WHAT'S UP

And What's Going Down

Woah! I blinked and January happened! Here is my catch up post, showing you some of my makes over the hectic Christmas period and the start of 2016.

I Got a TATTOO!

For many years, I have been a huge admirer of beautiful tattoos and the work of great tattoo artists. I have a small shooting star on my back, a relic of the 90's, which, although it is a it naff, I love as it carries the memories of those happy, slightly reckless, teenage times. I really wanted to get a gorgeous custom tattoo, a work of art which used my skin as the canvas. My friend Virginie, who has many brilliant, striking pieces from top artists, and I, visited a tattoo convention, and I found the perfect artist who I knew immediately would be the perfect person to design and ink my idea. And here it is!

 

Gorgeous isn't it! My tattoo was done by the talented Marie Cox at Folklore Tattoo studio in Tamworth. It is well worth checking out her work on Instagram, and of course, if you ever want to take the plunge and get some skin art for yourself, give her studio a call!

 

Here is me with the healed tattoo and a cuddly sloth, had to get Sidney the sloth I crocheted some company! 

CHRISTMASSSSSSS!

As with everyone, Christmas was hectic! I work as a minion part time in a coffee shop, our busiest time of year. On Christmas Eve, I decided to dress as an elf, any excuse for a costume and I volunteer as tribute!  Here is Happy McJingles, (That's my elf name. I took an online quiz so it must be true!)

 

 

I also made some little crochet critters for small gifts. This adorable little Owlet pattern which I found on the brilliant site http://www.amigurumipatterns.net/ which has all the crochet animals, characters you could dream of, some paid but also plenty for free. You will also find these patterns on Ravelry. 

 

 

 

I made this adorable little Owlet for my Mum, using tweed yarn which I think was perfect for the owls feathers. The pattern is available to download for $5 and is by MervvSan. Here is the link; http://www.amigurumipatterns.net/shop/MevvSan/Woodland-Critter---owl/

 

 

 

I also made this super cute hatching turtle for my boss and buddy Marie. I think I will have to make a few more of these as they are just beyond sweet and quick to make. The pattern is from the book 'Super Super Cute Crochet' by Brigitte Read. Also from this book, I made this chubby polar bear.

 

 

 

I used the brushed crochet method on this, to give it the fuzzy look. He turned out a bit fatter than I expected. Oh well, it was Christmas after all, mince pies everywhere.

 

To January, and beyond!

January gave me a chance to put my costume making skills into effect. Lilly, my daughter's, class had been given the task to dress as a character from 101 Dalmatians for their first day back. I put a fake fur white jacket that I had used previously in my Christmas pudding costume that I wore to Santacon 2014, sewed lots of black felt spots onto it. I also used felt to sew the ears and tail. A collar to finish the look was made using craft foam. Finally I dusted off the Halloween face paints for the make up. A lot of effort was put in, but I think she looks great!

 

 

I was not immune to Star Wars fever in December, but I held off any spoilers and waited till January so I could go and watch it at the fantastic Electric cinema in Birmingham for my friend Gareth's birthday celebrations. Like pretty much everybody, I fell in love with the brave and loyal little spherical droid, BB-8. Of course I had to crochet one for myself. A quick search on Ravelry found me this pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bb-8-from-star-wars which the designer, Melissa's Crochet Patterns, has kindly posted for free. She has also given permission for makers to sell items made from this pattern, so, as I am saving up hard for my upcoming visit to New York, I decided to make a batch for sale. This is not something I usually do, but may do more in the future, hopefully with my own patterns, watch this space! One of my little BB-8s has even gone to live in Tokyo with my friend Hawken!

 

 

 

The cuddly Cthulhu, pattern by Rural rebellion, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cthulhu-3  was a gift for my friend Jeremy. I have made a few of these before, but using plain black toy eyes. I think the cat eyes give it a certain extra creepy cuteness. This pattern is brilliant, lots of illustrations to help you make your own amigurumi Elder God.

