April Marie Textiles -

A GIFT FOR BABY AND ME

A Gift for Baby - Gifts all round this month it seems. Next month I'm going to be an auntie. My little nephew is nicely cooking away in mummies tummy and is due to arrive at the end of March. As Spring joins us so too does the pitter patter of tiny feet. I can't wait!!

I have been a busy bee of late and I've started to make lots of goodies for the little fella. Here are just a few of the things I've been making.

Top of the list, my favourite little crocheted owl. Crocheted toys.... auntie April's forte. To match, a super soft personalised blanket to match and finally (for now!) an ABC123 cube for learning his alphabet and numbers.... or for playing football or maybe both!

A Gift for Me - 2012 hasn't been the bestest start to a year for me health wise so to cheer me up some of my most special people surprised me with some beautiful gifts. Thanks guys you mean the world.

From my lovely friend's Dawn and Steven I received this yummy Hotel Chocolate heart. I almost didn't want to eat it, it was so beautiful. Mision... find one similar in wood or ceramic!

From my special friend Helen I received this pretty bunch of flowers. Flowers can always brighten up the grayest of days.

From my Granny (my teacher) I received this amazing cookery book. Those that know me know that I'm not the best in the kitchen department but with some top tips from 'Grandma' I'm sure to cook up a treat!

and finally as a treat to myself I just couldn't resist purchasing a little bit of comfort for my home wiht this super cute Owl cushion. Love it!

Thank you to everyone near and far that has supported me over the past few months we couldn't have managed without you. Muchos love Axx

CROCHET BEAR TURNS CUPCAKE

Last week I taught the lovely Helen from Cake Eaters Anonymous to crochet. Being the biggest craft addict I have ever met Helen picked it up in no time. Armed with her new crochet 'Amigurumi' book and lots of enthusiasm we jumped right in and made ourselves a toy. The pattern we chose, found on page 10, was for an 'Egg Bear' which should have looked like an egg sized two-colour bear, a great project to learn the basics of shaping.

Following instructions with ease Helen soon whipped up her toy, changing colours half way as the pattern instructed, however I think her cake subconscious took over and Helens bear soon turned into a cupcake. Great job Helen, I can't wait to see crochet cupcakes popping up on the Nottingham cake scene soon. Keep your eyes out folks!

CROCHET BABY SHOWER

As a treat to my expectant big sister I throw a baby shower this Saturday to celebrate the coming of my soon to arrive little nephew. Bringing together all of my sisters and brother-in-laws close friends and family the afternoon took on a vintage tea party feel with afternoon tea, 1940s music and crochet.... of course there had to be crochet!

I made lots of yummy treats, tea from a pot and even decorated the place with specially made baby bunting.

The mum to be herself even got involved and did a bit of crochet but only once she'd opened all of her beautiful presents. With cute tiny clothes, soft teddies and fleecy blankets the party was soon full of plenty of ooohs and arrrhs which as you can imagine caused a few laughs.

The girls all took part in crocheting squares to create a truly personal gift for the little man. From neatly formed squares to irregular wonky strings we all took part in building a family blanket, oh and I mustn't forget the boys who kept us topped up with tea and even attempted a little single crochet. Well done guys. I can't wait to start piecing it all together and watch it transform.

The food seemed to go down well too!

A special day with family and friends - every Saturday should be like this.

Fancy holding your own crochet party, have a hen do coming up or a pregnant friend you'd like to surprise then why not arrange your own. To find out more click here. x

HELLO 2012

With the festive season well behind us I say helloooo 2012! I hope you've all had a magical Christmas and were spoilt rotten by the people you love, I certainly was. Here are three of my favourite pressies from my amazing husband of 6 months; can you believe we've been married for 6 month already? I know I can't - let’s hope 2012 takes a slightly slower pace than 2011.

1. I just love my new studio sign by the lovely Sam Beeby from Shabby Chic Wooden Signs. My husband’s use of alliteration 'Wool Wonderland' is a perfect description for my little studio... yarn, yarn everywhere!

