iMake Interview

A very big thanks to Martine from iMake for featuring me on her lovely blog :o) Martine is very crafty Guernsey gal and her blog really is a treasure trove of all things handmade and craft related, including photography and cookery as well! So go over and check it out! You can read the full Chi Chi Dee Handmade interview here.

Bye-e! Love Leanne xx

Monday Makes: Kindle Cover

Hello Monday! Today's post is especially for the lovely Lauren, my Crafternoon pal, who has just got herself a new Kindle and needs some inspiration for a cover. Hope this helps :o)

Monday Makes: Decoupage Chairs

Ok, I know I'm doing a 'Monday Make' on a Friday, but it's been a busy week! I've been in Stuttgart attending an author's workshop for my other job as a writer (I know - so adult!) but I've since returned and, having caught up on all my orders, now have a chance to type up this post, propped up in bed surrounded by assorted German chocolates and Hasselnusswaffeln crumbs. Yum.

My Top Tips For Selling Your Knitting

Moss Stich Knit Cowl

I was recently contacted by a writer for a knitting magazine asking me if I had any top tips for people who are thinking of starting to sell their knitting, either to raise money for charity or just to make a bit of extra cash to help out during those lean times. It turns out I have learnt a thing or two about selling my handmade goodies over the years (mostly through trial and error)! So I thought I would share my ideas here too :o)

New Fabrics!!!

Red with Fat White Polka Dot

I'm very exited about the new fabrics I have in stock! I ordered them online from Tissue Fabrics.

They do free UK delivery for orders over £50 and I'm really happy with everything I ordered from them :o) 

Monday Make: How To Upcycle An Old Jumper

I'm starting the week with a new how-to. Yip! And it's a two-in-one project which makes it twice as good. This week we're learning how to upcycle an old jumper into a cosy cowl and armwarmer set. And with the wind rattling my rain-splattered window panes as I type, what better way to spend today! (Other than lying in bed watching old movies and Mad Men Season 5 Episode 3, but I did that yesterday...)

Just Havin' a Lark

I've just finished making this cushion for my Mum for Mother's Day. It's crocheted using Rowan 4ply 100% wool in a larksfoot stitch. I love the fresh colours and the striking pattern. The back is envelope style made in white linen.

My mum taught me to crochet and the most important tip she imparted on me is not to hunch your shoulders while you're doing it. It's easy to get really fixated on what your doing and a little manic as you push yourself to do "just one more stitch, just one more row..." or is that just me being a crazy? Anyway,  Mum teaching me crochet was definitely what set me off on my crafty life adventure so I guess this is a tribute to her teachings. Thanks Mum!

What are you all making your Mums for Mother's Day?


Ps, If you want to learn how to do this cool crochet stitch then Pip Lincoln of the (sadly no more) Meet Me at Mikes shop of loveliness in my hometown of Melbourne has made a how-to video and also a tutorial on her blog.

xx

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung and I have been sitting in my sun-drenched craft room over the weekend bathing in the warmth and fragrance of 1kg's worth of Yorkshire-grown dried lavender from Lavenderworld and making a ridiculous amount of lavender pouches. Here are a few to give you the idea:

Baby Booties

I'm going to be an Aunty soon and ever since I found out, I haven't been able to stop making adorable little baby booties. I was at it again yesterday, this time with some new fabrics that remind me of French kitchens in the summertime.

Folksy Winter Sampler 2011

It was just another day of making in the little craft room upstairs on a grey December day. I heard the familiar squeak and thud of a parcel slipping through the letter box and landing on the floor. It always gives me a little buzz as I am secretly addicted to online shopping. But it wasn't a squidgy bag of wool nor yet another pair of Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles (amazing invention – craft revelation!). It was a sleek brown envelope, indistinct, but it had big fat surprise inside. It was a letter from Folksy along with a quirky, colourful newspaper. I raced greedily through the pages devouring all the UK handmade loveliness when suddenly I froze. Gobsmacked. There it was. A half-page feature interview with – me! – was staring right back at me. Plus one of my cable knit headbands on another page, it was all too good to be true. What a lovely Christmas present from the wonderful folk at Folksy. And to top it off, the Folksy Winter Sampler 2011 is now available as a snazzy online version. Take a peek, there are so many goodies inside...