New Postcards

I was really pleased yesterday morning when my new postcards arrived in the post.  They are blank on the back except for my details.

They will be great for handing out at craft fairs, for writing a little note with an order, or for sending a message in the post.  All this new technology is fantastic, but nothing really beats good old pen and paper, I still love getting things through the post, and think other people must do too.

The week that was - Orders and Otters

It has been a busy week, and the next few are going to get even busier in the run up to Christmas and the Shetland Arts and Carfts Craft Fair which starts on Friday 12th November.  I have been working on trade orders, and have more to send out ASAP.  These photos show you a typical working day in my workshop:

Cutting felt for notebook covers:

Notebook cover pieces waiting to be embroidered and stitched together:

Ends to be finished before stitching together:

 Some finished notebooks:

Necklaces and bracelets being strung with felt beads:

 

By Wednesday night I had one order ready to be packed, it had to arrive at a gallery in England by the beginning of this next week so I labelled everything and packed it in the sitting room on the coffee table whilst watching Grand Designs out the corner of my eye.  (That was after the Arts and Crafts meeting where we sorted out the layout of the Clickmin centre hall where the craft fair will be held, trimmed invitations, folded posters, etc.)

Anyway, its a great feeling once orders have gone, and you hear they have arrived OK.  No time to sit back and relax though!

On Thursdays and Fridays I work as a Science Technician for Shetland's high schools, so we do a lot of travelling around Shetland.  This week we were in Yell (an island north of the mainland) moving chemicals and other equipment from the old school into the brand new school next door that is due to open later this week.  It is a lovely building and the pupils are really lucky to have such a fantastic facility in a beautiful setting to study in.

The highlight of my week though had to be on Friday morning when we were waiting for the ferry and we saw 3 otters rooting around the shore in full view just several metres from the car.  I am really annoyed I didn't have my camera, note to self - carry a camera at all times.

Meanwhile, the kitchen is still in a state of devastation, I am painting the unit doors and it is taking about 3 times the length of time I thought it would!  I feel as if I paint all day and don't get any further.  Anyway, I am nearly there and will hopefully get the kitchen table back soon (being used as a painting table).  I am liking the results, so that it the main thing and will post some pictures of the finished result when I get there!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :-)

Sheep Models Felt Scarf

In the last post I said that the sheep in the photo was Moofie but on closer inspection, I noticed it was Woolly Broo.  Moofie had her own modelling experience a few years ago when I made handmade felt scarves, I came across the photo today and thought I would share it with you.

Although most of our sheep are pretty tame, it's not very easy using a sheep as a model, especially as there are so many other things to be interested in!

The Muckle Gravit (i.e the really long scarf)

The Arts and Crafts Association is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, the Craft Fair, which will take place on the 12th -14th November.  The Clickimin Centre, which is a sports centre, gets rid of its badminton nets and footballs and is transformed into a showcase of as many as 50 Shetland individuals and small businesses selling a huge range of Arts and Crafts.

The craft fair is run by a commitee of dedicated 11 volunteers, and my job over the past few years has been to organise the marketing material to promote the event.  This year the material stars the Muckle Gravit (again) and a pony (new recruit). 

I was delighted when Frances Taylor offered to take the photo this year, I was starting to run out of ideas, and she's done a great job.  Frances is a photographer, horse breeder and trainer.  You can see more of her work on her website:   http://www.onlinepictureproof.com/francestaylor

The gravit was started at the Craft Fair in 2004, it was the idea of Jane Moncrieff who organised the fair that year.  The idea was to promote the fact that knitting is fun and was hoped that lots of people would go on to knit a row or two.  I have used the gravit since 2005 in the Craft Fair promotional material, and it has been knitted in some unusual places.

On the beach....

Inside and outside a pictish broch:

Been inspected by a sheep:

On a Shetland croft house:

I'm not sure how long the gravit is now, it hasn't been knitted on for a while, but it is well over 30 metres and is becoming cumbersome to transport around.

Thank you to Joanna and Wendy, who are also committee members for their fantastic modelling skills!  (And of course Moofie the sheep).

Who knows where the gravit might be seen next year.....

New Followers Gadget

I am still getting to grasps with the technology involved in this blogging, and have been sitting for a while trying different things, reading help topics, etc. when I really should be getting on with painting my kitchen units (nearly there, keep looking for some photos.  My camera card reader has broken so waiting for a new one before I can put up any more posts).

Anyway, I have added a followers gadget on the right hand side of the page, you can click on the "follow" tab to keep up to date with my posts.  Would be lovely to see you there!

I have also added the following buttons on the right:

 

They also work by clicking on the pitctures (I find it so satisfying when links work!)

I am hoping to get my new card reader soon, as there are lots of things I want to share with you!

Have a splendid weekend all!

It's good to be making again

I have been spending so much time lately on the computer: working on my website, making up marketing material, making up mailing lists, and other things. Although they are important in moving the business forward, they use up valuable making time.  I have spent most of today at the sewing machine, finishing purses, brooches and notebooks for an order and it felt good to be making again.

Here are some of the articles before they were packed away in the box:

Small Abacus Purses

Abacus Purse and A6 notebook

Pebble Purses

Stems Purse and A6 Notebook

Single Bird Purse and A6 Notebook

Rose brooches drying beside the rayburn

You won't find the little purses on the website yet, these were made with the last of my thinner wool felt.  I have got some more felt but will have to "test drive" the new purses first to see how hardy the felt is.  I will keep you posted!