End of the Year

This will, I imagine, be my last post of 2013 – in some ways it seems only a few months ago since we started the year but, in others it seems decades ago!  When I look back though, I seem to have attempted a lot of new techniques in my textiles – spinning, weaving, mask making, felt pictures, garments,  etc. as well as extending some of my felting techniques so,  in  retrospect, I’ve actually achieved more than I realised.    

The last ten days or so have been a bit of a whirlwind.  I needed to make some more stock to replace what I’d sold at the Winter Arts Market, so was in the middle of making some felt when I went to fetch some scissors and, as usual, in my haste, wasn’t looking what I was doing and fell over a cardboard box and my session ended in the local Minor Injuries unit.   It was suspected that I’d broken my big toe, so that stopped my gallop for a few days.  I rather think it isn’t broken as it has been a lot more comfortable over the last few days so I’ve been able to carry on almost as normal.  The felt was finished eventually, three book covers, a bowl and several maple leaf brooches.  

I finished the scarf I had begun weaving and that is very successful, it’s in my favourite turquoise and purples, I can’t seem to get away from them, but the next one will probably be reds.  I’ve also finished some felt scarf fasteners – they’re magnetic and I call them ‘Felt Attractive ‘  they will hold a scarf in place without putting a pin or scarf ring on it – it’s quite a novel idea and I’m hoping, if they are at all popular, to make some more, probably with silk decoration.

Today was the last Calidad Craft Fair of the year at Lark Lane – it was, as usual, a pleasant day; there is always a happy, friendly atmosphere and although, it was fairly quiet, it was very enjoyable.  Now that’s all over, I’m about to attack my Christmas cards, I know the Royal Mail won’t guarantee their delivery before Christmas if I don’t post them till Monday, but I’ve every confidence that they will arrive just in time.  I hope so!

Well, this was supposed to be posted on my site on Sunday, after I’d photographed the bowl, book, maple leaves, magnetic fasteners and the woven scarf – it didn’t happen!   So, rather than leave it until the New Year, I’ll post this tonight (Christmas Eve) and post the photos in the New Year.     Happy Christmas to everyone.

Winter Arts Market

What a marvellous weekend – St. George's Hall, Liverpool, is the most beautiful building and it was a real privilege to have a stall at their Winter Arts Market www.winterartsmarket.com run by Open Culture www.culture.org.uk

On Saturday, we were in the Main Hall which was really bustling – so many people, so many wonderful stalls with original craftwork from so many talented people.   We had some lovely customers, some who bought from us in the Summer came back to see us again, which was very rewarding.   We sold three mounted prints, my felted fish picture, various notebooks and brooches and a variety of other things.    After a busy day, we had to move our stall into one of the side rooms where we had been allocated a space for Sunday – that was a bit of a mad half hour or so but we managed it before we had to let the exhausted organisers go home.   

Although not quite as bustling as the Main Hall, we like the side rooms, they are so light and airy and a little bit less hectic.    Again, we had a really enjoyable, slightly more relaxed day, and sold lots of different things, a couple of felt bowls, and notebooks, another felt picture and the mask I made a couple of months ago.   All the poppies I made last week were sold, as were lots of brooches and little bags, a couple of knitted scarves and cowls.   A nice gentleman, who had worked as a stonemason on the Metropolitan Cathedral, bought a mounted print showing the beautiful carving on the front, a carving he had actually worked on – I love it when someone buys a print because it actually has a meaning for them, personally.

By the end of Sunday, we were absolutely exhausted but happy and we are already looking forward to the Summer Arts Market there in July – that is, of course, if our application is successful – fingers crossed!

This week, we’v

e already had a hospital visit and are looking forward to a dental appointment on Thursday, Ugh!    Today we’ve been to two concerts – one lunchtime concert at Chethams College of Music in Manchester, www.chethams.com in which our grandson played, and one Christmas Concert by Maghull Wind Band in Maghull in which his Mum and Dad played.

So tomorrow, I’m going to have to play ‘catch up’.     I’m intending to make some felt to replenish stock for the last two events I have planned before Christmas – the Networking Mums event www.facebook.com/networkingmums at the Marriott Hotel, Liverpool, on 16^th   and the final Calidad Gift and Craft Fair www.facebook.com/calidadeventsartand of the year at Lark Lane on 21^st.

Whoosh, where did November go?

Whoosh, where did November go?

All that time spent getting clothes listed on E-bay was wasted really, I sold four items for a total profit of £6.76 and that’s before the Ebay and Paypal fees – not a very good use of my time – I should have just taken them  to the Charity Shop.

On Saturday, 23^rd, we went off to our regular Calidad Event in Lark Lane, it was, as usual, a happy occasion and all seemed to enjoy the day.   My woven waistcoat went down very well, lots of interest and compliments – I’ll definitely be making some more of them.   In fact, I’ve started to warp up the loom already.   Previously, Liz and I had done it together, but I decided that I should  make an attempt on my own.    Mistake!   After 3 hours, one afternoon, I took it all out and started again.   The next day, I more or less repeated the process.   By now I was getting to the point where it had become a challenge!   I was determined to do it and, eventually, I did.    However, there wasn’t enough warping thread to make a waistcoat so I’ve had to settle for a scarf, and the realisation that I need help next time.

The glittery scarf I mentioned in my last post sold on its first outing at the Mansion House, St. Helens on the Sunday.   It was quite a busy weekend, followed by another busy week involving both Photography Clubs we’re members of.   I managed to make a few new felt notebook covers and 12 pairs of earrings!

