Neet Designs

Time for a change

2009-11-01T05:10:00.000-08:00

Hello, little neglected, blog - long time no see?
Well life has been busy this Summer and good blogging has to be done under very relaxed conditions, both in mind and environment. So no blogging from me for quite some time.

Saying that I do not feel alone in this situation because as well as not blogging, I also gave myself a ban on reading any blogs. All those lovely blogs out there are full of temptations and distractions and I couldn't handle it. But, after dipping into my Favourites List, I find that there are quite a few other bloggers who have taken time out from posting for one reason or another. So with that in mind I feel relaxed enough to pick up the camera and hit the keyboard.

I have opened the doors of my crafting cupboard (something I just could not do for quite a while) with a renewed enthusiasm and I am keen to once again pick up those WIP's and get stuck stuck in.

My little chicken flock take up a fair bit of my free time - 2-3 garden chickens is good - 20+ is sheer hard work and requires quite considerable management. So this Summer, what with running a happy home, gardening quite a large plot, taking care of Little Neet and Big Neet and a flock of chickens, my days seem to have gone in a blur. I am hoping the Winter will be a little more relaxed.

Anyway I thought I would like to blog a little more about everyday life at Neet Manor, so with this in mind I have created a new blog

Everything Neet

you can find it here.

Neet Designs will stay live for the while, although I will be over on my new blog for updates. I may refer to posts and events from here over there, but I will put links to ensure everyone knows what I am blithering about.

Please come over and have a look and read and if you like it, please tell your friends.

I'm still here!

2009-07-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

As the title says I am still here but life seems really busy at present and blogging is a little luxury time I don't appear to have.

I am mainly hanging out with these guys. They are my new passion

Mommy Welsummer and her brood

Cuckoo Maran Teenagers enjoying a dustbath in the sunshine

Big Lad (the black and white Brahma cockerel) and some of his 'ladies'

A little White Sussex chick

Just sitting watching the World go by

Mrs Welsummer - I just love her to death - my favourite hen

These two I hatched myself from the same hatch and they are totally inseperable - like shadows

Three little chicks enjoying the sunshine

Rocket Ron my little Welcock. He is Big Lads' arch nemesis as they fight over the girls, but he stays 'cos I love him as he is so handsome.

Now crafting, I hear some of you ask, well...............my crafting cupboard is like it harbours some sort of devil and I can't face going into it! I really struggle at present just having to sew a lost button onto a school shirt!

So I guess, maybe as Winter arrives and the cosy indoors appeals, I may/hope to get back into the crafting groove.

In the meantime I hope that you are all enjoying life and whatever is your creative inspiration at the moment.

Not much time for blogging lately....

2009-04-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

I have been way too busy being a broody 'mum'!

These little cuties arrived a couple of hours ago and have some brothers and sisters waiting in the wings to appear.

Seriously though chicken keeping can be totally addictive. I have a small flock of 12 - 10 hens and 2 roosters and love every one of them and their individual personalities. My hatching eggs at present have come from a local poultry auction plus a few off a friend with chickens. I have used her incubator for this recent hatch and I have purchased my own and I have also 'crafted' one from 'stuff' around the home to see if I can use it successfully as a challenge to myself.

The only crafting I am doing other than rearing chicks is finishing off a granny square blanket - photos to appear very soon.

.

WIP - revisited

2009-03-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have got this granny squares throw out to have another go at it. I haven't looked at it for at least a year maybe? You know how some WIP's are! Plus the colours aren't 'this season' somehow but I'll stick with that. Well since I started crafting again a couple of years ago I think my 'skills' have come along quite considerably since I started this throw. Now looking at it I am NOT enthused with the finish or final quality of it.

I joined the squares by a suggested method of using single crochet, but either I did not take any time or put too much effort in it originally or it doesn't suit the yarn, I just know it is NOT right.

