Smalls Crafts

DMC cross stitch sale

2011-10-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello from Smalls Crafts,

A quick update: All of our DMC kits have been reduced by 15% until the end of
the month. Follow the link below to have a look at all of our DMC cross stitch range:
DMC cross stitch kits

Is there a DMC kit you would like to stitch for yourself? or as a present
for a family member or friend? Take this opportunity to by a kit at these
low prices.

Also we have stocked up on some of the new yarns from Artesano visit Artesano wooll to see our range. For our Debbie Bliss wool have a look here Debbie Bliss wool

We are also now stocking Crochet hooks by Knit Pro you'll find them here
Knit Pro crochet hooks
Visit our website www.smallscrafts.co.uk you are sure to find something you like and all at nice prices.

Janet

Autumn

2011-10-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Autumn is well and truly here - its wet, dark and blowing a gale outside!

The one good thing about Autumn is the warm, chunky woollen knits.

We have added to our stock of chunky wool with the Artesano Super Chunky Aran. Knitted on 12 mm needles the Super chunky is a mix of superfine alpaca and Peruvian highland wool. There are some wonderful colours, it was very hard to choose which colours to stock! The accompanying pattern book has 20 fun and exciting projects that are quick to knit up. Here are a few examples:

We have also had delivery of the new Debbie Bliss Paloma yarn - a Baby Alpaca/Merino mix knitted on 10 mm needles. This new yarn from Debbie Bliss has an unusual chainette construction that gives a super soft and springy wool. There is a pattern book that supports this new yarn, and as expected has some lovely patterns.

We have also stocked up with the ever popular tapestry advent calender kit by Cleopatra's Needle:

...... so order yours now while they are still in stock - it would make a gorgeous heirloom for future Christmases.

Cleopatra's Needle have also produced some beautiful cushions -

The Bengal Tiger and the Leopard - available of course from Smalls Crafts!

There will be more new items to report on in the near future, so in the meantime keep warm and keep stitching!

Summer 2011

2011-09-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

The children have gone back to school after their long summer break, but I just wonder when summer going to reach us here in the Neath Valley.
We had a fun time despite the weather. We managed a weekend away to Stratford upon Avon. They've got a Christmas shop there :) which was full of wonderful Christmas decorations.

We turned our hand to growing some fruit a veg again this year. The grape vine was a spectacular failure, the strawberries (which we usually do very well with) were a flop. Little daughter brought a runner bean home form school to grow:

We managed one bean! Believe me I am nurturing this bean.

Enough of my ramblings, now the summer holidays are over thoughts turn to Autumn / Winter knitting and Christmas knits and stitching. I've set myself a task of knitting socks for the folks this Christmas.

Over the summer we had a delivery of sock wool - Opal Rainforest VII, machine washable 4ply wool in a variety of colours. I love the pick shade - Heldenmadchen (5144) but I don't think it will be suitable for my brothers! We also had delivery of some sock looms - these would make ideal Christmas gifts.

We also stocked up on Debbie Bliss wools and patterns. We are expecting a delivery of the new paloma yarn and pattern books and the new Autumn/Winter magazine - can't wait!

This is one of the new patterns from Debbie Bliss in the Simply Glen booklet, and is featured on the cover - 'cable edged wrap'. This pattern requires between 9 to 12 50g balls of Glen yarn. The cable edging gives the wrap such a nice finish.

We have added to our range of greeting cards from Derwentwater Designs including some new Christmas designs:

Next time hopefully we will have news of some gorgeous new designs by Cleopatra's Needle.

Derwentwater designs kits, new stock at smallscrafts

2011-08-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here at Smallscrafts we continue to grow our range of cross stitch kits, designs, threads and fabric. This week we have added to our range of Derwentwater designs cross stitch kits . We have more cards for special occasions including weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. We also have new cross stitch kits my favourite is the stunning picture by Rose Swalwell 'Storm Point' from the Derwentwater 'Coastal designs' series. If you are into longstitch we have some beautiful new kits including 'Autumn Walk' a wonderful kit complete with tapestry wool, metallic thread and needle.

Our wools and knitting supplies have also grown and this month we feature our Artesano range in national magazines.

Whatever your knitting or cross stitching needs, however young or experienced you are we have something for you. Visit our website www.smallscrafts.co.uk and find yourself a new project or gift today.

Janet.

