Make-do and Mend

I recently decided to have a clear-out of clothes that no longer fit or have fallen apart. I came to the realisation that far too many items bought incredibly cheaply from high street chains have either stretched or gained multiple holes. In addition, most of these are likely to have dubious ethical standards.
This wasn't really a huge revelation, more of an awakening and a decision not to settle for low quality garments that have cost someone else so much more than it's cost me in money.

So, after my clear-out, with the old clothes that were too beyond repair to go to the charity shop, I was inspired by stitchface's story to make something recycled.

This is what, or who I should say, I made from some stripey shorts. A bit jazzy for me to wear, but looks good on Bear.

Of course it's not just clothes that this applies to. I've been avidly watching 'Homemade Homes' on Channel 4.

Firstly because it's set in Devon and I wanted to spot Jo Colwill on it, but also because I like the ethos behind hand making your own home with things that last rather than filling it with throw-away flat-pack.




Sometimes this is easier said than done, but I'd like to take up the challenge!

Live at Leeds

What a great bank holiday weekend. This Saturday we spent the day at Live at Leeds, where the purchase of a wrist band will get you in to venues all around the city, showing great live bands.

I saw favourites Tigers That Talked at Joseph's Well, followed by the fantastic Wild Beasts. We then popped over to Holy Trinity Church, which proved to be a stunning location for the beautiful sound of Fionn Regan. This was a particular highlight.
We then spent a long time queuing for the Maccabees, but eventually made it in, which I was glad about, it was a fun gig.

YSP

We went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park today. It's one of my favourite local places to go for the day. I love seeing sculpture in the environment it was created for, and each season brings something interesting to the outdoor pieces.

I also like spying the cheeky llamas that live at the top of the hill. They have some fantastic hair-dos, and it's a nice walk up the field.

The above picture is of 'One and Other' by Antony Gormley, but some other favourites are by Andy Goldsworthy. More of my photos are on Flickr.

Cupcakes

I recently confessed to a friend that I had a secret desire to knit a cupcake.

This isn't too difficult as they're rather popular, and there are many patterns online for such things, like this link.
I decided to make up my own pattern though, and this is what resulted. It was knitted on 6mm and 4mm needles and the separate parts were sewn together. I can write the pattern should anyone wish to make their own!

I'm pretty sure nothing as beautiful can be achieved by knitting as these cakes made by Angela for Suzanne's Wedding. They were pretty darn tasty too.

Rabbit and Goose

I've spent a great couple of weeks in Devon. I've managed to sail, surf and get out on the moors, as well as catching up with a few old faces, and going to a very beautiful wedding. I'll add a few of the photos to my flickr.

I also had time to make these guys. I used some nice linen fabrics and had fun making them.

A bit of Alchemy

I got an 'Alchemy' request on Etsy, which means a sort of personal request to make something. It was for a very fun car antennae cozy, a bit like something you might find in Art Yarn or yarnbombing. I enjoyed making this with lots of different sizes, colours and textures of yarn. I have yet to see it on the car, but maybe I'll post it if I get some photos through.

I'm also tempted to try my own yarnboming, I'll post it if I ever do.
It might take a while if I want to do anything as glorious as this.....

(A link to that article here.)

Spring Sprigs

I kept seeing beautiful trees in blossom on the way to work today, and on the way home found this little sprig on the path. It was so pretty I had to take it home with me. It was a rather delicate process and I think the bus driver thought I was crazy. It has now shriveled, but this is my small ode to its short life by way of blog post.


On the theme of beautiful sprigs, this SkinnyLaMinx mug Jo gave me has a few.

Unfortunately it's not full of tea, but steaming hot tap-water.

Following Claire's lead, I gave up all drinks except tap water for lent. The idea is to give the money you would normally spend on drinks to a water and sanitation charity to benefit those who don't have the luxury of safe water on tap. More details here.

And happily for me, lovely mugs can cheer up the blandest of beverages.