Defeated by little stitches........

When I was pregnant I had visions that I would be making lots of cute and quirky little things for my new baby and I started with a cute little kimono style cardi. So baby needles in hand and merino wool (pink for my little girl) off I would skip to work on the train and knit the whole journey there and home again. If anyone's ever tried knitting on a packed tube you'll understand it's impossible without elbowing the person sat next to you. So I didn't get that far, not to worry I thought, i've got a whole month off before baby comes i'll do it then. Then we moved into the new house, not to worry I thought i'm knitting the 3-6 month size i've got plenty of time to knit! Little did I know about new babies...... so one back, 2 front parts and half an arm later.......

All those tiny little stitches......


and my little girl, well she's not exactly little being in the 91% for weight and height, is now tight in her 6-9 month clothes and she's only 5 months old.

So the little stitches defeated me and I had no option but to.....

yep pull it apart, all those journeys knitting and in 1/2 hour all gone. So onto the next project which is making curtains for her room which I know will be done in no time and something that she can't grow out of!

art van go exhibition.....

yesterday we went to art van go in Knebworth to check out their latest exhibition. We squeezed into the car with a toddler, a baby, 2 car seats and a grandad but we made it in tact and it was definitely worth it as there were some really lovely pieces. We went specifically to see Gill Leary's work which was lovely, I wish I had taken some pictures now, and there were some lovely glass bead and felt necklaces too.

I got a really cute needlecase made from recycled vintage fabrics which was made from Gill, vintagerockchick....

I also got these lovely cards, made by Jenny Sandler a textile artist and quilter....



I also picked up some block printing paints in lovely bright colours so i'm hoping to get cracking on some kids prints soon.

sap studios collective exhibition.......

finishes this Friday so if you didn't get the chance to see it pop along before the last day. Here's some pics of the lovely space and artwork.

Here's Nellum's black and white photographs....



This is my mum's textile pieces......


Here was my wall next to my mum's work.....



Some of James' lovely colourful creations, including his painting of London which featured at the Tate gallery.....

and lastly some of Asad's geometric and colourful creations......

Linoprinting at the speed crafting event.......

Last Thursday night was the speed crafting event at the Brentwood Road Gallery and I just wanted to share some of the great prints that people created on the night. These were their first attempts which I thought were brilliant. Thanks to everyone who came and had a go and made it a really enjoyable evening!



The whole night flew by and I got so busy I didn't get the chance to get more pictures of the other results from the youngsters that had a go. I didn't even get the chance to look at the other great crafts on offer and the exhibition next door which was celebrating its finale night. I got told there were some amazing lino prints in the exhibition so i'm gutted I missed that!

Lorraine was also there on the night showing her brilliant knitting skills. Lorraine runs the group Clickers that's at the centre on a Thursday night, 7-9pm. If you're interested in knitting or anything crafty then pop along as its a lovely group and Lorraine is a little fountain of knowledge that can show you anything you want to learn! I used to go to the group before I had the little one and made so many great things.

Kirsten

Busy, busy, busy.........

So to start off with thanks everyone who came along to the Private View and have been visiting the exhibition at the Arc in Old Harlow. It's still running so if you're near by pop along as it's a lovely venue with a little cafe. It's a converted church which is being used as a community centre with a new extension on the side which houses the gallery and cafe. It's also in the middle of Old Harlow which has some lovely old buildings.

It's another busy week and this Thursday is the speed crafting event at The Brentwood Road Gallery. I'll be demonstrating linoprinting and if you fancy making your own valentines card pop along and have a go.




This Saturday is the Valentine's Vintage Fair at Wanstead, next to the library. I designed the poster and drew the girl especially so i'm going to add her to my range of cards. I've also been making some valentines cards from vintage papers especially for the event and got asked by my other half if he could have mates rates! If I sell one to him atleast i'm gauranteed to get one!




If you're around Walthamstow this Saturday it's the launch of the Wood Street Indoor Market. They've completely filled the space with lots of artists, designers and vintage sellers and this Saturday is a whole array of fun activities to entice you along......