How Long?

So when I saw the date of April for my last post that's exactly what I thought.  How Long?.  I've been so neglectful about my blog I'm surprised its even talking to me lol.  Lots has been happening since and I've been to a few shows of  late.  Such a lot I can't remember everything but here goes.  I've been to a few shows one being the British Wool Weekend in Harrogate earlier this year.  It was a lovely show with sheep shearing and producers and sellers of British Wool.  I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone going next year.  It was a bit quiet but that made it ideal for talking to stand holders and for looking at the stands although I think the sellers would have preferred it a bit busier.  There were also some alpacas there too and the are had plenty of cafe seating and toilet facilities.  Great day out.  Here are a few piccies.

The kit I bought above was from juey who has been on Create and Craft.  Its for a rosie bunny which I've just finished knitting and am in the process of finishing up so piccies of the bunny will follow in my next post.  Hopefully you wont have to wait another half year lol.

I've also been to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Manchester's Event City at the beginning of September.  Actually I won the tickets to the show which was brilliant and saved me loads so the show was a plus as a start and its only down the road from me.  This show is always busy and was a good show too.  Lots of temptation as usual an a bought a few bits and bobs - well its rude not to isn't it.  I also met Corrine Lapierre (sorry if I've spelt it wrong) from Create and Craft too.  She was showing her felt figures and was showing us how to sew one of  her bird kits up.  A lovely lady and I much enjoyed the talk.  So here's some piccies of Manchester.  Would well recommend this show to as its has lots of different crafts, cross stitch, card making, knitting, jewellery etc. Good mix.

Now I don't want you all thinking all I ever do is go to knitting and hobbycraft shows but I also went to Yarndale in Skipton this year too.  It was the first one and was at the end of  September.  It was extremely busy and I mean extremely busy but very enjoyable and had a great mix of  companies both small and large from independents to Laxtons Mills and Rowan and Lucy from the blog Attic 24 was there as she was part of the group that organised the show.  It was such a lovely day.  Hubby and I took a picnic and sat in the sunshine drinking out of wine glasses (pop lol) as we were driving and had our lunch.  A great day and I will definitely be going to this one next year and a decent entry price too of £5 only.  Parking was a bit difficult as I don't think it would be so busy and the food queues were horrendous but we had come prepared so were ok.  And as usual I just had to try some of the goodies.  I bought some drops alpaca ooh scrumptious and soft to the touch and some pure wool, some lovely handmade buttons, some 4mm Knit Pro Needles - love these etc.  I put etc. as I went a little mad but not as mad as I could have.  Advice if you think  of going next year take out a bank loan or remortgage first lol.  I could have spent thousands.  There were also some angora rabbits there and some more alpacas who were getting quite verbal.  Not quite sure what they were saying but I think it was somewhere along the lines of  go away lol.  

So I think thats enough of the shows for now.  I am thinking of going to Harrogate Knitting show at the end of  November but it is rather expensive entry is £15 on the day which makes it £30 for me and hubby plus petrol so may have to think about that one although it is near my birthday and is usually a really good show too.  

On the actual knitting front I haven't stopped.  I've been doing some commissions and trying out some designs for kits which I will show and will then go on the website.  As you are probably all yawning by now I will bid you farewell till next time.  Hopefully my time will improve in between posts well surely it cant get any worse?

See you soon.

Caroline xx

Getting Ready For My Next Market

Well what an eventful few weeks its been.  First of all I have been on holiday from my part-time job for the last two weeks.  I had a long list of jobs to do starting with the garden which went a bit       off track when it snowed so I looked to the jobs indoors instead.  Can't say I really got much done but hey ho I have enjoyed my rest.

On the car front my poor car is terminal I think.  She's been off the road for a couple of years due to lack of funds but after having a tax rebate, yes I repeat a TAX REBATE as I had overpaid too much tax 3 years ago, I decided to try and put her back on the road.  Well she was towed into the garage last week and they had a look.  My hubby received the phone call just as I was about to go out on Friday evening to say she was not looking too well.  The conversation started like this - "Hello I'm phoning about your car, its er it needs quite a bit doing to it shall I go down the list?"  Never a good sign.  Anyway by the time he had stopped going down the list it was probably easier to say what didn't need doing.  So I now have to make a decision do I take it of the road permanently or do I pay "loads a money".  Still deliberating.........  Needless to say I had a few drinks on Friday night to try and obliterate the bill amount from my head and it did go away until I came around this morning.....

