Piggy Wig Hats for Piggy Wig Girls

So yesterday I introduced you to Bettina Batfink. Isn’t she gorgeous, sigh? Actually, within the Blythe world, Ultimate Tour (of which Bettina is one) is a bit of a Marmite girl – you either love her or hate her. Many people find her pouty little lips and chin blush somewhat objectionable, and many do not like the whole gothy thing she’s got going on. I, however, find all this fab. Anyone who knows me in real life will understand this – whilst I am not a fan of purple and black velvet; platform shoes with metal panels welded to the side; or dying my hair black, I do love images of skulls and bones, and really dig that whole dark Victoriana thing that there is. Think more Russell Brand than Marilyn Manson So for me, Bettina is perfect, with her little bat wing tattoos on her shoulders, bat hair accessories, skull eye chip and black pull charm. I love her so much!

However, there is one downside to her – the hair. Don’t get me wrong – in many ways it’s beautiful. It’s soft, long, silky and tame. But it’s in perma-pigtails. The way that her hair has been thatched for the full length of her head and along her fringe means that if you take her hair down, you risk losing the lovely neat thatch line that makes her piggy tails so pretty and, even worse, that her fringe is simply lost in her mass of hair Because of this, I decided to leave her hair in pigtails, which really doesn’t bother me as I’m a very lazy dolly hairstylist anyway. But it did mean that she couldn’t wear any hats, risking a cold noggin in the winter. Or did it?

After a bit of though and a play around with a few idea, I managed to come up with a hat pattern especially for pigtailed girls – you simply feed each pigtail through a hole in the hat and then put it on as normal! So inspired by Bettina, I have designed a range of OOAK Piggy Wig Hats, which happen to be for sale in my Etsy shop

I really enjoyed making these and I am sure that more will follow – and yes, any Blythe in pigtails can wear them so long as you style her hair in pigtails! As well as creating a new crochet pattern, I really enjoyed designing and stitching my unique felt motifs and am super pleased with the results. As ever, though, I have put the needs of the shop before my girls, so I really must make sure that I make a special hat just for Bettina that’s hers to keep forever

I’m back! Did you miss me?

Hello blogging world! Well, I am back and – phew! – what a hectic and surprising month this has turned out to be, with even more twists are turns in store for the immediate future! I’ll try as much as I can to fill you in without boring the pants off you. First of all, I finished the final draft of my thesis. I’d like to pay great respect to my poor laptop for carrying the burden of the whole 86,000 word endeavour (excluding references and bibliography!). The beast got handed in to my supervisors on Tuesday, and in my mind I had set aside three weeks for them to read it, and three weeks to make any amendments deemed necessary. So, imagine my fall-of-the-seat surprise when an email pops up on Thursday saying that not only had they read it, but it was excellent and that it was ready to hand in, apart from a couple of minor changes. I took minor to mean a couple of weeks’ work, but no! Apparently, the changes should take no longer than a day!!!!! So, err, that’s that and I’m on my way to Sheffield on Thursday to get it bound and handed in! I have also found out that out of my cohort of 20, I am the third person to submit, which is rather good. Actually, to be completely honest, I am annoyed that I am not the first. I know that being so competitive isn’t attractive, but that’s the way I am. I like to be first! I like to win! So, I have rationalised to myself that I would have been first had I not also took some time out to renovate two houses over the period of my PhD; indeed had I not done this, I would have actually finished my PhD in under 3 years. So not only would I have been first to hand in, but I would have equalled the Department record, which makes me a winner on two fronts! I told you my competitiveness was downright ugly

And, errr, talking of renovating houses, itchy feet has struck again! Yes, despite the stresses of last year’s move to Leeds, it’s time to up sticks again, and move onto pastures new once more. Pastures new being Sheffield. The place I lived in for ten years, loved, ended up loathing, and have recently come to a new understanding with . I don’t really want to say any more at this stage, because there’s actually quite a lot riding on this move that isn’t about floor space and money, and if I say it now, and it doesn’t come off, the disappointment will be too raw and deep to relay here. The stress levels are already high, made worse by the fact that it is all completely out of my controlling hands (the other aspect of my competitive nature), and I once again only have the sage words of Russell Grant for solace. Whilst I don’t want to say much more for now, I will however just say that there are no babies involved though