So I am unpicking it all (what I have done so far as it was unfinished in size) and adding another round of crochet to each square which 'looks' much much better to me and I will sew it up this time to see if I can get a flatter seam. That was the problem with it, the single crochet seemed to make the seams too tight somehow.

Well I have got 18 new squares done now only another 100 or so to go!!

Hopefully I may just finish this now and it will not remain a WIP for much longer.

Lace making

2009-03-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying making this strip of crochet lace edging. Even though it involves using the teeny-weeny hook it is very relaxing and quite pleasing to see it grow and develop. I did start the same pattern a little while ago using black thread but I didn't like the feel and look of the thread, so I have changed to a white thread - much better. The finished piece, about 1.5 metres long, is going to edge the bottom of a plain white roller blind. (Click on photo for a detailed look at the stitches).

This is the book where the inspiration came from. The pattern I am using is suggested for edging a towel (which would be really nice) and there are lots of other very pretty projects in this book. I would love to get my hands on an antique plain linen sheet/bedcover and make the edging for that.

Planting time

2009-03-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

The chitted, early potatoes are now under their new soil blanket. These are Sharpe's Express.

and these are Anya. I love their knobbly, bobblyness!

some are going to be grown in buckets. I planted these on a bed of soil, one to a pot and just covered them. As the growth comes through I will top up the soil to just below the leaves until they are clear of the top of the pot.

others I have planted directly into the soil and covered them with ridges of soil and I will just cover these with a mulch of grass clippings (in about 4-6 weeks time) rather than heap more soil on them.

Newly discovered 'superfruit'?

No - Ranunculus 'claws' - otherwise known as Persian Buttercups. I am going to grow these for my cut-flower project that I have given myself for this year.

Spring has sprung

2009-02-27T09:46:00.001-08:00

My MIL presented me with a bunch of Pussy Willow the size of a tree yesterday. After I had cut myself some nice twiggy branches, I also cut another huge bunch of the same and gave them to Little Neet's school for them to enjoy also. It seems like Nature has got her running shoes on now looking around my garden.

Piecing

2009-02-26T02:21:00.000-08:00

English Paper Piecing
Sorry for the 'pale' pics but if you click on the image you might get a better look!

This is my quilt that I am enjoying making. The process of cutting, basting, stitching and piecing is very relaxing and enjoyable. I am using 1" hexagon templates and using material that is mostly thrifted with some specially purchased Cath Kidston prints to add to it. There are 14 different fabrics altogether just for the hexagon section then I will use more prints for the border and backing.
I don't know when it will be completed as it is a pure 'WIP' but it will get done and I will post more as it progresses.

Growing season has started

2009-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

I would like to use my blog to record my garden/vegetable growing season this year. I have been growing my own veggies for 2 years now and I think I have finally got into the rhythym of sowing, planting and cropping with enough confidence to log it.

I started off with an allotment plot away from the house but - 1. It was too big for me to handle and 2. I found out what space I really needed to grow the plants I like and decided to make a bed dedicated to this at home, which I much prefer. I also use pots for growing salads in.

Today saw the onion sets going into the prepared bed. (I am trying to plant using the Moon Calendar with the aid of this site).

without the help of these!....................
they were happily scratching away in nextdoors field, blissfully unaware that I was gardening - thank goodness.

So the covers are on the onions, at least until the chickens have got a permanent enclosure to keep them off my garden for the summer.

The tomatoes are coming along in their improvised, insulated cold frame. (A plastic storage box lined with bubble wrap and a clear plastic lid).

Sweet peas, cabbages, hollyhocks, coriander and parsley are in another insulated box.

These are Dwarf French Bean seedlings popping up. There are 6 in there and hopefully I will be getting a little crop of beans in about 10 weeks. This idea was a suggestion by one of the regulars from this great gardening site.

I also have peas, peppers, rocket, parsnips, red and white salad onions started off along with chitted potatoes (earlies) and a selection of flowers that I want to grow for cutting in the Summer.

