Pillar Lace Stitch

I've only really just started adventuring into other stitches than garter stitch, don't ask me why, I have just always found them intimidating.  But I have been branching out and started off with Pillar Lace Stitch. I liked the look of this stitch because of the simplicity and also because of the holes!

Here's a link to a tutorial on how to do it, its pretty easy. (It's similar to the Garter Stitch Ladders Stitch)

Cast-on a multiple of 3 stitches, plus 2
Row 1 (WS): Purl across all stitches
Row 2: K1, *YO, slip 1 stitch purlwise, K2, pass slipped stitch over the two knit stitches*, repeat between *s to last stitch, K1
Work to desired length, and bind-off purl-wise on wrong side of work

The only i had with this pattern was working on different sides of my work! I kept flipping sides so my overall finished cowl has an uneven pattern on each side which is extremely annoying. I know exactly where I went wrong though, its down to my tension not being write when I finish a row, so I shan't be doing that again!

This is my finished product,  although done lazily and messy I found that the pattern itself was easy to do. The cowl could have done with some major blocking though!

November Crafts

This month has really got me back into crafts, I have learnt to crochet, started Christmas gifts and had time for school work! I haven't particularly completed many projects this month but man have I started some.

Dishcloth- My first ever dishcloth! Its definitely not perfect but I made it all in one day and am pretty impressed at how simple it was to make. Would definitely make em again, even though I probably wont ever use it......

Giant Granny Square Pillow- My main project for the end of this month is this pillow I've made for my friend's birthday. I crochet both sides sewed them together and made the padding inside from an old pillow case and wadding. I'm quite proud of this lil' thing.

 New Granny Square Project- I have found this yarn shop right near my house! Its all mainly acrylics but that means cheap cheap cheap! Bought some purples and a black for a granny square project, a pillow most likely (I love them too) or even a cardigan depending on how much yarn I have.

Granny Square Half Blanket- My mum suggested I make some blankets for babies in her work for photo's yet I ran out of this yarn....

 Another New Project- I found this yarn in John Lewis and almost passed out, 100% wool and barely 100g costing nearly £9 but DANG that colour. It was just so gorgeous. So I'm hoping to make something great out of it but I am so indicicive it will take a while for me to make my mind up. I was thinking them great mountain pillows i posted earlier?

Elytra Beatle Wings!- Something not yarn based! Got these babies for around £8 (for 200) mostly for my art which I'm doing at the moment looking at insects but due to the sheer amount I plan on making some simple jewellery (a great Christmas gift I think)

Felted Animals

Oh my goodness, I just found this amazing etsy shop! DarialVovsky is full of wonderful felted animals and other bits and bobs. The animals really stood out to me, they are oh so realistic!

Oh my goodness they are just so lovely, that texture!!!!!

If I could afford such a thing I would fill my home with em, I will just have to have a go at making some myself aye! (eek)

Crafty Wants!

Felting Kit- Felting is something I reaally want to have a go at and there are tons of kits out there (I linked a random ebay one but the one pictured is from here) I shall deffo buy it once I get money! By looking around I have found the basics but I really want as many colours as possible.

Wand Crochet Hook- I love the idea of a wand hook, its just lovely looking! I linked the shop, there are tons of other styles.

Silk Cocoon Pods- Ok not specifically crafty but it fits in perfectly well with my art project..

Straw Fascination Bases- I love me a good fascinator and making my own would be great, definitely interested in these!

Crystals- Quartz is just so versatile and I really want to have a go making jewellery out of em, there is so much overpriced stuff out there!

Spindle Kit- I find the whole process of spinning so interesting and I love finding out where my crafts come from. Definitely would love having a go at this.

Dreamy Knits

(crochet too)

Quite simple patterns which make fabulous things!

 Most of these are off of Ravelry of course, the knitting heaven.

Eder Yoke- Dayum, this crochet pattern is so simple yet so effective. I love the colour gradient! Maybe once i've nailed the art of crochet I can do thiss.

Moko-Moko Cowl- It looks like it would be a simple enough pattern but that texture and tension of fabric looks real professional. The colours used in the examples are perfect!

Granny Ripple Blanket- I know its oh so popular so here's some help! Check out verypink's video for help here if ya want it. This is my crochet aims, I would love me one of these.

Bulky Mountains- I'm a sucker for some good pillow's and these are just lovely, them colours too! Crochet too, knitting it would be easy peasy though.

Crochet!?

Ok so crochet has been hard for me to get my head around for yearsssss but it's always been a dream. The freedom crochet gives you has always been appealing and I finally decided I am going to learn no matter what.. and guess who sussed in within an hour!

I loved it so much that I spent the rest of the day making granny squares!

Daang, who knew they could be so fun. Once i had it figured out they took no time at all. (Don't  question my colour choices, its the only mix of yarns i had that were similar) That brown yarn though is lovely, it has hints of blue in it! I shall definitely keep crocheting and try out new stuff! 

Great Etsy Shops 

Full of Knitted Goodies

Yokoo

I have always been an admirer of this etsy store, not only is it full of original idea's, but its all so stylish too!

ByEA

This store is pretty basic but its run by a lovely lady who crochet's and knits too!

Onana Knits
This store recently caught my eye, there are so many mug cosy's out there but these ones had a real personal touch

Royal Windsor Knits
Another simply stylish store with lovely coloured yarns

Mister Finch

Whilst doing some research for my art I found this wonderful artist who calls himself Mister Finch. He creates wonderful textile animals which are just gorgeoouuus, check em out.

 

Check out his portfolio for more man, they are all so different and colourful. 

Ok so here it is, my Craft blog! If all goes to plan, it will be a place to put my projects (knitted, embroidered, whatever!) and also inspo.
P.s I'm Nancy and i have another blog for my photos here!

We'll start off with my recent inspo and things i want to have a go at making aye.. (including not so crafty things too!)

The beekeeper's quilt- I absoloutely LOVE this idea, it includes knitting and has a hint of quilting. You knit little hexagons and stuff them creating this 3-D style throw. It's a great way to use up left over yarn but of course it would take yeeears.

Mulled Wine- First thing you should know about me really is the fact thati am utterly in love with Jamie Oliver. I'd like to think its not all due to the fact his food is photographed wonderfully but also his recipes are delish too! Mulled wine has always been appealing to me (even though I hate wine!). The attraction has  always been the spices, the perfect christmas drink. So this year i would love to make it!

Knitted Dishclothes- These are oh so simple and popular but I have never given it a try! This particular pattern I found first and who doesn't like a youtube video going along with it too (by the way VeryPinkKnits on youtube is aamazing i really enjoy her video's). This is definately something i'm going ahead with, I even bought me some nice yarn for the occasion. (Check out her kitchen scrubbie's too)

Crochet Doilies!(This is a random eg from my fav blogger here)- I am a total noob when it comes to crochet but recently got myself a 9mm hook and some lovely brown wool which i plan on perfecting my skills with (eek). My aim is to be able to create something as beautiful as these, I just love the lacey look and I just cant get that effect with knitting!

Pressed Flowers! (Photo from The Dainty Squid, a lovely lady who is aamazing at this). I haven't pressed flowers since my grandad's funeral where the flowers ended up molding, but i think its time i gave it another shot. There is nothing quite like autumn leaves and so hopefully i can save some with this method.

That will do for now since it's getting vaguer and vaguer. I hope to continue to use this blog and and show me trying some of these babies out!