Crafting chat

[JackBauer]

Hi,

I know that a lot of you are busy crafting for christmas as should I be but I need to offload and thought it would be nice to have a thread we can offload about crafty stuff/other stuff/whatever amongst like minded fidgety fingers!

I spent today at teh soft play with DD's. DD1 has a friend in her class she has been begging to have over for lunch, but I don't really know her or her mum (they are 3) so we decided to take them both to soft play for lunch. It was fun, and she is lovely, but it meant I felt really awkward getting my crochet out in front of a relative stranger.
My mates are used to me doing crochet while talking to them but I thought she might think I was being rude, so I got nothing done. It was so weird sitting there doing nothing!

I have also been offered a job interview tomorrow for a low paying job I neither want, nor can afford to take with nursery fees etc so I have said I will go but now I don't want to.

On the plus side I have finally found a coat for ridiculously tall DD1 here considering she has just grown out of her 4-5 yr one I have to get a 6 yr olds size for her

And breathe.

No I didn;t open it up, I just put the crevice tool on and poked it near any opening. Was desperate last chance before either smashing it or sending it off ot be repaired.

Have also realised the trousers have 5 buttons, 3 on waist and 2 on bum pockets, bonus!

I need some cheap christmas fabric for dresses and gift bags...I recently chucked all my plastic carriers so that fusing things a no go atm

Cool, will give that a go in the morning. I've just drafted and sewn the first part of DD's Christmas dress so going to try it on her in the morning. I think it's going to be too wide in the body and neck but tis only a draft so can adjust the pattern.

I've been cutting buttons off all and sundry lately, trying to build up a stash. I've seen some really cute paper flowers with buttons on, would love to copy.

I've just looked up the Christmas fabric online at my local shop and it's extortionate So won't link you to that one as a help!

Morning.

Can't help with the zips, Jack. I get my from our local fabric warehouse - not the best quality in the world but they are cheapish and do the job.

Hope appointment with Doc goes ok, Charchar. You are going, aren't you?

Also, Jack there are benefits to not working. I've had to have time off this week as DS2 has been quite rough with either seasonal flu or suspected swine flu. He is 2 so it was pretty worrying. I missed a meeting for which I sent belated apologies, but have opened up an email today which basically told me I had missed a VERY IMPORTANT meeting, and I should have told them I wouldn't be attendin...very inconvenient...blah...would have to meet again...blah. The tone of it has me fuming. Don't think it's any coincidence it's from a woman who doesn't have children. Am - which is very unlike me.

Going to take it out on the sewing machine!

You lot are so productive...am way behind.

Hello, was wondering if i may join you?

I have a head full of ideas, but lack the confidence to actually start anything. I buy craft/sewing magazines/books on a regular basis, but i am kind of struck with fear at the thought of actually doing something as it is bound to be rubbish.

Wondered if someone here could hold my hand/give me a kick up the bum

Hello SparklyAlice.

making rubbish is how you learn! Actually, some of the best things I've made have been through experimenting or totally by accident.
Best way of getting started is to use cheap or, even better, free materials, from bargain bins, jumble sales, or recyling things you have already. This way if it goes a bit astray then it really doesn't matter.
Also, you can always hide them if they are that bad!

PS finished something today - at last. Can't say what though...Christmas secret.

Wotcha.

Sparkly - if your first efforts are really bad you can always say the DCs made them.
Or you could start with DC friendly crafts so you can do them together and pretend their masterpieces are yours.

As someone else mentioned there are loads of tutorials for sewing and all the other crafts on the web. Have a search on Youtube for vids too.

Once you have a success with one craft it gives you the confidence to try other things.
Just pick a project you like from one of the mags and give it a go.

Nothing much going on here the last couple of days. A friend popped round last night which was a nice surprise so lots to catch up with tonight. Hopefully I will finish the green dress and the green top.

I have my first craft club here on Wednesday but I'm worried that it will be me, my scissors and a bottle of wine. Equally worried that everyone I asked will come.