On a better note I am now getting back to my knitting as I have another market in two weeks.  Lots to do again.  A few more items have been done and a couple to finish off.  I'm a bit more organised this time as I know what I'm going into so not as much panic me thinks or is that hopes.  The market is on April 21st and I'm hoping that the weather is a little kinder than last month.

Talking of craft fairs I saw one advertised on Facebook which was local to me so I went along, mainly to support the local crafters and to have a look in case I wanted to do a fair next time.  It was a lovely well organised fair by Craft Fairs UK who have a Facebook page.  There were about 20 stalls or so with a good variety of really high standard crafts.  I did buy a little something and if it wasn't for the ah hm car situation I would have bought a little more (hand crafted chocolate bars with fudge slices in the chocolate, say no more).  Anyway after the craft fair it was time for shopping but it was a lovely way to start the day and the sun was shining so it  did perk me up a little.  Can't beat a bit of sunshine.

I was looking in my local free newspaper this week on page three I was surprised and excited to see a half page story on a local knitting group which I didn't even know existed.  They are doing a charity bid of a mile of knitted mice.  They are asking for people to make knitted mice and send to them so that they can be made into a mile which is going to be measured in October at Altrincham Football Club.  This is in aid of the Alzheimer's Society.  The mice are then going to be sold towards the charity.  You can also be sponsored for each mouse you knit too.  They also have a facebook page called 'Mile of Mice'.  Please if you have any spare wool and time go along and have a look.  There is the pattern on the page and where to send the mice too.  Apparently they have heard from as far away as down south and also a few from abroad offering to help.  I'm going to be doing a few myself inbetween business knitting as I'd like to do a bit for charity so watch this space for my mousy update.

Enough babbling I think for the moment and back to my knitting I think oh and still more decluttering to do!  Where does it all come from lol!

Caroline xxxxx

How it Went.....

Well needless to say I didn't get everything done (including piccies sorry) although it didn't matter in the end because the stall was a little smaller than I thought.  I was up all night on the Saturday night mainly finishing off sewing up things and sewing cushion covers.  Most of my time was spent trying to thread the needle - say no more!

I did manage however to sort out my insurance with CMTIA who insured me there and then over the phone.  Pretty lucky really as I didn't end up doing it until late Friday afternoon.  I have since received my certificate and letter so thats all in order.  

The market didn't start until 11am on the Sunday so having finished about 9.15am that morning lol hubby and I packed up the car with everything we had and I went with the attitude well I've done as much as I can and what I haven't been able to do I will take next month.

When we arrived people were already setting up stalls.  We walked up the aisles and found our 'pitch' which was handy as it was near the market cafe and near the music dj.  I then blew a sigh of relief as the stall was smaller than I had thought so as I didn't have as much stuff as I wanted it turned out ok. I had to do a bit of a rethink as there wasn't enough room for the dolls and the suitcases so I chose the suitcases in the end and decided to just put the knitted items at the front which turned out ok.

It was just gone 11am when I had finished and people were starting to walk around the market.  It was a cold day and a little quiet probably because of the weather but I did manage to sell some items and made a profit and also more importantly for me people took some of my cards.  Just starting out I consider it more of getting my name out there and if I sell and make a profit all the better but I was prepared just in case I sold nothing.

Anyway all in all it was a lovely day, if a bit cold.  I managed to speak to some of the stallholders and there were some lovely stalls there and items, the music was great and I thoroughly enjoyed my hot cup of tea and round of toast from the market cafe.  I am there for the next three markets at least and hope to do many more.

Before we knew it, it was 3.30pm and it was time to leave.  It didn't take long to pack up and load the car and then we were back home unpacking.  I am hoping to upload my website in the next few days with the stock I have left including the cushions but for the last few days I have been having a rest and haven't knitted for about 3 days now although starting to get the jitters as I can't leave my stix alone for too long.  

Heres a picture of me hiding behind my stall at the market, smiling despite the cold.

