eyes for the beak<br />
Sew in zip<br />
Turn purse inside out and sew in lining.<br />
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Enjoy :)</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6287045488876359929-8334126708262930785?l=a-crochet-ninja.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234147598040046614noreply@blogger.com21