"catssmudge"

Change in the weather

2011-03-05T02:34:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather has been quite nice for the last few days so I have spent a fair bit of time in the garden - not neccessarily gardening, just sitting with a cuppa, watching the birds. It really is nice to just sit sometimes.
Things are getting busy on the craft fayre front - the first one is on April 17th in Cilgerran. Another lovely village - I'm not suure of the details but will add them soon.
I've also been busy helping dd1 get into sewing. She has finished the bahg she was making and has been asked to make more for friends/work colleagues. She has also bought herself a sewing machine, not too expensive but quite a good one nonetheless. She is so keen to get started on things for herself, It is hard to find the time to get her sorted out. She has a week off next week so we are hoping to get some work done then.

Have to end now as dh is not at all well and I want to get some bits done before he wakes up.

Happy sewing/crafting

catssmudge

2011-02-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it's February 17th and I still haven't managed to photograph any of the recent bits I've been sewing - life is always hectic.
There are so many things going on here, with fayres being booked - things to make, Luke and Faith (my son and his partner) have set the date for their wedding - more things to make - and my girls are getting on with their lives - Abi to move out with her boyfriend and Jasmine going to uni. My home will be so empty, but they can always come back to us.

When I'm used to them being gone, I will be turning one room into a workroom - more space to spread my stuff.

I've finished sewing my birds and they have been turned so far into keyrings, next step is to make up a couple of mobiles. I've cut out the cupcake bases ready, so they are the next things I am making. I still have the cupcake keyrings to make and some "sun-bonnet sue" gift cards etc. Lots planned just need the time to make them. I also have a quilt to make for my bed - dh has chosen the colours, so I really must get going with it.

I've met some really nice people at the fayres over the last year - gigglingarmadillos, Vals tibetan silver, Stefanis' quilted world....and the list goes on. If you come to the craft fayre at St. Dogmaels Abbye you will get to seem them and more. There are some really talented people in this corner of Wales, so come and see us. The first one is in April, I'll let you know the date nearer the time.

Off to make a cuppa now and start another cupcake trinket pot.

Happy sewing everyone

catssmudge / Sarah

Too much wind

2011-02-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

Morning all,

It's 8.27 here and no one else is up yet. Nice and quiet for the moment. Haven't used the sewing machine much at all this week, there just hasn't been the time or space.
The girls had a great time last Sunday, Abi started her "raggy edge" bag and Jasmine made a cover for her been bag - she actually made two as she put a lining cover on first.
It was so nice to time with jus them and no interruptions. Jasmine says she doesn't want to make anything else yet and Abigail is planning on making an apron. Okay, I suggested it and she said yes, in the end. I thought it would be good practice to make something simple but with all the cutting out etc. that she will need to do.
Abi has definitely got the bug and is already talking about buying her self a sewing machine. Also my stash is getting a lot of attention - I told her where to go and what to look for so that she can build her own. She knows she can use my fabric - all except for the "special" box.
Peace is coming to an end, I can hear noises coming from upstairs.

Have a good weekend everyone and talk to you soon.

p.s. I forgot to put a photo up of what I have been sewing, never mind that can wait until next time as well.

2011-01-23T13:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a funny few days. Being told to rest is okay but now there are so many things I want to do. I've made up a pattern and templates for cup cake trinket pots, templates up for little birds and cup cake keyrings. And also for stuffed cat key rings, there are more is ideas floating around - hopefully they will get made up before the first craft fayre in March at the Coach House in St. Dogmaels.
Abi (dd 2) is even stitching little birds. She is also planning on making a bag for herself and then she plans on making a large quilt for her bed using the "raggy edge" technique. She seems well and truly hooked. The plan is she starts on her bag next weekend - I should have caught up on some of my things by then, so I will have all weekend to help her.
Jasmine likes the birds and cupcakes, but she wants me to make them up. She is planning on making some up for Jolifs' birthday.
Off to do some more sewing for 1/2hr before bed.
night, night

Change of course

2011-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, at last I have sat down to write some morw for my blog. I know I kept on saying that I would be better as regards writing regularly but things never go as planned - at least not in my house, lol.

