tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57140336081588710822024-03-14T06:39:51.952+00:00Quirky AppleA blog about making and doing.
Cooking, sewing, patchwork, knitting, gardening, teaching, learning and loving.
Follow me as I create little treasures to be loved, to be eaten and to be cherished. I am happy when I am making, especially when it's a gift for someone or to welcome loved ones. When I am not making something it is because I am at work (making trouble) or asleep (making plans) or somewhere making mischief.Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-54702895796139909612015-01-22T16:13:00.001+00:002015-01-22T16:13:14.796+00:00A photo for todayA really quick photo taken last night. I noticed we had a fingernail moon and the first star was out. When I looked at the photo the outline of the full moon was visible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzv9urHOMWR1uifvY6pz-bAmoc7f04D_NhLa7a-5ASYxLjNPWNPxlCkV2daM8sicVt3NQjZHYJr1tfK9ueiLwlhcWdcnFsIo4hHIW0K2LoL6u-RosWiIypJoTKm54n3TSiOkt6qSw5oE/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzv9urHOMWR1uifvY6pz-bAmoc7f04D_NhLa7a-5ASYxLjNPWNPxlCkV2daM8sicVt3NQjZHYJr1tfK9ueiLwlhcWdcnFsIo4hHIW0K2LoL6u-RosWiIypJoTKm54n3TSiOkt6qSw5oE/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-45184404835957206422015-01-17T09:03:00.001+00:002015-01-17T09:03:51.910+00:00New Year..New FabricI was tidying up the workshop, well really eating biscuits and looking at my fabric and decided I MUST have some more fabric. So for me that means<br />
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1. I go for walk down the road and stop at <a href="http://www.johnhanly.com/" target="_blank">Hanleys Mills</a> and root through the remnants section<br />
2. A trip to IKEA<br />
3. A drive to Maeve and all her staff at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/limerickquilt.centre" target="_blank">The Limerick Quilt Centre.</a><br />
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It was quilting fabric I wanted so Limerick it was.<br />
The Limerick Quilt Centre is located in Maeve's back garden but that doesn't stop people finding her. In fact she often has buses of quilters visit her for fabric and the day I arrived the road outside was full of cars and I was thrilled to discover that she had a sale on (until 19th January). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQjPaBjhZmtFm6UMVA9KgG545bsAGlA9kzP3a24uiYv9zZ8d4fJzyxKdknxLWB1ackZYzvsflXZUFLV3E6vyn96qa4R2yYTTbgRTDbRLmWPWiRagUZMuUHu597E4sLTyrJrH2wmkeDio/s1600/quilt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQjPaBjhZmtFm6UMVA9KgG545bsAGlA9kzP3a24uiYv9zZ8d4fJzyxKdknxLWB1ackZYzvsflXZUFLV3E6vyn96qa4R2yYTTbgRTDbRLmWPWiRagUZMuUHu597E4sLTyrJrH2wmkeDio/s1600/quilt1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of colours and fat quarter bundles</td></tr>
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There is a vast selection of fabric to choose from and it is sorted by colour and also by collection. If you are a fan of Moda fabrics then this is the place to go. I was particularly attracted by Kaffe Fasset's collection and will get some next time to make a<a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/free-sewing-patterns/spinning-around?utm_source=sewnewsletter&utm_medium=20150110&utm_campaign=monthly" target="_blank"> simple circle skirt</a> as featured online by Sew Magazine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKphVRufMEbjNK3mgeTkO6iWws2N1jGfuuA9cdLJqbuD_ZP-iKpCTRsOnRUW3XIFvaN1rdZ8fkHVxGrSCDw8UDn0ntUmvbTX_6No891CwyfNveU0K9uXcMjsqz_yU4JMxEI7G3OGO99u4/s1600/quilt5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKphVRufMEbjNK3mgeTkO6iWws2N1jGfuuA9cdLJqbuD_ZP-iKpCTRsOnRUW3XIFvaN1rdZ8fkHVxGrSCDw8UDn0ntUmvbTX_6No891CwyfNveU0K9uXcMjsqz_yU4JMxEI7G3OGO99u4/s1600/quilt5.JPG" height="166" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaffe Fasset collection</td></tr>
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Beginner (or lazy like me) quilters will find lots of pre-cuts such as charm packs, layer cakes and jelly rolls. They also have fat quarters bundled by collection with feature fabrics and blenders.<br />
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I came away with two batik charm packs, 2 yards of something wonderfully spotty, a bright orange blender and 2 big spools of random dyed quilting thread.<br />
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Maeve runs classes for all levels of quilter and has very popular visiting specialist classes. The centre is also a great place to go for notions and quilting equipment, patchwork advice and a cup of tea and chat.<br />
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You can find The Limerick Quilt Centre at Winander Road, Limerick City (beside Musgraves)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-47412102258150220602015-01-15T11:17:00.001+00:002015-01-15T11:17:40.753+00:00A photo for todaySunrise in the snow<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9l9oHYBT7m5_DgXxcGeCBs0Z3cx-e1bZsHULwtgfQRh3K657MQbFtY8rdHNf8dFZkm1E1_XQvwFZgSf-m9lA9XHeupNJWNyn8rcn_I2Uw770idmjkjRqWVtb4RIV4BA-MZCD2i5Khls/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9l9oHYBT7m5_DgXxcGeCBs0Z3cx-e1bZsHULwtgfQRh3K657MQbFtY8rdHNf8dFZkm1E1_XQvwFZgSf-m9lA9XHeupNJWNyn8rcn_I2Uw770idmjkjRqWVtb4RIV4BA-MZCD2i5Khls/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-84331859521007449412015-01-13T09:26:00.000+00:002015-01-13T09:30:15.136+00:00Hot Tea and Cool CraftsAfter all the hustle and bustle of Christmas I finally got to spend a day in Limerick last week. As a crafter it is obvious that I always need more supplies and these included lots of fabric, modge podge, beads and an ironing board...the usual stuff. I got hungry and decided to drop into Ruth at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Stormy-Teacup/603779253034585?fref=nf" target="_blank"> The Stormy Teacup</a> for a toasted sandwich and tea. Now tea at Ruth's isn't any "aul tae" shoved into a pot, nope, you get a menu with a huge selection of black, green and herbal teas to choose from.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONMm7IOQ0Qeh_SlyXys0ZP3XqVxktRfCU2hL_mIAXmQADp0py0Me_TzZipjerJWTs4EyvmpcrCPXv-NnAXlHTrltnbd0Q0UOGkndGBs-qqt_c2TNF9brd3c56XNv_wGoYuNeN2nkkZ6I/s1600/ruth4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONMm7IOQ0Qeh_SlyXys0ZP3XqVxktRfCU2hL_mIAXmQADp0py0Me_TzZipjerJWTs4EyvmpcrCPXv-NnAXlHTrltnbd0Q0UOGkndGBs-qqt_c2TNF9brd3c56XNv_wGoYuNeN2nkkZ6I/s1600/ruth4.JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small selection of the herbal teas</td></tr>
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And the tea doesn't come in small cup but in a pint, yes a PINT mug. Ruth serves the best teas and coffees, and all the coffees are double shots. She has toasted sandwiches, fresh homemade soup, savoury muffins, sweet scones and other treats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYFrDKNt5ymx7LQlYwOVEHO7uI204T6Upb-bKIziobkru4q2hx-3rc9AMioHEsYV3ra6o8BJGTbAFwb2jH59-G71PetbwUlvdlZ-e8owqd_XKE6of1k9YCrreDiVqMHVfweL7F5RRjTc/s1600/ruth6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYFrDKNt5ymx7LQlYwOVEHO7uI204T6Upb-bKIziobkru4q2hx-3rc9AMioHEsYV3ra6o8BJGTbAFwb2jH59-G71PetbwUlvdlZ-e8owqd_XKE6of1k9YCrreDiVqMHVfweL7F5RRjTc/s1600/ruth6.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant scones for the hungry</td></tr>
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The layout is eclectic and eccentric and the atmosphere conducive to just hanging out with mismatched chairs and cosy couches.<br />
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Some of you may know Ruth from <a href="http://www.nicedaydesigns.org/" target="_blank">Nice Day Designs</a> so it will come as no surprise to know that this is a combined teashop, second hand bookstore and craft shop. Craft downstairs and tea and books upstairs. I heard on the grapevine that the craft shop is due for a spring clean so expect lots of new treasures for sale before Easter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13qV2PMFqSaBbjx-gb-VTVr6sF2XcaPYP5rhVALSMuiFVyDr2DmF_M3sjUt_3V8127jT2n3SjWFbi1VKJer67L8CuWUV0ryzYK-lRlxyO018k8uqVt7jquK6FTrhYBUTuJwVokb6L7Xs/s1600/ruth7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13qV2PMFqSaBbjx-gb-VTVr6sF2XcaPYP5rhVALSMuiFVyDr2DmF_M3sjUt_3V8127jT2n3SjWFbi1VKJer67L8CuWUV0ryzYK-lRlxyO018k8uqVt7jquK6FTrhYBUTuJwVokb6L7Xs/s1600/ruth7.JPG" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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Speaking of treasures I found this one painted inside the bathroom door.<br />
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It was strange for me to see Ruth behind a tea counter instead of her usual craft and book stall at <a href="http://www.milkmarketlimerick.ie/" target="_blank">The Milk Market</a> but Ruth has taken to this with the gusto and determination that she throws into everything and I have to wish her the absolute best of luck with this venture. <br />
