Hobbycraft Videos

You may recall that in April I spent five days down in Bournemouth at Hobbycraft HQ shooting some tutorial videos for their YouTube account.  If you missed that post you can find it HERE.

Well, the videos have now gone live, so you can have a peep if you like  (although I think I need to work on my presenting skills as I am a bit wooden)

Click on the links for each video:

How to cast on.

How to do a basic knit stitch.

How to do stocking stitch.

How to knit a cable stitch.

Knitting tips.

Three basic crochet stitches.

How to crochet a hat.

Four things to make with fat quarters - part 1.

Four things to make with fat quarters - part 2.

How to hand embroider a flower.

Three ways to personalise a bag or t-shirt.

Three basic embroidery stitches.

It's all a big secret....

I have been quiet on the blogging front this week, have you noticed?  The reason is I have been making some bits and bobs for Hobbycraft HQ that I can't show anyone just yet.

But..... I can show you the gorgeous fabrics I have been working with  :)

And this one has got to be my favourite.... love elephants and love purple.

But all projects are in the post now, tutorials written, photos edited, now I can get back on with my massive "work in progress" pile  ;)

A brilliant week at Hobbycraft HQ

You may have heard me mention that I was travelling down to Hobbycraft HQ to do some tutorial videos for their website.

I wasn't quite sure whether to be excited or nervous - a bit of both I think.  I am not one for liking my photograph taken, so why I would put myself in front of a movie camera I really do not know!

But, I did  :)

Following on from my mammoth journey, that I blogged about a few days ago - you can find it HERE -  I arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at Hobbycraft HQ on Bournemouth Aviation Park.

Of course it was offices, as it is where they actually run things, but there was loads of crafty stuff about too - paradise  :)

I got given a spare desk, so I opened my suitcase (17 kilos full of crafty stuff) and spread my bits about  :)  Just made myself at home.

There were 11 videos to shoot - some short, some a bit longer.

At first it was really weird and I was very self-concious about talking to the camera, but by the end of day three, I was chattering away to it like it was an old friend   :)

The guy doing the shoot, Mike Smith, was great, very patient. Even when I fluffed up the same line the tenth time!  

You can find his company, Boxhead Media, on Facebook.

During filming breaks I dabbled with some of the projects, as you might  :)

So this was where I spent most of the day, bright lights and cameras.

I had such a brilliant time, now all I have to do is wait for the videos to be uploaded and I can be nervous all over again   ;)

Will blog up a link when they become live.

A Crown fit for a Royal Baby

While I was at Hobbycraft HQ doing some filming for the website/blog, I got asked if I would "design a crown for a baby" pending the Royal delivery.

Of course I would, I do quite like a challenge.

So, if you fancy making one of these for your little bundle of fun, you can find the blog and tutorial here.....

http://blog.hobbycraft.co.uk/how-to-crochet-a-baby-crown/

Do go and have a look as there is the most cutest baby modelling it  :)

Baby Blue Mobile Cloud - design by 'Pygmy Cloud'

Last week I organised a "Crafternoon" using patterns from the Mollie Makes publication, and held in Hobbycraft in Carlisle.  All profits were going to Comic Relief.

Sadly, and rather annoyingly, no one turned up!  Even though I had advertised it and there were posted put up in the store.  It was quite disheartening to be honest.

Anyhooo... as I was sitting there crafting away to myself, a colleague asked me to make her a cloud mobile for the baby boy she currently has baking away in her oven.  She wanted it in blue, and would put a donation in the charity pot.  How could I refuse?   :)

This was the sample cloud I took, the pattern was in the Mollie Makes Crafternoon Comic Relief Special, by Pygmy Cloud.

As requested, I did it in blues  :)   Cutting out the felt from a lovely soft baby blue colour, and edging it in white blanket stitch.  I caught in lengths of ribbon as I worked along.

I then drew a cute little smiley mouth on and added cheeks and googly eyes with fabric glue.  I cut out and added raindrops to the ribbon hanging from underneath.

And 'blue cloud' was born!

Here he is with his friend, Rainbow Cloud  ;)

At least I had something to do and take my mind off the distinct lack of people.

Lauren, a Hobbycraft colleague, did the second half of the session, and she had no people turn up either - so she made cute little Easter Chicks and Marvellous Moustaches.

Still, we will not be defeated, we will continue to offer nice things up, in the hope that one day, someone will come along and support our efforts.

Hobbycraft, Carlisle, VIP event

Last night (Thursday) there was a VIP evening at Hobbycraft for their Club Card members.

The Club Card membership is offered at the tills to anyone who wants to join up, you can also join up online.

Some folk don't want to - they seem to think there is a catch, but not really.  OK, it looks at what you are buying, but if that helps a store then stock more of the things you like, what is wrong with that?

Based on what you buy, you then get special offers via email, which should suit what you like to do.

You also get entered into a prize draw each time you scan your card when you make a purchase.

AND, you get invited to VIP events like this one  :)  Free demonstrations, a little bit of play-time for you to try stuff out, and cakes & tea too!!  Plus, on VIP nights, you get a percentage off anything you buy too - got to be worth popping along doesn't it?

I will leave you with some photos so you can see how much fun we had, you might want to come along yourself next time.

Sign up in your local store or online HERE.  (Oh, and sadly I am not on any kind of commission for this post, I just think it's quite a cool thing to be part of  ;)

And here are some finished products.

