The New Studio
It was with great excitement that this week I was going to reveal the awesome results of the room swap with the children. However, due to circumstances out of our control, a mere 2 weeks after the first move, another switch had to happen. We worked late into the night on Saturday, moving the children down to my old studio and my things up the stairs.
Truth be told, I have found the whole situation rather upsetting, and, without going into details, it was not a change we were wanting to make.
However, a few days in and I can’t help but admit that the new studio space is lovely. Its at the front, south-facing side of the house, and even with just one window, it lets in a lot of light, particularly in the afternoons. It has also meant a declutter and re-organise of both my yarn and fabric stashes. Ellis, having learned about the phrase “Silver Linings” recently, reminds me that everything has a one.
I can’t remember if I have ever talked about my beloved yarn storage system? Well, I LOVE it. It is 2 sets of these wire baskets from ikea bolted together (though if I were to buy it again, I would get these , but my shelf is quite old). I have the wool arranged by weight and what makes them so fabulous is that I can see instantly what is in each section. They also aren’t so deep that I have to dig for things, causing lots of tangles. It can look a bit messy, but they could easily be stored under a table or in a cupboard.
Plus, I like to see the yarn for my next project peeking out, tempting me to come and play.
All in, I have to admit that while the circumstances aren’t that great, the space is lovely.
An Excuse for More Knitting
Looking forward into the remainder of 2013, I feel a bit sick with everything that needs to be done. A lot of designing is on the cards (yay), combined with Capturing Childhood, a certain book release, and life with 3 children…there is no doubt that it is going to be crazy.
However, at the moment, there are no making deadlines and other projects are in a bit of a limbo. However, when you have crocheted or knit every day for 18months, not having something to make feels a bit strange. So I have lined up a bit of making for me. Makers and designers know that it is a rare luxury to make something solely for ones self, having so many things that aren’t in the correct size or need to stay with a publisher. So I thought a little reward knitting was in order.
First up is this textured shawl, based on this one. It is knit in Malabrigo silky merino, left over from a project in Crochet at Play. And while it is beautiful to look at, it does not suit me at all. Something about the shape or the colour just doesn’t work. So it, like most other things, will be sent off to someone else to love.
And that is ok, because it just means I have an excuse for more knitting.
Red Nose Day Dolls
The tiniest of Woolly Owl Hats, made in Jamison’s Spindrift.
I am thrilled to be one of the makers contributing to the Red Nose Day Dolls, with a wee hat for a wee dolly head. If you haven’t heard about this project – crafters from all over the UK are working together to create dolls and accessories to auction off in aid of Red Nose Day. I am actually in awe of the amazing things that have been created for the dolls – aprons and books and quilts and jewellery. You can read more about the project here and donate here.
The auction starts on Thursday, so keep an eye on the Red Nose Day Doll Facebook page for more information.
