This Week I’ve been a Shoe Designer

Just kidding but I’ve had such fun doing these pictures. All are available in a print format via my Etsy store or Folksy store.
Folksy Store
Etsy Store

Jimmy Who’s? Shoe Print

Life’s sweet in Flip Flops – Print

Spotty Mary Jane’s – Print.

Cow Hide Wedges – Print.
 
Zebra print strappy Ankle Heels – Print.

West Fife Villages Exhibition of Art, Photography & Crafts 2010

The 2010 West Fife Villages Exhibition of Art, Photography & Crafts

An art and photography exhibition will again be held in Saline in May 2010. This will be the fifth consecutive year that an exhibition has been organised and hosted by the village of Saline. This event has proved to be extremely popular, attracting over 400 visitors last year.
The main art and photographic exhibition will be held in the Saline Community Centre whilst the the nearby church hall will exhibit specialist photographic collections from Blairhall’s Andy Young and Saline’s Bill Wilson. The exhibition is planned for Saturday and Sunday, the 8^th and 9^th May and will be open from 10 am till 4.30 pm on each day. Exceptionally the church hall will not open until 12 noon on the Sunday.
A special attraction this year will be craft demonstrations by local Fife organisation, “Daft for Crafts”. These demonstrations will take place in the Church Hall during the Saturday and Sunday afternoons and will include interesting activities such as stained glass copper and lead work.
The number of exhibits at the previous exhibition exceeded 600. This included 300 paintings from nine of the West Fife village primary schools. These exhibits from the pupils proved to be an extremely popular feature of the exhibition. We will again be contacting all head teachers, inviting their participation.
The exhibition, for work produced by artists and photographers from West Fife, is largely managed by the artists themselves under the authority of the Saline and District Horticultural and Handcraft Society and the Saline and Steelend Community Council. The local Church Guild and the WRI are also fully involved and provide the catering. Additionally, there is active support from the West Fife Villages Community Forum and the West Fife Villages Community Planning Group.
A good number of the exhibitors at our previous exhibitions were artists and photographers who belonged to art clubs and photographic societies. There were, however, a surprising number of exhibitors who were not members of any art clubs or societies. The exhibition had therefore provided a rare opportunity for these artists to display, and in some cases, to sell their work. Clearly, the success of the previous shows reflect a requirement to provide local artists and photographers with the facilities to exhibit and to give the community the opportunity to view locally produced works of art.
Gareth Turner, the President of the Saline Horticultural and Handcraft Society said, “Every year I am amazed at the high quality of the exhibits that have emanated from the West Fife villages. Jim Hensman, the chair of the Saline and Steelend Community Council, added “This event brings together a host of community organisations and is undoubtedly beneficial to the self-esteem of the West Fife villages generally.
The entry of exhibits is free and artists may offer their work for sale if they wish. All artists who would like to exhibit should contact John Crane, tele. 01383 852698, e-mail johnrobertcrane@ic24.net

More Ribbons For The Clootie Tree

I recently received some gorgeous crocheted ribbons for my Clootie tree fro Pauline, Thank You so much Pauline. I will get more photos of the tree once the sun decides to come out again. Yes it’s nearly April but we are again covered in snow.

If you would like to see some of Pauline Fitzpatrick’s Crochet Art & creations the please click here - Pauline Fitzpatrick.

I really love the crochet woven ribbon – really interesting texture.

Lovely spirals here.
If you would like to crochet some ribbons and contribute to this project then please email me at thesunroomuk@googlemail.com
If you would like to learn more about what a clootie tree is  then click here.

Mixed Up Ms Modigliani Ltd Edn Print

Limited Edition Print of ‘Mixed up Ms Modigliani’ now available in my Folksy store by clicking here.

Stella Print

Stella now has a name and a limited edition print is now available in my Folksy store Click here for details.
I will also be listing the print on Etsy in the next couple of days.

How to Crochet an Egg Cosy

Hello Everyone,
As we are deep into Easter preparations I thought I would post this ‘How To’ again.

Materials: Any small amount of double knitting yarn. Here I used red cotton. A 4.5mm crochet hook and a darning needle.
Let us begin.

Ch 3 and join with a slip stitch

Rnd 1:  ch 1, sc four times into the ring. Join with sl st. From this point forward just work in the round continually without any sl st.

Here I have placed stitch marker to know when each round begins. You can get my crochet stitch markers here or you can just use a safety pin.
Rnd 2: now sc twice into each st (10)

Rnd 3: * sc 1 st, dbsc next st,* ** rep to end (15)  

Rnd 4: * sc 1 st, dbsc next st,* ** rep to end (21)
Rnd 5-13: Work single sc into each st. I finished after row 13 but you may wish to continue if you have particularly large eggs. Break off yarn and sew all ends in.

Birthday Giveaway

Ok I’m on the naughty step this week as I’ve not really done very much that’s yarn-tastic or even yarny. I’ve been very absorbed drawing, illustrating and painting. I did manage to complete a couple of yarny commissions so I’ve not been all bad. I just haven’t had the time or inclination to design or write up any new patterns. It’s on the to-do-list for next week.