2. This beautiful door mat was too pretty to leave outside so it now replaces my old tatty fabric mat placed by the back door and adds oodles of colour and loveliness each and every day. It's just a shame of its purpose though... I was a little upset when my husband came in and wiped his muddy feet on it the other day, tut tut!

3. And finally something I’ve been after for age, wall decals. Inspired by our wedding theme of butterflies and the colour purple.

Only 3 months until my birthday... can't wait to see what he buys me this time.

I'm sure this year is going to speed by just like the last especially as I plan to do looooads of crochet workshops. My first was a 1-2-1 with Ellie from Red Anchor Emporium on Monday and I was super surprised by how quickly she picked things up. Ellie was a complete beginner and in a three hour session I managed to teach her how to hold her hook and yarn, how to work single crochet, double crochet and treble crochet and how to change colours, we even managed to squeeze in a few rounds of granny squares! A very talented lady, I look forward to seeing how her crochet journey progresses.

As well as 1-2-1 crochet classes I have been working on my 2012 workshop dates at the Craft Studio. It's taken me a lot longer than I had hoped with one thing or another but we start with these simple crochet mug cosies this Saturday.

There are still a few places left so get in quick and book now!

Lots more exciting projects and dates coming soon. Keep an eye out – they’re not to be missed.

LONDON AT CHRISTMAS TIME Part 1

As a Christmas treat my husband and I visited the big smoke last weekend for a fun filled few days of site seeing, shopping and festive hustle and bustle.

As it was Sean's first ever trip to London I really wanted to show him everything London had to offer from the busy, cramped underground to the spectacular architecture and historic landmarks, we even popped by the palace and visited the queen and the crown jewels.

We shared our weekend with my parents and as always there are plenty of piccies to show you. This time it was Sean in charge of the camera. He's done a super job wouldn't you agree?

DAY 1 - Friday 2nd December 2011

London Bridge
I just love the blue details.

Tower of London
So much to see.

Animals in the Tower
We were amazed by the incredible artwork at the Tower by Kendra Haste.

The night drew in quickly and we found ourselves in a brightly lit city with so many roads to take. We visited Trafalgar Square, then Leicester Square then our bellies took us to China Town for some yummy Chinese food.

A stroll down Oxford Street
Shopping wasn't supposed to be on our agenda whilst in London but I was in need of some 1920s inspired accessories for my works Christmas do the following Thursday so seen as though the shops were open late we thought 'why not!' We must have walked the whole length of Oxford Street, looking more at the pretty Christmas lights than inside the shops themselves. Our walk ended with a look around Marble Arch.

Day 2 of our trip will follow shortly with so many more exciting photos but for now I hope you've enjoyed reading about our adventures.

Please pop back soon x

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

This has been one of my favourite commissions of all time. With my own wedding still fresh in my thoughts I welcomed the chance to create a beautiful unique gift for a friend to present to her brother this Christmas as he ties the knot on Saturday 23rd December to his fiance Stacey.

I almost feel a part of this wedding, the special details have been present in many a conversation over the past few months as the date draws closer and my friends excitement increases.

With a classic black & white theme and sparkling silver finishes this winter wedding sounds magical; let's just hope the snow holds off until photo time! ....Never fear Stacey will be sporting her shiny new silver Hunter wellies, an essential winter wedding accessory wouldn't you agree?!

KIDS CROCHET 1-2-1

When my granny was a child, techniques like knitting, crochet, sewing and baking were learnt and passed on from mother to daughter to granddaughter, now in a society of computers, the internet and video games these skills are being lost. Like my granny I had a strong interest in textiles and it wasn't long before she was teaching me to knit and crochet. Now after about four or five years of crocheting I get the opportunity to pass on my skills to the next generation. This is what craft is all about!

This Saturday I taught my young cousin, Megan to crochet.

Megan is a couple of weeks away from turning 12 and she wanted to do something a little different to celebrate. She had recently learnt to knit but after seeing my crocheted flowers at my wedding earlier this year she turned to me to teach her to crochet so she could make some of her own.

I was really surprised by how well Megan did. She picked up the stitches easily and was able to leave the session with her very own crocheted mobile phone cover. Next lesson... crochet flowers.

