Laura Strutt's Blog, page 2

Mollie Makes Mini Weaving

Hello Sunshine, Hello Springtime…Hello Mollie Makes!

It is true what they say, a little bit of sunshine goes a really long way – finally it feels like I can pack away my winter coat (which is a good thing as I actually no longer fit into it any more!!)

Another thing that has really lifts my creative spirits is seeing my mini weaving on the cover gift kit on the latest Mollie Makes!

Have you grabbed the latest issue yet?

Being asked to create the cover gift kit of Mollie Makes is a pretty big deal for a gal like me…I can even tell you how excited I have been waiting to see this little beaut pop up on the cover!!

As usual, it is a fantastic issue…I mean not just because my face is in there!! There is lots to read and make and the eagle eyed will notice a project from up new sewing book that comes out next month!

I know… I can hardly believe it myself! If you like the look of this sweet little girls dress then Im happy to tell you that there are stacks of designs in my new book…and here’s a cheeky heads up I will be sharing a make & giving you a chance to win a copy next month to celebrate it launch.

But for now, let me just enjoy the having made the cover gift for this month’s Mollie Makes – ‘cos for sure that is a crafty gal’s dream come true!

*dreamy sigh*

Weaving is one of the most accessible and inspiring textile crafts out there – and I have been blown away by the response to my book Modern Weaving – which has pretty much been in the Top 10 on Amazon since it went on sale in October – I know, right?!

As a wee thank you I thought I would run a little giveaway to win a signed copy – so if you’ve had this on your wish list for a while, it might be worth entering!

If you’ve always fancied giving weaving a try, now is a great time to give it a go as I have three signed copies of my book Modern Weaving to giveaway to three lucky Made Peachy readers! If you fancy winning a copy, just leave a comment below sharing why you’d love to give weaving a try!

Winners will be picked at random and announced on the 30 March – Good Luck!

 

The post Mollie Makes Mini Weaving appeared first on Made Peachy.

Hello March 2017

Well February seems to have really flown by! I can’t believe that we are heading into March…I have to confess I’m pretty stoked for spring to arrive!

This month has been jam packed with lots of my favourite things…Knitting, reading, hang in out with my little dog and getting a sneak preview of my new book shared at the Stitches Show!

 

I have to say I was completely blow away by all the kind words and positive responses!

I can’t wait for y’all to see it when it goes on sale in April!!

Here are some of this month’s highlights from Instagram!

February was super busy and March looks set to be going exactly the same! I may have been stuck with the nesting vibe, because I have the urge to get busy with some spring cleaning! Attacking the house is not on the cards tight now…so I’ve made a start by de-cluttering my cosmetic bag…and freshened things up with a sweet set of mini make-up brushes!

Now that makes for a Happy Face! Brushes from BrushWorks

FEBRUARY READS…

Time for reading seems to have been a little few and far between this month, I’m thankful for trips away from home that allow me to catch up on some reading towards my target!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 We Are All Completely By Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

Everything about this book should have made it the perfect choice for me. But something didn’t quite gel…there have been lots of amazing reviews of this, but sadly not from me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I love everything about Amy – I feel as though I can be on first name terms  – this book was a great insight into her career, both inspiring and laugh out loud funny. More books like this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Apple Tree Yarn by Louise Doughty

I wanted to read this before watching the TV adaptation (which I’ve still not manage to catch yet!) I really enjoyed this thriller, with a few unexpected twists – a true page turner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 The Girl Before by J.P Delaney

I don’t know entirely want I was expecting with this book – but it was a fantastic thriller with a clever and quite unexpected ending! Fantastic!

I managed to pick up a few gems at the local second handbook store – so I cat wait to get stuck into these this month!

If you’re over on GoodReads & have any recommendations for some new reads be sure to let me know!

WHAT’S UP IN MARCH…

Again this is a month filled with knitting as I work towards the last in the series of deadlines for an exciting knitting project!

This is also the month when we will be making in-roads on the Little’s bedroom – ok, so the kid is gonna be camping in with us for while, but we wanted to give the room a makeover so that its all cute and ready…what’s more, we are going to need a place for the Grannies to stay when them come visit!

As a gal that is already wildly homely, I had wondered when the ‘nesting’ phase might start…turns out I’ve been perpetually nesting since the beginning of time…maybe now with a little more focus!

Here’s to a wonderful March & bring on the springtime!

The post Hello March 2017 appeared first on Made Peachy.

New Book Preview at Stitches!

Hello there friends!

Spring is right around the corner and I’m so excited, not only because the days are getting longer and some sunshine is starting to creep in…but, also because I have a new book out in April! I’m so excited about this one I can’t even tell you!!