Amongst all of this, I have still managed to find time for a spot of light crafting. I am in the midst of making a pair of these socks, but it’s soooooo slow! I’ve heard how most people get bored by the second sock, but for me, tedium has set in halfway through the first ankle! But, I don’t give up (tenacity being a good aspect of competitiveness) – no socks are beating me! So, I’ll keep you posted on that one! I’ve also been bitten by the Blythe crochet dress bug, which also bit Rima a couple of weeks ago with wonderfully creative results. It started in March with these (I don’t think I shared these before).

I then moved onto creating another new pattern, with even prettier results.

Indeed, the feedback to this dress was so lovely, that I started to make a few for sale on a commission basis, where each panel is in a colour handpicked by the buyer. (Further details are here, plug plug ). So far, it’s been wonderfully fun, and I have got to try out some amazing colour combinations such as these.

Indeed, the shop as a whole is doing rather nicely! It’s always a pleasure to make special clothes for special girls, and even better when you’re able to see the results of your labour being worn and enjoyed.

(THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR SHARING YOUR PICTURES WITH ME – FULL CREDITS AVAILABLE HERE).

Of Mice and Snakes

You may have noticed by now that I’m not the world’s fastest crafter. A post will appear extolling the virtues of the latest project under construction, and then it goes completely off-radar for weeks, nay months. Take, for example, the bag I made for Mummykins at Christmas – that spread over a quarter of the year! To be fair, most things do get finished in the end (one notable exception being that dang Henry scarf, which peed me off no end and got ripped after a week). Indeed, only these past few days has another project finally reached completion, and has been firmly crossed off my ‘to-do’ list (and by virtue of it being a leap year, has been contained within two calendar months). So without further ado, let me introduce Marvin Mouse and Archie Anaconda!

Aren’t they wonderful? They’re made out of a fabulous pattern designed by Anna of Mochimochiland. Her patterns are fab, fun and (apparently) quick! She’s also got a lovely free pattern on Knitty that’s definitely worth consideration. Now, despite the traditional predator-prey relationship between snakes and mice, Marvin and Archie have sought to bridge the divide by being the best of friends; look, they even have matching toupees! Each night they sleep together. Sometimes Marvin likes to nestle in the warmth of Archie’s mouth.

At other times, Archie likes to suck his tail with Marvin snuggled up in the crook of his body.

I only made one modification to this pattern, and that was to place a little bell in the end of his tail. He’s a rattlesnake, d’uh! Actually, he must have mixed parentage, as surely he can’t be both and anaconda and a rattle snake?*

Apart from the snake, I have also found the time to make my Mum a Mother’s Day Pressie. Now this is not an ambitious project, but I am in the invidious position of late of being both cash-poor and time-poor. What’s a girl to do? Well, in this instance, use the nicest wool in their stash (Rowan Felted Tweed) and set to making a really pretty flower brooch, embellished with iridescent sequins and beads. There is also a practical reason for this project’s bijou dimensions. For the past 10 years I have had to mail presents to all my family, having never been close enough for a ‘pop over’ visit. Honestly, there are only so many things that travel through the post easily, and there are only so many books, CDs, DVDs etc you can send before you feel like ripping up your Amazon account and poking your eyes out. Anyway, I do hope she’ll like it

Now, onto a more pressing subject – the weather (deary me, you can tell I’m English).

First of all, I slept through the earthquake (is this ‘weather’? I apologist to a certain scientist who might berate me for my sloppy conceptualisations). This is no real surprise as I also slept through this as a child (proof indeed that capacity to sleep bears no relationship to wine consumed). Second of all, last Wednesday cast the most magical frost over where I live that I really do need to share some photos with you. Fortunately I had the day off for John’s birthday (29th!!!), so I was able to take some cracking pics before it melted away just an hour or so later.