Let's hope we have just a little less rain than we did last year for this coming season. Fingers crossed!

Jumble sales?

2009-02-22T04:42:00.001-08:00

>

2 x Kilner jars, sugar shaker, pretty tin, SILVER tablespoon, metal pastry cutters and loose bottomed cake tin

2 lace decorated, cotton handkerchiefs and a linen tray cloth decorated with cotton lace edging.

2 x 100% heavyweight Egyptian cotton, double size, striped sheets in perfect, new condition.

ALL the above for a grand total of 50p!!! (plus 20p admission)

Jumble sales = I love 'em!
(Even if I have got bruised elbows today).

My Pink Day

2009-02-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

A piece of beautiful Laura Ashley chintz, bagged via Ebay, arrived in the post this morning. Do you know that feeling when a fabric makes you feel happy it's yours?

My pink day was made even sweeter when I brought home these dotty, pink tea plates from Sainsburys for £1 each.

The tulips match my pink mood and have found a home in my thrifted jug on the kitchen table.

Crumbs!!

2009-02-12T02:18:00.001-08:00

That didn't hang about for long!
In the words of Mr Kipling "It was 'exceedingly good'. Mmmmmm.

Reasons

2009-02-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

A newly thrifted glass cake stand is the perfect excuse to...........

.....bake a Victoria Sponge.

Victoria Sponge Recipe

175g Butter - softened
175g Caster sugar
3 eggs, beaten
Vanilla essence
175g Self-raising flour
3 tbsp Jam, preferably seedless Raspberry Jam
whipped cream, optional

Grease and line 2 20cm (8") round sandwich tins
Cream sugar and butter together until very light and fluffy
Gradually beat in the eggs along with a few drops of vanilla essence
Fold in the flour
Divide mixture between the 2 tins and smooth surface
Bake in preheated oven 190/380degrees gas Mark 5 for 20 mins
until golden, well risen and springy to the touch
Leave to cool for 10 mins and turn out onto wire rake
When completely cool, sandwich with jam (and optional whipped cream)
.......
place on newly acquired glass cake stand and gaze with admiration!

One persons rubbish.............

2009-02-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Is someone else's treasure!

My recent thrift discoveries

Another 50p apron - lawn fabric already earmarked for a project

A pretty little ceramic jug - perfect to stuff full of home-grown summer flowers.

Two wooden candlesticks that I am deliberating about whether to give them a shabby look with a coat of paint. But the wood is really nice too.

And lastly these two real treasures. Both were 30p each!! A good wash with some Fairy liquid, a tickle with a toothbrush on the metal trim and a gentle polish make them look fantastic. I am going to replace the damaged fabric within the lid of the dish with some pretty fabric or some handsewn embroidery.

Coming to a supermarket near you

2009-02-04T01:21:00.000-08:00

Cath 'Kidspiration' seems to be catching on now away from her shops. The mugs are from Sainsburys (UK) and the t-towels are part of a set from Wilkinsons (UK). I do have to say - I am NOT a massive 'Cath' fan but her colours and pattern style match my mood since the New Year. I am enjoying pink, bright, floral and crisp. So little pieces like those above are perfect for lifting my spirit. Now let's see what I can do with the ugly stainless cannisters! Keep reading.

more stuff

2009-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

These little patches are cut from my fabric stash and are going to be used for this project. I wanted it to look random and not be colour or pattern specific - but you can tell that by looking at it!

I thrifted this apron just after Christmas for a bargain 50p. I call it a bargain because the material is beautiful, in vintage, colour and ammount, I'm thinking 'cushion cover'.

I enjoy making hearts to decorate little corners and this is going to hang on my ironwork bedstead.

Catch up post

2009-01-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Time seems to be in precious supply in the Neet house at present so this is just a quick catch up. I will get back with more soon. Promise.

I love the colours (and the frangrance!) of these Yankee Candles tarts. So much better than the plug-ins IMO.

