The Week Ahead – Hats and Scarves and Cards, Oh My!

Last week I had a little break from my blog – I was concentrating on getting my new slouchy beanie hats ready to list and was working on a custom merino wool ribbed scarf. This was the first time I had used this 100% merino chunky wool and it was a dream to knit with. Lovely and soft with great stitch definition. 

I have also started knitting a new diamond patterned scarf which combined with this multi-coloured chunky yarn creates a Fair Isle style (but not nearly as complicated!) I still intend to teach myself the Fair Isle knitting technique, but that might have to wait until the Christmas holidays!

Speaking of holidays, I’ve been working on more Christmas card designs and just love this geeky QR code design! When scanned, this design simply shows the message ‘Merry Christmas!’, but the beauty of QR codes is that they can be programmed to read any message you like (up to 200 characters). They can even link to a photo or website address. Just get in touch if you would like to order a custom QR code design!

So what’s next? I’m so pleased with my new beanie hats, and once I’ve finished this chunky diamond scarf I’m going to create a new pattern to broaden my range – keep ‘em peeled!

The Week Ahead – Silver Wire Earrings

I’ve been trying to source some good quality sterling silver ear wires at an affordable price for quite some time – some of the cheaper options can be incredibly flimsy.   That’s when it occurred to me – why don’t I just make my own?

Through a little bit of online browsing I’ve managed to source eco-silver wire.  This wire is made from recycled sterling silver and has all of the same properties as sterling silver.  The wire is pliable but much weightier than the ear wires I’ve used in the past.  I just love the more organic nature of these handmade ear wires and I think they’ll become a part of my future jewellery designs.

It’s also been a while since I used my pegboard so I’ve used my new silver wire to create these swirling earring designs.

In the meantime I’m also knitting up another slouchy hat using my own pattern.  Once I get it the way I like it I’ll start to make a series of them in different fun colours.  What a great way to brighten up the apparent horrible winter that’s coming our way!

The Week Ahead – I’m Back!

Ok so in actuality, I was back from my holiday a couple of weeks ago, but I felt like I needed a little time to catch up with things before I got back into my blog!

Sooo what have I been doing, I hear you ask!  Well I’ve been knitting this adorable little baby hat which is hopefully the right size this time!  This is my third attempt, with the first try being far too small and the second being too big to fit me (why don’t I just do a swatch first?!?!), so hopefully the third attempt is just right!  All of these attempts has allowed me to perfect knitting in the round using double pointed needles and I even have a top tip to share with you tomorrow!

I have also been cross stitching these branded coasters for my brother.  I’d made him one a few months back as a silly gift for the office and he liked it so much he has commissioned me to make some more!

Once I’ve finished these I’m planning on trying to knit a slouchy beanie hat.  Depending on how it turns out, I might even introduce a range to my shop.  I always seem to get these great ideas right before the relevant season, so I may have one or two hats in my shop in time for Christmas, but a more substantial range probably won’t be available until well into the new year.

I’ve started my Christmas shopping, so I’m assuming that means that most people will be starting soon if they haven’t already.  I’m hoping to keep my Etsy shop fully stocked with goodies for the next few months – I’m still aiming to reach my goal of 100 Etsy sales before Christmas (only 15 more to go!!)

It’s Time for a Holiday!

I’ve had a pretty busy few weeks (hence the lack of posts) and I can’t wait to go on holiday next week.  We’re heading back down to the New Forest for some well deserved rest.  I’m hoping to go on a couple of day trips to Oxford and Southampton as well as lots of relaxing walks through the beautiful countryside.

This does mean that any orders placed at The Candy Tree between Saturday 14 September and Monday 23 September won’t be posted until Wednesday 25 September.  The relevant processing times will apply to made to order items from Monday 23 September.

I’m planning on taking a couple of knitting and cross stitch projects along with me so I’m sure I’ll have some exciting new goodies to show you on my return.  I’ll also have access to the internet whilst I’m away so feel free to get in touch with any queries and I’ll post the occasional photo on my Twitter feed.

On a separate note, I went to the Leuchars Air Show on Saturday so this week’s Wordless Wednesday will feature a small selection of the photos I took (I snapped around 1,000 photos on the day, so I’m hoping to have managed to get one or two beauties)!

The Week Ahead – Knitting Heirlooms

I’ve been a busy bee lately – doing some overtime and earning extra pennies for my house fund. Which is great, but it just means that I don’t have much crafty news to give you.

I finally finished my twisted rib scarf and I’ll get around to blocking and listing it in my shop shortly. I’ve since moved on to a lacy number. I haven’t knitted a lace scarf before so I’m starting off with a simple stitch which should show off the lovely variegated pinky purple yarn I’m using.

However, the last week hasn’t been all work and no play. My Grandad has been having a clearout and discovered a whole load of my Gran’s old knitting things which he has kindly passed on to me.  They include a lovely knitting bag, a selection of knitting needles, wool, a tobacco tin full of cute buttons and a vast selection of knitting patterns.  I also discovered a copy of Woman’s Weekly dating back to 1979!

I’m pretty sure my mum used to have this hairstyle…

I’m looking forward to putting these things to good use.  There’s a great selection of wool and I just love the retro style knitting bag.  It’s not only practical but I’ll treasure it for years to come.

