“Cow’s Bell”

….what I actually meant was BELLE’S COWL! (a little spoonerism humour to get your attention heehee)

So I wasn’t completely useless with a hook & yarn over the festive season – although by most of the standards out there, I should be burned at the stake!!!  I wanted to make a Christmas pressie for a VERY SPECIAL young little lady called Isabel who lives in the UK and I went on a little search and found this AWESOME little video by B.Hooked (absolutely LOVE this stitch) ….

And made this…

And this too…I also wanted to add a hair band so I used the same stitch and used a hair tie as a joiner! Love that trick!!!

added a little flower and clasp… and voila!

That’s all for now….hope you are all getting ready for the FEB MADE IT CHALLENGE!!!!

Love Maryanne xxx

NOVEMBER Made It Challenge – more great entries comin’ your way!

Ok ok, I know! I am super late in introducing all the stunning entries so far into the November Made It challenge  (almost mid month, yikes!) Forgiven? Thank you. Now sit back for a bit and enjoy!!!

Stash Basket by Love, Lucie

Herringbone Cowl by Love, Lucie

Hats for Smoothies by Love, Lucie

Not one, not two but THREE gorgeous entries (so far?) this month from the lovely, speedy and wickedly talented Love, Lucie. Have you too seen the basket on Pinterest? AWESOME that you’ve actually made it, Lucie. Oh, and a stash basket made from your stash..GENIUS! The herringbone cowl is simple amazing too, very stylish – cowls are definitely a hot favourite this season. These six adorable hats are not only for a great cause, but also aaaadorable *squeal*  

♥

Little Crochet Baskets by Pixie Miks A Lot

WOOP WOOP, welcome Pixie from Pixie Miks A Lot, the first of FOUR newcomers to the challenge this month!! Not only are these beautiful crochet (stackable) baskets a fantastic gift idea, there’s a wonderful easy to follow pattern too *quickly writes down onto ever growing to-do-list* Pixie’s blog is full of such creative idea so pop over and have squizz!

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Katniss Cowl by Lolly Knits

WOW. No really. WOW. You will have to click on the post to see more pics of this utterly SENSATIONAL and every so unique cowl make by Lollyknits. Go on click now…I’ll wait…. SEE! How amazing is the Katniss Cowl? It’s avant garde, yes but oh so wearable too!!! Well done, it’s truly amazing and will no doubt be making more and more appearances because Lolly is sharing her pattern yipeeeeeeeeeee! Ps, the pics are just as amazing, WOW

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Francine & Ferdinand by Love Love Lake

Another warm welcome to Sandy over at Live Love Lake! So happy that you’ve entered and shared your gorgeous foxy creatures with us. Meet Francine and Ferdinand, two very distinguished and happy looking knitted foxes. I am blown away by knitters in general, these type of intricate designs look terrifying difficult to pull off. Well done Sandy, they are marvelous!

♥

Hippy Chic Denim Bag by Hav2Havz

So happy to have our happy hippy chick back again! When I think of Rene from Hav2Haz I think….zany, colourful, fun, happy, chic, Bohemia…and her stunning denim bag is all that and more. Her work is always filled with love, BIG LOVE (have you seen her Adele Hearts??) Rene, if you are reading this, I NEED one of those hearts please heehee!!!

♥

Spectrum Granny Ripple Blanket by Rainbow Junkie

After nearly a year in the making, here is Jane from Rainbow Junkie Corner‘s Spectrum Granny Ripple blanket….and its’s spectacular! Click on the links for a closer look at it in all it’s glory. The waves of rainbow colours are so beautiful and fit for any “rainbow junkie”!!  Well done to you Jane, what a wonderful achievement – I’m sure the winter evenings are now more than welcome!

♥

Pillows Knitting Ribbon by Lavendel en Papaver

Crochet Flower Poncho by Lavendel en Papaver

YAY, another droolsome blog to follow! Welcome to Lavendel en Papaverv (Lavender and Poppy) and thank you for entering these fabulous creations. Absolutely LOVE these chocolate cushions – again I so admire knitters the cable stitch and overall effect is so chic. Oh, to be wrapped up in an array of such beautiful flowers! The colour combo of the poncho is perfect too..hmmm, I’m now thinking of other combo for “bigger” little girls!!