Due to health problems I don't get much time to weave now and I find it very difficult to actually use my hands. As a result I have gone back to my first love which is sewing - quilting etc.

It takes me a while to get things cut out, but then the machine does it all.

I've always loved sewing and from a very early age when my mum taught me to sew I have made dolls clothes, little items for family and then I moved onto clothes for myself. I found that as I couldn't find what I wanted to wear it was easier to make things instead of searching around. Then I moved on to other items, cushions, bags, quilts etc.

I can't promise to regularly keep this blog updated but I can try and do it more often.

Here are some of the items I have managed to finish

2009-09-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the kids are back in school/college and I'm trying to get back into a routine (....). It has been a very busy summer, with craft fairs and keeping ontop of orders. I've met lots of lovely people who love fibres etc. as much as i do and also some who are getting into crafting. I've done a "Medieval Day" in the village which I enjoyed, even though I got soaked. I've already booked my spot for next year, along with the xmas fair that will be in the same place.

I'm planning on doing some workshops in the village aswell, during the half term holidays.

I've been busy dying fleece with natural dyes - some success', some not so good results (but I dyed them with chemical dyes). There were lots of complaints about the "awful" smell in the kitchen. Hence it was only done when I was home alone. Also I've actually managed to get a bit of weaving done, cushions and a rug or two. The photos are here to prove it. I haven't taken pictures of the dyed fleece as yet, but I will get there.

Bye for now as it's dinner time and I'm starting to feel hungry.

2009-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well its 27 April and we have been to the hospital for my daughter-in-laws first scan ----we're going to be grand-parents again sometime in November.
I'm definitely getting more adventurous as I am now helping to organise a craft fair and we are hoping it will become a regular event. I'm getting my spinning wheel back out this weekend to start spinning, then I'm planning on spinning a load of fleece to make p into rugs etc. The next thing on my list is too start dyeing the fleece, I'm busy sourcing plants for dyes etc. I have a very large bvag of onion skins ready and waiting, I just have to find a large saucepan to dye in. No-one seems very keen on me using the kitchen saucepans, I wonder why???????
I have some fleece coming as soon as the sheep get sheared and then the garden will look like a flock have gathered there. Just got to get everything dry, hope for sunny weather for me.
Off now to warp up a loom.
Happy woolly thoughts,
Sarah

Craft Fairs

2009-04-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the two craft fairs have been and gone - they were a defintie learning experience and one I will willingly continue to increase.
The one on the Saturday was the first one I have ever participated in and it was really interesting. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, the lady who had organised the whole thing told me the best ways to display my looms, rugs, cushions etc. and also where to sit - not behind your table/display as it puts people off. Have tiers to your display as it is easier on the eye. I sold some looms and rugs on the Saturday and fely pleased with the day.
On the Monday I had a table at my second craft fair, this time I took the advice I was given and it really did make a better day alround. The table display looked much better also. Again I sold some looms and some rugs, cushions.
The best aprt of both days was helping the children to have a go at weaving, the looks on their faces was greaqt and they all enjoyed themselves.
I've been asked to do workshops as a result and am looking forward to them, for both adults and children. Also lots of people said how they had seen their grandmother/mother making rugs in similar ways.
If you're asked to get involved in a craft fair, go for it, it was a great experience for me and it could be for you too.
bye for now and happy weaving, spinning, knitting etc

The flu has gone !!!!!!!!