DMC cross stitch and thread at www.smallscrafts.co.uk

2011-07-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

At smallscrafts we did a stock audit at the weekend. My husband was busy with his own business (www.saturn-films.co.uk) doing slide and photo scanning but took time out to help me. The good news was that our website was 100% up to date, the bad news was it took us 2 days to do the audit. We have a fantastic range that we are always adding to including threads and DMC cross stitch kits including The DMC Flower Fairies, DMC All our Yesterdays, DMC Animals, DMC Babies and Children, DMC Christmas, DMC Country Companions, DMC Disney, DMC Disney Custo Kits, DMC Flowers, DMC Hello Kitty, DMC Home & Home Furnishing, DMC Lickle Ted, DMC Little Suzy's Zoo, DMC Minis, DMC Nostalgia, DMC Samplers, DMC Sarah Kay, DMC Snoopy, DMC Somebunny to Love, DMC Stitch a Photo.

Have a browse and be surprised by the huge range of our stocks. Okay get a cup of coffee and really enjoy our site!

Janet.

July 2011

2011-07-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Have you had a chance to look at our re-styled website:
www.smallscrafts.co.uk ? What do you think?

Many new items have been added to the shop over the last few months.

We are now stocking the cities range by Thea Gouverneur - not for the faint hearted, but stunning when complete.
We have added to the DerwentWater Designs greeting cards.
The latest Gorjuss designs by Bothy Threads.
A wide range of stitch markers by Atomic Knitting.
The Linnypin Knit kits collection (they are so cute);

Some fun Learn to Kit and Crochet kits.
Debbie Bliss lace yarn - Angel has just started to arrive.

The new Debbie Bliss Autumn yarns and pattern books are heading our way in August. Debbie Bliss has some gorgeous new patterns on the way :-)
Google Checkout has been installed on to the shop. Payments can now be made via Paypal (paypal account not required), Google Checkout and cheques. Unfortunately we will not be able to accept cheques for much longer due to ever increasing bank charges.

Don't forget you can follow us on facebook and twitter.

We are looking to start some tutorials over the coming months on the basics of cross stitching and knitting (crocheting in the future).
Are there any topics you would like to see included?
Also we are going to have a place to publish works in progress and completed work from ourselves and our followers - this will probably be on facebook or google+
Looking forward to some feedback

Janet

June 2011

2011-06-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since the last blog, sorry........
Excuses: busy, 2 x kids (2 x birthdays - better update status) plus hubby, fixing garden, sorting rabbit (long story) and a lot of other meaningless tasks that aren't worth mentioning (life's too short for that).

Since the last update (blog), we have started stocking the Thea Gouverner Cities series. These kits are absolutely stunning when completed and framed - not for the faint hearted! but well worth the expense and effort.

We have also updated our stock of cards to stitch by Derwentwater Designs and had a delivery of the latest Gorjuss kits, and like the name they are gorgeous!

Are there any designs you would like us to stock?

I had a visit from the man from Debbie Bliss yesterday, and spent a lot - but could have easily spent a fortune! Debbie Bliss is bringing out some wonderful new yarns this Autumn with as you would expect some gorgeous patterns specifically designed for the yarns.
We are going to stock the Angel lace yarn, which will start arriving soon. I will update you when it is listed on the shop. The new Autumn yarns will arrive later in the year.

Keep knitting and stitching
Janet x

Royal Wedding

2011-04-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

A selection of new cross stitch kits from Heritage Crafts.

Don't forget we still have 10% off all our kits, including new arrivals, until the end of April.

I know a lot of people are not interested in the Royal Wedding - but I am really looking forward to it and all the pomp and tradition that goes with it.

I see a young couple in love who want to spend the rest of their days together. Okay, they also have to share their day with the rest of Great Britain, and most of the world! (because of a fate of birth - could have been any of us.)
It's scary enough saying your vows just in front of close family and friends. But this young couple are going to have the world press listening to every word and watching and reporting on every move - oh my, are they going to be nervous?

Smalls Crafts would just like to take this opportunity to wish William and Kate good luck on the day and for the rest of their days ahead of them and hope they enjoy the day.

Easter 2011

2011-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone.

Easter weekend is fast approaching, with a Royal Wedding in close pursuit.

To celebrate we have introduced a 10% saving across the shop, until the end of April. If you spend £100.00 or more you will receive a £15.00 voucher to spend in the shop! So what's stopping you?

Shop news: we have some new markers from Atomic Knitting arriving soon, including some Hello Kitty markers as featured in this month's Simply Knitting, also a welcome return of the Russian Doll markers.

We visited Wonderwool Wales in Builth Wells. It was yet again a wonderful day out. The colours of yarns available are incredible.
I've included some photos, so if you weren't able to make it yourself - you can see what you missed out on (come along next year).

Ewe been here before?

There is a vast range of colours

I love these bags.