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The Stormy Teacup is located in Foxes Bow, Limerick and you can contact Ruth <a href="http://thestormyteacup.com/">here.</a> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-64134589092666302832015-01-06T09:53:00.000+00:002015-01-06T09:53:54.928+00:00Designing with natureI love colour, I love strong and bright colours and because of this tend I to use bright colours most of the time. But I have to remember when making things for others or for sale that not everyone has the same taste as me. And some rooms, such as bedrooms, need "calmer" colours, This is important when making quilts. <br />
I want to make a new quilt and would like it to use more natural colours than I would normally pick. So I use a technique that I have spoken about before, taking photos of nature and breaking down the colours.<br />
I was by the lake last week and was attracted by a view of a marshy area against the sky and lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuqs9zIup6eij8956xo2YJkPPmPUiBZmWoZpTeD3_jb8P4vH8l2KLY6oL-gS91PTozJfRzv-Q7ykdHWJx3kN6dXx45RsVlc4dn1pfN1whlR1G2xFKeAQF0wrwdVSQ9Uh_n9cuDkDdJLs/s1600/lake.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A marshy area by the lake</td></tr>
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The next thing to do is to pixelise the photo to break down the colours. I use a picture editing program called IrfanView to do this but many free programs are available, most digital cameras come with free software of you can download an App. <br />
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I decided I didn't want all of this and zoomed in on an area with the colours I felt worked best.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPx6PG-u6fC2xfn0xpav0skQvaRt2vFJaQjCcJfTVLKWBIgFiJQiGfPBDpQp_HOD8P5VLgEHiaDmByJi8VqICQ4Kyn0QKjpykqE18KYA3zTb8yuDMkzrj37mmxKS2o8168Ox05qL45xA/s1600/pixel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPx6PG-u6fC2xfn0xpav0skQvaRt2vFJaQjCcJfTVLKWBIgFiJQiGfPBDpQp_HOD8P5VLgEHiaDmByJi8VqICQ4Kyn0QKjpykqE18KYA3zTb8yuDMkzrj37mmxKS2o8168Ox05qL45xA/s1600/pixel2.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
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The next stage is to find fabrics in these colourways so I went to <a href="https://www.fabric.com/" target="_blank">Fabric.com</a> to search for fabrics. I searched for Blenders by colour. Blenders are fabrics that have one main colourway over printed with a similar colour or pattern. I find plain fabrics too "flat" and use blenders a lot. And it can be easier to match them than multi colours or prints. Remember the purpose of this exercise for me was too use less colour and be more natural. One of the features of Fabric.com is that you can add fabrics to a design board, this means you can put them alongside each other to see if they match well. I searched for blues, greens, beiges and browns and came up with the following fabrics.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQpbf8q3Enm-gOItdyPgUSB8IRBiY8AW1xVM3zhd3xPYxwIND3MiJaNqxY0OBXk28N6pfYCoEHA6b7TXb1a2EsLmSWO02P8KNYp-bmuvWdgvF5EGukB6sxW0RqU8EhVpVUz9m2mR_ow4/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQpbf8q3Enm-gOItdyPgUSB8IRBiY8AW1xVM3zhd3xPYxwIND3MiJaNqxY0OBXk28N6pfYCoEHA6b7TXb1a2EsLmSWO02P8KNYp-bmuvWdgvF5EGukB6sxW0RqU8EhVpVUz9m2mR_ow4/s1600/Picture1.png" height="320" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of blender fabrics</td></tr>
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The next step is to buy the fabrics and design a quilt. I like simple shapes, just random squares cut out and sewn back together. But the point of the exercise is not to replicate the pixelised picture above but to use the colour and the saturation of each colour in the quilt. </div>
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Now to get started.</div>
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Anyway I spotted this little guy when I was out for a walk today and he was happy to pose for me.<br />
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I liked the picture and started to play about with it and came up with this, possibly a Christmas card for next year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NlmuZjs4BPtn-KY-P9mB2bfAigvIs0qjedald2M_DagVoeRz0e-Juon1ep71sdpqCUcMjwGP6UE7EjXgkTQ9OXaKb_qQGQpLPPWjhQwCJ4V9dObtf-EMWRTHRKeaYBWlpV-MTrCcQXk/s1600/PicSketch-2014-12-29-22-23-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NlmuZjs4BPtn-KY-P9mB2bfAigvIs0qjedald2M_DagVoeRz0e-Juon1ep71sdpqCUcMjwGP6UE7EjXgkTQ9OXaKb_qQGQpLPPWjhQwCJ4V9dObtf-EMWRTHRKeaYBWlpV-MTrCcQXk/s1600/PicSketch-2014-12-29-22-23-03.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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For the first time ever we became a host family for Wwoofers, Worldwide Working Opportunities on Organic Farms. This means we had people staying with us that helped in the garden, we provided food and board and they gave us 5 hours work a day. Now we are not a farm but are a food producing garden and I use our produce to make preserves to sell and also sell the eggs and salads at the front gate. We are not certified organic but have used no chemicals in the garden since we have had it and spoke the farmer who had it before us and he hasn't used anything on it for the 20 years he had it. So we had Anabel from Spain, Clement from France, Eloi from France, Grace from Canada, Eoin from Mayo, Remy from France, Ander from Basque Country and Anais from France all stay with us from March to September. It was a great experience for us, we got to pass on skills and learn new things and I would recommend it to anyone needing help with their garden or farm. For further information you can contact Wwoof Ireland at <a href="http://www.wwoof.ie/" target="_blank">wwoof.ie.</a> I found the forum a great help and full of advice before we made the decision to become a host family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS57wi6YTEUXTKuggK_pZGX6xxpb9C857Z6ZBARRjqaTUkre0yyOdvGwgu67VekVLsTu0Q6_RFotl-q2APKVdDI9H5YiEjMly3H1_b5b7obUr_KrGCfsrro7jNSXQxSzt1nTXVKLsk0eA/s1600/terryglass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS57wi6YTEUXTKuggK_pZGX6xxpb9C857Z6ZBARRjqaTUkre0yyOdvGwgu67VekVLsTu0Q6_RFotl-q2APKVdDI9H5YiEjMly3H1_b5b7obUr_KrGCfsrro7jNSXQxSzt1nTXVKLsk0eA/s1600/terryglass.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ander and Anais taking a break at a festival</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remy working at a show with me<br />
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With all this gardening I didn't have much time for making any crafts over the summer at all. Then in September I went back to working in adult education and this left even less time. However a new opportunity opened up for me when a room in our building became available to me, I moved all my craft paraphernalia into it and The Stitching Room was created. The Stitching Room is a dedicated craft room where anyone can come and learn a new skill. I have all the equipment you would need including sewing machines, rotary cutter and mats and a small die cut machine. Crafts covered include knitting, sewing, patching, quilting, felt work, card making and paper craft. It is great for me to have a whole room to keep everything in and somewhere I can drop into during my regular working day as it is located in the building I work in. You can see more about The Stitching Room and details of classes <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stitchingroom" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtIaRyGhJwrnGm2XMGEoRu979_aW3R81lMtdu-oKwC-SMndB-1ilvjpuO-4o93UQNyl5fQ2pDdMiIYmuiUkWS0oG9MTl0p-CGzoBdrXDO76HyB-IDPoEmM49VzukW0lYyh6scq33YhMg/s1600/DSCF9167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtIaRyGhJwrnGm2XMGEoRu979_aW3R81lMtdu-oKwC-SMndB-1ilvjpuO-4o93UQNyl5fQ2pDdMiIYmuiUkWS0oG9MTl0p-CGzoBdrXDO76HyB-IDPoEmM49VzukW0lYyh6scq33YhMg/s1600/DSCF9167.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric corner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy at work</td></tr>
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We had a lot of classes planned but the most enjoyable were the ones were we made felt and fabric wreaths for Christmas and some hanging decorations. It was good to see people other than me get excited about odd buttons and tiny beads.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgsXPjQaPYbWyYsR8PO7Pb_0QERXUvztHQqFc1k7JufwbvVPRKvxH9xYk-rcNn03OEuUo5vVNbdDYP87iqqlTbqhYJfYBPjH6x_Tronk6qZd1Ttd1gKLC41bikUbnavzC5wxMjYgp6j8/s1600/wreath+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgsXPjQaPYbWyYsR8PO7Pb_0QERXUvztHQqFc1k7JufwbvVPRKvxH9xYk-rcNn03OEuUo5vVNbdDYP87iqqlTbqhYJfYBPjH6x_Tronk6qZd1Ttd1gKLC41bikUbnavzC5wxMjYgp6j8/s1600/wreath+4.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essential equipment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A finished piece</td></tr>
