2024 - No Craft Spending - I WILL bust my stash and make pretty things!!!!!

AlwaysAllie

Soontobeoap said:

@AlwaysAllie these are great. Lovely tidy writing. 

A bit of a cheat as they’re vinyl done on a Cricut 😃

Soontobeoap

Very clever anyway.

I have stencilled 3 more bags for open day and made up 6 cards by recycling old birthday and anniversary cards. Counting as 6 as the upcycled cards were easy. Need to get some bags and labels and they will be ready to sell. My brotherinlaw made some beautiful candles which I have packaged up too. We niw have qujte a bit of stock. Just hope it sells

old_fogey

I havent done much crafting recently, but have enjoyed reading about all your lovely makes. The garden is taking up a lot of time, including dealing with all the gluts of fruit and veg.  This must be our best year ever for plums as there are no wasps. We usually get beautiful swarms of butterflies feasting on the fallen fruit, but none yet - it has been so cold wet and windy here this year. Even the swallows haven't raised chicks. They disappear when it gets cold and wet, then come back for a few days. The slugs and snails are the only things doing well!
I have made an anniversary card for hubby though.

Soontobeoap

@oldfogy I love the card. I am just getting into paper cutting for cards. (Have made diamond painting and embroidered ones to date) I would love to learn how to use a cutting mat. I have been gifted one. The design you have done looks lovely. Is it very difficult to do? Any tips woyld be gratefully recieved. 

old_fogey

@Soontobeoap it is really  very easy.  For a 6 x 6 card you cut paper into 4inches x 1.5 inches then diagonally . I had 4 colours, you could have a different number.  Use wet glue so you have some wiggle room to get the gaps even. When dry you cut off the surplus.  And put something under the card or the long overhangs will stick to whatever is under it, I used a scrap bit of A4 paper
I use a trimmer to cut the patterned paper to size, you could use a knife or scissors. I havent any tips for using a knife, sorry
Here is a playlist of cards using scraps - the one I did is called starburst - she will take you through it. The others are good too - the scallops one I have done, and uses a circular punch
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb0K2Vuv8QLC56qMHNqJ_Sj_6QZJ1PlB-&si=vRiZURrFUairspSk

KajiKita

I have treated myself to a new pattern and yarn (I know this isn’t strictly stash busting, but there was nothing there that I could make for ME! 😉). 

Please I ask the knitting experts a question? The back is plain, reverse stocking stitch (easy enough if a bit dull) but the instructions at the top of the back are unlike any I have seen before. You start casting off the armholes and then shaping back neck and shoulders - this is where it’s gets unusual. It states:

“cast off 15 stitches, work 21 stitches, slip remaining 86 stitches onto a thread, turn. 28 stitches. Work first side ….” Etc, etc

What does ‘slip onto a thread’ mean? Is this like slipping off onto one of those big ‘safety pin’ like needles? Or something else?

Any guidance on this would be hugely appreciated.

KK

plumduff55

@KajiKita yes, it just means slipping the stitches on to a thread or stitch holder needle ( like a big safety pin 🤣). That's a beautiful pattern and a lovely shade of wool.  can't wait to see it finished.

I've not posted in ages, as due to a change in family circumstances I've been watching 3 grandchildren during the school holidays. I was also dog sitting last week - that was fun for someone who's never had a dog 🤪. Anyway, kids went back to school on Wednesday and I can get back to normal.

I've not done any sewing and only a bit of knitting in the evenings. I've decided to wait till September before sewing again as there's lots of bits needing done in the house before winter. 

Happy crafting 

KajiKita

Thanks for the clarification @plumduff55 😊 Yes, it’s is a pretty pattern and I think it will create something I will actually enjoy wearing 😊🤞

KK

Soontobeoap

@Old_fogey thankyou for the explanation and the link. I will enjoy having a go at those. 

Today I have made 10 more Christmas cards for my neighbour out of her old cards. Counting them as 2 because they are super simple and only took an hour to do. 

So many projects to do. We are going on DHs bowls tour in 3 weeks time and I need to get 2 costumes sorted by then. Next week is open day at club so odd bits to finish off for craft stall. Stairs are half sanded and need painting and I need to get going on Christmas stuff. Watch this space!!! 

I am really pleased that I found some cellophane bags for cards so didnt need to go out and buy. Also pleased that I have found some a acrylic paint and someone at craft group has found more so I wont need to buy that for kids craft group on Thurday. 

@plumduff55 love the cardi pattern and the colour. Hope it goes well. 

daisy_1571

That jumper/colour combination is going to look great kajikita.

I've been mending a huge toy dog which was coming away at a seam and making him a harness.  It will be useful for something to clip a lead onto so we can tie him to a gazebo pole and keep him upright on a stall.  Hopefully will also stop him wheeking away if the wind gets up (he's used as a mascot). 

It used 2 tiny bits of cloth and a couple of straps, clips and rings I've taken off rucksacks and keyrings etc over the years before the rest got chucked out.  So not a huge dent in my stuff but it didn't cost any new pennies and will be useful to his owners. 

I'm sure (being non sewers) they will be appreciative, but assume it was made in 5 minutes.  Took me all morning plus an hour after lunch lol.  Amazing how long you need to think, to make and fit a rough paper pattern, make a bit, try it on, pin the straps, try it on, adjust the straps, try it on, work out where to put the rings, pin it, sew it, try it on 😆 🤣 changing a couple of times between black and cream threads.   All the time apologising to him when I'm moving him about 😆 🤣 😂 🐕 

I think I've got a hedgehog to mend and restuff too.  No idea what size he is but I doubt he will need a harness too  🤔 

Dxx