April 2011

2011-04-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mums. We hope you are all having a good day and being spoilt by your kids and Hubbies.

We've been busy this last week doing our annual stock take. Apart from checking our numbers are correct, its a good way of reminding ourselves what stock we have. There are so many gorgeous cross stitch kits available, so many I would like to stitch myself..............
There are a few of the Pollyanna Pickering kits still available, and so life like:

There are so many with the cute factor, Wedding and New Born Samplers:

I've also been counting the balls of wool (and thread - so many shades, so many to count.....)

All the wool I stock is so lush, and the colours are wonderful, the photos on the website doesn't do them justice.

Latest news: I've just managed to finish one of my knitting projects:-)

Here's my little girl modeling it, and she's very pleased with it.

If you have read my previous blogs you will know how long it has taken me!

Its Wonderwool Wales next weekend (can't wait). We will be going along, my daughters are quite excited about it. I will tell you about it in my next blog, if you can't make it yourselves, and I will take loads of photos.

Don't forget you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

February 2011

2011-02-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed our changes?

We've gone green................... the Website that is.
We like the change and hope you do to.
Do let us know what you think, feedback will be appreciated.

We have some more Artesano Aran shades due in soon. Their arrival will be announced on twitter and facebook as well as our blog.

We are expanding our range of knitting needles, we have started stocking Knit Pro needles (which will be added to over the coming months). We already stock a wide range of Brittany Knitting needles.

We are looking to expand our crochet hooks. What's your preference? wood, metal or plastic?

Hope you enjoy browsing through our new look website.
Janet

January Sale

2011-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know there is only a few days left of our sale on all our Cross Stitch kits and other selected items.
We stock a large range of kits by DMC, Anchor, Bothy Threads (including the lush Goruss kits), Cinnamon Cat, Derwentwater Designs, Heritage Crafts, Janlynn, John Clayton, Kustom Krafts, Lili of the Valley (only a few kits left as this range has been discontinued), Maia, Margaret Sherry (includes the Charlie Bear range, now discontinued), Needle Treasures, Permin, Textile Heritage and kits by Valerie Pfeiffer.

We want to make room for new stock coming............ We have started stocking the Artesano Aran Alpaca, new shades should be arriving soon.
DMC have lots of exciting new kits coming out this year and we want to add to the popular Knit Pro needle range.

Lots of changes ahead - all exciting.
We will keep you updated.

January 2011

2011-01-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our customers, new and old.

We hope you all had a good Christmas.

We have been busy at Smalls Crafts with all the pre-Christmas orders.
Now we are busy with our January sale!

For the month of January there is 15% off all our Cross Stitch Kits, some Tapestry Kits, and a selection of wools and yarns. So come and have a look, and buy yourself a bargain.

We are always looking at new products to expand our range. Coming soon to Smalls Crafts is the Aran range by Artesano. We already stock the Artesano Superwash and Hummingbird, so it will be a welcomed addition. There will also be patterns to support the wool.

There are some wonderful new cross stitch designs being released by DMC this year, and I am sure some of them will find a home on Smalls Crafts shelves!

I hope you are not all too wet or snowed in, will blog again soon.

1st October

2010-10-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

How did that happen................ 1st October already!
It was only yesterday that I finished clearing up after Christmas lunch, and here it is again looming rapidly on the horizon.
But never fear, Smalls Crafts is here!
We have got together a list of items suitable as gifts, stocking fillers etc. just click on the Christmas link on our home page. There you will also find a selection of Christmas cards and pictures to stitch. Some more Snowman kits are flying to us as I type to be added to our stock, they have been so popular.
The latest kits to arrive at Smalls Crafts are the new 'Gorjuss' kits. They are a lovely new range, from Bothy Threads:

See the full range on Smalls Crafts.

The new Debbie Bliss Magazine is now in stock - buy one now before they sell out.

Have a lovely time browsing.

Janet

Smalls Crafts Sock Kits

2010-09-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

As promised, news of our sock kits.
We have combined our Opal, and Trekking sock wool with some beautiful stitch markers from Atomic Knitting (hand made in Wales) and some lovely project bags by Nics Knots (featured in this months 'The Knitter'). The project bags are made in 'Wolf in Sheep Clothing' print fabric and are fully lined with cream calico. The bag has a circular base and drawstring.
Included in the sock kit are a set of double pointed knitting needles, a sock pattern and a glove pattern.
They are ideal as a gift for a knitter in your life or as a special treat for yourself.

Recently arrived are some Debbie Bliss pattern books, full of some gorgeous patterns. My favourite is the Debbie Bliss Year book, and Glen, and Land Girl, and....... You'll just have to take a look!

