Hi WordPress,
I haven’t posted for a while – which is breaking the only New Years resolution I made! So, I thought I’d write this as a letter to you and let you know what I’ve been up to. Atm I’m sitting on the-little-train heading for Swansea, on my way to my sisters. However, the special reason for the trip is to see an old friend of mine who’s travelled over from Germany and who I haven’t seen in years – very exciting.
Of course my travel-bags are overloaded with projects… of course they are! I’ve got a really busy May, so really I’ve no business going on a trip at all – every hour of making is precious.
Here’s a look at the May 2025 Calendar:
- May 2025 Calendar Flower – completed
- 11th May Flower Moon Artisan Market – Abergavenny
- 24th – 26th May Hay Castle Craft Fair – Hay-on-Wye,
- 31st May Celtic Rainforest Festival – Elan Valley
Being organised/trying to be organised, I’ve made a list of Tiny Bags and Tiny Rucksacks I want to have for these events. To make the process as much ‘fun’ as possible I’m making them in groups of three. So, for example, I’ve made a set of a fox, a hedgehog and a squirrel. This will also create tiny zones within my display. Thinking ahead to the event in Hay, which is on during the Hay Book Festival and without being too twee about it, I’m also going to make a unicorn, mermaid and fairy zone. They are part of my regular Tiny Bag range, but thought they might work well for this event.
With all of that in mind I’ve been ordering some of my favourite hand-dyed yarn from @otter&papoose, I’ve also found some locally handspun, hand-dyed yarn and there will be a sheep bag or two with my own hand support spun yarn. Of course I continually source beautiful buttons for both my Tiny Bags and my Rings – there are some clever button makers out there, it’s really worth searching on Etsy for them and paying the extra price… my customers love them!
This time of year I’ve got a Small Bag project on the go. Last year I made a Small Elephant Bag – from my popular Tiny Elephant Bag design, but this year I thought I’d try a Small Sheep Bag. I’ve kept hold of some multi coloured King Cole Shine yarn that I came across when I was out on a trip last year. The shade is Heather and it’s actually discontinued now. This will be used for the main body of the bag and then I’ll use some gorgeous natural yarn for the sheep. In fact, the project is in my case. Searching for handles I came across a bamboo handle – lovely quality, with a good quality clasp. I’ve ordered matching base stands so it’ll really give a great finish to the Small Sheep Bag. Ha, well, now I just need to make it!
Two nights ago I was winding yarn cakes and had hanks of yarn on my swift. Without doubt it is my most favourite thing to use. Beautifully thought out and spins sooooo smoothly. If you’ve ever wondered if they’re worth it, they are. For years I used an up-turned side table’s legs to sit hanks of yarn over, the difference in smoothness and speed is incredible. I wound twelve hanks of yarn. ‘Joy!’
Then there’s the display. I’m still happy with the peach and grey colour scheme, and the dollhouse is still working beautifully. The trees I added really look good beside the dollhouse and are perfect for the Tiny Bird Bags – I could use a couple more of them. I’m in the process of getting a three-tiered display made. I want the top board to be cut like the dollhouse roof, which will add symmetry to the overall display. I think little touches like that make a huge difference in bringing customers over to take a closer look at my work. The cover, with my logo on it, made a big difference in bringing focus to the table, so I occasionally move it slightly off-centre to draw the eye where needed.
Ok, I’m now on the fast London train, so I will switch to doing some crochet for a couple of hours. As always, if you are interested in any of my Tiny Bags, do send me a message. I’ve set up a contact form here. I’m always happy to consider any colour combinations or new designs. Occasionally, I put Tiny Bags on Etsy, but it does depend on what events I’m planning to do, again send a message if you can’t find the Tiny Bag you’re interested in.
Take care WordPress world.
Mooniiplaits Crochet 