FABRIC FLOWER CORSAGE

Materials

five - 4 inch squares of cotton /silk (or any fabric which would not be too bulky when folded)

one - 3 and a half inch square of a contrasting fabric

small piece of felt

needle and thread

fabric glue

brooch back

pinking shears (optional)

PETALS

1. Cut five - 4 inch squares

2. With wrong side facing up fold top point to the opposite point.

3. Fold again - point to point.

4. Repeat for each petal.

5. With a long piece of doubled matching sewing thread, sew tiny running stitches along the base of the triangle.

6. Pull thread and gather tightly end with a double stitch to stop petal unravelling.

7. Continue with the next petal - sewing and gathering. (make sure that the open folds are facing the same direction)

8. Continue until all petals are gathered. Join the last petal to the first one, to form a flower shape.

FLOWER CENTRE (SUFFOLK PUFF)

1. Cut a circle with a 3 and a half inch radius, in a contrasting fabric.

2. Turn edge of circle over a quarter of an inch and with a doubled sewing thread, in a matching colour, sew tiny running stitches close to the edge.

3. Pull thread tightly and tie off to keep the gathers secure.

ASSEMBLING FLOWER

1. Applique flower centre to the petals.

2. Cut a piece of felt with pinking shears - 2 inches in diameter and apply glue (avoid centre of felt).

3. Stick felt to the reverse of the flower to cover hole and attach brooch back.

Fabric I used for petals - Liberty Tana Lawn "Pepper"

copyright Alison Hogg 2010

thanks a bunch

I just wanted to thank the four test knitters from Ravelry who volunteered to test my donut pattern. Many thanks for taking the time to test knit and for all your helpful suggestions and comments. Thanks to (in alphabetical order)..... Knitting in Hi, moilulu, remcat and vapmore.

My pattern is for sale on both my etsy shop (dollars) and my folksy shop (sterling)Bye,Ali.

splat

Most of my knits are sweet and sugary and some people might even describe them as twee. For a bit of a change I knitted this fun project which I found on etsy - squashed rat bookmark, by Kookla Creations. I thought it would appeal to my son who isnt really into cupcakes!!!!

Bye, Ali

roses

Along the dual carriageway close to our house there are the usual formally planted flowerbeds - but this time of year the hedge along it is covered in the most beautiful pink roses. So couldnt resist the temptation to cut a few to bring home.

.......and then of course there is the knitted variety - this pattern is a freebie on my blog. You could knit a few and attach stems to make a bouquet, or in this case attach a brooch back.

wet weekend

All plans of a picnic were shelved when it turned out a wee bit damp on Sunday. So we headed down to Mauds Cafe in Newcastle for a piece of chocolate cake and a coffee.

Across the road from Mauds, along the Main Street there is a new bead shop which has opened. There is an exciting array of beads....so many lovely ones I couldnt decide. So if you find yourself in Newcastle have a look in Sugar Island.

Bye, Ali

mmmmmmmh donuts

I had all these wonderful plans of what I was going to do when the C&G course finished. I even made a list ....curtain making, decorating the hall, cleaning etc etc and here I am knitting away. I have a few patterns which I've scribbled down on scrap paper and would like to type up. I'm onto my latest one....donuts

I feel a sugar binge coming on, Ali

snowman cosy pattern

I have completed my Snowman tea cosy pattern and it is for sell in both my etsy shop and my folksy shop. Here he is....

I thought his hat could be knitted to match your tea set. Or in football team colours or even school colours.

Id just like to say a big thank you to Eddy G, Olive 2 and Scarlettdahling from Ravelry for test knitting the pattern. Many thanks for giving up your time and lending me your skill and expertise.

Bye, Ali

holiday reading

Most people bring a good novel on holiday, but for me I always bring a ball of wool and some knitting needles. Im doing a job lot of knitted roses. We found a wee quiet spot just outside Portrush for a picnic and some knitting.

In the evening after a walk along the beach at White Rocks I stopped to take a few photos as the sun went down.

Bye for now, Ali

mr snowman

I'm working on my latest pattern at the moment. The best about knitting is that it is so portable. So sitting in the sun this afternoon I was working away on my snowman tea cosy - I think Ill call him "Puddle"! Bye, Ali.

schools out

Today was the last day of City and Guilds. There was a flurry of activity as all the textile classes put their work up for the exhibition. After a few late nights I finished my second quilt - a daisy - what else! .....and all the supporting work. I cant believe that the year has finished......I'll tell you if it as all been worthwhile when I get my final mark on Tuesday!!!