The new Autumn/Winter Debbie Bliss magazines will be in soon.
Also arriving soon are the new Bothy Threads kits - they are 'gorjuss'.

For more regular updates sign up to our facebook or twitter pages - see the links on the home page of Smalls Crafts

September 2010

2010-09-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm looking out at the garden, and yes I think Autumn has arrived. It's damp, windy and leaves are blowing across the lawn!
I hope you all had a good Summer Holiday, we did. We took the little ones to Fishguard, West Wales. It was a lovely break, here is my favorite photo:

They were jumping waves, but look like they are going to throw themselves in! They were very wet afterwards.

Still, now is the time to start knitting for the Winter. We have had some wonderful new wool from Artesano, and it's machine washable: Artesano superwash Merino It knits as a double knit and comes in some lush colours.
We are expecting some new Debbie Bliss books and magazines in soon - more inspiration.

On the Cross Stitch front we have reduced our Heritage Craft kits by 10% for September only.
Some of the Heritage Kits are very topical at the moment with the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain on the horizon.

Supermarine Spitfire

Hawker Hurricane

Will blog again soon with some exciting news about sock kit kits and some new Bothy Thread designs!

Cross stitching and men: Cross Stitch and my world.

2010-08-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Cross stitching and men: Cross Stitch and my world.: "I love art. Monet and Constable are brill, Turner the best. You can argue but you know I'm right. We can get little works of art in cross ..."

July 2010

2010-07-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's already the 25th July - dare I say it - yep it's only 5 months (152 days!) until Christmas. And the school holidays have only just started!!

To help with the long summer hols (7 weeks in my daughters' case) we have reduced the price of our cross stitch and tapestry starter kits.

lady bug by Cleopatra Needle

Take a look as there are some very nice kits there. They come with instructions and all the bits you need.

If you plan to knit a jumper or cardigan for the little one for their return to school, check out the colours we have in our Artesano Superwash Merino range - and you can wash it in a washing machine. If I haven't got your school colour let me know as I'll try and order it in for you.

We have been quite busy recently, having had lots of new kits arriving, and don't forget we only display items that we actually stock.

If you have started thinking about Christmas (!) we have lots of Christmas cards to stitch, Christmas pictures to stitch and lots and lots of items that would make wonderful Christmas presents.

Enjoy your Summer holidays, and we look forward to hearing from you.

June 2010

2010-06-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not keeping to my New Year Resolution very well! I've just noticed my last blog was in April - I will have to try harder! My excuse is the weather has been to nice, in reality life has become busier. My eldest daughter has increased her swimming sessions to include a 7.30am start (in the pool that is) on a Saturday morning in Aberdare and a Sunday afternoon in Swansea. Gone are the days of lie-ins and Sunday roast dinners! My youngest daughter has started swimming lessons.......

The shop has been keeping me busy, we've had a series of promotions during June which have proved successful. The current promotion, which takes us up to the end of June is a free DMC mini kit with all cross stitch kits ordered over the value of £10.00 (while stocks last - so don't miss out).

New stock from Heritage Crafts has arrived this week, and more is due soon from Bothy Threads, and other companies, so do keep coming back to check.

Here are some of the images of kits that have just arrived from Heritage Crafts:

The kits coming from Bothy Threads includes frogs and dragons! I'll show you the pictures when they arrive.

For the Knitters out there, we will be having the new Debbie Bliss Autumn magazine in shortly, but take a look at some of our Debbie Bliss books as a few of them have been reduced in price, as they have been discontinued - so once gone they will not be replaced.

Due in soon are a lot of new crochet books, the Little Critter crochet book proved very popular, so its coming back along with some other crochet animal and cake books.

Enjoy the weather while it lasts, don't forget the schools start their summer break soon, so check the shop during July for ideas to keep the little ones entertained.

April 2010

2010-04-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Had a lovely day yesterday at Wonderwool Wales, the sun was shining, the company was good and the show was interesting and lots of fun. I'm looking forward to Wonderwool Wales 2011 (and so are my daughters). Here are some photos:

Here's the big daughter having a go at carding, while small daughter is learning the basics of spinning!!

Small daughter decided she wanted to master carding too!

Hmm! Alex had a small accident and got stuck......

We met lots of lovely people, thank you to the lady who took Alex and her friend under her wing - she showed them the basics of carding and spinning, and made their day so much more fun and interesting x.

I finally met one of my stockists, Emma from Atomic Knitting, and met some new potential stockists so watch this space.

Have you checked out the 'Alternative to the Election Special'?

