Glasgow Central Stitch 'N' Bitch

Sunday 12th February 2012

2012-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Big turnout this morning! It was great to see you all there!

Lots of chat this morning. Plenty of natter about everything and nothing really. Rosemary brought a pattern book in of glamourous knits. It had some gorgeous patterns including a bra! It did have some stunning projects though, may be worth a read.

Everyone was very chatty, it was good to see more of us there and being busy.

Finishes this week:


Emma's Stitchable Journal & Keepsake Box

I did this quick project to take a wee knitting break.

Fiona in her hat

This hat was finished by myself last weekend (modeled by the recipient).

Toni in her hat

I also finished this one Monday (also modeled by the recipient).

Julie's 'Pink' Panther

Julie's done a great job with this 'pink panther'. I thought he was brilliant!

Julie's Cowl, completed this morning

Was on the needles when Julie arrived and completed this mornoing :)

Julie's Baby Waistcoat, also completed this morning

Gillian has finally finished the baby waistcoat, this was also on the needles when she arrived. :)

Gillian, I'm only jealous of your ability to make your own buttons! ;-p

On the needles/hooks:

Rosemary - Cable Hat
Aileen - Fingerless Gloves
Gillian - Baby Waistcoat (see above)
Doreen - Crochet Practice of Colonial Ripple
Jean - A Jumper (Jean, it'll look lovely, you'll see :-D)
Margaret - White Jumper with different coloured chevron stripes
Julie - Cowl (also see above)
Me - Cable Throw

Until next week.... :)

Night night

-Emma

Sunday 5th February 2012

2012-02-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning all! Emma here. My apologies for the lateness of this post.

Well, on Sunday we got another new member. I would like to say a warm welcome to Rosemary! Hope to see you there again soon!

Lots of chat with a couple of finishes to show. Chat was actually about how thick people can be. I know it may not have been appropriate conversation but we were talking about nice things too :)

A couple of finishes to show to you :-)

Doreen's Crocheted Cowl

This is beautiful. Margaret and I couldn't tell if it was crocheted or knitted! We had to ask! :-0


Rosemary's Wee Doll (flower basket was a hit!)

Such a cute wee dolly. I think we liked the flower basket. Little flowers were so intricate.

On the needles and hooks:

Doreen: Crochet Cowl
Aileen: Lace socks
Gillian: Baby's Waistcoat
Margaret: Cross Over Style Pullover
Rosemary: Phone Holder
Jean: Sorry Jean, forogt to ask before you left :-(
Me: Slouchy Hat (the second one).

Until next week my friends.

Emma out!

Sunday 28th January 2012

2012-01-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

Emma here. Lovely wee morning in the group this morning. 6 of us attended today and I'm not sure if we done more chatting or more crafting!

Lots of talking about mobiles and tariffs. Gillian showed some beautiful photo's of a 400 year old table she had restored, so simplistic, yet just beautiful... the kind of table you would find in the kitchen of a castle in Tudor times.

Finishes (yaayyy):

Fingerless Gloves by Aileen for Janette

I just love these Gloves... The colourway is just so funky!


Felted Critters by Gillian

Janette honey, it's not a real one!!!

Beaded Hairband by Margaret


Coat For Kaylee by Me (Emma)

I adore the use of the beads in this project.

This is for my youngest daughter, slightly too big but so what, "She'll grow in to it".

On the needles/embroidery frame:

Aileen - Lace Heart Socks
Janette - Goldwork Piece
Me - Slouchy Hat
Julie - Baby Cardigan (for Theodora)
Margaret - Hairband
Gillian - Baby Waistcoat

Have a great week everyone, see you next time!

- Emma

Sunday 15th January 2012

2012-01-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! Well, it's been a while since this was updated! Lol

I'd like to introduce myself first of all. My name is Emma and I'm a new author of the Glasgow Central Stitch 'n' Bitch blog. I'm 32 and I have 3 children and like to knit, read, write and cross stitch. I'm also an Avon Sales Leader.

I went to the group today (Sunday 15th Jan 2012) and I was delighted to meet such wonderful people. I sat next to Doreen who is just lovely. Everyone was very welcoming.

This blog entry is just an introduction to myself really. I will be continuing to make weekly contributions and keeping you all updated with the happenings of the group. I'll be taking photo's of WIPs and projects we are all currently working on. There will also be news of any special events that are taking place.

I hope you enjoy reading my entries week by week and hope to see you at the group on Sunday!

Until next time!

Emz xxx

Sunday 27th Feb

2011-03-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

We had our busiest day at Cafe Nero so far, with 9 of us there. We did have to shuffle up a bit to make room but we were all very cosy!

Julie gave us a very pretty handmade card as a thanks for the wedding present:

Also we were discussing the fact that the groups 'birthday' is on 7th March. I cant believe the group is 2 years old already, it only seems like yesterday that I joined a few ladies knitting in the basement of Borders ... *sniff* a borders how we miss you!

Anyway we have decided to have a Birthday/late Xmas Lunch on Sat 12th at Cafe Wander at 1pm. All are welcome to join, and there will be cake :)

Finishes

One finish this week, my owl socks:

These are a present for my sister, Lorraine, who has 2 owls as pets (a Bengal Eagle owl and a Barn owl) The socks are knitted in Opal Eule (barn owl) coloured sock yarn and have beads for the owls eyes. This was my 1st time really doing cables of any sort.

WIPS

Me - Orange cabled 'Apple' gloves

Janette - Gold hand quilted piece

Gillian - Green crocheted phone case

Avalon - Purple Crocheted scarf

margaret - Blue/sea coloured Cardi front section

Tracy - Hand embroidery based on a russian foltale for an exhibition

Julie - Cream Socks

Doreen - scarf on Thai knitting loom (attempt 2)

Donna - Blue/white self striping yarn baby blanket

Next Sunday the Creative Stitches fair is on at the SECC so many of the group will not be there on Sunday 6th March. You are of course still wecome to go along to Cafe Nero, please just be aware that the attendance may be thin on the ground!

