Adventures of the crafty kind.

Hello, it's me again! 

So, by now you'll probably be used to the fact that my posts have become rather...... well, sporadic. Due, in most part, to my complete lack of energy. This can be very frustrating at times. Most recently, I've been thinking about my blog and the content that I post. For a long time I have be wary of posting too much about my health issues because I'm not someone who likes to share for sharing's sake. I'm also not very good with sympathy... :/

Some months ago I met and made friends with the loveliest lady. She has become something of an inspiration to me and is always so encouraging of my crafty plans and projects. We regularly meet for a natter, a chai tea and to share pattern ideas and inspirations. I always leave feeling uplifted and full of confidence that the things I make are 'good enough' and well made. More about this in future posts...

For the past couple of months I have had to rest and take extra special care of myself. During this time I have been making and creating when I can. My crochet skills have continued to develop and I am really pleased with my new found skills. I have become something of a convert to crocheting. I still love a bit of knitting but have to admit that crocheting is a lot quicker and easier to transport around (very important when you're travelling to and from hospital appointments).

Below are some pictures of my most recent makes. As you will see, most are crochet projects and home furnishings.

Mossa stitch cushion cover against our new charcoal sofa

Mossa stitch in the great outdoors

My very own granny square cushion design
(This will sit alongside the Mossa cushion on the sofa)

An extra special gift for a very special lady

Here, at KnittyNora HQ, we are in the middle of some redecorating/re-imagining of our home. We have lived in our little house for 5 1/2 years now and the signs of wear and tear are becoming very obvious. Cue lots of online research for design ideas and the purchase of a few litres of paint. Thankfully, my husband has been on hand to help out and has been busy putting together shelving units (got to love IKEA!) and has made a start on the painting. It gets very frustrating that I'm unable to help with much of this work but for now I am focusing on the positives and keeping my hands busy with some crochet accessories to finish off the final look.

I shall sign off with a photo of my beautiful pooch, Buster (seen here showing off a crochet bandana I made for him). This gorgeous boy never fails to put a smile on my face 😘

Until next time, much love and best wishes,

KnittyNora xx

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......

Here's what I've been up to.......

Hi all,

thought I'd check in with a quick update and let you know what I've been up to.

It's a girl!

So, after finding out that my sister's imminent arrival is going to be a girl I've been on a mission to find beautiful girlie wool and some lovely vintage inspired patterns. 

Here's what I've been making so far.........

I'm using a pattern that I used for the cardigan I made my best friend's baby a few months ago. I managed to find this peach wool which I think really suits the project. 

Making gifts for my little nephew

My youngest nephew is going to be two in just under two weeks. He loves his cuddly toys and I love making home made gifts for him. Thanks to the array of wonderful patterns to be found online, I came across a pattern for a Herdwick sheep. 

Here are all the parts knitted.....

Cable knit body, four legs, two part head, two ears and a cable knit tail

.....You'll be able to find pictures of the finished Herdy (once he's been filled with some toddler friendly toy stuffing) over on my Facebook page.

Old rope for a new rug

Thanks to some inspiration from a fellow maker on Kollabora, I've got big plans for this old climbing rope. I don't like waste and I certainly don't like letting my climbing ropes end up in the bin. 

Stay tuned to see what I do to this little beauty :)

.........and last but not least - Shaker peg rails

Whilst I'm talking climbing rope I thought I'd tell you about my plans for creating a Shaker style peg rail for my other climbing ropes - my husband and I have many!

I love the shaker style pegs - simple and elegant. I'm planning to make one of my own, sourcing pegs the right size and weight to hold several heavy ropes. I'm also going to source a piece of wood for the rail that will add some character to the display. A friend of mine (who turns out to be a bit of an amateur carpenter) has offered me the use of his wood work tools. Along with my GCSE in Resistant materials (woodwork to me), I'm hoping to create something extra special for my much loved climbing gear. 

I'd love to hear what you're all up to this weekend and if you've got any crafty projects on the go. Feel free to leave your comments below.

Best wishes,

KnittyNora xx

Psst.......did you know that my psychedelic sweater was selected for a Kollabora collection. Find it here 

A little hello from me

Hi all!

I've been a bit busy recently with returning to work and trying to adjust to new routines.
Fear not, I have managed to fit in a bit of crafting when I've been able to grab some me time.

I'm currently enjoying my lunch break and preparing myself for the pile of work I have to get through before home time........

....... in the meantime, here's a little sneak peek at what I've been up to.................


I've mostly been making:

• Cosy slippers as gifts for family
• A funky pompom adorned hat for a close friend's birthday
• Messing around with gardening wire and i-cord to create a project inspired by something I saw in Mollie Makes.

I'll be back later to show off some pics :)

Hope you're all having a good day.

KnittyNora xx

Slowly but surely......

Hello lovely readers! It sure has been a while.....a very long while.

I'm pleased to say that I am now resting up at home after having an operation two and a half weeks ago. Over the past few days I've managed to pick up my knitting needles again and have made a start on some Christmas gifts. Think cosy, warm slippers and snoods.....yum!

Here are a couple of pics, especially for you:

My very happy feet and slipper socks

Using a multi colour wool created a lovely multi tonal design 

I've also made these in a couple of other colours, ready to be wrapped up for Christmas and given to their new owners :)

I'm also making some baby clothes for a special friend who is about to become a mummy for the first time. I love making baby items and especially love making things for people I love. 

Hope you're all keeping well. Pop back soon for a sneak peek at some of my other new makes.

KnittyNora xx

Latest creations and a quick 'hello!'

So, hello!

I've had a few days away from my blog. School is keeping me BUSY!

I thought I'd pop by and share a few pictures of my latest creations. Whilst I may be busy with work I can always make time for a bit of knitting (well, for the time being at least).

Here is my lovely new beret (which has already had an outing in the school playground - it's been very wet and cold).

Beret with flower accessory 

I love this colour!

I've also had some fun making some new rings. I managed to stumble across a cute bow pattern and couldn't resist creating a couple of knitted rings. The kids at school love them and I've already had some requests for some for Christmas gifts.

Very chuffed with my latest creation

I'm busy making some baby items for a couple of ladies who are due to give birth very soon. I'm also working on a cushion design for a commission....news and info about that to follow soon(ish)!

Hope you're all having a good week.

KnittyNora xxx