We have reduced the price on all our Cross Stitch kits, to inspire you to do something else instead of watching endless debates and opinion polls (or stitch while you watch if you prefer). This offer is on until the end of the Election.

I will post some news about the shop opening in my next blog.

Spring 2010

2010-02-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is here. The clocks have gone forward, the crocuses and daffodils are in flower, (the snowdrops gave up as it was too cold for them) and we've had Easter.

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since January - another New Year Resolution that's hit the dust!!

We have been busy, getting the shop ready (we still need some display stands - has anyone got any spare?).

We have also up loaded some new stock.

Cleopatra's Needle has released some new kits under the banner of Stitch 56, including some gorgeous bracelet kits:

We have also started stocking kits by Cinnaman Cat. We will be getting more in over time - they are so bright and colourful!

And of course we have got some of the new Bothy Threads kits:

My favorite is the 'mini beasts'.

On the wool front we have stocked up on the sock wool - the new colours from Opal and some Trekking XXL by Zitron.

You can now follow regular updates on our twitter and facebook pages. Links to these sites are on the banner on the shop.

I hope you all have a good Easter break, and look forward to hearing from you soon. Do follow us on facebook and twitter! (I seem to be better at regular updates on these sites than blogging!).

January 2010

2010-01-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

Its been a rather white new year so far!

My eldest daughter has managed 1/2 day in school since Christmas because of the snow - she's happy!!

My daughters snow man.

We have reduced our prices on all our Cross Stitch kits, knitting wool and yarn - 15% off during January only. We will then be returning to reducing selected items through out the year.

So take a look, and treat yourself. These long dark (cold) evenings are ideal to doing some knitting and sewing.

My current project is a jumper for my little daughter - I am knitting it a couple of sizes larger to allow myself time to knit it - its got cable, and fairisle and it's good fun!

Progress so far!

Thank you for your support last year, I hope you all keep warm and safe in 2010.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from Smalls Crafts

Hope you all have a happy and prosperous New Year.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T11:52:00.001-08:00

Smalls Crafts wishes all their customers new and old a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Are you following Santas progress?

November 2009

2009-11-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

What a blustery day, not a day for going out!

Some new links for you to check out:

knitnation and Ravelry

Ravelry is a bit like facebook and craftbubble but for knitters, worth a look.

If you 'twitter' you can now follow us, just click on the link on the front page of the shop.

How's the Christmas shopping coming along? If you are short of ideas check the gift section in the shop and there are suggestions for stock ing fillers.

We have lots of kits ideal for the younger members of the family - knitting, cross stitch and tapestry beginner kits. We also stock kits from the Anchor 'Lets Play' range.

Postal Strike

2009-10-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. What a busy week!

Just to update you on the Postal Strike - all items will be sent recorded. Please bear in mind items may take a few days longer to be delivered than normal.

I've just finished uploading some new items from Permin:

This is one of the table runners that have just arrived. The fabric is pre-finished linen/cotton cloth. They really do look wonderful when complete, and this one would really add a special touch to the Christmas dining table!

Still to be added to the inventory are some very pretty floral scissors again from Permin.

The scissors will be added this weekend, they would make a lovely gift for a stitching friend this Christmas.

Don't forget the hour goes back this weekend, and it will be trick or treat time next weekend!

Autumn Time

2009-10-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, its half way through October already, half term next week! If you want something to keep the little ones occupied, check out the new cross stitch starter kits from Permin. There is quite a variety to choose from.

So much has happened since my last blogs!

We've had the new Debbie Bliss Autumn/Winter magazine - always popular, and full of lots of gorgeous patterns (there's already a few on my to do list).

After the huge success of Patons Pompadour, Patons have released some more limited edition yarn: "Fancy Baby" and "Big and Easy".

Again each ball comes with a free pattern, the Fancy Baby comes with a baby jumper pattern, while the Big and Easy comes with a scarf pattern.

It's also getting close to Christmas, there are many suggestions for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers on the site, do check them out. We still have a few Christmas Cards left. Recently arrived were the DMC Snowman and Father Christmas mini kits, ideal for Christmas cards or even Christmas kit labels.

Do you twitter?

You can now follow Smalls Crafts, http://twitter.com/smallscrafts

Soggy Summer Special

2009-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Check out our "Soggy Summer Special". We've selected various shop items and reduced them by 10%, just to try and bring some sunshine to your shopping.

I've managed to finish a cross stitching project - May Cat by Peter Underhill. I made it for my daughter, her birthday was in May.

She was very pleased with it, which is good as I thought I was never going to finish. I stock the calender version, you can find it under Heritage cross stitch kits.

I'm half way through my Summer Top - it will be ok for next year, unless we get an Indian Summer.

