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by Lou Leave a Comment

Commemorative Shawl Knitting

A Little History

At the start of last month, Gilbert Baker died. He was just 65 years of age. The name may not mean anything to you but his legacy certainly will. Gilbert was the creator of the rainbow flag; a vibrant symbol for the LGBTQ community and one that is globally recognised. He said he wanted to use something from nature to represent that our sexuality is a human right and to convey the concepts of diversity and inclusion. Originally the flag consisted of eight colours and was only later reduced to the six we’re familiar with now.

Pride Flag

The 6 Stripe Rainbow Flag

  • Red – life
  • Orange – healing
  • Yellow – sunlight
  • Green – nature
  • Turquoise – art
  • Violet – human spirit

The creation of the flag was a challenge from Gilbert’s friend, Harvey Milk, who wanted a symbol of pride and hope for the gay community. Milk was the first openly gay person to hold high public office in a major American city in 1977 having campaigned on a platform of positive hope for young gay people. That city was of course San Francisco.

The Project

The reason I’m sharing this sad news and wonderful snippet of history with you is to explain my latest choice of shawl knitting. The Pride Delta, available on Ravelry, is a colourful and eminently wearable shawl.

Shawl Knitting

Aileen’s Pride Delta – Photo © littlebushbaby

My friend and fellow Scot, Aileen D-A aka littlebushbaby, is the designer. As this talented lady put it, the shawl is for those times in our lives “when we need to show our different stripes.” Given the state of the world right now, this is clearly one of those times. The crafting community, in my experience, is also all about welcoming people of all stripes which means this project is a match made in heaven. There’s a triangular shaped version available too.

The Shawl Knitting Materials

I call my shawl “Diversity + Inclusion = Beauty + Strength”. A nod from me to the ever wise Maya Angelou whom I greatly admire. The direct quote is “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” This will be a British wool project. I’m using J.C. Rennie’s lambswool for five of the rainbow stripes. It’s available in 10g miniballs from Clare at Wee County Yarns in Clackmannanshire.

Lambswool skeins

A selection of Lambswool miniballs

The final stripe is going to be Jamieson & Smith jumper weight as I have some in stash. Not quite turquoise but I like it!

Balls of Jamieson & Smith wool

Royal Blue 2Ply from Jamieson & Smith

These yarns will bloom wonderfully when the shawl is complete and blocked. The only decision left is what to use for the main colour. I want an undyed yarn and a slightly darker grey than Aileen used. If anyone has favourites to recommend, do leave me a comment. I’ll be sure to check out your suggestions.

 

Filed Under: A Crafting Life: General Musings, Craft Projects, Knitting Projects Tagged With: J C Rennie, knitting project, lambswool, rainbow, shawl knitting

by Lou 3 Comments

10 Reasons Why I Love Wool Crafts

Or more to the point, 10 Reasons Why I Love Wool.

Working with wool is something I love for many reasons. I thoroughly enjoy using all kinds of natural fibres within my wool crafts of course, and those of you who are familiar with my products will be used to seeing everything from cotton to jute making an appearance. Wool though, particularly British wool, has a very special place in my heart.

I’m still surprised when people ask me what makes me so passionate on the topic as I’d assumed it had been discussed to death over the years by enthusiastic knitters, spinners and felters everywhere. Apparently I was wrong! So let’s take a little look at why and if you’re interested in discovering more, you can follow some of the links I’ll provide as we go along.

The List!

  1. First and foremost, wool is 100% natural.
  2. Wool is completely biodegradable. It’s a sad but common sight to see farmers burying unwanted fleeces in their fields.

    Fleece

                  Raw Wool

  3. Wool forms part of the natural carbon cycle.
  4. Wool is anti microbial and odour resistant. Bear that in mind the next time you ask why anyone would knit a pair of socks!

    Hand Knitted Socks

                   Hand Knitted Wool Socks

  5. Wool improves indoor air quality; making it a great option for rugs, carpets and home furnishings.
  6. Wool is a renewable resource i.e. it can be used repeatedly because it’s replaced naturally.
  7. It’s breathable which is better for clothing and bedding. Synthetic materials tend to make us sweat.
  8. Wool crafts allow me to help secure the future of native sheep breeds. Blacker Yarns, along with many others working in unity, helped to collect, process, spin and dye Boreray wool in recent years. This has successfully upgraded the Boreray breed from critical to vulnerable in the most recent survey by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. How awesome is that?
  9. Wool helps me to support my local economy. From independent hand dyers and wood carvers to local yarn shops and smallholders, every time I purchase tools and materials for my crafts, I’m putting money into another small business.
  10. Safety! This amazing material is fire resistant and fire retardant. You’ll find it’s often used for toy stuffing, upholstery, carpets and host of other applications.
Blanket Tiles

Start of a crochet blanket in merino wool

I could make more, equally compelling, points but I’m sure you get the gist. We’re incredibly lucky to live in a country that has an abundance of this natural material and if you’d like to know more about wool in general, check out the Campaign for Wool‘s site.

