Sale of Curios for Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool

Our lovely friend Ash is hosting a party to raise money for the wonderful peeps at the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool. And we're helping! It is a cause very dear to my heart also, so we're excited to try and raise some cash for them!

Here's the deets: the fun takes place on the evening of the 23rd April (tis a Friday) at the Liverpool Art & Design Acadmey (Duckinfield Street, off Brownlow Hill). There will be lots of awesome stuffs going on, including burlesque shows, a silent auction, and a kitsch tombola. And there's a bar! We're donating auction/tombola things, woo!

So come on down and bring your friends, if you can! It's bound to be a most excellent eve. If you have questions, direct them here and check out the Art in Liverpool listing for the event.

AWESOME!! xoxo

A woolly good time!

So, where have i been?
Yesterday i spent the whole day at Make, Do and Knit. It was great!
I met loads of fellow knitters, ate some delicious veggie bean casserole and spent hours just knitting and nattering. I hope they make it an annual event. I got myself a few treats too :)

Some knitting needles that look like magic wands (who on earth wouldn't want these) and some chunky wool that's just yummy. I also treated myself and got......

This! It only cost me a pound!! i couldn't believe it. it's a really fine yarn, and the colours remind me of 80's kids TV presenters.... so obviously i had to get it! I'm not sure what I'll make with it yet, but it'll be fun to use :)
I met a lovely girl, Sarah (from iKnit London), who showed me a stitch I'd not tried before, Fisherman's Rib. So I'll be having a go at that tonight.

I've also been busy knitting/designing a spring/summer cardigan.

I'm obsessed with crops at the moment, so i thought I'd make my own! I'm also really into yellow this year, after hating the colour for as long as i can remember. Busty Betty (my mannequin) looks good in the cardi don't you think? I've nearly finished the back now, so really just have the sleeves to go. More picture's coming soon!

knitknacks!

Time for an update on our current wooly ventures, I think!



Easter is almost upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a cuddly crochet bunny! This is a Sarah Teapot creation, and I think you'll agree that he is adorable! This little chap has gone to a very good home already, but feel free to order one, if you'd like one!

Next, we have the Slytherin Tam, and the Button Me Up mug cosy! The Slytherin Tam is a crocheted tam, made by my good self our of some random chunky yarn that just happened to be in Slytherin colours. I'm a Ravenclaw, but I couldn't miss a chance to make something Harry Potter related. We heart Harry!

The Button Me Up mug cosy is a new design! It shall soon be available as a free pattern, so keep your eyes open for that. It's great for beginners, or for super knitters who want something quick and easy. There will also be a pimped up version, with more snazzy detailing. Awesome! Completed cosies will be available to buy eventually. Until then, if you'd like one then just get in touch!

That's all for now, kiddiwinks! Happy knitting! xoxo

Mamegoma!

New obsession alert! I heart Mamegoma!

Took a trip to Chester with Paulface today, and while we were there we dropped in at an awesome little shop called Tokyo Jazz Panda (it's awesome, go and look. Japanese loveliness galore!) Twas here that we stumbled across Mamegoma...


What could possibly be cuter than a minature seal that lives in a goldfish bowl? I can't think of much! A plushy one is going right at the top of my christmas list this year, as is the DS game. AND I shall be attempting a crocheted version as soon as I have time. Super kawaii!

xoxo

knitted niceties!

First things first: we are very much in love with this advert!



What we wouldn't give to live in that house. Knitastic!

So it seems that spring may finally be here at last...and if we're lucky, it'll eventually lead in to summer! Huzzah! And while the warmer weather may not necessarily make you think of lovely knitted things, it still should! There are lots and lots of sunshine appropriate knitknacks out there, both to make and to buy. Check it out!

First off, we gotta mention our two super awesome FREE knitting patterns. Both the Spring Picnic Beret and the Chain of Hearts Mittens are perfect spring knits. Why not make them both into a matching set?

Second on...if you haven't peeped the spring range of knitwear from Miss Selfridge then go NOW. Seriously lustworthy knits, particularly in the Tops & Jumpers section. LOVE.

Miss Selfridge Pointelle Ruffle Bib Jumper, £35

I needneedneed it in my life. Total cute, totally versatile, and totally perfect for any temperature. Knitwear at it's stylin' best!

And finally...keep an eye out for our spring knitted accessories, coming soon! Everyone should be able to rock the handknits, no matter what the weather is like. We've got it covered, and we'll keep you posted!

Over and out xoxo

Spring time!

Another free knitting pattern for you all!

The eyelet hat is perfect for spring/summer!

You will need:

• 1x100g rowan pure wool aran (or any aran weight)
• 4mm circular needle
• 5mm circular needle
• 5mm dpn needles.

