The September Made It challenge – WINNERS!

September, we have a winner!

After another wonderfully fun and fantastic Made It challenge, the winner is…

MADELEINE OF PRETTY BLUE BIRD STUDIO!!!

(pssst, don’t think we didn’t notice that you have the word ‘made’ in your name!)

Your bright and beautiful knitted sock are worthy winners and I’ve no doubt will be the inspiration for many a pair to come! Congratulations ♥

 

♣  ♥  ♣

In an extremely tight contest, stealing hearts this months, the VOTERS showed their love and appreciation for Jane of Rainbow Junkie’s  Sand and Sea Ripple Blanket, a truly awe-inspiring project. Well done Jane! Please accept the Voter’s Choice Award badge for your blog

 

♣  ♥  ♣

Once again I’d like to THANK everyone who entered, everyone who voted, everyone who liked each post, everyone who commented and everyone who enjoyed this months feast. The talent, the dedication and inspiration out there is amazing!

‘Til next time…

Love Maryanne

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The September Made It – A few last minute entries

That awkward moment when you’re supposed to switch to VOTING but you missed the deadline…

Oops 🙂

 Oh well, all that means is that I get to extend the time a little PLUS we have another 3 entries to show off AND we all get to vote for our favourites from NOW until the 2nd October when we’ll announce the winners YEEEHA!

The next two entries are from lovely and immensely creative  Jill of O’Noodles 

Alpaca Cushion Cover by O’Noodles

Yes I know, I want one too!  Jill’s gorgeous knitted alpaca cushion cover  fits beautifully in its new home and the colour (or should I say, colours) are fantastic. I’m sure the new owner is very happy too.  I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t ever knitted with alpaca, even though I do sell it in my shop, but I do know that it’s one of the most addictive yarns you can get your hands on!

♥

Mr & Mrs Owl by Jill O’Noodles

Love is in the air! If you have been following Jill’s work then you’ll know that she is thee Great Owl Creator, bringing into being some fabulous owls, two of whom are gettin’ hitched. Meet Mr & Mrs Owl, looking ever so elegant in their top hat and veil. Can’t wait to see their babies….

♥

Crochet Bottle Covers by DaniellaJo

YAY welcome back Daniella Jo, we’ve missed you and your bright & beautiful creations. I absolutely LOVE this idea for Christmas – crochet gift covers for bottles, YES PLEASE! You can go wild here with different stitches, colours, yarns and adornments. In fact, this is a stash buster of note…

♥

And just like that, we are just about to VOTE – I have to tell ya, it ain’t gonna be easy 🙂

 Love Maryanne

CLICK ON FROGGY TO VOTE

 

The September Made It – Crochet Happiness

Hello! I was hoping to have this post out yesterday, and a follow up today, but alas, I found myself strangely unable to leave my couch…

….more about this later project wink wink

🙂

Let’s get on with the next bunch of fabulous entries!

Crochet Hooker Storage by Yarn Chick 40

 Right, everyone pay attention: Stop what you are doing, grab some yarn and a hook AND MAKE ONE OF THESE RIGHT NOW.  One of our favourite hookers Lisa-Victoria from Yarn Chick 40 clearly did just that after seeing Jane of Rainbow Junkie’s awesome tutorial for a crochet hook pouch and it turned out beautifully in blue & white stripes. That’s right ladies, no more fumbling for hooks in the dark depths of your lounge suit, YEAH!

♥

Brenda The Ballerina by Love, Lucie

Just look at her….Sitting pretty and poised with a slight far-away look in her eyes and every bit the agile, elegant, graceful ballerina she is! Meet Brenda, the most delectable ballerina I ever did meet. So perfectly made in a selection of soft pastel cottons and so beautifully dressed in her ruffled tutu and ballet pumps. Of course, you have to agree, we have come to expect to be delighted by Lucie of Love, Lucie‘s magical creations 🙂

♥

Owl Beanie by JG Burdette

Forget about cupcakes, it’s actually the BEANIE that has taken over the imagination and become the new obsession of men, women and children all over the world. But, it is the incredibly captivating OWL (yes, not even the minion) that has taken the number one spot on the list of Most Wanted. If you don’t have/want/dream of one, you are a stone cold-hearted person! Thank you JG Burdette for your bright and beautiful owl, she is so worth all that weaving in of ends!