 

Filed Under: A Crafting Life: General Musings, Craft Business Concerns, Craft Materials, Eco Crafting Tagged With: fibre, green living, wool, working with wool

by Lou Leave a Comment

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Craft Fairs for 2016

All of TDE’s craft fairs via the Livingston Crafts Association are now over for the current year. I had a lovely time, both here in Livingston at St Margaret’s Academy and in Linlithgow at the Masonic Halls. Catching up with previous customers and meeting new faces is so much fun. It’s always deeply appreciated that people are willing to brave our infamous weather and come to check out all the handmade crafts on display. A huge thank you for your business and for the wonderful feedback.

Taking part in craft fairs is definitely an ongoing learning experience and 2016 saw me make several improvements to my craft tables. I’m delighted with my new banner and also enjoyed playing with different layouts, introducing more levels to best display my products. The positive comments I received from visitors made the effort very worthwhile. I’m looking forward to 2017’s fairs.

Craft Fair Table Display

Christmas Posting and Deliveries

The last UK posting dates for 2016 are fast approaching. Second Class mail will be going out by Tuesday 20th and First Class mail will be dispatched by Wednesday 21st. I’m happy to post after these dates if requested but be aware that there’s no guarantee they’ll be received in time for Christmas. Last posting dates for non UK deliveries can be found on my Facebook page HERE – just click the link.

 

Filed Under: Craft Business Concerns, Craft Events, Local Scottish Craft

by Lou Leave a Comment

Crafting for Christmas – End of the Year Rapidly Approaches

I have no idea where 2014 has vanished to but we’re only a matter of weeks away from the Festive Season and the buying frenzy which is Christmas Shopping… arghhh! I will hold my hands up and admit that I prefer to buy as much as possible online or at craft fairs and I completely avoid the town centre and retail parks if possible. What’s your preference? Drop me a comment to let me know. It’s something that fascinates me as we have such varying reactions to the entire concept of Christmas and shopping for presents.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Events, Eco Crafting, Local Scottish Craft, Tumblethumps

by Lou Leave a Comment

A Crafting Life – Learning To Crochet and Philosophy

Learning to Crochet

Practice stitches. Making a scarf as I learn to crochet.

I had an epiphany yesterday that surprised me so much I wanted to share it no matter how difficult it might be to put into words.

In recent weeks I’ve been learning to crochet. Slowly. It’s great fun but it’s also incredibly challenging for someone who’s a knitter. At least for this someone. 😉 The whole process is very different in so many respects from knitting, from the abbreviations and stitches involved to the use of only one hook instead of 2 needles. In fact, the basic “how to hold the hook and yarn” was so awkward that it took me days of perseverance to get a remotely natural looking technique going.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: A Crafting Life: General Musings

by Lou Leave a Comment

Cool Craft Trends: What’s Hot For Your Makes In 2014

So what cool craft trends are set to wow us this coming year? I’m delighted to note that last year’s autumn/winter trend for all things tartan is set to storm on into 2014. Whether it’s home accessories or on the catwalks, plaid is still hot property and I do love me a bit of plaid. You could incorporate this into your own crafting with beautiful accent cushions, trendy phone holders and chic notebook covers. Alternatively, give new life to well used clothes with some tartan applique!

Handmade Tartan Elephant

Tartan Elephant Cushion handcrafted by Tartan Crafts on Folksy (Photography & Design copyright to Tartan Crafts)

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Business Concerns, Eco Crafting, Local Scottish Craft Tagged With: craft trends, upcycled crafts

by Lou Leave a Comment

Recycled Storage Solution: Craft Fabric Boxes

Happy New Year, or Happy Hogmanay as we say in Scotland, to all of my readers and visitors. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed the family time as much as I did. We’ve had a wonderfully busy and crafty start to 2014 here at Thistle Dubh Ewe and between orders and new knitting projects, this is the first of me getting a chance to post. I thought I’d start you off with a wee storage project since no doubt spring cleaning will be on the horizon for many of us.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Projects, Recycled Crafts

by Lou Leave a Comment

The Handcrafters’ BIG Giveaway

Perfect timing for this news in the run up to Christmas I think and hopefully my readers will all agree! Introducing:-

 

The Handcrafters’ BIG Giveaway!

 

Launching today, this is a massive collective giveaway featuring 12 amazing prizes for 1 very lucky winner. Yep! You heard me correctly. 1 person will walk away with ALL of the prizes.

Needle felted snowman

Sandy McSlushy – Needle felted collectible

Every prize that is included has been handmade with love and care (not to mention blood, sweat and tears) by a wide variety of talented UK handcrafters, including yours truly, Thistle Dubh Ewe! Each product is made from top quality materials and is completely unique. You could treat yourself to some goodies or hand them out as last minute Christmas gifts for friends and family… it’s entirely up to you. Here’s a preview of just one of the prizes:-

Niobium Necklace

Niobium Necklace handcrafted by Jewellery My Design

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Events

by Lou Leave a Comment

Wovember, Movember, Craft Stash and Craft Fairs!