Using 4mm needle cast on 76 sts and join in the round.

*k1, p1* for 12 rows.

Next row: k1, *k2, m1* till last stitch, k1 = 113 sts.

Change to 5mm needles.

Row 1: k1, *k2tog, yo*

Row 2: knit

Row 3: knit

Row 4: k1, *yo, k2tog*

Row 5: knit

Row 6: knit

Row 7: knit

Row 8: knit

Repeat these 8 rows 3 more times.

Decrease rows: (change to double pointed needles when desired)

Row 1: k1, *k2tog, yo*

Row 2: knit

Row 3: k1, *k5, k2tog*

Row 4: k1, *yo, k2tog*

Row 5: knit

Row 6: k1, *k4, k2tog*

Row 7: knit

Row 8: k1, *k3, k2tog*

Row 9: k1, *k2tog, yo*

Row 10: k1, *k2, k2tog* k1

Row 11: k1, *k1, k2tog*

Row 12: k1, *yo, k2tog*

Row 13: k1 *k2tog*

Row 14: k1 *k2tog*

Cut yarn and thread it through remaining stitches. Pull tight and knot, then sew in any loose ends.

paws for thought...

My cat, Tallulah, sitting in the sink =P Silly catface!

We're very big fans of the animals here at Penny Tea, so I was really happy to discover a lovely pet related charity today. The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that is devoted to helping elderly and terminally ill people keep their pets with them for as long as possible. How lovely! As anyone with pets will know, animals really do make wonderful chums. This can be particularly true for the elderly, to whom a pet can be a wonderful source of comfort and companionship. But, pets also need a lot of care, and it's this care that the elderly and terminally ill might struggle to provide. So, The Cinnamon Trust provides volunteers to help with everything from feeding, walking and washing pets, to assisting with vets visits and emergencies. They also provide both short and long term care for bereaved pets, who's owners have passed on. That's so lovely that it makes me want to cry. It's the only charity of it's kind in the country, and I think it is awesome! There are loads of ways to get involved, from offering your services as a dog walker or foster parent for a bereaved pet down to simply spreading the word about the great work that Cinnamon does. I shall definitely be getting in touch to see what I can do!

If you're interested in The Cinnamon Trust, pop along to their website and have a look around!

http://www.cinnamon.org.uk

I know that they definitely need doggy walkers in the Runcorn area, so if you live close and have the time, why not give it a try?

xoxo

crocheted oddities...

While crochet is not my first language, I've been teaching myself more and more lately. Major heart! It's the perfect craft for creating wonderful (but odd) cuddly things. It began with the bunnies and Penny, for Eyewash Exhibition, and then came...

KIRBY! He was a present for Paulface, who loves Kirby very much (a bit too much). He was modelled on the image on the Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards game that sits in my N64, on top of the TV :) Kirby loves eating cake and sandwiches, so I'll crochet some of those soon.

And then then...

MR BLOBBY! I love Mr Blobby...he is an incredibly underrated comedy genius. In doing some research while creating Blobby, I discovered that 'Blobbyland' (one of three ill fated Mr Blobby theme parks) has been trashed by ravers. Shocking! The ruins do look quite awesome though, in a way. I'd love to go and take photos!

That's all for now, bizarre crochet wise! I'm working on some secret projects atm, more on those when they begin to take shape. They'll be good though, promise!

Last thing:

NEW JEWELLERY!!!

Check out the two new ring designs in the 'Jewellery' section. 'Pretty Bird' and 'Peep!' are super fresh, super cute and perfect for spring. Treat yoself.

Back to my Harry Potter audio book. Ciao for now! xoxo

Chain of Hearts - Mitten Pattern

A cute pair of fingerless mittens for spring!

Winter is sooooo over! Chunky knits are not essential now. These mittens are knitted in double knit wool, which will still keep you warm, but not get in the way.

• 1 x 50g ball of DK Main colour. (I used Rooster DK, which is 112m/124yds and had plenty left over. So I think any DK will be enough)
• A small amount of DK for second colour.
• 3 ¼ mm needles.
• 4 mm needles.

Using 3 ¼ mm needles CO 39sts

1x1 Rib:

Row 1: *k1, p1* rep to end

Row 2: *p1, k1* rep to end

Repeat rib rows 2 more times (6 rows in total)

Change to 4mm needles.

Starting with a knit row, follow heart chart. (click image to enlarge)

Work in st st for 33 rows.

Change to 3 ¼ mm needles.

1x1 rib for 6 rows.

Cast off loosely.

Block the mitten, if you feel you want too. I didn’t, but if you think they might be a tad small, then blocking will help.

Sew up the long sides, leaving space for the thumb hole.