♥

Giant Granny Square Blanket by Nicki Ashton

My my MY, what  a beauty! Another sensational blanket into the mix this month. This mind-boggling Giant Granny Square Blanket was made (over two years!) by a beautiful friend of mine, Nicki Ashton who “claims” to be a novice…..pfft.  Not only does her blanket smack of hip ‘n trendy (and let’s face it, the humble Granny is anything but), this is colour on steroids, an heirloom and a gigantic feat! Well done Nicki…

♥

Little Miss Giraffe by Fabulous Beanies

And to continue the legacy of beanies….do yourself a favour and feast your eyes on all of Diane of Fabulous Beanies’s creations (click on the link to her Facebook page and view the  albums). And if you haven’t quite been woo’ed enough, let me introduce you to Little Miss Giraffe-an ADORABLE crocheted outfit for a newborn. It’s really doesn’t get cuter than this!

♥

Thank you ladies for your amazing entries, I’ll be back with more entries soon

 Love Maryanne

♥CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOUR LINK

 

The September Made It Challenge

Welcome  to the September Made It challenge!

Wherever you are in the world, it’s either the beginning of Spring or Autumn (Spring here, yay!) and a great time to settle into the summer or winter that’s approaching – I  am so looking forward to seeing what’s hot, hip and happening this season. The prize this month comes from my own stash of yumminess – a Cotton Spring Rainbow in Autumn(ish) Colours!

 

Wanna play?!

♥ CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOUR LINK  ♥

 

Good luck everyone, who’s up first?

Love Maryanne

The July Made It Challenge – Bunnies & Owls, Cardies & Blankets, A Cozy & A Baby Bonnet

Hello, hope you are having a wonderfully relaxed Sunday wherever you are in the world. Here are the next batch of entries to show you, to entice you and to inspire you!

 The following four entries are lovingly made by one of the Made It’s long time members, Jill of O’Noodles, who always wins our hearts with her wonderful creations and whimsical characters. First up, let’s see what these sweet bunnies have to say for themselves…

Bunnies by O’Noodles

Handsome Bunny In Grey With Blue Ears – “Oh my,  where DID you get your beautiful colourful coat from?”

Psychedelic Bunny With Carrot- “Why, from eating these day-glo carrots of course. Wanna bite?!!”

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Family Of Owls by O’Noodles

And making their second appearance into the Made It is this extremely sophisticated and well turned out family of wise owls. Meet Flip, Flop and Fly who look like they are about to take their little guy on his first adventure – his first flight maybe heehe?

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This gorgeous knitted baby matinee jacket in vintage courtelle it so special and the colours are amazing. The perfect summer accessory for the retro-trendy babe, complete with two sweet bunny buttons!

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 And from a gorgeous baby cardie to fabulous big girl cardie! The colours are amazing – Jill tells me the yarn is hand-dyed by a friend (blackberries & cream YUM) – and the style is so flattering. Another must-have summer garment 🙂

♥ ♥♥

 Welcome to Cathy from Bagg Ladys Buzz! Always lovely to have newbies to the challenge, and of course, more great blog to browse. Cathy’s entered these three fantastic baby blankets she’s crocheted for three lucky kiddies.  For those of you who have never crocheted a blanket before – it’s not easy, it takes forever, it can reduce you to tears, it can take over your life. Ok, well maybe that’s just me! Either way, it’s a huge feat so well done Cathy, they are brilliant and will no doubt be cuddled and dragged around for years to come.

Kyle’s Blanket by Bagg Lady Buzz 

Kaylee’s Blanket by Bagg Lady Buzz 

New Baby Girl Blanket by Bagg Lady Buzz

Another great entry from Cathy is this cozy cotton Kindle cover. From the moment I saw it I wanted to start making one immediately  – and I don’t even have a kindle but who cares. This one is cleverly lined to prevent any static electricity that could harm the electronics – how cool!!!

♥ ♥ ♥

I know, right now your face has just squished up and you are saying “awwwwww cute” – I’m right aren’t I?!! This little gem is beyond adorable … am I’m honestly not sure if I’m talking about the delicious little baby or her gorgeous little ELLA bonnet.  The incredibly talented Jill from Nice Piece of Work is having amazing success with this pattern, even men are buying them…for themselves. JILL, I WANT ONE TOO – POM POMS AND ALL!!

Baby Ella by Nice Piece Of Work

 ♥ ♥ ♥

And lastly but no means least is this soft, chunky and luxuriously cosy looking Turban/Head Wrap, a quick crochet was made and entered by Mtetar of Projects By Mtetar. I’m so happy to have her back in the challenge – although, even when Mtetar hasn’t entered a project , she is ever-present with her wonderful words of praise and encouragement for almost all the challenges we’ve had so far. Thank you Mtetar, we look forward to more of your projects entries…and of course, more of your wonderful comments ❤

Turban / Head Wrap by Projects By Mtetar

 Thank you ladies for your entries. For anyone else who’d still like to enter, please click on Froggy below and add your link. Up for grabs this month is the (everlasting!) African Violet crochet and donated by Jane of Rainbow Junkie. You have to be in it to win it!