2009-04-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

The flu took ages to clear but now it's gone :). I'm busy trying to get alsorts done but not seeming to get much finished.
Apparently the craft fair at Rhosygilwen was not very good at all, my friend was really dissapointed - it was her first fair. All the other people who had stalls were really friendly and helpful. She said that they gave her loads of encouragement and told her not to be down-hearted, and that the next one she did would be better.
I'm now going to be at 2 crafts fairs, both in the village (St. Dogamaels). One is called a "Green Fair" and that is in the local village hall, the second one is at the local abbey and my friend will be there also. Apparently they will be having "peg loom demonstrations", but we don't know who's doing them..................................let's wait and see.
We're hoping the weather stays nice, I'm busy making things for the 2 days, cushions, rugs etc. My friend - another Sarah - makes lovely hand bags using a very fine gauge peg loom that we made for her. I'll have to get some piccies to show you.
off now to finish the rug I'm on and to start the cushion/s to match.
Happy weaving everyone.

At home in bed....

2009-03-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, today, in fact this weekend has not gone to plan at all, the dreaded flu is back. I have been coughing and blowing my nose all weekend, so much so that I spent most of the weekend in bed. I feel really ahrd done by as I didn't get to the Spinners, Weavers & Dyers guild meeting or the craft day at Rhos Y Gilwen. The weather has been lovely and perfect for loads of things but nothing has been done at all. I'm working on another cushion cover for the craft fair at easter and have a rug planned out in my head. We've been busy working on the web site, but I'm not much good with computers dh is doing all the hard work, I just do the writing and crafty stuff :). I'm off now to make another lemsip and tomorrow I'm ging to get intouch with a friend of mine who had a stall at Rhos Y Gilwen, so she should be able to tell me how the day went, then I can pass it onto you.
Night, night, dream about fibres, and knitting and....................................

2009-03-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

Raining again

2009-03-07T01:49:00.000-08:00

Well we were supposed to be going to "Devils' Bridge" today for Abi to take some photos etc. but Rob was ill in the night so we are home. Nothing ever seems to go to plan - in more ways than one.
I was asked to make someone a rug, couldn't get the right colours, but we got there in the end. Ifinished it and found it wasn't quite long enough......so I did a row of single double crochet row along both ends (does that make sense). And then I wasn't happy with the back so I ended up backing it. I was quite glad to finish it, and I even quite liked it at the end. I haven't had chance to do any more weaving as yet, with making the looms etc. and everything else that goes with it I'm finding it hard to find time for anything else. BUT I have been knitting, sari silk hats and a lovely black swing jacket. Am now working on a black, grey, white mix one the same - it is so comfortable to wear and easy to knit.
The looms are growing again, we have just made one that was OVER 2 mt long and the lady in question may even want one longer again. She is making scarves outs of fleece tops and then felting them....I can't wait to see the finished item.
We are trying to get ahead and build up a stock again, but it never seems to happen - a 2.5 yr old little boy (who is soooo cute) seems to be able to stop everything :). I want to knot him something next, but he keeps growing so quickly when I start I will have to finish it really quickly. Hi is now in ysgol feithrin and loves.
I've been asked to do a craft day with a group of guides and weaving/knitting is the order of the day. The girls love anything you offer them so I'm looking forward to a very crafty day.
Next week I'm planning on going to Rhos-Y-Gilwen (near Cilgerran) for their Lazy Sunday Market, but this time they have craft demos and have a go tables - could be fun.
Right I'm off and will fill you in shortly on the Sunday craft day.
The photo is of the rug I made for Monica.

It's February, loads to do

2009-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Well hello to everyone, I've been really remiss with this blog and feel bad about it. Things have really been nusy this end and fun aswell. Loads of people are getting into crafting and looming in particular. There is even a group now going in my local village, all looming or doing some textile based craft. I'm busy knitting recycled sari silk and love it. Also I've been commissioned to make a rug - I will let you know when I get more details. The looms have grown and we now make a 50inch one and it makes lovely underblankets for double beds................
Well I'm off now as it is way past my bed time.
There will be more photos coming aswell.
good night all

New peg loom design + selection of looms

2008-06-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

The photo on the previous post is one of the new loom I asked dh to try and design, and hey presto there it is. It's great you can work with anything from dk and finer and it really is effective. The photo on this post is a selection of the looms that we make. That photo is from someone who has purchased three from us (also the lady who gave me the weaving loom) and she is really enjoying herself. She works with disabled people and they enjoy the looms aswell.