 

We Wanna go to a VW show

My husband Andy is a huge VW fan, having a '66 Split screen camper of his own called Godiva. She will be 50 years old this year, so we are planning on having a few expeditions in her. We enjoyed a family day out last sunday to Campermart show at Telford International Centre. Andy is a fan of the 'rat look' which basically means the van looks rusty and worn, whilst being solid. Here is a picture of one of his favourites from the day.

 

 

 

As an anniversary gift a few years ago, I designed and made Andy a crochet camper. This is one of the pieces I am most proud of, as I designed the pattern myself from scratch. I am hoping to revisit this pattern and make a few more vans, maybe even publish the pattern.

 

 

Are There Any Agents Out There?

News from my efforts to get my children's book published now. I heard back from the first agents I sent my work off to, and the response, not unexpectedly but still with a stab of disappointment, was a no. I would say it was an encouraging no, though, or, the email may just have been a generic rejection message. 'Don't give up, try other agencies.'

I sent the book off to two more agencies recently. I have had another rejection from one and am waiting on the second. I also have the addresses of a few rare publishers which still accept unsolicited manuscripts, their slush piles should be added to with my book soon, hehehe.

There seems to be an unbreakable cycle of;  If you don't have an agent, you can't get published, but you can't get published unless you have an agent. I will persevere though. Cross your fingers for me and Jonathan Jones the skeleton, who would love to have his story told to children everywhere.

 

Till the next time,

Donna x

 



 

 

 

 







 

Zoospiration!

Knit a Zoo

Yesterday my family and I enjoyed a day trip to Chester Zoo. How could I fail to be inspired by the wonderous variety of animals and birds, the jewel bright macaws and tiny tree frogs, the comical antics of the chimpanzees and penguins, the majesty of the lions and jaguars.
I thought I would show off some photographs I took on our visit along with some knitted or crochet versions!

Chameleon

 

Here is my colourful knitted version! I made this last year, I wanted a quirky gift for my friend's baby shower. It took me so long to make! Although it looks simple, the shape is created using short row shaping, so every row is different. The pattern was published in Knit Now magazine, issue 38, and is designed by Browneyedbabs. You can also download the pattern on Ravelry- here's the link. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cuddly-chameleon

 

 

 

Flamingos

 

 

I love flamingos! Looking at these quirky, bright birds revokes images of 1950's kitsch lawn ornaments and the Red Queen's bizarre game of croquet in Alice in Wonderland. Here is a crochet version I made, from Kerry Lord's excellent book, Edwards Menagerie- Birds. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwards-Menagerie-Birds-patterns-crochet/dp/144630602X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448895163&sr=8-1&keywords=edwards+menagerie+birds

 





Jaguar

Just look at this stunning jaguar. We were really lucky that this marvelous beast had decided to rest right next to the viewing window when we visited the zoo, and I managed to snap this perfect picture.

 

 

So this is cheating slightly, as this pattern is not a jaguar, but a cheetah. You could adapt it easily as the animals have a similar look. This is again from a book by Kerry Lord, Edward's menagerie, which is a big favorite of mine, I have made lots of animals from this book. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwards-Menagerie-snuggly-crochet-patterns/dp/1446304787/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=02HHWPD2ESWEFZFK9WHE

 

Grumpy Tortoise

 

I just can't get over the priceless expression on this tortoise's face. He looks so annoyed that I took his picture whilst he was munching his dinner. Sorry Mr Tortoise!

Tortoise's are a quick and easy crochet project! Here is an adorable free granny square tortoise pattern I found on Ravelry, I might start hooking one of these up today! The pattern is by Brigitte Read, who again, has many wonderful animal patterns available. I have made a manta ray using her pattern before and it turned out fantastically. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granny-square-tortoise

 

 

More for the Ark

Here are a few more animal projects I have created, ones which we didn't see at the zoo.

 

Naked Mole Rat and Panda

A while ago my facebook feed was filled with the terrible news of the terror attacks in Paris, and much debate about religion, politics and bombing Syria. To lighten up the somber tone, my friend Becky decided to start a cute animal share, I shared a baby panda (AWWWWW!) and my mate James shared a picture of a naked mole rat, which inspired me to make my own knitted version.

 

 

I improvised the pattern myself, using a Turkish cast on and the magic loop method to create the body, and I cord to make the legs and toes. The bead eyes make it I think!