What should I do first week - Christmas stockings or teacup candles?

thanks Knotty.

I did a level 1 and level 2 sewing course last year which i loved. DH got me a dress form for my birthday as i struggle with patterns but i haven't used it once.

here is a thread i started earlier as i am thinking of making some christmas gifts (mostly edible tbh)

I am making something for a secret santa present too, and because it is such a small amount it has given me a huge push to go searching for sparkly things, now i just have to put it all together into something decent

I have also got some cushions i want to make some covers for, but i really am feeling so unconfident about it makes me feel a bit funny (they are cushions FGS!)

I thought perhaps having someone to chivy me along might help a bit iyswim?

HIya Sparkly!
I would start without patterns as they are so bossy, no scope for an error and then you meaning it to be like that.
A good start would be these kids trousers as they look bloody impressive but really don't take that long. Or you could start with beanbags, it's just a rectangle sewn in half and filled with lentils but again, it looks good!

I subscribe to Sew Easy and am desperately wanting to try a quilt, but keep chickening out

Fairly productive day today, finished my sisters moebius scarf last night (yes, it was supposed to be something else) and made myself a cloche hat too.
Also cut up those trousers and made a wristlet, am fairly pleased, it's a bit rumpled as DD2 kept nicking my pins, and I forgot I was lining it with an old pink and white spotty sleepsuit, which is stretchy (dur) but it looks ok. Will cut up the other side of the trousers for my sister thouhg. Just need to finish the wrist strap and that is that done.

How did you organise your craft club then steak? Just invited mates and doing a tutorial or what? Do tell, sounds fun! I'd come for sure!

I now have to go and put iplayer on and make endless frigging small circles for a funky baby blanket. I have to make 440 if my maths is right. It might be a small blanket instead...

Oooh, I know I always tap you up for patterns Jack, but do you have your cloche one? I bought a gorgeous cloche at Greenwich market a few weeks ago. The lady wasn't selling her pattern but I optimistically hope I can copy hers.

I'm supposed to be finishing off a pair of booties but have lost my book . Fortunately it is just a teddy face embellishment so I might be able to wing it.

I have made a dress (that i have worn) a shirred top dress for DD and had started a shirt (ages ago) but then didn't have time/energy and haven't done anything since

Thanks for the spa offer btw knotty! Hopefully you'll have a book out in next to no time!

Welcome SparklyAlice, I'm hoping to get better just by osmosis from this thread! My talents are fairly one dimensional (would you like your present crocheted, crocheted or...um crocheted? )

I have a sewing machine but it is my mum's and she's never used it, and it only has basic instructions. My friend has it at the moment but when I get it back off her I am going to run off lots of tote bags to practise.

I bought this from WHSmiths (sorry, will explain another time). At £10 it's a lot for what is essentially a magazine but it's got lots of nice little easy projects.

Right, off to try and wing these booties.

Was quite tempted by that myself Frumperlicious!

Howdy everybody. Missed the cutoff to ring for doc's appointment because DD slept in for once so will be setting my alarm tomorrow.

I've finished my first draft of DD's Christmas dress. The sizing is totally off, as I expected, so I'm going to adjust the pattern and try again. Today I've made hot cross buns (slurp!) and a teeny paper house which DD has fallen in love with even though it's too small to do anything with. Am trying my hand at papercutting tonight so have stuck youtube on as I think I'm going to be here a while.

Hope DS2 is feeling better now Knotty.

Welcome SparklyAlice. I agree with everybody else, just try your hand at different things and see what works for you. I started off sewing clothes for DD, then moved on to sewing small things like purses. Now I'm trying my hand at paper crafts which are fun and cheap. My old La Redoute catalogue is about to become one of [[http://leemills.typepad.com/just_like_martha/2008/11/a-recycled-christmas-tree-by-lilly.html these) once I've finished this papercutting.

Oooh good luck with the craft club steaknife. Am very jealous, I would love to start one up here but don't really know many crafty people. Teacup candles sounds fun.

