Saturday 2 April 2022

Still Here

Hi everyone. Sorry it's been a long time since I have posted. My health has deteriorated to the point where I can't stand up for more than 20 mins without falling over. They think I have POTS and am currently going through testing.
It's been a tough few years. My mum passed away from overian cancer at the age of 67. It was during the height of covid so it was really difficult. We had 24 to the funeral but we couldn't sit together and there wasn't a wake. 

I still have an amazing husband and my son is about to finish highschool. 

Benji the Beagle sadly passed away but I have a new pest to keep me company.  He is very much a spoilt brat but he is my shadow. 
Life is a bit boring now as it's quite a hindrance not being able to stand. I am hoping once I am fully diagnosed they can try some different meds to help me. 

It was lovely in the UK last week. Lovely and sunny and warm. This week it is really cold. The flowers have still started to come out. 
I also have received some fruit trees for my birthday. I now have blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, red currant, black currant, plum, cherry, fig and apple tree. It will take a couple of years for my new trees to fruit but I love the fact I can go into the garden and pick fresh fruit from my potted fruit trees. 
I haven't been crafting as much due to the terrible brain fog. Hopefully once I have managed things better I will be able to. I hope to check in again soon.



Tuesday 20 November 2018

Crocheted Birds ~ GMC Publications ~ Book Review

by Vanessa Mooncie

ISBN: 9781784944582
Publisher: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd
Publication Date: 07 November 2018
RRP: £14.99

Available direct from GMC Publications



I couldn't wait for this book to be released 
and I wasn't disappointed. 


If you crochet this is a book that you really have to purchase. 
It would make a brilliant present for someone. 


This book the most amazing realistic designs. 
You don't need to be told which bird it is as it is so clear.
 I have never seen crochet in such an amazing way. 


I can't wait to make each of them.  
I am starting with the dove but then 
I am going to work my way each and every one of them. 


Each of the designs are broken down into sections. 
You work each section until you have each bird made. 


Each of the patterns are in both written and graph format.  
The patterns are really easy to follow 
and at the start of each one are clear instructions 
to help you to complete the project.  


There are ten different birds to crochet: 
Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit, Wren, Budgerigar, Dove, 
Cardinal, Swan, Barn Owl, Bald Eagle.



Available direct from GMC Publications





I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Mini Hoop Embroideries ~ Search Press ~ Book Review

Mini Hoop Embroideries
By Sonia Lyne

ISBN: 9781782216650
Publisher: Search Press
Publication Date: 08 October 2018
RRP: £9.99

Available direct from Search Press



This book is such good fun.  
It has such a vast amount of different projects to do that you will be kept occupied for a long time. 


The projects are great fun and really interesting. 
 The thing I was most surprised at was the 
different mediums she uses 
and how she uses them to create the different designs. 


 Sonia also gets you thinking about how you can use 
different threads, colours and techniques 
to create different look for each design. 


The book takes you through every part 
of the process of creating the mini hoops. 
There are step by step instructions with clear pictures. 


Then she takes you through each design, 
how to create it and how to create different designs 
within that project. 


I love the way Sonia uses material 
and pictures to make some of the designs pop. 
Not only does she give you all these fun projects 
to make she also gives you ideas of how to show 
them off or how to use them. 

They make brilliant gifts for family 
and friends not matter what age.  
You will really have great fun making all these projects 
and coming up with your own ideas.
Great book, good fun projects with lots of amazing designs. 

Available direct from Search Press





I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Joyful Stitching ~ C&T Publishing ~ Book Review

Joyful Stitching
by Laura Wasilowski

ISBN: 9781617455674
Publisher: C & T Publishing
Publication Date: 25 January 2018
RRP: £16.99

Available direct from Search Press


This book might be not some people might
like the look of but don't judge a book
by it's cover.


Yes Laura has an amazing use of colour that
might be too bright for some people
but really don't let this put you off.


I am following quite a lot of the designs but
putting them in more natural tones.


The big thing I have taken from this book
is the techniques Laura uses to create each
of her pictures.
Each design uses techniques to bring
together an amazing look and texture.
I also like how Laura uses different jewels etc
to create different affects.


Each project has very detailed pictures and
instructions so that you can complete each one.
Each project has Laura's unique that will inspire you.



Available direct from Search Press




I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

How to Whittle ~ Search Press ~ Book Review

by Josh Nava

ISBN: 9781782215875
Publisher: Search Press
Publication Date: 10 January 2018
RRP: £10.99

Available direct from Search Press



I wanted this book for my son and husband.
I am a huge crafter and I wanted to find something
they can do together.