Megan’s said, 'I really like crochet as you only have one needle and it's easier to hold.'

Megan just loves being creative! She told me her favourite subject at school was expressive arts which includes, dance, drama, art and design and textiles. She also loves her weaving kit her Uncle Adrian bought her…. I see a young artisan in the making!!

Well done Megan – great work!

LEST WE FORGET

To mark Remembrance Sunday and honour local servicemen and women who have died in conflicts since and including the First World War I lead my Brownie group this Sunday in a parade through Bulwell.

Bulwell’s Remembrance Sunday parade started from the car park of the Oakleigh Lodge Social Club on Highbury Road at 10.30 am. The procession marched to St Mary’s Church where poppy wreaths were laid before a service inside the church.

A TASTE SENSATION!

For those of you that know me this may come as a bit of a surprise.

On Sunday... I cooked! And when I say cooked I mean I cooked a three course meal for my husband and I, from scratch and all by myself.

Sean is the designated chef in our household, I am very much a bung it in the oven or microwave kind of girl. I know tut tut, not very good to say I have only recently become a wife. I would normally much prefer to clean a toilet than slave away in the kitchen however it was actually fun. Now I'm not going to become the main cook in the house but I can say I enjoyed it; I enjoyed the planning, creating and presenting of it all, I even enjoyed the messiness and utter chaos I created for myself and most of all I enjoyed looking after my husband and treating him to some well cooked, tasty food for a change.

We had homemade tomato soup to start, then stuffed Italian chicken with crispy salad and fries followed by chocolate mousse and honey comb for dessert. All a success taste wise however my mousse was more like thick chocolate sauce than light foamy mousse but this did not matter as we’re both massive chocolate fans and it tasted gooooood!

Anyway you never know I may cook again and for friends.... a dinner party I hear say??? Ummm maybe!

CROCHET COASTER WORKSHOP

Join me on Saturday 26th November for another crochet taster session this time we'll be learning how to create a crochet coaster. Working in rounds and using single crochet I will teach you the basics as well as how to increase to create a perfectly flat circle. Crochet circles can be used to make all sorts of products; coasters, place mats, rugs, cushions, pot holders.... the list goes on!

To find out more or to book your place, click here.

CROCHET SHENANIGANS

With so many exciting things going on at the moment I don't know where to start... new studio... crochet workshops... crafty commissions... ohh there's so much to share!

Somewhere to call my own...

Over the past few weeks my husband and I have been renovating our out house into a mini studio for me! It's been long awaited but it's finally finished and I'm so enthusiastic about sharing my excitement with you.

Woolly, pretty, colourful loveliness I can call my crochet haven!

It's totally amazing and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of my very talented dad and always happy to help mum so thanks guys you're amazing. Sean (my husband) though is the real star, he has put up with my crafty mess for such a long time and after hours of plastering, drilling, cutting, sanding and painting (which I helped with of course) he has created a space I can really be proud of and call my own.

Crochet Squares...

Yesterday I headed into town for my second crochet workshop at The Craft Studio and I had such a lovely day. I was joined by six lovely ladies for a day of crochet squares. I supplied tea and cake and everything they needed to create their squares including yarn, crochet hooks, patterns and some very useful instructions to help them on their crochet way. The day however wouldn't have been the same without the crafty natter and pleasing air of concentration which filled the room.

Crochet workshops at The Craft Studio

Next up my 'Crochet Coasters' workshop on Saturday 26th November. This class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who fancy a crafty get together so if you haven't already book your place... Book Now!

A bit of a character...

A short while ago I was asked by my dear friend Dawn if I could make a crochet Peppa Pig character for her neice. After searching the net and familiarising myself with this cheeky TV favorite I agreed to the challenge. Once I'd racked my brain for awhile and had a few false starts I completed the challenge...

Can you tell who it is yet?!

I popped this lovely little masterpiece onto the old Facebook and was utterly supprised by the amont of interest I had. Five piggies and a Captain Barnicles later I'm in demand for super cute crochet childrens TV characters so with Christmas only around the corner I better get cracking!

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