 

~ THIS MONTH’S PRIZE | AFRICAN VIOLET POT PLANT by Jane of Rainbow Junkie

Love Maryanne

CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOURS 🙂

The July Made It Challenge continues in style!

I’M BACK!

My family and I just spent the last seven blissful days chilling out, swimming, surfing (not me), playing, reading, (a spot of) crocheting, eating, walking, sleeping, laughing, drinking red wine (me), dinners out, dinners with friends and watching the worlds best pro surfers take on some incredible waves and even seeing some of those shared with dolphins… You know, all the usual holiday stuff!

There’s been lots going on in my absence as I have another great bunch of Made It challenge entries to show off, 4 of which I will show you today so sit back and enjoy!

~

Crochet Blanket by Alynnis Crochet

Alynnis from Alynnis Crochet has entered her heart-meltingly beautiful crochet blanket. It’s so lovely that I can just imagine that although it looks so fine and delicate, it must feel so cosy and heavy in that comforting sort of way. I don’t have any more info about the pattern or yarn but please do leave a comment for Alynnis on her Facebook, I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.

~

The next three entries have been submitted by Jane of Rainbow Junkie (who is also the kind sponsor of this month’s prize…stick around, there’s more about this below 🙂 )

Super Soft Shrug by Rainbow Junkie

First up is this super soft shrug, knitted with a beautiful mohair yarn in a lovely lilac shade. Gorgeous isn’t it, and such a wonderful accessory for balmy summer nights – even if it’s cooking in the UK at the moment. Apart from the ever good advice the reader gets from Jane’s post, I had a good giggle – as I’m sure you will too. Let’s just say that looks can be deceiving!

♥

African Violet Tutorial by Rainbow Junkie

Right, if you’re one of those people who are awful at taking care of plants (guilty as charged!) then read on. Not only is this a remarkable tutorial, if you follow it step-by-step you will have an all-year-round pot of colourful blooming African Violets.  And if you scroll down the post you will spy a little brown pot filled with one of these beauties…which just may be yours soon!

♥

A Birthday Doll by Rainbow Junkie

And while we are on the subject of  Jane’s great posts, here’s a wonderful pictorial story about the making (birth?) of this little chap here (click on the pic). Now THIS is my idea of a TOYBOY! From the making of his cute little knitted body to the clever thumbs, ankles, fingers and toes to the ADORABLE vest, undies, socks,  to the charming jumper, pants, coat and funky shoes…this is one well dressed little boy. My heart literally melted!!

♥

Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did – see you soon for more 🙂

Love Maryanne

CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOURS 🙂

 

Love Maryanne

The July Made It – A whole host of entries to dazzle you!

Welcome to the first PEEK at  this month’s Made It challenge. WOW, this is an excellent start with 11 brand new & exciting entries to kick us off. Thank you to everyone who’s entered so far, I’m thrilled to see a couple of new “faces” too – more inspiration comin’ ya way!

I’m in the middle of a huge pack as my family and I are venturing off for SEVEN WHOLE days of holiday YIPEEEEE! We are headed up the east coast to Jeffrey’s Bay (fondly referred to as J-BAY by every single surfer in the Universe) one of the world’s best waves to catch some of the ASP World Surfing Tour (yes, Kelly Slater WILL be there, and YES,  I WILL be stalking him). I apologise that this post is not my usual style but I’m sure you’ll love browsing all the new entries anyway. Please click on the pics or links for more on these SERIOUSLY AMAZING creations!

I’ll be back on the 22nd July so pleeeeeeeease add your links while I’m away (the link is at the foot of this post).  I’ll be posting about all the new entries once I’m back- so looking forward to seeing what’s next. In the meantime, grab a cuppa and get yourself comfy. You are in for a treat 🙂

First up is the ridiculously talented and ENORMOUSLY creative Alice!