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This then got me back to making some small hanging decorations for myself and we ended up having one Christmas tree (one of three) full of handmade decorations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawWMgXk8fLx4aZgBHgDV1td50DgAaaCi7_ZP1VnaPLCTsjbmYJAUpxpWG74KhdlnuOes2dLigkrtGZyxVwLdmR7MIpx6Z2bCYIioevlMDg1aKBfzbItIIMGsUXJ74-3uO1XbIhvEifDI/s1600/dec+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawWMgXk8fLx4aZgBHgDV1td50DgAaaCi7_ZP1VnaPLCTsjbmYJAUpxpWG74KhdlnuOes2dLigkrtGZyxVwLdmR7MIpx6Z2bCYIioevlMDg1aKBfzbItIIMGsUXJ74-3uO1XbIhvEifDI/s1600/dec+5.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gingerbread house with no calories</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A not just for Christmas heart</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-89728906782307659242014-12-28T12:50:00.000+00:002014-12-28T12:52:38.153+00:00Brrrr...it's cold out there.I woke up this morning and could feel the chill in the air. There is a heavy frost out there and everything is white and shiny. I really want to go out for a walk but it's a bit slippery so will wait and see if there is a thaw at all.<br />
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I have been feeding the birds in the garden and they come up close to the window to eat. I am trying hard to identify them all using this great website <a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdidentifier/" target="_blank">RSPB Bird Identifier</a>. I know we have robins and blackbirds, a missal thrush and lots of little birds that I wasn't sure of. I have now identified a bluetit, a great tit and I think a coal tit. They flit around really quickly pecking at the food and keeping well away from the two cats Socky and Simba.<br />
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We finally seem to be out of a cyber black hole and I hope to be back with a bang in the new year. With new posts, new photos, new crafts, new recipes and new ideas.<br />
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The year is coming to an end and work and teaching has stopped now for the holidays. I have new classes booked for next year. It is also time to start planning the garden and markets for next year.<br />
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But right now it is all about Christmas, the trees are going up and the decorations are out.<br />
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So far I have two trees up, one in the sitting room and one in the dining room.<br />
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The table is also set in the dining room with my own homemade patchwork table mats. I have had these a few years now and think it's time to make some new ones.</div>
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I've asked Santa for a really nice camera for Christmas, fingers crossed I get one and will be back in the New Year with some lovely garden and craft photos.</div>
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I hope you all have a Merry and Peaceful Christmas</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-57593069557983120452014-04-08T17:33:00.000+01:002014-04-08T17:33:22.855+01:00Back at lastI can't believe it, it has taken this long for us to come back into the land of internet. I feel like I was 10 years behind the rest of the world in a no media, no connection, no nothing land. Finally I can get back to blogging, back to online selling, back to online buying (just a bit) and even back to being able to communicate with my daughter who has emigrated to Canada. That was the hardest part, not being able to chat to her. It has taken me about three hours to reactivate accounts, change passwords, remember accounts I had and sort it all out.<br />
Still a few to go but I will be back this week with news of Farmers Markets, cookery classes with Down Syndrome Ireland, Tweety the Christmas Turkey, new crafts online at Etsy and Wwoofers.<br />
Talk again. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-27604345237114447822013-04-14T11:54:00.000+01:002013-04-14T11:54:15.651+01:00Random catch-upThankfully I have been really busy lately and not had a chance to blog. Well that was partly because I have had IT problems aswell. Ages ago I managed to trip over my laptop cable and broke the connector part in the laptop. It means I can't charge it now. Once a week I work in a centre with the same laptop and I use that one to charge my battery, so I only have about 3 hours battery a week. Now if only I knew someone who works it IT that could fix it for me...oh wait, yes I do...my husband. But well you know what they say about the cobblers children.<br />
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Craft catch-up, nothing to report. Nothing at all. I haven't made anything since christmas. I did start to knit myself a sleevless jumper but haven't bothered with that for a week or so.<br />
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Market catch-up: This has been keeping me busy. I have Nenagh Market on Saturday and Borrisokane every Friday. Along with selling local cheeses I have been working on some recipes of my own to make food. We have hens and ducks producing eggs and soon (if the weather improves) we will have loads of fresh veg aswell. So I have been looking at what I have and trying to add value to it. I am making barley cous cous salad, buckwheat tabboulah salad and quiche. I have tried a few variations and settled on four quiche varieties; bacon and cheese, tomato and cheese, brie/onion/cranberry and thyme and finally spinach, goats cheese and peppers. I have regular and gluten/wheat free available. For the Borrisokane market I also make brown bread and banana bread. I need to find another market each week to go to and have been talking to local county councils all week to find a suitable one.<br />
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Garden catch-up: The tunnel is up but no work done inside yet. The hens and ducks have been living inside and done a great job clearing out all the weeds. I am waiting on raised beds to be dug and we have a pile of manure and a pile of topsoil waiting to go in. I got some grow bags and have salads, radishes and beetroot sown in them. I also got some IKEA bags, each can hold 1 bag of compost, and they have carrots and potatoes growing in them. Outside potatoes, garlic, onions and more carrots are growing. Inside I have a huge amount of seedlings all over the house; tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, chillis, peas, cabbage, sprouts, pumpkins, courgettes, cucumber, sweetcorn, physalis, melons, bulb fennel, random mixed squash, parsley and coriander. I haven't sown any root veg as I really prefer to sow them direct so am waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the weather to improve.<br />
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That's it, the sun is out so I am off to the garden.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-22190683861936527572013-02-18T14:07:00.001+00:002013-02-18T14:07:56.995+00:00A garden discoveryIt's the 1st of February and I haven't managed to make one single craft during January. It's not because I am lazy, or lack ideas, or run up the walls with work. No! It's because this has arrived in the garden.<br />
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30 feet by 18 feet polytunnel so that we can grow some great veg to eat this year. We have had a veg garden for 5 years now but last years weather was so bad that we managed to grow nothing at all. So after dropping big hints (well okay just right out begging) and 13 months after been promised, the polytunnel arrived. </div>
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Right now it is home to 4 hens and 2 ducks, the plan being that they clear the ground, dig up all the grass and eat the slugs. They are loving it and all laying giant eggs. I have been kept busy digging the garden, weeding and sowing seeds.<br />
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I need to fill it with wonderful veg plants and as part of my search for good seed I discovered <a href="http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/" target="_blank">Irish Seedsavers</a> in Scariff, Co. Clare and made my second visit to them 31st January and viewed the gardens to see what was growing and to get inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view over the gardens</td></tr>
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As a member I get 5 packets of seeds, 3 bags of seeds potatoes, an apple tree discount and free entry to the gardens. Well yesterday was a cold but dry and sunny day so with a heavy coat and a pair of wellies I wandered through the gardens. Now I am so jealous. The site is on two slopes and they make the best use of this catching sun and providing shelter. The garden is divided into different sections; orchards, terraces with vegetables, tunnels growing plants to produce seed, woodland, nursery, apairy, childrens section and loads of paths to wander through.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orchard with old heritage varieties</td></tr>