Cath is most definately the inspiration for this Granny Squares blanket destined for Little Neet's bedroom.

These little feet belong to some of my bunnies that have been a long....long time in the making but now completed.

This is Dot Bunny she is safely on her way to Norma in USA thanks to the wonders of Etsy.com.

Pretty

2009-01-13T04:15:00.001-08:00

This is a lovely Gisella Graham chair that I bought with my pennies from Christmas. It is going to be my crafting chair just outside my kitchen door for the Summer (weather permitting?). Last year I used one of those folding canvas thingies, nice and comfy as it was, I think the Gisella one will add a certain elegance to the affair. I am thinking a nice comfy cushion (with bobble fringing)and a caddy to put over the arm for holding my crafty bits and bobs.

On the chair is a pretty board suitcase that I picked up in TK Maxx. Ideal for keeping my WIP tiddly bits in place. But............I already have another 4 of these sorts of cases.

Too many WIPs perhaps??

Heck!

2009-01-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

How often do you have those days when you take oodles and oodles of photos only to find that none of them quite come up to the mark? I seem to have a really good knack for doing this (plus winter daylight does not help with the process!!) and so I am pretty slow at showing my projects and WIP's at present.

I brought the little bunch of flowers to cheer myself up and to try to inject a bit of life in my kitchen in the depths of winter. So Sainsburys came up trumps with these.

My 'flu' has turned out to be a viral infection which lasts for about 3 weeks (which I suspect quite a few of you will know about!) so according to that news from my Doctor I have still got a week to go of feeling lousy and out-of-sorts. Bum!

Now back to trying to sort out my photographic skills (or lack of).

Happy Flu Year 2009!

2009-01-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Sympathy to all my fellow lurgy sufferers.

Back soon.

Peace on Earth

2008-12-25T04:14:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Neet Designs.

Normal service will be resumed after the Holidays. See you soon.

Christmas is coming!!

2008-12-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

Santa is on his way...........

I have got the tree..............

all the food from my "bible"..................

and a lovely little gift from my Little Neet!

Not much blogging but still busy

2008-12-03T03:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't felt I have had the time to sit down and blog for a while, concious of the time it takes to do it properly (for me anyway) But today I have found the time to show off some things I have been doing. Halleluha.

A beautiful symbol of this season bathed in glorious winter sunshine

A bowl of hyacinths, planted up by myself, starting to poke their noses out and give up their gorgeous flowers in a little while.

I spend far too much time gazing out the window at these cheeky things (far TOO much time!)

I have been furiously busy making a whole pile of these cute little slippers for a project I have in mind

My first attempt at crafting some Christmassy decorations. These are made from a vintage, felted piece of blanket. They are 9cm tall

This little fella for is a present for some friends to welcome their much longed for little baby boy. I knitted it from some vintage, thrifted, unnamed yarn. He stands 29cms tall and also has a little bell in his belly so he jingles gently. I also made the card from scratch with a pretty little piece of decoupage topper (which was quite challenging to cut! but very pleasing to make.)

Embroidery

2008-11-14T02:44:00.000-08:00

This week I have got my little sewing needles and floss out and have been doing some very relaxing (and sometimes challenging) embroidery. I have done a couple of other pictures also but what with winter light and a lack of any sunshine I took this to post on here.(It is probably with better detail if you click on it to see the close up - I don't know how that happens?). I will try to dig out my daylight lamp and have a serious attempt at taking some decent photos for this blog - promise!

Thirteen!

2008-11-09T03:56:00.001-08:00

Lucky for some, unlucky for others For me it is the number of WIP's or UFO's that I have sitting around crying out for attention. What's your number?

Kitchen poetry #6/7

2008-11-09T03:42:00.001-08:00

One down - five to go! This is my very first, ever egg that has been laid by one of my little Cuckoo Maran bantams. Go girl!!

