Finger puppets

Having attempted to crochet finger puppets, and finding it difficult to do, I decided to knit some...
I did look for patterns online, but most needed four needles and increased the difficulty level, so I eventually made my own pattern on two needles...

Mr Duck

and a lovely sheep...

Esparto grass sombrero

Have been making a hat with esparto grass.. just for decoration. It caused a lot of interest this afternoon when we were sitting outside and I was making the 'Plaita' or plait of esparto grass

At least it looks hat shaped ha ha

Crystal necklace

Made a delicate necklace using both square and bicone green and AB crystals.
I think it looks nice?

 It is on gold coloured wire, with a gold plated clasp.

Finished peg bag

Yeah...
Finished the peg bag...
We made it in the patchwork class just to practise the techniques

The coat hanger has been ordered...

applique close up 

view of the ric rac edging

The design for the applique and the miniature pegs were made to practise on.
The coat hanger still needs to be inserted, and the bag needs an iron running over it too.
It will double as a bird scarer I think ha ha

I have been cutting out bits of denim and have started to make a collage of the church here in Competa

I have just placed the cut out parts roughly and the background still needs lots of work but I think it looks a bit different :D

Repairs

I have been doing some clothing repairs for a couple of friends.
The first one was to replace a zip on a pair of dressy trousers. I had to send to the UK for the correct size zip and sewed it in yesterday

It was only 10 cm long...

Followed by a repair to a dress that has a few crochet cut out designs. I had to choose the nearest matching crochet cotton and then re-crochet the design, The colour of this photo has not turned out too well, but looks ok in reality.
I also went to my first meeting of 'Competa Art' last night with the view to becoming a member, having e-mailed the website manager for information the day before.
I guess it was fate that working when I was invited to the meeting that was going to be held the day after  sent the mail !!!
This group is composed of artists who live in or near the village.
Thanks to all my friends who suggested I join...

Correct applique techniques

Patchwork class yesterday, where we are making a peg bag...

Dolores stopped me whilst I was sewing to let me know I was not sewing it correctly??

I am glad to say that she was correct. I have been doing this way for years... and the way she showed me is far far easier and quicker.

This is the right way of sewing. The needle goes from the inside to outside, and the thread is automatically caught.

And this was the way I used to do it, the needle going from out to inside,  followed by a wrapping of the thread...
What a revelation...:D
And thank you Dolores... :DD

As the zip for the sweater was not finished off properly, I also managed to sew bias tape to the back, which now means that it is much neater,

Finished Jacket

Woo Hoo today the zips I had to order from the UK arrived in the post!!
So I managed to sew in the zip for my jacket that I have been knitting from a recycled one that did not fit me very well.

I even wore the jacket to knitting/crochet club this afternoon.
Thank you to Jan for teaching Nikki how to knit purl (well done)
and also well done to Megan and Jessamy for your crochet!
We will be wondering what to make with all our efforts next...

cutting out patchwork sample block

I have been cutting out patchwork today for a 'card trick block' as part of the homework set by Dolores.
It just needs to be sewn together...
I also need to go and buy some material and ric rac braid to make a 'peg bag' for next weeks class.
Also have been lucky enough to sell 2 pairs of earrings in the 'low season'...
:D