In browsing through the patterns I also discovered this hand annotated pattern for an “Easy and Quick Summer Top”.  Feel free to make use of it.  There aren’t any photos included so I have no idea what it looks like!  If you do decide to give it a go, please share your results!

I’m not expecting to do much knitting this week – I’ve got more overtime lined up at work and still trying to be good and go to the gym now and again.  (I’m not complaining at all – this extra money is getting me a step closer to buying my own house!)

I’ll hopefully have more work in progress to show you next week…until then, happy retro knitting!

The Week Ahead

I posted off my custom Tartan Cross Stitch Earrings this morning.  I’m so pleased with how they turned out and love the detail in them – I just hope my giveaway winner feels that same way!

They are based on the Cameron of Erracht tartan, and considering the tiny scale I’m working to, I think they’re a fair representation.

I am planning to expand my range of tartan cross stitch earrings, but in the meantime I have also created a listing for Custom Tartan Earrings, which will make such a unique gift for friends or family (or just a cheeky treat for yourself!)

This week I am also getting back into some knitting – I’m currently working on a twisted rib pattern which is taking me quite a while… which means I’ll probably keep jumping between projects until its finally finished.  I can be quite impatient with slow patterns!

Don’t forget, there’s still a couple of days left of the Christmas in July Sale.  Head on over to my Etsy Shop and use coupon code CIJUK10 for 10% off EVERYTHING!  It may seem early, but Christmas in only a few months away, so why not get organised with some handmade gifts…

The Week Ahead – Cross Stitch Madness!

I’ve finally prepared my series of cross stitched Christmas cards and I’ve been listing them in my Etsy shop.  Yep, I know it’s June but these cards are hand stitched to order so I might as well have them ready for the super organised amongst you!

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Some feature single toned threads whilst others use hand dyed variegated threads which add another element to these designs.

I looked at Fair Isle for my inspiration and these patterns have been adapted from photos of traditional knitted sweaters I found online.  I think there is something sweet about the simplicity of these designs and they are perfect for giving to friends or family.

If you would like to order a pattern in a specific colour which isn’t listed, just give me a shout – I absolutely love custom stitching 🙂

This week I will be sticking with my cross stitch, but working on more tartan earring designs.  Keep you eyes peeled for these little works of art coming soon!

The Week Ahead – Rainbow Beads Everywhere!

So last week I was devastated to discover that The Bead Shop had closed it’s Edinburgh branch.  It was in the perfect location for me to pop down during my lunch break and buy what I needed for a last minute order.  I guess I’m going to have to be more organised from now on and make sure I have a good stock of the beads and findings I need for made to order items.  Having said that, I placed an order through The Bead Shop’s website and my beady package arrived two days later – not too shabby at all!

So this week I am planning to make some new chunky beaded necklaces and carry on cross stitching more Christmas cards.

And here’s a sneak peek of new products!

The Week Ahead – Christmas Cards!

It seems mad to be working on Christmas cards in May, but I want to get my new series ready for the Christmas in July sale which Etsy holds every year.  This is a great way to promote Christmas goodies and also encourages people to be super organised.  After all, these Christmas cards are cross stitched by hand so they can take a bit of time to make!

I recently ordered more hand dyed embroidery thread from The Rainbow Girl and I just love the way the colours subtly blend into each other.   I’m thinking of offering each design for sale individually, as well as part of a set – either the same design in a mix of colours or vice versa.

I’ve also made a start to my tartan cross stitch earrings, and as promised, here is a sneak preview of the Flower of Scotland pattern.

As is more often than not the case, tomorrow’s “Top Tip Tuesday” post is currently non-existent!  I did have an idea of explaining how to effectively get the creases out of folded aida fabric, however I forgot to take any photos…!

If you have a top tip you would like to share, please get in touch!

The Week Ahead – New Ideas

So it’s another week and I’ve been taking things a little easy on the crafting front.  However, I’ve got 101 different ideas to try out so I’m ready to jump straight back in!

This week I am planning on finishing off my basket weave scarf (which I’ve been taking a ridiculously long time with) and starting on some new cross stitch ideas.  Let’s face it, the weather is finally improving so I should probably put the knitting needles to one side for now.  Saying that, I do want to start going to a local knitting night – there are a few pubs in Edinburgh that seem to hold regular knitting nights.  I just need to build up the courage to pop along (I’m stupidly shy when it comes to these things!!)

One of my new ideas is to create Cross Stitch Tartan Earrings.  Not sure how it’s going to pan out but I’ve ordered the threads to create a Flower of Scotland Pattern so I’ll probably have an update on that next week.

I’ve also just finished some more Heart Cross Stitch Earrings and they’ll be going into the shop in the next day or two.

I recently knitted a pair of baby booties for one of the gals at work and I think they would be a great wee seller so I might try knitting up some more – they’re truly adorable!  I might need to take another crack at the matching hat though – this one looks a tad small!!

I think that’s all my news for now.  I’m sure I’ll have more of an update once I properly get back into things this week!  Enjoy the Bank Holiday Monday if you’re getting the day off.  Sadly I’ll no doubt be typing away at work by the time you’re reading this!