and the winners are...

courtesy of an online random number generator, are...

number 13, which is Kitty, 

and number 21, which is French Knots.

So, ladies, if you would kindly email me your addresses, I will take a trip down to the post office later this week.  As neither of you has expressed a preference as to which one you'd like, I'll wrap them up, and then write the addresses on, so it will be a surprise to all!

(I must, must, must, also sort out my 'PIF' gifts too, I haven't forgotten!)

Oh, and by the way...

'FARM'

has arrived in the Etsy shop

(and no, this is not an April fool joke, I promise!)

Miss Russ,

A friend of mine has just opened an Etsy shop (and about time too!) as an outlet for some of her limited edition art prints.  I've know Amy (yes, another Amy) since we were both about 4 years old as we both went to the same primary school, and then the same art foundation course.

These two are some of my favorites,

You can see more here and also at Amy's official website.

- - - - - - - - -

My Etsy shop is now topped up with books and for those in the UK who prefer to go through a UK site I've put some on Folksy too.  Don't forget to join the Flickr group and load images if you make anything from the book.

EeeeeK...!

We have mice,

loose in the house!

Where's that cat when you need him?!

This week has been new pattern week.  There are quite a few in the pipeline, some working better than others.  I have a few half finished animals sat on my desk, and others still in sketch form.  At least the ideas have been flowing, thank goodness!  There are potentially some big projects coming up.

ps, giveaway winner is..., (drumroll please)

well, it looks like Rusty is off to Italy (lucky thing!), to live with Dolci Fusa!

The funny side,

Well, it's happened.   What every author waits for with baited breath.  The Amazon reviews.  

Ho Hum.  

Only way to deal with it is to rise above, keep calm and eat chocolate carry on, always look on the bight side.  The amusing thing is, usually if you read between the lines, some are actually quite funny...

Review of the book 'Little Birds' - "disappointed, it just contained projects about birds" - errr, the clue is in the name.

"Some of the projects look like they could be made by a child" - not quite getting the point behind varying projects within a book to cater for a wide range of abilities.

Review of a book about paper crafts - "disappointed, it just contained projects made using paper" - errr, again, the clue is in the name.

"Patterns needed tracing" - so you would seriously be happy cutting up your book?

"I bought the Kindle version and then realised the patterns needed tracing" - no kidding!

"I was going to buy this book, but..." - so you're reviewing a book you don't have based on the 'look inside' feature alone from which there are large chunks of the book missing?

"I'm giving this book 1 star as when it arrived it was damaged" - yes, because the postal system is indeed the authors fault.  Obviously!

Anyone seen anymore Amazon gems I should add to the list??

Mother Swan,

My Mum's birthday always falls pretty close to Mother's Day (here in the UK), and this year due to unforeseen circumstances (involving lack of money!), I made something...,

she has a Mother Swan and three Cygnets.

The Cygnets represent myself and my two brothers.

Can I just say a huge thank you for all the feedback on my previous post.  This is a vast subject to cover, and despite my initial reservations about bringing it up here, the post will stay.  If you haven't already, please do read through the comments, there are lots of different views expressed about the subject of copying, they make interesting reading.  I have heard back from the craft forum involved, and whilst I'm not convinced they fully understand where I'm coming from on this, they have offered a couple of suggestions.

Tidying up...

I've been having a bit of a tidy round in my sewing room, and it occurred to me that there are too many things collecting dust...

I designed these two stumpwork greetings card kits a few years ago now, each one includes all the thread, fabric and instructions to complete and mount the embroidered portrait, and I'm going to give them away.  Leave a comment and let me know which you would like, the prince or the princess, and I'll draw two winners on sunday.

And again, just for fun, can you also let me know what sewing machine you use or recommend?.  My machine is going bang, bang, bang, instead of sew, sew, sew, I think I may be in the market for a new one!

PS, You may (or may not!) have noticed over the last few weeks there have been a few changes to my blog layout and colours.  I've started learning a bit about how web sites are put together and how 'html' code works, it's very confusing at first but is gradually all starting to make sense.  For anyone with a Blogger blog, try this site for ideas and ways you can personalise a basic minima blog template.

Poor little Peahen!

