BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP, HAVE YOU ANY WOOL?
(you'll find the answer later!)
This is rather a photo heavy post for which I apologise but there's quite a lot to show today!
I found these floral fat quarters in Fabricland during my last visit - a bit of a departure for me, I don't normally 'do' flowery but I loved these and knew I had some co-ordinating fabrics at home. I wanted to make a couple of things for my mate's birthday so set to......
I added a strip of the dots, with some fat ricrac peeping out and added a flower and fun button....but what is it?
Adding some top stitching to another item....
Et voila - a large make up bag, covered notebook and tissue holder. I was really pleased with how these turned out, especially as I didn't work to any pattern...cough........:-) My friend Sue liked them, so I was happy about that too!
Then I decided to make my god daughter Angharad something for her 16th birthday (as well as including some filthy lucre!) The make up bag proved surprisingly straightforward to make so I thought I'd make a slightly larger one that she could put hairbrushes, perfume etc in. I thought black, white and hot pink would be just right as she's a smart girl :-)
I wouldn't say I'm a zip expert but they don't hold the same fear for me now! The fat ricrac looks red here but it is a hot fuchsia pink in reality.
I know she'll have got it by now so it's safe to show you - hope she likes it!
Now, the reason behind the song lyric today... Baa, baa Black sheep, have you any wool?
NO!!
Why? Because SHE'S got it all.................
My name is Lunch Lady Jan and I'm a Yarnaholic.........
In honour of it being National Wool Week, I thought I'd share this!
Um, I possibly have enough to start my own shop.....hangs head in shame. To be fair, a good third of this was gifted to me by a friend but there's quite a lot of new stuff too. I nearly always buy yarn when it's reduced (frantically justifying here folks!) but there's enough to keep me going for quite a while!! The knitting roll in the middle was my mum's and she started me off on my crafting life when I was a lass, so it's thanks to her really that I'm doing what I do now. I wish she could see how crafting has changed my life.
But I thought you'd need an addition to see the scale of the problem.........
Ron is just telling me that he could lie on those comfy colourful clouds of wool if he wanted to - but the sunshine has won instead. Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I think I'd better make a start on reducing my stash!
Have a great week xxxx
54 comments:
I bet your cat's thinking now which ball of wool shall I play with lol, he sure looks content...
I really love your makeup bags the florals one's at the top are just beautiful.
Have a great week crafting.
Maria
http://ajourneythatstartshere.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/what-on-your-work-desk-279.html
Gorgeous gifts you have made Jan. Makeup bags are always so useful. My Mum has bags of wool collected over a great number of years and it's all stashed away in an old wardrobe! Lol! Happy knitting
Lynda B x
That flower fabric is right up my ally. As for the Cupcake stuff...well if your daughters bag goes missing, best come looking for it on my desk...I have a THING for cupcakes. Your wool collection is nothing on my paper hoarding...perhaps I will show that next week. #17
the make up bags look fabulous! but, you have the cheek to comment on the amount of stuff I have... then you share your wool... lol!! the difference is, you will (gradually!) use yours up... have a great week. Helen 3
Have sent you an e mail Jan!
What lovely things you have made for your friends I'm sure they will love them..... All that wool, your cat could have lots of fun!!!!
Jackie 10
Lovely sewing makes there Jan. I love the way you marry fabrics together and they look just perfect. Some lucky ladies around you who receive these gifts. The zip looks perfect to me but I wouldn't have a clue myself how to do it like that.
As for the wool - well ... I saw a few bald sheep the other day ...
Hugs, Neet 29 xx
Lovely makes. What a wonderful throw you could make with all the wool.
Happy WOYWW
Sue #33
awesome sewing projects. I love both the bags and I am not a pink flowery type. When I switched rooms I was so surprised to find out how much yarn and wool I had! Thanks for sharing and have a great week. Vickie #25
Looooovvvveee your sewing totes gosh what great pressies. Wool that isn't much wool you should of seen what my mother left behind after her passing, she has container loads of it and probably more I have not found yet. Have a wonderful week.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Eliza, Yoda & Flat Susan #12
Such delightful goodies and the fabrics are so beautifull.#34
I have a similar stash - on thing about the de-clutter and tidy we've just been thru is that I have unearthed piles of fabric and bags of yarn that has been stashed here there and everywhere. I'm scared to pile it up al in one place lest DH realize exactly how much unworked wool and unsewn fabric I actually have. :) Luckily I found my Q hook so I can use it all up quick....
