Crochet Class: design Your Own Cushion

2012-09-12 13.42.22On Saturday 15th June I will be running the first of several “crochet improvers” classes at Make with Mabel in Knutsford, Cheshire. This one is all about learning new stitches and the secrets of swatching, tension squares and exploring design.

During the class we’ll cover new stitches and techniques, makes swatches and learn how to design a simple square cushion, like the one pictured above.

All the materials you’ll need on the day are provided and there will also be advice on how to choose suitable yarn for your projects and a list of local yarn and haberdashery suppliers. Lunch and all refreshments will be included.

For full details contact Rebecca at Aunty Mabel’s Seat:

Tel: 01565 650 884 Email: info@makewithmabel.co.uk

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by Tracey on May 17, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on May 17, 2013

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Learn to Crochet Classes

2013-05-08 12.35.56I have two “Learn to Crochet ” classes booked at Make with Mabel in Knutsford, Cheshire. The first is an evening class running over 5 weeks, which starts on Wednesday 22nd May. There are still 1 or 2 places available.

Dates: Weds evenings 7 – 9pm: 22nd May, 29th May,5th June, 12th June, 19th June (this is a class for absolute beginners).

The second is a 1 day class on Saturday 25th May which runs from 10am until 4pm.

All your materials and yarn are included along with lunch and refreshments.

For details, call Rebecca at Aunty Mabel’s Seat on 01565 650 884 or email info@makewithmabel.co.uk

 

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by Tracey on May 16, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on May 16, 2013

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Free Pattern: Crochet Doorstop

Well, here it is, the second in my “May Madness” free pattern giveaway. Remember, these patterns are only available for the month of May, so download the pdf now while you can. If you’re passing through Knutsford, you might spot this doorstop as part of the window display at Aunty Mabel’s Seat (more of that in my next post). Also on display are some of my recent published designs and some stunning knits from Lynne Rowe (I am in love with her knitted letters and desperately want to find time to make a set for myself).

Click here for the  crochet   Bird House Doorstop

I hope you like this pattern, and if you do perhaps you’ll consider a donation via the Honesty Box to the teen’s Just Giving page.*

Thank you

*ps the teen was overwhelmed to check back to her page and find so many of you had donated on publication of the knitted cowl. Thank you everyone and remember, every penny raised goes to Cancer Research UK.

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by Tracey on May 6, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on May 6, 2013

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May Madness: Knitted Cowl Pattern

Some of you will recognise this cowl as one the was previously for sale on Craftsy and Ravelry. I withdrew it last winter, hoping to rewrite and restyle the pattern. You can download a pdf file containing all the instructions and yarn information by clicking here: Kidsilk Stripe Cowl

So, why am I posting it today? For the whole of May I’m going to be offering you a whole bunch of free stuff – except that it’s not really free – I’m asking for donations via the “honesty box” link you’ll find at the end of each May Madness post.

Most of you will be aware I don’t talk much about my family on here, they’re pretty camera shy and vague reference to “Mr T and the Teen” are probably as close as it comes to talking about my family. But, “the Teen” has asked for my help.

She and some fellow  students are taking part in a stunt to raise money for Cancer Research UK and she’s asked me to help drum up some sponsorship. Now, I could just ask you all to put your hand in your pocket and bung her a couple of quid via her Just Giving page. But that seemed downright cheeky! So instead I’m offering up some previously published and new patterns in the hope that you might find something you like. If you do, click on the “honesty box” link which will take you to the Donate page on Just Giving. You can give as much or as little as you like (I’m suggesting £2 isn’t unreasonable?). Donations via Just Giving are also eligible for Gift Aid (which you’ll know all about if you’re a UK Tax payer) and all donations can be anonymous or you can call it “Baking and Making” so she knows where it came from. Patterns will only be available for the month of May, then the pdf downloads will disappear. Forthcoming patterns include my Boho Scarf from Craftseller magazine, a crochet cushion and some rather cute keyrings.

Thank you!

Click here to donate via the honesty box

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by Tracey on April 29, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on April 29, 2013

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April in Pictures

April 2013Who can believe it’s almost the end of April? I’m sure that as I grow older the days pass more quickly. This month has mostly been about crochet, lots of gorgeous commissions, plenty of granny squares and fresh flowers from the garden. The greenhouse is stuffed full of seedlings and I’m pretty sure that next month’s “Month in Pictures” will mostly reflect the hours I will be spending in the garden (a note of optimism there for sunny weather!