Last week I tidied the room (or cupboard, it's that small) where I work, and although it's much tidier, a couple of significant things were misplaced in the process.  Firstly, I lost all of my grey felted wool.  That's 3 jumpers all together, a dark, mid and a light grey.  A big deal since at the time I was in the middle of making a (grey) Raccoon. And secondly, I couldn't find the, still unfinished, Peahen.

Thankfully, both have since surfaced.  The grey jumpers were all at the bottom of my rather large scrap bag (no idea how they got there) and the Peahen was in a box underneath a box of books.  Not very fitting for a little Peahen.  So she has now been finished off and is finally in the shop (sold, thank you)

On another subject, while working on the Peahen given it's more or less the same pattern as the Peacock from the Little Birds book, I have been giving PDF patterns some more thought.  The more patterns I continue to produce, the more the likelihood is of items made by these patterns turning up for sale on Etsy.  Normally my policy is that any patterns or tutorials are not for commercial use, but what I'm finding with that route, is that some will respect that, and others won't.  So in order to flush the state of mind away of constantly feeling like it would need policing, I am seriously considering of changing this to allow small businesses to sell items made from my patterns on the condition that they credit 'Lucykate Crafts...' with the design and link to where the pattern is available (and don't undercut me on price!).

What do you think?

The return of the owl,

It has been quite a while since I did anything owlish, and this is why,

...the mini owl has arrived.  The Anchor kit is now available here, and contains all the instructions, templates and materials required to make one owl.

There is still time to join in the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post!

Right, back to work on some new patterns, my softie portfolio is beginning to look a little depleted, new designs are on their way!

10 signed copies...,

now up on Etsy

which means if you are in the UK, you can have your book now rather than waiting until May!

First 3 orders will also receive one of the handmade conkers as a free gift!

Dragonflies...

In celebration of National Craft Month, the Dragonfly from the 'Countryside Softies' book is up as a free downloadable pdf pattern on the Stash Books blog!

I've also set up a Flickr group, please feel free to join and post any projects made from the book there.

Copying, where do you draw the line?

I have thought about whether or not to post this over the last couple of weeks, and have decided in the end to go ahead.  This may be a controversial post, I may end up deleting it, but for now, I would like to ask for your views on this subject, and that subject is essentially ...copying.

There have been quite a few small instances of my patterns and tutorials being used commercially (something I do ask not to be done), most of these I query with the maker and do, eventually, get removed (although you'd be amazed how many people try and deny what is glaringly obvious!).  Recently, this has been compounded by an incident on a craft forum when someone posted a copy of my Peacock.  I'm not going to link, and instead use this opportunity to talk about events from my point of view.

The Peacock was seen and admired in my photostream on Flickr.  The person involved decided she would like to make one as a gift as part of an organised swap.  Instead of being inspired by my Peacock, and coming up with her own, she proceeded (without asking if I minded) to work out a pattern, copying mine exactly, for herself.  The finished Peacock was then posted online to great exclamations of praise.  However, instantly, another crafter recognised the Peacock as a copy and emailed me a link.  I messaged the lady in question regarding her motives and also the initial lack of credit as to where the design originated (she has, as a result, now added my name).  

There are a number of reasons why this bothers me, the lapping up of the compliments over design and choice of materials (and I know there is a danger of sounding like a toddler having a tantrum, but hey, it's my design, and I was the one who spent the time working out the shape, how to put it all together, which parts should be fabric, which parts should be felted wool!), the encouragement of others to also 'work out the pattern', and the continued praise by other forum members (and indeed the forum itself as it was selected as a featured project), for what is essentially a rip off!

The Peacock pattern is indeed about to be published and can I make it clear there would be no problem in the slightest if this had been made using the pattern once it's available.  It is the fact that my design, something I had worked very hard on, and something I am attempting to make a living doing, has been deconstructed like it's free for all to use that I take exception to.  If everyone did this, the whole craft pattern market would pretty soon become defunct.

I have been concerned I'm being petty, making a mountain out of a molehill, and if you do think I'm overreacting, please say so, my reasons for posting this is to gain other views and help me get some perspective.  In the meantime, I have contacted the forum direct and expressed my feelings on the matter, although at this point they are yet to reply.