Again dont forget the Birthday Lunch on Sat 12th at Cafe Wander at 1pm. And of course mettings will be back to normal on Sunday 13th March.

See you xx

Sunday 20th Feb

2011-02-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Well we seem to be settiling into Cafe Nero very well - we are even starting to encourage the staff to start knitting too!

The lovely Juile came back from her honeymoon in Florida with her new hubbie Doug. Janette and I had collaborated together and made her a small had quilted/embroidered cushion in her wedding colours.

We borrowed the heart stencil from the front of Juile's evening invitations. Janette hand quilted the heart in each corner...

and I hand embroidered it in the centre...

We have another new friend who joined us today, Avalon. Originally from California, she is mainly a crocheter, although there is a plan afoot to teach her to knit too. She found out about the group through my Craftster post.

WIPs

Janette - Celtic gold hand quilting
Margaret - Blue knitted cardi (for my Mum)
Me - Owl Sock #2
Romy - Floral embroidery and white knitted bed jacket
Doreen - embroidery surprise
Avalon - Purple crocheted scarf/ hood.

See you next week. bye x

New Year, new venue (again!)

2011-01-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

Well the new year is well and truly here and we have found ourselves a new home.

We are now meeting at Cafe Nero, at Buchanan Galleries. They do open from 8.30am on a Sunday, but we are still meeting from 10am to 1pm. (although these days we seem to start closer to 10.30am!)

As always all are welcome to join us

A x

Merry Xmas...and some sad news.

2010-12-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

We had our final meeting of 2010 today - just a small group of myself, Janette, Gillian, Julie and Margaret.

And I'm afraid I have some bad news.... until further notice we have no new start back date or venue for next year.

Cafe Wander will be closed every weekend during January for refitting, and after then they are going to have to seriously consider whether they will be opening on Sundays. Which means we will have to consider either moving the day we meet or the venue. All suggestions are more than welcome.

We do hope to continue the group but at the moment we dont know when/where it will be.

In the meantime....

Have a very Merry Xmas and
a Wonderful New Year!

Love A xx

Knitting Still On

2010-10-07T23:39:00.001-07:00

This is just a quick post to say that despite the lack of Blog posts the group is still meeting as normal. I just have had life-stuff to deal with recently.

Back at Last!

2010-08-07T09:54:00.001-07:00

So after life being mega busy and then first losing and then finding both my camera and the camera cable I am finally going to get the last few meeting posted up!

A lot has happened in the group as well - Donna got married and went of on her honeymoon, and Janette has moved into a new house!

I can now also post the finished pictures of the quilt I made as a present for my best friends, John’s wedding to his lovely Mary-Anne. I’m glad to say the loved it.

I owe a huge thanks to Janette for not only helping me cut, design and make the quilt but for also making the adorable matching doggie!

Spot Janette! And here’s the label from the back:

and the matching doggie :D

And here are the Lovely Couple with their newest member of the family – Humphrey!

And this is the miniature hat I made and wore at the wedding :

Here’s Me wearing it at the wedding with Mum wearing the seashore necklace I finished on the 25th.

Sunday 25th July

Finishes

Julie has finished crocheting this pale lime coloured shrug…. and the decided she didn’t like it! But luckily Doreen does so she made a donation to Janette’s friend’s Chromosome 18 charity fund and is now the proud owner. In the meantime Julie has started on a different shrug pattern.

This is the seashore necklace I finished for my Mum to wear at the wedding.

WIPs

Janette – Knitted child's snood
Me – Seashore necklace
Erin – Baby Booties
Margaret – Blue Crochet wavy cardigan
Romy – Sewing up knitted purse
Doreen – Green stripy boys top
Julie – Crochet shrug

Sunday 1st August

We had Donna’s (Belated) wedding shower! We all made Xmas ornaments for her & her new hubbie.

Here she is opening the pressies:

And here are the pressies:

I also taught a mini class on Beadweaving to Julie and Margaret, with Doreen looking on to get a taster.

Finishes

A couple of finishes today. Gillian has finished these cute cabled hand warmers.

And I finished this necklace last week (also for the wedding)

WIPs

Erin – Red Baby Hat
Donna - Blue blanket
Margaret, Julie & Me – Beading tutorial
Doreen – Green stripy Boys top
Romy – Yellow/White baby Cardi
Gillian – Autumn coloured cabled hand warmers.

I wont be at the meeting on the 8th, but I will be there the following Sunday. Have a good one!

Aileen

Cosy Day

2010-07-18T06:37:00.001-07:00

It was a cosy (if not always quiet!) day today with only 4 friends knitting. Margaret was supposed to also be there but had to call Cafe Wander and give her apologies after a slight incident with a whole pack of eggs and her kitchen floor!

Finishes

There were also a few finishes today. I have a few finishes but will not be posting pictures of them for a few weeks as part is a Wedding gift and the other is part of my outfit for the same wedding so you will have to wait a week or so. :D

Janette stuffed and finished this darling dog today. He will be part of a ‘Name the dog’ fundraising competition at the upcoming Chromosome 18 Europe conference.

Isn’t he cute!

WIPs

Janette – Finishing the above dog and also finished knitting a child's snood in rainbow striped burgundy.
Carol – crocheted blue and coffee coloured little boys hoodie top
Doreen – Green self striping knitted boys cardi
Me – beaded seashore necklace

Donna should be back from her honeymoon next Sunday so I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible .

Take care, Be safe.

A x

A wet & windy sunday...