So as mentioned previously I thought I would have a birthday giveaway not a blog birthday a me birthday. I’ve had such a puzzling time trying to think up what goodies to offer so here’s the list.

1. 1 pair of rosewood pony knitting needles 4mm.

2. 1 bamboo crochet hook

3. 1 set of either knitting or crochet stitch markers made by moi!

You get to pick which set (that is the winner does)

4. 1 knitting needle case/wallet in pink satin and blue flower power print.

5. 1 No7 gift bag which includes the following: liplicious candyfloss, stay perfect nail enamel –Rose Truffle, Perfect Lips Pencil – nude, Advanced Hydration Day Cream, Intense Volume Mascara black.

6. 1 skein of fyberspates scrumptious hand dyed yarn.

7. 1 box of my favourite herbal tea whichever it maybe that week.

8. 200g of assorted other selected hand painted yarn, coloured sock yarn, pure wool etc. (Still to be decided)

This is open to all and everyone all that you need to do is leave a comment or suggestion and I will enter your name into the draw – which I or one of the little people will draw on Sunday, 11th April 2010. If you can mention my giveaway on your blog let me know and I will enter your name a second time into the draw.   If I don’t have your email address please check back after the 11th to see if you’ve won. Alternatively you can send your email address to thesunroomuk@googlemail.com so that I can let you know if you are a winner. Best of luck everyone.

If you wish to purchase some stitch markers you can do so by clicking http://www.folksy.com/shops/Thesunroom

Wooden Crochet Hook Holder Recycled.

How cool is this little crochet hook holder ? This is made from an old tree out of my garden and is wholly recycled. I’ve been after a natural aesthetically pleasing hook holder for a while now. Before this all my hooks were either crammed into a pot or still residing with various works in progress. I think this makes selecting a hook far easier as you are able to see and touch the hooks rather than tipping them all out to assess which one you wish to use.
Of course this could be used for various other craft equipment not just hooks. Paint brushes, scissors, pens & pencils, prodders for rug making etc. Anyway I think it’s great.
If you are interested in having one of these holders please feel free to email me to discuss requirements at thesunroomuk@googlemail.com Unfortunately I only have enough wood left to make about another 6 so you’ll need to be quick.

Mrs Modigliani Mix Up Doodle Zentangle

I know, I know, I know I need to get back to all things yarn and fibre but have been mightily distracted with doodling. Here’s my latest one.

I’ve got the Zentangle bug . . . . .

Zentangle 1.

Zentangle 2.

Zentangle 3.
WARNING: This is a truly addictive pastime don’t start if you aren’t ready for a new obsession.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2010 in Crochet.

Okay everyone I’ve been trying to think of various ways to celebrate International Women’s Day 2010. I had thought about giveaways etc but will be doing that next month as it’s my birthday then and it’s always more pleasurable to give than receive.

So to mark International Women’s Day 2010 I’ve decided to have a different type of giveaway a more spiritual and altruistic form of giving. I’m going to make all your wishes come true :-) All that you need to do is leave a comment, wish, dream, prayer or affirmation and choose a colour. I will then crochet a ribbon for your wish etc in the colour you have chosen. I will then add your ribbon to my clootie tree to blow in the wind I will be creating these ribbons throughout March.

You can find out about the history and meanings of a clootie tree here. 

 

The day is an official holiday in Afghanistan,^[5] Armenia,^[6] Azerbaijan,^[7] Belarus,^[8] Burkina Faso,^[9] Cambodia,^[10] China (for women only),^[11] Croatia,^{[citation needed]} Cuba,^{[citation needed]} Georgia, Guinea-Bissau,^[5] Eritrea,^[5] Kazakhstan,^[12] Kyrgyzstan, Laos,^[13] Madagascar (for women only),^[14] Moldova,^[15] Mongolia,^[16] Montenegro,^{[citation needed]}, Nepal (for women only),^[5], Russia,^[5] Serbia,^{[citation needed]} Tajikistan,^[5] Turkmenistan,^[5] Uganda,^[5] Ukraine,^[5] Uzbekistan,^[5] Vietnam,^{[citation needed]} and Zambia.^[17]

In some countries, such as Cameroon^[18] or Romania,^{[citation needed]} the day is not a public holiday, but is widely observed nonetheless.

On this day it is customary for men to give the women in their lives - mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues, etc - flowers and small gifts. In some countries (such as Romania) it is also observed as an equivalent of Mother's Day, where children also give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union celebrations of IWD were abandoned in Armenia. Instead April 7 was introduced as state holiday of ‘Beauty and Motherhood.’ The new holiday immediately got popular among Armenians, as it commemorates one of the main holidays of Armenian Church, Annunciation. However, people still kept celebrating IWD on March 8 as well. Public discussion held on the topic of two ‘Women’s Days’ in Armenia resulted in the recognition of the so called ‘Women’s Month’ which is the period between March 8 and April 7.

In Italy, to celebrate the day, men give yellow mimosas to women.^[19][20] Yellow mimosas and chocolate are also one of the most common March 8 presents in Russia and Albania.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Serbia the custom of giving women flowers still prevails. Women sometimes get gifts from their employers too. Schoolchildren often bring gifts for their teachers as well.