It sure was wonderful!

*********

*Two reasons why he’s an anaconda. Firstly, I like alliteration. Secondly, when on holiday in Prague once I got caught in the rain with no umbrella. A kindly street seller saw my predicament and sold me one of his wares, pressing a snakeskin print design into my soggy hands. Speaking no Czech myself, and he little English, the seller just simply winked at me and said ‘A-na-con-daaaa!!!!!’ with a great big smirk on his face. God, I loved that umbrella.

What we’ve been making

As I had previously mentioned, the lack of posts has been the result of many hours crocheting for my little shop. I’ve made four different lines so far; two of hats and two of tops.

The first things were these gorgeous bonnets with little crochet flowers added.

Then, a wonderful find at my new-found secret yarn supplier led to the creation of some little sparkly sequined helmets. (In fact I managed to get some more of this in new colours, so keep your eyes peeled for further helmets!)

After being buoyed by the positive feedback I’d received, I decided to try out some of my designs for little tops. I loved making these jumpers and was super pleased with the way they turned out.

And just this weekend, I revealed another design – my babydoll camisoles – which sold out in three hours! I was astounded, to say the least. I know a lot of people were disappointed so, if time allows, I’m going to make some more for sale on Etsy this week

There has been a couple of downsides to this frenetic Etsy activity. For one, the girls are getting very peed off at having to model all the clothes without ever getting to keep any for themselves.

Also, I think that all the money I’ve made has been pretty much reinvested in wool, adding to the already precariously large Pudsey wool mountain! Only thing for it is to make some more clothes!

I’m opening an Etsy shop!

That’s right! It’s opening on Monday night and will be full of wonderful goodies for that special Blythe in your life.   It’s called Millie Made…  Just for You  in honour of my special seamstress, the Tailor Gibson. The first things for sale will be these lovely crochet bonnets for Blythe. They’re made out of Debbie Bliss cotton angora and are super soft and gorgeous. In case you can’t wait until Monday, there’s a few for sale on This is Blythe at a special discounted price

I’ll be adding to it slowly but surely over the coming months with new designs – my head is overflowing with ideas to the extent I’ve dedicated a little notebook to jotting them down! Needless to say that only the very best yarns are being used – Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Louisa Harding and Lain du Nord to name but a few. But surely Blythe is worth it?

Ravelry!

I’ve been on Ravelry for a few weeks yet only just had the chance to start exploring it; AND IT’S BLOODY ACE!  If anyone would like to find me there, I’m flissy666 (why change a winning formula? ).  Add me to your friends!  Spread the Ravelry love!!!

Crossing the finish line!

Hoooorraaaay!  I have finished all of my Christmas knitting, and have actually managed to avoid a desperate rush to get it done on Christmas Eve or, worse, Christmas morning as I predicted!  So here it all is!

I say ‘all’, but there is also the bag that I toiled away over for weeks, which is now safely wrapped and under the tree  As you can see, there are two pairs of ‘Fetching’ mittens, which was a super easy pattern to follow and a great introduction to cables.  I didn’t use the recommended yarn, but used Debbie Bliss cotton angora, simply because I once bought 60 balls cheap off eBay, and now I must use them to justify the purchase!  To be honest, I think the recommended cashmerino would have been better, as there is not much stretch in the yarn I used, which has left the cables a little tight.  Fortunately both mums have bony hands (they don’t read this blog, of course), so the mittens will be a perfect fit!  The little stripy jumper is for my little brother.  I should point out that even though he’s my little brother, he ain’t that small – in fact he’s 7 stone more than me!  No, the jumper is small in size, as it’s for Doggy, his threadbare childhood toy.  I modeled it on the one I made for Blue Ted, and will get a photo of the two of them together, as promised.  Finally, the little lilac mouse is a special present from Victor to my Mum.  He caught it in my yarn stash for her as he wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for her generous help with his surgery fees.      