2010-07-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

This morning the rain was pouring! Six brave souls ventured out to Cafe Wander for coffee, cake & knitting. And for once all of us we were knitting!
Just one finish this week, I finally finished my guinea pig cross stitch, I think he looks pretty cheeky!
The works in progress were:

Janette: scarf
Romy: bud stitch bag
Margaret: socks
Gillian: fisherman's rib jersey
Doreen: boys waistcoat
Me: alpaca socks

And as if by magic, at 1pm the rain had disappeared & the sun was shining :)

Tracey x

Back Again

2010-06-15T13:17:00.001-07:00

I’m back now from a week in wonderful Orkney – having gained much inspiration and a small increase to my wool stash! Pictured above is the Orkney breed of North Ronaldsay Sheep who are normally seen feeding on the seaweed on the beach – which means they have a very soft undercoat that makes amazing yarn. The lamb in the picture still had very wobbly knees so he couldn’t have been more than a few hours old!

If you would like to see more of the many photos I took whilst I was away then just click here.

Sunday 13th June

We had a new friend join us this Sunday – Julie. She saw the group listed on Ravelry and thought she would pop along and see who we all are. Welcome Julie :D

No photos of finishes this week although Janette has said she has some photos from the last 2 weeks when I was away, so I shall get them up as soon as possible

This Weeks WIPS

Me – Beading a Necklace for Mum & knitting more of my entrelac sock
Donna - Blue Baby blanket
Gillian – Kilt sock #2 from own spun yarn
Margaret – knitted pink ladies top
Doreen – green tweed cardi
Julia – light green crochet bolero
Janette - purplish/red knitted snood.

See you next week

The White Quilt top is done!

2010-05-16T00:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday 9th May

Celebrations were had today as Janette revealed the fully finished white on white Celtic Quilt top.

Being white on white, it was a little tricky to photograph but I think I managed to capture some of the details.

Gillian has also finished this cute toddlers jumper (last week when my camera had died)

She has also spun up the 1st half of a large batch of hand-dyed silk that I bought at the Embroiders guild Regional Day a few weeks ago.

The silk yarn is super soft and silky and had to be almost forcibly pried from the stroking hands of several people – including Donna who took to stoking it on her cheek!

See you soon A

Mother's day meet

2010-03-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

Today, for Mothering Sunday, we had a record (I think?) of three mother & daughter pairings attending the group! We also had a very impressive array of projects on the go, from entrelac knitting to Japanese inspired embroidery!

The majority of us had spent the week attempting to crack the birthday anagram quiz set by Valerie. Congratulations to Janette who won, with a very respectable score of 13. Thank you to Val for setting the quiz, it was great fun, and a thank you for Janette for generously sharing the choccies!

Speaking of prizes, you may remember that last week Margaret won the knitted bag kit in the pass the parcel. And by this week the bag had been completed!

This weeks WIPS...

Doreen - Denim tweed tunic
Margaret - Entrelac cushion cover
Gillian - 'Fake Fair Isle' jumper
Karen - Green socks
Margaret - Baby jacket
Val - Sashiko quilt squares
Janette - Quilt for Sara, with some great love heart fleece!
Donna - Fingerless gloves
Me - Guinea pig cross stitch. And for fun, here is Fletch looking very unimpressed about this!

This is the first time I have done this blog post, and one thing I have learnt is that my photography skills are pretty atrocious!

Have a good week everyone, love Tracey.

Our 1st Birthday – PARTY!

2010-03-11T23:46:00.001-08:00

This Sunday we had the groups 1st birthday party and it was great fun. We had all the ingredients for a fantastic party – party games, party hats, a yummy chocolate cake and all our friends.

The cake was made and decorated by our own Cafe Wander – and didn’t they do really well. They even had one of their girls, Victoria, knit the little sample to make a finishing touch.Turns out Victoria works Sundays so that’s why she has never joined our group. However she did come over for a chat when she was on her lunch today, which was great as we could thank her.

I mentioned we had party games for which we have to send great thanks to Valerie (Janette’s mum). Val wasn’t able to join us today but she certainly helped to make a great party. We had ‘Guess how many buttons in the jar’, ‘Pass the parcel’ and a really challenging Birthday Quiz.

In fact the Quiz was so challenging that silence reigned for about half an hour till we all decided we needed to knit and rest our brains! We decided to leave giving the answers to the quiz until next Sunday to allow everyone a good chance to puzzle it out.

Tracy won the Button jar with her guess only 7 buttons away from the real total.

We also have to thank Victoria again for ably helping us play ‘Pass the parcel’ – she was our ‘music’! (by standing with her back to us and randomly shouting stop she helped us play). We had a great laugh and I’m sure the other people in the cafe thought we were just as funny.

As you can see Margaret finally won. her prize is a knitted bag kit complete with handles.

As Janette is the only person who has been in the group from the very start it fell to her to cut the cake – and it was really scrummy :)

Finishes

We did have time to have some finishes as well as partying. These are socks I was making for my sister. She loves them and, I’m glad to say they fit perfectly.

As I’ve had a week off work I also managed to finally finish this X-stitch needle book kit that I started about 4/5 years ago.

Adding to our Cosy Caps total Janette has knitted this super soft and adorable cap, and I knitted the 3 leaves as decoration at he request.

Janice has also got into the swing of things by making these 4 caps as well.

Romy has also finished her cabled sweater and her snood.

WIPS

Me - New pair entrelac socks for my Mum
Janette – white /white cot top (so nearly finished)
Donna – silver-grey lacy gloves
Janice – purple scarf
Romy – embroidered table runner
Gillian - ‘Fake fair isle’ jumper
Margaret – Pink & white baby cardi
Tracey - Guinea Pig X-stitch
Doreen – sewing up red cardi.

I wont be there next Sunday so Tracey will be doing the blog and bringing the final results of the Birthday Quiz. Good luck.

A x

Busy Days and Big News

2010-02-28T08:55:00.001-08:00

Well it’s been a busy few weeks (for me at least) as you will see from the finishes below.