Love your bags and bits - but then I always do ...
Happy WOYWW!
Mary Anne (4)
Beautiful fabrics. We all have a tendency to hoard things. But it is ok, cause you just might use that very soon. I'm working on getting my room in order here. LIttle by little, bit by bit. It is a slow go for sure!
Glenda #44
Hiya Jan, love the bags, and that is a lot of wool, lol. Can you imagine the mess if Ron had decided to play? Mind you, if he's anything like Ambrose, pouncing and chasing require far to much energy to be worth the effort. Its not hoarding, by the way. Its preserving our heritage for future generations. No, I didn't think that was going to work either. rofl. Huge hugs and love from us both, Shaz xxx
I absolutely ADORE that note book! I'm not much of a handbag kind of girl, but give me a note book and I'll swoon! I seriously need to learn how to sew! First, however, I need a sewing machine, and for that I need a new house, so I can put it somewhere, LOL! Have a wonderful day! zsuzsa @ InkyDinkyDoodle #22
Hi Jan, again I have to say I love your work, these bags are all so bright and cheerful and handy, I just know their new owners will be rapt. Happy WOYWW Cheers RobynO#37
PS thanks for visiting my desk too
Hate to disappoint you, Jan, but I've got waaaay more yarn than that! I've got several banana boxes full of the stuff. And here's me unravelling jumpers so I can knit them up again! How crazy is that? Lol! I adore the bags you've made - the floral fabric is fabulous with the strip of polka dot, all set off to perfection with the trim, button and rick rack. They are simply scrumptious.
Thanks for your great comment. Yes, the little pin cushion is always there and I use it for hat pins which are really useful for poking things with, and pins for clearing the tops of glue bottles etc. I love it and always think of you when I look at it! I feel very privileged to be the proud owner of a piece of LLJ fabric art.
Thanks for the great tip about taking orange with the iron. I didn't know that, although I remember something about one or other vitamin being good to promote absorption - VitC it must be! I don't actually feel anaemic - it's apparently only mild - but the extreme fatigue I feel, due to the M.E., certainly doesn't need any encouragement to be worse, so I'm glad for the iron. Glad you like my masterboard. I love using sequin waste as a stencil.
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #32
Nah, it's not that bad, the contents of my ribbon drawers (note plural) would cover that much floor! Oh yes Jan the bag comes out most weeks - very useful when I'm popping over to mum's. In fact she's been admiring it so consistently I was going to ask if you have any for sale? Birthday in Nov and then Christmas... never know what to get her!! Happy WOYWW Cindyxx
I think there are lots more vices out there Jan... but wool stashes are acceptable.
I just hope Ron doesn't decide to move out of the sun and play with them. I've got visions of unwound wool tangled everywhere ^..^
The birthday gifts are so pretty and I think they're extra special when a friend has hand crafted them especially for a special day.
Happy WOYWW to you
Neesie #31
Wow have you been busy. I love all the bright colorful fabrics you used. Happy woolly week. Peg R 44
I think you're really becoming a bag lady Jan, but in a good way lol! Love the bright colours of both projects too. Doesn't that wool make you just want to dive in and hug it! Ravelry tells me I have 63 yarns stashed, but that doesn't count individual balls and I have sweater quantities of two of them, so I reckon my pile will be on par with yours! Look at that, making me talk about piles lol! I daren't get all my wool out for a photo anyway as Andrew will finally figure out how much I've actually got!
Hugs
Brenda 48
As adorable as Ron is...your bag making today gets a thousand stars for being adorable, fabulous, and something that should be at a fine craft fair!! The fabrics, design, everything--OMG! Gorgeous work!! I adore that floral ric rac...I will now be on a mission to find some. I want to put it on everything now. Love, love, love!! I think that together, you and I could open up a yarn superstore with our stashes! Mine is incredibly shameful...I have a lot of varieties, but I guess I'm just addicted to the cotton sugar-n-cream yarns, and when they go on sale for a dollar a skein, I get crazy and stock up when I don't need to! I need to cross-stitch a sign that says Crazy Yarn Lady! I didn't know it was national wool month! I fit right in with that. I'm so proud of your beautiful work soul sister. You rock girl! Hugs! Sandy Leigh #54
Beautiful projects! I love the cupcake fabric. Your stash of yarns looks like a wonderful playground for Ron :-)
Thanks for visiting!