This is a beautiful book that takes
you through every stage of the whittling process.
The first section of the book takes you
through all the tools you may need to use.
It takes you through how to sharpen them
as well as how to use them.
This is very important when whittling.

There are pictures throughout the book
to help you with the different techniques.
It takes you through every type of cut
and the picture shows you the direction
how to cut.

It is really the type of book you want to spend time
on.
It also takes a lot of practice so that you are more
confident doing each type of cut.

Once you feel more confident preparing your blank
and making the different types of cut you can then
move onto some of the projects.

There are a lot of projects to try and they vary in type.
Butter Paddle
Spatula
Serving Board
Cooking Spoon
Candleholder
Salt cellar
Doorstop
Spice spoon
Fork
Ladle
Slotted spoon
Tool Handle
Mobile
Carved Animal
Succulent stand
Coatrak
Door Handle
Comb
Pinch pot
Pan trivet
Offcut car
Love spoon
Airplane

This is a very comprehensive book.
My only negative is I would of preferred the
book was slightly bigger.
With having the hardbacked it is sometimes difficult to keep
the page open.

Available direct from Search Press





I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Hoop Art ~ Search Press ~ Book Review

by Cristin Morgan

ISBN: 9781782216360
Publisher: Search Press
Publication Date: 10 January 2018
RRP: £12.99

Available direct from Search Press




Squeee!
I love this book.
I have only been embroidering for the last twelve months
but this book has inspired me to expand
my embroidery skills.
It has also inspired me to use embroidery on more
projects and to use it to add that special touch.


This book isn't just what it shows on the cover.
It's not just are to hang on the wall.
Not only does it give you brilliant
projects to complete it inspires you to
create more from your own imagination.


This book has expanded my ideas of where to use embroidery so much.


Not only do you get the instructions for the embroidery
of the projects you also get the full instructions
to make everything in the project yourself.


The pictures that go along with the instructions
are so clear and easy to follow.
The instructions involve everything you need to know
so it's so much easier for you to complete the projects.


As you may of guessed I love this book.
I am in the middle of my first project but I have
already marked a number of others I want to make.


The first chapter includes eight different projects
that are hoop art.
The second chapter is items for your home.
There are another five different projects in this chapter.
Chapter three is items for you.
There are an amazing eight projects in this chapter.
The last chapter is all the techniques and stitches that you
will need to know about to complete the projects.


This is an amazing book.
It's one that you will use time and again.
The only problem you will have is which project
to start first.

Available direct from Search Press






I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Home Sweet Home ~ Country Bumpkin ~ Book Review

Home Sweet Home - An Embroidered Workbox
Home Sweet Home
An Embroidery Workbox
by Carolyn Pearce

ISBN: 978-0980876703
Publisher: Country Bumpkin
Publication Date: 16 March 2012
RRP: $34.95

Available direct from Inspiration Studios



I knew I had to buy this book as soon as I saw it.
I was not disappointed.


The designs are beautiful and the way 
Carolyn takes you through the processes
is brilliant.
There are so many pictures to help you though each step.
And each step has clear instructions to make it
easier for you to complete.


I love the fact that you can make each item step by step
and add to your matching collection.
Everything looks so beautiful together.
It's probably going to take me years to
complete the set as I am not very fast 
but I am going to enjoy every minute of make them.


I have only just started making my first item
so I can't give any details of the whole book
but so far so good.



Available direct from Inspiration Studios





I purchased this book myself.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.

Learn to Cro-Tat ~ Annie's ~ Book Review



ISBN: 9781590127780
Publisher: Annie's
Publication Date: 05 December 2016
RRP: £7.99

Available from Search Press




This is BRILLIANT!

Ok so in the past I have tried shuttle tatting and haven't
succeeded.
I love the look that tatting can create but I gave up.
I just couldn't get the tatting flick.
This gives me a whole new option for creating those
beautiful tatting looks using my crochet skills.


The brilliant thing about this book is the fact
that you get the tool with it as well.
What could be better!


The first thing the book does is take
you step by step through the technique.
There are clear large pictures that show 
you what to do as well as clear
written instructions.


Then you get three beautiful projects to make.
I love the fact the projects are different sizes etc.

There is a beautiful Shawl.


A Mandala


A Necklace


Each of the projects are stunning.

You can't grumble about a book that gives you
all the instructions, patterns and the tool
to be able to make the projects.

This is a fantastic first instructional book
into the art of crochet tatting.

Available from Search Press






I received this book to review.
However all opinions expressed are my own.
Affiliate links are included on the post.
No monies were exchanged.