Did my sketchbook make it to America?

Sketchbook made it to Brooklyn, America on the 24th December 2010 :)

Maltese Holiday

Just returned from a fabulous week in Malta! The architecture was breathtaking as were the views out over the harbour and around Valletta. Bus journeys around the island were unquestionably the most thrilling experience, speed was no problem for these museum pieces :} Lots of inspiration for anyone looking for research for a textile project and a photographers paradise :)

Cupcake Gift

It's lovely to put handmade gifts together and I've packaged up one of the cupcakes for a friends 50th Birthday. There's a couple of Chocolates in there two.

Arthouse Coop Sketchbook Posted :)

Today was the day the Sketchbook was posted! Can't wait to see what happens when it's added to the Brooklyn Library. This is the second piece of my artwork that has travelled to America. The first being 'Joy' my Momiji Couture Contest entry which was exhibited at the Royal/t Gallery in Los Angeles.

http://http//lovemomiji.com/couture_contest_profiles/karen-syms

the knitting parlour online yarn store: Free Patterns Page

the knitting parlour online yarn store: Free Patterns Page

Sketchbook almost there!

Almost there! Can't wait to pop my sketchbook in the post, really glad I registered for this project and looking forward to seeing how many times people take a look.

A few more pages!

Sketchbook Revival!

So much has happened over the past few months it's been difficult to focus completely on my sketcbook project. I'm determined it's going in the post this week!!! I decided to scavenge some of my drawing sheets from my first year at University and the following photos are the results of very enjoyable gathering of imagery :)

Reindeers & Cupcakes

Over the past couple of weeks I've been busy knitting Reindeer brooches and cupcakes which are just soooo lovely to make. I designed the Reindeer brooch pattern myself so I'm especially proud of them. They were originally for a craft fair at a local community arts centre but the weather saw the event cancelled. But I've really got the bug and am busily knitting more for the next craft fair that comes up.

Knitting tips

I'm looking for instructions for knitting socks and came across this site which has great photos of the circular knitting technique.

www.purlbee.com

I'm also looking for circular needles short enough to knit socks on but can only seem to find 40cm ones. Let me know if you know somewhere you can buy shorter ones.

Great shop for wool & needles

www.cafeknit.com take a look for some lovely wools, brittany birch and bamboo needles. The knitting kits are great with some lovely simple knits for those just starting out in the world of knit! :)

Stitch and Knitting with Wands

Stitch Londons latest newletter Stitch and Knitting with Wands

The Make Lounge

The Make Lounge

Recycled Earings

Ever wonder what to do with all those bits of jewellery you never wear? Break it up and revamp into new pieces of jewellery. You'll have some very unique pieces and fun re-inventing them.

British Legion Poppies

With just one more button to go here are three poppies knitted following the British Legion Poppy pattern. This pattern can be downloaded for a £2 donation. I really enjoyed making these and was really proud of the leaves. These will be added to a knitted bag. www.knitonthenet.com/poppy/

Knitted Leaves

Tuesday the 16th saw another knitting circle at Newton Aycliffe Library with conversation and tips flowing. I'm currently working with a British Legion Poppy pattern and above are my green leaves which I have just loved knitting. More pics of the finished poppies soon. If you like simple knits then The Purls of Wisdom, Jenny Lord is a perfect book for you with lovely scarf, wristwarmer and bangles patterns. Theres also a pattern for a babies bib which I'm going to adapt to make a small handbag.

Knitty Knora's Knitting Circle

The venue is perfect! and it's a been great to have a chance to have a natter over a cuppa! Maggie has knitted some Festive Reindeers which are just adorable :) Looking forward to next Tuesdays circle and getting my poppies finished!

Ravelry

Just signed up to Ravelry. Sooooo much to to look at brilliant site :)

Charity Knitting Projects

www.bhkc.co.uk/data/knitting_for_charity.htm

some lovely ways to support some very worthwhile charities :)

Hiraeth

www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/whatson/?event_id=4409

Nora's Knitting Circle

I'm really excited to be holding a knitting circle at Newton Aycliffe Library. A chance to catch up have a cuppa and cake whilst sharing creative ideas and tips. Don't worry if you can't knit I can teach you the basics. Please come along if you can or let me know if you would be interested at a later date :)

P.S. if you prefer embroidery come along to :)

Recycled Jewellery

got a recycled jewellery workshop coming up for some young people and just putting some ideas together using bits and pieces i've got stashed in my sewing box. I really loved playing about this evening I've missed being creative over the last few weeks and it's going to be brilliant to inspire others and see their creations... can't wait! :)

there's a little bit of knitting going on :)

Love the colours of Autumn, the leaves look stunning against the grey moody skies. Inspired a bit more knitting something practical to keep my little crafty fingers warm and lavender bags to bring a little summer scent in my draws. A little bit plain but maybe I'll add some buttons hoping to hit some flea markets in France next week looking for old bits of textiles and accessories :D

The Happy Couple :)

It's been a while

This weekend my brothers wedding took place in Casa Duquesa, Mallorca. The villa was just breathtaking and we all had the most amazingly indulgent weekend!

Printmaking Studios

http://www.stbarnabaspress.co.uk/_find%20St%20Barnabas.htm can't wait to get printing again! There are so many places around cambridge with facillities!

First week in Cambridge

I'm still in shock but made it to Cambridge safe and sound! :} With a bit of serious footwork getting about I have had an interesting week and met lots of people already!

Last Sunday I popped down to Jesus Green where a live Jazz band were playing in the park Freddy and Friends New Orleans Jazz Band

www.overvillage.co.uk/freddie.jazz.htm

which was so lovely the weather was perfect and the atmosphere so relaxed amongst the picnicers.

Yesterday I popped in to Williams Art Gallery on Gwydir http://www.williamsart.co.uk/

and met Deanna Tyson who makes amazing Kimonos and artworks which are commissioned worldwide http://www.deannatyson.co.uk/ Her work is also listed in the members artist section of Williams Art.

Last night I joined Knit Cambridge and found a great bunch of ladies with some beautiful knitting! Will be meeting volunteers with Kettlesyard on Friday for a Music mail out.

There exhibition space is lovely and is still my favourite place to visit. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/

Met some members of Transition Cambridge and http://www.transitioncambridge.org/ who promote sustainable living from allotment gardening to recycling clothing and this is only week one i'm exhausted!

hmmm thinking things a gonna change

I'm feeling a bit sheepish about working in my sketchbook. It's all a bit small and restricing :/ I've decided to buy some large sheets of paper have a look around the charity shops and have a BIG mark making binge tomorrow and see where that takes me! :) feeling better already.

maybe i'll change the title of this post Life & Death

And the bleach is out, one of my favourite mark making media! Love the way you can push back the colour and get some great textures and create the suggestion of depth. My bird in the top right looks a bit naff but the eye has turned out well. Very itchy scratchy just as I'd imagine a scavenger to be.