Category: Make

Miscellaneous crafty makes

A Stitch in Time

Hello, little blog, it’s been way too long since I last updated.  The intention was there but somehow life, laziness, time, and other stuff all just seemed to get the better of me.  However, I’m now back (still with what feels like a million ongoing projects, recipes in my head, crafty things I want to do, and places I want to visit, all jostling around in my head.

Anyway, onto the good stuff.  I’ve never attempted cross stitch before, and to be honest, it’s a craft that didn’t hugely appeal to me, mainly because so many of the designs on the market aren’t quite me.  Late last year however, I came across some designs by Bothy Crafts, which I really liked.  I had some Christmas money, so decided to go for the Love Tree one.

It’s been a slow process, mainly because of ends and it being a project I do for a few days then leave for months.  I’d love to get it finished before this Christmas though, as I want to make a gallery wall in our dining room after Christmas, and this is going on it!

Oodles of Obliciousness - Cross Stitck

As you can see, I’m on the outline stage now (not sure if that’s the official cross stitch term or not).  It’s pretty time consuming, mainly because I chose a design with tons of little motifs.  I’ll get there though, then it’ll just be quick wash and press then to find a frame.

Next up I’d like to an embroidery sampler, or maybe a cross stitch ouija board – decisions, decisions….

Are you a cross stitch fan?  If so, I’d love to hear of your pattern recommendations.

Thanks for reading

Oblibby xxx

Solar Daydreamer

You may recall from my last post that I was making a dress (the final results of which will be seen shortly; I just need to beg someone to take a photo of me) to wear to the wedding of really good friends of ours. As I have recently rediscovered my beady mojo, I decided it was only fitting I made some jewellery to go with it. Now, I’ve always been a bit underwhelmed with the new shaped beads which have been abundant of late, however when I saw this Daydreamer Rope by Jill Wiseman (even better as it’s a free download), I decided to buy some Czech Superduos and give it a go.  I decided on Halo finish in Tangerine, French Rose, Razzmatazz, Persian Rose, and Celestial.  For my seed beads I chose Miyuki seed beads in Taupe Lined Crystal AB.  As I was bursting with beady inspiration, I also decided to try out the new beading technique by Melanie de Miguel’s book, Let’s Hubble.  As I love throwing myself in at the deep end, I chose the Solar Flare Pendant and thought the deliciously exotic-sounding Pardparadascha Swarovski rivoli would go really well with my other colours.  I’ve never worked with this colour before and when it arrived I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s a lovely reddish coral colour and bang on trend this season.

Here’s a what was on my bead board when I began my project (minus the 14mm rivoli, which must be hiding):


 

Originally I was going to do a necklace and a bracelet, but the sizing worked perfectly for a bangle which meant that I wouldn’t have to worry about a catch slipping round or potentially snagging my dress.

Here’s what I ended up with after a few hours of work:

Oodles of Obliciousness - Solar Daydreamer

…and because the pendant doesn’t show up very well from that distance, a little close up showing the padparadascha colour in all it’s beautiful glory.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Solar Daydreamer

 

The colours I used went so well with my fabric.  I had originally planned to use brights, but the Superduo colour selection wasn’t wonderful and the ones I did manage to find were too garish and just didn’t give the look I wanted, whereas these muted tones really brought out the vibrant colours in the fabric.  Also, taupe lined crystal AB have rocketed into my favourite seedy colour list.

I’m delighted with the finished results (and to have my creative mojo back again).

I strongly encourage you to have a go at the Daydreamer Rope if you’re at all beadily inclined.  A really simple yet effective design which works up pretty quickly.

Thanks for looking.

Oblibby, you shall go to the ball

Okay, so it’s probably the coldest summer in Scotland in a long, long time, but at least the crappy weather gives me an excuse to stay home and get cracked on with projects.

I’m making a dress and jewellery for my friends’ wedding in a couple of weeks, and so far, it’s all going very smoothly.  My last attempt at a dress was a Gertie pattern (Butterick B5953), and was an unmitigated disaster. Even though I had added a FBA allowance,  the top part just seemed too low and wide to cross properly.  I may have another go at some point but will try using a fabric with a bit of stretch instead of the recommended woven.

Anyway, on to my current project, a much more enjoyable experience altogether.  I’d heard good things about Style Arc, an Australian pattern company and their Layla design seemed to be exactly what I wanted, albeit with a bit a tweaking needed to give it a bit more of an ‘Old Hollywood Screen Siren’ vibe. At the moment I’ve done the bodice and the skirt; I’ve made a minor adjustment to the skirt, opting for a slightly longer, narrower silhouette, and adding a godet at the back instead of the kick pleat. I’m not sure if the godet will stay, or if there is enough give in the fabric to just do a wiggle skirt.

