Saturday Round Up

I seem to have settled into a once weekly post, and that sometimes means there are lots of things to show you, and sometimes, not very much at all! But I have had a busy time in the shed lately, so here is the result.
It is my little friends Cala's 2nd birthday soon. I'm sure her Mum doesn't check this blog, so here are the birthday girl's new trousers

Mum gave me a whole stack of upholstery weight fabric ages ago and it's been sitting in a heap waiting for me to do something with it. I like how these turned out - -they are lined with an old green silk blouse I picked up in a jumble sale. I made her a little bag too -

and I liked it so much that I made four more! Rosie who is part of this great place, has asked if I would sell some of my things at a Christmas Craft Fair on November 11th, so I'm making more things like these.

And another project for Cala's Mum is a blank book for her to use as a diary, especially for this latest pregnancy! (exciting!)
Here is an amazing book that I rescued from work just before they threw it away. It has such great pages and wonderful marbling on the ends, the idea was to use it as a photograph album, but that never happened. Now I think I'll use the pages to make blank books like the one I started today.

I spent a term doing a book making course every tuesday morning, but we didn't really make books - more pop up cards and boxes and things. It was a bit disappointing as I was really interested to know some book binding techniques, but I got some tips and clues and have invented my own style. Also - I find lots of inspiration on this wonderful webby place.
I am sewing the pages onto stiff paper spines - also from books - like this.....

(don't panic Mum - I will change the needle after this terrible use of my machine!)

Then I've hand stitched them together down the middle - next I'll make the cover - still puzzling that one out - but it's taking shape in my head! I'll let you see how it ends up! And more importantly, whether Lara likes it!

Next - I've liked old Yarnstorms tea cosies for ages now and had to make my own for my Rooibosh tea times. This is rooster wool  but it will never have a companion because I really disliked knitting it, even though I love the result - and had to go and find a teapot to match!

What else? Oh yes - I got some silk yarn from Hip Knits and I love it!

These are very small amounts and will be little flowers for the 'wacky' workshop I'm doing Very Soon!! And this ...

no idea? but I'm sure something will occur.
And that will do - another week flies by, the woods are turning golden and beautiful. Poppy and I love to walk here as often as we can.

Comments

[Mum]

First of all I think the things you are making are wonderful. I don't know where you find the time but they really are lovely and I hope they will give pleasure to all who receive them. I'm pleased you find uses for all the material I force on you. There's lots more here if you can find the storage space. Keep up the good work; you really are amazing.

[Zoe]

Hi Katie

Haven't head from you lately. The teapot cosy is really nice. I like the colours you've chosen. Those wooods look great to walk in. Good luck with the workshop.

[littlejennywren]

I love the teacosy. Was It difficult to knit or just not your "thing". The little trousers and bags are lovely, very pretty fabric. Is Poppy a person or a dog, my dog is called poppy that's why I ask?

[martha]

I quite liked the whole pulling the wool tight across the back thing- but then again I never finished mine so I'm clearly not one to talk. I'm wanting a pattern for those cool (or in fact extremely toasty) peruvian knee high slipper things to make out of that lovely variagated south african wool, in fact I have orders from people but no idea where to start (although I've decided I'm not scared of dpns- no trouble mate- though the only set I have is 4 plastic size 4's)
This is the most on topic comment i have ever left here mother, but that is because I'm going to ring you later since you were asleep last time. Talk to you in a short while xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[carolyn]

What gorgeous things you made for Carla, so pretty. Good luck with the craft fair the bags are gorgeous. Re. tea cosy I have a pattern for a similiar one which actually inspired me to try and learn how to knit. I'm enjoying it so far but I'm only on a scarf. Can't wait to be able to make the tea cosy though!

[katie]

Poppy is our border collie - she is about one and a half and very lively - and the tea cosy - I jsut didn't enjoy knitting it - I think I am a loose knitter and having to do all that pulling - which martha says she likes - annoyed me - so this is defiantely a one off!

[islaygirl]

gorgeous photos, as always. i love coming here, the colors always pop off the page (or the screen, as it were). and the picture of your mom tidying your sewing machine ... perhaps she could have a word with my mom?

xx

[carolyn]

Hi, me again I forgot to comment on your book project! which is rather strange as I find it totally fascinating and am really looking forward to seeing more.

[katie]

I 'finished' the book this eveing - but I think I may have to do some remedial work on it before I am hapy with it - it's not quite right -I know what I am trying to do - but can't quite get it - I think I should seek out a book binding corse - a real one this time - because it really interests me - you too carolyn?

[Julie]

Very cute trousers and the matching bag - well, when are you making adult-sized ones! Scrummy new wools, I was comparing notes with someone else recently about how we like to line up our yarn collections and just enjoy looking at them - a bit sad perhaps but then I think I'm a bit of an anorak when it comes to wool! Loved your woodland walk shot - the woods are such a great place to be this time of year and how perfect to come home to a cup of tea from under that wonderful cosy.

[Owen]

im listening to a good song, i will give it to you on CD soon. i hope the knitting, felting, matting, sewing and other general crafting is up to its usual wonderful self.

love form owen.

[Veronica TM]

This post is full of beautiful things! The trousers and the bags, so great! Are you going to show the finished book? I am very curious about it. The tea cozy and the tea pot are also beautiufl!
How I wish I had a path lined with trees like that close!

[wendy]

I love those trousers and those bags. I am finding a weekly post quite acheivable and enjoyable. I think I bought some of those little skeins of yarn at the Knitting and Stitching show, they are waiting patienly for their turn on the needles.

[Traysi]

Sheron and Anne sent me a gorgeous What Katie Did Next bag for my birthday. I have been showing it off to everyone and my little girl insisted on taking it to school today to show off to her friends. Amazingly, it came back in perfect shape and clean - she was threatened with no sweets for a week if she dirtied it! I really love the things you make and this fantastic website. I think I have been about an hour and a half reading it and really should be getting on with my ironing!! Do you sell any of your things via the site or any other outlet? Thank you for a lovely entertaining afternoon!