Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Cushion or strapless top?........you decide

Here's a little something that I started on recently. It's a pattern I've created myself and therefore leaves lots of room for alteration and experimentation - my favourite!

A few cheeky snaps:


Simple cable detail

Hmmmmm.....what should it be?


Well.......it began as a cushion but I have to admit that I am very tempted to turn this little number into a strapless top for moi too :) Although.....could be both! A perfect excuse to go out shopping for more yarn.
Old skool sexy back sweater


I'm pleased to report that my old skool sweater (above and previous post) was featured on the Kollabora Facebook page. I was so pleased when I found my little top highlighted on their page......I was just a little bit proud and very excited. If you haven't discovered Kollabora yet.................do it!

Kollabora website: http://kollabora.com/

My featured item: https://www.facebook.com/kollabora

Please let me know what you think my latest creation should be...........

KnittyNora xxx

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Putting the pieces together...........

I'm pleased to say that since picking up my knitting needles again I have been able to finish a project I started before going into hospital.

Here is a picture of the pattern.....................




and........here is the finished article!

Low cut, crossover back detail

Simple neckline. Perfect little number for wearing with jeans or a pretty summer skirt

As you can see, I have altered the pattern so that the top is sleeveless. I wanted to make something suitable for the summer months which can also be transformed into a cosy autumnal number with the addition of a long sleeve t-shirt underneath.

What do you think?

KnittyNora xxx

Saturday, 20 April 2013

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


Monday, 18 February 2013

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

Friday, 1 February 2013

So many projects..........where should I start?!

After a little mooch in Oxfam last week I emerged with two beautiful patterns and some much needed knitting accessories (additions to my needle collection.....always needed!)

The patterns are rather, how shall I put this......retro...? I love them!
.............and such a bargain too!








Trouble is knowing which one to begin first. I've opted for the cheeky low cute number (top picture). Twinned with a nice little vest top this will be perfect with jeans or dressed up with some smart trousers for work. I've started making this in a soft denim blue colour.







I'm thinking bright and bold for the cable knit jumper :)

Love and best wishes,

KnittyNora xxxxx







Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Making the most of the beautiful weather.

Snow, snow everywhere. We even managed to get some here on the West Coast.

As you will have gathered from my previous posts, I am a bit of a fan of the great outdoors. What better place then to show off some of my recent makes whilst staying warm and showing off just a snippet of my creative personality :)

Matching snood and beanie

and here are some pictures of the beautiful scenery I enjoy everyday.............




Helvellyn is up there somewhere :)

Sheep hanging out in the snow

What next....well, I'm currently preparing for a craft fair at a local aquarium. Lots of things to make still. I'm focusing on baby bits and funky jewellery. take a look at this new creation.......


Not the best pic but just a little sneak peek at my new 'rose' ring

What do you think?

Speak soon,

KnittyNora xxxx


Saturday, 5 January 2013

Homemade curry and a few new makes.

And so....it is the Saturday night before I go back to work on Monday. I've had a lovely two weeks off. Not got as much done as I wanted to (always the way!) but have enjoyed having some time to relax and to see friends.

Today I've allowed myself a day off. A day to relax and unwind with a film, a snooze on the sofa and a bit of making. I had a lovely little bangle to make (an order from a Facebook follower) and have been experimenting with some hair band designs......to be revealed soon :)

Here's what I'm listening to as I write this post. A delicious piece of music from a very quirky film, covered so beautifully.......


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHpHC54s2s0


Sorry about the random picture........  :)



I've just polished off a tasty homemade curry......delicious. Made it a little hotter than usual to help get rid of the snuffles I seemed to have picked up. Now to make a cup of tea and some pudding.......a crumble, I think :)

Much love,

KnittyNora xx