This is a website for everyone who has an interest in needlecrafts, but primarily for knitting and crochet.
A passionate needle crafter myself, I want to share my experiences and knowledge, my patterns and designs and add lots of news and views on every aspect of this increasingly popular hobby.
Above is a thumbnail image of my new book "make knitted bears" which is available from Amazon or Search Press or you can contact me direct via my email address.
At just £4.99 it gives amazing value for money as it includes knitting patterns for 20 bears plus their outfits!
Above are my latest books to be released in August 2010, both books will be available from me, through Amazon and from the publishers. Again they offer great value for money.
Mug Hugs has no less than 20 patterns for just £4.99 whilst Love... Knitting is a comprehensive guide to teaching yourself to knit, with step by step photographs and easy instructions to follow. It also give you 25 fabulous designs all aimed at the novice knitter, ranging from simple scarves, to a beautiful Shetland lace stole. All this priced at just £12.99.
My latest book contains patterns for 20 gorgeous little Crochet Bears all dressed up in a personalised outfit.
You can mix and match the outfits to create your own special character.
The book will be published in early spring 2011.
Available from me or through Amazon and Search Press.
(click thumbnails to see larger images)
Why become a crafter? In this day and age of mass production you may wonder if it's still worth learning these age old crafts. My response is a resounding - YES. It's a wonderful, often inexpensive craft or hobby – crafters are never bored!
We are a wonderfully diverse breed. Ranging from children with their hesitant steps using knitting needles and crochet hooks, through to teenagers making i-pod covers and funky scarves. Young adults make bags and totes, different to anything their friends own, and young mothers knit or crochet lovingly for their babies.
Stressed adults use crafts to chill-out and indulge in some "me time", but it doesn't end there - crafters work well into old age - great-grandmas with their stiff and often painful fingers generously passing on long ago learnt skills to younger generations….no doubt about it, we are a caring and sharing bunch.
Once a craft learnt and used out of necessity, its now a hobby, a hobby we return to again and again. Even the rich and famous love to knit and crochet, probably taught by their relatives too!
Most of us could simply shop to purchase any hand made garment, bag or accessory we like - that's fine if functionality and ownership is the only intention.
But, and it's a big but, we would miss the kick from planning our next project, the excitement of looking through the hundreds patterns on sale until we find the right one for us, the sensual pleasure of touching all the luxurious yarns available. Walking in to a wool store and being faced with a huge pallet of every imaginable colour and texture is something not to be missed We can find exactly the right colour, and enjoy the thrill of anticipation as we work away. And finally we'd miss that absolute sense of satisfaction which arrives when it's finally finished, it's right…and we did it. We made this beautiful unique thing …..You can't buy that feeling…you can only achieve it.
The expression " once a crafter - always a crafter " is so true. Having learnt as a child we pack our needles away, only to unpack them again and again as we travel through life…..satisfying our cravings for creativity, sharing our knowledge, and soothing our souls with the calming effects….that's the real answer to the question " why craft "
Patterns for these bears, plus 18 others with be available
in my book which is published in November 2009
