You can now buy some of my designs on:
- Cushion covers
- Napkins
- Place mats
- Table runners
Cushion Covers:
Table Linen:
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cotton. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
New Shop - Hooray!
I've just opened a new shop MagpieMagic on Envelop.eu.
You can now buy some of my designs on:
Cushion Covers:
Table Linen:
You can now buy some of my designs on:
Cushion Covers:
Table Linen:
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Where the Land Meets the Sea Shawl - Poncho - Capelet
I just bought this gorgeous cotton and linen mix yarn from the lovely Bev at Knitting4fun and had to make something special from it.
This is my own design and I am not quite sure if it's a poncho, shawl, shrug, capelet or a cowl. LOL It's so versatile and will slip over the shoulders or sit loosely round your neck. It might even fit looped round your neck twice, but I haven't tried that. Here are some ways to wear it:
Here you can see the yarn in detail with all the lovely shades of green and blue... YUM. The pattern is a fairly simple scallop lace pattern. It's easy to do and works well with this kind of yarn.
I've got the same yarn in pink and yellow (very soft yellow) so watch this space for more gorgeousness.
This is my own design and I am not quite sure if it's a poncho, shawl, shrug, capelet or a cowl. LOL It's so versatile and will slip over the shoulders or sit loosely round your neck. It might even fit looped round your neck twice, but I haven't tried that. Here are some ways to wear it:
Here you can see the yarn in detail with all the lovely shades of green and blue... YUM. The pattern is a fairly simple scallop lace pattern. It's easy to do and works well with this kind of yarn.
I've got the same yarn in pink and yellow (very soft yellow) so watch this space for more gorgeousness.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Quick update - Featured in the Treasury and Presents
It's been a busy few days - working on the allotment all weekend to get the soil ready and planted, knitting like mad to finish a birthday present and so on, and on....
However, I did have a nice surprise as my Dragon Lace wrist warmers are currently featured in a list for the Treasury West on Etsy. I am very pleased about that. :-)
Here are - as promised - the pictures of the wrist warmers and shrug I made for my sister. I hope they've arrived now.
Vanilla Wrist Warmers
My sister wanted a pair of white wrist wamers. I thought really, really white would be totally impractical so made them in Sirdar's Just Soya in a vanilla cream colour.
They are very simply knitted with a ribbed pattern and one single cable to hold their shape nicely around the wrist.
A few buttons in my sister's favourite colours jazz them up a bit.
The Just Soya yarn (really, it is made from soya) is one of the nicest yarns I've knitted so far. It's soft and holds its shape nicely and it looks great knitted up. I can only recommend it.
Emerald Shrug
It took forever and a day to find the right colour in cotton for this shrug. I ordered a few green yarns from the net before I managed to find this on www.yarnstick.com.
The shrug is knitted starting with the cuff, then all the way up to the shoulder with half the back. Then I did the same for the other side and grafted them together with Kitchener stitch.
The cuffs have button holes for the satin ribbon laced through it, which looks pretty but also means the cuffs can be adjusted for various wrist sizes.
The back also has button holes and satin ribbon laced through. Shrugs of this design often slightly balloon out at the back and this allows a nice snug fit that can be adjusted as required.
The collar was knitted separately by picking up the stitches all around the opening (and took forever as there were so many stitches, especially as the stitches increased every so often), but again, it looks nice and makes it easier to wear.
The yarn is the most gorgeous (true) emerald green and was held double. It was lovely to knit with and drapes nicely.
I am currently working simultaneously on a present for a friend and a top for myself.
However, I did have a nice surprise as my Dragon Lace wrist warmers are currently featured in a list for the Treasury West on Etsy. I am very pleased about that. :-)
Here are - as promised - the pictures of the wrist warmers and shrug I made for my sister. I hope they've arrived now.
Vanilla Wrist Warmers
My sister wanted a pair of white wrist wamers. I thought really, really white would be totally impractical so made them in Sirdar's Just Soya in a vanilla cream colour.
They are very simply knitted with a ribbed pattern and one single cable to hold their shape nicely around the wrist.
A few buttons in my sister's favourite colours jazz them up a bit.
The Just Soya yarn (really, it is made from soya) is one of the nicest yarns I've knitted so far. It's soft and holds its shape nicely and it looks great knitted up. I can only recommend it.
Emerald Shrug
It took forever and a day to find the right colour in cotton for this shrug. I ordered a few green yarns from the net before I managed to find this on www.yarnstick.com.