Also here is a panda I made in a similar way, using the Turkish cast on and magic loop. Adorable!

 

 

Some Exciting News!

I have finally ended my procrastination and sent one of my children's books off to an agent, in the hopes they will take me on a client and help me find a publisher! I have only sent my story to one at present, as it is the agency that Julia Donaldson, one of my idols and favourite children's authors, is signed with. As they say, 'Aim for the moon, and even if you miss you will land among the stars!'  



I hope they will like it, but even if they don't, it will be useful to receive some feedback. I am optimistic but prepared for rejection. I think one of the things that had kept me dilly dallying so long with it was the fact that although I love my story and have spent so much time on it, I may have to hear criticism about my work. I am okay with that. I will just keep trying!

In the meantime I have a notebook full of new ideas to start working on. Including the little Halloween story I was supposed to write for this blog- oops!

 

Till the next time,

Donna x

 

 



 













 



The Most Wonderful time of the Year (And I don't mean Christmas)

Halloween Happiness

I hope you all had a fun Halloween and Bonfire night! Halloween has always been an event to look forward to in our family, a chance to celebrate all things spooky, enjoy the last fine autumn weather before the trees loose their last of this years leaves, and of course a perfect reason for dressing up!
As it was half term for my mini me Lilly, we had plenty of time to decorate the house with pumpkins and cobwebs (Some had been already kindly provided by the spiders). We also had a wonderful day out at Trentham Gardens.

How gorgeous are these wire dandelion sculptures? They are made by Amy Wight, and really worth a visit. To me dandelions represent an innocent childhood, the passing of time, and these sculptures, which look so delicate yet are created from metal, inspire me to believe you can be tough and dainty at the same time!

Spooky Inspiration Station

Halloween is a brilliant time to be creative. I crocheted an adorable little pumpkin for a friend, unfortunately I was so excited to give it to her that I forgot to take a photograph! But here is the link to the pattern, which is free on Ravelry.
 http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spice--clove-knit-and-crochet-pumpkins

 

I love to dress up. Any excuse and I jump at the chance! This year Lilly had her heart set on being a creepy doll, she already had a shop brought dress and all it needed was a spooky face, so I dusted off the face paints and here's the result.





For my own costume, I decided to make use of the face paints too and went for a sugar skull look, inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, or Dia De Meurtos, which takes place from October 31st. This colourful, traditional festival honours the relatives and loved ones which have passed away. There is more information about it here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead

Here are some projects you could try if you love sugar skulls like me! This garland, by Brenda K. B. Anderson, is a free pattern, it's been on my to do list for a while now, I must get round to hooking it up. I would put this around my dressing table mirror I think! You could also sew the skulls together and make a quirky scarf.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sugar-skull-garland

 

 

I also found this adorable set of amigurumi dolls, I think they are so cute! They are by Little Bitty Knitter Designs. It's worth having at look at all this designer's patterns, they have almost every character you can imagine. These would make perfect gifts.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-amigurumi-halloween-skeleton-dolls

One More Project

A while ago I treated myself to this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amigurumi-Animals-at-Work-Amigurumipatterns-Net/dp/9491643045

 

As sloths are my spirit animal, I chose to make this fella first, meet Sidney the Sloth! He is a bit of a geek and loves nothing more than chilling out on the sofa watching Dr Who. Bow ties are cool.

 

The pattern was easy to follow and fairly quick to make. The fuzzy effect was created using a pet slicker brush. I was sceptical but it did turn out well! I also changed the nose design slightly. I just love him! I usually never keep my work (Lilly snaffles most of it!) but I might have to make an exception with this guy <3

 





 

 



Bunnies and Bags

Oh Hey Autumn!

It's hard not to love this time of year, the crispness in the air, the gold and ruby tones of the tumbling leaves, the excitement of Halloween on it's way, pumpkins everywhere. Us knitters have an extra reason to love this season, not only do we get to display our cosy hats and scarves which we have proudly made, but the drawing in of the evenings gives us extra snuggly knitting time!

This week's makes

Florence, my singer sewing machine, has been out of her box, and I have made some cute sewing projects this week.