So that’s it for the craft.  Now there’s just a small matter of wrapping all our presents to worry about!  I do find every year that, despite my best intentions, it’s a desperate rush to the end to get everything done.  Are you the same?

However, now that Christmas knitting is out of the way, my attention has turned to thinking of new projects.  Indeed a trip to Sheffield to see my hairdresser, led to a quick detour to the yarn department in John Lewis and a gentle tickling of the ole credit card.  So, in 2008 you should be seeing me make one of these, one of these, and a lovely pair of socks out of some amazing pink Regia sock-making yarn that I bought.  And after all that, I hope to be making this cardigan (the wool has been laid by for me in John Lewis as it’s going on sale in January).  If I can manage that, I’ve arrived (in the knitting sense)! 

Christmas Crafting Fun :)

When I started this blog, I really wanted it to be an outlet for my crafty stuff – for others to enjoy, and for me to keep a record of my developing ’skills’ so on a low day I could look back and see what I’d achieved. However, I seriously had no idea that a few weeks later, I’d be selling up, moving to a new city and renovation another house, whilst writing up my PhD thesis. In fact, this life-changing decision was made in MacDonald’s at the end of the M67 on the way home from some friends’ wedding. Never let it be said that I’m a gastronomic snob (although I did have the vegetarian option on a wholemeal sub and took the wrapper home for recycling).

Since then, life has been manic with little time to myself to do the things I enjoy, which has left me stressed, ratty and at times rather tearful Recently, however, things seem to have turned a corner. DIY is reaching an end, and is my PhD thesis (I hope, crossing anything cross-able). I’ve even managed to find some time for my beloved craft! Do you remember me mentioning that I was making a bag for my mum? Yes, I know it was a long time ago but I didn’t forget about it or give up. Slowly but surely I’ve been plugging away at it and now it’s done!

Do you like it? I do, although I try not to look too closely at my stitching up (not my greatest skills). I wish I could claim credit for the pattern, but it’s from Knitty. That lovely frayed fabric brooch? Nah, not my idea either, but so kindly provided by Maize on her blog. It is super sweet though and matches the inside perfectly. I love the corduroy lining – I bought extra so maybe my girls can have some winter capes when I get my sewing machine a fortnight on Monday (wooooottt!!!!)? There’s even a knitted pocket inside that caused no end of headaches, make no mistake. I followed the pattern to the letter and all of it’s turned out mm perfect apart from the darn lining which is 2cm too wide. This called for some judicious sewing and stretching, but hopefully Mum won’t notice (I think you have to be looking for it).

And that’s not all I’ve made! Next weekend it’s my Dad’s wife’s birthday and I had bought her a really cute trinket box for her newly decorated bedroom. I wanted something to put in it, so decided to crochet a poinsettia brooch for her, as it’s December’s birth flower. I’m really pleased with how it turned out, it’s my own design (!) and the clear glass seed beads are sewn on individually for a dewy effect.

And here’s something I’ve made for Sarah/electrocuties for our handmade festive Flickr swap (Sarah – if you’re reading this, don’t scroll down!). It’s a hat for her super-cool Blythe, Pepper. I’ve never used a variegated yarn before and I’m really happy with how it looks. Only trouble is that all my girls now want one. I *hope* there’s enough left for three more hats!