Sunday 21 Feb

Finishes

First up are a simple pair of fingerless gloves for my Hubbie, whose hands keep getting cold when he typing at work.

The rest are all from the very hard working Donna…..

A crochet bag in a lovely sparkly yarn (the picture does not capture this at all)

Then there is a lovely scarf she has made for her Mum (still to have some simple crochet flowers added.

These are 3 finished squares she has been working on for a blanket.

And finally, she has finished this cheeky Snowman (in the ever favourite Snowflake yarn) Isn’t he adorable :D

This Weeks WIPS

Tracey – Guinea Pig X-stitch
Donna -Snowman’s smile
Janette – White on white quilting
Gillian – Lion X-stitch
Me – Socks

Sunday 28th Feb

Finishes

Gillian has beaded these two lovely (and sparkly) bracelets.

Margaret has finished these cosy men’s socks which are a gift .

And I made this messenger bag in denim, lined with red & black heart-patterned satin.

This Weeks WIPS

Doreen – Red & white cardi
Margaret – pink & white baby cardi sleeves
Gillian – Turquoise/blue “fake fair isle” Cardi
Donna – silver grey short fingered lace gloves
Janette - White on white quilting
Janice - Lilac Lace Scarf
Romy - Soft pink cardigan
Me – 3 knitted leaves for Janette and socks.

*****BIG NEWS****

As this week will mark the 1st birthday of our little group we are having a birthday party on Sunday 7th March in Cafe Wander!

There will be cake, games and party hats for all! We hope you don’t mind that all we ask is that you make a small donation of £1 to the ‘party fund’. All members are invited.

Hope to see you there!

(Cookie) Love is in the air

2010-02-19T23:35:00.001-08:00

Sunday 14th Feb

Valentines day was spent in the company of great friends this year. Everyone was busy chatting, laughing and knitting – as it should be :)

Catherine, our lovely host at Cafe Wander, decided to share in the spirit of the day by presenting us each with a very yummy, heart-shaped cookie. I had thought to put up a photo of mine, but alas it did not survive the night – it was very good indeed though.

Finishes

Gillian has been getting beady with herself again. She started this at our Beadwildered meeting (local beading group we both belong to) on Sat and finished it that night! I especially like how she beaded the clasp as part of the whole bracelet.

Doreen has finished this scrummy, soft hat for Cosy Caps Project. I have to apologise for the lest than spectacular photograph, but I seem to have issues photographing anything red!

This Weeks WIPS

Tracey – Guinea Pig X-Stitch
Janice – Re-starting her lilac lace scarf
Me – Mexico sock for Lorraine (was keeping it a surprise but she saw it today) and also working on my Blackwork “Anne of Cleeves”
Romy – dabbling with socks and working a little on an embroidered panel.
Lorraine – altering a zip on some waterproof trousers
Irene – Embroidered frog panel
Gillian – sewing up a white & turquoise baby cardi
Margaret – blue/grey sock #2
Doreen – started work on a cardi
Janette – white/white cot top (this is really getting there!)

See you soon :)

An end to Our ‘Wander’-ings

2010-02-13T11:04:00.001-08:00

Sunday 31st January

Well, today was the 1st day at our new ‘home’, Cafe Wander. As you can see we are certainly making ourselves at home and making the most of the great light and scrummy food :)

Finishes

After a little dabbling a few weeks ago with this scrummy soft yarn, Romy has made this lovely soft scarf for herself.

And our newest friend, Erin, has also finished this very cool hat. She is new to knitting and this is her very 1st hat – didn’t she do a wonderful job. She used this free pattern to make it.

Janette also finished this quilt (on the day I might add) by hand seaming the edge bindings. She will be donating this and another quilt to Project Linus UK. We know that these will go to good homes and will provide comfort to a child and their family.

Xmas Finishes

Better (posted) late than never, these 2 finishes are from Doreen who made these as Xmas gifts for family members.

This weeks WIPS

Erin – Pink Scarf
Romy – Cabled Arran jumper
Gillian – White Baby Hat
Janette – Project Linus UK Quit in pink & Turquoise.
Margaret – Kilt Socks
Tracey – X-stitch Guinea Pig
Doreen – Red hat for Cosy Caps
Donna – Sewing up her knitted Snowman
Me -

Sunday 7th February

Second day at Cafe Wander and I can certainly recommend the cupcakes – very yummy :D

Finishes

Here is the lovely Janette modelling her finish for this week – A cowl scarf which she knitted with the yarn our American friend gave her all those moths ago.

This weeks WIPS

Romy – Cabled Arran jumper - so nearly finished now!
Gillian – White & Turquoise Baby Cardi
Janette – White/white quilt cot top
Margaret – Sock #2
Doreen – Red hat for Cosy Caps
Me -

See you soon. A x

All change :)

2010-01-24T07:53:00.001-08:00

Its been a busy 2 weeks so I will try to keep this short but sweet :)

Sunday 17th January

We had a new friend join us today. Erin had seen the group on Ravelry.com and decided she would join in the fun.

Here she is with Gillian (sorry the pic is blurry) showing one of the great things about the group – everyone is willing to help out and share their wisdom.

Lorraine (my big sis) has decided to start a new charitable effort and she would like our help.

The idea is to make hats suitable for a person undergoing Chemotherapy – Men or Women of all ages. The hats must be soft on the skin and easy to wash/care for. I think it is a fantastic idea and I am planning on making a few hats myself.

I have started collecting a few simple hat patterns free on the web as there are many about:
http://www.knitlist.com/00gift/simple-hat-recipe.htm
http://stephanieknits.blogspot.com/2007/03/keeping-boyfriends-ears-warm-since-2006.html
http://www.unicornbooks.com/pattern_MWwatchcap-SQL3.asp

Please think about de-stashing some of your soft yarns into a worthwhile project.

