Mishmash :)

Hello. A few things to blog about today. When the latest issue of Cross Stitch Card Shop came through with the post last month, there was a letter attached for its subscribers. Basically the publishers dropped a bombshell announcing that they are stopping publishing this magazine due to marketing difficulties. I'm gutted. I really am. I liked it. Entirely devoted to cross stitched cards and with a variety of motifs to choose from. One of its kind on the market and now taken away while other similar mags still sell alongside. I will miss this mag definitely.

However the magazine itself doesn't mention a word about closing off. What's more, there is even a preview of the next issue. I do hope I'll find it in my mailbox 'cause I really love those cute cards with pink and orange owls :) The attached letter says The World of Cross Stitching will be taking over the ideas and it will be sent out to those subscribers whose subscription of Cross Stitch Card Shop hasn't finished yet. 

While Cross Stitch Card Shop is soon disappearing from the Brititsh magazine market, a new magazine has turned up on the shelves - Total Crochet Amigurumi. This is a nice mag full of crochet projects in form of amigurumis. I managed to get hold of the two first issues. I especially love the crocheted bunnies and teddies featured on the cover. The overall style of the magazine differs a lot from the British ones and one can easily guess it is not a product from the UK. It must be American, Candian or perhaps Australian, not sure.

The nice thing about this magazine is the fact it doesn't feature any advertisements (yay!) as opposed to the British craft mags that are excessively padded with paid adverts and wasted pages, which really gets on my nerves sometimes. It contains written crochet instructions followed up by numerous photos which makes it easier to work through the projects. I hope it lasts on the market and we will draw many interesting ideas from it.

My dear boyfriend-o has recently treated me to some Easter craft goodies :) Bless him. Here is what I brought from Hobby Craft - some cute wooden block stamps and springy ribbons. 

I particularly love the ribbons. They are cute and I could adorn my knitted bunnies with them :)

Apart from the stamps and ribbons, a few balls of DMC Natura cotton made it into my shopping basket. The juicy green and the slate grey balls came from eBay though. 

I'm especially craving for something fresh and this juicy grassy green is particularly attracting my eye.

In the meantime I'm knitting a pink bunny :) Currently I'm working on its arms and head :) It's coming on! Bit by bit. I'm thinking of giving it to a little girl who adores everything sweet and pink :)

And here is what has happened recently to my cross stitch project - a disaster. I'm gutted as these were supposed to be the cards finished for February and now this major setback with the threads has cropped up. After washing the stitches in lukewarm water and drying them out on a towel, the red Anchor thread discoloured and left the pink stains. I am really mistrustful of this brand now. My fault, I should have pre-washed the Anchor cotton first. For comparison, I've never been let down by the DMC reds. 

There is no other way than to stitch the background over with a white thread and hope for an improvement. So it's DMC this time. No more Anchor for me please.

Well, I went even a bit further and experimented with a colour catcher. Nope. It didn't really help and it even altered the remaining colours. Will have to stitch this motif again. 

Well that my experimenting with washing the cross stitch done. I always wash my stitches no matter how small they are. Whether it is a motif stitched for a card or a large sampler. I just like to know it is fresh and clean. I just couldn't bear a thought is was stitched, touched many times and just left grubby. 

So, what do you do for your stitches? :) 

Crochet and Knitting Books

Buying books can be addictive but buying craft books is simply irresistible! Due to the space limitations at home I tend to buy ebooks for my kindle but craft books I always like in a real paper format as nothing beats proper photography and patterns and template are easier to copy and print. For the past two weeks my 4 ordered books from Amazon have been arriving. Now all in my crafty library. Do I have a book problem? Probably, but I don't think I really wanto to tackle it :)  I ordered 2 crochet and 2 knitting books. 

The two crochet books I already knew from a local library so I knew what sort of projects I can expect from them.  I've kept an eye on them for a while and finally got round to purchase them for myself.

Simply Knitting is my second Erika Knight's book. I've already had Crochet Workshop book and these two are like twin sisters - very much alike in style, photography, choice of yarn.