Cheers
Gabriele 24
Those fabric goodies are really lovely, Jan. The lucky girls will be delighted with them. Do show what you make with the yarn, won't you? Happy WOYWW, Chris # 23
I totally had to cheat and see what the woolly bit was before I scrolled up and read the rest lol. Those bags are stunning! And that is quite the gathering of yarns you have : D. I love how the sun won Ron's heart though. Happy WOYWW! #62
Wow! Where do I start? Those bags are lovely. Especially that set for your friend. I also thought they'd be an ideal present for someone having to go into hospital for a few days. It would certainly lighten the anxiety, lol. And of course the hot pink one is so cool!
I was amazed at the wool! (Yes, do start up a shop!) It was nice to see Ron lazing in the sun. Nice to meet you Ron! Like you I learnt to knit by looking at my mum who was always knitting. Admittedly I am of a generation where we learnt knitting and crochet in school (in the 50s) but it's a skill you never forget.
Thank you for letting me peep over your shoulder onto your desk.
Have a good week
Lisca#35
Beautiful bags, love all the bright colors and mix of prints together.
I don't knit and seldom crochet, but I love all the balls of yarn on your floor, but I agree with Ron, the sunlit spot is tempting!
Krisha #61
I love your fabric sets, you really have a knack for choosing great combinations of color and pattern.
Thanks for the visit and the nice comments at my blog earlier. :-)
Happy Woyww,
Sandy #27
Not sure about your idea of scale -what if that's an incredibly small mini cat? The weather's definitely drawing in cold and wet now so no excuses - get knitting.
Kate #68
You are so clever, your makes are always so pretty and useful too, inspiring in fact. I will one day sew a project I promise!! Love your yarn, I recently taught myself how to crochet in rows, great fun but I need a chunkier hook cos it hurts my hands after a while. Take care Zo xx 57
Thanks for dropping in on me earlier and for your lovely comments. I've spent today looking after the twins and playing nursemaid to my daughter and I'm pleased to say she is moving a little easier today and making a steady recovery if but still rather sore.
Your bags etc are just gorgeous....love the colour combos. And from one yarnaholic to another......ooooooooer I'd really love to get my hands on that lot :-)
Hugs,
Annie x # 16
What a beautiful stash of yarn! I have a very large stash of stamps. The reason we have a large stash, is so we have what we want when we want it! Right? ;) Love your beautiful projects, with your handmade flowers. I spyed a daisy chain. I used to have one of those, when I sewed more often. I can even remember the pink dress I put it on! :) Loved that daisy chain. Hugs! oh, thanks for stopping by already. #28
Hi LLJ
you can get help for that you know, but if I know you ..... you don't want help ..... you can use it all by yourself.
I do hope Mr. LLJ doesn't read this post
Hi Jan Thanks for calling by - I LOVE the make up bags - especially the fuchsia pink one ! Wow what a stash of wool - you could start your own mill !! Have fun getting knitting !! Hope to see you down this way again soon ? Love Ali xx
That's a lorra, lorra wool!! Love your presents- great colour choices! Chrisx 74
Hi Jan me again. We went for a walk around Lliw Valley reservoir up the mountain opposite Pontardulais garden centre and through Felindre. x
Hi Jan, happy WOYWW. Wow, I love the gifts you made, the flowery fabric works so well with the polka dots. You are a clever thing!
I better not show you all my yarn, I have a stash from when I bought a knitting machine - which is still here but put away in a cupboard with dreams of being able to get it out and up and running again one day. I also have a new stash of yarn bought for crochet which I recently started again, and some hand knitting yarn and crochet cottons I bought with the view to use them in designer machine knitted fabrics, and crochet flowers for cards lol.
Cazzy x #70
Tee hee! Please don't start a fess phase or I could be in trouble! I wouldn't know what to share first!
