Saying Hello to Autumn....

Hello my lovelies!

Gosh I've missed saying hello...

Where did the time go???

I always think it's that time of year that seems to be full of change when we welcome the door to Autumn.

We close our album of summer memories and holiday smiles....

to embrace the coolness of a new season debutante taking her first bow...

Children start a new chapter in their lives, students venture into the unknown and our thoughts start to stray towards that 'C' word.....

As much as I love to welcome Summer in for a cuppa in June, I do have to say I am quite glad to say goodbye to the heat she brings with her visits...

As a sufferer of Fibromyalgia you would think I'd welcome the heat but I struggle to control my temperature in both extremes; so, in summer I'm wishing for a bucket of ice to jump into for most of the time and in winter I'm found snuggled in blankets wishing warmth would grace my weary bones.... you just can't win can you!

So...back to September smiles for me...

September brings SO many!

birthday celebrations, golden & olive hues beginning to grace my garden, misty foggy mornings with dewy spiderwebs, crochet blankets in the wash, and scrumptious blackberries...

What's your September smile?

So, with the evenings closing in on us my mind is wandering towards those crochet hooks, stitchy projects and romantic girlie films!

Dear September, I am so looking forward to sharing my evenings with you catching up on your  gossip, slobbing in my PJ's, snuggly slippers, and getting to grips with tidying my stitchy basket full of threads nestling next to the crackling fire...

Before I can hang up my stitchy boots for the year so to speak,though  I do have one more major event to visit....

For anyone wanting to have a lovely stitchy chat with yours truly... 

I shall be at Ally Pally at the Knitting & Stitch Show showcasing free motion embroidery on the Create & Craft TV stand....

Do come and say hello!

In the meantime, I can be found in my kitchen digging out my dusty slow cooker and checking out some old favourite Autumnal recipes...

So excited as I LOVE casseroles...and apple crumble puds!

Happy Autumn my lovelies.....

Enjoy....

Festive Cheer - Tilly Rose Style.....

Hello my lovelies...

How are you all?

The dull grey days of the changing seasons are already beginning to 

make a difference to our days...

The British weather has such a powerful hold on our well being don't you think?

It has been raining solidly here for over a week or so now and the ground is so

squelchy and muddy and on top of that there seems to be so much wet washing hanging around

with coats and umbrellas never seeming to dry... 

(I'm not a fan on gloominess...can you tell???)

As much as I love my snuggly warm sweaters, fleecy slippers and cables scarves, Winter and I are not exactly the best of friends.

Every year we do try our very best to get on as friends should do but by the end of each February, we have to call a truce to start a fresh for the next year having grumbled and argued with each other for months!

To brighten these dull days ahead my thoughts have turned most definitely to 

bright cheerier hues of red and green for that special time of year that will be upon us before we know it.

Not sure if it's the Fen bird in me but at this time of year I love nothing more than getting all my winter recipe books out for seasonal treats and all the old favourites...

Have you made your Christmas pud yet? 

or cake?

I know many of you are also thinking of making all your Christmas gifts as well.

Or maybe you are thinking about filling those craft fair tables with gorgeous goodies to sell?

I just love handmadeness (if there is such a word)

It captures loads of love, loads of happiness and more importantly loads of well being for everyone....

One, for those who receive such gorgeousness and two, for those who add a little piece of themselves into every project they make.

I thought you may like some ideas to help use up those fabric & paper scraps that we all have hiding away in the drawers and boxes hidden under the chaos of crafty bliss...

So, over the next few weeks I will be posting  inspirational pics of things I've either made in the past or lovely goodies I've found online to give you all a few ideas for when you may need that

little extra pressie at short notice when Auntie Mabel pops round unexpectedly, or you might need a few extras to add to your craft table at your local school fete?

Here's my first offerings to break you into Christmas in a gentle way...

Want a simple festive project to share with children?

The following projects were all ideas that I have presented in workshops or when I visited schools

and wanted something that all abilities were able to join in with.

They whip up really quickly and add a little handmade magic to your stash of 

handmade loveliness to either sell or give away as pressies.

Cut out small festive shapes from felt such as stockings or trees.

