Thursday 17 January 2013

All wrapped up...

I finally woke up from the post Christmas hibernation...to find I had lost my block making mojo. Completely and utterly. In the three years I've been in business I've never felt so uninspired (maybe I should put the crochet hook down!!)

I have had a good think about this situation (whilst crocheting another cowl) and have made (what I'm calling) a creative decision...to take on no new commissions and only stock a small range in my shop for the time being ...basically have a bit of a break from wood for a couple of months. I'm hoping that the inspiration will return along with the spring bulbs!

In the meantime I've tweaked some firm favourites - including a set of two love blocks for Valentines day, spring weddings or just because:

 They can be personalised on the back
 and wrapped in either white organza or black raffia
 I've also made some little jar cosies - 
in a solid stitch and a wider version
 (this next photo is for you Emily!!!)
 and come wrapped up for perfect gift giving...
 (all available here)

And here are some of the crochet treats I have been 
inspired to make:
A lacy cowl and flower
free pattern here (not the flower)

A  lovely chunky neck warmer
free pattern here
and a cowl for my sister Nelly's birthday (pattern made up!)
Nelly also requested a crochet kindle cover...
I did promise to show and tell Cleggy's latest present wrapping prowess (see other examples here and here and here)
but I have to admit my rubbish Christmas day photos do not do him justice this time round. 

I was so excited I couldn't focus on pictures.
I must point out at this point that, since having children, 13 long years ago, we haven't done Christmas presents for each other. We decided this was the year to change all that and set ourselves a strict budget. 
(Which I STUCK TO!!!)
I reckon Cleggy spent the budget on wrapping and postage...rubbish.
Anyway, this knitted basket (John Lewis) was full of little treats all wrapped in WOOL!
Basically he bought 2 super soft cheapo scarves from Asda (buy one get one free!) then cut them up. He then made little bags, envelopes and packages using the chopped up wool and held them together with chunky red wool, finished with some pom poms! 
 
Wish I'd thought of that!
 Here's what I made Cleggy the super wrapper 
(with my strict budget!)
Firstly a moose head. 
I know it's a stag but I like to think it's a moose
I've seen these heads decoupaged, covered in fabric and painted - all gorgeous. I made mine using dictionary print. He loved it.
I also made a shadow box using some wrapping paper he had for his birthday (good choice Janet) and some distress ink.
I made some of the little things inside it, but the cute little houses are magnets from ValĂ©riane Leblond 
...and terribly tasteful cufflinks are from fellow notonthehighstreet seller Handmade by Peggy
After hearing that Mr Cuckoo was never seen without a hankie I decided Cleggy should adopt similarly gentlemanly ways and made him some hankies. They disappeared on Christmas day and I've never seen them again...if I come across them I'll share. They were my first play with image transfer - and could well be a new obsession in 2013.

Now, before I sign off (and go seek some creative inspiration!) I'd like to show and tell these special blocks.
A little baby girl from a town 10 minutes away recently died whilst at nursery, in a choking incident. It was a heart breaking story - but made all the more touching by Millie's parents who were appearing on television to draw attention to the charity they have set up in Millie's memory
Millie's Trust is aiming to raise awareness of the need for anyone who spends time with little people to complete a paediatric first aid course and generally encourage us all to learn more about first aid. They are also raising money to support struggling parents who could otherwise not afford to attend.

I read more about the fund raising at lovely Emma's blog Oooh Betty - as Emma is a friend of Millie's parents (small world...again!) and I know that from reading Emma's blog my sister Nelly has enrolled on a first aid course already. Good work!

The blocks are for the raffle at Millie's Trust charity night in a couple of weeks.
Emma was also giving 25% of Etsy sales on her adorable foxes, cats and badgers towards the charity, so I couldn't resist a badger for baby Wilf.
Emma - your badger in a bag is wonderful and I know Wilf will treasure him forever.
Joanne - you (and Dan) are truly inspirational. I hope your event is a huge success and hope that the help you are giving others (which could potentially save a life in the future) helps YOU get through the dark days.
fee x

9 comments:

  1. Just utterly shocked and saddened by the choking incident to talk about all the lovely things in this blog right now.....
    First Aid training is a must and I believe all parents should enrol on a course. How sad it had to happen but I truly believe something positive can happen from it.
    Very sad indeed.
    xxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. The strength of Millie's Parents is amazing and inspirational to us all.........

    You have posted some lovely links to help too.

    Again as above comment I am silenced in admiration.

    Daisy j

    Ps what a lovely wrapper your man is!

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  3. Oh sweet friend...just went to take a peek at your shop...I so wanted to order your sweet little heart jar...it is adorable. I may wait until my daughter heads to Amsterdam and get you to send it there once I get her address as shipping overseas is always so much more. These are the sweetest things I have ever seen....you really do inspire me. YOu are very creative. xoxo

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  4. Hi Fee,

    You're so clever! I love your Moose and your hubby did an amazing job with his gift to you - so sweet :-) Nothing wrong with a little break from your core craft, not that you are really having a break with all that crochet, which I agree is totally and utterly addictive!

    Extremely saddened to hear about this tragedy, thoughts are with her family and thank you for providing these links.

    Mel x

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  5. Good morning miss busy bee! I so know the feeling of having so many orders to fill and that is a good thing. Missing you and Gem! Sending you happy new year's greetings across the miles, Anita

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  6. Wow what a wonderful idea for wrapping presents- very clever. Love the moose too.

    I was very sad to read about the little girl, and am enrolling me and my husband on a course very soon as we have a 8 month old. I always wanted to do one when my son was little but never got around to it. I will definitely do it now especially because we are invaded with Lego and my little girl is always putting something in her mouth that she shouldn't. I can't believe the strength of the little girl's parents I wish them every success and hope it helps to save other children. Sarah x

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  7. How can you and Cleggy BOTH be so talented? You both have such exquisite taste too....it's just like mine, imagine that? I love the gifts you gave each other and I would have taken all of them in a heartbeat....cufflinks, moose and all!
    So sorry about the little girl....what a tragedy! When it's children it is just so heart breaking even if you don't know them my heart breaks for the family as that is every parents Achilles tendon.
    I'm loving your cowls and crochet...I'm loving up my yarns right now too...it's that time of year. Toodles!

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  8. Hi Chipper Nelly! Your blog is so sweet. I signed up on network blogs to follow you..not seeing it yet tho..Your cowls and cape are wonderful. I love that you do a variety of things..Im like that. Lovely to follow you! Dianna

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  9. Basically he bought 2 super soft cheapo scarves from Asda (buy one get one free!) then cut them up. He then made little bags, envelopes and packages using the chopped up wool and held them together with chunky red wool, finished with some pom poms!

    first aid at work

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Thanks for stopping by.
I LOVE reading your comments!
fee x