For me, it is about where to draw the line on what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to copies.  When does it move from being flattering, to just downright cheeky?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

edited to add - there is a fantastically written post by Erika Firm over on Decor8 covering this subject too, well worth reading.

I think I need some chocolate...

After reading this post on 'Pretty Little Things' blog yesterday, I guess it's only a matter of time until we all face similar issues.  Within the design industry, copying and copyright is an issue all designers are wary of.

(don't panic, they now have wings!)

Creative inspiration and ideas come from what we see around us every day, internet, books, magazines, cards, etc, but the key to making it your own, is to apply a design process to those initial ideas. I myself, take inspiration from my fellow craft bloggers, but always credit and link to, where that initial idea came from.  I feel sad when others don't.

This post has been edited, the matter is moved on from, but the subject, does still remain relevant.  Right, that finished, enough said, I am off for that chocolate, happy easter!

On my desk on wednesday...

...there are some new bits & bobs which will be soon available on Etsy.  Anyone else who makes things to sell will know what a learning curve it can all be, even with over 11 years experience as an in-house designer, there has still been a lot of trial and error, not to mention fitting crafting in around children wanting feeding, drinks, clean clothes and broken toy cars mending!

Thank you for all the lovely comments about the felt bag, my mum hasn't seen it yet, it was her birthday yesterday but I have kept hold of it for now as she is coming for a visit with us over easter weekend.

Have a good easter, I will be back next week, no doubt, a little spottier/heavier, from eating far too much chocolate, yum!

Weaving...,

There is a television series currently on here in the UK called Mastercrafts.  Each episode centers on a traditional craft with 3 volunteers undertaking training in this craft.  So far, they have covered Green Wood Craft, Thatching, Blacksmithing, Stained Glass and last week was all about Weaving.

Weaving is the subject I studied at University, so I simply had to watch, it's been such a long time since I did any.  Now, I wasn't the best of students, preferring to spend my time at Uni drinking (alcohol, actually it was cider back then!) and watching bands play, any studying came a poor second.  But nonetheless, I do still have a fair amount of woven samples to show for it...,

looking back, it's really hard to believe that I actually wove these,

everything was done from scratch, including dyeing all the thread,

although some was used in it's natural state.

The looms we had were huge floor standing Dobby Looms.  Each design was pegged out using tiny wooden dowels or 'pegs', hammered into holes to create a 'peg plan' which told the loom which shafts to lift each time the foot peddle was pressed down.

 There were 12 on the course and we were a mean bunch.  The running joke would be to scatter a handful of pegs on the floor under the loom, making you think some had fallen out of your peg plan overnight.  One part I don't miss is threading loom, anyone who has done this before will know it is a very fiddly, time consuming job, and so easy to make a mistake.  But without doing all that, there wouldn't be the satisfaction of cutting a freshly woven piece of cloth from a loom for the first time once it's finished.  A piece of cloth that you know inside out, every single length of thread is there because you placed it there, and together it really does weave something beautiful!

Hello, this is Lucykate Crafts, and here is today's (giveaway) news...,

Mr LK has returned from Chicago, once through the front door he was brutally pushed aside and his bag ransacked by two small children who had heard a rumour he was in possession of new pairs of crocs.  Unfortunately for them, their mother beat them to it, the call of Orla goodies being stronger...!

YUM!

He was promptly given a hug as the good man had also picked up the latest copy of 'Mothering' magazine, which contains a rather lovely and beautifully written article called 'Crafty Mama's'.

There are interviews with 5 crafty bloggers including Amy Karol and Stephanie Congdon Barnes.

I am doubly pleased to have a copy of this as it also led me to the blog of the writer, The Artful Parent, which is well worth a visit.

In other news, the mobile for the mobile swap is complete and on its way across the pond to it's recipient.

I am embarrassed it is so late, but better late than never.  

And finally, after Trashalou's raffle to raise money for the Bushfire Appeal, the winner of Marmalade requested that she be sent off to the Toy Society, who are collecting donations to be passed on to children who lost everything in the fires.