 

Isn't she a beauty! She is a hand crank machine, and almost 100 years old. I find it hard to control the electric pedal machines, so Florence is perfect for me. Slow and steady.

 

Luna Lapin

One of my favourite purchases from the Yarndale knitting show this year was a kit to make a gorgeous felt rabbit, complete with a dress and shoes, from the Coolcrafting Uk stand. Here is a link to their delightful website; http://www.coolcrafting.co.uk/shop/luna-lapin/make-me-luna-lapin/

 

Isn't she lovely! The kit contained absolutely everything you needed to make Luna, her coat and dress, felt, fabric, buttons, thread, stuffing, embroidery floss, even needles and pins! The instructions were easy to follow, and I found her quite quick to complete, hand stitching the pieces over a few evenings. My daughter Lilly helped me with some of the stitching too. Anyone could do this and have a Luna of their own. Here is mine, I haven't made her clothes yet so excuse her nudity!

 

 

The Coolcrafting website sells a number of dress patterns to clothe the bunny. They are made with ditsy liberty prints, and give Luna a sweet, vintage style.

 

 

They also have kits for a wonderful rag doll, and this marvelous fox, which I am very tempted by! You can purchase the patterns for tweed waistcoat ad shirt for him. Fantastic Mr Fox personified!

 

 

 

Beautiful Bags

I love a bit of tartan, so I couldn't resist a pack of cotton fat quarters in various plaid patterns. I decided to use them to make some mis-matching patterned mini clutch bags.

 

They aren't actually fully finished yet, I need to hand sew the button holes, and I want to add mini pompom trim round the flap, like I did with this one I made previously.

 

 

 

 





It took a bit of experimentation to get the pattern how I wanted it, just the right size for a phone, purse, lipstick and keys for a night out. I find the wrist strap so handy when you need to hold a glass of wine, or two!

I plan on making a few more of these in different fabrics this week.

 

Till next time, Donna x



 

 



Cute Cryptids

 

As I have mentioned before, I have a passion for creating knitted or crocheted toys, and these little mystical creatures are among my favourite past projects!

Little Unicorn

I know what you're thinking. ADORABLE! This little crochet unicorn pattern is designed by Rachel Hoe, of Little Yarn Friends, you can find her on Facebook here-https://www.facebook.com/littleyarnfriends?fref=ts
Her patterns are wonderful, so easy to follow, and so kawaii. I am excited to say Rachel soon has a book coming out, which I am sure will fall into my Amazon basket. I crocheted this using cotton yarn with a slight sparkle, just to give it an extra bit of magic!
The link to this free pattern is here-
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lil-baby-unicorn

Bigfoot

This fuzzy fellow was knitted using Stylecraft Eskimo novelty yarn, which, to be honest, is not my cup of tea, but it's worth it for the results. SO FLUFFY. The main body I knitted using a pattern from Rebecca Danger's book, 50 Yards of Fun, which is one of my go-to books for quick, fun makes.

I added the simple crocheted face as I couldn't see his eyes peeking through the fuzz. It gives him a cheeky, sweet look I think. You wouldn't mind bumping into this yeti in the forest.

Loch Ness Monster

 

 

My lovely twin sister is a tour guide, and when she asked me to join her on a weekend tour of Scotland, I decided to make her this Nessie as a gift. It has been a dream of mine to visit Loch Ness and we were lucky enough to go on a cruise along the loch. I was hoping the real Nessie might pop out her head and meet her wooly counterpart, but no such luck!

The yarn I used is special as it was hand dyed by my talented friend Rachel, in hues of muted greens and purples. So beautiful! The link to the free pattern is here-

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nessie-4

 

Baby Dragon



 

This fabulous little dragon has to be one of my absolute favourite completed projects. He is even more handsome in real life. My daughter Lilly asked for some bizarre items for her 7th birthday, including Tunnocks Tea cakes, a bug preserved in amber, a flying carpet, and a baby dragon. Ah, I thought, now that I can do. A quick search on Ravelry (what would I do without that revered website?!) and I discovered this amazing pattern, by Vanja Grundmann.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-dragon-8

I crocheted this using Cascade 220 pure wool yarn, which comes in over 200 colours, and is also great for felting.