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Already the tunnels have salads, mixed greens, broad beans, peas and chard growing. This gives me hope for us to have food growing through the winter months next year. I also found some<a href="http://store.irishseedsavers.ie/Delaway_Cabbage_p/1035.htm" target="_blank"> Delaware Cabbage</a> growing in the terraces, this is a cut and come again cabbage and one I had not heard about before. I was glad to see it growing because this is one of the seed varieties I came home with to try.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salads growing in the tunnel</td></tr>
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The philosophy behind the gardern to is to save and distribute old seeds, heritage seeds and endangered seeds. It is to keep a diverse range of open pollinated seeds. This means that left to go to seed the plants will reproduce again and again. This is the way it happens in nature but due to hybridisation, genetic manipulation and plain greed this is not always the case with major seed manufacturers. The benefit of open seed pollination to me is the wide variety of foodstuffs I can grow, being part of encouraging biodiversity and of course cost. With any luck I only need to grow each seed type once and then can save my seed from year to year. Also many seed enthusiasts are also willing to swap seed...this encourages even more biodiversity and is a great way to increase your variety of produce. I myself have received seeds from other growers in Canada,the UK and my own family here, I am looking forward to see what they produce and how different they are to what I normally grow. If you are interested in seed or plant swapping then seedsavers has a swap day organised on March 4th, see the details in <a href="http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/blog/ezines/24022012.html" target="_blank">ezine here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah from Balbriggan pictured with The Balbriggan Sprout</td></tr>
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Well, as usual I became preoccupied while writing this entry and it's now 18 Feb and I have been back to the seedsavers garden again. This time I brought Leah, my ten year old niece. It was Valentines day and though a cold February Day we had our first picnic of the year in the gardens.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the Leah<br />
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I am sure I will make many more visits through the year but for now I need to get on sowing these seeds and chitting potatoes so we can be fed better than ever over the coming year. Along with the Delaware cabbage I also got The Irish Pea, <a href="http://store.irishseedsavers.ie/Tipperary_Turnip_p/1153.htm" target="_blank">Tipperary Turnip</a>, <a href="http://store.irishseedsavers.ie/Chocolate_Miniature_Pepper_p/1027.htm" target="_blank">Chocolate Peppers</a>, Prague Celeriac and <a href="http://store.irishseedsavers.ie/Black_Plum_Tomato_p/1014.htm" target="_blank">Black Russian Vine Tomatoes</a>. As well as seed potatoes I got another tuber called Oca, I have never heard of this before so will be interested to see how it grows.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-34658483312580482142012-11-14T10:35:00.005+00:002012-11-14T11:02:30.888+00:00Christmas is comingOnly 41 days left to go (yep, really, it's THAT soon) and November is normally a great shopping month. I love the build up to christmas, I love the sparkle, I love the baking, I love the planning and plotting and I love making the Christmas decorations and food. Yep, I love all the planning but quite often get started early on plans and then most things get left to the last minute, like the tree and decorations. <br />
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And then I hate taking it all down again, I feel the house looks "sad" with all of it's finery gone. Last year I made mats and a wreath for our table..I loved it and wanted the table to stay looking like this forever.<br />
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Well I don't live on my own and the family insisted that by the end of January the Christmas decorations needed to come down. So I decided to make "non Christmas" decorations. I would make a seasonal wreath for the table centre. The first season was the season of love and so the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91496836/heart-wreath-for-wall-or-table-top" target="_blank">Heart Wreath</a> was made.</div>
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Then I decided to make non specific wreaths, ones that have no season, to be used on your table, on a wall or on a door. One of my favourites was the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93271358/night-owl-wreath-for-wall-door-or-table" target="_blank">Night Owl wreath.</a></div>
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Obviously many still consider wreaths a Christmas item so this year for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and <a href="http://limerickcraftanddesign.com/" target="_blank">Limerick Craft and Design</a> I decided to make loads of Christmas ones with snowmen and gingerbread and trees but also a range of "Not Just for Christmas" decorations which includes wreaths and tree hanging decorations. I am not suggesting keeping a christmas tree up all year long but many of us have a large plant or a bundle of twigs that can be prettified. I also like hanging decorations on netting or muslin tied to a bed post. In fact these were one of the most popular sellers I had in the pop up shop in Clifden this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114885496/christmas-wreath-red-and-pink-birds" target="_blank">Red and pink birds, hearts and flowers...not just for christmas wreath</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114903476/christmas-decoration-three-red-apples-to" target="_blank">An apple for the teacher maybe</a>?</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114903987/christmas-decoration-five-turquoise" target="_blank">Blue hearts and feathers</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114905144/christmas-decoration-three-orange-hearts" target="_blank">Orange hearts with flowers</a></div>
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Baa...Connemara sheep</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-11462330115414353472012-11-10T14:07:00.001+00:002012-11-10T18:07:21.508+00:00Meet the....wool shop ladySinead Lee has the job that I would love...she owns and runs Blacksheep Wools in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Now it is no secret that I love wool and knitting and so you could assume that I pop into the shop regularly to buy wool...well I do, but that's not the main reason I go in. I normally just pop in when I am passing for a chat and a sit down and a catch up on any news. She has a table and chairs in the middle of the room and sitting here I have had the opportunity to chat and learn from other knitters and even meet wool suppliers and talk about new products. <br />
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I spoke to Sinead about knitting and wool and things in general.<br />
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I assume you love knitting when did you start and why?<br />
I think I was always going to knit. My Mother was a primary school teacher in a rural school. It was at a time when the headmaster would take all the boys to play hurling and the female teacher would take all the girls for knitting or sewing. Mam was my teacher for three years and so I would knit at school and at home. I think the first thing I knit was a teddy bear. Knitting was seen in school as our Friday afternoon treat.<br />
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Did you continue knitting after school?<br />
No, not really. In third level I studied European Studies which took up a lot of time, I think maybe I knitted the odd hat and that was it. Perhaps a baby cardigan or two as I had my own children. Knitting only came about again for me a few years ago with the formation of the Nenagh Knitting Group started by Margaret Spelman and Valerie Foley. I joined the weekly group in Nenagh Library and enjoyed not only the knitting but the camaraderie of the ladies in the group.<br />
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So, how did the shop come about?<br />