That means Rusty is all alone and in need of a home.  So begins the 'find Rusty a home' appeal.  By way of apologising for completely forgetting it was my two year blogiversary last week (oops!), who would like to offer this poor, lonely pup a home?

Just leave a comment on this post, you can take part in a little market research for me, and let me know your favorite craft book, and why.  Comments will be closed as of midnight on Wednesday 25th March, so you have almost a week.

In the meantime, if you are in the UK and a mum, Happy Mother's Day for Sunday!

Raccoon,

 

...I'm slowly getting there with this one.  He has just lost his feet (they weren't right), but nonetheless, I am getting there.

An ode to the colour red...,

I love the colour red, our couch is red (well, deep red, but that's close enough),

(red leather..., swoon!)

my wedding flowers were red, a lot of our ornaments are red,

we have a lot of red things in the (messy!) kitchen too.

(there really are worktops under all that, honest)

So, how pleased do you think I was to receive this in the post the other day?!.  It's my swap mobile from Sara of Kindred Crafters.  It's red, and it's toadstools, can't get more perfect than that.  I love it.

(eek, how hard is it to photograph a mobile?!, STOP SPINNING!)

It's hung in my sewing room at the moment, but I really want to put it above the table in the kitchen once I've got a hook in place to hang it from.

My own mobile is almost sorted and ready to go.  Something else almost ready to go is this flower, well rose to be more precise.  It's been sat on my desk for ages so am going to put it in Etsy, see if I can earn some money to go Etsy shopping myself, or...,

Mr LK is currently on an airplane (again!), en route to Chicago (nope, not jealous in the slightest).  How much Orla Keily kitchenware from Target can he realistically bring back?

I'm going to be hiting that 'find it at a Target store' button a lot over the next few days!

Winner & sneak peaks,

Can't believe it's heading towards Easter already,

...and while I'm eating the chocolate, the Easter Bunny gnaws on a carrot!

The random number generator has been doing it's thing again, and the giveaway winner is...,

number 9 - Kazzells 

Looks like the Peacock was almost the unanimous choice!

Just a quick mention about something else, I had an email a couple of weeks ago about a new online platform available for viewing Etsy.  It's by PicClick, works for searches of items, for example Owl Softies, the same way Etsy does, and is handy because it brings all the images together on the same page, makes it so much easier for quick viewing rather than trawling through page after page.  Handy for keeping tabs on any design copies out there!

The wanderers return...

FedEx have just visited...

The last time I saw this box was in May 2012 when I first posted it off to America.  This isn't everything, some has stayed behind for exhibition purposes.

Also arrived...

My author copies of the book.  I will have some of these up for sale on Etsy shortly, once I've signed them!

Post is here, post is here!

I've been working on my mobile for the mobile swap I'm signed up for...,

using the embroidered letter idea again really appealed to me, and this time there are four miniature ones addressed to the seasons.

There are some leaves to be embroidered ready to add into the mix too, the problem I have now is to sort out the actual construction of the mobile, not having made one before!

I'd quite like to just string them all in a row, but need to think about how, and with what, any mobile making tips would be greatly appreciated! 

Mum, don't peak!

It's my Mum's birthday soon, and after the cushion I made for christmas went down so well, it has been difficult to know how to top that, until I spotted this tutorial on Betz White's blog.  So, after felting a wool cardigan, I set about making one of those lovely bags.

(front)

I've adapted it slightly by completely changing the colours, adding a lining, blanket stitch decoration to the edges, and a press stud flap for security.

(back)

Am very pleased with the result, and will simply have to make another!

(close up detail)

Thank you Betz for such an inspiring project idea!

Well now, down to the real business, this morning, there were 85 comments (sorry to those who were too late), after knocking it down to 84, as one person had commented twice, the winner, courtesy of an online random number generator, is...

49

which is Louise of LuluLollylegs!

Congratulations Louise, if you email me with your address, I'll get Rosie and a few added extras in the post.  Thank you to everyone who joined in and played along, some weird flavours of crisps there, salt & vinegar is most definitely quite a popular choice, gave me the munchies reading all the comments!

Felt Toy Kits

My three felt softies, Cleo the Cat, Ruby the Rabbit and Blue the Dog.