There's nothing wrong with starting 'em young. This is Little Neet helping to prepare Sunday Dinner. He loves peeling carrots and potatoes and helping where he can with preparation. He can also 'put it away' once it's all cooked!

Have you ever tried filet crochet?

2008-11-07T10:01:00.001-08:00

'Don't be frightened' is what I would say to you if you haven't been brave enough to get to grips with it. Yes, it is a little challenging, working with the fine thread and needle but ohhhh so satisfying as well. The white project is going to be a lavender bag and the black 'string' is the basis of a braid that will edge the bottom of a roller blind. Both will be quite contemporary, not at all old-fashioned or fuddy-duddy. I would go so far as to say I am totally 'hooked'!

Amigurumi should come with a warning!

2008-11-07T09:47:00.001-08:00

These little critters ARE totally addictive. Great for stash busting and grabbing a quick 'creative fix'.

Kitchen poetry #4

2008-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Okay so I am British! Call me old-fashioned but I prefer to do the dishes by hand - whilst the dishwasher stands all shiny and............idle!

Kitchen Poetry #3

2008-11-05T09:39:00.001-08:00

Enzo the Rottie much prefers the comfort of underfloor heating over a cold. draughty kennel, anyday!

Sunshine on a winter's day

2008-11-05T09:29:00.001-08:00

Feeding the Troops! - kitchen poetry #2

2008-11-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

This is the second photo of the Simplesparrow Kitchen Poetry Challenge. As you can see from the single, solitary, re-usuable bag in the picture that I didn't really plan on buying too much stuff - but you know how it goes!

Kitchen poetry #1

2008-11-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

This photo shows my kitchen as it is whilst the evening meal is being prepared. Coats left as they are, laundry to be tidied away, school uniform waiting for the next day, and a nice warm, underheated floor makes the perfect place to sit and play a game. This is part of the challenge set by Toni of Simplesparrow.

This is the kitchen when the meal is done and the day has been tidied away waiting for it all to start again tomorrow!

No Batteries!!

2008-11-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

Apparently to keep up a really worthwhile blog it helps if you can add photos to embellish the text and show your visitors the story, well.............my rechargeable batteries have just gone to pot and I don't have any regular ones as standby so I will have to do a 'photoless' blog (apart from any that appear in the links).
I thought I would show you some ongoing projects that I am tackling as and when the mood is right.

1. Hairclip embellishments. These are very cute, use up little scraps of fabric and concentrate your mind for an enjoyable ammount of time.

2. Very cute owl crochet. I did this for a bit of fun and it was super quick.

3. I am slowly making my way through this project. I enjoy embroidery when in a contemplative mood and know I can settle down to concentrate on the item

4. This was great fun if only for the effect. I am now hunting down a suitable frame for it to sit in. But I do really like it

5. I am going to make a couple of these little houses. this weekend. Check out the Pimp Stitch blog too, it's pretty cool and has some lovely links on it.

Anyhows...........once I get me some new batteries I will photo all these projects and pop them on here and I hope that you will take a peek at the links and have a go yourself.

I'm off now to tackle the other 20 odd projects and WIP's I have on the go still!! Speak to you soon.

Catching up

2008-10-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

Life seems to get in the way at the moment with crafting, I can't see to find the right groove for anything. and yet, I keep seeing loads of inspiration out there on the Interweb.

But I have some pics of finds and a very special 'make'

I have made a couple of nice purchases from local charity/thrift shops. This one was a good haul for £3 - No. you don't need glasses, I was slightly out of focus - ooops!