 

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by Tracey on April 27, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on April 27, 2013

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Make with Mabel

I am absolutely giddy with excitement to share news of a brand new craft studio opening in Cheshire next month.

Based at the Interior design studio “Aunty Mabel’s  Seat”  in Knutsford, a huge range of craft classes, workshops and crafty socials are planned. Rebecca, the interior designer behind the new venture has so many wonderful ideas it’s hard to know where to start to tell you all about it.I’ll be running crochet classes (day and evening) and one off workshops at weekends and weekdays covering all those tips and tricks that every crocheter should know. There will also be knitting (courtesy of my lovely friend Lynne), felting, lampshade making, rag rugging, papercrafts and activities for children!

I’m exhausted just telling you about it.

Launching on 11th May with a chance to meet some of the tutors and see the craft space for yourself, this is going to be the highlight of Cheshire’s crafty calendar! I am absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Knutsford, since the closure of Fibre and Clay, there have been few opportunities to visit and I miss the friendly people, the independent shops, the access to Tatton Park and the fabulous food and drink on offer there.

If you have ever looked at those beautiful craft workshops in magazines such as Mollie Makes, Handmade Living and Craftseller and wished there was one accessible to you, here it is. Just a 5 minute walk from Knutsford railway station and close to the M56, Make with Mabel couldn’t be more convenient for North West crafty types.

Oh – and did I tell you about the Hen parties and the Stitch for Men events? There really is something for everyone here.

You can follow Rebecca on twitter to keep in touch with plans, or contact the shop directly.

Watch this space for more details soon.

Happy crafting xxxx

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by Tracey on April 25, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Tracey on April 25, 2013

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Garden Update: Compost!

There are few greater pleasures than creating “something from nothing”, maybe that’s why I get such pleasure from taking the lid off the compost bins each April to reveal the black gold inside them!

This year the worms have done a particularly good job at turning cabbage leaves, carrot tops, weeds and cardboard boxes (amongst other things) into the perfect mulch for the raspberries, dug into the sweet pea beds I expect a riot of colour and I have even been known to sieve it, bake in the oven and use to coddle young seedlings!

I love my garden, much neglected over the winter I am finally able to spend time out-of-doors. We sit and watch the blue tits and goldfinches raid the bird feeders, the robin follows us around as we dig and plant.

On days like this, all seems right with the world and life is good.

T x

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by Tracey on April 24, 2013  •  Permalink
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Published Patterns: April

I almost forgot to show you my new design in issue 40 of Inside Crochet, it’s still available if you’re looking for a present for a new baby. I have made lots of these, one hangs in my green house and holds all my tools. I made that one in sturdy pure wool for extra durability. I choice Designer Yarns baby Joy for this one. I love using “proper” wool, but sometimes a good quality acrylic yarn does the job just as well and this one is lovely to work with.

 

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by Tracey on April 17, 2013  •  Permalink
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Friday Review: Colalife

This week, it’s not a post about knitting, crochet, my latest published work – or even cake – it’s something far more exciting than that.

One of my favourite charities has won a “Product Design of the Year” award from the Design Museum. That, my friends is what I call a big deal. Especially when your product has the word “diarrhoea” in it!

I first met Jane and Simon Berry a few years back when they ran a fabulous organisation called Ruralnet (it’s their fault I have any kind of an online presence at all – can’t tell you how grateful I am to them and their team). Simon told me about an idea he had to utilise the distribution networks of Coca Cola in developing countries, that really excited me. I’ve watched the idea turn into reality, followed their blog and facebook in awe – how can these people sustain such energy and commitment – and still find time for friends and family I wonder?

The truth is, these two fine people are so skilled in telling their story, putting their case with such reason and passion it’s hard not to want to help them. I could go on, but nobody tells it better than Jane and Simon, so do me a favour click through and read the press release.

Thanks, and congratulations Colalife.

photo credit: Simon Berry for Cloalife

 

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by Tracey on April 12, 2013  •  Permalink
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April Published Patterns: Crochet Baby Hat

The new issue of Craftseller magazine goes on sale this week, featured on the cover is my cute little baby hat. Suitable for all crochet abilities and easy to embellish it only takes a small amount of yarn, making it an ideal stash buster project too!

By the time a magazine is published I sometimes forget what will be inside – but seeing this reminded me of another baby make I’ll share with you tomorrow.

T x

 

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by Tracey on April 9, 2013  •  Permalink
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