Finishes

Gillian and Margaret T have both been busy. Gillian knitted this sweet pink baby jacket and matching hat and Margaret has knitted these 2 hats for the Cosy Caps Project.

This Weeks WIPs

Erin – a circular knitted hat in a green/brown variegated yarn
Me – a lilac sparkle, sweetheart-neckline jumper
Doreen – Red & white baby cardigan
Margaret T. – black ribbed hat for Cosy Caps

Sunday 24th January

Today was a busy and eventful day in many ways, First off we had our largest attendance ever this year with 10 friends in total. Another new friend decided to join us today – Janice who is a fellow member of the Glasgow Branch of the Embroiderers Guild to myself, Irene and Tracey.

Secondly have decided to move. Whilst we do love Starbucks (and all their yummy goodies) the lighting and temperature levels have both proved to be too low to work comfortably in. So at the suggestion of the lovely Janette we are moving to Cafe Wander, just round the corner in West George Street. They have a much brighter and warmer seating area and said they would gladly welcome us as Sunday mornings are quiet for them.

A few of us checked it out for lunch after today's meeting and can report that service was excellent and the food was delicious.

There were no finishes this week, but Janette did amaze us all with the news that in her sponsored sew she managed and incredible 126 patches an hour. She was raising money for Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society (Europe) who are looking to fund a conference. See HERE for more information.

This Weeks WIPs

Doreen – Red & White baby cardi
Janice – light purple lacy scarf
Irene – research for a new embroidery project
Donna – lilac baby’s hat
Gillian – finishing a cream baby cardigan
Lorraine – (another bl**dy) scarf - or ‘undoing macramé’ as she called it today when her yarn got all tangled in the hank.
Valerie – a X-Stitch of sweet Peas (which is 4 years old now)
Margaret T – Entralac Cushion Cover
Me – lilac sparkle jumper

See you all on 31st at Cafe Wander! A x

Busy Day

2010-01-15T10:24:00.001-08:00

We had our busiest day of the year so far - ok so it’s only our 2nd meeting of the year, but anyway!

We also had a slight hiccup in that Starbucks was late in opening. One of their staff was running late – she even came up to us afterward and apologised ! So in the meantime we adjourned to Subway for some hot tea & coffee as it was still bitterly cold and icy.

Finishes

Two finishes this week, both finished during the meet – one of which was started there as well.

Tracy crocheted (from start to finish) this cute little mouse from a free pattern on Ravelry.

And Irene finished this embroidered 4” square. This is part of an Embroiderers Guild project where square of different rainbow colours are decorated and then hung together in a display to show the various and varied styles of embroidery within the Guild.

This Weeks WIPs

Donna – Yellow crocheted Baby Blanket
Irene – Orange embroidered square
Janette – White on white quilted cot top
Romy – Cabled cardigan and a dabble with “popcorn” yarn
Tracey – Crocheted Mouse
Margaret T - Red Ribbed Hat
Gillian – Childs Knitted Bolero
Me – Frogging & knitting a chunky cream hat for my dad.

see you next week :)

New Year, New Start?

2010-01-08T04:10:00.001-08:00

Ok, so life and the holidays kind of took over and I have fallen behind (again) with the weekly blog update.

Never mind. In the interest of having a clean start to the new year I am simply going to post up the photos I have taken at the last 2 meets. We did manage to keep meeting over the holiday period with only 1 Sunday off.

Finishes

Tracey managed to knit the match to the above hand-warmer at one of the meetings. This was a good thing as they were a Xmas gift that had to be posted the following day!

She also showed of her new treat for herself :

Her new tattoos – these are a button for her love of crafting and an atomic symbol for her love of all things Science.

I also managed to finish the Xmas present I was working on…a pair of “Awesome Socks” for my Hubbie.

Unfortunately, as this was my 1st time doing Fair Isle (and because I used the wrong combination of Yarns) they did not fit going on when I have them to him. As you can see from the stretching of the cuffs I have tried to make them fit, but to no avail. He still said he loved them, and even suggested that I frog them and used the yarn for something else. Well I’m not ready to do that just yet! So this project will just have to sit a while.

On a more successful note Gillian has been beading again and this time her mum, Margaret T, has been joining in too.

This is Gillian’s lovely necklace:

And this is Margaret's:

Margaret has cleverly re-used an antique clasp on her necklace giving it a wonderful Vintage twist.

Take care all, see you next week.

A x

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year everyone!

2009-12-26T01:48:00.000-08:00

This is just short reminder that there will be no Knitters meeting on Sunday 27th. The next meeting will be on the 3rd at Nelson Mandela Place Starbucks.

Hope you all having a wonderful Holiday Season. :)

New place, old friends

2009-12-16T11:08:00.001-08:00

Well, we’ve had two weeks at the new venue and apart from the lack of Craft books and a bit of a cold draft, its not too bad (but it will never be Borders)

Although the corner picture above has lovely light, we have decided it is too cold to sit there for long so next weekend we will be trying the other ‘comfy’ seats in Starbucks

And last Sunday we were cheered by the sight of hundreds of jogging Santa’s in the city centre as the annual Santa Run was on.

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Donna!

This weeks Finishes

Margaret T. has finished this darling little baby jacket. Doesn't it look lovely and cosy?

I have finished my Entrelac Scarf – and keep getting lots of compliments on how bright and eye-catching it is :)

And finally Gillian has been busy beading again and has finished these two lovely necklaces.

This Weeks WIPS

Me – tiny blue scarf for a toy pig (for my Dad)
Doreen -
Donna – A Hat for her Snowman
Margaret T. – Pink chunky child’s jacket
Tracey -
Gillian – Burgundy/Gold Cardigan (and chatting lots!)
Janette – White on white quilted top

See you next Sunday :)

Change of Venue

2009-12-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

Hi all

With the very sad news that Central Glasgow Borders maybe closing I have decided to try and find a new location for us to meet if we want this group to continue for now. I hope that Borders will remain open and if it does we can move back there once things have calmed down a little.