Wow Jack, definitely a productive day! I'm also tempted to do some quilting but it looks like a mammoth task. My MIL makes quilts so could ask her for pointers. DP told her that I'm teaching myself to knit and she sent me a laundry basket full of wool So plenty to be getting on with! Also of your cloche, am coveting one like mad!

Hope the booties go ok Bumper. Winging it sounds like a plan!

Right am off to hopefully slice paper and not my fingers!

That is my first ever link fail! [shame] should have been this

I am ringing docs tomorrow too Char, nurse couldn't find my coil when doing smear so need to go back and get doc to check. But after discussion (and some diagrams) with DH it turns out it may have fallen out in the bed and he 'may' have chucked it Bizarre (and TMI, sorry)

I did my cloche from this but winged it as well, did back loop only for top for texture and then did a row of htr, ch1 round middle to adda contrast chain/ribbon which I haven't done yet. And then put small htr shells round bottom. Am very pleased with it, will add pic at some point...

10 circles so far. It's taking hours!

OOh, I like that tree. Good way to use up a few catalogues....

Bollocks to losing your coil, but have to admit I at DH possibly chucking it.

I love the cloche. What colour did you use? Crochet is next on my list to learn.

The end of my first finger is starting to look decidedly red This papercutting had better look farking good! Good luck with the circles.

Meant to say, maybe we should start a flickr or something? That way we could share some of the things we make.

Wow, cool trees, at last something I may actually be able to replicate.

Lovely cloche as well.

I just looked at the booties and sort of went 'meh'. I can't remember what size hook I need, and can't make out the stitches. I know the woman who runs my knitting group has a copy so at the worst I can borrow her copy on monday, but I wanted to finish the booties for when I see the new babe on Friday. Oh well...

I'm at a bit of a cul-de-sac really. I've run out of yarn. I don't seem to have a stash like many people do, except for some random cottons and a whole bunch of acrylic. What do other people do? Do you just buy wool you like? I can't really afford to stash random wools, so I mostly buy on demand. I'm waiting for the wool for my secret santa to be delivered. I also offered to make a little toy for the Mumsnet appeal, but still don't know who it will be for. My other projects are waiting for things to be bough, buttons, felt etc.

Talking of forgetting hooks, what I have been meaning to make for a while are things to hold my crochet loop when I am not working, but that also have something on them to remind me what size hook. I'm so disorganised and always have various hooks lying around which fall out of my projects (obviously I always have about 3 on the go at the same time ). I'm sure I could make something easily with clips like a key ring, but I'm lacking inspiration. Any tips?

What about adapting something like this bumper? I know you said you haven't sewn loads but it's fairly simple. You could applique/embroider numbers above each pocket for what size hook it is.

I have a massive stash. I did used to buy on demand but am now in the habit of picking up things which catch my eye. Can't really afford to either but sshhhh

My knuckle is now purply. Luckily I don't think I'm far off finishing.

Thanks for the link Charchar, but that wasn't really what I was after, I do have a hook holder. What I mean is a stitch marker I can put in my working crochet loop which has a reminder or what size hook something a bit like this but nicer, and hook sizes rather than row numbers. I'm sure I could make something really easily but just wanted to make something pretty.

I'd love to make a crayon roll for DD though. That's a project for when I get my machine back. Also when I can source some lovely byt cheap material. Anyone get fabric online?

Ah right, sorry I don't know much about crochet. Will have a think, I'm sure you could make it pretty.

I have just finished this papercutting. My finger is alternating between numb and sore but I think it was worth it as I'm really proud of this. Will post pics in the morning when the light's better as the camera on my phone hates artificial light.

Hello all - found you!!

I seem to have lost my mojo a bit - and I think it's because I've set myself the task of making 3 quilts for Christmas.

I know that they'll not be complicated to make - just need a big kick up the ass to start on them!!

I made a little fabric basket that turned out long and thin when it should have been almost square - as then I twigged I'd sewn up the wrong sides!! But I made another today properly.

I have planned what I'm making for the Xmas swap so need to get on with that tomorrow

There is a MNCrafters Flickr group