I was planning to share today but unfortunately there is too much going on right now, partly cos MIL is in hospital! :-(
Hopefully next week.
xx
Hi Jan, thanks for the visit. I'm like Cazzy, I dare not admit to the amount of yarn I have. I have two knitting machines and in the past did loads of knitting but moved on to other things, I have started trying to clear it out and passing it on to charity shops but feel very guilty about the amount I managed to end up with. I need to try and find some other use for it. Happy crafting, Angela x 39
Oh dear, we do have a little problem with the wool, don't we. Winter's coming so I know what you'll be doing ;) Those bags are just fantastic, you are so clever and the fabric is just perfect on each of them. I'm in love with the fabric covered notebook. You should start selling those on Etsy, you'd make a fortune.
Have a great week,
Luv Von #19
Hi Jan
sorry I am late getting around for WOYWW. Yesterday was just one of "those" days and today not that much better!. Anyway thanks for dropping by my Blog and leaving a comment. AAAww such a nice comment too about my mixed media book and abstract...thank you. OMG Jan I always love seeing your bags and these are gorgeous...the wool isn't bad either LOL
hugs
Annette In Oz #30
Oh my, that'a a lorra lorra wool!
Fiona #81
Hello my dear friend! The things you made for your friend are great! I didn't realize you weren't a fan of floral fabric.... that's an interesting tidbit that I will have to file away. The make up bag for your goddaughter is very nice.
Since I had to go to Santa Fe yesterday (yay - I DO have insurance on my phone) I had to go the the craft stores and I bought some fabric to make a little purse. I have a pretty good stash of fabric started and still have not brought out the sewing machine. Not sure what that's all about. Which brings me to your yarn stash. Honestly, that's not much at all, in the grand scheme of things!!! tee hee. And no, I won't be showing mine! Thank you for the tip about the infinity scarf. I may undo it and put in the twist as you suggest. There is something about the way it falls that I'm not crazy about and that just may solve the problem. I haven't sewn the other infinity scarf together yet so will take your advice the first time on that one.
Happy belated WOYWW
Peace, Kay (66)
Hi Jan, just popping in to say hello as unable to participate in WOYWW this week but I had to see what you've been up to, and you've been busy. I love all your flowery and colourful makes ... the wide ricrac trim is fab. Not a fan of floral patterns, I'm ashamed to say I hadn't noticed ... will be paying particular attention to future posts. And what about that hoard of yarn ... it's fabulous ... it would make quite a few blankets. Have a great weekend. Hugs, Elizabeth xx
No, you don't really have enough wool to start a shop, but between us we do :) Wool is another one of my addictions and there's not enough hours in the day or days in the week, to do everything, is there :) ? That's a lovely present of matching items for your lucky friend!
Thanks for dropping by and I've scrolled down to catch up on all the gorgeous things you have made lately :)
Oh some lovely makes.....I saw a quote the other day that seems very fitting for you:
"I am a yarnaholic and I am on the road to recovery....who am I kidding, I am on the road to the yarnstore!"
kyla
NICE! i have a small stash of yarn, just a big basketful, but I don't crochet or knit, so it's just the right amount. So..ummm..is your handsom boy named Ron due to Ron Weasley? I had two orange boys, down to one now; they are so sweet! And I love the sets you made, very cheerful!
Wonderful bags sets, brilliant stitching,love the flowers. Now, with regard to the wool... Wool always has to be bought when it is reduced, when you find the right pattern you will have the wool so you must be prepared .... simples!
Bishopsmate #46
Love this post! Few of have the guts to admit let alone show how much we have stashed away. You gave me a good laugh today and again inspired by your beautiful handiwork. diane #43
Oh all your makes are stunning! I bet that your god daughter was happy to get that bag! Ah and all that wool - I better not show mine - but at least I have now stopped buying it but there is loads in the cupboard - what is it with us buying all that stuff????
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian
Jan, that flowery material is gorgeous and those makes with it are beautiful. Lucky person who is going to get those and the wool is wonderful, want to delve into it an feel the textures.
Thanks for popping by to my WOYWW
Chris (trying again to get a comment on your page)
Ooh, it worked, must be other browser that was refusing to play ball.
Hello!
Thank you for visiting my blog and your kind comment! The bags are beautiful and so colorful! Wishing you a happy day!
Hugs,
Barbara Diane
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