Here's my Crazy daisy quilt...

and my first piece - "Wish I was there" - on display.

Anyone in and around Belfast city centre on Wednesday and Thursday come in and have a wee look at all our work. The exhibition is in the BMC beside Inst. On Wednesday the rooms are open from 10.30 - 18.30 and on Thursday from 10.30 - 16.00.

Have to go and tidy the sewing room - not to mention the rest of the house.

Bye, ali.

scribbles

I bought some lovely yarn in John Lewis - Sari Ribbon (Louisa Harding yarns). Once I finish the course I'm hoping to do some "scribbling" with the help of a pattern I found in The Curious Knitters Guide - Mason Dixon Knitting.

Also on the to do list when I finish the course is to sort out the garden .....I spent a wee while in the garden today, the snakes head fritillaries are flowering along with the spring hyacinths.

Thats all for now, Ali

london break

I'm just back from a very tiring, but enjoyable few days in London.

First port of call, was the exhibition - Quilts (1700 - 2010) at the V&A. The visit was most inspirational. My favourite quilt has to be the Liberty Jack quilt by Janey Forgan because of her use of Liberty fabrics and the lovely colour scheme. I found myself being moved standing in front of some of these quilts. If you can make it, its well worth a visit.

I also had to pay Liberty a visit....heres me browsing through the lighting.

They have lots of quilts displayed inside and some very interesting ones in their window display!!!!!

Here's a photo of the back of the Liberty building at the Carnaby street entrance. The whole wall is painted with a Liberty print........stunning!

Bye, Ali

easter projects

Crocheting does not come naturally to me as does knitting.....I do keep trying though. I crocheted some eggs and a chicken to sit on top, especially for Easter. The pattern which includes other farm animals is an Amy Gaimes one - Old Macdonald had a Farm and it is available from her etsy shop.

I also knitted a few creme egg cosies as Easter gifts. The pattern is loosely based on my free chick creme egg cosy. I really must write the bunny pattern up - something else for my ever lengthening to do list!

Have a nice Easter, Ali

she sews

she sews sea shells on the sea shore

I have just finished my first piece for the City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting Certificate. I based it on a study of Whitepark Bay. It is in five separate sections all slightly larger than A4, to be arranged like a collection of photos on the wall. They are stretched over foam mounting board to give a firm finish

Heres a photo of each one

The Portbradden end of the Bay

The eastern end of the Bay toward Ballintoy

Sea

Pebbles and Shells

Sandals and Surf

I dyed my fabrics and used a variety of techniques as I think this is what is expected. If anyone is doing this course Id love to hear how you're finding the new syllabus.

Cant wait until this course is over and I can get out the knitting needles again.

Bye for now, Ali

happy birthday

Unfortunately today is one of those milestone birthdays best forgotten ....so to cheer myself up I thought I would have my own wee birthday celebration and do a bit of window shopping on etsy. I found this lovely quilted birthday card made by little quiltstores. Pretty felt cakes by Daisy Daydreams Cute crocheted pattern by tidafilur.

Hope you like my selection.
Bye, Ali.

new year

Soooooo cold here - I might go to bed and hibernate until Easter - the hyacinths are a promise of spring and they made a welcome appearance just after Christmas. I did venture briefly out into the garden today and noticed the crocuses bravely peeping out. The festive season is officially over in our house today as I took down and packed away all the decorations! Thanks to everyone who have stopped to read my blog and those who left comments in 2009.
Best wishes to all for 2010, Ali.

weather warning

We woke up this morning, here in Belfast to 6 inches of snow. Great excitement as all the young ones in the street headed out to play. This photo was taken seconds before the photographer (me) suffered a head shot from a snowball!!! I couldn't resist the temptation to head down to the Titanic Quarter for some snow piccies. Chances are it might well be a white Christmas - whatever the weather have a great Christmas. Ali.

patchwork obsession

At the moment everyone in the city and guild class are designing one of their final pieces. So we are all looking for inspiration. As for me, patchwork designs are becoming a bit of an obsession....everywhere I look I see blocks and patterns. Ive taking photos of just a few......

The Ohio Star seen in tiles on the floor of Donegall Arcade Belfast.

Half Square Triangles on an estate agents board.

And even the tattooist windows is displaying the Leymoyne star.

I'm even beginning to dream about sewing!!!!!!!

bye Ali