Twofold really. I have always worked and enjoyed it. I was working in a corporate environment commuting to Limerick and I was made redundant. Being out of work was very alien to me and I became very unhappy, there was a huge void in my life. Meanwhile the knitting group was going very well but we had no local wool shop. There hasn't been a wool shop in the town for 15 years, the closest shop was in Limerick 25 miles away. So the thought was milling around in my head and I knew I would have some customers. Then I was on a girly trip in Yorkshire, a bunch of us were in a car singing the theme tune to All Creatures Great and Small...as you do when in Yorkshire...when I spotted something and asked them to stop. It was the UK headquarters of Sirdar. In I walked and met Maureen their senior sales lady, I told her that I was considering opening a shop and that was the beginning of it...a shop was born.<br />
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And how did it go for you?<br />
Slowly at first, I opened in a backroom in Kenyon Street, it was a small shop and didn't hold much stock. But I think that was good as I had no experience of running a business and no experience of retail. It was a steep learning curve. Looking back I probably made many mistakes but I am an optimist so just dealt with it, "Suck it Up" is my mantra and so I did. Dealing with sales reps was the hardest thing so a lack of space made it easier for me to say no. Also I became aware that customers wanted more than wool and I began stocking notions and haberdashery items.<br />
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You are currently located in The Nenagh Shopping Centre, why the move?<br />
Well I wanted more space to stock more items, ansd also wanted a better streetfront location. I was offered a unit here in the shopping centre and felt it would suit me well particularly with the car park located at the front. I opened here 10th December 2009 and it has been good since. The majority of people know what they want but I do have browsers aswell which is always good for business.<br />
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Unfortunatly the shopping centre closed down last year, has that had an impact on you?<br />
Of course it has, that was one of the saddest days I have seen here in town. No one was aware that it was closing and all the staff turned up for work and were told the centre had closed and they had no jobs. For me in the shop it has meant a loss in customers. Many of my older customers would come into town on Fridays and Saturdays for their shopping and drop into me, I have lost some of this custom. But I still have my regulars and they seem to be knitting baby cardigans mostly and some baby blankets.<br />
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Can you explain the resurrgance in knitting?<br />
I'm not sure, knitting is no longer taught in our primary schools due I feel to time constraints within the curriculum. Also many of the teachers themselves don't knit so cannot teach it. However with the economic downturn I feel it has raised the value of a handmade gift, it is more special that shop bought. From a physical point of view I feel knitting or any small handwork is very benefical for concentration and handwriting and should be taught to every child. In broader terms we are all rekindling the satisfaction and pleasure of making something ourselves.<br />
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Do you think groups and organisations like Raverly and Stitch and Bitch has had an impact on younger people knitting?<br />
I'm not sure about them specifically. I know knitting groups have always been popular in the UK but are a pretty new thing here in Ireland. We are very lucky in Nenagh to have the facility of holding groups in our local library. Our weekly knitting group has members from ages 6 to 83.<br />
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I have often been in the shop when customers ask for help with patterns and stitches and so I asked Sinead what is the most common question she is asked?<br />
Well it's not about stitch or pattern help it's about converting needle sizes to metric. The most unusual question was about some raw wool fleece. I often advertise for others for fleeces to buy or sell so that in itself is not unusual it was what the cutsomer was going to use it for...she swears that a piece of raw wool fleece does wonders for her bunions and often comes in for a fresh piece.<br />
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What have you knitted recently that you like and do you knit for youself?<br />
I knitted a stripey jumper for my daughter Audrey when she was two and I loved it...or maybe I just loved her in it as she looked so cute. I liked one of the Sirdar summer patterns and knit myself a cardigan in rose pink.<br />
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Sinead organises a charity knit in lent to make "Born to Soon" baby wraps for the Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society ISANDS for which she donates the 4ply white wool. She said it is a sobering and thoughtful time for all involved but that as a group they get much more out of it than just the knitting. Her shop wall has many photos and letters of thanks from ISANDS. <br />
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She asked me to say that her window display and shop samples are all done by friend and knit-a-holic Margaret Spelman. I know Margaret quite well and she said that if she doesn't do it then it won't get done...oops halo slipping Sinead.<br />
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Finally, and knitters will understand this, Sinead had a sign on the door saying "For knitting emergencys call me at 087 *******". But she has since taken it down saying she was always getting calls Sunday mornings by women that had run out of wool and were knitting gifts to be delivered that afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blacksheep-wool-Haberdashery/268312563343" target="_blank">Blacksheep wool on facebook</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.isands.ie/" target="_blank">Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.isands.ie/patterns" target="_blank">Born to soon baby wrap patterns</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-30042077031722281552012-11-06T10:30:00.000+00:002012-11-06T11:15:58.153+00:00The animals getting in on the actWe have a number of animals living with us, cats and dogs, hens and ducks and on occasion a pair of pigs. If you knew me a few years ago you would be flabbergasted to know we know have animals as I was the most anti animal person in existance. Don't get me wrong, it's not a case of not liking them...I was just terrified of all animals.<br />
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Picasso cat was the first one to come to us, a misshapen stray wandering the carpark at work that the children took pity on. He was soon followed by two more cats Simba and Socrates.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picasso helping plant the peas</td></tr>
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When we moved to a house in the country with a large garden I decided I wanted hens. Hens are wonderful animals to have if you like to bake as the eggs from them are so delicious and so yellow that you will make the most wonderful cakes, no other flavouring needed. My favourite is just a simple Victoria Sponge, it lets the flavour of the eggs shine. The hens have now been joined by two ducks but they have yet to earn their keep.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hen house is loved with a wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDimYmmpCon5o3lGJ4fOrYMJJH28nY14We5WhusQNT_8aaO8l4e5c0H59VDdp7arSGav3IV77jMzTXquNeJ61nlgyZh_HYtJk4shxGiWc2AR1uUGpJTRijuXwCYMOOdWAUoIvUP_hZlU/s1600/Feb+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDimYmmpCon5o3lGJ4fOrYMJJH28nY14We5WhusQNT_8aaO8l4e5c0H59VDdp7arSGav3IV77jMzTXquNeJ61nlgyZh_HYtJk4shxGiWc2AR1uUGpJTRijuXwCYMOOdWAUoIvUP_hZlU/s320/Feb+2011+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our front door at feeding time<br />
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The two pigs arrived at the beginning of this summer. Pinkie and Pixie had a happy life constantly escaping from Dave's farm. They are now pork roasts and bacon in the freezer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWJQSbWrjSx3dzlNqw8qNMvHQtngAIcTv0rSALrder7EZjhcgygeHuFX1QIvXAFwlXjj1jaQXxn0cQ5BJH_4XmqEj7rlcNmizgBRXEd0AZYk08FVLLz7ev-9_O4q-JKzj4Fqnvq__PwE/s1600/pigs+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWJQSbWrjSx3dzlNqw8qNMvHQtngAIcTv0rSALrder7EZjhcgygeHuFX1QIvXAFwlXjj1jaQXxn0cQ5BJH_4XmqEj7rlcNmizgBRXEd0AZYk08FVLLz7ev-9_O4q-JKzj4Fqnvq__PwE/s320/pigs+011.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinkie and Pixie</td></tr>
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Zara dog is the latest addition to our animal family and the most surprising one. Darling son has always wanted a dog but I have always been terrified of them. But darling son was supposed to be leaving home and was getting a dog to join him. Well Zara was ready to leave her doggy Mammy before darling son was ready to leave home...so she moved in for ONE WEEK. And well they are both still here 4 months later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz20ru_20U0VoEnXUD_LCag78s2LdcvmJGLC_b-8Xm7eKGNuSKnatF1VsmATv74sVvsRP_GFUQWBIg6l7FRfWRO8zTBK-swERBBqhuB33HhUlp7d0cDqhlLhu2gSnPivRa8WI628lytM/s1600/wraeths+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz20ru_20U0VoEnXUD_LCag78s2LdcvmJGLC_b-8Xm7eKGNuSKnatF1VsmATv74sVvsRP_GFUQWBIg6l7FRfWRO8zTBK-swERBBqhuB33HhUlp7d0cDqhlLhu2gSnPivRa8WI628lytM/s320/wraeths+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zara's first modelling assignment</td></tr>
