Tag Archives: crafting

Festivus Knitter’s Swap

By monnibo | Published: December 6, 2009

I just got back from the lovely Festivus Dinner for our Terminal City Yarn Wranglers‘ swap. The idea, dreamed up by the amazing beentsy, was essentially that as knitters, we often give the knitted gifts, but rarely receive. So gather the knitters together and have a loverly swap! “This is your chance to GET something handmade instead of always being the creator the handmade gifts. Now, keep in mind, this a small item swap. Perhaps a cowl or mitts or socks, or even a scarf. We are not here to knit you a humongous shawl. Sorry ‘bout that. So, a small item and then maybe some candy or chocolate or some other little gifts.” I toiled and troubled (as well all know I’m a slow-ish knitter). I knit through cat-maulings and missing stitch markers… nothing stopped me! Well, sorta. I was knitting through class today trying to decide how long to make the lovely Darkside Cowl in sooooft Mirasol Sulka. Yumyum this was a dream to knit! I did finish on time, here are some choice photos. And for those on Ravelry, the project page. Here is the complete package I put together: Darkside Cowl, Vogue Knitting Stitch-a-Day 2010 Calendar and chocolate-covered orange peels from Roger’s Chocolates. And here is the happy recipient, Kyrsten and another Yarn Wrangler, Meg.

Posted in FO, Knitting, Out & About | Also tagged christmas, Crochet, Knitting, swap, yarn | Comments closed

Fraser Valley Bead & Jewellery Show

By monnibo | Published: October 11, 2009

I made it out the Fraser Valley Bead & Jewellery Show on Saturday. It took place at the Cascades Casino and Convention Centre in Langley. I was quite impressed with the show; it wasn’t giant, but it was a decent size with over 40 vendors and classes too. It was a perfect destination for a hobbyist, crafter, or beader because most of the vendors were retailers/wholesalers. A lot of the retail vendors were also local so I picked up a lot of business cards. There were several vendors who were artists themselves but it appeared the jewellery was unique or one-of-a-kind pieces.

Posted in Crafts, Out & About, Photos / Videos | Also tagged beading, capilano rock and gem, country beads, DIY crafts, fraser valley bead show, i found gallery, jewellery, langley, strung out on beads | Comments closed

Martha Stewart’s Big Book of Inspiration (book review)

By monnibo | Published: August 28, 2009

Otherwise titled Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts. From albums for scrapbooks, botanical pressings, and fabric flowers, to mosaics, rope crafts, soap-making, and tin punching — this book honestly has it all. The best thing about it is that the projects aren’t tacky or cliché, they are quite tasteful and subdued (not just glittering everything). The only reason I don’t have anything to show for it (read: no finished projects) as a number of the techniques are quite involved. In true Martha style, these are not “quick ‘n easy” projects. Many of the projects, such as silkscreening, candles, and soap-making all require a number of supplies and materials. Despite that, this is still my Big Book of Inspiration. There is a lot of useful information in here if you’re already into a certain craft. For example, I like making earrings. So, there is a jewellery section that includes diagrams on how to make certain beads and projects, and also a gem glossary.Or if you just want to learn more, xyz are all the tools and materials, and all the back matter is brilliant. In the back, there are all the templates used in the book for calligraphy, glass etching, origami and other paper crafts, scrapbooking, silkscreening, and rubber stamping. The templates are also available online at MarthaStewart.com. There is a list of sources for supplies as well; some of which are international chains, others located all over North America (both Canada and the USA). This is great as well as a [...]