Knit your own boyfriend is a really funny little quirky book riddled with funny comments and wordplay revolving around knitting. It reminds me a bit of Knitted Dolls by Arne and Carlos - you knit a star naked doll in flesh colours and then you make clothes for him/her. I think a little knitted boyfriend for your handbag can be quite cute :)

Love ... Crochet - This book is full of various crochet projects like cushions, hats, brooches, tea pot cozies and pieces of garment. The books to be had by all crocheter, I believe.

A similar kind of collection of sweet lovely projects is in Cute and easy crochet. Perfect for ladies who love making accessories for their home and wardrobe. Each of these crochet books includes some crochet theory and explanation on basic crochet techniques. I must say I really adore this rich floral tea pot cozy and the jam jar covers is something I've always wanted to make :)

At Tesco I also found this issue of Simply Crochet. I'm not a regular buyer of crochet magazines but every so often something will catch my eye. This issue features lots of lovely red-and-white projects I'm in love with. 

Aren't these reds adorable?

I just love that mat with a super cute pocket for cutlery - gorgeous!

And how about those pretty stars fitted into hexagons? Although the colours proposed in the magazine are not my favourite colour mix, I do see these pretty stars in reds, whites and greys in a form of a lacey Scandinavian throw :) Another one to go on my never ending to-do list.

Folky stripey blankets - the hottest trend in the crochet world - they are a perfect alternative to granny squares. I really have to try and make one in my life :) I get to see lots of these on crafty blogs.

There are many more projects in the current issue of SC but I found these crocheted strawberries the cutest of all! These are so adorable! I must make some and I'm currently working through the pattern. It's the Wimbledon season coming soon and together with the tennis matches come the punnets of strawberries splashed with cream. Yummy! I'm already craving them!

The next week I will be trying to combine two things - crafting after hours and some study for the driving exam. The date has been set now (June) and I'm going to work really hard. Let's hope there will be some times to craft and blog as I can't go without these! 

Hope you all have a good weekend. It's amazingly hot over here in the UK. Real summer weather!

More Boodles yarn and a knitting magazine review

Encouraged by the recently crocheted basket and my new chunky crochet experience I decided to get myself some new Boodles yarns. Hobbycraft is doing 3 for 2 deal right now so I've bought 3 new shades for the price of 2 :) 

For the not-so-distant future I'm planning a crocheted Easter basket for my knitted eggs in sunny yellow with a white finish. Think the knitted and crocheted textures will look good together. 100% hand-made! - and that's what we are aiming for :)

I've recently taken to some knitting magazines. I'm not a regular buyer but I'd like one on and off  :) This one was spotted at Tesco - a Sunday treat to myself. I usually don't bother with a magazine reviews on my blog but I think this one is well worth attention.
The current Simply Knitting issue is loaded with freebies and lovely projects.

I adore this gorgeous knitted Gnome. I'm really amazed how cleverly those knitted parts can be combined and shaped. Far too advanced for me to knit right now but it definitely goes on my (never-ending!!!) to-do list :)

The freebies for this issue of SK (in addition to the gnome pattern mentioned above) is a chart for some sweet knitted Easter eggs and a set of bamboo needles to knit them. I've never knitted any balls or eggs using single pointed "flat" needles. Those I have knitted so far have been made only with double pointed needles and I'm used to this method but I'd like to learn more and have a go a this flate way of knitting round things. It will involve sewing up the seams though. 

This is the full cover of SK. Really attractive to a knitter's eye :) Must admit the editors did their best :) I love when a magazine is like that.

Full of inspirations for March

Below a few projects from the mag that caught my eye. Have a peek.

I'm not a big fan of baby theme as such esp. of anything oversweet like stereotypical pink and blue baby stuff with excessive frills and embellishments but every so often I like something I'd like to make. This baby onesie is so cute. Love the knitted pattern, the yarn, the colours, the intarsia-knitted fox. So pretty! :)

Lovely pullover with a sunny collar finish. I wouldn't say "no" to this one for sure!

This forest green hooded coat has simply stolen my heart. So pretty! Would love to be able to knit one sometime.

Some house makeover projects. Very trendy lacy theme! I love it, especially how the the glassy vase and the lamp shade look.

