It's July, therefore it is Christmas

I sit here, the rain is on it's way, I'm wearing a poncho, both of which are making my current work a little easier than it normally feels in July. I'm getting myself organised for Christmas - no not shopping - I like to leave that until at least November. My mind is on Christmas cards. I sell via Folksy and Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous, and the lovely Press Office have informed me that requests for Christmas items are starting to come through.

I wanted to revamp my range, give it a fresher feel. Influenced by letterpress with a Scandinavian feel, I'm reworking some traditional themes. I don't want anything glitzy and sparkly, instead aiming for bold, clean with really strong lines and shapes. Starting with an inked line drawing, I then rework it digitally and get busy with the vector lines.... The real fun comes when I play with the colour palette, 4 colour ways, I've shared one of them here.

Inked design

Working on the vector version

Finished!

Flutter through Folksy

Inspired by lovefromflorence.blogspot.com, I've been flicking through Folksy and wanted to share some of my current favourites. I'm drawn to the attention to detail, the choice of yarn and the technical skills used in these projects.

Owl Hat by ChayChay Hand Knits and Crochet

Symmetrical flower Cushion Cover by NostalgicPieces

Lavender Sachets by Nomolio

Apple Coasters by Tatjana474

Owl Apple Cosy by HeloiseV

Baby boots by Bamboots

Organic Cotton Cloths by Scrubbitty

Crochet Hook Roll by KnitsandKnots

Crochet Chirpy Bird Keyring by Simply Hand Made

Crochet Frog Pin Cushion by PawsomeCreatures

Pencil Toppers by Super Cute

Aromatic Crochet Hearts by Angela's cute crafts

Summer holidays.....crafty plans

Granny square blanket

Phew! After the very, very wet Nova Festival, and a lovely weekend away with my gorgeous man, I feel refreshed and ready for the summer (!)

School holidays are looming, weather not looking any better, so we may be inside rather a lot. I have a few ideas to occupy us, some film making - it's always a challenge but the results are so satisfying. There really is something for everyone when it comes to film, the story, the imagery, the music & sound and the team working opportunity. Watch this space - the finished film will be published, hopefully before the new school year.

Additionally I'm going to continuing hooking with my daughter, she did really well first time round, starting with a circular coaster and I'm confident with some relaxed, holiday time she will get the hang of it.

As for me, well I've been using up a vast quantity of wool which I have collected over my adulthood. Granny squares-a-plenty are slowly but surely forming this years winter blanket. Our lovely house can be a bit chilly and I like nothing better than feeling cosy as the nights draw in. All this rain has made me feel I need to be truly prepared for winter - avoid the blues! I started this 3 weeks ago, and realistically it needs to be twice the size, at the moment it would cover my knees in a bit of a granny way. Hey but the great thing about granny squares is you can just keep adding them!