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

ICHF Show at Aintree Racecourse

A couple of weeks ago I won some tickets to the ICHF show at Aintree Racecourse.  The show was on Saturday so we travelled to Aintree.  I haven't been there before for a show so was quite excited.  On entering we were given complimentary tickets for the September show at The Event City opposite the Trafford Centre so was quite pleased.  As a knitter I was a little disappointed as there weren't many cross stitch or knitting stands it was mostly papercrafting and it was a little on the small side but I did find a couple of things that I really liked.  I did originally go to buy some Knit Pro needles size 4mm as I already have some 3mm and I really love them they are so light and the stitches don't fall off although they still slide along when knitting but unfortunately no-one was selling them but I did find some lovely ribbon by a company called meiflower it was satin but they also do organza at really good prices so bought about 10 reels of baby pinks and blues, lemons lilacs and white.  I had also been talking about buying a crystal nail file as the ones I have had in the past were a bit rubbish and tended to split my nails and hey presto there was a nail file stand with lovely crystal nail files, with lovely crystals on them and they also sold special hard cases for the files so treated myself.  There was a lovely handmade chocolate stand there too - say no more although I did manage to say no - just.  On the whole it was nice to get out and see the show but I am glad I hadn't paid as I would have been disappointed as a knitter.  I am wondering if all the knitting companies had decided to go to Wonderwool in Wales this weekend.  I am thinking of going next year although it is quite a distance but I would love to go - a goal me thinks. I'm still busy making the bunny all in one but should have it finished by the end of this week and once it has been sent to the customer I will post a piccie on here to show you.

See you soon.

Caroline.

Oodles of Stitches

Well I'm finally up and running as an official business - Oodles of Stitches. The website went live two days ago on 6th April so I will be filling out the tax forms to register as self employed. I have been looking around the web at craft fairs too and hope to be doing some but it will be later in the year I think as I need to desperately build my stock up and there just don't seem to be enough hours in the day as I do work part-time too.

On my first day (Friday) I received a commission for a white bunny suit all in one and was really happy my first official order. It just goes to show that using social media can get you orders. Its going to be for a very special little reborn doll so after receiving the order I went straight out to buy all the wool, buttons etc to make it. Instead of pink ears they have asked for blue and once finished and sent to my customer I will post a piccie on here. In the meantime heres a piccie of one I have done in the past.

Busy doing the tension squares at the moment and then will get stuck into knitting it. It is a labour of love and you do have to concentrate but it does look lovely every time. If you like the pattern I can't claim it as my own (I wish) but it belongs to a very clever lady Claire Topping at Babydollhandknitdesigns who has her own website for patterns and if you ever get stuck or can't see the wood for the trees as I did on one occasion is very helpful with the patterns. In my case I had obviously had a brunette moment as I had failed to read an instruction (happened to be important).

I was planning to do a lot of things this weekend but with the weather not being too good the gardening has had to wait as has the fence painting and the car boot but it has left plenty of time to start my first official Oodles of Stitches commission so happy in one respect.

Hope you are all having a lovely Easter and haven't eaten too many eggs and are feeling icky.

See you Soon.

Caroline.

Getting Ready

Hello everyone, busy getting ready for the website launch. I did say January but things changed and I decided to wait until April to start at the beginning of the tax year which gives me longer to knit more items etc. I did phone the tax people who said I could only register once my website was up and running live and I was actually trading so will be filling in the online forms when it goes live in April.

I am busy looking to do fairs at the moment both craft and also am thinking of trying to do a local vintage fair that includes craft stalls too. Its a busy market for the vintage fair so am looking into it and will let you know how I'm getting on.

I went to the Knitting and Craft Show at Event City the other week near the Trafford Centre. Although there were only a few knitting stalls it was a lovely show and busy. I found a lovely company who I may use to source my yarns from called woolyknit as they are a company who deal in british wool yarns.

I have also been busy having labels made for packaging, ordering tissue paper and am now looking at boxes for the babywear etc. to be packaged in and some bags. The colour theme I decided on what black and gold so labels are gold with black lettering the boxes I hope will be black with gold ribbon and the bags I hope will be black. Its all so very time consuming but amazing at what you find out and some places like to wool people do trade prices. I know this sounds silly but didn't even think of asking for trade prices it was only that I mentioned starting a business and what I was doing so first lesson I have learned is get your business head on when buying yarn not my old hobby head lol. I've also been buying books for my accounting and plenty of pens and probably will need lots of correction fluid for the mistakes lol!!. So all in all have been really busy. Finding that I have to prioritise time for paperwork, researching etc. and time for knitting and networking. I'm really enjoying setting everything up and although nervous can't wait for April to launch the website. Sometime inbetween all this I want to learn to crochet too. I will show some piccies soon of new items ready for the website in April when I have finished them off.

See you soon.

Happy Christmas and New Year

Hello I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. I had a quiet Christmas at home this year but have been very busy.

I decided a few weeks ago that I was going to take the plunge and set up a website finally and sell my hand crafted items online. I was going to do this before Christmas but have been so busy knitting and getting things ready like designing the website and taking photos etc. that it had to be put back so I have now decided to launch the website in APRIL 2012. If you have time please feel free to have a look I'm starting off small but will be adding items as and when they are finished. I am starting by selling hand knitted items for baby, children and adults and homewares like cushion covers etc. and I will also be sewing some material cushion covers and eventually I will be doing cross stitched items.