My latest book is jam packed with loads and loads of super cute sewing projects for babies & children – I know, right?!

Making things for Littles has always been one of my favourite things – I mean these are super small so you can whizz them up in no time. They are super cute so you can really go to town on fun fabric choices and they are always so welcomed as gifts – happy times all around!

What’s more after years of making things for babies as gifts, then working books packed with baby makes, I can now work on a couple of things that I will actually keep for our own Little…that is just about the best thing ever!

Watch this space as I will be running a giveaway for copies a little closer to the release date!

This weekend I will be heading to the NEC, Birmingham for the trade even, CHSI Stitches show – if you are coming along to the event you will be able to find me over on the Vlieseline Stand 12B02 -so please do swing by and say hello! I will be demonstrating some of the super cute makes from my new book featuring some of the latest products from Vlieseline – plus you’ll be able to get a sneak peek at the book itself! SO MUCH FUN!!!

So, essentially I will be hang out with a lack of my fave creative chums (I *think* I’m supposed to call them colleagues!), stitching some fun baby makes and having an all round blast – good times!!

If I don’t see you there, I hope y’all have a happy weekend!!

♥ – ♥ – ♥

Sewing for Babies & Children, £12.99 CICO Books, is available to pre-order now over on Amazon!

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Hello February 2017

Hello February!

Seems that this new year is rolling on just as fast as last year ended  –  I feel like my days are jam packed with projects and plans and the calendar is full of exciting dates and events.

If you follow me over on Instagram you will have spotted our little announcement at the end of 2016 To say that we are excited is a bit of an understatement!

I’m wildly happy to report that both this Little & me are in excellent health and are doing well, and are (when not too distracted with all things new baby!) are business as usual!

Right now I have been focusing hard on a huge knitting deadline, again that wont come to much of a surprise to friends from Instagram…but as these things go, it pretty tricky to talk about them too so most of the projects on the needles are on the down low for the time being.

Of course, when your on a deadline the very first thing you have to do is cast on a personal project, am I right?! There is nothing like spending that all too precious deadline knitting time working on something for your self! But, this does give me a finished make that I can actually share with you folks!

Baby’s first hand knit cardigan…

This is the ultra sweet, super cute Puerperium Cardigan by Kelly van Niekerk – you can get the pattern as a free download on Ravelry – I can tell you now that this adorable mini garment is so quick, easy and fun to make that you can be sure that I’ll be making a few of the Beyond Puerperium cardigan ready for when this Little gets a little bigger!

 

Well, there really is something special about baby knits isn’t there?! I’m also on the look out for more baby & toddler knitting patterns – so if you have a favourite be sure to leave a comment and let me know!

Things that made January awesome…

Loads of folks struggle at the start of the year, Christmas is over, the festivities are done and dusted, we are all carrying a little more weight (or, is that just me?!) and the weather can be a real downer. Well, now is the best time to celebrate some of the things that really brighten our days – here are my January Faves…

I’m crazy for a good gadget and despite years of knitting, both as a hobby and professionally I have never invested in a ball winder and yarn swift. As I’m currently working on a huge knitting deadline I thought now was just the time to invest in some extra knitting kit.

What? What? How did I ever think I could survive without these in my life? I dread to think how many hours I have wasted trying to ball up skeins of yarn held on my feet.

Waffle appears to be less than impressed by this yarn set-up – but I can assure you that the Peachy household let out a collective sigh of relief when the first skein was whizzed up into a ready-to-knit yarn cake in no time…and with zero knots or swearing!

Knitters, I may well be late to this party but if there are any of you out there that are still considering wither you need a winder and swift…I say GO FOR IT!!

I can’t tell you how much I love this delicious new scent from Accessorize! Lovelilly, £19,  is sweet like vanilla with a delicious floral fragrance that – even on the moodiest dull January day makes me think of sunshine & beaches – bliss! Plus, that scent bottle looks amazing in my bathroom!

 

Sweet and vibrant, our Lovelily fragrance features notes of raspberry, orange, jasmine and sweet vanilla for a delicious concoction that’s sure to become your signature scent – and in a striking bottle with flower cap, it’ll take pride of place on your dressing table

January Reads…

This year, as usual, I’m talking part in the GoodReads Reading Challenge and have set myself the goal of reading 40 books this year, so here are this months reads…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Dear Amy by Helen Callaghan

Thrillers are my go-to read and this was a quick and satisfying read. Not quite the heart-racing read I was expecting but clever plot with interesting characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 The Universe Doesn’t Give a Flying F*ck About You by Johnny B. Truant 

Super quick read – I don’t know what else I was expecting from a free Kindle book, fun and entertaining!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen 

Is there anything better than getting caught up in a book series? I think not! I enjoy the pace and style of these books, but I’m starting to get so familiar with the author that plot twists aren’t the shock they once were!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking

This is the lifestyle philosophy that everyone has been talking about lately. This is a beautiful that clearly explains the principles and inspires you to go forth and add more Hygge to your life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman is one of the most wonderful storytellers of all times, this book is no exception – shorts, sweet, magical, scary and delightful!