Well next week its back to knitting.  For the rest of the week and weekend I'm decluttering in the house.  That probably means quite a few trips to the tip.  I'd just like to know where it all comes from, you declutter and then the next year it needs doing again.  

Another bit of good news is that my car is booked in at the garage.   Its been off the road for a couple of years so hopefully if it doesn't cost too much to get back on the road I might have my wheels back again in a couple of weeks.  Will have to let you know how it goes on.... Fingers and everything else crossed on that one.  You have to with cars don't you.

See you soon.

Caroline

Altrincham Vintage/Craft Market 17th March 2013

Well its all go at Oodles Towers.  Only six days to go to the Altrincham Vintage/Craft Market on Sunday 17th March.  If you are in the area please come along to support all the traders they really do need your support.  I have been there as a visitor in the past and its is a friendly and busy market with a great atmosphere and lots of lovely trinkets to buy both handmade, vintage and food products too.

I'm a little behind (actually quite a lot lol) due to illness and of course things always take longer than expected and life does throw the occasional curve ball too so I still have some rabbits to knit and mice and a few cushion covers to sew but I'm sure it will all come good in the end so no pressure there then lol.  I did resort to asking hubby and his friends if they could knit me some bunny rabbits in their lunch hours lol.  Can you imagine 4 men knitting in a steel factory?  The answer was a polite NO lol.  Still I tried lol.

I have lots of sewing up to do and attaching beads and buttons as you can see from the piccies below but will post more as they are finished so people will have an idea of what I will be selling.

I've also been spending time sorting out what the stall will look like which takes a while too.  I always use cream tablecloths good quality thick ones to cover the stall itself and I am using three collapsible baskets which when turned upside down become stands with cream tablecloths to cover them. 

I will also be selling some wool and needles and ribbons and buttons so wanted some wicker baskets to put them in to make them look nice.  I went to Dunelm Mill the other week and had a look at some baskets but wasn't sure and then all of a sudden I spotted something in the corner of my eye and fell in love.  They were small suitcases which are material covered cream with flowers on.  They look vintagy if thats a word and bearing in mind its a vintage/craft market I thought they would be just right.  They look wonderful and when I do a mock up of the stall later this week I will post the piccie.  One is slightly larger than the other which I will put the wool in the other is slightly smaller for the ribbons, buttons, needles etc.  I also bought two little boxes made out of the same pattern which I think I will be using as small stands on the stall for sitting toys on, probably my rabbits and mice.  So please keep coming back this week as there will be updates (probably in a more panicky mode as the weeks goes on).  Oh yes and I need to sort out my insurance - left it a bit late but you are insured as soon as you pay so hoping that will be ok.

Last but not least if I have time I want to knit some more baby animal hats and some bunting with Oodles Of Stitches on.  Looking at what I have to do I don't think I will be sleeping or eating much this week!

See you soon.

Caroline xxxx

I've Booked the Altrincham Vintage and Craft Monthly Markets 2013

Well I have decided to branch out next year into my local monthly Vintage and Craft Market which is in Altrincham (Greenwood Street and Market Street).  I have booked four for the first part of the year so will be very busy over the next couple of months building up more stock.  I already have coverings for the stall and stands for my dolls who model (they don't charge me too much to model but they admit they do get slightly bored although have promised to behave on the day) so all I need are some more outfits and some homewares. 

The markets are every month and the dates I have booked are:

Sunday March 17th 2013

Sunday April 21st 2013

Sunday May 19th 2013

Sunday June 16th 2013

I have been to the markets many times and they are always busy with a lovely atmosphere and some really great artisans and vintage stalls.  I always enjoy a Sunday browse around the market and it is so nice to see it busy and being used.

I am just about to finish my reindeer baby outfit so will post pictures in the next couple of days and am also hoping to finish a couple of toys too but just need a quick trip to my local hobbycraft this afternoon for some finishing touches, buttons and ribbon - wouldn't you know I have loads of ribbons and buttons but not in the colours I need. 