I have spoken with the staff at the Starbucks in Nelson Mandela Place and they say they are happy if we want to meet there. There is a lovely cosy corner with good lighting and soft chairs (at the back of the store if you enter from Nelson Mandela Place side). They too are open at 10am on Sundays and say that although they cannot guarantee the seating till 1pm, if we are buying food & drinks we are welcome to stay. There will be no charge for using the space for our meetings.

Here is the Starbucks page showing where the store is:
Starbucks Map Here

I hope we can continue to meet over the festive period (it’s a good way to escape the stress!) but we might have to take it a week at a time.

A x

Small but perfectly formed

2009-11-20T23:36:00.001-08:00

Well – like the title suggests – we were a small group on Sunday, just the 5 of us. Didn’t stop us having our usual laugh mind you :)

We were also joined for a chat by 2 lovely ladies from Falkirk who were visiting Glasgow for the weekend. They were very interested in the idea of a Stitch ‘n’ Bitch and said they would have to see about finding one in their area.

Finishes

Margaret T has finished this lovely hooded, baby cardigan which is worked in a similar stitch to the baby blanket Gillian brought finished last week.

Margaret T. also brought along 2 piece she has been working on – A chair cover which is one of a set of 4, and a picture panel which Gillian started and Margaret is finishing.

This Weeks WIPs

Margaret T – the Kilts sock are nearly finished
Gillian – the soft green cardigan is steadily progressing
Doreen -
Margaret W – another pair of wrist-warmers!
Me -

Back again

2009-11-09T11:25:00.001-08:00

I must apologise for the break in our regular blogging – life just got in the way last weekend and I needed a day at home.

However all is back to normal – if a little louder than usual! Much laughter was to be hear from Borders basement this Sunday.

Ginnie was back this week and we were also joined by a new member Romy, who joins us via the Ayrshire branch of the Embroiderers Guild (where my Mum attends)

Many, many Finishes

Gillian has been putting the rest of us to shame as she brought along her many finishes

These include 2 baby blankets (one knitted, one crocheted), a shnugly red scarf, a cream baby cardigan and a HUGE mohair lap blanket knitted with 24mm knitting needles and 12 strands of yarn!

Janette was feeling a little sleepy so she made good use of this ever-so-warm blanket.

This Weeks WIPS

Ginnie -
Gillian – Knitting a soft green jumper for herself
Doreen -
Lorraine – a multicoloured and cream chunky knit scarf
Margaret W – White wrist-warmers
Margaret T – Knitted baby blanket in white and green
Romy – finishing of an embroidered picture of a garden landscape
Janetta – Sleeping! oh, and her white on white quilted cot top.
Me -

See you next week :)

Two for the Price of One

2009-10-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

Well life kind of got in the way last week so this is a round up of both last Sunday and the Sunday before. Sorry guys

Sunday 4th Oct

We had a very full group as we were joined by Margaret W. again. Also my sister,Lorraine and my Mum, Irene came along too.

That Weeks WIPS

Irene – The Space and Stars inspired embroidery
Janette – Pastel coloured colonial Knot work piece (now with sparkly Beads)
Lorraine – A Scarf knitted in (the now infamous) Sirdar Snowflake yarn
Doreen – Cream cabled Baby hooded cardigan
Gillian – Sea green/white knitted baby blanket
Margaret T. – Kilt socks #2 and #3
Margaret W. – crochet white baby blanket
Donna – X-stitch Bookmark & another knitted ladybird in Snowflake
Me – Still working on the entrelac scarf

Sunday 11th Oct

A much quieter Sunday with just a few of us chatting and knitting (or in my case staring into space tiredly!)

We decided that as we are fast approaching the Holiday season and some of the group have started work on presents that I will replace the WIP with the following image:

I hope to be able to have a gallery of all the finished pieces after the Holidays are over.

Our 9th Finish

Doreen has finished her adorable hooded Baby Cardigan with cables. She also chose the most adorable buttons which have two little bunnies on them.

This weeks WIPS

Janette – White/white quilted cot top – now on to the butterflies

Doreen –

Gillian – Sea green/white knitted baby blanket

Margaret T. – Kilt socks #2 and #3

Donna – Started on a Knitted Pudsey bear

Me – Still working on the entrelac scarf

I won’t be at the next Sunday meet as I'm going to be away in far flung Dingwall for the weekend, but I shall be there the following week. I have also heard from our travelling Tracey who has now returned safe from her trip to Canada and she will also be returning to the group soon.

My Sincere apologies

2009-10-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

I would first of all like to offer my apologies for a belated Very Happy Birthday to Gillian. It was her Birthday last Monday and due to some health problems on my part I did not manage to post in time to wish her a happy day from all of the group. Sorry Gillian

I would also like to welcome Margaret W. to the group. She joined us for the 1st time on Sunday. She is hoping to develop her knitting skills away from her little boy who is at the “get-into-everything” stage – which is making knitting impossible!

Our 7th and a ‘Half an 8th’ Finishes

Showing yet another skill in the group, Gillian has just finished spinning this hank which will probably be the first of three. It is pure Alpaca spun from 2 un-dyed whole fleeces, one cream and the other a caramel/toffee colour. She says she is thinking of spinning the next two in single colours to give her a interesting mix with which to work.

Now why, I hear you say, have I said that this is our ‘Half an 8th’ finish? Well this is the lovely white cot top blanket that Margaret T. (our 1st Margaret) has just finished knitting – but it is only half done as she is intending on edging and backing it with some lovely satin to make a shnugly blanket for the winter.

