Thursday 9 September 2010

Life's little challenges


It has been such a long time since I last posted. Sorry everyone. Life has just been too hectic recently.


Since I finished my NCFE beading course I have been looking for a new challenge to spur me on. Last week I found it. I was ordering some Fireline thread and crystals from my favourite bead store - Stitch and Craft when I saw the details of their monthly charm challenge. The idea is that each month, for twelve months, they send you a Swarovski crystal bead or stone and you have to make it into a charm. All of the charms should then be attached to a necklace. The only rule is that the beads cannot be simply strung they have to be incorporated into the beadwork in some way.


So far I have received one artemis bead, a rivoli and a square ring. I have lots of ideas for the rivoli and the artemis bead but I have to admit that the square ring has stumped me! I think it is going to be fun.


I also received some good news last week. Someone who attended the Textile Kaleidoscope exhibition has commissioned me to make a necklace for her. This is my first real commission, as in the past I have always made things for friends and relatives. It is very flattering to think that she was so impressed by my work.


This Saturday I will be going to London with M (aka 'A Girl in Winter') for the IKnit London Weekender. In addition to my sock addiction I have now got hooked on making gloves. Now that September is here I have started thinking about hats, gloves and scarves again. I have ridiculously small hands and find it almost impossible to find a ready made pair of gloves that fit me properly. Knitting them myself has been a revelation, as I can try them on as I knit and so make sure they fit me to a tee. When M and I attended Knit Nation recently I saw some of Julia Mueller's gloves on display on the Wollmeise stand. I was smitten and immediately got her 'Bobbie' pattern from Ravelry, dug out some Violet Green sock yarn from my stash and cast on. I think everyone might be getting gloves for Christmas this year!








Unfortunately it means that I will miss the first meeting of the Piory Beaders, but I am really looking forward to spending the day with a good friend and drooling over all that yarn!

4 comments:

agirlinwinter said...

Oh my, those gloves are gorgeous! I might have to copy you and make some of my own.

Chrissy said...

Have fun at the weekender. I would love to go to one eventually, but I don't think my bank balance could handle the train fare AND the purchases.

Anniebead said...

It's a real shame that you can't be there. Maybe next year!?!

Where the nodding violets grow said...

I am so behind with blog reading. The gloves are beautiful. I love the style and colour. I have just ordered a kit for some handwarmers from yarnissima. I always get holes in between the fingers of gloves so I thought I would just go without.
And how lovely that you have a commission. Well done. May you have many more.