It's June already !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

I really don't know where all the time goes. What with day to day things and then everything else we want to get done.................. I have been busy making rugs that have all been taken buy the local art gallery and they also asked for some of the looms i use to make the rugs. In fact things have gotten so busy with the loom making side of things ew have now set up a web site http://www.peglooms/. co.uk , we were constantly being contacted and getting messages passed via friends that we thought this was the best way to go. I must admit dh did most of the work on it as I am not computer literate to that extent. I've been asked to show a couple of people how to spin (?) and also to use the looms. The spinning has me a bit worried as I am VERY rusty.
I did have a lady from N.C.E come for four looms recently and she teaches felting and dyeing with natural dyes - I've already booked a place on both of her next courses, I have the fleece so I may as well use it. The weaving sticks that we make have been going really well and I'm so pleased that they are being bought buy teachers for their pupils, hopefully they will then get the bug and turn into our future knitters, spinners, weavers etc.
I have bought wool to make a pair of socks but as yet haven't managed to get them started.
Oooh I've also been given a small table weaving loom, it needs a little bit of tlc, but then I am going to play with that, I can't wait.
I didn't manage to get to the woolfest in Wales a few weeks ago but I've been told about something along similar lines, but major companies, in the Carmarthen area soon so I'm looking forward to that. If anyone knows about it please let me know.
Right, the grand prix is on and cups of tea are being called for, so of I go. I hope to keep this more upto date as I feel a bit like a naughty school girl who hasn't done her homework, lol.
Bye to all and keep working/playing with all those yarns, fleece etc.

OOOPPPSSS

2008-04-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I seem to have uploaded a photo of my grandson Kayden and also of the seat warmer I made for my dh out of fleece.

GETTING THERE

2008-04-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, my mother is still here so I'm not getting as much time on things as I need or want. I have managed to get dome wool/yarn prepared for other projects and I've also nearly finished a rug that has been on order for a few weeks (picture to come). I still haven't finished the wall hanging but I will get it done. Another thing I've been doing is knitting vases and pots to try and felt them, as yet I haven't done them but that is something that won't take much time or space. I seem to be spending loads of time making up loooms at the moment amongst everything else as they are growing inpopularity, the latest is a tiny one - 22cm approx - which my daughter is using on her college course and ofcourse all her friends want one. My dh is being kept busy aswell, if I am then he definitely is. I went to a craft fair at the weekend and htere were some lovely woven shrugs etc., yet another thing on the "to do" list.

I see "woolydoodles" has made some lovely socks, yet another thing for the list.

Tea is being called for so of I go.

Happy crafting to all and keep going it is good for the sanity !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need more time

2008-03-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well, on the wooly work front I haven't managed to get anything done recently. I have just finished a wall hanging - just needs a backing. I prepared loads of yarn to weave with but due to a phone call from my birth mother in Tasmania no work has been done. She is coming over on the 24th of this month so my work room has had to be emptied. I didn't realise i had that much stash, mind i still keep buying, lol.
I have been asked if i would like to join a craft group that exhibit their work and give demos, workshops etc.. I didn't think i was that good. Anyway it is too late for this year so i have a year in which to decide and make up enough pieces for an exhibition.....................
I'll get my dh to upload a picture of the hanging as soon as possible so you can give me your views, i really would like them, warts and all.
bye for now .

My first blog

2008-03-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

This is all new to me. It was my dh's idea as he thinks people may be interested in the type of hobbies/crafts I like. So thanks to my daughter, Abi here it is.
I love most crafts but particularly knitting, weaving, sewing, spinning (when i have the room to bring my wheel down from the attic). I am now into making and using "peg looms". Then results are really quick to see and the finished item is so lovely and warm, thick.