In countries like Portugal it is usual, at the night of 8 March, for groups of women celebrate in "women-only" dinners and parties.^{[citation needed]}

In India, IWD holds a lot of significance. Many celebrations are held during the day.

In Pakistan working women in formal and informal sectors celebrate International Women's Day every year to commemorate their ongoing struggle for due rights, despite facing many cultural and religious restrictions. Some women working for change in society use IWM to help the movement for women's rights. In Poland, for instance, every International Women's Day includes large feminist demonstrations in major cities.^[21]

In 1975, which had been designated as International Women’s Year, the United Nations gave official sanction to and began sponsoring International Women's Day.

The 2005 Congress (conference) of the British Trades Union Congress overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for IWD to be designated a public holiday in the United Kingdom.

Since 2005 International Women's Day has been celebrated in Montevideo, either on the principal street, 18 de Julio, or alternatively through one of its neighbourhoods. The event has attracted much publicity due to a group of female drummers, La Melaza, who have performed each year.^[22]

Today many events are held by women's groups around the world. The UK based Marketing company, Aurora hosts a free worldwide register of IWD local events^[23] so that women and the media can locate local activity. Many governments and organizations around the world support IWD.

There is a map of IWD events available at this location, for women's groups around the world.^[24]

Clootie Tree Update 8th March, 2010

I recently received some crocheted ribbons from Perry in MA, USA. Thank you Perry. Here are some updated photos of the tree.

The Tide Pool Project – Call For Entries.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: We are seeking submissions from textile and mixed-media artists from around the world to create a collaborative tide pool made up of textile stones, kelp, anemone, barnacles, octopi, crabs, shells and other related flora and fauna. Our goal is to create a textile tide pool that will bring awareness to the importance of our coastal waters and the delicate and critical balance they play in the health and future of our planet
Tide Pool Project Blog

030310 Yosolda Teague

Thank you Amanda at Eight By Six.

At the age of only 24, a self-taught Scot has become something of a rock star in the colourful world of knitting. Working from her flat in Edinburgh, amid beautifully composed arrangements of wool and buttons, Ysolda Teague cannot produce designs quickly enough for her fans to knit.

Her website receives 2,000 to 5,000 hits a day, as knitters log on to buy her clever, accessible patterns for hats, retro cardigans, mittens and soft toys. Her two books, self-designed and self-published, are selling so well that she can’t keep pace on her own.

In North America, where knitting is a multimillion-dollar online industry, Ms Teague gets celebrity treatment — and she has the income to match. Fans recognise her in the street and her female followers, who range from teenagers to pensioners, endure five-hour round trips to see her at one of the many conventions she attends.

“It is a little weird. These people know me but I don’t know them. It’s such a huge online community, but people are so friendly to me,” she said. “What’s strange is that I work at home and it’s just me. I haven’t changed.”

Related Links

• How knitting became trendy again

• The tangled history of knitting

She spent three months touring conventions in the US last spring and returned in the autumn. Soon she will leave for Ohio, the venue for one of the knitting world’s biggest trade fairs.

The fame and prosperity started by accident, in the lecture halls of the University of Edinburgh. Ms Teague, an English literature student, realised that she absorbed information better if she was doing something with her hands rather than taking notes. So she began to knit in lectures and found she could recall everything. “Everyone in my family knitted,” she said. “My mother is a Highlander, who grew up outside Fort William and moved to Edinburgh to go to art college. I learnt to knit when I was 6, but I didn’t want to study anything crafty.

“While I was knitting at university I wasn’t following patterns because I couldn’t afford them, but I started posting pictures of things I had made. People wanted to know how to make them, and I had to do the pattern.”

She made her breakthrough at 19 with her first proper pattern — a lace cardigan in a fine yarn, inspired by a 1940s design, using wool she had inherited from her grandfather. One of the biggest knitting websites paid her $80 and asked about her website — so she had to set one up.

“Then I noticed two or three designers were selling their own patterns, and it seemed very simple. I sold my first design for £2 or £3.” she said. “Over the last two years at university I made £50 to £100 a month from knitting. My parents were horrified when I said I wasn’t going to get a proper job.”

She saw the growth of traffic on her website and decided to try to make a living from knitting, teaching herself techniques from books from the 1940s and 1950s bought at church sales.

“I gave myself six months to make the equivalent of the annual minimum wage. That was my goal. It took six weeks. My mum now works packaging up my books and mailing them.”

Business is now booming. Her patterns cost between £2 and £4 and she sells several thousand a month — or, if she brings out a new design, a few thousand in a day. “It had got to the point where I could either run the business or design things,” she said. “I have sold patterns to Africa; I get blog traffic from Iran. The main markets, though, are the US, Britain, Canada, Scandinavia, Europe and Australia.”

She raised £15,500 for Haiti in two weeks and her focus is now on her next big challenge — designing her first dress. Her fans, no doubt, have their needles and credit cards poised.

Times Online 27th February, 2010