I did start to knit a snowman outfit too but found halfway up the back on changing to a new ball of wool that the wool was a slightly different thickness and was showing as a slightly different shade (this I realised at 3am in the morning - couldn't sleep).  To anyone else they probably wouldn't see it but I could so I had to frog it ba humbug! so I think as its a little too close to Christmas now it will have to wait a year.  Thankfully it was only a baby outfit and not and adult one.  I have had this once before when knitting an aran jacket for myself with a complicated pattern and halfway up the back had a ball that although was the right dye and lot number was slightly different in the light.  When I took it back to the shop she said she would have to order new wool as she didn't have any more left in that shade/dye lot and I had to hand over the knitting I had done!  I did eventually get new wool and sat down and redid the jacket but always thought of having to start again every time I wore it lol! 

Not sure what I'm doing for Christmas this year but will probably be a quiet one anyway.  Will probably included cooking most of the day then eating until I feel icky and watching boring re runs on tv and finally falling into bed...... oh and yes a bit of knitting as I can't/won't put the stix down even for one day.

See you soon when toys and baby set piccies are done.

Caroline xx

I'm getting there with technology

Well I've changed my phone.  My previous Samsung was shall we say old enough to be on the antiques roadshow so I decided it was about time to change and update to one of those smart phone thingies so I could be still down with the kids.  I had a look at some local phone shops and a look on the internet and finally settled for a Samsung again the Ace just smart enough but not too smart for me.  I ordered it and it duly arrived the next day.  I opened the box all excited until I had to try to work the thing.  After a few blue words and a threat of its going back in the  box to the supplier and after pressing lots of buttons etc I'm finally glad to say I am getting to know it, so I can now facebook, tweet and all that millarky while on the move as well as at home, although haven't worked out how to blog with it yet.  I can't seem to bring the keyboard up to type.  If anyone knows how to do this please, please, please let me know......  

There was one easy thing to do though and that was to keep my old number from my old supplier.  Unlike years ago when they used to stall because they didn't want to lose customers they were really helpful and it went like a breeze after requesting my pac code and giving it to my new supplier hey presto a couple of days later and the number had been transferred.

Meanwhile I have still been knitting - well of course - and have finished a commission for a baby set.  My customer had bought a pattern but couldn't knit it so asked on facebook if there was anyone out there willing to knit it for them.  It was a lovely little pattern really easy and quick to knit up.

It has been sent to her and she emailed to say she was really pleased, loved the finishing and would be recommending me to all her family and friends.  I love it when people are pleased and well you can't buy word of mouth recommendations can you.

Its my birthday in a couple of weeks (and no I'm not disclosing my age but I am 21 again and again and again ad infinitum) and so as a treat I'm thinking of going to the Knitting show in Harrogate at the end of November - but not sure depends on the pennies as its about £12 a ticket advance and then there is the car journey so still thinking about it as part of my mind says I can buy a lot of wool for that price although I have been before and I do have to say it is the best show for knitting that I have been too.  I do have to add I have not been to woolfest or wonderwool though...

Its back to the dentist next week, the broken tooth just turned out to be a filling that had fallen out so not too much work needs to be done although I hate the sound of the drill so probably won't sleep the night before sad I know but dentists are not my favourite - nothing personal to all you dentists out there its not you personally its the instruments of torture you use lol.....  Hopefully I will be able to chew on both sides of my mouth for my birthday.

I'm at present knitting toys for Christmas yes I have mentioned the C word but it does seem to be  arriving everywhere.  I've actually seen a Christmas tree up in a window already locally! although I won't be putting mine up till really quite near Christmas.  I've knitted a couple and once they are stuffed and sewn I'll post a few piccies.  I'm also thinking of knitting some teddies too and some Christmassy themed baby outfits so watch this space.  

See you soon.

Caroline xx.

Days Out, New Knitting Supplies and Craft Shows

Well as per usual its been a while........ but I have been busy!.  I have heard from the tax man just a straight forward letter after registering to let me know my unique tax number and to say that they will send me forms when year end tax is due - I'm sure they won't forget.  So far so good I'm thinking.   I've also been looking into updating my mobile phone as its probably classified as an antique by now so have been looking at smart phones.

Its been so busy knitting commissions, and knitting for a designer and trying to set up my website, working part-time and running the house phew - so many jobs and so little time.  As I'm finding it hard to organise my time I have decided to do a timetable plan although I then have to stick to it.  