Like many folks I’m guilty of always reaching for the same style of books zombie/horror/thriller, so I’m always on the look out for new and interesting reads – give me a shout out here or over on GoodReads if there is a book that you can recommend! Im also expecting a number of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting books to be popping up in my Read List, so if you have any solid Must Reads, be sure to share them too!

What’s up in February?

For me the next few weeks will be filled with knitting ready for a big upcoming deadline, and when I’m not frantically at the needles, I will be working on a few mini renovation projects which I can’t wait to get stuck into!

I will be heading to the trade show CHSI Stitches – where you will be able to find me as a Product Ambassador demonstrating on the Vlieseline stand – pssst! Have you checked out the news Vlieseline Facebook page – be sure to give it a Like to keep up with news, inspiration and trends!

I have been starting to work on my Etsy store and hope to be able to dedicate some more time and energy to this in the coming weeks – so watch this space!

I will also be starting to accept commissions so if you are looking for something special and want to request a custom order – be sure to contact me!

 

The post Hello February 2017 appeared first on Made Peachy.

Socks Away – Knit your own Chunky Aran Winter Socks

December, the time when almost everyone is thinking about hanging out their christmas stockings ready for Santa Clause. But, let’s not forget, this is also the month when the winter chill has well and truly set in – so, for me this means frosty hikes with the dog, evenings curled up in front of the fire and, oh yes, toes like ice cubes!

So, don’t just think about those oversized socks that you’re going to hang by the fireplace, why not think about knitting up your very own super cosy aran socks to keep your toes nice and toasty this winter!

These lovely long socks are surprisingly quick to knit using ultra cosy aran yarn – and, let’s face it, the quicker that you can knit them up the sooner you’ll be wearing them! Wear them with your favourite winter boots when you’re out braving the elements, slip them on in bed to beat the chills or even stitch on leather soles to create your own mega cosy slipper socks!

These socks are easy to customise for both guys and gals, knitted from for tow upwards you can slip them on your own foot – or the tootsies of your recipient – to check the size as you work. The simple shaping at the calf means that you can extend these socks to suit both long legged folks and shorties alike!

Fancy knitting your own cosy socks for winter? Check out my free pattern and get knitting today!

The post Socks Away – Knit your own Chunky Aran Winter Socks appeared first on Made Peachy.

Knit Your Own Pom Pom Bobble Hat

There is really no denying that winter has well and truly arrived, our morning dog hikes seem to be getting colder and colder, with frost and fog and all things wintery making an appearance!

The wintery weather at this time of year os one of my all time favourites, everything just looks so magical with a touch of frost and if you’re blessed with a sunshine too it is just perfect!

Of course, I love this time of year because with the long dark evenings, you are fully allowed to curl up in front of the fire with a good book or your latest knitting project…or both! Bliss!

What’s more, this is the time of year that you can dig out all your knits and layer them on, and enjoy that toasty comforting feeling that only hand knits can bring! Bobble hats are a wintertime staple, they might vary slightly in style year by year, but you can guarantee that the trust bobble has is sure to  feature as everyones winter wardrobe staple.

This year the floofy, fluffy pom pom is King! Seriously, a pom pom that is voluminous, soft and ready-to-use – it just doesn’t get better than that! Check out these Toft Alpaca Fluffy Pom Poms – these are the ultimate in accessory accents!

If you’re looking for a cosy bobble hat with a fun & fluffy pom pom accent then, Friends, look no further! I’m super happy to share this free pattern for you to knit your own Twisted Rib Bobble Hat over on the Love Knitting Blog!

Stay cosy & enjoy!

 

 

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Modern Weaving Winners!

The weather has well and truly set in – Not that I’m complaining, while I love the summer months, there is something really great about the onset of winter weather! I for one, am usually sat at a sewing machine, working in the studio on a knitting, crochet or other type of project – so, when the weather get cold and rainy, and the evenings are long and dark I don’t feel in the least bit guilt for squirrelling myself away working on something creative! And, lets face it, there is really nothing better for the soul than sitting in front of a cosy fire working on a new project! Bliss!

