It's Still Bizarre

Didn't finish writing about yesterday’s visit to the Cardiff Craft Bizarre at the Mackintosh centre, in Roath. so here is a little catch up.
The Lady bellow is Linda Ditchburn who runs HoopLoop. I met Linda about nine months ago when she had a stall at Milgis on City Rd. Back then I bought a book thong from her. Yes you read that right... a thong for books. I keep a knitting journal the old way... on paper in a leather-clad binding. Inside I keep all my sketches and pattern designs and doodles along with ball bands and the odd snippet of useful information, such as how much yarn it will take to knit a jumper for a Man/Woman/Child... Insert correct chest size and out comes the result I want. Very handy if I spot cheep yarn but it only works if I have my journal with me.


Any way back to Linda and HoopLoop. Linda made a real impression on mw the first time I met her. She has a really bubbly personality and a big smile to boot. As you can see from the photo bellow Linda mostly makes jewellery from semi-precious stones, lampwork beads and swarovski crystals. Some of Linda's pieces are crocheted with silver wire and have stones dotted along their length. The wonderful bracelet & necklace sets are quite wonderful and would make the special lady in your life very happy with out braking the bank to please her.

Linda had some Crochet Scarves on her stall in what I would call a Queen Anne's lace pattern. sorry linda I foggot to take a photo of them.
Linda has revamped a bookmark pattern to her own taste and made a very striking scarf as a result. I think it would make a smashing gift for someone you know who would appreciate a hand made accessory come next winter. Art, fashion and cossy wooly warmth all together in one item.

I have been trying to learn to crochet and funnily enough there is a good reason I recognised the general pattern of the Queen Anne's lace. I am trying to make it myself, but have yet to figure out where all the loops are supposed to go. I keep on running out of places to put loops with my crochet hook. the finished iten should in theorymatch the pattern.

Ok I suppose I had better show you my effort at Queen Anne's lace.

As you can see it is not lying flat, but wanting to twist and spiral. I love the pattern though so I will persevere with it.
there were more stalls at the Bazarre that are worty of mention but they will have to weight until tomorrow.