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I have three children, now all adults. As children they got dragged all around the country to craft fairs that I would be selling at each weekend. They have probably been in most of the hotels and community centres in the mid west. They also very quickly discovered that they were working children, they became models for my knitwear and got to pose on the coldest beaches and windiest mountains in woolly jumpers so I could get good publicity shoots. This job has been passed on a selection of nieces and nephews with Leah enjoying it the most, she was born to be a model...or a hippy (but her mother doesn't agree).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnHEgwGi4LBoy0T-tWS6MhhOrdvn39v1BLH9LR4UOsL-nDeWP9N_n-8ipi2DulWEckYYlgE9wpy2B_Uli7HsmI9IBAXq7EYZWT4EMm84hdwxTrxRyvANQhdEQOJ01Q6B7FISiA18UadU/s1600/jumpers+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnHEgwGi4LBoy0T-tWS6MhhOrdvn39v1BLH9LR4UOsL-nDeWP9N_n-8ipi2DulWEckYYlgE9wpy2B_Uli7HsmI9IBAXq7EYZWT4EMm84hdwxTrxRyvANQhdEQOJ01Q6B7FISiA18UadU/s320/jumpers+082.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leah models and Simba joins in</td></tr>
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So now that I am making crafts and selling online a large proportion of time is spent on product photography. I personally don't like the flat white backgrounds earnestly encouraged by Etsy, I prefer a natural outdoor background and rarely venture beyond my garden for photos. But I discovered that when I set up to take some photos I end up with a crowd of animals trying to get in on the act...they just love having their photo taken. </div>
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I now just let them in for a few photos and then banish them to the house so I can finish off. Somtimes though I end up with an unusual photo worth using. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHVcmQ8ZlEDDJVol0-Pohr7I7Ubl8Sv1OLki-6G-prb-Hn9eXm6Rjt0CAEBLi7Y4gubS3bY1M1x4XoKpcWr_bu63BEBYJyYU78e89m5twilf8ocAPNb_6DWiy_DX9otLNGEut2bf-MLc/s1600/camera+232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHVcmQ8ZlEDDJVol0-Pohr7I7Ubl8Sv1OLki-6G-prb-Hn9eXm6Rjt0CAEBLi7Y4gubS3bY1M1x4XoKpcWr_bu63BEBYJyYU78e89m5twilf8ocAPNb_6DWiy_DX9otLNGEut2bf-MLc/s320/camera+232.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simba and an owl wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX4jaA7JF5H_kzZG8EN0MhQBJvBRbC46TmldMVJxO-htyURhzDq3XeAlZtzRObNiLiu3XYXBbIgkd2sV_WP9hOhRoyRModPEyLBjVf0wFt3R3PFm7xzUBvTkpqWIwRmn4GLD56KSvDow/s1600/wreath+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX4jaA7JF5H_kzZG8EN0MhQBJvBRbC46TmldMVJxO-htyURhzDq3XeAlZtzRObNiLiu3XYXBbIgkd2sV_WP9hOhRoyRModPEyLBjVf0wFt3R3PFm7xzUBvTkpqWIwRmn4GLD56KSvDow/s320/wreath+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socrates and peace wreath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6XFnsVKPKuFFb8lv5yiUt093mhk4zXchUJrSQIvOkO5-r0HjNRhdEYwB0c3MfMZNHbmOQ89g_dcj36_xGeApdOOmzvCQxIUc4NvnxoZTdxmK-63SjI5qzMOfnVfdslvLcdRSxtJH3TM/s1600/star+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6XFnsVKPKuFFb8lv5yiUt093mhk4zXchUJrSQIvOkO5-r0HjNRhdEYwB0c3MfMZNHbmOQ89g_dcj36_xGeApdOOmzvCQxIUc4NvnxoZTdxmK-63SjI5qzMOfnVfdslvLcdRSxtJH3TM/s320/star+5.JPG" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spooky photo with Socrates and a star and moon wreath<br />
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I was making flower brooches and my daughter kept putting them on Zara...so the brooches are now listed on Etsy as dog accessories and Zara has a full time modelling job...I pay her in long walks and doggy treats.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMg389yTrQfAOlPZIPcKp8rfXuTybBgUaxzT_1se5BuTeNmdFLwAqvk79vLgPrHQFmtbTyGPPNp0ysnYGy5i08codWt8quxgNW7BZH9Xue1ABteW3_nPmnmGvj4eXu3qqghy_oVvuFg8/s1600/wraeths+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMg389yTrQfAOlPZIPcKp8rfXuTybBgUaxzT_1se5BuTeNmdFLwAqvk79vLgPrHQFmtbTyGPPNp0ysnYGy5i08codWt8quxgNW7BZH9Xue1ABteW3_nPmnmGvj4eXu3qqghy_oVvuFg8/s320/wraeths+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now all dogs want a flower hairband</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ50zRVJiEsL9Dgst-8blw6dVELyo0UNhp82cBJsR04Pj8f6U6uh0b9W9iNcTy7KKhnCE2OB55Xz9PYutgtqutJjc4IZY8zoQhutB-zaRrcrByipR4WU7BiiMWciKOVujRA2TR7qo2qA/s1600/wraeths+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ50zRVJiEsL9Dgst-8blw6dVELyo0UNhp82cBJsR04Pj8f6U6uh0b9W9iNcTy7KKhnCE2OB55Xz9PYutgtqutJjc4IZY8zoQhutB-zaRrcrByipR4WU7BiiMWciKOVujRA2TR7qo2qA/s320/wraeths+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who can resist a smile like that</td></tr>
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We live in a lovely area with long walks along the river and by the lake...I always have my camera with me just in case I see something interesting. The wildlife along the river is wonderful in the summer and I have been lucky to get some good photos. Though as usual the best one is always the one that got away and this summer that was a kingfisher. Twice I was lucky enough to see that blue/green/gold sparkle, it's only for an instant but a wonderful sight.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlPXWpCIG1e49fDn423ygS4wNRFRHZclFptwwvGa8RvQsGcADsLMO4OqQyvWXXl_etA-kHCVZiJ5I6Zevzfzeu6OBRgiaRWpIHOQRd_hzX4W7ZT5fR9v76SG1Mam4uLqegCkgTGWHT5w/s1600/river+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlPXWpCIG1e49fDn423ygS4wNRFRHZclFptwwvGa8RvQsGcADsLMO4OqQyvWXXl_etA-kHCVZiJ5I6Zevzfzeu6OBRgiaRWpIHOQRd_hzX4W7ZT5fR9v76SG1Mam4uLqegCkgTGWHT5w/s320/river+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ladybird house along the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHF2rRcTiEk9JAQmLqm9orpCoS4WRC5iGvAiTSibnxZaQdod6kmftxatOaQoqORaCJQ_NIGbolEkkC4sSdSLXJ0oxhcoCEYFQ1iwgk7Dl01Mnw-Q-C-0FkUDEzCw4vOvREL6knm0j-qA/s1600/camera+210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHF2rRcTiEk9JAQmLqm9orpCoS4WRC5iGvAiTSibnxZaQdod6kmftxatOaQoqORaCJQ_NIGbolEkkC4sSdSLXJ0oxhcoCEYFQ1iwgk7Dl01Mnw-Q-C-0FkUDEzCw4vOvREL6knm0j-qA/s320/camera+210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sperenza wondering can she sit on these eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdJpH8ZmEjc_Y1soQhbX4kkFIe6fpqqagDw16hRqkg3cnO5IOqpAMlYyAhDQ-LOZHgC7nmU8AcvQyhzeTYt_IxXWbyJo5lh08SVCnAw-owuMyQ-1Xr4lJYwpoWrSSUb2GgLKp6HFH5Bc/s1600/walk+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdJpH8ZmEjc_Y1soQhbX4kkFIe6fpqqagDw16hRqkg3cnO5IOqpAMlYyAhDQ-LOZHgC7nmU8AcvQyhzeTYt_IxXWbyJo5lh08SVCnAw-owuMyQ-1Xr4lJYwpoWrSSUb2GgLKp6HFH5Bc/s320/walk+025.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I go for a walk I get followed<br />
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All the wreaths pictures can be found in my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple?section_id=11043536" target="_blank">Quirky Apple</a></div>
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and my new line in dog accessories has their own section <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple?section_id=11791773" target="_blank">here </a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-85736384269177797022012-10-29T20:43:00.000+00:002012-10-30T07:52:08.192+00:00Etsy minimall and Toejam Dublin 27th Oct 2012Hi all, well last Saturday must have been the coldest day we have had so far this year. Cold and all as it was the atmosphere at the Bernard Shaw was great. Go through the pub, down the stairs, into the beatyard, pass the big blue bus and you get to the Etys minimall which had work displayed from over 30 Irish craftworkers. They travelled from within The Pale and From all four corners of Ireland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUvjthnw34fgbcM46OoDwl0OkL1KYOqTQpuoscoJOrxYuqvcbWz9L4DJxJfskIElRa3YmKcoozh_EZjZ-fxzKdMGC_C-fzYL7CBCby_LK1EvR-owB3jEZ8QXqym6vcIoTLSDXRtswkaA/s1600/toejam+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUvjthnw34fgbcM46OoDwl0OkL1KYOqTQpuoscoJOrxYuqvcbWz9L4DJxJfskIElRa3YmKcoozh_EZjZ-fxzKdMGC_C-fzYL7CBCby_LK1EvR-owB3jEZ8QXqym6vcIoTLSDXRtswkaA/s320/toejam+089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuqjIb99wGAKhsLbiWBGG2sZof6zyw6GQO6lHdUp6cjOk9z8AXoK1hs7DL0AtxfG7HAdyfTEQlgCvepwmIN5WoaV-EJHXlyg0dS8upPxDbomoaeCFDzjKbPjkLWPyPyxXeC2Qo6y16k/s1600/toejam+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuqjIb99wGAKhsLbiWBGG2sZof6zyw6GQO6lHdUp6cjOk9z8AXoK1hs7DL0AtxfG7HAdyfTEQlgCvepwmIN5WoaV-EJHXlyg0dS8upPxDbomoaeCFDzjKbPjkLWPyPyxXeC2Qo6y16k/s320/toejam+106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57hbsP45U5yknQ4YYKQMOSkzCFDNbrFtZ0UcJ-OmBMKk0TBsvchq9-IWsChGhykRELtNPEbL8t_jdrW3pc3ZhkfP0nl6FJX-prdjVJgjOmTILF7qi-ZIAqukvPP0ehyG_GTnxwlOu9is/s1600/toejam+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57hbsP45U5yknQ4YYKQMOSkzCFDNbrFtZ0UcJ-OmBMKk0TBsvchq9-IWsChGhykRELtNPEbL8t_jdrW3pc3ZhkfP0nl6FJX-prdjVJgjOmTILF7qi-ZIAqukvPP0ehyG_GTnxwlOu9is/s320/toejam+100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwn1-tcoHkxaMqtWoC4dr1zegJ3kHcrQhVroc1O9zIK1B2IcETcqgDRL1IGEHGv9s5iLlv2wueiedzZxF6Xy2sgxNgFb_0faFq9caHKCkvr6TRajnKgnEugB17d-_pWeuFa71jU6vpv0/s1600/toejam+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwn1-tcoHkxaMqtWoC4dr1zegJ3kHcrQhVroc1O9zIK1B2IcETcqgDRL1IGEHGv9s5iLlv2wueiedzZxF6Xy2sgxNgFb_0faFq9caHKCkvr6TRajnKgnEugB17d-_pWeuFa71jU6vpv0/s320/toejam+091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the poor quality of pics, my own camera was playing up. Also the sun was very strong and it was hard to get no shine on the products.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-29768836768497628782012-10-24T13:44:00.001+01:002012-10-24T13:49:25.061+01:00The Perfect Victoria Sponge<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Victoria sponge cake<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 free-range
