Saturday, 30 April 2011

Friday, 29 April 2011

There and back...

Not wishing to waste a day off, we decided to go for a walk.


'Haytor?' I suggested.


'Ok', he said and made us some packed lunch.


It was overcast and windy, but that was perfect weather for a long walk.


Lots of climbers out today and ramblers. We just loved sitting there... Up on the Tor and talking.


I was inspired by the colour and textures of the rock surfaces, with the sparkling Mica and Lichen.


There was even the first signs of ferns and sedum. Really lovely colours. I took lots of pictures with the idea that maybe they could be inspiration for a future project... Or even some hand spun yarns for the shop?

I hope you enjoyed your day?

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Closed for the Royal Wedding!

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton... May you have a long and happy marriage!

i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01882/kate-william-mario_1882227d.jpg

(photo: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01882/kate-william-mario_1882227d.jpg)

Find out more about the wedding, plus live feeds at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/

Enjoy!

Sara x

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Merry Go Around: Time Management

This month's question is, 'Time Management: How do you juggle your time, or how would you juggle your time?'

Handdyed fibre fir carding and spinning

The way I have worked over the last few years has changed drastically...back along I was working mostly on the computer, as I supplied stock items that were 'bought-in' for the most part. As I began to start creating my own dyed and carded fibres and then yarns, I had to rethink my work method.

My tasks vary from day to day depending on what needs doing, making, or sourcing. So I always work by a 'to do list', I use Microsoft's Outlook Express for my mail, so their handy organiser works perfectly for me. I simply type in tasks and mark them off as I go and what's even better is that I can move tasks around making today's to do list the priority. That's not to say I no longer write myself little lists... I'm sure i won't ever stop doing that... I'm a bit obsessive like that! Lol!!

How do you organise your time?

Sara x http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/
----------------
This post was part of a blog Merry go Around, where I have got together with some friends to talk about a similar subject on the same day... a nice way to meet people!
Laura at Blue Terracotta - http://blueterracotta.com/
Monika at Red2White - http://red2white.wordpress.com/ 
Ruth at Birdland Creations - http://insidetheartisan.blogspot.com/
Kim at Vilt a la Kim - http://viltalakim.com/blog
Sara at Crafts of Texture - http://sarastexturecrafts.blogspot.com/ 
Samantha at Vintage is for lovers - http://www.vintageisforlovers.com/
Mariana at Florcita - http://florcita.eu/wordpress/
Agathe at Le Bar du Vent - http://lebarduvent.blogspot.com/
Jen at Painted Fish Studio - http://paintedfishstudio.com/
Mitsy at ArtMind - http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/
Bethany at Dirksen Dabbles - http://www.dirksendabbles.com/

Wednesday, 27 April 2011

Customer Photos: Creative Bumblebee

The Ice Bag - exhibit for the Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch 2011 at the NEC, Birmingham

This is a wonderful piece made by Maria at www.creativebumblebee.co.uk

I was thrilled to be asked to card some batts for Maria's exhibition and am just speechless at how amazing her work is.

Thank you very much for sharing this Maria... I hope your show went ok?

Sara x
www.SarasTextureCrafts.co.uk

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Fashion Update: Gap Knitwear April 2011

Gap Window, Exeter April 2011

(Photo: Exeter Branch, Gap Window, April 2011)

In the spirit of the great British weather, it is good to see that Gap (http://www.gap.eu/) have their heads on... 'sling on' cardis are perfect for taking with you on days out.

The waterfall trend is still current, so this beautiful marl cardi will be a great purchase for this season.

On  their website they have teamed up the cardi with a slim waist belt, for a different look.

Knitting Tip - If you want to knit your own waterfall front cardi I recommend knitting teh front panels almost the full width of your front body. This gives you a nice line from the neckline to the waterfall ruffle at the lower front and hemline. A Pattern suggestion coming soon to

www.SarasTextureCrafts.com

Thursday, 21 April 2011

UK Bank Holiday Closures

22nd to 25th April for Easter.
29th to 2nd May for the Royal Wedding and May Day.

Please keep buying and asking questions as usual. On my retun I will help each of you as quickly as I can.

Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Kimono Wrap Update.

I'm on the final straight now and cast off my last panel.


Now for the unenviable task of sewing it all together!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Sister's Christmas Fairy Project: Gathering Supplies

Here it is the start of a stash pile!




I've gone through my stash boxes and gathered what I thought would look nice. Pink, blues and purples... Not very Christmassy you might say, but I'd love my sister to be able to display the fairy all year round. So I think I'll add just a bit of sparkle to finish her.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Monday, 18 April 2011

Ahhhhhhh that's better!

Sundays are made for relaxing, so after the yard sale, I finished planting up my veggies...


We took ourselves off for a walk, soaking up the wonderful sunshine!


Must do that more often!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Friday, 15 April 2011

Oh no I Started Another Project!

Naughty I know, but I couldn't help it!


I'm knitting up something for me in my Merino hand dyed 'Summer Holiday' at www.sarastexturecrafts.com

I've had people asking me for patterns, so I'm planning to write them as I go along and add them to my how to make site... And link them to the product on the website (new things being planned at the moment, so it may take me a while!)

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Thursday, 14 April 2011

Wonderwool 2011

I realise I'm a little late with my final post... Things got a little busy since I've been back (post coming soon on that!) So how was Wonderwool?



It was Wonderful!


I'd spent a lot of time hand dyeing this year. I dyed yarns...


Tops...


And Teeswater curls. All of which had their first outing at the show and to my absolute pleasure they were received very well.


