Things that make me happy: 4

My lovely studio...

a very happy place to be!

Rebecca

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Positivity=Creativity

Despite all the not so cheery things that are going on in our lives here at the moment, I have decided that I am going to keep my blog as a place of positivity and creativity...or at least I shall try to!

I was back with the Brownies this week to finish off the egg cosies and here are some of the end results:


I was delighted when one of the girls told me that her dad had bought her some knitting needles this week and when another was excited to tell me that she had started to knit a scarf. All the girls seemed to really enjoy themselves, knitting and nattering, with a few exclamations of "I can knit!" along the way - so pleasing bearing in mind the "I can't do it" and "It's too hard" from the first week's session! How sweet too that one Brownie asked Brown Owl if I could join them on Pack Holiday next week!

The lovely Calico Kate asked me for the pattern for the little egg cosies, so here it is:

Most of the Brownies used 7mm needles and DK yarn, which gives quite a loose knit, but grows quickly!

1. Cast on around 20 sts - needs to measure at least 12cm when stretched across your needle.
2. Knit until your work measures approx. 7cm.
3. Cut yarn, leaving an end of approx. 30cm and, using a wool needle, thread this through all the stitches on your knitting needle.
4. Remove knitting needle and pull yarn to gather the top. Then, with right sides facing, stitch the side seam. Fasten off and darn in loose end at beginning of cast on edge.
5. Make a small pom-pom and stitch it to the top of your egg cosy!

Well, as my boy is pleading starvation, it would seem that it is time to go into the kitchen, but I shall be back tomorrow with a First Anniversary post - it's hard to believe that I have been blogging for a year already!

Bye for now,

Rebecca
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Bags & Boxes

My daughter has finished making a bag this week from chunky wool knitting that she has felted, blanket stitched, appliquéd and finished with stitched ribbon handles.

I was out for most of the day yesterday and, when I got home, found that she had made this cute little bird charm for it too!

She's really pleased with the end result, but says that none of her friends will like it because it does not come from a shop and they think that, because it is handmade, it is not as good as something bought!! Oh, what a shame!!

There was plenty of creativity going on at the arts and crafts workshop yesterday! With a recycling theme, I had decided on junk models for one of the activities - after all there are only so many cereal boxes, washing powder boxes, cardboard tubes, plastic milk bottle tops etc., that my cellar can accommodate and it was time for a good sort out down there! As many of the youngsters that attend these workshops have either learning or physical disabilities, I usually make some examples of whatever it is that we're doing so that they have something to work from. However, I thought I would just see what they could do when left to their own imaginations this time. The junk models seemed to be a real hit with the boys...rockets, robots, money boxes, treasure chest to mention but a few of the creations! Meanwhile, the girls were happily gluing brightly coloured tissue paper onto jars (more space in the cellar!) to create a stained glass effect, with a liberal application of glitter and sequins to complete the look!

Lots of paint and glue everywhere (thank heavens for aprons and old newspapers!), but lots and lots of fun for all, and smiley, happy faces! Thanks children for a lovely afternoon...and for clearing some of my cellar stash! But, of course, it will be looking like back stage at Blue Peter again very soon because I need more bits and pieces for next time!!

Time for lunch.

Back soon,

Rebecca

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