Finally, I still have a WIP on the needles. This is a present for my little brother (aged 24 1/2), or for his childhood toy Doggy to be precise. AAaaaages ago I mentioned making a little jumper for my threadbare Blue Ted. Well I did finish it (did I ever show you? I guess not as it was mid-move), and when my brother saw, it a look of pure envy crossed his face (I *think* that’s what it was anyway!). So the equally threadbare Doggy is going to be getting his own for Christmas. I’ll take a photo of the two together at Christmas and show you all

So real progress all round! Having time has certainly helped, as has joining my local knitting group, injuries notwithstanding. I’d recommend a knitting group for anyone who is time-poor on the needle front as it’s a great way to focus your energies. My jumper for Blue Ted will be done by the next meeting in a fortnight, so the plan is to next make two pairs of these for our Mums. Wish me luck – I may even get this all done in time for the 25th, although I’ll probably be sat in the passenger seat on Christmas morning somewhere over the M62 sewing in the ends

Hello Summer

Hooray, the weather has finally turned a corner and the sun has come out to make me freckly and pink! It’s so lovely after all the crappy floods and stuff round here, and has given me a new lease of life. Seriously, it’s been so dark and gloomy I actually began to think I was getting SAD, only in the wrong season.

Anyway, the inclement weather has played havoc with my garden. Flowers all shot up in sunny April, stopped growing in cooler May and actually rotted away due to the incessant rain in June and July. The same patterm happened to my tub planted veggies. Pepper plant, chilli plant and pumpkin vine all rotted. Faring slightly better, but only just, has been my suagr snap peas and cherry tomatoes, and last night we managed our first harvest.

A small haul, but not too bad considering the ’summer’ that we have had. Actually, there were a lot more sugar snap peas than this but they made their way to my belly before the camera could snap them. The toms will be having the same fate late, yum!

I have also added to my burgeoning Blythe family, and treated myself to a gorgeous Gentle River called Connie Plum. I intend to fund her by selling dolly hats and jumpers on Etsy, now that my knitting skills are sufficient. In the meantime, I have made her a little blanket to match her sisters.

I’ll also be wrapping them in these when we move so that they are safe and sound. Oh yes, the move is still on but now scehduled for 16th August after some very lenghty negotiations that nearly saw the whole thing go tits up. One final push today and it should all be sorted, but we may have to play our trump card (“you want our house? Do as we say then”). It’s been HORRENDOUS but hopefully the end is in sight. Russell Grant will keep me posted with what’s going to happen, and I’ll pass any info on.

I am such a lazy cow!

Blimey, how long am I leaving between blog posts at the moment? No sooner had I got the whole thing started than it has virtually ground to a halt. Well I promise that this will change and I’ll be making more regular posts for the handful of people out there who are interested (hi Mum…).

In my defence, it’s been a manic month! Do you remember how much I was moaning in my last post about the lack of action on the house sale front? Well, what a difference a month makes! We actually sold the house about three weeks ago and finally managed to get out dream house in Leeds! Surveys etc are all done, and are now just waiting on searches before we exchange. I must admit that for someone as impatient as my, I do find the whole process frustrating, but it will so be worth it! Fortunatley the chain is minimal. Our buyer is a cash buyer and our seller is moving into rented property, so it’s only our house and our new house thar are involved in the deal. We’re hoping to be out of here by the end of August. Am very excited about the new house and have got lots of plans for it. We’re replacing two bathrooms, sorting the kitchen out, painting throughout, work on the garden, some electrical work, some plastering and remedial plumbing and that’s about it! Hope to have it all done by xmas, so fingers crossed. I do like DIY though (good job really!)! Oh, we’re also on the look out for a small garden bench as the kitchen has a balcony that overlooks the park and church, and we may actually still get some sunshine to enjoy it! Also had fun buying stuff for it. Have bought some 50/60s light fittings from Belgium and a Danish sideboard from the 70s so far.

And get this! The third bedroom in our new house is being given over to all my work, craft and art stuff so I’m very pleased! A craft room of my own!!! I’ve also been given a sewing machine, so I’m quite excited about tackling some projects with that (although in the first instance I’ll probably be hemming curtains, lol!). It’s meant to be a Christmas present, but we’ll see…

Needless to say that all this excitement has left little time for anything else. I’ve been trying to get stuck into craft projects, but I have had to confine myself to mini projects. Fortunately I have two grateful recipients.

Can’t think of anything else to report at the moment – perhaps I should post a bit more then I’d have more chance of remembering what I’ve been up to! See you all soon x