Summer? time

2009-05-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

They're finished!

What you may ask?

The socks!!!

and I'm looking forward to doing some more - after I finish some cross stitch projects and knitting a summer top for me.

The shop is coming on - we've painted the ceiling, fixed the lights, got the first coat of paint on the walls, the floor is laid - I'm getting so excited - not long now! We will keep you posted.

2009-03-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Finally its Spring! and the hour is about to go forward - we get evenings again.

It's time to start thinking about summer tops. We've got some of the Eco Fairtrade Organic Cotton yarn by Debbie Bliss which is supported by a knitting pattern book with some wonderful patterns. Also the much awaited Spring/Summer Debbie Bliss magazine is now available. So don't forget to order your copy.

Look out for us in the Let's Knit magazine, as we are running a series of ads with them.

We've also got a lot more cross stitch kits coming on line. There are some new designs from DMC including new Disney Samplers and new designs from Bothy Threads coming soon.

Enjoy the extra daylight we will be getting - extra light for your cross stitch.

In my next blog there will be a picture of my completed socks (the ones I started a long time ago - see blog about 18 months ago) - I can't wait!!!!

January 2009

2009-01-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, how are all your projects coming along?

I finally finished a few things:

Here's Alex in here Christmas present. It's a jumper from Debbie Bliss Junior Knits, I used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran.

I did start it the winter before, fortunately the jumper still fits her!!! (and she loves it which is the main thing).

I've also finished my squares for the Ty Hafen "be part of the dragon" project and posted them.

Now I've got stacks of unfinished cross stitch projects to get through - and a pair of socks still to finish.

I'm going to start a gallery page, to post pictures of work that has been produced by some of my customers.

Here are some images that one of my customers, Monica has sent me:

The blanket she wove on the Ashford Knitters Loom, and although she insists she is a beginner, I am so impressed.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to everyone in 2009.

I hope you all had a very good Christmas, here's looking to Christmas in 2009!

Thank you to everyone who shopped at Smalls Crafts during 2008 and I hope you will visit again during 2009.

This year we should be opening a store at our local town in South Wales, so watch this space for an announcement of our grand opening. I hope a lot of you will be able visit us at our new store.

We have just started our January Sale - there is 15% off selected items - most of our items are already priced at below the RRP - so do take a look and grab yourself a bargain! Some of the cross stitch kits have now been discontinued and only a small amount remain - Lili of the Valley, Margaret Sherry, so get them while you can.

Also lots of the knitting wool, including the sock yarn and crochet yarns have been reduced.

Remember - the sale ends on January 31st.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-21T11:26:00.001-08:00

I would just like to wish all my customers a very "Happy Christmas and a prosperous "New Year".

Thank you for your support and lovely feed back through this past year, and I look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Best Wishes,

Janet

Sunday 7th September

2008-09-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

That was a summer that was!

Hope you are not too affected by the floods - it was quite scary driving in that rain - especially with all the spray.

Anyway on a lighter note - it will be Christmas soon!!!!.

But don't despair, I'm putting together items under a Christmas banner that are ideas for Christmas presents, stocking fillers and kits that can be made into Christmas cards and family heirlooms like the Advent Calenders, Christmas Stockings and so much more.

This Socking is a Tap estry kit by Janlynn - isn't it gorgeous.

We have some new stockists coming on board - Derwentwater Designs, Needle Treasures and Cleopatra's Needle. Their items should be arriving any day now. We have had some new kits in from Bothy Threads,

Heritage and Janlynn - one kit by Heritage has been featured - "Remember" - it's quite a special kit.

Not forgetting the Knitting side of things - there are some new new shades from Debbie Bliss and some new books.

I've also started getting in some new sock wool - Kureyon Sock Yarn by Noro, there are more shades too come.

By the way, I've had my instructions from Ty-Hafen - I am making 3 white squares and 2 red squares - by December. The squares need to be 10 x 10" in any materials so long as they are the colours stated. The squares can be knitted, patchworked, crocheted, cross stitched, quilted etc. I will keep you updated.

August 2008

2008-08-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all having a good summer! We are rather water logged here in Wales! - well I haven't needed to water my hanging baskets this year.

With weather like this, you don't need an excuse to stay in and start a new knitting or sewing project - so check out the sale we currently have on most of our knitting yarns. (Did you know "staying in" is the new "going out" during this current "credit crunch/recession").

If you want a break from knitting/sewing - I have just finished an excellent book: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

The book is about a single mum running a yarn store in Manhattan, New York. The story tells the story of Georgia and her daughter, and a group of women from different backgrounds and facing different problems get together through their interest in knitting. It was hard to put the book down, makes you feel like you want to get your knitting needles out, but have a box of tissues ready!

