Spring cleaning my craft room

Oh, I do love a good spring clean.

Making the most of some help from my husband, I've been reorganising of my little house. After some much needed storage was added to our livingroom, we began making our way through the clutter in our spare room (also known as my craft room). We moved into our house 5 years ago and, during this time, a lot has happened. What remains are boxes full of teaching resources, books we no longer read and a collection of random odds and ends that we have no use for. Cue a major declutter of shelves and cupboards, a trip to the tip and a rather generous donation to our local charity shops.

Whilst I had to leave the heavy lifting to P, I was able to dust and clean the shelves before putting back a much reduced and reorganised book collection. I'm finally able to put my boxes full of yarn on the shelves and love how clear and organised everything is.

We still have a few bits to organise and spare furniture to dismantle before putting in the loft, but it feels like we're on our way to having the room finished.....finally!

My ever growing collection of Mollie Makes magazine
(in numerical order... obviously ! 😃)

Just a couple of crochet books so far

A few of my knitting books.....yet to be put into some kind of order 😃

I'm currently trying to make up my mind about a very important purchase......a new sewing machine! I've narrowed it down to the Singer Confidence range (after seeing some good reviews and because I'm going to use my Tesco vouchers to purchase it). I was originally looking at the 7465 but since this is currently out of stock, I've been looking at the 7470. It comes with some great features but I'm still not sure which to get. Do I wait for the more basic version or go for the upgrade which should then last me a very long time as I develop my sewing repertoire....?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Have any of you ever used or owned either of the Singer Confidence models? Any tips?

Wishing you all a lovely Sunday and hoping that, wherever you may be, you get to enjoy a little sunshine.

Best wishes

KnittyNora xx

Hello Spring!

I'm very glad to say that the sun has actually been shining in my garden......yes, it occasionally makes an appearance up North :)  This has given me the perfect excuse to get out into the sunshine and to be inspired by the colours and scenic changes that happen as Spring arrives.

Not strictly 'my garden' but a view I am very lucky to enjoy :)

I really do love seeing the first Spring lambs and all the energy and life they have. It never fails to put a smile on my face. I'm very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country.

What have I been up to?

On the making front, I've been continuing with some baby makes for my sister's little one (due at the end of June). I know my sister loves vintage style clothing and is specifically researching 'old fashioned' baby names - Millicent, Ada, .....the list goes on :) I'm sure she'd be grateful if any of you fancied posting some names suggestions below. I've sent her a few. The chosen name will only be revealed on the day the baby is born.

Here's a little picture of the vintage inspired cardigan I'm making for the little one.

Almost finished!

Making mission

I made a plan this year to make all the gifts I give to my nieces and nephews and thought - why not extend this to everyone I give gifts to? With that in mind, I've been busy researching patterns and gift ideas for friends and family. It's a very special friend's birthday soon and I'm hoping I can make something equally as special for her....... she'll also be able to read this .......no pressure! :)


I'd love to hear what you lovely people have been up and to and if you have any projects in mind. It's so much easier to think about making and creating when the weather brightens up.

Until next blog, take care :)

Best wishes,

KnittyNora xx



*All pictures included on this blog are property of Allyouneediscraft and KnittyNora. Please seek permission if you wish to use any of them.

Boungiorno! Come stai?

Ciao!

.........don't worry, you haven't clicked on the wrong blog..........I'm just practising my Italian :)

Given that I'm off work for the time being I thought I should use the time wisely and productively. Yes, I always have my crafty creations to keep me busy but I wanted to learn something new and exciting. For me, that is a new language. Now, many years ago I used to sing in many different languages (when you're a classically trained singer you kind of have to) but I never really learnt a language properly, or well enough to hold a proper conversation......besides from a bit of French and German at school. I've always loved Italy and the Italian language, so..............here goes......wish me luck! :)

Can anyone recommend any resources for learning languages?

I'm currently using a combination of BBC CD/book combo, a phrase book and an Italian dictionary.

On the craft front

Well, it wouldn't be an All You Need Is Craft blog post without a little bit about my crafty makes.....

I'm finding knitting in this weather rather difficult......never thought I'd say that! However, I'm trying to persevere with the cable knit cushion I'm making for a friend. I've also been sent some lovely cotton yarn from Kollabora which should make a lovely vest style top for the Summer months.