I’ve chosen a thickish stretch cotton, with a slightly satiny sheen to it, which I ordered from Fabric Godmother. It’s my first time ordering dress fabric online and I have to say I’m very very happy with it – it’s lush.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Style Arc Layla
Oodles of Obliciousness – Style Arc Layla

(don’t let the hangar size fool you – I’ve made it in a 14.)

I’ve not decided if I’m going to put the zip in yet. Part of my thinks if it fits well without it, just leave it out, but we’ll see. The one thing I will definitely change are the sleeves; the cap sleeves on the pattern are lovely, but I hate my upper arms, so wouldn’t be comfortable with them on show, also if the temperatures aren’t fantastic, I’ll feel less chilly with 3/4 length sleeves. I just need to find another pattern with sleeves which will fit, but I have a feeling I have one in a Burda Style mag which will be perfect.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Style Arc Layla
Oodles of Obliciousness – Style Arc Layla

I can’t wait to show you the beaded jewellery I’m making as well; I’m hoping it will go beautifully with the dress style and fabric.

Wish me luck!

Meet Fibi

I’m still crocheting away on Sophie’s Universe.  One round to go on my first one and up to Section 8 (I think) on the one for me.  Sometimes I liked to take a week off and do something else, so few weeks ago, I decided to have a go at amigurami, mainly because I fell in love with some Lalylala patterns.  A couple fell into my basket, and I decided to have a go at Fibi the Fox first.

After a few mishaps, mainly because I wasn’t marking the start of my rounds (if you’re new to amigurami, please don’t think you won’t need markers – you will!).  Once I learned about using a scrap of yarn to mark my place, on Dedri’s blog I didn’t look back.

Although I love adapting patterns and I’ve seen a few of the Lalylala ones used as the basis for something else, I decided it would be a good idea to stick with the original design, especially as this was a first attempt.

..so, let me introduce you to Fibi, the cutest little fox you’re ever likely to meet.

Fibi the Fox
Fibi the Fox
Fibi the Fox
Fibi the Fox

I can thoroughly recommend these patterns.  I’ve already started my next one.

What’s on my bead board – April 2015

Firstly,  apologies there was no recipe post last week; I was a bit under the weather with a heavy head cold and really couldn’t summon up the energy to photograph and write down a recipe.  Well on the way to recover now though, so normal service will be resumed this week.

Now onto the subject of this post – beads!  I’ve beaded for quite a few years now and it’s a hobby I really enjoy (unless I’m three quarters of the way through a long project!).  The last year however, it’s take a bit of a back seat.  I’ve dug my beads out, looked at them, then put them away again.  Basically, I’ve been suffering from the scourge of crafters everywhere – lost mojo.  I think Mr Mojo is slowing and surely returning, thanks in past to some lovely beads purchased from a good friend of mine, Linda Mabbott at Inside the Fire (more about these in a later post).

So, I thought I’d show you what’s on my bead board this week.  It’s been a bit of a work in progress, started about a year ago and sadly neglected, partly because I can’t decide whether to make a long necklace, short necklace with dangles, or a lariat.  I love this colour combo, and I’m very proud of the big beaded bead.  The lampwork bead came from my stash via a friend’s destash.


 Oodles of Obliciousness - Bead Board Apr

 

I love this colour combo, and I’m very proud of this big beaded bead.  The lampwork bead came from my stash via a friend’s destash.

Oodles of Obliciousness - Bead Board Apr

I’m hoping to have it finished within the next week or so, as it has dragged on a bit too long now and I really want to start something new.

Thanks for looking.

Sophie’s Universe 2015 CAL – Parts 1-5

Finally, a crafty post on my new look blog!

I kept seeing Sophie’s Universes popping up in my Instagram feed and was really taken by how pretty they looked.  It’s been a wee while since I’ve had a crochet project on the go (with the exception of the Granny Square a Day – hahaha -blankets I’m (not) doing).

I decided to use Stylecraft Special DK from my stash.  It’s cheap, but doesn’t feel it, works up really well, comes in a great range of colours, and is easy to get a hold of.  I’ve now got the first 4 sections completed, and have decided I’m going to give the finished one to my niece when she starts school in August.  Because I love the design so much, I also got some Stylecraft Chunky to make another one for me.

I’m really enjoying the crochet along – it keeps me focused without allowing to go hell for leather and get sick of it quickly.  I’m still a behind, but once I get caught up, I’ll start me new one and try to work the 2 consecutively.

Here’s Sophie Parts 1-4:

Oodles of Obliciousness - Sophie's Universe (parts 1-4)
Oodles of Obliciousness – Sophie’s Universe (parts 1-4)

I’m being very good and sewing in my ends after each part, having learned my lesson from the first crochet blanket I did, where I spent as much time sewing the ends and bits together as I did crocheting, and almost lost the will to live in the process.

If you fancy having a go at Sophie’s Universe, you can find all the details over at the Look What I Made blog.  Don’t be put off by how complicated it looks, as long as you can do a basic crochet stitch and follow a pattern, you’ll be fine.  The instructions are really clear and easy to understand.