I also topped up my needle collection. It is really frustrating to see a pattern that you want to start but don't have the right needles for the job. I already have a pretty good all round selection but I wanted to get the missing sizes. Well, I don't know if you are aware but here un the UK, charity/thrift shops aren't allowed to display knitting needles (dangerous weapons!) but a lot will have a box or collection in their sorting room if you ask. I did just that yesterday and spent a pleasant half hour rifling through a gazillion needles and came away with these for £5.
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You will all have heard the phrase 'Reduce, re-use, recycle'. Well I did just that this week, in all it's intended glory. It was my birthday on Monday and OH asked what present I would like as I am of that age that I have mostly everything I want and ain't too fussed with 'having to have' if you know what I mean. My response to is question was 'Chickens!'. I have been hankering for some all summer and haven't got motivated to organising it. Then I suggested 'what if we have a go at making a chicken ark?' So I browsed the Interweb for design inspiration, sourced 3 'new' pallets (4 x 8) and we set about 'making'. We used the pallets to perfection and even recycled the nails. The only extra thing we had to buy was the wire mesh (£23), everything else - screws, woodstain and bits was hanging around in the shed. So here is the finished item

These 4 cheeky things are my very special birthday present. We went to a local poultry auction and came away with these. 1 cockerel and 3 hens which are point of lay, so eggs anytime soon. They all have names Rodney and Milly, Molly, Mandy. I have room for another 4. So watch this space for the new additions.

Thanks Margy

2008-10-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the beautiful piece of work from Margy of Hmmdesigns that she has made for my 7 year old Little Neet as part of the Kids Toy Swap that we were partnered for. She also sent along other little boy 'interests' in the parcel but it was ripped open at with such speed and enthusiasm that I haven't got to photo them in their pristine glory. Now to find an appropriate home for the gorgeous little mini quilt. Thanks again Margy.

Aaaargh....Ripping, ripping and more ripping!

2008-10-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

I seem to have lost my knitting and crochet mojo. The last couple of weeks or so have been really frustrating. Everytime I try to tackle a project of some kind, I keep finding myself unhappy with the look or the feel of it and so I keeping ripping them all back to start again. Has this ever happened to you?
But looking on the bright side at least it gives my fingers something to do and keeps me out of mischief.

I can't believe it has been so long! (long post)

2008-09-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well that summer has flew by so quickly. I have been wanting to blog for a little while but either my head wasn't into it or timing wasn't great. So I have now managed to slide some space aside seeing as things are pretty much back to normal with school routine and daily chores.

I haven't had idle hands whilst taking my blog vacation, I have been busy creating these cushions.

The pattern and inspiration was taken from this book

I wanted something different, I scoured the internet and retail stores and nothing was right so I knew I had to get creative to get it right. They are made with colours that are featured in my lounge and are just perfect.

Also I have done one of these (hat). I had some spare navy blue Aran weight yarn and it was ideal. OH loves it and I am now going to do a smaller version for Little Neet.

I have been assessing all the WIPs that I have in various stages of formation. There are seams to be sewn, afghans to complete, embroidery to catch up with and little tiddly bits to tidy up. I have made a pledge to myself that I am going to clear these before embarking on other projects and ideas.

I came across this blog the other day whilst researching something for my tomato glut. (Am I the only grower in the UK that has not suffered with blight this year?) Please DO NOT look if you are hungry or trying to resist temptation. I thought it was fresh and different and jam-packed with ideas.

Righty-oh. Off to do some more 'creating' so that I may have something more to blog again soon.

Toy swap

2008-07-30T00:16:00.000-07:00

Now that Margy of Hmmdesigns has received and blogged about her gifts, here are my photos of the little toys I made for Baby Ruben.

For the swap organised by Chloe of MeeCrafts, Margy told me her baby was due about the same as the swap was organised. She had decorated her nursery and had a preference for red/ white and perhaps toadstool items. So........ I crocheted a little baby cushion with the letter R, a toadstool rattler and a little bunny companion. Hopefully I got the colour combination right for Margy?

School crafts

2008-07-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I emntioned before I help out with the 'arty-crafty' sessions at my sons' school. Well for the last few weeks his teacher and I have been helping the kids to create 'travel cushions'.