They are perfect for younger crafters to embellish using all those lovely

things you have hiding in your craft stash...

If they don't want to sew you can use glue or double sided tape to secure.

You could always decoupage with fabric or lace doilies?

Again something so simple that all the family can have fun creating to hang as decorations around the home.

Often these little projects are the perfect solution for keeping things simple... especially if you are a beginner or want to craft with younger peeps.

I love visiting a craft fair or school Christmas Fete and always try to buy special designs like these as I think they make Christmas extra special.

They may be a little quirky or perhaps a little wonky in design but for me they shout creativity.

I'm really not fussed if a button is slightly off centre or a heart is maybe a touch too crookedy.

They certainly wouldn't match the standard of Harrods or Selfridges maybe but I have the satisfaction that no-one else in the whole wide world will have one just like me hanging on their tree and for me that is worth it's weight in gold.

I shall bring some more ideas again soon but in the meantime...

have fun stitching and being creative :)

Toode-ooh for now my lovelies!

Tilly

x x x

Tilly's Remembrance Poppy Corsage - FREE PATTERN

Hello my lovelies!

how are you all?

It's that time of year again when we all start to turn our thoughts to those brave souls who gave so much for our country in a variety of ways....

Today I am giving you the chance to crochet your own Poppy corsage to wear with pride and show your support for the many men and women who did so much...

I am very proud to say that this is my first pattern that I have designed and written and am so pleased to be able to offer it in support of such a good cause.

The pattern is suitable for all abilities.

If you are unsure of any of the stitches there are loads of videos on Youtube that you can view to help you .

I am hoping to be able to offer my own tutorials soon so watch out for those to!

Tilly’s 'Remembrance' Poppy Corasge

Requirements – oddments of black (A) & red (B) chunky yarn,

                         5.5 mm hook

                         black button
                          brooch pin

Abbreviations

Ch – chain

Dc – double crochet

Tr – treble

Dtr – double treble

Ss – slip stitch

Foundation Row

Using A, ch 5.

Join with a ss to form a ring

Row 1

Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into ring

Join with a ss to top of second chain to join circle

Fasten off A. Join B

Row 2

Work into first dc space - Ch 1 (counts as first dc), 1tr, 1dtr

Work into second dc space – 5 dtr

Work into third dc space – 5 dtr

Work into fourth dc space – 1dtr, 1tr, 1dc

Repeat this sequence twice in the remaining 8 dc to create the last two petals.

Fasten off.

Sew in any ends of yarn and add your button.

Sew a brooch pin on the reverse of your poppy to attach your corsage.

I hope you enjoy making my little poppy corsage as much as I have designing it.

My only request is to please pop a small donation into the collecting tins of the poppy sellers that we see on our high streets to support our servicemen and women. It is such a valuable cause.

If you would rather donate online and support The Royal British Legion, you can do so here by simply clicking on the link

I would love to hear from any of you who use the pattern and maybe send in any pics of your poppies so I can share with everyone on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/tillysvintageworkshop/

We owe so much to so few...

Please do show your support by wearing your poppy with pride

Many thanks

Tilly

x x x

Yarndale - A Beautiful Rainbow of Colour....

Hello lovelies!

I hope you all enjoyed my first post on Yarndale...

I was absolutely over the moon to receive a lovely comment from Lucy Attic 24, one of the organisers!!!

As promised here is another glimpse at the riot of colour therapy on offer last weekend in Skipton.

Flowers for Memories...

Viewers were invited to send in crocheted or knitted flowers of all colours, shapes and sizes to be transformed into a beautiful rainbow wall of colour by the organisers of Yarndale in support of supporting a charity very close to my heart.

The idea originated from artist Sheila Metcalfe to raise awareness and funds for The Alzheimer's Society.

You can find out more details about the project HERE on Yarndale's website.

Like so many other people, I was absolutely stunned at the amazing piece of art that was put together using all of these beautiful blooms....
I say art because in my mind that is exactly what it was..
..not just a board of yarn flowers but a work of art lovingly sourced, designed and made, assembled and displayed by people who feel passionate enough to help in a very tiny way to support this dreadful illness.

