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 ♥

 

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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

 

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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 – The first batch of entries is here!

Helloooooo! The first bunch of entries into the Made It challenge are in (and the following are only the half of ’em!).  I have a feeling that this collection, like all before it, is going to be crammed full of fun and exciting projects that will threaten our to-do lists to throw their hands up and run for the hills!

First up and first into the mix is this rather graceful and elegant Rabbit 🙂

Patchwork Rabbit by Jill

What do you do if your friend asks you to make a rabbit for her new granddaughter? Why you rush into your (twenty-something) child’s room, grab her much-loved rabbit and pull her apart for her blueprint. That’s what. Luckily, Rabbit by Jill of Nice Piece Of Work turned out to be an excellent and very sophisticated clone  – well worth the trauma! Hopefully Alex’s rabbit is perfectly back to normal Mom, hmmmm???

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Colours of Summer by Alynnis

 Colours of Summer Blanket by Alynnis of Alynnis Crochet – Colours of summer describes this blanket perfectly! I love how each row is different. If you’ve been following the Made It challenge, you’ll know that there have been some seriously amazing blankets entered so far and a few have been GEMS from Alyniss herself. This one is a standout and as Alynnis said “an absolute joy to make…”.

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Sea and Sand Blanket by Rainbow Junkie

And speaking of amazing blankets, feast your eyes on this Sand and Sea Ripple Blanket by Jane of Rainbow Junkie. Once again, Jane has contributed a couple of sensational blankets into the challenge so far,  and that’s no small deal considering how much time, effort and passion goes into each one!!! The colours are magical together and apart from the obvious wavy nature of the stitches, they capture the essence of the seaside beautifully.

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Baby Set by Kaiserin

How utterly ADORABLE is this Baby Set by Kaiserin of Empress Fibres! I hope Kaiserin won’t mind me saying this but it’s so wonderful to see a “young” (cause we are ALL so young too, right?) crafter who is so obviously passionate about her work and who turns out such beautiful items. I love this delicate baby dress with matching pants and sandals. Eeeeek there is just too much cuteness in one pic!!!

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Striped Baby Blanket by Lianne

Wowee,  we are very super spoiled this month with all these stunning blankets. I’m loving the colours of this soft and bouncy cotton Stripey Baby Blanket by Lianne,  one of our Facebook page members. I’ll say it again – I hope you all realise the time, effort, passion, late nights, uncooked dinners and abandoned husbands that actually go into the making of a blanket like this. Can’t wait to see more Lianne!

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Upcycled Juice Pouch Bag by ShabbyShe

When I grow up, I wanna be ShabbyShe. How cool is this Upcycled Juice Pouch Lunch Bag by ShabbyShe?? My kids would think I was Supermom if I produce something like this on the first day of school – genius! Click on the link of photo, ShabbyShe has an amazing step-by-step picture tutorial to Supermom Greatness. And for this, we thank you *bows down *

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See you soon for more, Love Maryanne

♥ CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOUR LINK  ♥

 

The July Made It Challenge has a WINNER!

I told my daughter that I was supposed to announce the winner of the Made It on the 7th. It’s now the 9th. I asked her how bad it was. “Pretty bad, Mom”. The truth is, when I had the gap to put this post together, I took the kids for a walk on the beach instead. The warm summer sun was out and it was simply irresistible!

 My most humble apologies and thank you all for your patience.

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We have WINNERS, yay.

Congratulations goes to …

Well done Michelle, your baby chair cover is stunning pretty and will no doubt have you busy busy with orders for new little angles on the way!

Enjoy your wonderful prize – this gorgeous Crochet African Violet by Jane of Rainbow Junkie which will be winging its way to you soon

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Loads of votes were cast and it was a close call – in fact, so close we have joint winners of the Voter’s Choice Award again this month. Congratulations to Lucie from Love, Lucie & Madeleine from Pretty Blue Bird Studios – seems your amazing crochet stuffed toys were the order of the day !

 

     

You both have won this badge to wear with pride on your blogs!

Well, that’s it for now. What a super challenge! Thank you to everyone who entered and voted, to all our new challengers and visitors and to all our wonderful regulars. Thank you for sharing your talents, your projects and your hearts. Look forward to the next one

Love Maryanne ♥

The July Made It Challenge – Granny Stripes & Babeh Hats!

Welcome back to the July Made It challenge – even though it’s actually officially August. Minor detail! The challenge will switch to voting on the 5th of August and the winners will be announced on the 7th, so plenty of time to still sneak in your last-minute entries.

Here are a couple more entries from two of our wonderful regulars challengers…

Lottie Top by MrsMacCrochet

First up is this beautiful “Lottie Top” by Mrs Mac, crocheted in an array of gorgeous cotton colours – seems perfect for the UK summer and of course, who doesn’t love crocheting by the pool! I LOVE the granny stripes, such a stylish and clever design. I followed Mrs Macs links back to the original pattern and this top was designed by a man – impressive stuff I tell ya!  Click for more pics &  details on Mrs Mac’s Ravelry page.