I also carded for my life, making batt upon batt. These went downs treat too it seemed and I'm mostly sold out... Including the ones I made during my demos.

I think I need to get carding next week, as I've had quite a few emails asking for more... Which is amazing, thank you... Keep 'em coming and I'll keep carding!

I also made some new contacts, with lots of new possibilities. This is terribly exciting stuff and hopefully (recession and all) something for me to work on.

It was also chance for me to catch up with old friends, people I hadn't seen since the last show, or there abouts. A nice way to spend evenings... Laughing and catching up!

I shouldn't forget the customers here, without whom a good show would never be achievable. I was, as always warmed by their never ceasing energy and excitement... Their project plans, their 'hellos' and catch ups, their really kind words and encouragement. Thank you Ladies and Gents!

I should also mention D at this point... Thank you D for all your hard work, driving, tent building, helping set up and of course helping me to sell and man the stall while I did the Sheepwalk and ran errands. I couldn't have done it all without you!

I put my name down to be contacted for next year... I think Wonderwool has to be the best show right now.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

eBay Shop Update: Changes

etsy shop banner

Today I have made the following changes that I hope will make your shopping experience with me on eBay at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Saras-Texture-Crafts a better one!

This update will take a few days to complete, but is already underway. In the meantime, do remember you get more favourable rates on my website at www.SarasTextureCrafts.com

DaWanda Shop Update: Changes

etsy shop banner

Today I have made the following changes that I hope will make your shopping experience with me on DaWanda at http://en.dawanda.com/shop/SarasTextureCrafts a better one!

  • Unit Prices include UK Shipping. So buy as much as you like and it ships for Free!
  • Overseas Postage - I have updated the annual changes and reduced these to include the shipping added to each unit.
  • Custom listings - I am happy to announce that I am now able to offer custom listings at current DaWanda prices.

Etsy Shop Update: Changes

etsy shop banner

Today I have made the following changes that I hope will make your shopping experience with me on Etsy at www.SarasTextureCrafts.etsy.com a better one!

  • Prices in GBP - To save updating prices throughout the year I have listed in British Pounds. This means just two annual updates. One for new prices in January and one in April with Shipping changes. This replaces the once monthly updates I've previously had to make, depending on currency exchange changes. You can still view these in US Dollars, if your Etsy view is set to US Dollars and Etsy/Paypal handle the exchange for you as ever, free of charge.
  • Unit Prices include UK Shipping. So buy as much as you like and it ships for Free!
  • Overseas Postage - I have updated the annual changes and reduced these to include the shipping added to each unit.
  • Custom listings - I will be continuing to create custom listings at current Etsy prices.

Monday, 11 April 2011

I'm back!

Lots to tell you from Wonderwool!


I have to unpack and parcel up the weekend orders, but hope to tell all a bit later on.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Friday, 8 April 2011

Wonderwool Wales 2011 update

Part set up now.


My God it's hot in here... Might regret the poncho on the catwalk tomorrow!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wonderwool 2011 update

Safely in Wales!


Although there was a car fire at the toll bridge. It was really scary, literally seconds after I said to D that I thought it was smoking... It was truely a blaze and tires/glass exploding. Couldn't see people nearby, so I'm just praying they were ok.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wonderwool 2011 updates

Packed up and waiting for D with the van.


Got my tunes ready!


I'll update as we go.
Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Thursday, 7 April 2011

Sneeky peek teaser; New blends for Wonderwool

Never too early for a sneeky peek at new limited edition blends exclusive to www.sarastexturecrafts.com


These go live at Wonderwool and then on the website as soon as I can!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Oh, my eyes!

Have arrived!!


One pair is for my sister's Christmas Fairy (my Christmas present to her) and the other is for a personal project... I know another one started! I guess I'd better finish some of the others before I get too carried away with these new ones!!

I'll give you the link for the shop I bought these from in the next project post.

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Knitting Project: Kimono Wrap

I started a personal project a while ago, slowly knitting bits here and there... Mostly in the evenings.



I wasn't sure what to make at first, but I eventually settled on a kimono wrap... No pattern, just have a go and knit. I'm hoping it'll work out ok.


When I finish I'll post the full pattern details on Ravelry, as a freebie... That is of course, if it works!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Monday, 4 April 2011

Wonderwool Prep 2011

Busy packing up stock this afternoon for the show at the weekend.


Hoping I have enough boxes and ultimately enough stock fir the stall!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Saturday, 2 April 2011

Final Day at Duchy Square

Today was much brighter out, so we had a lot more people through the doors today.


I continued spinning my spindle yarn as a demo, which intrigued them as they came to see me.


I later started plying... And this is the moment when I realised I had forgotten my niddy noddy (in my new hand knitted Poncho, from my Manos del Uruguay range at www.sarastexturecrafts.com )


Fortuntely my clip board served as a make-shift niddy noddy.


Thank you to everyone who made it today... A very creative bunch!

I also really enjoyed meeting fellow stall holders and networking new ideas (coming soon!) I also caught up with a few faces I hadn't seen in years... Which was really great actually.

Very much looking forward to Wonderwool next week. Just off out back to see if the Teeswater fleece is nearly dry yet!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Friday, 1 April 2011

Duchy Square today.

I booked just a couple of tables, but when I got there they gave me a room (bless 'em!)


Today went well... Quiet, but I met lots of new and familliar faces and sold some of my latest batts, handdyed silks and yarns. Thank you to everyone that came and I look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow and next week at Wonderwool!

Bye for now,
Sara x
Www.sarastexturecrafts.com