For this they first of all drew a design with fabric pens/crayons onto the top sheet, this was ironed to set the design. Next wadding was attached and they stitched around parts of their design - it helps to remember they are 7 year olds- in colours of their choice = lots of threading of needles!
I then had the pleasure of bringing them home to turn them into cushions with the help of the trusty sewing machine. I attached a bright backing fabric, cut them to tidy up the shape and stitched all around bar about three inches.
The children are going to do the final sewing up of the seam.
The look very cute - sort of naive in design. I love them!

My matryoshkas

2008-07-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

After seeing lots of these cute little dolls around the blogging world, I thought I'd have a go at creating a couple.

A word of warning ..............they can beome quite addictive as you can let your imagination for the detail run riot.

So many projects........

2008-07-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

So, so little time. But somehow, somewhere I will just have to find it.

ISBN4-07-246385-X

I saw this pop up on a few blogs that I read and had to order it for myself just for the front cover! But inside, although it is in Japanese, the diagrams and instructions are pretty easy to follow.

These three are a must have for any crafters book collection. The makes inside are all adorable and could be created in so many different ways.

ISBN-10: 1-58008-858-9/ISBN-13: 978-1-5808-858-9

This book is hot off the presses and I knew as soon as I saw a write up on it that it had to be mine. All I can say is WOW! The projects in this are the sort that make you go all tingly just looking at the photos. The author has used natural fibers for these makes - raffia, jute, kitchen string, sisal leather cord and felted jumpers. There are contemporary looking vases, fabulous crocheted bags and crocheted/felted bags! All simply scrumptious.

Cute!

2008-06-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

These shoes are crocheted using 100% cotton yarn from a pattern in Erika Knights' - Essential crochet.

Gold!

2008-06-24T04:49:00.000-07:00

I unearthed these two little babies this morning.

They are only the start of the hidden treasure that these two pots hold.

I WANT this!........now

2008-06-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

I saw this chair in an old copy of Country Living and just love it. The chair is reupholstered in car-booted/thrifted woollen blankets and it makes me want to squeal. I don't have room for this chair mind you, but I could squeeze it in - somewhere. Could you imagine sinking into this to do some crafting? Memo to self - keep eyes peeled for some nice blankets when thrifting. The picture lighting was quite low in the magazine, but if you click on the photo you will see it in all it's cuddly goodness.

Bitty booties

2008-06-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

I am slowly working my way through a to-do list of projects out there in blogland. I have had these finished for a little while but the blue booties keep beating me as far as getting the photo right. So I have tried again and this is going to be my last attempt with them. I hope they have come out okay?
The blue ones are made from a fleece blanket and the pink ones from a thrifted 100% wool skirt that has been fulled in the washing machine. The lining is vintage patchwork fabric.

Time management?

2008-06-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

Enzo like to go for walks

While Enzo goes for his walk, rabbit hunting, sniffing out friends etc.................I get in a little bit of crafting!
I use the time for his walk to do crocheting as I walk along with him (I can't do knitting and walk, it's just not possible for me!) It fills in that empty time when I could be being productive.

Are you a good housewife!

2008-06-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

I saw this link on the Ethel and Edna's Tearoom site and braced myself to have a go. I came out a respectable 'Superior' housewife (thank goodness!) Give it a go, some of the the questions are very 1930's - or very funny if taken with todays expectations.

As a 1930s wife, I am
Superior

Take the test!

Added to stash!

2008-06-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

I picked these odd balls up from my local wool shop - 50p each- to add to my stash. Quality wool never goes amiss.

I have been trying, trying, trying to take some photos of finished projects but (a) the weather has been horrible for nice lighting (b) my camera zoom is on the blink and (c) I also need to renew my supply of rechargeable batteries. So with all them three things fighting against me, I do not have any photos (nor hair from tearing it out with stress!!!)

Hope you have a nice day wherever you are reading this.

Toadstool FROM Jill

2008-06-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

This is the little toadstool from I have received from my swap partner Jill. It is part of the Lucykate Crafts' Toadstool Swap. I love the way the little buttons have been used to make flowers around the base. It is so pretty.