I will be making more of these dragons I am sure, they are irresistible!

 

I have a few more magical monster projects which I will share with you on a future post, including a Hippogriff which I designed myself, and an awesome cuddly Cthulhu!

 

Coming soon

Just a footnote to tell you what I am working on at the moment. Knitting wise, I am still making my rainbow drop stitch scarf. I hope to also sew a few tote bags over the weekend on good old Florence.

I recently completed a course on Writing Children's Fiction, and it has fired me up to push on and send my first completed book off to an agent specialising in Children's fiction. I am in the process of polishing the work up before I click send very soon! Please keep your fingers, toes, eyeballs and any other appendages crossed for me.

I hope, but won't promise, as I am as fickle as an autumn leaf, to publish a short Halloween story on here for you to read. I feel this will help me get over my nerves at throwing my work out into the world!

 

Till next time, Donna x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Happy National Poetry Day!

“may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living
whatever they sing is better than to know
and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry
and fearless and thirsty and supple
and even if it's sunday may i be wrong
for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully
and love yourself so more than truly
there's never been quite such a fool who could fail
pulling all the sky over him with one smile”
― E.E. Cummings, Complete Poems, 1904-1962      

A Muse-ical week

'Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.'

Plato

 

This past week, I was lucky to go and enjoy some wonderfully talented musicians, and I felt really inspired by these experiences. I thought It would be a fun idea to share them here, along with a knitting project that I feel sums up the artist.

 

Hip Hatchet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQjyTY8klRc

 

Last Wednesday my favourite local pub, The Market Vaults, was host to the sublime Hip Hatchet. He is Montreal born, lives in Portland, Oregon, and plays all over the world, so how wonderful to have him play in our little friendly town.

Philippe's voice is mesmerising, with just the right balance of gravelly and smooth. Along with the gentle acoustic melodies, and beautiful lyrics, ('sunstreaks fell like angel hair upon the bed we'd made') his music invokes images of rustic America, snow capped mountains, sweeping forests, cosy log cabins.

 

With this feeling in mind, here are a few projects that melded well with Hip Hatchet's tunes.

Deep Woods Toque

 

This lovely hat pattern, by  Kiyomi Burgin, is available in the latest KnitScene magazine, which can be downloaded digitally. You can also find it on Ravelry. This beauty is definitely added to my 'to knit' list.

Fall Oak Leaves

 

These little crocheted autumn leaves, designed by Maria Bittner, are a free pattern available on Ravelry.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-oak-leaves

 

Just imagine these made into a garland to hang across the fireplace in your log cabin, or a little posy of them sewn onto a simple beanie hat, or even stitch a pin on the back and turn one into a brooch. lots of possibilities!

 

 

The Big Moon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Puk6M_GH4

On Saturday my friend and I were uber excited as we made our way to The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham to see marvelous London based indie rock quartet, The Big Moon. They were performing as part of a tour of three up-and-coming new bands. I know Juliette, the lead, so it was lovely to see her perform and have a chat afterwards.

I. LOVE. THIS. BAND.

Their music has catchy, infectious melodies whilst keeping a rock edge. Lyrics are on the cynical side without loosing an element of fun. I dare you to resist bopping along with a big grin to these tunes!

These gals have played at Reading festival on the BBC introducing stage, receiving fantastic feedback and lots of new fans. The Big moon will be! (big, that is)

 

The nod to the 90's grunge rock inspired me to find these patterns:

 

The Grunge Sweater

 

This pattern is by Rachelle Savoie and can be downloaded from Ravelry using this link

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grunge

It is an easy knit for beginners, I really like the dropped stitches to give this top a purposeful disheveled look, and I think it would be so easy to wear. Another one for the 'to knit' list!

 

Rockin' Baby Fender Guitar

 

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rockin-baby-fender-guitar

Because, hello, I need a knitted guitar in my life! All the better for practicing my air guitar in front of the mirror. Come on, everybody does that. Don't they?

This cool pattern is by The Stitchhikers and can be downloaded from Ravelry, using the link above.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this post. Till the next time,

Donna x