Another busy month here in rather rainy Scotland. Winter is on its way with crisp mornings, lots of rain and the inevitable “nights fair drawin’ in” darkness. Definitely time to pull out those winter woolies.

Wovember 2013 Arrives

Despite that there’s lots of crafty fun and goodness to be had, not least with the start of Wovember and its celebration of all things truly wooly! If you haven’t come across this term before, pop on over to the Wovember blog where you can read all about it and find lots of interesting articles on growing, harvesting, processing, working with and wearing wool! I recommend grabbing a cuppa and some cookies before you start as it may take some time.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Events, Craft Materials, Local Scottish Craft

by Lou Leave a Comment

Recycling Your Plastic Drink Bottles

So today I want to share one of the projects I’ve been playing around with recently. We go through a fair number of plastic drinks bottles in our household and there are several crafty ways to recycle them rather than dumping them in the rubbish bin. Over the years I’ve heard of and read about people making gadgets to measure rainfall, bird feeders, handy little watering cans and even small gift boxes. The ideas are only limited by your own imagination.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Craft Projects, Eco Crafting, Recycled Crafts Tagged With: craft projects, eco crafting, Recycled crafts, sustainable living

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Louise at Thistle Dubh Ewe

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Louise Lockhart
Beautiful tartan on the cutting mat today, and not Beautiful tartan on the cutting mat today, and not just any tartan! Purple tartan! 😁 Pattern matching as best I can. I'll have 5 medium/sock size bags from this fabric, all going well, so a very limited run. #knittersofinstagram #britishknitters #tartanstyle #projectbags #knittingaccessories #etsyuk #sockknittingbag #knittingbags #igknitters
Last of the gnomes for now. They've been so popula Last of the gnomes for now. They've been so popular, thanks for all the orders folks! ☺️ This shawl bag is in a new colourway. A brighter blue on an ice blue background. Super winter-y. ❄️ It will be heading off to its forever home this weekend. Expect more spring appropriate fabrics in the coming weeks as I live in hope of warmer weather. 😁 #knittingbags #projectbag #knittingaccessories #knittersofinstagram #britishknitters #etsyselleruk #shoplocal
Another couple of custom bag orders that flew the Another couple of custom bag orders that flew the coop last weekend. 🥰😊 More gonks heading off to southern climes this weekend. Last posting date has now passed for this year but the Etsy shop will remain open (link in profile) through the holidays 🎄 for orders posting in January. #knittersofinstagram #knittingbags #knittingstorage #projectbag #gonksofinstagram #knittersofig #britishknitters  #shoplocaluk #etsyukseller
Latest custom order that went off to its new home Latest custom order that went off to its new home last week. 😍 A sweater size bag, perfect for those larger cold weather projects. #winterknitting #knittingaccessories #wipbags #projectbag #etsyukseller #smallbusinessuk #sweaterknitting #knittingstorage #gonks
It's a chilly night here in West Lothian, obviousl It's a chilly night here in West Lothian, obviously the perfect time for some therapeutic sock knitting. Especially since there's more sock yarn on the way! 😙 I started this beauty 3 years ago 😳 and have no idea why it's never been finished. The pattern is so easy to follow and I really like the contrasting colour and pattern in the panel below the cuff. Ruth, the designer behind the pattern, did a great job with this one. 👏🥰 I am going to have more actual pairs eventually. 😂 #socktawk #britishknitters #yarnink #womenwhomake #knitlife #socknittersofinstagram #mindfullymade
My lovely friend Lucy is hoping to re-open her LYS My lovely friend Lucy is hoping to re-open her LYS, Purl A Row, after a recent move from Cornwall to Lincolnshire. Under the current circumstances it's proving to be a bit of a struggle, so any and all support would be deeply appreciated. Even if it's just sharing the information with others! 😊
If you're looking for a knitty treat for yourself or even a gift for a knitting friend, do check out the luxury Christmas boxes that Lucy has available. Her Knit Lit box series has proven very popular, so you might also be interested in the new Woodland Box subscription boxes which start in January. 👏😉 All sign up links can be found on the website at the link below! #shoplocal #smallbusinessuk
Posted @withregram • @purl_a_row I'm so pleased to offer you all this luxury Christmas knit box. Numbers are limited and I will not be able to add more once they have sold. 
For all the exciting details follow the link or go to the website and sign up links page.
https://forms.gle/4MqJm7DggG4mTxEF7
#PURLAROW #LYS #WOOLSHOP #YARNSHOP #SUPPORTINGSMALLBUSINESSES #KNITBOX
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A Little History At the start of last month, Gilbert Baker died. He was just 65 years of age. The name may not mean anything to you but his legacy certainly will. Gilbert was the creator of the rainbow flag; a vibrant symbol for the LGBTQ community and one that is globally recognised. He said he wanted to […]

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