This Weeks WIPS

Janette – work is still progressing on the white/white quilted cot top. Again I have to apologise as in my last post I implied that it was nearly finished – I meant that the centre section was nearly finished. Janette still has to complete the Celtic butterflies in each corner, one of which she started this meeting.
Margaret W – Margaret is learning to knit using the most delicious combination of purple sparkle and plain black eyelash yarn. So far we all agree she is doing fantastically well.
Gillian – Work was being progressed in Gillian’s corner on both a cream Tunisian crocheted blanket and a sea green/white baby blanket.
Margaret T – The ripple knitted top continues to grow in waves of pale pink, white, raspberry, moss and pale green.
Doreen - the white and pastel coloured baby cabled cardigan look nearly finished to me on Sunday.
Me - and I am still working away at my rainbow coloured Entralac scarf.

We can confirm that Valerie has retuned from America safely but was recovering from her trip (and the cost of the excess baggage in fabric she brought back from the sound of it!)

Chocolate and chatting

2009-09-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely time this Sunday. As it was Janettes birthday the week before I made some scrummy Chocolate cupcakes. Everyone tucked into them with some going back for 2nds (and even 3rds!)

We were back to our more normal numbers as Valerie is still away in Quilt Show Heaven (America), Donna had a family christening and Liz & Laura were away at a Cats Protection League meeting.

Our 5th & 6th Finishes

This is the fantastic card that Tracey designed and stitched for a friend who is moving away. Apparenly they all used to drink at the West Bar where they brew German Beer. Her friend is the one looking worse for wear on the table.

This lovely little pullover was knitted byGillian for her Nephew. Isnt it lovely and bright :)

This Weeks WIPs

Janette - White on white cot top and Colonial Knot quilting are both nearly finished
Doreen - Pale pasted varigated white baby cardi
Gillian - Tunisian crocheted blanket in a creamy yellow
Margaret - Ripple wave knitted stash buster
Tracey - Work continues on the blue Ribbed Jumper
Irene - Also working in blue, the "star stuff" inspire embroidery is beginning to sparkle
Me - Entralac rainbow scarf.

The group have all also asked me to post a huge Thank You to Karen for her incredibly generous gifts she brought last week. Everyone has been so happy with the new additions to their craft stashes and were buzzing with new ideas.

Friends from Far and Near

2009-09-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we were the busiest we have ever been - we even had to send for more chairs...twice!

Our new members were Karen who joins us for the day from the US. Her daughter Sarah aslo popped by to say "Hi". If you look a few posts back you will see that Sarah contacted us as she is starting at Glasgow Uni this week and her Mum joined her to get her settled in. Karen very generously brought a huge bag of yarn and needlework items to share with the group that she was clearing from her stash. Thank you Karen! It was great having one of our American knitting sisters join us.

Aslo joining us were Liz and Laura. Liz saw the Groups posters up in Borders whilst she was chasing her children and thought she come along and bring Laura too.

We didnt have any finishes this week but everyone was busy chatting ,laughing and knitting - just it should be. In fact we were so busy chatting we didnt even notice the music for once!

This weeks WIPs

Irene - Work is progressing on Irene's Space-inspired freeform embroidery. The group were also all inspired by the pictures Irene had downloaded that had been taken by the Hubble telescope.
Janette - Janette split her time between her white on white cot top and another white piece with pastel coloured colonial knots.
Karen - Karen brought along her jewel-coloured striped jumper she was working on. She also brought across a pair of Norwegian mittens she had been working on but they nearly didnt survive Customs men and their dislike of knitting needles!
Doreen - Doreen was still working on her white baby Cardi.
Tracey - Tracey was working on finishing a cross-stitched peice for a freind who is moving away.
Donna - Aslo working on finishing her cross-stitch Donna managed to complete her piece on Sunday, but wanted to wait til after it is framed to have it photographed.
Margaret - Margaret was working on her white blanket which is looking bigger every week.
Laura - Laura started a lilac knitted cat blanket today. She and Liz are members of the Cat Protection League.
Liz - Liz was working on a green Baby Cardi (At least i think thats what my notes say. Sorry if thats wrong Liz)
Me - despite saying I wouldnt start anything new .... I did. I began an entralac rainbow coloured scarf using 7 different balls of free yarn I got from two different Magazines.

Happy Birthday

Best foot forward!

2009-09-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

It seems like a long time since I have posted. I'm told last Sunday (30/8/09) was very quiet with only 4 Snb-ers in Borders. Meanwhile Gillian & I had a great time at the Bead fair.

It was kinda quiet again this Sunday but it was nice to be back.

Our Third and Fourth Finish

Doreen has now finished her cream, baby Cardigan in the Snowflake yarn. Unfortunatly the picture isnt very clear but she has added the lovely finishing touchs of an appliqued elephant and little buttons.

I finally got my Happy Toe Socks finished! They took much sweat and tears (and no small amount of swearing) but I am really happy with them. They are only the 2nd pair of socks I have made and I am happy to report they are vey comfortable :)

This Weeks WIPs

Janette - The white on white cot top is coming on leaps and bounds - no small feat considering the only times she works on this is on sunday mornings.

Doreen - Having finished the cream Cardi, doreen has now started a lovely baby cardigan.
Gillian - Gillian is now on to her third striped baby cardigan in bold colours, with a matching hat.
Donna - Today Donna was working on finishing a sweet cross-stitch of some cartoon baby animals. I think this might be a gift for her Sister, but I'm not sure.
Margaret - Margaret continues to work on the white blanket squares, some of which she has started to sew together already.
Me - I decided to pick up and carry on an embroidered table cloth that i have been working on and off on for the last few years.