Anyone wishing to have their photos taken against the gorgeous backdrop during the weekend were asked for a small donation to help with the funds and at the end of the event Sheila had raised an amazing £1811.80 for the charity.

Well done Yarndalers for supporting Sheila in her quest...amazing!
I absoltely adore the fact that from one small idea one HUGE project evolved...
From small little acorns as they say...or in this case from small little blooms...

Of course I had to have my piccie taken to!

My little camera really doesn't do this wonderful display justice...

the textures, different yarns, different patterns and styles...

I just wanted to jump right in as did so many others!

I will bring you more pics in my next post but for now my lovelies I will leave you with this little gem...

I came across this video from a fellow Yarndale visitor and thought you lovelies may like to have a little nosey if you weren't able to visit....

It has given me an idea to pop all of my 200+ pics into my own video for you all to view

so watch this space folks...

in the meantime enjoy this little glimpse of beautiful yarn therapy..

Tilly
x x x

A Festival Of Creativity, Craft & Colour...

Hello lovelies...

How are you all?

I've just returned from a beautiful weekend in Yorkshire...

The reason?

Wool... and lots of it!!!!

Let me explain....

have any of you ever visited Yarndale before?

You haven't?

Not sure what it is?

Well my lovelies, go and grab a cuppa and take five mins out of your day and let me share all the details with you....

Yarndale is a festival of creativity and craft that prides itself on promoting British & handmade products with the emphasis based on highlighting the wonderful artisans out there designing, creating, making, producing and selling products which support British Wool.

If you love crocheting, knitting, wet-felting, needle felting, spinning, weaving, mixed media. rag rugging, or even quilting with woollen textiles then you will absolutely adore this event.

There is something for all ages, all abilities and for all interests.

Exhibitors range from small artisan designers, producers of  beautiful hand dyed products, individual textile artists, as well as manufacturer's of yarn and patterns.

Having never visited before, I was super excited I have to say!

I always love visiting any event that encourages and celebrates creativity and Yarndale certainly disappoint....

It was really wonderful to see so many people wearing or carrying their own creations and proudly sharing their love of all things handmade with each other.... scarves, shawls, cardigans, hats, bags, gloves, even items of clothing. 

All were admired with lovely smiles instead of the often skeptical or be-littleing glances I sometimes see at events which always make me feel sad. The fact that someone has spent hours making something special and then has proudly worn it out to have someone scoff at their design 

is simply atrocious in my eyes. 

We can't all be the next Christian Dior or Monet!

(*old woman grumble on soap box moment* - sorry!)

For me personally it is the first festival/ show/ event that I have attended where everyone embraced their own individuality. It was simply wonderful to be able to be a small part of that even if I was only a customer!

The Yarndale team had clearly put in alot of thought to the customer and their requirements and speaking from experience I can definitely guarantee the important things....

• Parking - Huge thought had been given to this and free car parks were offered with a regular shuttle service courtesy of a London Red Bus
• Meet & Greet at entrance - Lovely smiles from everyone involved! A free catalogue was included with your ticket price...again another bonus :)
• Toilet facilities - Loads of AND regularly maintained!
• Food & Catering - Excellent facilities....none of this corporate rubbish that costs a fortune for some plastic cheese. The food was simply good honest fare that hit the spot when you needed a much needed rest with a huge choice of options AND with seating unlike at other events where often I see people having to sit on the floor to take a break
• Rest areas - Spare spaces were left empty with chairs provided for a rest which I think is just fab as it shows Yarndale has total respect for their customers and values the fact that all that walking around buying goodies is important but looking after their guests is more important!
• Learning Lounge - A lovely relaxed area to learn new skills...
• Exhibitors - A fab range on offer which provides interest for everyone whether you are an experienced yarn lover or simply want some help to get started on your journey. Artisans were all so willing to offer advice and share their passion with everyone which I think is just lovely. 
• Visitor participation - displays of visitors donations could be seen all over the event which again added to the friendly atmosphere!

Overall I was super impressed at the really lovely atmosphere Yarndale offered (can you tell?!!!)

There really was too much to showcase in just one post so I will be doing a couple more posts focusing in on certain aspects of my weekend...

So keep an eye out folks for my future piccies!

Tilly

x x x