Right now, I’m currently working on some winter knits and festive decorations ahead of the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate next week – which is my last event of the year! I can’t really believe how fast this year has gone by!

Now, before I get back to the sewing machine – these festive decorations won’t stitch themselves apparently – now is the time to announce the winners of the Modern Weaving Giveaway…

Contratulations
Pat
Lily
Kimi

Please do get in touch with your postal address, so that we can send the copies out to you as soon as possible!

Thank you so much for entering the giveaway and also for all you support – I can’t begin to tell you just how much it means to you…y’all are rad!

For those of you that weren’t lucky this time, you can now get a special discount on this and my other books over at Makeetc – find out more about the exclusive 30% discount code – valid till 20 November!

♥ – ♥ – ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography by Caroline Arber © CICO Books also available on Amazon

 

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MAKEetc is here!

Happy Monday Friends!

I don’t know about you, but with the longer evenings and with Christmas right around the corner now seems to be the perfect time to get creating! Whether you are spending some quality time on your own creative pursuits, or you are keen to try something new, or are looking for new ideas for this years Christmas gifts, this this new website is just the place for you!

MAKEetc is brought to you by CICO books – who I have had the great pleasure and honour to work with on a number of books in the last couple of years. MAKEetc is not only  palace to get your hands on loads of wonderful craft books, but it a fabulous resource of new and exciting craft ideas, free projects, patterns, tutorials and videos, plus it is a place where you can find out more about some of your favourite craft authors -what inspires them, what new projects they are working on and so much more!!

To celebrate the launch of the site I’m so stoked to be able to offer you a whopping 30% discount on all books ordered from 14-20 November – simply enter the code MAKE30 at the checkout to receive this rad discount! So, there really isn’t a better time to boost your own craft book library, or even pick out some great gifts for your creative chums this Christmas!

So, what are you waiting for? Why not head over there right now and take a look?

 

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Modern Weaving – reader giveaway!

You guys! It’s November! Firstly, how on earth did that happen? I could swear that only a week ago I was sitting in the garden enjoying the summer sun…well, hasn’t this year just whizzed by super fast?!

The last few months have bee crazy busy for me – working on a couple of super exciting projects…which as it goes, I can’t share too much about until next year. I can’t even tell you how hard it is to keep a secret when you’re working on projects like this, hence the radio silence here of late! But, mostly things are ticking away and come the new year I will be able to share so much more!

So for the meantime, let’s just focus on the here and now! And, what seems to be happening here is that it is November…NOVEMBER!

Not only does November mean that Christmas (what, too soon for you?!) is right around the corner! but it also means that my latest book Modern Weaving has been on sale for a whole month!

This book has been the Top Ten for its category on Amazon since it went on sale – and you know what? I am completely blown away!

Weaving is something that everyone will enjoy – it’s a soothing creative pastime that can also challenge your creativity, making it one of the most rewarding textile crafts I know!

If you’ve always fancied giving weaving a try, now is a great time to give it a go as I have three copies of my book Modern Weaving to giveaway to three lucky Made Peachy readers! If you fancy winning a copy, just leave a comment below sharing why you’d love to give weaving a try!

Sorry, this is for UK readers only (sorry international chums!) winners will be picked at random and announced on the 16th November – Good Luck!

♥ – ♥ – ♥

Photography by Caroline Arber © CICO Books also available on Amazon

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35 Knitted Baby Blankets Giveaway Winners!

You guys! Thank you all so much for your kind words about the publication of my new book- I a totally blown away!

I loved working on this books so much – and judging by all your comments knitting for babies is the jam, am I right?!

So, without further ado – here are the three winners…

Congratulations!
Katie
Caroline 
Katy M

Please do get in touch and send over your postal address so that we can send a copy out to you!

Thanks to you all of entering, I’m sorry that there can’t be more winners!

There has been a lot of talk about us heading into a super cold winter – is it me, or do the newspapers report that just about every year?

As much as I love the summer, I adore when autumn arrives and the trees start changing colours, I can’t get enough of dog walks on chilly mornings! I love it even more when the weather takes a dip and it gets colder, those dark evening and winter frosts! I certainly have not intention of getting caught out this year if it is in fact going to be super arctic…so, in preparation I have decided to raid my stash and make one of my own shawls from one of my own books! I’m undecided if that makes me super cool or super lame…but the end result is that as the autumn weather set in I will be super cosy!

Are you making any of the projects from any of my books? If you share them on Instagram be sure to tag be – Id love to see what you make!

 

 

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