It's been a while....

Hi all,

yes, it certainly has been a while since I last blogged, sorry. As I logged in for the first time, in a VERY long time I discovered a post I had started in October of last year (posted, incomplete, below). 

Being poorly really can get in the way of my making and blogging :( As far as my health is concerned, I am back and forth to the hospital as usual but now have a new gastro team in Manchester. Yes, a bit of a trek for me (minimum of 2 1/2 hour each way) but I am hopeful that they can help.

On the crafting front - I've continued to make and design things since I last spoke to you all. I managed to keep my promise to make all of the birthday gifts for my nieces and nephews last year and am continuing to make gifts for my youngest nieces and nephews this year.

Here's a pic of just a couple of things I've made: 

In other news...

Say hello to Buster 

Here is a picture of my lovely puppy, Buster, on the day we brought him home. He was just 9 weeks old when we got him from the rescue shelter. He has filled my life with so much happiness and fun over the past 6 months. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this little man. 

You'll notice that he has grown some what since we got him.................

Buster and I posing in the sun 

'It's very tiring being this cute' 

Be prepared for lots more news on Buster and his adventures :)

For now I shall head back to my knitting bag and continue with a baby blanket I'm currently making (see below). My husband is in bed at the moment after a night shift so I'm going to take Buster for a little walk soon and then make myself a well earned brew. 

Speak to you all very soon xx

Post from last October.........

Hello from me 

Hi everyone!

Yes, I know I've not been very chatty recently, but I have good reason..... as you will all be aware, I've been a poorly sick lady and, unfortunately, this has prevented me from keeping up to date with my blog. All of that aside, I wanted to stop by and say hello and let you know what I've been up to recently.....

Crafty projects.......

At the beginning of the year I made a promise to myself that I would make all of this year's presents for my nephews and nieces. I have six in total, with one niece (Nancy) being born just a few months ago. Their ages vary from newborn to 11 so I've had to plan gifts that suit their age range and, for a soon to be teenager, their lifestyle.

The younger ones were pretty easy to plan for - soft toys, clothes, bunting, etc. My eldest nephew, George, will be 12 at the end of the month. I want to make him something that he'll not only like but be proud to wear in front of his friends. This year's must have accessory for the teenage boy appears to be the slouchy hat. I found a great pattern online (cocoknits) and have just made a start on it. 

Here's a sneaky peek......

A blog milestone and a new knitting project.

A bit of a milestone....

As I logged into my blogger page I realised that I'm almost at 5000 blog views.....yes, 5000! I'm so pleased that people are reading my little blog and I hope you're enjoying it. I often wonder who reads my blog? I'd love to hear from you and get some feedback. What do you like most about my blog? Is there anything else you would encourage me to add?

Come on, don't be shy :)

What I've been up to....

Over the last few weeks I've continued to wait for my next hospital appointment to come through and have been trying to find ways of distracting myself from ill health and treatment (or lack thereof). I'm really lucky to have some fab people around me who are constantly introducing me to new things and trying to keep my spirits up. I've been introduced to some interesting alternative therapies and have even tried a few of them out. One of my most favourite ways to relax though is by listening to music and, if I have the energy, with a bit of knitting.

My latest knitting project is one especially for me. I love to knit for others but thought I would treat myself to something new for the summer. I was lucky enough to be sent some complimentary knitting goodies from the awesome people over at Kollabora. With the grey cotton yarn and 5mm circular needles I had everything I needed to make this gorgeous vest - perfect for warm, sunny days or even layered over a t-shirt/long sleeved top when it gets a bit chilly.


Here's a sneak peek of where I'm up to...........

Not the best picture but gives you an idea of where I'm at so far :)

This evening, I shall mostly be spending some quality time with my knitting whilst my husband enjoys an evening out with his work colleagues.

I'm off to pop the kettle on, put my feet up and watch exactly what I want on the TV.......bliss!

Happy weekend everyone,

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

A new project.....or two!

HELLO LOVELY FOLLOWERS!

Sorry, felt I had to shout then :) I have to apologise for being so quiet recently. I've been struggling to find quality time to spend on my blog whilst participating in a photo shoot of my creations, climbing big rocks, being an awesome wife (bear with me!) and trying to keep on top of marking and lesson planning.....oh, and not forgetting sleep!

The 'photo shoot' (trying to make it sound sooooo glamourous) consisted of me posing with my many makes out and about in the fells. My friend (who is an brilliant photographer) has had lots of fun making me pose and look longingly into the distance whilst sporting my chunky knits and jewellery. Lots of fun but a little strange for someone like me who's used to jumping around and wearing outdoor clothes covered in climbing chalk. It was fun none the less.....photos to follow as soon as I've got them all! :)


Now.....my latest project.......

I've decided to spoil myself. Yes, that's right....ME! :) I love making and creating things for other people, especially when making gifts for loved ones, however, this time round I'm going to focus on something for me. Inspired by my new favourite blog Hot pockets of delight (http://www.hotpocketofdelight.com) I'm goign to make myself a gorgeous jumper for the winter months. I'm thinking cable knit, chunky and blue (I bought some beautiful aran yarn some months back and haven't used it yet).

If you've got any ideas or tips, please feel free to leave comments below. I shall be deciding on a pattern in the next week and posting the design as well as regular updates on my chosen project.




Hope you're keeping well...? I'm just on my lunch break so best log off and get ready for this afternoon.


Much love and craftiness,

KnittyNora xxxx

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

Still searching for treasure....

Hi all! Just a quick update......


I've been busy climbing, crafting and attending a wedding over the past week....keep posted for photographic evidence!

My little craft room is full of fabric, yarn and buttons. So many ideas for creations but just never enough hours in the day :) I'm busy creating some more jewellery for my Etsy store at the moment. Knitted jewellery has become a bit of an obsession of late. It's so cosy and comfy to wear and has gained many admirers (always nice).


The sun is shining (at the mo) so I'm getting ready to do some more climbing..... pics of which will follow.

Here's where I went scrambling on Tuesday....anyone know where this is?! :)

KnittyNora xxx