Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Marché Des Créateurs








Last weekend I took part in the designers' market at the design museum in Luxembourg (Mudam). It went so well; I met really interesting people, made new contacts, sold more than I had expected and got to spend two days in one of the most beautiful buildings in Luxembourg. My sister helped me man the stand both days - thanks Louise!

The whole event was really well organised by the Mudam and on the first day there were more than 700 visitors! I'll definitely take part in the next one too.

This Friday I'm going to be part of another design event at Café Konrad on Rue de Nord, I'm really looking forward to that as well. After that I'm finally heading back to London.

Friday, 27 May 2011

Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies


I've been crocheting lots and lots of butterflies to frame. I think I might be able to make them with my eyes closed now!

Hope you all have lovely weekends. x

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Antiques




A few weeks ago I went to an antiques market just outside of London. We left at 6.30am, luckily it was a beautiful sunny day and we had such a nice time and even avoided spending too much money.

My favourite part of the day was meeting Oz the dog - he was having a snooze on his owner's chair wearing his cool sunnies.

Monday, 23 May 2011

Gelle Fra Screen Prints







Last Thursday I rented out a screen printing desk for the day and made my Gelle Fra prints. It was the best day I've had in a long time, I just love screen printing. I love all the preparations, getting everything organised, working out the best order and method to do things in and I love seeing the prints in their different stages. The only thing I don't like is all the cleaning up you have to do.

I can't wait to go back.

Work Space


This is my granddad's work bench. He used to teach wood work at the local school and like me, loves to make things with his hands.

To me, this is the perfect work space.

Thursday, 19 May 2011

more butterflies


over the weekend I framed a selection of different coloured butterflies in a box frame, I'm quite pleased with how it looks.

I also finally framed my crochet heart prints:


I'm sorry for my lack of blog posts but I've had a lot on my plate, both in my personal and work life. The personal life problems are not so exciting but the work is. I've been selected to take part in the designer's market at the Design Museum in Luxembourg - Mudam - on the 28-29th of May. If you're around you should pop by!

Thursday, 12 May 2011

Paradise


When my grand dad retired, some 25 years ago, we bought him this tree. From Danish the name translates as a Paradise Apple Tree. It's got the most beautifully coloured blossoms.

Planting a tree at significant points in your life is such a nice idea. If only I had a garden...

P.S. I've added a 'followers' box to my blog (on the right hand side). It would make me really happy if you would click on it, I'm always so curious as to who is reading this :)

Crochet Butterfly Pattern



At yesterday's craft morning I taught the butterfly, everyone seemed to really enjoy it and so I thought I would write out a really clear pattern with photos for it, as I didn't manage to find a proper one online. Enjoy :)

You can use any yarn and needle you like. For this I have used a single ply merino wool and a 1.75 needle.

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch)
Double Crochet (dc)
Treble (tr)


This pattern is written using UK crochet terms. For US terms, replace tr with dc and dc with sc.


Start by making a magic circle or if you prefer you can join a chain of 6 to form a circle.

Round 1


All the following stitches are made into the center of the circle: *3tr, 2ch, 3tr, 2ch*.


Repeat from * to * 4 times so you end up with 8 groups of 3tr separated by 2ch.


Join with a slip stitch in the top of the first treble of round 1.

(NOTE that if you made your initial circle using 6 chains (not the magic circle) replace the first treble with 3 chains i.e. 3ch, 2tr for the first of the 8 groups. Continue with 3tr, 2ch for the following 7 groups. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the 3ch.)


Round 2:



3ch.


Then make (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) into the next 2ch gap (circled in red in the image above)


Make (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) in the following six 2ch gaps.


In the last gap make (3tr, 2ch, 2tr) and join with a slip stitch in the top of the 3ch – the 3ch you made at the beginning of the round, acts as a treble.


You should now have eight groups of (3tr, 2ch, 3tr).

Round 3:



8tr in the following 2ch (the peak of the 'petal') then a slip stitch into the next gap (the space between the two 'petals'). Repeat this all the way around until you have eight groups of 8tr.


Join with a slip stitch into the last space. Fasten off.


Sew in the yarn end that’s in the center of the circle.

Antennae:


Make a chain in the length that you’d like your antennae to be (remember it will be folded in half). Fasten off and sew in the ends. Fold it in the middle.


Fold the circle in the middle to create a butterfly shape.


Fold it so the remaining yarn end is at the bottom center of the butterfly. Use this yarn end to sew the butterfly together along the center.


With the same yarn sew your antennae so they are fastened in the center of the initial circle.


And you're done!

Attach a pin at the back of the butterfly to create a lovely summer brooch. You can also attach a hair pin, magnet or simply sew it onto to clothing cushions etc.

Variations:


Create multi coloured butterflies by making each/some of the rounds a different colour.


Use metal wire to make the antennae. Add beads to the ends.

Please contact let me know if you spot any mistakes or have any questions.

This pattern was not developed by me, I am not sure who first came up with it. I have written this version of the pattern out and photographed it myself.

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

Dannebrog


I just got back from a weekend in Denmark. It was my granddad's birthday on Sunday and the weather was just beautiful - in Denmark we have a saying that if the sun shines on your birthday it means you've been good during the past year. This isn't really fair if your birthday is in January, like mine!

A lot of Danish houses have a flag pole in their garden. Usually you just have a Vimpel (a long, thin version of the Danish flag), but on special occasions, such as birthdays, the Danish flag (Dannebrog) is raised.

I think it's a lovely tradition but maybe it seems a bit over the top from a non-Dane's perspective?

Monday, 9 May 2011

Summer Crochet Patterns



When the sun is shining and it's warm outside, it somehow feels weird to be knitting or crocheting woolly blankets and scarfs. I usually turn to cotton, silk or even metal for some more summery projects - like these butterflies.

They are so quick and easy to make and make a great gift. You can attach a pin on the back to create a summer brooch or even a hairpin.

Here's the video showing how to make them.

I'll also be showing how to make them at Wednesday's craft morning at The Create Place starting at 10am.

Monday, 2 May 2011

Knitted Wig


I really hate acrylic yarn, it's horrible to work with and it never looks nice, but if I had any then I might consider using it to make this amazing wig. Hilarious. It would work so well if I was going to a lego or playmobil themed fancy dress party.

Thanks (sm)Elle for sending me the link :)