Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC

Hi
I am really excited now ready for the Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC.  The hardest part is over, I have everything packed into the car ready for the journey in the morning, approx 4 hours.  Then at least 5 or 6 more hours to unpack the car and set up the stand depending on how tired we get.

I can't wait to meet everyone again and to meet new people as well.  If you are coming please drop by to say hello. We are on stand D24 next to Spellbound beads.

I need to tidy up now just look at the depleted shelves of yarn in my workroom.

I will have some new patterns and show specials available at the show 

Effie is a new little elephant

She is worked in double knitting yarn for the biggest one and 

number 10 crochet cotton for the tiny one

Hope to see you soon

Ali xxx

Bags of Hooks

Good Morning

I thought that I would show you today one of my bags of WIP or UFOs ( works in progress or unfinished objects) from the cupboard under the stairs it seems to breed more and more bags each time I look in there. I have been pretty good this week and almost finished 5 projects from other bags:-

I have lined the bag and stuffed the toys now they only need some eyes.....

Here is the work bag that I have been using lately

I have a little light on the outside and these were in the outside pockets, its no wonder we can't find a pen in the house, there were 8 in this bag !!! and 3 tape measures ohhh no... The little wooden box just fits nicely into one of the pockets and it contains all my needles, stitch markers and ribbon threaders these are ideal for putting the stuffing in small pieces of work. The box is handy to move from bag to bag as needed.

Inside was no better

A bag inside a bag containing sets of hooks none of which had a full set, I always keep the hook with the work because I can never remember which hook size or make I used ( and hook sizes vary from make to make ) there was also assorted patterns and 2 pairs of scissors.

And last but not least 3 project bags I love to put each project on a zip lock bag (Ikea have super ones in different sizes,) a pen, pencil and another hook, and a bag with new wool inside what a jumble...

News Flash For March

I am thinking of doing a CAL crochet along starting on Tuesday 1st March working in Granny type squares, if anyone is interested please let me know via my website www.alicraftsdesigns.co.uk there will be a series of 12 squares, I am hoping to release one a month.

In other news

Don't forget the Sewing for Pleasure Show at the NEC Birmingham
on the 17th to 20th March we will be on stand D24

Oh dear here is the Tesco order arriving, I must go and refill the fridge, now we will have some vegetables tonight.

Hope you all have a good week

Alison xxx

Springtime in Paris progress

Hello,

I started this blanket a while ago so I thought I would update you with the progress.  I blogged about our trip to Paris in April, which you can read about here.

This is mile a minute style blanket is worked in strips.  The colours were inspired by the photograph of tulips in Paris.

I am also busy getting prepared for the Hobbycrafts show at the NEC in Birmingham in November this year.  Last year woolpacks were very popular so I have ordered a little more wool than normal.  Where do you keep 500 more balls of wool?

You can also buy wool packs online if you can't make the show.  Bright Blanket available in three colour ways but please contact me if you want different colours.  Seaton Blanket also available in threes different colour ways.

Seaton Blanket

Happy Crocheting,

Alison x

My Craft Room

Hello,

I am still working on the Seasons doll patterns, the three remaining dolls have now gone to be tested whilst I work on some other projects.  Lots of typing up to do before the Sewing for pleasure show at Birmingham NEC in March.

Whilst sitting at my desk I glanced around my workroom. I describe it as a tidy mess and I am the only one who can find anything.  I like having lots of wool around for inspiration, many books with lots of notes and ideas in.

Shelves full of wool but I never seem to have the colour I want.

Wardrobe full of wool as well.

Over the weekend we were supposed to be doing the RSPB bird count for an hour in our garden.  Saturday came and no birds at all to be seen.  Sunday, no birds again. We were very puzzled until we saw this....

A large sparrow hawk which must have frightened all the birds away.

Take care, Alison

x

Hobbycraft Show at Birmingham NEC

Hello,

My husband and I have had a fantastic weekend at the Hobbycraft show at Birmingham NEC. Thank you for all the wonderful comments about our products and patterns.  We never expected to be quite so busy.

I really enjoy meeting new customers and having a chat about crochet although we had a few laughs about 'no knitting here' comments from my husband.

Thank you to all the returning ladies we love to have your feedback about our designs.

This was our stand once we had just set up...

The most popular patterns over the weekend seem to be Princess Blueberry and George..

Princess Blueberry

George on Etsy

Really looking forward to the next big show in March, Sewing for Pleasure.

Alison x

Free flower pattern

I have had a very busy weekend at the Sewing for Pleasure show at the Birmingham NEC.  Lots of pattern sales with Belinda doll still my most popular doll pattern.

The stall was looking very busy and I love having time to chat to people about my patterns and crocheting.

Free Flower Pattern - Here is a free pattern for a simple flower. We were handing them out at the show but ran out.

Double knitting yarn and 4.00 hook

(3metres colour 1, 24metres colour 2)

1.      Ch.2, 8dc. into 2nd ch. from hook, ss. to join in back loop of 1st st.

2.      Working in back loop for this round ch.1, 2dc. in same space, 2dc. in each st. to end, ss. to join in 1st dc. Fasten off colour 1

3.     Join 2nd colour to back loop of any st. work *10ch., 1dc. in 2nd ch. from hook, 1dc. in each of next 8ch., ss. in back loop of next st. on round 2, rep. from * all round, ss. to join in front loop of 1st st. on round 2.

4.      8ch., 1dc. in 2nd ch. from hook, 1dc. in next ch., 1 dc. in  next 6ch., ss. in front loop of next st. rep. all round ss. to join.   Fasten off.

Hope you enjoy the pattern, let me know if you make it.