Poppies

We are now moving on to crochet poppies for this year’s poppy appeal.

A close up of one of our poppies

Granny Square Slippers by Janet

Look What Janet made...  These lovely child size slippers.  Well done, they’re so cute.

 

 

More of Janet’s work.  This time slippers to fit herself. 

 

 

 

 

 

I think there's a theme here with the colours...

Full workshops in August and September saw the ladies making granny squares with the plan to produce slippers.  One lady had changed her mind and decided to make a small lap blanket for her cat, while another was racing away and started to crochet the pieces together.  

I bumped into another lady while out shopping and she told me she had done quite a few squares and would have something to show at the next workshop.

I am looking forward to seeing some exciting works.  At the next workshop we will be having a go at poppies.  If we can get a few made maybe we could sell them in aid of the Poppy Appeal this year.

Next workshop is full, but if you are interested please e-mail me.

This month saw only one lady at the workshop.  We both had a good time making a pair of slippers out of granny squares.
 

 

Then I went home and made a smaller child size pair for one of my grand-daughters.

 

The second workshop yesterday was such fun.  There were five of us this time with two names on the waiting list.  We continued with making flowers, while the new lady learned how to cast on and do some chain stitches.  It can be quite frustrating when you first learn, because being so used to being able to do things makes it difficult that when faced with something new.  The brain struggles to communicate with the fingers until the links are made and new neurons develop and the new becomes normal.

Here are some  more images of the day...

 

 

And here one lady is learning how to make granny squares.

 

The next workshop will be on Saturday 13 July 9.30 to 12.00.  At the moment it is fully subscribed, but if you are interested please get in touch if you would like to go on the waiting list.  I have just added another table to my studio so should be able to invite the current ladies in waiting! :)

The first workshop was held last Saturday and we had 3 attendees.  It was decided to learn how to make flowers from reading the pattern instructions.  Not always an easy feat!  All were fairly new to crochet, although one had tried by herself a few times and another had just started to learn a few weeks ago.

A couple of simple flowers were produced.  I did not think to take photos of the flowers, but will do so at the next workshop.  The ladies have gone home to practice and are looking forward to coming in May.

I have one place available at the moment, and expect to fill that quite quickly.  Small beginnings...

Workshops Description and Dates

Workshop in Action

Congleton Crochet Workshop in action.

 

The ladies get hands-on experience at an informal meeting.

 

 

Crochet helps improve your concentration and focuses the mind.

 

 

You can have a laugh too.

 

 

Sosialize and share hints and tips.

Between Work and Play 3

So after all the tying up and cutting off of loose ends I have now completed this Afghan blanket. 

Afghan Blanket - Red Grey Cream

 

See the scalloped edge

 

 

The full square

 

Draped over the settee with a cup'a coffee

 

 

What to do with the left-overs?

 

 

I am thinking of making these into a piece of art on canvas or something.  I will post it when finished.

Between Work and Play 2

 

 

 

Here is the reverse side.  I have tidied up all the loose ends and just need to add the scalloped boarder.  Then I will show you it in all its full glory!

Between Work and Play

Between working at my paid job and playing on my 30 Day Challenge to set up these crochet workshops I rest my brain with a little creative repetition.

 

And a cup of tea!

 

 Crocheting the squares together

 

Reverse side showing all the loose ends yet to be tidied up.

 

 

 

Pretend Workshop

Today I have run my pretend workshop with my friend who wants to learn how to crochet.  It went really well.  My friend has started to crochet.  I got a little emotional when I saw her crocheting away.  She only completed a few rows, but she is on her way to making her own phone cosy.  While doing this I discussed with her what I was trying to do and she was very supportive and made some useful suggestions, which was great.  So so excited. 

I am now formulating plans for: House rules, a workshop sign, and looking into a retail side, where I will stock up on crochet hooks and decent wool to sell.  I am also devising how to get a return by setting up a membership and sessional fees, with discount for members, but this will be a little later on.  So many ideas are flooding in I hope I get to sleep tonight.

Anyway, after seeing the Play Cheque Formula I feel that I am well on my way.  I've even got my little note book, which is pretty and I bought it off my friend who has covered it with nice material and a ribbon.  She is a crafter too.

Creating a Workshop Space

I rent some studio space at Victoria Mill, Foundary Bank in Congleton, where I have been spending as much time as I can for the last couple of years.  I started in the smallest studio on the top floor, then I moved to a larger one on the first floor.  I was not sure whether I would continue to use my studio, but have found it invaluable as a get away place.

I used to work as a Technical Instructor teaching IT and running workshops on Art & Crafts, at a day centre for people experiencing mental ill health for the NHS.  Unfortunately due to restructoring the service was closed down and I was redeployed to a new post in a completely different setting.  It took me quite some time to come to terms with my new surroundings and I have now become an important cog in the running of a ward for patients with dementia related illnesses.

I have set up new systems for document control, and help the ward staff to access their training.  This has all been very interesting and I have been most fortunate to wrork with some wonderful nursing staff.  My manager is particulary good and encourages me to work on my own initiative, which suits me very well.

I do still miss the workshop environment and helping people who just need that little extra support to get along.  However, in my current roll I have been able to use my teaching skills and managed to become a linch pin on the ward for staff training.

I enjoy my miriad of crafting skills, but just lack the time to be able to access my studio to make the most of them.  I have decided to start a monthly crochet workshop so that I can do a little of what I like, while exploring how I can expand on this and reduce other less fulfilling work.

I have arranged for a friend to come to my studio for some crochet lessons and plan to develop this in stages.  First of all I need to clear out some of my other interesting crafts so I can see the wood from the trees.  I have identified some stuff I would like to sell on ebay and some books to sell on Amazon, so let's see how it all goes.

Introducing My Crochet Works

This is my favourite Afghan blanket, which I made from oddments of yarn.  You can see other images of the making of this and a full flat view, by going to my other blog 'Hope Holistics' - www.hopeholistics.blogspot.com .  If you scroll down to the labels and select 'Crochet' you will see more of my works.