The shrug is knitted starting with the cuff, then all the way up to the shoulder with half the back. Then I did the same for the other side and grafted them together with Kitchener stitch.
The cuffs have button holes for the satin ribbon laced through it, which looks pretty but also means the cuffs can be adjusted for various wrist sizes.The back also has button holes and satin ribbon laced through. Shrugs of this design often slightly balloon out at the back and this allows a nice snug fit that can be adjusted as required.
The collar was knitted separately by picking up the stitches all around the opening (and took forever as there were so many stitches, especially as the stitches increased every so often), but again, it looks nice and makes it easier to wear.
The yarn is the most gorgeous (true) emerald green and was held double. It was lovely to knit with and drapes nicely.I am currently working simultaneously on a present for a friend and a top for myself.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Strawberry Fields - Shawl
Here's my latest shawl. I wanted a red one to wear in the Summer and I'd had my eye on a Feather & Fan lace pattern for a while. So here's my
Strawberry Fields Shawl
It's the perfect shawl as it can be worn in a variety of ways...
... it's the most gorgeous red colour which I achieved by holding together strands of Japanese Red and Petunia Pink Clara Brilhante cotton from www.yarnstick.co.uk, which have been great in sending my cotton very, very quickly. I even managed to finally get real emerald green cotton - I'd been looking all over for it. It's amazing how many people don't know their colours!!!
The shawl is quite long (1.70m) and it's wide and soft enough to be worn as either a shawl or a scarf. Perfect for a Summer evening or a cool Spring morning.
The two strands of yarn held together almost look like cotton chenille as the pink is slightly lighter than the red and therefore gives the impression of highlights like on chenille.
It was surprisingly quick to make - only 4 days - and that's including finishing. If you want one, check out the colours here, and then let me know which colours you'd like. Keep in mind that I will need two balls of yarn (either in the same or two different colours) and about 500m (altogether) as the yarn is too thin to be knitted with just one strand, if you want a shawl that can be worn all year round.
Depending on the yarn you choose the shawl will be between £25 and £30. The cotton is colour fast and can be washed easily.
Strawberry Fields Shawl
It's the perfect shawl as it can be worn in a variety of ways...
... it's the most gorgeous red colour which I achieved by holding together strands of Japanese Red and Petunia Pink Clara Brilhante cotton from www.yarnstick.co.uk, which have been great in sending my cotton very, very quickly. I even managed to finally get real emerald green cotton - I'd been looking all over for it. It's amazing how many people don't know their colours!!!
The shawl is quite long (1.70m) and it's wide and soft enough to be worn as either a shawl or a scarf. Perfect for a Summer evening or a cool Spring morning.
The two strands of yarn held together almost look like cotton chenille as the pink is slightly lighter than the red and therefore gives the impression of highlights like on chenille.
It was surprisingly quick to make - only 4 days - and that's including finishing. If you want one, check out the colours here, and then let me know which colours you'd like. Keep in mind that I will need two balls of yarn (either in the same or two different colours) and about 500m (altogether) as the yarn is too thin to be knitted with just one strand, if you want a shawl that can be worn all year round.Depending on the yarn you choose the shawl will be between £25 and £30. The cotton is colour fast and can be washed easily.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Presents - Wrist Warmers and Silk Flower Brooch
It was my friend Nicki's birthday yesterday and I made her some wrist warmers in purple cotton.
Purple Polka Dot Wrist Warmers
When the cotton yarn I'd ordered from eBay arrived, the purple was dull and dreary. It's a lovely yarn but the colour was terrible. So I ordered some yarn dyes and dyed it. The result was a lovely deep purple, much more intense and a lovely shade. I am so pleased with my first attempt at dying yarn. The only problem was, despite tying up the two balls of yarn in skeins, one tangled up so badly it took me 3 hours to just untangle a quarter of it! It's still all tangled up... luckily the other one was okay and I could knit with that.
The pattern is my own. There's a small pattern along the bottom of the front and then the lacing with the polka dot ribbon.
On the back I've used a cable pattern as I find it means that the wrist warmers keep their shape better this way, which is especially important as I've used cotton. Cotton tends to loosen up when you wear it, and it usually means washing the wrist warmers to make sure they tighten up again.
Nicki seemed very pleased with them, especially as she'd been nicking the wrist warmers I made for her daughter (see here, Funky Punk Wrist Warmers) for Christmas. These match Nicki's coat much better. :-)
Instead of buying her flowers, I made her one to keep and wear.