I've been spending a lot of time researching places to buy products for the site such as knitting wool and needles, pom pom makers, ribbons and buttons etc. as I would like to provide these as well as knitted items and eventually I will be making kits when I have written some of my own designs - although I have to walk before I can run.  

I went to my first trade show a couple of weeks ago at the Birmingham NEC. 

It was free to go as long as you registered and you were given a badge on entering which being my first show I wore with pride lol!  I obviously was only interested in the craft section which wasn't very big (it was only about a quarter of a hall and there were 5 halls in total but I did find some good contacts.  There were companies such as Sirdar, King Cole, DMC etc. who were there.  Each company has a minimum order for wholesale, some I found were a bit too much for me as I'm just starting out but there were about 3 or 4 that I was really interested in and that would let you order wholesale from a fairly small value.  

After giving out business cards and having a few discussions and lots of looking on the internet I have settled on ordering from one company to start with.  I have ordered some DK wool in baby colours, buttons, ribbons, satin and organza, some pom pom makers, and needles.  It was easy to register on the site and I found their customer service really good.  I only ordered on Sunday evening and received it on Tuesday lunchtime.  I'll be putting the items on my website in the next few days - I'm saying the next few days as my tooth broke yesterday so its to the dentist this week and I don't know what will happen - hopefully I will escape alive with a brave badge although probably a large bill.

I am also looking to order some DMC crochet products eventually although I think I should be able to crochet first - still haven't got around to it although have tried the basics.  They sell lovely crochet cottons and threads and the staff at the show were really helpful and once I become a bit bigger (the business not me lol) I am going to look to the bigger companies such as Sirdar etc to order from.

I've also been for a day out recently to Fleetwood.  I needed a bit of me time just for a day.  It was lovely and quiet and I went to the local market where I bought some lovely fudge and looked at the knitting stall - of course.  I also went past a couple of craft shops and then had a lovely meal before going to the beach for a walk.  There was a wedding reception on at the hotel on the front and the bride was having photos taken with her bridesmaids on the beach.

Finally I went to the Stitching Show at Event City near the Trafford Centre, Manchester last Thursday.  I had a complimentary ticket from a previous show so decided to go for a bit of rest and relaxation.  I was also looking for some bows and flowers for a commission I'm doing and couldn't find the ones I needed anywhere.  It was opened by Linda Bellingham. I was there before 10am and went straight in as it was pretty quiet (at the start anyway).  There was lots to do like workshops and demonstrations but I decided against it as the queue for booking these was miles long so started looking at the stands.  There was a good mixture of sewing, papercraft, beads, knitting etc. and I found the bows I needed so could relax for the rest of the show.  I actually managed to go around the whole show and not buy any wool - a first for me although any more wool and I will seriously have to move out of the house!  

There was a lovely fashion show on plus an exhibition of dresses from shows.  

There was quite a lot of seating and early on when I was there it was easy to get a seat and table.  I really enjoyed the show although personally I would have liked a few more knitting stands but as I said there was quite a good selection.  

There were also food stalls with hand baked goods such as pies and pasties both meat and fruit and a cheese stand.  I also saw a cooking demonstration.  All in all it was a good day and I believe they are doing it all again in February if you are in the area and its free parking.

So if you are still with me - well done for getting this far.  I haven't posted for a while as I said but hopefully have made up for it by nearly writing a novel.  So to my to do list for this week - putting supplies on my website, dentist (yuk) although on the positive side I am off on holiday from my part-time job - yippee.

See you soon.

Caroline

Holidays - Yeh

I'm happy to say I am holiday from my part-time job this week - yeh.  More time to concentrate at Oodles Towers and on my knitting.  I'm busy knitting some baby items for a designer so have had to leave my items alone for the moment but will be back to them soon.  I was looking at the drops wool website today and was severely tempted by the sale they have on at the moment some of their cotton yarns are going for as little as £1 - having to think about it.......

