January's writers group

After a small break from the group for the honeymoon I was back today.  We had a lovely mixed group of regulars and new writers, which got some good conversation going.

I loved the title of one poem - Cutting a diamond with a twig.  Wow!

I had started writing something new while we were away, but I'm not sure what happens next.  I know I need to keep going soon, otherwise I'll loose interest and it will never be finished, but I feel kinda stuck.

This months homework:

Find a sculpture whose story you DON’T know – either in person or in a book/on the internet.  Now write your own story or poem for it. 

Metal folder

I know this makes me kinda sad, but I'm all excited about a new tool I've bought and can't wait to use.
Its from elbel libro - who ran the onion skin binding workshop which I attended in October.
Ben the tutor had one (he makes them) and I wanted one as soon as I saw it.  It's a lovely weight, with good grip and a perfect point - just the sort of thing I could have done with when making my paper models.
He didn't have any more in October, but he's just got more stock in so I got in there quick!  It is a thing of beauty and I think it will leave me wondering how on earth I survived without it.

New Zealand

After nearly 4 weeks away its good to be back.  We had a brilliant time exploring New Zealand in a camper van.  You can read all about our adventures here and I'll be back blogging about stuff I've created once the jet lag has worn off!

Taking a break

I'm going to be a bit quiet on here for the next month or so, as we finally go away on honeymoon.  I've been looking forward to this trip all year and now it is finally here.
The idea of no knitting or making for a month is a bit weird, but I'm sure we'll be so busy I won't have time to miss it.  Of course I'll be keeping a journal and my sketch book will be coming too.  Once we're back you'll be able to read all about our adventures on my other blog - Not all who wander are lost.

So in the mean time, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I'll be back in 2015.

My first published words

I've always wanted to be a writer.  Even as a little girl I was writing little stories.  I'd still love to be a writer but now I understand how much time and effort I would need to put in, (time I just don't have right now) and so mostly I just write little stories to amuse myself or read out at the writers group, but nothing I would ever expect to be published.

Then came a request on one of the running forums I visit asking for 100 words on 'how running makes me feel' and some other subjects.  I love running and would encourage everyone to give it ago, so I couldn't help myself and submitted a paragraph about it.

This was months ago and I'd forgotten all about it when this arrived in the post!  My first published work.  I can't help but be a little proud.

Knitted dog jumper

So I know the title gives it away, but could you guess what this is from the above photo?

What about now?
Its a dog jumper for my sisters little dog, Ellie.  'im outdoors says it looks like a weird big sock.  Its taken forever to make! (a good 6 months)  I even had to visit my local knitting shop for help on a couple of occasions.  And very helpful they were too - you wouldn't get that in Hobbycraft.  My main problem was keeping the ribbing going round the leg holes, but I got there in the end.

The only problem with Ellie is she is a very black dog and impossible to photograph.  But I think you get the idea.  I'm not sure how much it will get used, but it was cool to make something with a purpose in mind and have it work.

Novembers writers group

So today was the last writers group meeting for me this year.  There is a meeting in December but I'll be somewhere else (more about that later).
Only three people got to read their work out as there was lots of discussion, but that's the point of the group and I think we all found it useful.

All three pieces were great, Avril's made me cry, but I loved the poem best of all.  A cheeky, rhyming, shocking piece which made us all laugh.

I didn't have anything to share today, and as I've got a bit of a cold, that's probably for the best.  I can't help but wonder if my writing phase is done?

This months homework: 

Use the following as either the starting line or the inspiration for a story or poem: Bah humbug!

Passing on the knowledge

I'm very busy at the moment.  Lots of different crafting projects (although nothing I can report on just yet) and a honeymoon to prepare for!
So it was really nice to spend a lunchtime this week passing on my knitting knowledge to a work colleague.  Her ultimate aim is to knit matching cardys for her little girls, and with a little practice I don't see why she couldn't do that.
But what was so nice was this was how I learnt to knit.  This time last year my very good friend Katie, sat down with me and some wool and got me started.  Before long I had myself a hat, and I haven't really stopped since.  I think one of the things I really love about knitting is how I can do it sat on the sofa while 'im outdoors watches TV or plays on the xbox.  I don't have to put down newspaper or wait for anything to dry.  I don't have to take a day off work to do it, I can just knit a single row while waiting for something to cook, and put it down again.
This year I have finally learnt to knit, and I can't really see me stopping any time soon.