Just the right colour for me too! :)

And here's what I managed to make with some scraps of material and a few other bits and bobs I had lying around...................

Flower power brooch

Pop over to my Facebook page for a few more pics and further details: All you need is craft Facebook page

Out and about in the sun

Watching the fishing boats...........

.........checking the nets for a catch

When I'm not making, creating and trying to learn Italian, I've been trying to get out in the sunshine. A few days ago my husband took me to one of our favourite beach spots. It's completely shut off from anywhere else which means that it is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic and a nap (yes, I did say nap!). It's also a popular climbing spot, so whilst my husband climbed some boulders I took the time to lie in the shade, watch the fishing boats and have a lazy, sunny afternoon snooze.........perfect! 

Hope you've all been enjoying the weather, wherever you are :)

Ciao!
KnittyNora xxxxx

Hello again, lovely followers :)

Well, it's been a while! As some of you may have gathered from my Facebook page, I've been rather poorly for the past few months. After many a stay in hospital and a small operation, I am currently recovering at home. Unfortunately, this means that I have more than neglected my blog, Facebook page and crafting in general. Thanks to some very lovely friends, however, I have been able to read about other people's crafty journeys through the medium of beautiful crafting magazines.


When I've had the energy, it's been lovely to have a look at what everyone is making and have been introduced to the delights of Craftseller magazine. With pages full of tips for setting up your own craft business, beautiful (and free!) patterns and lovely stories from those readers who have taken the plunge and started their own crafty business it's sure to cheer up your day. If you haven't come across this magazine before you can find the website here: http://www.craft-seller.com/



Yesterday my husband took me for a short drive to get some fresh air and to enjoy the sunshine. Here are a couple of pics of what we saw.............

Beautiful sunny view at low tide

Spring lambs that were ever so friendly

Leaping rabbit!

And a much calmer relative of his :)

For now I am relaxing to some music from a couple of my favourite artists; Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Joni Mitchell, and enjoying a couple of new knitting books I have been gifted recently. I look forward to  making again soon, I hope!


Best wishes to all of my lovely readers and followers. I hope that you've all had a taste of the recent sunshine. It really does cheer you up and makes you feel like spring is (nearly) here :)

KnittyNora xx

Garden creations and rainy day makes

With a little bit of sunshine and some old cotton tees you can create magic!

Love heart design drying in the garden - post wash

Newly painted peace symbol

Fresh from the machine and hanging on the line

I love designing my own clothes. These t-shirts are easy to make and you can make up your own designs as you go along. With a little creativity you can create vintage inspired clothing from old bits of clothing hanging around the house.


Alas, the sunshine does not last long up North and therefore my creative journey made it's way back indoors...........add some yarn and let your imagination go wild.

Thoughts of keeping warm and cosy were in mind when I created these....and a little bit of Minnie the minx.

Dennis the Menace inspired wrist warmers

Turquoise fingerless gloves

Stayed tuned for my necklace that was transformed into a belt................


KnittyNora xxx

Crotchet = new hobby!

I have another new hobby - crotcheting. Since first picking up a pair of knitting needles two years ago I have some how managed to avoid learning to crotchet. Well, that was up until recently when a pattern I was following advised a crotchet edging on a neckline. I'd never even tried to crotchet before and didn't even have a crotchet needle(!). Thanks to my favourite Oxfam shop the latter issue was resolved. I now had no excuse....well, apart from not knowing how to crotchet. Thanks to my lovely, crafty friend Emma (of Emma and Emmie fame - http://emmieandemmaathome.blogspot.co.uk/) and some very helpful tips from my Stitch and Bitch book, I finally started crotcheting this weekend. I've had lots of fun making it up as I go along and now have lots more ideas for my jewellery range.

I'll upload some pics later of the brooch design I've created.....very usual - just the way I like it! :)

Enjoy the sunshine - don't forget your suncream!

KnittyNora xxxxxx

P.s. I've also been busy scrambling up mountains this weekend. Stay tuned for more details.....

I LOVE the sunshine!

Well, if you hadn't guessed....I'm a little excited that the sun is shining. It never fails to put a smile on my face.

After finishing work yesterday I headed over to a local climbing spot. We were the only people there (apart from one man doing some bouldering for an hour or so). It was fantastic. Me, the husband and lots of lovely routes to climb. We were able to watch the sunset over the Isle of Man (it was that clear!) as we finished our last climb - bliss!