Last weekend saw us at the Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, for their two day event which coincided with the switching on of the Christmas light in the town.    Friday was quiet until late afternoon and then, in the evening it really got quite busy with families who had been to see the ‘switch on’.   During the quiet time, I started to knit a pair of wrist warmers – I’m hoping to get them finished soon. Saturday was another good day, cards sold well as did brooches and so I spent the evening reprinting ready for St. Georges Hall next weekend.   On Sunday, we went with some of our family to see Fascinating Aida at the Philharmonic Hall, what a brilliant trio they are, we were sore with laughing, a really good end to a busy weekend.

We’re really looking forward to the Winter Arts Market at St. George’s Hall on Saturday and Sunday, it’s the highlight of our Craft Fair Year – it is such a lovely building, the organisation is great and there are so many stalls selling such a variety of crafts – the whole atmosphere is ‘buzzing’.   In anticipation, I’ve made some new brooches, a felt bowl and four lovely poppy corsages which just need the brooch pins adding – if I don’t sell them, I’ll post photos next blog.

christmas is coming

We went off to Inglenook farm with high hopes that people would be starting their Christmas shopping and that they’d be spending some money!   There was no shortage of people looking and admiring but, unfortunately, at our stall, not many people were actually buying.   There were more than 60 stalls, lots of activities and music and a great atmosphere and it wasn’t too cold – in fact the weather was really lovely and some stallholders actually moved outside (not us).

I haven’t done a lot of crafty things this week, except finish a glittery scarf, as I’ve been busy with other boring household things!  Ugh.   I finally psyched myself up enough to go through my wardrobe and get out all the things that don’t fit anymore – I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be a size 8 again, or a 10 and probably not a 12!    I’ve actually listed some things on ebay – it takes ages, by the time everything’s been photographed, measured and listed.   So far there are lots of ‘watchers’ but only 2 bids –perhaps there’ll be a flurry towards the end!   If they don’t sell the  Jospice shop will be getting a bag full.  

I finished weaving my ‘shrug’ on Wednesday, cut it off the loom and hemmed it.  On Thursday, having discovered it was quite a bit shorter than I’d planned, I made it into a waistcoat.   It was pretty scary cutting the slits for the armholes but I managed to persuade myself to put the scissors into it.   I’m absolutely delighted with the results – I’ve worn it 3 times since and had more than a few compliments on it.    I may even wear it for the Craft Fair at Lark Lane on Saturday http://www.calidadevents.co.uk I   can’t wait to start another one – I will need to set aside a full day to get the warping done, hopefully all in one go.









 

At my felting group this week, we made a doll using merino wool and 2 car sponges to form the body and the limbs.    It was an interesting technique and it worked pretty well, but I don’t really think it’s something I shall be repeating – I haven’t got much use for dolls anymore.

On Saturday, we were at a Craft Fair at Ullet Road Unitarian Church, a listed building which is really beautiful.   We went there last year and really enjoyed it and it didn’t disappoint.   We had a really good day, there were lots of people about and many of them were so enthusiastic and complimentary  about our work – it was so encouraging.    As well as the usual photograph cards we sold some bags, brooches, my woven scarf, a felt bowl and one of the patchwork pictures which I’d had framed. 

We met a ceramic artist there, Louise Waller, who was selling the most exquisite ceramic art – I bought three pieces from her – they are gorgeous.     One of her students, who dropped in,  wanted a cobweb scarf in the same colours as the bag she’d just bought from Liz and so I made that yesterday afternoon – it’s dried, pressed and ready to go.

wool ready for felting

bag and completed scarf

Next weekend we have two fairs so I’d better get on with making something to sell .    On Saturday we’ll be at The Old Police Station, Lark Lane http://www.calidadevents.co.uk and The Mansion House, St. Helens on Sunday http://www.themansionhouse.org.uk/upcoming-events

Finished!!!

At last, I’ve finished picking over all the alpaca fleece which I was given.   I said at the start that picking the fleece was quite therapeutic, and so it was, sitting in the garden in the sun.   It begins to pall a bit when you’re in the garden shed, it’s raining, and you’re wearing all the clothes you can lay hands to.   However, it’s done now and only needs to be carded (only?) before I can begin spinning it into yarn.  I can’t wait until I’ve knitted or woven it into something lovely.    

 

I’ve been quite busy and productive this week, two whole afternoons felting which was very self-indulgent.   As well as  two lovely ruffles with brooch fastenings, I've completed  four really Autumnal maple leaf brooches and a piece of flat felt which will probably end up as book covers - I actually liked it better before it was felted but I'll do some stitching on it and see what happens

 

 

 I’ve also started weaving - Liz and I warped the loom ages ago and I’ve been waiting for inspiration before I started.   I try to do a couple of inches in the evening and it is coming along quite nicely.  I’ll tell you what it is if it’s successful, and  if not,  it will be another beautiful scarf.

detail of weaving

detail of weaving

Last weekend, we went to a Fair at Scorton, always a treat to go there – very lively.   We met up again with Silvana http://www.jewellerybysilvana.co.uk/ and the ladies from Knott End Quilters who make a wonderful array of quilts, bags etc. which they sell to raise funds for Trinity Hospice.   Their stall is always busy, deservedly so.   We also met, for the first time, Shelley from Preesall Preserves http://www.preesallpreserves.co.uk/ who make a variety of unusual and interesting preserves – they seemed to be very popular as well.

Tomorrow we’re off to Inglenook Farm http://www.inglenook-farm.co.uk/text-artisan-market-page-2454.html so we’re hoping the weather will be kind and there’ll be lots of people – it’s usually very busy.  There’ll be lots of food, crafts, gifts, music and all sorts of interesting things to look at and enjoy.