Number 3 for 2011

Finally I'm getting around to writing up our last craft night which feels like many moons ago. I hope you enjoyed it - I certainly did. As usual the conversation was far ranging and insightful: from the quality of Playboy articles to the effectiveness of cleaning products. We had a variety of craft projects going on too: Sewing, knitting, millinery, patchwork and origami.

I finally finished the dress for a friend's baby...

Hannah worked some more on her knitting and we discussed our plans for a school holiday session. We are thinking about a applique project for primary school children. Perhaps a t-shirt, or bag, or a cushion. Thanks for bringing along the gorgeous books...

You can see Tracey's beautiful fabric in the background. She is working on a patchwork project. Looks like she is hand sewing the whole thing...

Ann is making a fabulous hat for a friend who belongs to the Red Hat Society - shame on me for not knowing about this organisation - only the largest women's social group in the world...

Mel converted some laundry bags into bath toy bags by sewing on some suction cups. What a brilliant idea...

Sue was my slave and did some unpicking for me. Thanks Sue.

As for the origami being done, well not really. A few of us helped Tasha with folding and addressing the Piha News. Tracey and Tasha (and others) do a huge amount of work to get this publication out to us. It's the least we can do to help. I see the proposed Bowling/Tennis Club project is on the cover - I wonder how contentious this will be for Piha?

I hope you can make it to the next crafting session? It is on the 6th of April. We'd love to see you there. I'd love to teach someone how to crochet, let me know if you are keen and I'll bring along some hooks and yarn. You'll have made a granny square by the end of the session for sure.

As for the school holiday session for kids; more on that in the weekend. We're in the process of sorting out dates and hall hire etc. Stay tuned.

Least likely to...

I often pull out my stash of old crochet books and look at the patterns - fantasying about finding some spare time in which to actually make something. Well here are four I won't be in a hurry to make...

Blimey check out those... well everything really! 

These gems are from The Family Crochet  Book, published in 1971. You are welcome to borrow it if you have a hankering for crocheting some flared pants. Please bring along any fabulous patterns you have to the next craft session - 6th April. I hope I can join you - need to find a babysitter first.

I'll post the photos from last week's craft night soon. A big thanks to those who came along.

Sewing for Christchurch

Anissa forwarded this to me. I don't think I can make it (next Tuesday). Perhaps you can...

Beautiful Blankets

Check out this beautiful knitted blanket. What a wonderful sense of colour this woman has. So inspiring...

Here is her flickr page - really worth a gander. LOVE her crochet blankets too.

Crochet madness...

Now, I love crochet. I love crochet blankets, crochet cushions, crochet lampshades, crochet rugs. Just not all at once...

Anna

Session 2, 2011

Once again I thoroughly enjoyed our last craft session. A big thank you to those who joined us, especially the newbies - Mel and Ann.

Ann wowed us with the quilt she is making for her brother - a contemporary piece which makes great use of contrasting colour. Looks like she has some serious skills which I'd like to take advantage of when it comes to my patchwork effort!

Hannah made a wheat bag, then busted out her knitting... 

She also brought along some cute Cath Kidston magazines - great inspiration particularly for the school holidays crafting session we are planning as a fundraiser for the Piha Craft Exchange. More on that another day - stay tuned.

Clare and I made some wrap-around skirts using Tasha's sarongs. Would be fair to say that we winged it somewhat with the pattern. Clare has a bonus seam in a random place. Nevertheless! they have turned out very fetching...

Sue made a denim book bag for Keio. He was very chuffed to use it a few days later, "my Mummy made this"...

It looks like Tracey is starting a patchwork quilt project - I didn't get the chance to talk to her about her plans...

Mel brought along her Grandmother's button collection, which got us all excited. How sad - swooning over some old buttons! But not just any old buttons: beautiful Bakelite and Lucite ones from the 20's and 30's; cut glass buttons; ivory armed forces and brass airforce ones; delicate mother of pearl buttons and buttons her Grandmother had covered with deco fabrics. Amazing - thanks Mel. 

She also brought along her mother's stash of fabrics. This design had me reminiscing about my bad 80's fashion days, I think I had some harem pants made out of this, classy!...

Mel made a cute kitty, obviously just needs a nose/mouth/whiskers. Perhaps Ruby got it for her birthday?

See you on the 16th of March for our next instalment. 

Anna