If you feel really inspired, try knitting for charity. I've just sent for a pattern to knit 5 squares for the Ty-Hafan Dragon. The squares cost £1.00/square and it takes 48 squares/blanket which become a 'jigsaw' piece of the dragon. You can find out details if you follow the link: be part of the dragon I'm quite excited to be part of the dragon, and it is raising funds for the Welsh Children's Hospice. They still need more squares. I will let you know my progress and what colours I get to do.

I hope some of you fancy making socks this Autumn, I've got some wonderful new sock wool coming in, "Kureyon" by Noro. And you will need some stitch markers, so check out the stitch markers just in by Atomic Knitting. The designs are a limited number, so don't miss the opportunity of having a unique hand crafted markers. There are a small number of crochet markers available. They are really pretty, and quite unique.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, hope to see you again soon,

Janet

2008-07-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hope you are having a good summer - hopefully the weather will improve soon.

Check out the 'Anchor's Let's Play' kits - useful for the summer hols to keep the little ones entertained - you'll find the kits listed in the "Kids Corner".

Also just in are the new Disney custo kits by DMC. Ideal to personalise an item of clothing with your favourite Disney character using the new DMC soluble canvas.

You will find DMC instructions for using soluble canvas in the important links section on the side banner on my internet store - hope you find it useful.

Keep an eye on the New Items section - as new items are being added all the time, I do like the "Little Kitty" kits that have just arrived.

By the way have you seen my ad in the latest Lets Knit magazine? in the knit kits section? it looks pretty cool!

Enjoy browsing, do come back soon.

Sunday 15th June

2008-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Happy Father's Day" to all you chaps out there.

What a lovely evening, the morning looked as though it couldn't make it's mind up, but it turned out nice!

How's the knitting and stitching coming along? It would be nice to start a gallery of your completed work. Just e-mail me your photos, and a brief description.

Hope you are checking out the special offers. Do keep checking the site for new products, I should be getting the new DMC wash away aida fabric soon - it will make cross stitching more flexible.

2008-06-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The change has happened, we have moved shop.

What do you think of the new look?

I've just realised how long it has taken, seeing the date of the last blog!! What a lot of sleepless nights!

I've included a few new features: knitting needle conversion charts, yarn types, and crochet hook conversion chart. I am planning to include definitions for common terminology for both knitting and sewing, and in the future (when I am brave enough) instructions for knitting and sewing, so watch this space.

Lots of new stock has been included, the latest was the DMC Satin threads - they are a real treat. Images for the DMC cotton threads are being slowly included (my excuse - there is a lot of them).

Every month we will be running special offers on selected items - so do watch out for them. Last month was 20% off some of the Bothy Threads cross stitch kits. This month is the turn of some of the Knitted Popcorn knit kits and cross stitch kits by Design Works Crafts - do take a look.

We have had to increase the cost of postage, due to the increased costs to us, but postage is free if you spend over £30.00.

Do let me know what you think of the new look.

Have a good summer.

2008-03-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Is it really March already? It seemed like last week since I wrote the last blog!!

I must have been busy.

We've had a few new deliveries - have you seen the sheep tape measures (from Lantern Moon), they are "wonderwool." I have also got some lush silk knitting needle cases from Lantern Moon and some really funky crochet hook cases, you must take a look.

In the next week we are expecting a delivery from Bothy Threads, a new addition to our range of cross stitch kits - I am really looking forward to seeing these - especially the cut thru' pirate ship, Noah's Ark and Mr. Men sampler. If your passion is cross stitch kits, keep an eye on DMC as they are releasing some excellent kits this year, including some old favourites in a few months time - remember the Flower Fairy Alphabet and Cats Chorus??

We are working hard up-grading the shop, so I have got alot of sleepless nights ahead of me yet, (although it is still business as usual), so look out for our relaunch in a couple of months.

Have fun shopping, or window shopping, and don't forget to call back soon, as we have always got something new to see (or buy). If there is something you don't see, let me know and I'll try and find it for you.

2008-01-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

2008

BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

Happy Christmas

2007-12-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Just to wish all our customers a very merry Christmas and thank you for supporting us this year.

We look forward to hearing from you all in the New Year!

2007-12-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Not long now 'till Christmas! How many of you have finished all their shopping (bar the turkey and fresh veg), wrapped it, posted the cards, taken the kids to see Santa, made the costumes for the school play (believe me you get alot of grief off the teachers let alone the kids if you don't) decorated the house (inside and out)? I haven't! Christmas cards - I'm still yet to buy them.
Still - its all good fun - Alex is planning all the movies to watch up to Christmas Eve, it was the Snowman tonight.