Philippa's most marvellously decorated Easter Eggs.

And some Duck Tapes Eggs too.

If you are already a member, keep an eye on your email for the next invite.

A Taste Of Crafting - new hobby course at Hobbycraft, Carlisle

I am holding a "Taste of Crafting" course in March in Hobbycraft, Carlisle.

It will be held over four weeks, (4 x 2 hour classes) and will cover a few new hobby's that you might wish to carry on with.  It is a great way of working out what you might like to do with your spare time.  You can, of course, just come to one or two classes if you prefer, but you do get a discount for booking the whole course in one go.

I feel it is always easier to learn when you can see something done and copy, also the opportunity to ask questions can be invaluable

So, why not treat yourself and come along.  There are only a few spaces left at the time of posting this, so you have to be quick  :)

Deposits are required, sadly because some folk book the spaces, fail to attend and someone else who was waiting misses out.  :(

The times and dates are:

• Tuesday 3rd March 2015 - 1.00pm-3.00pm  (Decopatch / Decoupage)
• Tuesday 10th March 2015 - 1.00pm-3.00pm (Patchwork)
• Tuesday 17th March 2015 - 1.00pm-3.00pm (Beaded Coil Bangles)
• Tuesday 24th March 2015 - 1.00pm-3.00pm (Zentangle style art doodling)

The price is £30.00 for this course, for all four weeks, or £10.00 per single session.  The price includes the use of any tools you might need and all materials to finish that weeks project.

You can pay your deposit by popping into Hobbycraft in Carlisle and paying, in cash, at the till point (it doesn't go through their till system so you cannot use a card I am afraid)  Or, alternatively you can pay online using Paypal, or a card  (you don't need a Paypal account) if you click HERE.

It would be nice to meet you if you decide to come along and join us  :)

Teen Stitchers - a class for younger people - Hobbycraft, Carlisle

In February I am holding a "Teen Stitchers" a course especially for younger people in Hobbycraft, Carlisle.  The guide for ages I have put at 10-17 years, but if you have an 8 year old that is quite able to hold a needle, of course they can come along.  We will be using a sewing machine on the last week though, but most younger people are more than capable of driving one safely  ;)

It will be held over four weeks, (4 x 2 hour classes) and will cover four different sewing techniques which might got the young folks a taste of crafting that they will carry on with for years.

I feel it is always easier to learn when you can see something done and copy, also the opportunity to ask questions can be invaluable

Deposits are required, sadly because some folk book the spaces, fail to attend and someone else who was waiting misses out.  :(

The times and dates are:

• Thursday 5th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Cross Stitch)
• Thursday 12th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Fabric Stuffed Hearts)
• Thursday 19th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Patchwork)
• Thursday 26th February 2015 - 5.30pm-7.00pm  (Using a Sewing Machine)

The price is £30.00 for this course, for all four weeks, or £10.00 per single session.  The price includes the use of any tools you might need and all materials to finish that weeks project.

You can pay your deposit by popping into Hobbycraft in Carlisle and paying, in cash, at the till point (it doesn't go through their till system so you cannot use a card I am afraid)  Or, alternatively you can pay online using Paypal, or a card  (you don't need a Paypal account) if you click HERE.

It would be nice to meet you if you decide to come along and join us  :)

Sea Creatures challenge at "Crochet & Craic"

You might already know that I run a fortnightly Crochet & Craic  (gossip) group at Hobbycraft, in Carlisle.

Every  month we have a little challenge going, and last month it was "Sea Creatures".

We had two entries this time, a fabulous mermaid from Vera - made from her own head and without any pattern.

And a sea anemone from Pat, again without a pattern.

Aren't they just fab??

This month the theme is Halloween.  Join us if you like, the next one is on Monday 13th October, 5.30-7.30pm.  It is a tutored group which costs £5.00 - bring the project you need help with.

Hope to see you there   :)

A day of beaded jewellery

On Tuesday I ran a class called "A day of beaded jewellery" at Hobbycraft in Carlisle.   Only one student attended, there was another booked on but she had got times muddled up and could not make it unfortunately.

But we had a great day, lots of beading and chitter chatter.

I just had to share with you what was made - such a gorgeous selection of mix & match pieces.

I had a little time to bash out some bits as samples too.

This is a gorgeously clashy necklace in pale pink, red and hot pink, with a silver plated clasp.  Guess where it is going?

.....Yep! In the Birthday Blog Box.  Only 6 more days to go  :)

"Have-A-Go-Hobby" day

You know I've been whittering on about this Have-A-Go-Hobby day at Hobbycraft in Carlisle?  Well, today was the day.

The idea was to buy 5 coins for £10, which gave you five mini workshops of your choice.

It went incredibly well, very busy and lots of people learnt new crafts.  I am worn out now so will leave you with a load of photos  :)

Shona setting up her jewellery table.

Julie from Community Based Art and Helena from Heevis Miniatures, ready for their first crafters.

Nair Morna and Helen Askew, the two artists offering sketching and Zentangle style doodling.

Lauren from Hobbycraft, looking after us all  :)

Marie from Nim & Num, chatting a a lady about patchwork.

Everyone taking their places to make a start.

Some crocheting and patchwork going on.

Lots of concentration - buckets full in fact.

If you were there I really hope you enjoyed the day, it went so quick.  Feel free to comment and let me know what you thought.