Valerie was not with us today as she was leaving for a dream trip to America where she will be meeting and staying with several other Quilters. Safe travels Val :D

Wet and Windy

2009-08-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

It was a bit of a wet start today as the weather very grey and damp, but it was brightened by Gillian when she was told us that on the way in she and Margaret saw a Council worker watering the plants in Sauchihall street - in the middle of the rain! Only in Glasgow - Dedicated Council worker we salute you!

We were joined today by Maria, Tracey's mum, as she was visiting whilst on holiday. She has got to be the fastest crocheter I have ever seen as she turned out at least 6 of the following during the morning:

This will eventually sewn together to make a baby blanket backed with the rainbow fleece shown next to it.

Our Second Finish

The day was further brightened the three sunny faces shown above. This is our second finish for the group - the Bug Buddies knitted by Donna in the Snowflake yarn.

Here they are from above showing the ever-so-cute pastel colours she used. I believe these are going to good home with various freinds of Donna's who are about to have or have had babies this year. Well done Donna

This Weeks WIPS

Gillian - Sewing up the lovely striped baby cardigan she finished over the week
Tracey - Embroidering a wildlife scene taken from her own drawings and sketches. The finished piece is part of this online exhibition
Maria -Two colour Crochet squares for a baby blanket
Margaret - Sock 2 of a pair of kilt socks (the grateful cry of "I've finished the leg!" was heard to echo through Borders today!)
Donna - Finished off her Bug Buddies shown above
Doreen - A lovely, bright pink, cabled headband to tame her unruly hair!
Me - Socks as usual -still trying to finish the toe socks off.

Janette and Valerie were not with us today as they were away at the Birmingham Quilt Fest, and Irene was recovering from having re-arranging and streamlining her dressing room yesterday.

Next week neither I or Gillian will be there as we will be away enjoying the Scottish Bead fair - although Gillian will just be a visitor and I will actually be working on Mrs Magootys stand. However I do hope to have a post as someone very kindly will be taking notes for me :D

See you soon

A moment of panic!

2009-08-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

There was much laughter as always this Sunday - as well as some small excitement.

Disaster was avoided by the timely repair Tracy's circular needles which snapped while she was working her Blue Ribbed top. Thanks to Gillian's quick thinking, and the useful supply of 1/4inch masking tape from Janette there was a happy ending.

Donna retuned to us and was happy to be back (although I think she misses being on holiday!) and Doreen once again joined us. As it turns out the 'Fluffy' yarn which Doreen is using for her WIP is the same Snowflake yarn Donna is knitting some cute, pastel coloured toys with, so Donna was able to confirm that if "you just stick with it" it would work out alright in the end.

Gillian also had the exciting news that she has sold the beaded necklace and bracelet set she recently finished. (See here)

Our First Finish

This is the beautiful hand quilted cushion top that was finished by Janette last week (and that I forgot to photograph!) This her first hand-quilted piece and therefore she is not going to part with this. And for those inquiring minds - yes, the back is as neat as the front!

Never being the one to shrink from a challenge her next hand-quilted piece she is working on is the before-mentioned "White on White Celtic Knot" blanket top - a piece she is being paid for in the cost of the coffees she buys whilst making it!

This Weeks WIPS:

Janette - white/white hand-quilting
Doreen - Cream and fluffy baby cardigan (restarted after last week because all our chatting made her lose count whilst casting on! Sorry Doreen)
Donna - a lilac and pink fluffy ladybird. This is the last in a set of cute, stuffy insects in pastel colours she has been working on for the last few weeks
Gillian - A Stripy baby cardigan in cream, chocolate, berry and blue
Margaret - Sock 2 of a cream kilt sock for a family member. It should also be noted that the wool she is knitting in was spun by Gillian.
Tracey - The Blue Ribbed Top is steadily adding the inches
Me - Still working on my socks from last week.

Valerie and Irene had to miss this week as Val was at church and Irene was at a New Orleans Jazz concert.

**Coming soon** I have decided to start a Work In Progress Feature. Once a month or so I will focus on one piece being worked upon, why and how it is being made and for whom. So watch this space :D

See you all next week

Quiet Day

2009-08-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

It was a nice quiet day today (except for Borders choice in music!) with everyone getting on with their projects. We have a new member today - Doreen (third from right above) had seen our posters up and decided to come join us. She was working on a cream, fluffy baby jumper - even though she hates the yarn she's working with!

Above is a photo of the group today, with some of the many items that have been finished at the group over the last few months. They include a fine cobweb shawl by Gillian, a hand quilted cushion top just finished by Janette and a pair of 'Awesome Socks' by myself.

Left to right we have Tracey, Me (Aileen), Irene (my mum), Janette, Doreen, Gillian and Margaret (Gillian's mum). We would also normally have Jeanette's mum Valerie, Donna and Carolyne but they were all busy elsewhere.

Today we were:

Janette - a white on white Celtic knot hand quilting
Irere - was busy removing some beads from (bought) cardigan to improve it
Doreen - knitting a fluffy, cream baby jumper
Gillian - was working on some beading she stared the day before at a Bead group.
Margaret - making more knitted, white squares for an ongoing blanket project
Tracey - working some more of the 10 1/2" ribbed knitted jumper in deep blue she is making for herself
and I was weaving the ends of one sock and starting the mate for a pair of varigated socks with toes.

More next week :)

Setting off on our own!

2009-08-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Glasgow Central Stitch 'N' Bitch Blogsite.

Having started in March 2009 we are a small but rapidly growing knitting group who meet every Sunday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in Borders Books on Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

Amongst out members we have knitters, beaders, quilters, spinners and more. We welcome all you craft people to join us :)

We knit and craft whilst having a coffee and a natter. New members are always welcome. Just grab your coffee 'to go' and join us at the big table in the Upper Basement - just next to the craft books!

We are the sister group to the Glasgow Fort Stitch 'N' Bitch who meet every Tuesday 7.00 to 8.30pm in the cafe in Borders Books at the Glasgow Fort.