Celebrations!

I’ve been very busy again with lots of crafting projects as well as starting back at work. I’m happy to report I’m actually really enjoying myself. Last weekend we attended a 2nd birthday party, and I never miss an opportunity to craft a gift. This year the boy in question was the recipient of a crocheted koala from ‘Amigurami Two’. I also had a play with some wood block stamps I bought at the Knit and Stitch Show at Ally Pally a couple of years ago and decorated my own wrapping paper and card to go with him.

Next on the craft agenda was related to my online avatar for twitter. I had intended to use the same image on the blog but I haven’t been able to get it to look how I’d like. Having been to the textile museum in Toronto and seen an exhibition using thread and fibre hung over nails in the wall, I was keen to try something similar. I then saw a photo in this months Selvedge magazine relating to Stroud International Textiles Festival. I have admittedly lifted the idea and used it to create my own version. Here’s how it emerged:

I really like the way the loose threads look like stray light adding the feeling of fluorescent tube lighting. This is definitely one of those projects that has proven very difficult to photograph well and I’m really happy with the result in life. It now has pride of place in our hall.

Now to the very important business of the royal wedding. When we were in Canada we were asked about the wedding by the great majority of those we spoke to. I’m not a particular royalist, but I can see an excuse for a party and it’s good to get together with your neighbours to celebrate something nice. I tweeted last week about a book called ‘Knit Your Own Royal Wedding’. Imagine my joy when M came home with the very same book, a gift from a patient! We are going to a party on the day, and I will be wearing my wedding dress. This is hugely exciting for me as I only got to wear it for five hours on our big day. I am currently knitting, crocheting and sewing every available minute to get as many of the figures finished as possible before their showcase at the party. Each doll is taking about 3 days, so I want something a bit meaningful to do with them after the event. My idea is to try to raise some money for our local hospice by suggesting a minimum £5 donation per doll. I’m not sure if this seems too much but I’ve spent about that on making each one, without the time. Tricky. See what you all think. So far I’ve finished the happy couple. I am proud to report that my version of William is the main photo on his pattern page on Ravelry.

We had a very nice time in Lyme Regis today meeting up with our friends and happened to see Alan Titchmarsh shopping. I did have the dolls with me and it crossed my mind to increase their status by getting him to pose with them…. I thought better of it.