Well! I’m back!!!!!!
And thankfully with a clear head; Rested, focussed and busier than ever after a short break en Ecosse with Mr OH and the bullies of the bus – Even though Scotland was a tad damp at times to say the least it was still a well earned bit of time out after a hectic few months…… 😉
On the old Edinburgh road in our trusty T5. There is a mountain hiding away under that low lying cloud – Honest!
So, let’s have a recap and look back at what flattened my batteries for a while…..
Firstly, there was an invitation back in early March for me to take part in an event called ‘The Handmade Alternative’ in Bradford, West Yorkshire; The brainchild of Jane Wynn of Wildheart. It was her vision to bring together a whole host of independent designers, artists and craftspeople who cater for alternative tastes and showcase their work in a fabulous pop-up shop in Bradford city centre. An idea that proved to be incredibly popular and was much welcomed by a whole host of customers eager to sample the assorted wares on offer.
I took the opportunity to debut a collection of alternative baby wear I’d been working hard on – skulls, crossbones, zombie bunnies, kitties and Game of Thrones inspired goodies.
Even the tiniest of tots can look uber cool – Appliqued baby bodysuit featuring a sugar skull and crossbones design.
Faux tie baby bodysuit with hot pink skull detail.
Zombie Kitty!
Zombie Bunny – Go on! Give him a cuddle; I dare you!
Awwwwh! So cute 🙂
I loved making this custom design over and over again using ditsy florals, vintage Seventies prints and classic polka dots.
This applique design looks great when used on covered notebooks too 😉
The Handmade Alternative was due to run for the first two weeks in April and even before it opened for business I had already begun work on another project for an event taking place on May 4th in a shop called Kyro, at Morley Market, Leeds. Talk about there being no rest for the wicked!
Now there are probably those of you out there currently reading this blog post that will instantly recognise the significance of this date; Likewise, there’ll be a fair few that would see it as just another day…….
May 4th? It’s Star Wars Day!!!!! An event I need no prompting to take part in or promote 😉 So…………… lots of Amigurumi Star Wars characters courtesy of Lucy Ravenscar’s fabulous designs , a few ideas for more appliqued goodies …….. and a chance to come face to face with the Darkside!!!!!
Possibly the cutest Jedi master you’re ever likely to meet!
Luke & Leia – Designs courtesy of Lucy Ravenscar.
Wicket the Ewok – Design courtesy of Lucy Ravenscar.
Beware – Jawa!!!!!
Ben ‘Obi Wan’ Kenobi – Design courtesy of Lucy Ravenscar.
Stormtrooper Applique design worked in my own inimitable style – For an adult t-shirt option.
Darth Vader – On baby bodysuits through to adult t-shirts and hoodies!
The little green guy was definitely a popular choice with the customers.
All in all it was a great day at Morley Market – with over £400 raised for charity 😉 Everyone entered in to the spirit of the event with opportunities to have your photo taken with Darth Vader, assorted stormtroopers, Chewie etc, children’s fancy dress, tombola and loads of other activities. Traders got dressed up too and had a whale of a time; It was brilliant!!!!
Smile for the camera!
Chewie guards my little amigurumi figures – But still folks couldn’t keep their hands off of them! Need; Want; Must Have!
That time when the paperwork needs doing – Even the Darkside has to engage in the odd bit of admin from time to time 😉
The traders really entered in to the spirit of things…..
As did the customers………
Sherridan of Hellraiser Records succumbs to Vader’s mind tricks.
Darth interrogates a likely member of the Rebellion.
The next event has been planned – Super Heroes Day!!!!!
Phew! And finally……….. on the same date that I had really bad news (blogged about in an earlier post) I had started the day on a high after a meeting with a potential new stockist of some of my goodies that confirmed I had a little spot in a prime retail space in the heart of Leeds city centre.
So……….. the last few weeks has seen me working hard to create wonderful things worthy of a place in ‘The Handpicked Hall’, with a regular weekly slot for me to ply my wares and the opportunity to come and say ‘Hello’ in person :0)
Needless to say that a lot of my current designs have focussed on a strong VW theme and notions of summer festivals and glamping trips – lots still under wraps for the big unveil but here’s a few snippets to hopefully whet the appetite…..
Stylised bay window camper applique design – for adult tees and hoodies.
Essential home accents for the budding VW enthusiast.
Teeny weeny bug applique on a baby bodysuit.
T25 Hi-Top inspired adult ladies’ tee.
VW themed faux tie baby bodysuit.
Add a little Glastonbury glamour to your wardrobe with a dippy hippy flower corsage 😉
Crikey! No wonder I needed a bit of a break………
Now that this week’s blog post has been written and can be ticked off of my usual long list of stuff to do it’s time for me to go and make something lovely for the rest of the day……….. DEFINITELY no rest for the wicked 😉 Oh well, Happy crafting folks!
The Big Blue Bully Bus 