♥

Thrumbelina Slippers by VuChickens

Handspun Cowl by VuChickens

I’m thrilled to see that the ever so talented Melissa from VuChickens has finally made something for herself! And what better way to treat a busy Mom’s feet with, than SLIPPERS! These Thrumbelina slippers are so elegant and so beautifully made with bits of Merino wool roving (using a very awesome looking technique) Ahh, and little Mae’s chunky cowl is brilliantly made with Mom’s very own handspun yarn – how cool!. I personally love scarves but have failed miserably to get my kids to wear them….until now (..erm, but not the homespun part)

♥

Ballerina by Pink Princess in Thailand

A beautiful pink ballerina! So delicate and elegant, just like a real one. The lacy vintage skirt is exquisite, how did she make those tiny roses?! Another massive welcome to Pink Princess in Thailand who’s blog is filled with stories of life in Thailand and lots gorgeous crafts so enjoying browsing!

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The cowls that are coming in this month are really spectacular! Look at this chunky one made by AvienaDawn – the v stitch puff and the buttons make this so easy for guys to wear (he looks rather dishy & uber trendy don’t ya think!) There’s a free pattern too! Oh, and pop over and see what’s keeping Aviena a little quick these days….I’ll give you a hint. BUN. OVEN!

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Here’s another free pattern thank you to the lovely  Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs. LOVE these fingerless mitts, the stitching give them such a chic and elegant overall look. I’m always amazed at how much one person can make in such a short time!!! Thanks  Elena for all the inspiration

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Thank you all so much for entering, the talent here is red hot! Stay tuned for a peak at the prize 🙂

Be back soon

Love Maryanne

The NOVEMBER Made It Challenge

November Made It Challenge – And it just keeeeps on getting better!

The November Made It challenge is not even a week old and already it’s produced an entire soccer team of beautiful babies (ok, if you count the subs too that is)!

WOW, I mean it when I say that it just keeps on getting better and better – the entries are sensational and we have TWO new incredible blogs to explore (coming up in my next post)  All in all, you’re in for a treat. It’s a pleasure heehee!

In the mix this evening we have 3 truly exquisite cowls (oh, I’m already missing winter…), a funky kiddies cardi, a colourful cozy Snoodie,  a sensational knitted top and a piece of mixed media art which left me yearning to whip out my (nonexistent) paint brushes and reach for my stash of buttons – getting creative is catchy!!!

Here they are – please click on each pic for the full “birth” stories of these amazing creations

Snoodie by Beatrice Ryan Designs

So beautiful, so graceful, so trendy, so stylish…and the Snoodie is fab too!!  Another wonderful AMAZING GRACE free-pattern from the lovely Elena from Beatrice Ryan Designs

♥

Kids Cardi by Cute As A Button

Quick Calm Cowl by Cute As A Button

Cosy Cowl by Cute As A Button

Laura from Cute As A Button has been busy!! This is one of the cutest cardies EVER – with the sweetest buttons, naturally! These cowls are beautifully made – I adore the funky  colour combos. And besides a great eye for colour,  Laura is pretty good with her models too!

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Mantova Lacy Top by Knitxpressions

A labour of love…and totally worth all the incredible efforts!. For those of you who’ve been following the Mantova Reports of this sensational blouse…Ta Dah! Well done Knitxpressions, the detail is jaw-droppingly good! Please send us a pic of your aunt flaunting it!!!

♥

Mixed Media Art by Susan’s Musings

I LOVE new and exciting projects – and I’m feeling very inspired!!! How gorgeous is this bright happy piece of art by Susan of Susan’s Musings? Now I know what to do with my very large bottle of buttons, woohooo!

Enjoy browsing, I’ll be back soon

Love Maryanne

The NOVEMBER Made It Challenge