1. Amazing crochet project by Alice of Knitnrun4sanity

Crochet Art Project by Alice of Knitnrun4sanity

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2.  Two delightful & totes stylish tote bags by newcomer, ShabbyShe

Teacher Tote Bags by ShabbyShe

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3. Cool cotton shawl by the busy and every so talented Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

Cool Cotton Shawl by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

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4. Funky granny panel tissue box cover by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

Granny Panel Tissue Box Cover by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

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5. What, aren’t they the real deal?! High tops by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

Crochet High Tops by Beth

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6.  The brilliant B*A*M skirt by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

The B*A*M! Skirt by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

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7. A (definitely not-so) granny square bag by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

Granny Square Bag by Beth of B*A*M! Crafts

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8. Wonderful winter woolly neck & wrist warmers by Tracy of The Knitting Station

Neck & Wrist Warmers by Tracy of The Knitting Station

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9. A deliciously cuddly-wuddly striped baby blanket by Lianne Godfrey

Striped Baby Blanket by Lianne Godfrey

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10. A absolute MUST HAVE  for EVERY Mum! Car seat cover by Michelle Niederheitmann

Baby Seat Cover by Michelle Niederheitmann

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11.  Warm & cosy white cotton scarf by Lianne Godfrey

White Cotton Scarf by Lianne Godfrey

Hope you all enjoyed that!!! Be back soon ♥

CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOURS 🙂

 

 

Love Maryanne

…and we’re BACK! The JULY Made It Challenge is OPEN!!

WOOOOHOOO, it’s so good to be back

Miss me? Boy, I missed you!

My apologies for going completely AWOL but that’s what kinda what happens when your lovely hubby goes on a surfing holiday in the tropics for…wait for it… THREE AND A HALF WEEKS,  leaving you to look after 3 kids, 4 pets, and TWO JOBS!!! June disappeared into a the haze of school lifts, cooked dinners, work, driving, shopping, large glasses of wine etc etc etc. I must love him lots right? Don’t worry though, my payback list is SOOOOOOOO long *evil laugh*!

I stupidly thought I’d handle the Made It challenge during this time but that silly notion soon became laughable. So thank you for your patience and understanding – I know there must have been a ton of incredible creations that I missed out on. Seeing as though it’s already the 8th of the month, I ummmed and ahhhed about whether to start a new challenge mid-ish month. Eventually I thought, SOD IT. It’s been far too long as it is. And with that, the JULY MADE IT CHALLENGE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN *snips ribbon, glugs champagne*

I am also delighted to announce that Jane from Rainbow Junkie – who incidentally, has taken part in every single Made It challenge so far – has donated this months prize, her beautiful African Violet! Isn’t it beautiful ♥ All year round happiness! Click on the photo for Jane’s incredible step-by-step tutorial

So, the start of the Made It is today and voting will be from the 5th to the 7th of August. The randomly chosen winner will be announced on the 8th August 2014. Remember, there are no limits to how many projects you can add –  SO PLEEEASE, SHOW OFF TO YOU’RE HEARTS CONTENT – but at the end, only one project each will be in with a chance to win, keeping things fun and fair 🙂

So who up first??

CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOURS 🙂

Love Maryanne

The May Made It winner is….

WOW, another fantastic Made It challenge has come to a close…but not before I announce the winners! Firstly, I’d like to thank each of your for entering this month. It’s an honour to share your passion and to be inspired by your work, your creativity and dedication.  It’s always so easy to see that every single item was created with so much love. Thank you Thank you too, for everyone one who voted! Each vote is an acknowledgement, a cheer and encouragement – believe me, that goes a long way ♥

Right, with that said, let’s get on with the winners

drum roll please…

CONGRATULATIONS HELEN ROWE from CROCHET CREATIVENESS!!!

Thank you Helen for taking part! Not only is your beanie beautiful, it’s going to an incredible woman for an incredible cause. Please send Jill all our love and best wishes

Here is your badge display where ever you please!

Your prize – this gorgeous Owl Cushion made and donated by Lucie, from Love, Lucie is all yours and will be making her way to her new home very soon..you lucky thing you!

♥

And now for the Voter’s Choice Award

another drum roll please….

WOOHOOO, well done to CAROLE from A SLIGHT OBSESSION WITH BOOKS!

Here is your badge to display on your blog!!!

♥

Thanks again everyone -we’ll be back soon

Love Maryanne

*winner chosen randomly by InLinkz

The May Made It Challenge – VOTING OPEN ‘TIL MIDNIGHT!

Hello, here’s just a quick reminder that VOTING is still open until midnight tonight and thank you so much to everyone who has voted so far.

I will announce the randomly chosen winner plus the Voter’s Choice winner tomorrow – so let’s get more votes is and show our entrants how AW♥SOME they are!

CLICK ON FROGGY TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITES   

~ THE PRIZE~

Thank you to this months prize giver,  Lucie from Love, Lucie 

This fabulous Owl Cushion is up for grabs this month!