And finally something I like best - small projects :)

How pretty this fair isle tea cosy is! An absolutely stunning pattern.

And how do you like the pot cosies? They look so good with those terracotta pots. So adorable! Another project to go on my to-do list.

And how about some fair isle coasters to match the tea pot? Just too pretty to stain!

Mug hugs - absolutely stunning! I'VE GOT TO KNIT THESE!

Easter is time for knitting and stitching egg cosies so the mags are full of them.

This is a pretty bag I'd love to have myself. I think the pompoms are a super cheery accent to the whole thing.

I need to learn how to make hats too! My bf keeps losing them. This one below has got some nice ribbing and would look good both in a male and female version.

And finally the magazine features some lovely yarn bowls - something I've been dreaming about to have. I'm dreaming of a ceramic knitting bowl. Etsy website has got many offers. Unfortunately they can be quite costly so my buy will have to wait a bit longer, I guess.

So that will be it for the shopping news. Hope you all have had a good chilling weekend. Thank you for your visits and comments. x X x

Happiness continues...

It's been quite a busy fast-paced and hectic week for me. I have hardly had any time for my crafts. The after work gymming regime doesn't leave me much free time in the evenings and when I'm tired I don't I feel like staying up and creating. I'd rather go to bed and read myself to sleep :) I just have a feeling time is just flashing by! As if I was measuring time with passing weekends and weekend blog posts.

My happiness continues. Despite being tired, it's been a good week - I've got a couple of deliveries of craft goodies this week, won a fierce ebay bidding and today me and my bf went to the Cheshire countryside to participate in the annual meeting of the Society of Biology (bf belongs there)

The lecture for the gathered members was preceded by greeting with coffee / tea and followed by a tour round a local brewery (Spitting Feathers) and beer sampling...

 ... and finally followed by yummy rustic ploughman's lunch. We had an opportunity to eat some gorgeous local cheeses and chutneys. This is the very charm of the British countryside - rustic bakery, local foods, flavours and quality products.

We loved the two collie dogs - Kito and her "son" Porter which live on the farm and these two guys were playing around with each other non stop. No one could resist giving them a pat.

It was a great day! With the sun in the sky and little frolicking lambs on the hills, I feel so much happier. 

On the crafty side,  some sweet Panduro papers have finally arrived at my place, all the way from Swedish Malmo. I like Panduro products - they have that Scandinavian feel visible in the choice of colours and patterns. Their seasonal stuff is great too. Do check their website for the products and ideas.

When I saw those natural brown printed papers with the Scandi patterns - I fell in love with them this instant so I had to order them! They will make a great background for my future Christmas cards. Naturally I couldn't resist the cross stitch themed papers and stickers either. 

My another discovery - a good Polish online bookstore in the UK - www.ksiazka.co.uk - a great source of assorted Polish books. Now living in the UK doesn't have to stop me from accessing the Pl literature. I'm so glad about it. I was so chuffed I managed to find all these 3 books in one place. Been eyeing them for a while! Such a great treat to me :)

Very excited and anxious to read these books!

Still on the book frontline, I went to the WHSmith's book / stationery store in Broughton today and I was overcome by the choice of the crafty magazines that are currently on sale in Britain. What a choice! I'm losing my orientation. Seriously. In addition to those relatively new mags that have been on the market for a while but not too long like for eg. Craftseller, Mollie Makes, and Simply Homemade -  some more turned up - Homemaker, Handmade, Mollie Makes (Home edition), Making, The Crafts, The Paper... etc In recent months at least 3 or 4 news ones must have hit the shops. There is even more good news for me: a new cross stitch magazine has turned up too  - Cute Cross Stitch , Spring 2013:) Check their new facebook page for more info and blog updates. Yet another one to put into a shopping basket ;)

Well, I'll confess to you - I'm addicted to the crafty mags. I regularly buy all cross stitch mags and Mollie Makes (on subscription) and from time to time I treat myself to a card making or sewing or knitting mag. What about you? Do you buy them? Ho well do you use them for your projects? Do you collect them or pass them to somebody else? Tell me about it. I'd love to hear.

Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. Hope you all have had a good weekend. x x