Alex won a 'stable' at the Cubs Chritmas Party last week - 1/12th scale model. Its wonderful. I'll try and knit some items for it by next Christmas (2008). I will post the pictures through the year as I do them.

Angharad helped me deorate the Christmas Tree last night, she did very well for a 2 year old. She spent all day today removing them! and checking to see if the baubles would bounce!!!!!

If any of you are short of ideas, check out some of the new items that have just arrived - there is the 'Shaun the Sheep' knit kits, and some items about to be listed including crochet needles that light up by Milward, and a book full of ideas of gifts to make for that special friend in your life - your pet dog.

We have listed the Post Office 'last posting dates' for Christmas, which you will find on the 'Home Page'.

Happy shopping,

Janet

2007-11-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend. Sunshine, crisp mornings, leaves on trees (ones which haven't dropped) all turning wonderful colours. Inspiring weather to get those needles out and start knitting those winter woolies.

I finally made a start on my socks! There was a couple of false starts, but I'm well away now. It's not as difficult as I thought using 4 needles. I will attach a photo so you can see my progress!! be it slow.

I don't know about you but I'm already panicing about Christmas. If you are after suggestions or inspiration take a look at my stocking fillers section, there are some wonderful gift ideas there - cross stitch kits and knitting kits for the "little" ones, and some lovely accessories for the "big" ones.

If any of you have suggestions what to get for a couple of grown up brothers who have got everything, feel free to e-mail me with your ideas.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Janet

2007-09-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

What yuk weather! Still it is Wales!!! (its all the mountains.)

Is there anyone out there? with any useful tips on how to knit on 4 needles - I'm having problems starting.

I'm trying to start up a discussion page - so if you do have any tips / pics on any knitting or sewing topic do send them to me at janet@smallscrafts.co.uk I look forward to seeing and publishing your contributions.

Don't forget its "National Knitting Week" 13th - 21st October 2007.

2007-09-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Well it has brightened up here at last, we have just had rain for the last 36 - 48hrs! After having a few weeks of sunshine, you quickly forget how wet it gets here in Wales!
The little one is amusing herself with a tape cassette that is now destined for the bin! it was a nice story about "The Ugly Duckling", but the tape is now unwound all over the living room floor!
I was reminded again yesterday how close it is getting to Christmas (apart from seeing all the Christmas cards and selection boxes in Tesco), some more Christmas kits came in from DMC, take a look on the home page, they are rather charming, from the Best Friends series.
Also just a reminder, Artesano are running a brilliant offer - collect 10 ball bands off their wool (ball bands off Hummingbird count as 3) and you can get a pair of Brittany Needles free! - not to be passed up! the Brittany Needles are a treat to Knit with.
Well must go now, the damage with the tape is looking serious!!

2007-09-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Where is the year going? There are Christmas cards and selection boxes in the shops already!.
The weather is too nice to think of Christmas yet. But don't let that stop you if you want to plan ahead. Take a look at our Christmas section in the shop, there are some lovely cross stitch kits.

The little one is keeping me busy - mischief should be her middle name! She is doing well with her potty training.

2007-09-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've just finished uploading the images and patterns for the Artesano Hummingbird DK. The wool is lovely, and very colourful. I do like the sock patterns, I fancy a go at the floral socks for me, but I have promised a pair of socks for hubby - the self patterning wool from Schoeller + Stahl. I will keep you posted as to how I get on as I have never knitted socks before. Any one got any tips?
Daughter no. 1 went back to school yesterday!, the day seemed so much quieter!!!! Summer did seem to go so quickly this year. I've still got a couple of years before I see daughter no 2 starting school.
I must get back to ordering some more goodies, Coats have got some lovely products this Autumn, so watch this space.

2007-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

I've been busy looking at and ordering the new autumn / winter stock thats now available, so do keep visiting!

We've just had the new John Clayton and Charlie 'n' Friends cross stitch kits in, and are now available for purchase - the Great Wall of China is stunning! Charlie 'n' Friends has a xmas cross stitch kit, (it seems wrong to be talking or even thinking christmas - it will soon be here!!!).

There was a wonderful feature in the Cross Stitcher mag last week, showing our Guide Dog kits. There has been alot of interest in them following the article, I must admit (even though I'm a cat person) that they are rather cute.

Talking of 'cute' my little one kept me busy today with her potty training - I did't know her little bladder could hold so much, but it covered a very large area of the floor!

Welcome

2007-08-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome, to the Smalls Crafts "blog" site!