When the sun is shining it makes you feel that little lighter and just a little more hopeful. Now that the warm weather has arrived my knitting is focused on jewellery....and lots of it! After many positive comments about my knitted rings and torque necklace, I feel inspired to create some more of my own patterns and continue to develop my range of quirky jewellery and accessories.  Watch this space!


Now...I've seen another blog that lists the songs stuck in their head or on their hi-fi (ipod, cd player, vinyl...etc, etc). I think it's a fab idea. So, here is mine:

Hollow talk by Choir of young believers. Beautiful song. I discovered this thanks to the Scandinavian series 'Bron | Broen' (or 'The Bridge').

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy7yuj-UrNI

Have a lovely day!

KnittyNora xxxx

The Ullock Scarecrow festival

After much planning and fretting the Ullock Scarecrow festival came ..... and went. The two days absolutely flew by. Lots of lovely people came along and had a good look at the crafty creations of the local artists and makers on display. Some people even sampled my gluten and wheat free cakes! :)


Here are some pictures of my first ever craft stall:

Knitted jewellery, baby hoodie and my homemade packaging

A lovely ray of sunshine highlights the baby section

After the doors of the village hall closed for the evening I managed to take a look at some of the fantastic scarecrows on display.

I can't wait to see what they come up with next year! :)

KnittyNora xxxxx

P.s. Keep posted for info on my latest designs and creations..........coming soon!  

Rain, rain go away....

What a miserable day?! After a week of glorious sunshine I have awoken to lots of rain this morning. Although this means no BBQ for me today, I'm sure my garden is very grateful for the drink.

My husband and I have been busy planting lots of lovely things in our garden. It has been a blank canvas for a year and a half as we settled into our new home and were busy out and about, exploring the beautiful countryside. This year we have decided to give our little patch of green some much deserved TLC and have started with some beautiful young trees and Rhododendrons. I've also purchased some fruit bushes to plant - blueberry and raspberry! Perfect for making jam and for decorating homemade cakes. Hidden under the compost are some herbs I planted a week or so ago and some sunflower seeds (left over from my Wedding a year and a half ago). I really hope they grow! I'll be sure to post some photos of our progress soon.

On a crafty note, I'm currently making some soft toys for my new nephew, George. He was born two and a half weeks ago and he is just beautiful. Both baby and mummy are doing well and this auntie is delighted to be able to shower little George with lots of homemade gifts. He has already received his first little knitted cardie and booties (see pics below - left: baby elephant teddy and right: George's first hand knitted Cardie and booties)

This half-term (once the planning and marking is done) I plan to spend lots of time outside enjoying the beautiful countryside and mountains that surround me. I've been out this weekend and feel so lucky to have such beauty on my doorstep. Climbing, walking and crafting.......what a way to spend a half-term :)

Lots of love and crafty hugs,

Knittynora xxx


P.s. All photos are my own. Please ask for permission before using these elsewhere. xx

(Outdoor pics - top left: climbing Red Pike, bottom left: some scrambling on Middle Fell - Iron Crag)

Thank goodness for the sunshine!

After a busy and stressful couple of weeks I am glad to see the sun shining. It manages to lift your mood and make you feel just that bit lighter.

I haven't 'blogged' in a week or so. I've had the flu, which still seems to be hanging around, and lots of things going on at work. With the Easter holidays approaching, I am looking forward to some well deserved me time and the opportunity to get out in the hills and enjoy some walking and rock climbing. 

With the sun shining I'm turning to lighter weight wools and beginning to think about the presents I can make for people with birthdays in the colder months and, yes,........ Christmas! It's a way off yet, thank goodness, but I like to be organised and hate to put down my knitting needles just because it's warm outside. The weather has got me thinking about knitting in the great outdoors. I do a lot of outdoor activities and can think of nothing better than sitting upon a hill, with magnificent views, indulging in my favourite hobbies - knitting and walking. I'd love to hear about your favourite places to knit/craft.....?! :)

Best wishes to you all. Enjoy the weather, whilst it lasts :)

Knittynora xxx

P.s. I am pleased to report that my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby boy just over a week and a half ago. His name is George, and he is just gorgeous! I'm so happy to be wrapping the little treats I knitted for him during my sister's pregnancy and cannot wait to see him wearing his funky little booties and hand knitted cardigan.