Swants Tutorial

Morning all 

Just found this amazing tutorial I had to share with you all. Its a bit wacky , the photos are fun , the idea is cheap to make (as long as you are happy to scour charity shops like I do) and the end result is stunning

Love , love , love this one

From this.....

  to......

 

Via West Knits 

Click on the photos or the link above to be taken to the tutorial

Just wish I had thought of it first :(

More Free tutorials from The Feminine Touch can be found here 

Thursdays Colour Ways – Radiant Orchid

I’m getting ready for the International  Colour Day on the 21st March , by writing my first “Colour” blog posting.

You will see my “Colour” blog postings always on a Thursday , and I’m going to call them “Thursdays Colour Ways”

And no surprise to you all , but the first colour I will be writing about is the gorgeous outstanding Radiant Orchid. Chosen by Pantone it’s the colour of 2014, it is both striking & beautiful . Its one of those colours where you have to have a lot of self confidence to wear it or have it in your house. But just think what you are missing out on if you don’t have anything in this colour.

I have scoured my favourite on-line site , one where I both sell and buy from – Etsy , its full of handmade & colourful goodies.  Below are some radiant orchid items you might buy and wear.

 Vintage Wool Hounds-tooth Draped Cocoon Cape - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KheGreen

Big bold oversized statement handmade ring - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StudioLeanne

Lace Collar Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/callmemimi

Geometric Acetate fabric String Bikini  - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/sunclassixx

Brass Book Locket Pendant - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Blucha

Purple hand knitted scarf - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheFeminineTouch  ME!

HEART Personalized Leather Key Fob - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Sakao

Extra long fingerless gloves hand knit armwarmers - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/irmasknittings

WoW , totally stunning and No , you wouldn’t probably wear more than 1 of these items at one time.  Statement pieces to show off the rest of your wardrobe , perhaps.


 I also found these lovely cushion covers on Etsy and its plain to see , the designers have decided that you should  incorporate radiant orchid with other stunning colours. They have chosen green, white and grey. In this way the colour doesn’t overwhelm you , but it does bring the cushion to life , bringing it to another dimension.

Waverly Radiant Orchid and Green Pillow Cover http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ChloeandOliveDotCom

Lavender & Linen Colorblock Pillow http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JillianReneDecor

Then putting my Interior Designer hat on (I’m only part way through the course but that’s another story) , I thought , let's find some room layouts that incorporate the colour. Here are a few of my favourites.

 Image from Decor6blog – Holly Becker best-selling author, pro-blogger, stylist and founder of decor8blog.com .  

More wonderful room images using Radiant orchid - http://decor8blog.com/2014/01/21/how-to-decorate-radiant-orchid/


I love the subtle use of the colour , yes the rug that takes up most of the bottom half of the photo is in the glorious radiant orchid , but have you noticed the geometric cushion?  or the book covers in the background? And.....just think what this room would look like without this colour included , boring and bland.

 Decor Decom - http://www.decordemon.com/

From one extreme to the other , this room layout is transformed with beautiful geometric  wall coverings  in the gorgeous radiant orchid , along with white and greys . Silver and Black in the mirror and cabinet accentuate the wall too. Stunning !

It doesn’t just have to be living rooms that can be brought to life with radiant orchid. Just look at this kitchen ! It so makes you want to cook AND bake !




 WA Designs - http://www.houzz.com/photos/461005/Stinson-Beach-House-beach-style-kitchen-san-francisco

And a simple rug , lamp and throw out in the garden , porch or conservatory

 Bo Bedre - http://bobedre.dk/article/164526-nye-behov---ny-have/gallery/689090

This is my favourite ! 

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.
From http://www.pantone.co.uk/pages/index.aspx?pg=21129

My 1st New Years Resolution - DONE

At the very end of last year , I endeavoured on a little project , aimed at trying to get more views to this blog and also the one at Uniquely UK. I was inspired by my friend Simmi , who was already doing the same. Both of us wrote some little freebie tutorials , simple instructions with whacking results. The number of views we get from these postings on a daily basis is stupendous!

I'd always planned that one year I would expand my little hobby to include selling knitting patterns that I had designed and written up. Well this year is that year! It came to me out of the blue again last week , and here I am a week later with 2 knitting patterns under my belt and another that is in the finishing stages.

Its a brilliant feeling to see my patterns written up professionally instead of scribbled on bits of paper that I lose on a daily basis. For me , it means that I don't have to rethink how to knit something I designed , I can just refer to my own pattern. The stress of those custom orders has gone away! 

But most importantly I can get my designs out there in the public domain. Yes some I will charge for (only £2.80 at the moment) and others I will post on my blog for free. I'll be offering tips and guidance on my blog too, just to help people get started or help them get over a difficult concept. 

So this is my 1st New Years Resolution DONE !. Now I have started , believe you me , I will continue , for this year and beyond.

Happy knitting ..........

Peg Bag knitting pattern

Hot water bottle cover knitting pattern