Dot and Red

2008-06-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

These little dolls were a joy to make. I started off by just experimenting with trying the amigurumi method of crochet to see if I could pull it off and the dolls evolved as I knew I wanted to make something a little different. They are so cuddly and just scrumptious in the flesh. Dot is 21cms tall and Red is 23 tall.

Beanz meanz......................

2008-06-12T02:28:00.000-07:00

recycled tin = pretty desk tidy

2008-06-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

Reduce, re-use, recycle!!

Take one cereal packet............

2008-06-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

after a few alterations and copious ammounts of fine glitter....................TA DA!!! A crown fit for a king. This for Master Neet to take part in his school's Summer Carnival Crown Competition - Year 2 category. As Mommy Helper for Friday Afternoon craft sessions at said school, I couldn't really get out of this without being shamefaced. Could I?

I think I may be busy for a while.......

2008-06-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

I received my copy of Marie Claire Idees this weekend (I thought I would take a peek at one to see what all the fuss is about) and talk about inspiration overload!!

I definately want to do the cushion, perfect for me, I have an idea to use the design off the bag for something different, the glasses case is great and would also make a cute little holdall for scissors and...................I really, really want to visit a house that puts these covers over their bottles of water!

See this bike?

2008-06-09T05:22:00.000-07:00

This bike has NOTHING to do with crafting, but........ it really, really has! You see when Mr Neet is off on Sundays riding harem-scarem over hills and dales - I - moi - can craft away to my little hearts content with not a trace of guilt in my bones.

.....................Craft

2008-06-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Following on from the previous post, as well as citing the weather for my lack of interest in the lottie, my enthusiasm for all things craft seem to have taken hold of my life. to the detriment of other things! So while it rained or blew gales or was just too miserable to venture outside, I was only too happy to sit and craft and sit and craft and sit and craft........... LOL!

Allotment or.............................

2008-06-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is my poor little allotment plot. About 6 weeks ago I feverishly tidied it all up, planted lots and lots of onions (I like them) and then, errrr, sort of turned my back on it. Well, the weather wasn't very heartening (rain, rain and more rain) to go and see it. So on Monday I bravely ventured along to check on it and nearly fainted as it had been swallowed up by 2 foot long grass and weeds. The onions were soldiering along in amongst it all, so the next day I set to and once again feverishly weeded and got it all ship shape looking and found a new enthusiasm for it. I will take a photo of the de-weeded beds in all their glory soon.

blanket bear with teddy

2008-06-05T09:52:00.001-07:00

blanket bear with tedddy, originally uploaded by Neet Designs.

I have always wanted to make a 'traditional style' teddy bear and this little thing satisfies my ambition. I drew the pattern for it all completely. She is called blanket bear beacause that is what she is made from - a vintage, felted blanket.
I used the same fabric for my toadstool swap and loved using the material so much I knew it would make a lovely bear. Hey presto.
She stands 19cm tall and would make a lovely companion for a child.
I have listed her in my Etsy shop.

Toadstool for Jill

2008-06-05T03:26:00.001-07:00

This is the toadstool I have made for Jill my swap partner in the Lucykate Crafts Toadstool Swap.

This has been my incentive for getting this blog up and running I thought I might just do it with a bit of a fanfare.

I used a felted blanket which is probably about 50 years old. and it has worked beautifully for this project - I thought it might be too stiff to use but as it you handle it it softens.

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in my first swap. If you know of any others that are current and still open can you please let me know, because even though I seem to spend a LOT of time in Blogland, I haven't come across any other swaps to participate in.

Ive arrived!!!!

2008-06-05T03:16:00.000-07:00

Well. it took a bit of time, mainly getting organised (how difficult is that process?) and I needed a push to make the final effort of publishing. So here goes, wish me well, and I hope I can provide an interesting and friendly blog to visit.

Nita