Cardiau / Cards

Cardiau
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

These were the very first items that I developed and sold, so, inevitably, they're the last that I blog about! I started making cards about 4 years ago, but they were nothing more than an occasional hobby and I certainly didn't think about selling them at that point. My first designs utilised oriental papers, but over time I've used scanned (licensed) images, stickers, stamps (both off-the-peg and commissioned) and the occasional photograph. I try to use recycled and recyclable materials (for example, the 'cellophane' wrappers are in fact compostable sleeves), and each card is unique.

I currently sell some of the cards on Etsy, but to be honest, it's not really the most efficient way of doing it because it involves photographing and describing each individual card, and that's very, very time-consuming. My cards are also available from the National Library of Wales, Toko or direct from me.

Drop Spindle

Drop Spindle
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

My latest foray into yarncraft. I'd seen various drop spindles at the Wonderwool Wales event last month, but was far too weighed down with other purchases to really justify buying one. I browsed about online, and found this great combination that arrived this morning; armed with this and a couple of online tutorials and I think I shall be away in no time. As it happens, I have quite a lot of roving stashed away that I bought for some felting work that I wanted to do; I might spin it instead.

Kidsilk Haze

Kidsilk Haze
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Another lovely find! I have tens of knitting and crochet books that I keep for inspiration; I don't necessarily want to make everything within them, but they often have tips about tricky yarns, interesting ways of combining techniques and beautiful colour arrangements that you might not normally consider.

I've been a bit fearful of using Rowan kidsilk haze because it's very fine and it sheds like crazy, but I really like its ethereal quality. I bought this book yesterday because it's had nothing but positive reviews (and I admit that I really like the colour of the mittens on the cover too!) and it's truly delicious. There's a section on using this yarn, on combining it with other yarns, and little tips that should make it a joy to use. And for once, I really, really want to make most of the items featured inside.

Barbara G. Walker

Barbara G. Walker
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

Barbara G Walker has to be the fount of all knowledge on knitting stitches and patterns. No matter where I look, she's always quoted as providing information about this or that pattern, which has subsequently been adapted by a more contemporary designer. But - oh my goodness! - if you're trying to find copies, they're all horribly expensive! Fortunately, I've found the two volumes that I really want to consult in a local library, and AbeBooks had a couple of reasonably-priced copies that I've just bought.

These are wonderful books, and utterly essential for every knitter. I'd even go so far as to say that if you have these, you won't need to buy any other kind of stitch compendium. There are so many patterns that I want to try to replicate in my scarves, so I think I'm going to be busy for a little while yet.

SecretPostClub May / Mai 2010

SecretPostClub May / Mai 2010
Originally uploaded by ziedu_mate

This was the first month in which I'd participated in the Secret Post Club, and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I get a bit nervous about things like this because I feel I'm never going to follow the rules properly or will send something that the other person will loathe - but if you don't venture, you won't gain, right?

Anyway, I needn't have worried. Mrs Shilts seemed to like the things that I sent her (and if she didn't, then she was very gracious about it!), and my parcel, from carolinesweetie hit all the right buttons: chocolate? Tick. Fudge? Tick. Lavender bathsalts? Tick. Bookmark? Tick! Yes, yes, yes, on all counts! Thank you both for making my first month so memorable, and on we go towards June!