eggs, this will give you a really rich yellow cake</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">225g/8oz
caster sugar, plus a little extra for dusting the finished cake</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">225g/8oz
self-raising flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp baking
powder <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">225g/8oz
margarine or soft butter at room temperature, plus a little extra to grease the
tins<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To serve, </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">good-quality
strawberry or raspberry jam, </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">whipped
double cream (optional) or t</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">hick
custard (optional)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preparation
method</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.Preheat
the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.Grease and
flour 2 x 20cm/8in sandwich tins</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.Add
soft<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>margarine to a mixing bowl and
whisk in sugar until almost white.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. Crack in
the eggs and a spoonful of flour and whisk until combined.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.Sift flour
and add in along with baking powder, whisk gently until combined.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mixing tip:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The easiest
way to do this is with an electric hand mixer, but you can use a wooden spoon.
Put a damp cloth under your bowl when you’re mixing to stop it moving around.
Be careful not to over-mix – as soon as everything is blended you should stop.
The finished mixture should be of a soft ‘dropping’ consistency – it should
fall off a spoon easily.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.Divide the
mixture evenly between the tins: this doesn’t need to be exact, but you can
weigh the filled tins if you want to check. Use a spatula to remove all of the
mixture from the bowl and gently smooth the surface of the cakes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.Place the
tins on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Don't be tempted
to open the door while they're cooking, but after 20 minutes do look through
the door to check them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.The cakes
are done when they’re golden-brown and coming away from the edge of the tins.
Press them gently to check – they should be springy to the touch. Remove them
from the oven and set aside to cool in their tins for five minutes. Then run a
palette or rounded butter knife around the inside edge of the tin and carefully
turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.To take
your cakes out of the tins without leaving a wire rack mark on the top, put the
clean tea towel over the tin, put your hand onto the tea towel and turn the tin
upside-down. The cake should come out onto your hand and the tea towel – then
you can turn it from your hand onto the wire rack.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.Set aside
to cool completely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.To
assemble the cake, place one cake upside down onto a plate and spread it with
plenty of jam. If you want to, you can spread over whipped cream too or extra thick custard.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.Top with
the second cake, top-side up. Sprinkle over the caster sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alternatives:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Replace 1oz of flour with 1oz cocoa<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coffee:
Dissolve a dessert spoon of coffee granules in a dessert spoon of hot water and
add with eggs when cool.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="214" data-width="235" height="214" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsm3T7ceh51TXnrE40etvfTEIuGDhyoD1e-TKGoWqAnF-6ialD7w" style="height: 214px; width: 235px;" width="235" /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-23234902117207083362012-10-23T15:56:00.001+01:002012-10-23T16:06:31.447+01:00Etsy and TreasuriesThis enforced holiday (due to being sick) has meant I have a bit more time to tidy up my cyber life, including this blog and my Etsy shop.<br />
I have new products to photograph and post online but as the weather is so grey neither the light inside or out is conducive to good photos. So I decided to look at making an Etsy Treasury. A treasury is a curated list of items that you like and put together, more gallery than scrapebook. The treasury should have a theme that links each item.<br />
I remember the first time I got a message to say one of my items had been included in a treasury, I was so excited about it...that someone liked it enough to include it.<br />
<br />
This jumper has been popular and included in a few treasuries including this one created by Puffin Patchwork <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODIzMzkzM3wyNzIwNjQwMDU1/warm-and-cosy-for-autumn?index=1" target="_blank">Warm and Cosy for Autumn</a>. The treasury has some wonderful crafts and I am honoured to be included in it. See Puffins own work here in her Etsy Shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PuffinPatchwork?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">Puffin Patchwork</a><br />
<br />
<span id="listing-zoom-image"><img height="320" src="https://ny-image3.etsy.com/000/0/6727736/il_fullxfull.312980247.jpg" width="240" /></span><br />
<br />
Purls (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/purlsofcolour" target="_blank">Etsy shop Purls Of Colour</a> ) made a lovely treasury <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODA5MjQwOXwyNzIzMjQ1MDYw/once-in-a-blue-moon?index=0" target="_blank">Once In A Blue Moon</a> which included my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/93271358/night-owl-wreath-for-wall-door-or-table" target="_blank">Night Owl</a> wreath. Its led to a sale, not of the wreath but of some of the items on the wreath, an owl, a star and a moon.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Night Owl wreath for wall, door or table top" height="240" src="https://ny-image1.etsy.com/000/0/6727736/il_570xN.312974489.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
So I tried to make a treasury of my own. During the summer I made this one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTkzMTcyODF8MjcyMjY4ODk0NA/summer-yearnings?ref=pr_treasury" target="_blank">Summer Yearnings</a> featuring some amazing work that made me think of long hot summer days. It included this watercolour by Helen Dardik of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/helendardik" target="_blank">Orange Studio</a>, an amazing illustrator (HINT: If you need to buy me a present any of her work will do).<br />
<img alt="My Arrietty... original watercolor... 10 in x 14 in..." height="320" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5501307/il_570xN.312421846.jpg" width="297" /><br />
<br />
Then today I gave another one a go. I was looking through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/login/reauth.php?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fupdate_security_info.php%3Fwizard%3D1#!/crafty.ireland.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Crafty Ireland Team</a> wonderful crafts and noticed that many people have made wonderful craft animals...and so I made a treasury featuring this called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTkzMTcyODF8MjcyMDkwNjc0NQ/irish-animal-magic?ref=pr_treasury" target="_blank">Irish Animal Magic</a>. Among the magical animals is a fox kit from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnSnagBreac?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">An Snag Breac,</a> I think it is so cute but not sure if I would be able to make it.<br />
