My hand knitted cowls

I've decided that this Christmas is going to be a truly handmade Christmas for me. I have made something for each family member from slippers, to scarves, hats and now these cowls. Which I an sending to my family in Canada.

Hand knitted on 6.5mm circular needles using James Brett yarn.

Cast on 150 stitches and work 4 rows in stocking stitch then 4 rows in reverse stocking stitch. 

I knitted a total of 7 "4 row" blocks, then cast off.

Secure all ends, give it a little pull and viola your done .

I made all 3 in just under a weekend.

the pink/purple ones are for my little nieces so I reduce the stitches to 120

I nearly kept one for myself - but I can make one in the New Year.

Over the next few days I will be making my final gifts (fingers cross or its an emergency dash for late night shopping)

Handmade slippers

Last year I was given a lovely pair of slippers from Christmas from my son. Needless to say they have been well worn and I needed a new pair.  Whilst looking around the stores I decided that I would rather make a unique pair for myself.

So armed with the creative desire I measured, researched, examined, created and test a few patterns. These are the finish products.

Red velveteen fabric with a fleece lining. Faux leather soles and name on top.

Faux fur with fleece ling and faux leather soles.

I pushed the boat out a bit with this pair and made them into Mary Jane style slippers. This pair is made from 100% cotton, lined with blue anti pil fleece, fastened with a button trim velcro closing. White  faux leather soles.

www.elliebjewels.com

Vintage influenced aprons

I've often put on my little pinny when I'm in the kitchen cooking. The one I currently wear is a bit worn, even if I say so myself, but you how things are you find your favourite and get attach to it.

I decided to start making a few aprons from the stash of fabrics I have in my studio. Below is a half waist apron using the London Collection from Rose & Hubble fabric. I love the roses that, it also has a little pocket and very long tie.

Doing a search on Google I came across an image of  a vintage heart shape bib apron, so I decided to remake it with a circular skirt using a very popular cupcake fabric and this cute embroidered gingham.

The heart shape bib has a button fastening

These are available through my website Ellie B Jewels

Jewellery making workshop at The 90 Day Cafe

From Monday 20th June I will be running a series of jewellery making workshops in collaboration with  The 90 Day Cafe at their venue in The Great Western Arcade. The workshops are suitable for beginners or improver's with a different item taught each week.

The 90 Day Cafe prides itself on its breakfast sandwiches and a never-ending list of handmade cupcakes, all of which can be enjoyed whilst making your jewellery or why not stay and enjoy their healthy deli lunch menu.  

Spaces are limited so book early click here

Daisy Chain anklet

With Spring with us and Summer will soon be here it's so beautiful to see so many flowers blooming. I thought I would makes these lovely delicate daisy chain anklets so you can feel the Springtime as you walk.

These are made with seed beads that are clustered together to form a fuller chain, made in the traditional daisy colours and in other shades.

This one is the single daisy chain with vine (modelled by Eve)

Egg Cosy for Easter or breakfast.

With Easter fast approaching I thought I would give all my nieces & nephews a little cream egg in an egg cup with its own egg cosy.  Well that was the initial idea, since that first thought I have made so many variations from crochet to stitched ones. Here are a few of them:

A few crochet ones  - I got carried away with these as they are so quick to make. I've made them in all colours and sizes.

Traditional shape, cone shape and the lillte caps (which I love)

All the fabric cosies are lightly padded and fully lined.

Tissue box covers

I've always liked the idea of the tissue box covers so decided to make my own. I wanted my pattern to be an "all in one" without the seams around the top. I also wanted to use the curtain eyelets as the dispensing opening for the tissues. I also wanted the covers to be reversible.
These are my makes:

Crochet Ear Warmer Headbands

So I made the sausage dog draught excluder to keep you room warm. I hae also been busy making these lovely crocheted ear warmers/headbands to keep your cold of your ears.

These are really warm and very cosy to wear. I will be making them in a variety of colours and wool. http://www.elliebjewels.com/

Sausage Dog draught excluder

To help cut the chills in the home I made this sausage dog draught excluder (he is so cute) that will make any room look great.

I created my own pattern and after a few adaptions this is the finish product. Yesterday some of the ladies on my Tuesday sewing class made their own.

I will be selling these on my website in a variety of  fabrics and once I've written the make up instructions I will also be selling the pattern.