Exhibition for The Knitting Tent

If anyone wants to join in with this (see here http://yarnarchic.blogspot.com/2011/12/exhibition-for-knitting-tent.html ) I've got a list of free patterns for undersea stuff https://www.facebook.com/notes/wigan-pixie/links-to-free-patterns-for-the-knitting-tents-under-the-sea-exhibition/350270314986951 if you need any inspiration. The pieces can be done in any medium, not just knitting and crochet, so start creating and become part of The Knitting Tent's Undersea Adventure.

Tough Choice

With an overcast sky threatening to rain, this pixie was resigned to having to do some housework which, as Welshy can confirm, is my least favourite thing to do. On a whim I decided to get out the micro-lathe, knowing full well that it would be a pain in the bum to put away quickly, should the heavens open. Luckily we only had a few spits and spots, which gave me the opportunity to turn two new hooks that I shall be eventually selling.

The first one was done from a hazel rod that was lurking around in the shed.

It is 4mm and finished with Black Bison Wax.

Then I decided to play with some spalted Beech blocks that we've had for a while. I am so pleased with this one, it certainly is a thing of outstanding beauty.

It is 7mm and would be perfect for using with t-shirt yarn or old bedding. As it's such a work of art, I thought I would add an extra dimension to it.

I made it so it would stand up, that way it can be put on show when it's not being used. How cool is that.

Latest crafty adventures

It's been very quiet on the crafting front, mainly due to the weather. Most of our time has been spent with Welshy giving our truck Myfanwy a new paint job and I've been playing chauffeur to The Boy, taking him out to birthday parties and home ed activities.  Fortunately a broken angle and a break from driving duties gave us a chance to play around with the micro-lathe.

Welshy got started on a Bodhran Beater for a friend we met at home ed camp.

and I decided to make myself a new Tunisian Crochet Hook.

It was my first proper go on a lathe so small and I have to say that it was great fun. The hook is turned from a hazel rod, that we somehow acquired at Bearded Theory Festival, and I decided to leave a little bit of the bark on at the end, just for contrast. It is finished with two coats of Black Bison Wax.

My new hook.

We've been pretty busy over the summer months going to festivals and sorting out the truck, so not much crafty work has gone on. Yesterday however, I was rather bored and decided I wanted to do something. I've been thinking about crocheting a large rag run, but the largest hook I have is only 12mm. I wanted something larger. After rummaging around in the shed, I found something suitable. I think it may be a piece of coppiced hazel, but it was reasonably straight and I decided it would do. So after sawing off a piece, I got to work with my whittling knife, some sandpaper and wax. A couple of hours later, I had my hook. Here are a couple of photos of it with a normal 4mm one, just so you can appreciate how big it actually is.

I shall be making more of these over the winter months, hopefully someone will want to buy one.

I also intent to make some even bigger and maybe some extra large knitting needles too. I think they would look great as decorations when the new knitting tent is up and running.

Alchemy Festival 2011

I spent the Easter weekend working at Alchemy Festival with Ani, teaching knitting and crochet to anyone who wanted to learn. It was a small festival, which meant we were not rushed off our feet and gave me some time to do some spinning in the sunshine.We met up with some old friend and even made some new ones, which will hope to see again soon. Here are a few photos of the festival and the knitting tent.

Our view from The Knitting Tent

Bodger's Workshop

Ani waiting for someone to teach, with Sacred Fusion next door.

Site Art which was beautiful when lit up at night

Us trying to look busy

More site art

Spinning in the sunshine

More beautiful art

Latest commission and another stool

Welshy recently got asked to pyro and line a jewellery box for a friend's sister's birthday. After much blood, sweat and tears, it's finally finished and it's beautiful. I love the Antique Pine colour of the stain so much, I'm going to beg for an aromatherapy oils box in the same colour or maybe I'll go with an oak stain, or maybe get one of each.

We also liked the design of the Sun Clock so much that he decided to put the design onto another stool, which I shall be parking my bum on at every opportunity.

Funky Blackboards

I decided I needed some chalkboards to stick outside the knitting tent to attract people wanting to learn. We looked on the internet and were outraged at the cost of decent ones - some were over £100 !!!

Once again Welshy's talent for making things saved the day. He got some timber and constructed a basic frame.

He then decided to jazz them up a bit with his coloured wood dyes.

He then painted some hardboards we had with blackboard paint, sprinkled the frames with some glitter and tiny shiny stars and here they are

I think you'll all agree that they are fantastic and unique. So remember to call in and say hello if ever you see them outside of a tent.