I am on a DIET starting last week yes I said a DIET well it had to be done.  I was really quite good although I have nearly eaten my fingers to the knuckles lol.  Its not having the chocolate thats doing it.  I am quite a chocolate fiend.  Withdrawals have set in this week so I'm having to distract myself by knittng, cleaning, anything really thankfully there isn't any chocolate in the house.  On the positive side I lost 10lbs last week.  Couldn't believe it although I do have a lot more to lose and it probably will come off a lot slower now.  By my reckoning if I knit every time I want chocolate I should have a complete shopful of items knitted by next week lol!!!

I finally bought a tent last week its a five man tent with plenty of room so can't wait to just sort out sleeping bags and then I will be off on travels - somewhere.  I'm also looking at backpacks with the one stipulation it does have to be pink.  I've seen quite a good one and cheap in Sports Direct.  In fact I saw loads of stuff in there that I wanted.  I actually bought a black sweatshirt top for £4 in the sale items.  

Whilst there I saw something on a car which I haven't seen before but now must have - carlashes.  They are like eyelashes for your car.  Brilliant.  Just have to have some and they have diamonte eyeliner too lol!  I'm also thinking of putting some decals on my car with my business name on the back windscreen.  Everyone should see me coming then lol!  Just have to get the car through its mot fingers and everything else crossed.  Its an old car but quite reliable.  Its been off the road of late and needs a new battery so am out to buy one this week, sort out the road tax and book it in for the mot.  Then I will be fully mobile and not have to rely on anyone else!

Anyway I'll have to go now as I'm off to buy the carlashes - maybe if she looks pretty they will pass her........

See you soon.

Caroline

Abakhan Mostyn North Wales

Well I didn't get to the Peak District as the weather forecast put me off a little but instead I went to North Wales.  I used to have a static in Prestatyn a few years ago so know the area pretty well and used to go to the Abakhan mill shop in Mostyn pretty regularly.  Its been a while as I don't have the caravan anymore.  

I was quite surprised how quiet it was it used to be really busy maybe because it was the holiday weekend.  Anyway it made it great as you had the whole place nearly to yourself.  I managed to pick out some lovely fabric enough for two maxi dresses and I even saw some lovely material which I may go back for to make duvet covers and curtains. Don't get me wrong I'm no sewing goddess more 'have a go'. 

I had a look around the wool section and believe it or not managed not to buy any wool.  The urge was strong though!

Anyway after Abakhan I went to Llandudno and had a lovely fish and chip lunch and there was a classic car show on the prom.  I did want to go up the Orme but as the weather was closing in a little and it started raining thought it would be left to another day and came home about teatime but it was nice to go back to Wales.  Prestatyn is changing though.

I did see a few tent sites on the way and have written them down to look them up as I'm still thinking of doing the camping thing lol!  I really want to start going out walking in the countryside.  Hope you all had a lovely long weekend and had lots of fun.

Today I'm back on the knitting and hope to put some new items on my website soon.  Now I have my new camera it should be easier - I say should I need to work out the buttons first!

See you soon.

Caroline

Finally Finished

Well here is a picture of the bunny all in one that I was doing for a customer.  I finally finished it and sent it to her and she was really happy with it which makes me happy.  I have done about 3 of these now and everybody seems to like them.  The pattern comes from Claire Topping at www.babydollhandknitdesigns.co.uk.  Great patterns and good prices.

Now I'm knitting baby hats, bootees, leggings and jackets in merino/cashmere blend.  A little difficult in this heat as it heats up you hands but I just keep picking it up and then putting it down.  

I have a few things to finish and put on my website soon too, I was hoping to have some lovely ceramic buttons to put on my garments but unfortunately have been let down but have managed to buy some lovely buttons that really go with them dress outfits anyway so saved the day.  

Its Jubilee weekend in a few days and I am hoping to get out and about if the weather holds.  I fancy going walking in the Peak District.  I'm not a great walker but have just started walking mainly for exercise.  I've also just bought an mp3 player to listen to music while I walk as otherwise I get bored listening to my thoughts.  They're not very exciting lol!  

I even went looking at tents last weekend to try camping, having never been camping before I thought I should try it - the great outdooors and all that lol.  Not sure what I need really as a novice they all looked the same! so if anyone has any tips or ideas on tents or places to walk in the North West then please feel free to leave a comment.  Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Be back soon.

Caroline