Well, hello there!

Over the last few weeks I've been trying to keep myself busy with lots of crafty projects. Since I'm not able to climb or go out walking I've had to find lots of other things to keep me busy..........

Project one: Cable knit cushion

Here is a little look at the cable knit cushion I've been working on....

Triple cable 

Up close

I've made this from a pattern I designed myself. This can be tricky but it also allows you to amend and tailor the pattern as you go along, which is great.

If anyone would like the pattern details once I've finished please get in touch......

I've made up quite a few of my own patterns and would love to know if people would like me to share them.

Project two: Make do and mend.....continued.

And so, another pair of cords get a make over.

Here they are before:

Plain old cords

and here they are after I went a bit crazy with them :)

My (almost finished) dungarees

What do you think? 

Project three: What to do with all this fabric?

A selection of my new fabrics

A nice little close up

And so.....what does a girl do with all this fabric (and a few more pieces stashed away!)?!

I'm thinking a couple of new skirts and possibly a dress....... what do you think?


I'm off to play with my sewing machine......pop back soon for a peek at my complete cushion and perhaps a peek at something new :)

Best wishes,
KnittyNora xx

Summer crafting

Sun, sun, sun! It's everywhere!

I LOVE a bit of sunshine, especially when I've got nothing else to do but relax in my little garden and eat ice cream......and not forgetting a bit of alfresco crafting. As you will have seen from a previous post, I have been busy altering some old clothes into new, summer friendly outfits.


Here is a picture of my finished skirt............I'm actually quite proud of this :)

The finished article

As modelled by me

As well as being on a 'mend and make do' mission, I've also been creating some new knitting patterns. I really enjoy making up my own patterns. They can take a while to work out and I sometimes have to make adjustments (as I change my mind about the finished item) but find the whole activity really fulfilling. There's nothing quite like receiving compliments on an item you've designed and created yourself.

Here is a little something I've been working on....................

A work in progress......... cable knit cushion

Have any of you ever designed and created your own crafty creations? I'd love to hear about them and/or see some pics :)



Lots of love,

KnittyNora xx

As time goes by..........

And so......another month has gone by since my last post. Unfortunately this is because of poor health rather my being too busy to post :(

Another trip to the specialist resulted with me spending another week in hospital...... I think I may need to start another blog for just my hospital visits! :) Thankfully, it seems that they may be closer to solving my health issues since the new team I've seen seem to know what's wrong......somewhat of a relief!

With feeling poorly much of the time I haven't had much energy for making. I have, however, done my very best to fit in some making when I can. This has mainly taken the shape of some baby bits and bobs for my friends who have recently had their first child. He is so sweet. I really love making things for other people.


Here is a little snap of one of the items:

Super cute little baby hat

With the weather changing here and there I've been making the most of sunny days by sitting in the garden and getting some help from my husband to plant some seeds and new plants. He is great at carrying pots and compost and I have the patience to sit and watch the plants grow....perfect combo :)
(I posted some pics of my plants in my last post....)

Unfortunately, some very naughty slugs and snails have decided that my little plants are so tasty they have decided to eat most of them :(

Anyone got any tips for keeping my veggies safe??!!



Speaking of projects....

Here's what I did with an old pair of cord trousers that were too big......

Cutting off the legs.........

Opening and restitching the seams around the bottom area

As you can see, I've chopped them up and made a low waisted skirt. Perfect for any season and great with a chunky belt. Just need to finish the hem :)

Not much to do now......

and so........off I go to pin the hem of my new skirt.....

hope you're all enjoying the sunshine :)

KnittyNora xx



P.s. The hat was made using a pattern from Debbie Bliss's 'The knitter's year'. The pattern is called 'Striped baby hat'.

A birthday, some new toys and a little inspiration.

Goodness me, it's been over two weeks since my last post.......... Ooops!

As many of you may already know, I have been rather poorly over the last few months and still have to juggle the good days (when pain is low) and the bad days (when all I can do is sleep). Since I'm unable to work at the moment I have been making the most of my time by reading craft blogs and seeking out inspiration from other makers and some beautiful new books I have recently acquired.


Yesterday was my birthday - happy birthday me!

I'm absolutely rubbish at asking for things so this year my husband got me to save weblinks to anything I liked in a special folder on the computer so that he knew what to get and could help friends and family decide what to get me too - GREAT idea! I don't feel awkward for asking and I know that people will be able to get me something that means a lot to me - in my case that's knitting books!

This year I also added a sewing machine to the list and a fantastic sewing book that I came across thanks to Kollabora (I LOVE that site). I didn't want anything too fancy since I am basically a beginner.

My tick list consisted of these main points:

• Cheap
• Suitable for a beginner - easy to use!
• Fairly lightweight so that I can move it on my own. 
• Basic range of stitches covered.

Thanks to my husband and Beldray, we found just that.......................

As a little treat on my birthday my husband took me to a fabric shop so that I could find some delicious fabric for my first official make on the new sewing machine. I found some beautiful material on sale - £5 a metre!

To start though, I thought I'd start with some fabric my husband's great aunt (Auntie Pat) gave me to play with.........so that I could practice my stitches and measuring skills :)

Pinning my seams

Beautiful floral fabric from Auntie Pat

Neat little side seam

Here is a link to the skirt I'm going to make:


http://www.kollabora.com/community/sewing/projects/one-hour-skirt

I'm so glad to have my hobby to keep me company whilst I'm at home. I'd love to hear if any of you have a new projects on the go.....??


I'll be back soon with some updates on the skirt :)

Love and best,
KnittyNora xx