Looking on the bright side.

The last year has been a rather busy and testing time for me. Due to ill health, I am currently unable to go to work and have been making regular trips to see my GP and consultant at the hospital. Being a person who is normally running around in the mountains and climbing things, I've found this rather difficult. However, I'd like to think of myself as an optimistic person and therefore have pledged to use this time, whilst taking it easy at home, to consider those things that are most important to me and to look forward to the many new adventures this year has to offer.

Home improvements

After watching the Great Interior Design Challenge on BBC2 I have been inspired to start adding some personality to my home. I'm planning to start simple - cushions, throws, etc, but would love to do a bit of decorating and inject a bit of colour to the place (once I'm well enough). My home is jam packed with outdoor gear and I would love to make more of a feature of this rather than just trying to hide it away in cupboards. My husband and I are both musicians too. His guitars have finally made it onto the walls but now I want more :)

Babies, babies, babies........

This year my sister will have her second baby. Her next scan is due on Valentine's day. She's planning to find out the sex of the baby this time which means I will get the chance to go out and buy some girl or boy specific yarn. Last time round I opted for safe white and lemon. This little hat (above) was one of the first gifts I gave my new little nephew. He's now nearly two and has a lot of handmade gifts from his favourite auntie :)

My best friend will also be planning her baby's christening for this summer which means finding a lovely outfit for me.....I may even try and make one if I'm feeling really brave! And of course, I'll have to make the little one something special to mark the occasion.

Developing All you need is craft

Whilst I have this time on my hands, I'd like to develop the range of things I create. A few people have asked me whether I sell the things I make. The answer - no. I would love to but with a full-time job I've had little time to focus on creating my own little business. I would love to increase my audience and know that there are people out there wearing something I have made.

If any of you have any experience of making and selling/setting up a small business I would love to hear your thoughts. I'm sure my other readers would also enjoy some of your words of wisdom.

A treat for you

If you pop over to my Facebook page you'll find a great little offer, especially for my followers/likers, from Pepper Ink. They make a fabulous range of temporary tattoos, including some new, craft inspired ones. 

You can find the offer here: All you need is craft

Wishing you all a good week,

KnittyNora xx

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

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'.

Hello and goodbye to Scotland, lovely new purchases and back to the real world........

Well, half-term has been and gone. In a flash my week in Scotland was over.....but what a fantastic time we had!

I absolutely adore Scotland. The beauty, isolation and peacefulness of the west coast is like something from Lord of the Rings (minus the nasty monsters). I love wrapping up in my winter kit and heading out into the mountains. During this trip I managed to find some time to walk alone. I love walking with my other half but this was quite a rare and welcome change. Walking alone down into the valley (that I'd earlier walked/climbed up with my husband and a friend) was something quite special. In the silence I could clearly hear the running water of the half melted falls and the sound of the ice and snow cracking and crunching underfoot. It was one of those moments when you just have to stop and and take in the beauty around you. In that moment I felt very lucky to be able to enjoy such an experience.

Below are some pics to give you a taste of what I got up to.......

Beautiful day for a walk in Scotland

Scrambling up some very icy rocks

Reaching the plateau - taking in the view of the climb ahead

and what better way of testing my makes............????
 

Checking out the lower falls of Falls of Steall in multi-colour, multi-purpose snood

Of course, we had to have at least one rest day :) Off to Oban we went...........and I found not one but TWO lovely wool stores to mooch around. Purchases were made...... some new 10mm knitting needles, a beautiful hat for me (it even has bells!) and some knitted wrist warmers for an impatient husband :)

Back to work today for me......which means less time on the fells. Thankfully the nights are getting lighter which allows some cheeky trips out after school to make the most of the lovely weather we appear to be having here this week.

Love to hear from some of you soon....... 

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

Autumn is here!

Well, well....that was summer, was it?

Now, I don't want to get into a whole post about how pants the weather is up North but would just like to point out that I think the summer forgot the North this year :)

With the arrival of Autumn, I'm in full knitting mode. Any excuse to pick up my knitting needles is good enough for me! You certainly get a few funny looks knitting during the summer months but with the cooler weather setting in it suddenly becomes 'ok' to sit in a coffee shop with all your knitting paraphernalia :)

During a recent trip to Carlisle I picked up some delicious new yarn in a gorgeous green colour and a new cable needle (I LOVE cable knit!). The first thing I used my new yarn for was a cute little lace effect beret. It's so light and soft. Perfect for the beginning of Autumn when your don't want chunky knits that are too warm. Pictures to follow......

I've also been busy making some accessories for the new school term including a 'string' bag, perfect for carrying my lunch.

String bag

And a new black snood, perfect for the chilly mornings.

And a cute little hat for my nephew.....

Ever so sweet baby hat

I'm just about to begin a new scarf with pockets....because we all need pockets! :)

And with the cooler weather I have the perfect excuse to start cooking big, old fashioned style stews. Today I'll think I may even cook a roast (not something we get round to when we're out climbing hills). A day at home with the husband relaxing and watching films is exactly what I need the day before I go back to work after the summer holidays.

Much love and crafty well wishes,

KnittyNora xxxx

p.s. here's a sneaky peek at the pizza I made last week. After much searching and experimentation, I've finally found a gluten-free recipe that works! Yummy... :)