Pippablue - Design, Craft, Interiors, Living

Keep Warm this Christmas!

Its still snowing and so cooold in Ireland at the moment.  Here's a little tip to help you keep warm.   I regularly lose gloves and have just bought a new pair that I am determined to keep this time!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your gloves had strings so that you didn't lose them?  Well this technique can be used for adults too!

You will need a length of ribbon in a complimentary color, long enough to go around your neck and down each arm. 

 Then stitch one end of the ribbon to the back of each glove using a few neat stitches so that the ribbon is securely attached.  

This will only take a few minutes and when you are finished, simply feed each glove through the sleeve of your coat.  This is really useful when you are out shopping and go into a warm shop, you can take your gloves off and not worry about losing them.

 You can use any ribbon, however for something special, the lovely range of East Of India Ribbons, which come in 3 meter lengths are ideal.

 

And The Winner Is....

 We have been absolutely delighted with the response to the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! We had a whopping 634 comments left on the blog  and have used a Random Number Generator to pick a winner. But we can't figure out how to copy the image thingy on to the blog, so hand on heart the winner is comment number 335.....

 Violeta..who said: Thanks for the chance to win and Happy Holidays.

 

Violeta, we will be in touch and post your goodies to you! And for all of you guys who didn't win, thanks a million for your lovely comments and check back because we will definitely be doing this again!

Happy Holidays everybody!!!

Pippablue

Giveaway!

We are joining in on Sew, Mama, Sew's  winter Giveaway Day. This is definitely worth checking out, as there are tons of blogs and shops world wide giving away the coolest stuff, from supplies to handmade items! And you have a few days to browse through all the entrants. A great chance to discover some new blogs and the amazing talent available on the world wibe web!

 

We are giving away, three fat quarters of lovely Japanese fabrics, a 3m roll of East of India Ribbon (not in photo), and a set of cute Japanese buttons. To be in with a chance to win, leave a comment on this post. For a second chance, like us on facebook, and come back to let us know you've done it. The winner will be picked at random at the end of the Giveaway. Good Luck Everybody!!!!

Button Corsage Tutorial

This is a very simple corsage, made from East of India ribbon and an assortment of odd buttons.

Step 1:  Cut 4 lengths of ribbon, approx 10cm in length. Fold the ends of the ribbon pieces to meet evenly at centre point of each length as shown below. Repeat this step with each ribbon to form the corsage petals.

Step  2:   Lay ribbons petals over each other to form a flower. If you would like a fuller corsage, its easy, just repeat steps 1 & 2, using 4 shorter lengths of ribbon. Secure with a few stitches.

Step 3:   Now, sew on your buttons. Choose a variety of shapes and sizes, while using similar shades.

Step 4:  Finally, attach a brooch pin to the back of the corsage, and the corsage is ready to add a splash of colour to your favourite jacket. 

 

Easy Christmas Decorations for Kids

French knitters (some of you may know them as Knitting Nancies), are really easy to use for younger kids and a great introduction to knitting.

We made these cute little candy canes to hang on the Christmas tree using red and white wool, and pipe cleaners. They were quick and fun to make and best of all my seven year old was able to make them by herself!

For great instructions on how to use a knitting doll, check out this link.

To make the stripes, just cut equal lengths of red and white wool and tie them together to make one long string.

Push the knots where the wool joins into the knitting doll as you go.

Insert the pipe cleaner into the knitted tube when your knitting pops out at the bottom of the doll.

Carry on knitting until the pipe cleaner is fully covered by the knitting and cast off. Shape the pipe cleaner and tidy up your loose ends. We tied a red ribbon around our canes, but you could use googly eyes, little bells or other decorations.

We used Patons Fab Acrylic DK wool which you can get in the shop ( and at 90 cents per ball, it won't break the bank!)

Happy Knitting!

Pippablue 

Christmas Crafting with Drops Yarn

 

Check out these cute ideas for christmas knitting. We love the simple colour schemes and scandinavian feel, and there are plenty of ideas for all ages.

 

You can find all these free knitting, crochet and felting patterns at Garnstudio's Christmas Workshop.

Happy Knitting! Pippablue

Hello from the Knitting & Stitching Show !!

 

 

Knitting & Stitching show, RDS - Advance purchase of tickets

If you are planning on coming to the Knitting & Stitching show at the RDS which runs from Wednesday 28th October - Sunday 31st October, the deadline for booking tickets in advance is Friday 23rd October.

On advance purchased tickets, savings can be made on individual tickets. Also groups of 4 or more people travelling togother can avail of a group discount, for example a mini-group for 4 is €39. See the Knitting & Stitching web-site for details.

Look forward to seeing you there,

Ger & Eva

Pippablue, Stand G9, RDS, Dublin

 

Just In! Amy Butler Laminated Cottons

In Ireland, we need raincoats...All year long!!

And, while there are plenty of practical coats on the market, its hard to find one that looks good.

So, we are very excited by the new range of patterns by Amy Butler using her beautiful ( and super-soft) laminated cottons and can't wait until they arrive in the shop.

In the meantime, if you're itching to get started with these funky fabrics, check out Amy's free pattern for this beautiful picnic blanket. Or why not try this tutorial from Threads magazine and up-cycle your umbrella!

For more information on sewing with laminated fabrics check Amy Butler's web site for her great tips. Here are just a few basics to get you started:

•    Keep your project simple - clean lines work best.

•    When sewing your fabric pieces together use a longer stitch length (3mm or larger). Shorter  stitch lengths create too many holes and can weaken the seams.

•    Stitch slowly as you gently guide your fabric through your sewing machine to help keep it from puckering. If the fabric begins to pucker in front of your presser foot, stop, and use the hand wheel on your machine to walk your needle through the small pucker.

•    Once you sew a seam, open up the panels and finger press the seam allowances to one side (Do not iron). Then turn the panels over to the RIGHT side and edge stitch close to the seam catching the seam allowances underneath. This will make the seam lay flat and look neat and finished.

Happy sewing!

Pippablue - for all who share a passion for sewing and fabrics

Getting ready for the Knitting and Stitching Show 2010

It's that time of the year again and we are looking forward to this year's Knitting and Stitching Show at the RDS in Dublin. As usual we are bringing the Pippablue shop to Dublin and you'll be able to find us at stand number G9.

This year's show promises a schedule of great workshops in knitting, crochet, patchwork, felting and much more. For more detailed information on times and events pop over to the organiser's web-site, www.twistedthread.com

The Galleries will host exhibitions in textile arts, patchwork and more, from international and local artists, as well as the Graduate Showcase and special displays from the NCAD and Limerick College.

New to this year is the Swishing Salon, where you are invited to bring along quality clothing to exchange with others, as well as demonstrations on how to revamp and 'upcycle' your garments. So you might go home with a new wardrobe!

So, if you are interested in anything to do with textiles and crafts, head down to the RDS from the 28th to the 31st of October. Tickets are available at a discount if pre-ordered or contact us at Pippablue and we can pre-order for you.

Pippablue