Rhapsody in Silk Flower Brooch
This is my first silk flower made with dupioni silk in wonderful shades of duck egg blue, turquoise and purple, teal taffeta, ivory organza and hand crocheted flower and petals. Each layer of silk and taffeta was embroidered with embroidery cotton.
There's a lovely turquoise button in the centre with three teeny purple fresh water pearls for a finishing touch.
I am pleased with how the silk flower turned out so will make more. I like the vintage, shabby chic feel of it.
Purple Polka Dot Wrist Warmers
When the cotton yarn I'd ordered from eBay arrived, the purple was dull and dreary. It's a lovely yarn but the colour was terrible. So I ordered some yarn dyes and dyed it. The result was a lovely deep purple, much more intense and a lovely shade. I am so pleased with my first attempt at dying yarn. The only problem was, despite tying up the two balls of yarn in skeins, one tangled up so badly it took me 3 hours to just untangle a quarter of it! It's still all tangled up... luckily the other one was okay and I could knit with that.
The pattern is my own. There's a small pattern along the bottom of the front and then the lacing with the polka dot ribbon.
On the back I've used a cable pattern as I find it means that the wrist warmers keep their shape better this way, which is especially important as I've used cotton. Cotton tends to loosen up when you wear it, and it usually means washing the wrist warmers to make sure they tighten up again.
Nicki seemed very pleased with them, especially as she'd been nicking the wrist warmers I made for her daughter (see here, Funky Punk Wrist Warmers) for Christmas. These match Nicki's coat much better. :-)Instead of buying her flowers, I made her one to keep and wear.
Rhapsody in Silk Flower Brooch
This is my first silk flower made with dupioni silk in wonderful shades of duck egg blue, turquoise and purple, teal taffeta, ivory organza and hand crocheted flower and petals. Each layer of silk and taffeta was embroidered with embroidery cotton.
There's a lovely turquoise button in the centre with three teeny purple fresh water pearls for a finishing touch.
I am pleased with how the silk flower turned out so will make more. I like the vintage, shabby chic feel of it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hair Slides
Sorry guys, these are all presents, however, I will make more to go in my shop or you can pre-order yours now.
Dramatic Midnight Hair Barrette
This one is for Alison. She asked me for a hair barrette in midnight colours.
I've used silk rods in black and purples, a vintage blackberry bead, and some Magatamas in purple. Underneath the 'silk rose' is a flower crocheted from cotton and black lurex thread for added sparkle.
Underneath that is a needle felted black and purple leaf and 2 wonderfully soft pewter coloured marabou feathers.
It's quite a large barrette which will allow you to put long hair into a pony tail or chignon. Perfect for a ball. No slippers required. :-)
Purple Flower Slides
These are needle felted in purple and black 100% merino wool and adorned with a very pretty vintage lucite black flower and some purple shimmery Magatama beads. The hair clips are perfect even for very fine hair and they look pretty AND keep your hair looking tidy or out of the way.
Red Flower Slides
These are needle felted in two shade of red 100% merino wool and adorned with a very pretty vintage lucite black flower and some purple shimmery Magatama beads. The hair clips are perfect even for very fine hair and they look pretty AND keep your hair looking tidy or out of the way.
The dramatic Midnight barrette will be available in various colours and two sizes, and cost around £16. The needle felted slides also will be available in various colours and cost £9 per pair (prices do not include P&P).
I have also just bought some different slides - smaller and suitable for little girls and others in a figure of eight shape and black and dark brown. Watch this space.
Dramatic Midnight Hair Barrette
This one is for Alison. She asked me for a hair barrette in midnight colours.
I've used silk rods in black and purples, a vintage blackberry bead, and some Magatamas in purple. Underneath the 'silk rose' is a flower crocheted from cotton and black lurex thread for added sparkle.
Underneath that is a needle felted black and purple leaf and 2 wonderfully soft pewter coloured marabou feathers.
It's quite a large barrette which will allow you to put long hair into a pony tail or chignon. Perfect for a ball. No slippers required. :-)
Purple Flower Slides
These are needle felted in purple and black 100% merino wool and adorned with a very pretty vintage lucite black flower and some purple shimmery Magatama beads. The hair clips are perfect even for very fine hair and they look pretty AND keep your hair looking tidy or out of the way.
Red Flower Slides
These are needle felted in two shade of red 100% merino wool and adorned with a very pretty vintage lucite black flower and some purple shimmery Magatama beads. The hair clips are perfect even for very fine hair and they look pretty AND keep your hair looking tidy or out of the way.