<br />
As a craftworker it gives me a great boost to see my work included in a treasury, particulary one curated by another craftworker as they know and understand the time and work involved in handmade goods and have used some of this valuable time to admire the work of another.<br />
<br />
Lastly, BIG PLUG. This christmas think of buying Irish and handmade. From me at Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple" target="_blank">Quirky Apple</a> or Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuirkyApple?ref=hl" target="_blank">Quirky Apple</a> or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search?q=craftyirelandteam&view_type=gallery&ship_to=IE&ref=auto4" target="_blank">Crafty Ireland Team</a> on Etsy which right now has 9, 799 items listed.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-25932739197881708292012-10-22T13:47:00.002+01:002012-10-22T13:48:01.586+01:00Feeling UUUURRRRRGGGGGHHHHHThats the only way to describe it. I have finally been hit by a bug that has been doing the rounds...I normally avoid these things but this one got me.<br />
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And such a week to have me at my lowest.<br />
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So short verison, <a href="http://limerickcraftanddesign.com/" target="_blank">Limerick Craft and Design</a> should be finally opening this week and I not only want to get in to see it and work but want to get more stock ready for it.<br />
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This weekend sees the first ever (hopefully to be annual event) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/etsyireland?fref=ts" target="_blank">Etsy Ireland Toejam and minimall</a> at GBS Dublin. Not only am I selling at this fair and getting to finally meet for real all the wonderful people from Etsy Ireland but have also promised to sell for another craftworker Puffin Patchwork.<br />
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I also have the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Borrisokanemarket" target="_blank">Borrisokane</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nenagh-Farmers-Market/299132756842786?ref=hl" target="_blank">Nenagh</a> farmers markets on Friday and Saturday to sell my local cheeses. Yes, I can see that there is an overlap there with Toejam and Nenagh market but I CAN be in two places at one time...can't I?<br />
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And then finally on Sunday I have the wonderful <a href="http://www.cloughtoberfest.com/beers-bars--food.html" target="_blank">Cloughtoberfest</a> were I will be manning the cheese tent beside the beer tent so that we can have local farm cheese and local craft beer pairings.<br />
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Along with that I still have my usual classes to teach Monday-Thursday....and my body has decided to be sick and not obey me in any way and all it wants to do is lie down and sleep.<br />
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Suggestion for cures please....thanks Tracy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-82536007117466129842012-09-13T19:53:00.002+01:002012-09-13T19:53:43.586+01:00Limerick Craft and DesignI've just been to Limerick to drop of my first lot of stock to the new craft shop. It's looking great now with all the new paint and shop fittings. Still no opening date yet but it's just waiting on stock to come in. The childrens' section is at the front so my jumpers will be seen through the window...great. Well done and thanks to Ruth and Erika and all the committee. For more infor see here.<br /><a href="http://limerickcraftanddesign.com/" target="_blank">Limerick Craft and Design</a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-23906109024843203302012-09-13T11:52:00.001+01:002012-09-13T11:52:50.818+01:00Mea CulpaOk I haven't blogged much lately at all. I have been knitting and sewing and cooking and dog sitting and buying ducks and opening shops and closing shops and painting shops and harvesting courgettes and selling cheese and visiting organic farms and organising a big party...and I went back to work. Phew, so I haven't blogged. So coming over the next few days, photos of pop up shop in Clifden, new product info and an great interview with someone who had my ideal job...the wool shop lady.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-59201512109502828142012-06-24T15:25:00.003+01:002012-06-24T15:25:39.822+01:00A wonderful blogI admit it, I haven't had as much time to blog in the past few weeks as I would like. But I have been busy making things and reading other blogs. I found this one, a great read but even better it has video tutorials on making patchwork.<br />
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I will say no more and just direct you to it, well worth a look and really old fashioned music and pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.appleturnover.tv/" target="_blank">appleturnover.tv</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-52880033786589152002012-06-20T18:12:00.000+01:002012-06-20T18:12:41.063+01:00New baby quilts madeI finally got some photos of these taken. I like to take the photo's outdoors but we live in Ireland and well sometimes I think the country needs a roof on it, flooding in June.<br />
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I have been buying fabric and normally buy a few to go with each other and then when I get them home become unsure and swap them with others. So each of these quilts was actually made with fabric bought in 3 seperate lots and mixed about a bit.<br />
I also don't plan in great detail, a mood takes me to make a quilt, I see what colours I feel like doing and go ahead. When making things I need spontaneity, too much planing and it becomes a chore. Also in terms of patchwork blocks and quilting I think many would cringe at what I do. I don't like complicated blocks or much detail, I just want to sew squares of fabrics together. And in terms of quilting, I hate it. That is I don't enjoy the process of holding the three layers of fabric together, so it's simple straight lines for me and as little as I can get away with.<br />
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Anyway, despite all of that and the fact that I have only learnt how to use a sewing machine in the past 18 months I think I end up with pretty and useful baby quilts.<br />
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I didn't realise when making them that 3 are girl orientated so have to make more for boys.</div>
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These quilts are for sale from me online in my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/shop/quirkyapple</a></div>
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On my facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/QuirkyApple" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/QuirkyApple</a></div>
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At the Borrisokane market Friday 2pm to 6pm <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Borrisokanemarket">https://www.facebook.com/Borrisokanemarket</a></div>
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At the Nenagh market Saturday 10am to 3pm <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nenagh-Farmers-Market/299132756842786?sk=info">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nenagh-Farmers-Market/299132756842786?sk=info</a></div>
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and at the Limerick Milk Market Sunday</div>
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<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Quirky Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505773774182620004noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714033608158871082.post-78922956978401066992012-06-18T16:20:00.001+01:002012-06-18T16:20:59.735+01:00Crazy patchwork signI need a sign for market stall and decided it woudld be a good idea to make it myself. I "liberated" an election sign to use as the base and I am making a crazy patchwork cover and then will put lettering on it. I thought crazy patchwork would be simple, look good and use up some of my giant basket of scraps that I can't part with.<br />
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Bad idea...<br />
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I am using the sew and flip method and it's just not working, each patch has too many sides and it's so slow having to stop and iron each time.<br />
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Will keep going, but has anyone any suggestions...I'm obviously doing something wrong.<br />
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