I hope you're all enjoying the festive season. Presuming we've all avoided the dreaded norovirus (youngest) and flu (Mum), Christmas competes with the summer holidays as my very favourite time of year. Parties, pantos, good food, carols, the joy and excitement of the big day and precious time with family and friends is all wonderful, if… Continue reading A Handmade Christmas
Author: bizzymitts
Yarndale 2019
"Thank goodness that yurt we tried to book was already taken!" was my overriding thought as we drove through the lashing rain last Friday. Armed with wellies, thermal socks, yarn, pamper kit, gin and enough food supplies for several months, friends and I had decided to do Yarndale a little differently this year and make a… Continue reading Yarndale 2019
Patchwood Samplers
This summer I've been all-consumed with my second epic crochet project of the year (more on that coming soon). Consequently, there's been little time for other creative pursuits, so it was great last Saturday to be back at my happy place, Anne Brooke's Shed 76½, to meet my stitchy friends and try something a little different.… Continue reading Patchwood Samplers
Looks Like Rain
When I made my Marguerite blanket, it was part of a CAL (crochet-a-long). Joining a group on social media was a great way to help each other out with tips and advice and to see how yarn choices and design tweaks progressed into beautiful individual blankets. This was one of my favourites. I loved Tina's granny style… Continue reading Looks Like Rain
How Do You Do Blue?
Even after hooking up twenty skeins of indigo-dyed yarn to complete the Marguerite blanket, it would seem I still couldn't get enough of blue. At a recent workshop, there had been the usual genial chatter: new exhibitions, books, artists etc. At some point the conversation got to subscription boxes. For the uninitiated, it's essentially paying to… Continue reading How Do You Do Blue?
Daisies and Skies
Compared to teeny, tiny Octopals, my next project was supersized! Yes it involved learning tapestry crochet, a new-to-me technique and investing many hours, but the pattern was so well-written and the yarn delightful so hooking the Marguerite blanket was an absolute pleasure. Sandra Eng of MobiusGirl Design released the pattern as a crochet-a-long (CAL) running from January to… Continue reading Daisies and Skies
Crafting for a Cause
Perhaps it's got to the point where you've run out of surface to display your creations? Maybe your family's hinting that your home is not the relaxing, minimalist sanctuary they aspire to - more something like this? Or can you no longer find appreciative recipients for your efforts? Well then, it's time to consider using your skills… Continue reading Crafting for a Cause
Dear Emma
For a couple of months I've been absent from blogland. The day job has been super busy and I've been working hard on a couple of commissions and larger projects. Posts on these are coming soon! Last month though, I did squeeze in a talk and workshop that were so enjoyable, I couldn't not wax… Continue reading Dear Emma
Liz Cooksey Workshop
On Saturday I returned to my happy place, Shed 76½, where Anne Brooke had arranged for Liz Cooksey to run a workshop. Liz was the first ever visiting tutor at the studio and when I read Anne's blog post about that day, I was so impressed with the work created. I was delighted to hear she was coming back… Continue reading Liz Cooksey Workshop
Happy New Year!
The last two months have been manic. I could tell you about every handmade decoration and gift that I churned out during the madness that is the festive period - but let's face it, it's January and the moment has passed. Santa was extremely generous though and I received some lovely new crafty goodies to… Continue reading Happy New Year!