The dramatic Midnight barrette will be available in various colours and two sizes, and cost around £16. The needle felted slides also will be available in various colours and cost £9 per pair (prices do not include P&P).
I have also just bought some different slides - smaller and suitable for little girls and others in a figure of eight shape and black and dark brown. Watch this space.
Friday, November 07, 2008
The Weather and More Wrist Warmers
What awful weather we've had this week! Ever since last Saturday I've been hoping for the rain to ease off long enough to take some pictures. I don't like taking pictures inside as it changes the colours and I prefer to make the colours as realistic as I can.
Here are my latest wrist warmers. They're similar to the other ones but I've simplified the pattern and there's no complicated/complex cable pattern in the middle; they're longer and have a crochet edging in the charcoal at one end and in pale grey kid silk at the other end.
The wool I've used is a mix of cashmere and cotton (Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmerino) and the edging is in Rowan Kidsilk Aura.
These are mine and I've been wearing them lots. They're just so handy for cycling in this weather.
However, if you want some like it, drop me a line and we can discuss colour options etc.
Here are my latest wrist warmers. They're similar to the other ones but I've simplified the pattern and there's no complicated/complex cable pattern in the middle; they're longer and have a crochet edging in the charcoal at one end and in pale grey kid silk at the other end.
The wool I've used is a mix of cashmere and cotton (Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmerino) and the edging is in Rowan Kidsilk Aura.
These are mine and I've been wearing them lots. They're just so handy for cycling in this weather.However, if you want some like it, drop me a line and we can discuss colour options etc.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Nightblooms - Flower Bracelet
I fancied a bracelet to go with my flower garland, so I made one. :-)
Here it is:
It's made from the same materials as the garland necklace, however I did not add the cocoon but replaced it with a flower crocheted from black laceweight cotton. I wanted the flower to lie fairly flat on the bracelet so it wouldn't catch on everything.
I hope you noticed the matching nail varnish. ;-)
The clasp is similar to the one on the garland with an ebony wood bead and a loop that is part of the bracelet.
Here is the flower in detail:
This set and the matching earrings I am currently contemplating will be available as a custom order in my Etsy shop where you will be able to choose the colours and length of the necklace and bracelet. The standard price will be for a longish necklace plus five flowers and one flower for the bracelet. Additional flowers will be charged extra.
For those of you curious to know how long it takes me to make a flower garland:
About 1/2 hour preparing the silk (dampening it and separating layers, cutting the cocoons in half and making scalloped edges.
About 1 - 2 hours for the necklace 'chain' itself depending on length, width and detail.
About 1 hour for making the five flowers in the green/blue garland, twice that for the gothic one because each flower centre has a crocheted flower centre.
About 1/2 hour for putting it all together.
The bracelet takes about:
1 hour for making the bracelet itself (crochet).
1 hour for preparing all the separate parts of the flower.
1/2 hour for putting it all together.
Each design will be different as the silk is shaping differently for each silk rod and I may add bits and pieces (like beads, tendrils etc) to bring out the beauty in each design and make it an individual creation.
Here it is:
It's made from the same materials as the garland necklace, however I did not add the cocoon but replaced it with a flower crocheted from black laceweight cotton. I wanted the flower to lie fairly flat on the bracelet so it wouldn't catch on everything.
I hope you noticed the matching nail varnish. ;-)
The clasp is similar to the one on the garland with an ebony wood bead and a loop that is part of the bracelet.
Here is the flower in detail:
This set and the matching earrings I am currently contemplating will be available as a custom order in my Etsy shop where you will be able to choose the colours and length of the necklace and bracelet. The standard price will be for a longish necklace plus five flowers and one flower for the bracelet. Additional flowers will be charged extra.For those of you curious to know how long it takes me to make a flower garland:
About 1/2 hour preparing the silk (dampening it and separating layers, cutting the cocoons in half and making scalloped edges.
About 1 - 2 hours for the necklace 'chain' itself depending on length, width and detail.
About 1 hour for making the five flowers in the green/blue garland, twice that for the gothic one because each flower centre has a crocheted flower centre.
About 1/2 hour for putting it all together.
The bracelet takes about:
1 hour for making the bracelet itself (crochet).
1 hour for preparing all the separate parts of the flower.
1/2 hour for putting it all together.
Each design will be different as the silk is shaping differently for each silk rod and I may add bits and pieces (like beads, tendrils etc) to bring out the beauty in each design and make it an individual creation.
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