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Babeh Hat by YarnChick40

 

Lisa-Victoria from Yarnchick40’s posts not only make me giggle – they often make me laugh out loud! I can’t get the image of a lady wearing a minion hat…in a bikini (read the post!).  The only bad thing about this STUNNING baby hat, crocheted in these two STUNNING colours, complete with this STUNNING crochet button..is that LV forgot to write down the pattern!  On the upside, it means we’ll get treated to another one soon, right?!  Those stitches look yummy

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Hurry and add your links by clicking on FROGGY below to be with a chance to win this beautiful African Violet made by Jane of Rainbow Junkie

~ 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 – 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 🙂

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 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!!!

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!!

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

Love Maryanne

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

I WON!

YIPEEE! I get super excited when I receive a white slips from the post office saying there’s a parcel for collection…and I wasn’t disappointed…

I entered Jane from Rainbow Junkie wonderful two-part giveaway and I WON a beautiful selection on Beads Buttons and Bow!

Thank you  Jane! I love your handwritten note and the beautiful lace which was wrapped around my parcel of colourful treasure – can’t wait to put them all to good use

♥

The MAY Made It Challenge – Butterflies, Ufo’s, Roses and Mushrooms

Happy Mother’s Day! (i know it’s not M’sD everywhere in the world, but still) I’ve seen many fab photos and captions over the last couple of days but this one is by far my favourite…

Says it all, doesn’t it!!!

I’ve just had the most wonderful day with my folks, my hubby and kids but wishing we could have added a few more absent family members to the day. It’s so sad when half of your family live on the opposite hemisphere…sigh. Even so, we had a lovely lazy lunch and I have just about enough energy for this post heehee!

But with so many wonderful entries in the challenge so far, I’d better get on with introducing them to you – here are the next four!

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Easter Butterflies by Rainbow Junkie

I am delighted to see another beautiful Easter tree by the talented and ridiculously creative Jane from Rainbow Junkie.  If you click on the pic, you will see her previous one which was adorned by an assortment of crocheted eggs, crosses, flowers and, or course,  a sweet little bunny. These rainbow butterflies are absolutely beautiful and so delicately made – and yes, there’s a link to the pattern too YAY!

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“Made with Love and Yarn” by Bev Barret

This cosy rosy baby blanket was made by one of my Woolhogs Facebook page members, Bev Barret – one that she made and DESIGNED herself!!! When I asked Bev to tell me a little more about how she made it, she described it as  “made with love and yarn” . I love that answer – pretty much sums up how most of our yarny creations born are born.  Stunning Bev, we want more!!!

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UFO#4 by YarnChick40

Now what self respecting,  little-matchy-matchy-crazy-cat-lady/hooker-corner-maker wouldn’t need some seriously cool matchy-matchy illumination hmmmm??? Ta-Dah! And another wonderfully blue-black-and-white signature piece (titled UFO#4 hahahah, she cracks me up) from our very own YarnChick40!

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Funky Foam and Felt Mushroom Bobbin Saver by SquareBird

YAY, please welcome May’s first newcomer to the challenge *rubs hands gleefully* Hello to SquareBird 201 of SquareBird Craft A Day who has amazingly challenged herself to creating…yes, as her blog name clearly suggests,  a craft A DAY for 2014!  WOW…do yourself a favour and pop over for a browse around. There is soooo much to see your to-do-lists are going to take a beating! How great is this Funky Foam And Felt Mushroom Bobbin Saver!!

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That’s all for tonight, be back soon

Love Maryanne

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*****   CLICK ON FROGGY TO ENTER YOUR LINK   *****

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~ THE PRIZE~

Thank you to this months prize giver,  Lucie from Love, Lucie This fabulous Owl Cushion is up for grabs this month!

The March Made It – Happy Rainbow Hexagons!

If you love hexagons (I do, I do!) you will LOVE these bright, beautiful HAPPY hexies!

These are Jane of Rainbow Junkie Corner‘s entry into this month’s Made It challenge – just one look at them leaves you in no doubt who made them too!

Jane’s hexagons were made as a contribution to Patch of Made by Patch‘s exciting project called The Collaborative Crochet Blanket 2014 where she invites crafters to make hexagons and mail them to her. Once the blanket is all sewn up, it will be raffled and won by one of the contributors – what a brilliant idea. I hope I manage to made the deadline and add some of my own. If you are keen, why not join in!

    

This months PRIZE for the lucky randomly drawn winner is this FABULOUS Newsboy “Blinged Up” hat made by the wonderfully talented Jill of Nice Piece Of Work!

Love Maryanne

 ♥ CLICK ON FROGGY TO ADD YOUR LINK ♥