I will post here what its like to start a business so many people want to do it but never take the plunge and I decided that if I can help by writing about all the ups and downs then it may encourage others. At the moment I work part-time as an employee but as from APRIL 2012 I will have to register as self employed too. So once my website is live I will be informing the tax man that I have gone self-employed first and will let you know how I go on. Shaking with anticipation the words tax and man and forms fills me with dread but hey how hard can it be? otherwise there wouldn't be so many people out there trying it would there.

My website is going to be called Oodles of Stitches and can be found at www.oodlesofstitches.com. So I'm busy just finishing off my website before the big reveal (biting nails anxiously).

Early Happy New Year everyone.

Debbie Bliss

Last week I went to see Debbie Bliss who was doing a book signing at The Black Sheep Craft Barn in Warrington. As its not too far away from me I decided to go as I have never met her before. Its not often you get to meet people you see in the magazines and books and the people behind the wools and yarns.

What a lovely lady. She spoke to me for ages and described the yarns and had some samples to touch and look at and try on. As I am a larger size I thought as all us larger girls do well they look very nice but no thanks I won't try them on as I know you don't do it in my size. Anyway after some persuasion I tried on a 34 inch bust shrug and it fitted. Believe me I am a plus plus size so couldn't believe it and the shaping was great. Actually Debbie was explaining to me that although the sizes in the book say 34 bust etc. when you see the actual measurements you soon realise that the shrug although oversized on a 34 bust will fit a larger size but as a fitted garment.

Well there was no stopping me I was like a kid in a sweet shop by then trying on quite a few clothes, a couple of jumpers and cardigans all of which fitted and the shaping was great. I would probably need to go up one size in a couple but Debbie opened my eyes at looking at the patterns. She was so lovely to talk to and so was her daughter who was also with her. I ended up deciding to treat myself for once to a book to knit myself a jacket now just need to save up for the wool although not cheap is beautiful and will last and because of the shaping of the pattern if I do lose weight then it will just go back to being oversized well I say if don't hold your breath although I have lost 2 stone in the last few months. Not really trying it just disappeared somewhere along the line.

If you are ever in the area you should try going along to The Black Sheep Craft Barn in Warrington its a great place with wools, needles, accessories, cross stitch. Loads of yarns and I mean loads of yarns to cater for all pockets. The staff a lovely too. They usually doe some of the knitting and stitching exhibitions around the country so you may see them at these.

See you soon.

Knitted cushion cover

Hello I've been busy of late with life etc. so have been neglecting the blog a bit. I just wanted to show my first hand knitted cushion cover. It fastens at the back with poppers. I hadn't designed it this way but originally it was to be an envelope fasten at the back but when the pad went in it needed to be pulled together slightly and it was to late for buttonholes so I decided on the poppers design feature!! lol. The flowers I knitted are the pattern I gave earlier in my blog and look really nice and just give it a bit of dimension. I was really pleased so think I shall be designing a few more.

I have also knitted another dress set in a lovely lustre white colour and am knitting a dungaree set in a lovely blue colour with an intarsia monkey face on the front bib so will post piccies when I have finished it. Just the jumper that goes underneath to do.

I don't know whether you have been on this site before www.craftsuprint.com. It used to be a cardmaking site that sells decoupage etc. patterns to download but it now also does knitting, crochet and cross stitch patterns. They are great patterns some unusual scarf and necklaces as well as baby clothes and toys etc. I have only bought some baby patterns but there is loads to look at on the site and forums and games to.

I usually knit in acrylic wool. One reason is cost, the other being it is easily machine washable for babies but I have been looking at the lovely merino wools and am tempted although it would cost a lot more but the feel is absolutely lovely. I have been looking on the internet and have seen a site called www.yarns4less.com. The prices are really cheap so I think I will be doing a bit of shopping there too. Unfortunately it wasn't me who won the lottery of 162 million this week so I will have to wait until next pay day lol!!

I have also bought some knitting books while I have been away from blogland one being Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein. You can see it on Amazon. A truly amazine book. Great for blanket designing and ideas. It gives loads of squares and designs that you can do listing the pattern so you can change the colours etc. and mix and match.

I have also bought blankets and throws by Debbie Abrahams. I had seen the pattern for a seaside blanket on ebay and really loved it and found out by chance that it was from the book. There are lots of blanket styles and patterns. Once again a great book for looking and knitting blankets. I do believe there as been a second book so am saving up.

I've also been looking at lots of blogs again for inspiration. Probably spending too much time but hey it gives me a break. A nice cuppa a bit of chocolate and a lot of blog watching - I'm in heaven, sad I know but it makes me happy although to be honest anything including chocolate makes me happy. I am trying to - ah hem - lose some weight. I have to be fairI have lost about a stone and a half up to now but am struggling a bit at the moment not so much going of the rails but more of a train crash. Still I'm trying to get back to eating healthily tomorrow no diet just eating less and no rubbish - hmm does cake count if it is made out of wholesome ingredients? maybe not cue chicken and veg.

Oh and just before I go I am joining in handmade monday which is a list of bloggers who all join together so please pop along to have a look at all the lovely blogs. They are really great just click here:

http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/2011/07/handmade-monday-25-and-gazebo-disaster/.

So ta ta for now hope you enjoy the piccies.