CraftTips‬ for newbies No1

Knitting pins and knitting needles are one and the same.Confusing we know!


Seek It Out Changing the world a stitch at a time

Cutting your cloth accordingly

We hear much of make do and mend just now but not sure we are quite back to unpicking hand knitted jumpers to re knit.  However, it is clear that the mix of recession and environmental worries has got the public thinking.

Simple things can be achieved, we all know that clothing bargains can be found in charity shops but so can many other things.  Old quilt covers can make fantastic simple curtains or blinds, sheets to line those curtains, old jumpers to make hot water bottle covers or even iPad covers.  The ideas are endless, all we need to do is think of alternative uses for everyday items.

The dress for Africa from pillow cases is a brilliant but simple idea, helping to give little girls a dress of their own.  Another we love here at Seek It Out is Turtle Doves, a very clever lady who makes old jumpers into the best ever gloves and more.  Those gloves are winter kit for the SIO team.  So I am sure if you sit a while and just look at everything around you, you will soon have a brain wave and be making bags from old denim's, discovering charity shops all over again and learning new cost effective ways to buy bargains to turn into something new.

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time.
ButtonBag sewing tin available on the Seek It Out website

Know your market

Hi Janie here again with another guest blog - thanks SIO for letting me revisit you.

When did you last ask your clients what they feel about your products, your staff, your service or your display at a show?  In business we all assume too much, as we often are scared to ask or it just never occurs to us.  Feedback forms or informal asks are not just for big business, they can be used by all.  

Does your website ask how they found you in a useful way?  I mean if you ask visitors how they found you and the only answer is 'in a magazine' how will you know which one you advertise in is driving most traffic.  We often pop codes into special offers to track this sort of activity but not everyday traffic.  Analytics can tell you on line to on line but not when some one picked up a magazine in the dentist or in WH Smiths and found you that way!  In the weeks ahead I will continue to bring you snippets of ideas of how you might get a deep insight into your clients not just a bit of an insight.

Unlocking the door on your customer's feelings might just save you a fortune in more than misplaced advertising.

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time

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© Solomin Andrey - Fotolia.com

Heat wave or Hurricane - half term blues....

One moment we are basking in the heat and next sloshing around in wellies.  Heating off, heating on, never sure what to do for the best.  Half term fun seriously limited by the weather which is a shame but not the end of the world.  A Seek It Out follower recently told me how she had fun with her house full of her & other's kids, all climbing the walls as all the outdoor activities were cancelled. Determined not to have the day spent in front of the TV or on the Xbox she decided to have a competition. Had to be simple and fun as she only had one other adult in the house to help plus a mixed group of kids.

Clear they had to use what they had at home, so T towels were the order of the day.  Out with the sewing machine (adults to be the machinists for the teams), the bits and bobs box (old ribbon, odd buttons, bits of gift wrapping etc.) and some fabric remnants. The kiddies were asked for ideas, adults worked out if they could make the item with what they had and then in teams of three they started project number one.  To make a simple tote bag from a T towel.  Each team was told to work on their own design and look, with some adult support but only when asked for.  Several hours and several cookie breaks later all bags were complete.  The differences were amazing considering everyone was in the same room. Competition was lively but healthy which made it all the more exciting.  There were three bags in total, one had long handles, the other two short.  One had an internal pocket with a button flap and another a bottle strap inside.  Colours varied, some using mixed T towel pieces for contrasting effect and so the variations went on. Their attention to detail was really good, helped by a practical briefing from the adults on how it needed to be strong and robust if a bag.

 

The kids were really chuffed with their efforts and keen for more, no one slinked off to the computer or TV.  In fact so keen they wanted to do something else, after much thought and more rummaging two more projects came out, TV remote tidy bags for sofa arms using from fabric remnants and decorated napkin rings using fabric and beads from a broken necklace.

Just shows when we are pushed we really are a clever bunch, pulling rabbits out of the hat without hardly a thought.  I have to add my pal is creative but she is no keen crafter, so this was a big deal but it worked a treat.  What could you do with your kids, a bake off or craft off?

Do not let the rain clouds spoil your fun. Remember we love to post great projects on our gallery.

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time

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© zsooofija - Fotolia.com                                                           

Pink lemonade & summer time....

Sunshine is amazing, suddenly we lose the drab colours of winter not only in our gardens but also in our clothes.  Last weekend we heard that half the nation was busy having BBQ's and that got our imaginations going.  How can you jazz up a BBQ to make it extra special.  Adorn the garden or patio with bunting, use a pretty length of oil cloth to set off the table and dot tea lights around to add to the party feel.  For many juicy burgers and plump sausages are the main feature but for some it is fish parcels lovingly seasoned with fresh herbs and wrapped into little foil bundles to cook on the BBQ. The recipe options are endless and the side dishes can be simple yet delicious. 

What if you have no outside space, well the answer is simple have your BBQ indoors, but change the BBQ for the grill and have your very own grill-y-Q.  Pop the table by an open window, hang your bunting around the window, make a simple table runner from a scrap of cloth or even a pretty tea towel.  Indoor picnics of all types are fun, a winner with little ones and it means you do not have to mind the rain showers or get sand in your sandwiches.  You can still have paper plates, even put a picnic blanket on the lounge floor, the possibilities are endless.

So what to drink, how about some good old recipes such as Pink Lemonade or Lemon and Lime. Perfect in a flask for the designated driver if you are off in the car to the Proms in the Park or a country picnic. Want to add some zing then a splash of vodka, gin or brandy works well. Here is a simple easy to follow recipe which you can scale up or down to suit, we worked on serving 6 people. You can make this the day before and keep in the fridge.  Also you could substitute some of the sugar for the low calorie sugars now available.

Pink Lemonade  

1 1/4 cups of sugar (if using unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 cup if using sweetened)
4 cups water (divided into 1 cup and 3 cups)
1 cup cranberry juice (try to get not from concentrate usually found in the chiller section)
1 cup lemon juice (you can use freshly squeezed or bottled from the supermarket)
Ice cubes optional / slices of lemon optional

Method

1 Make a syrup by heating all the sugar and 1 cup of the water in a small pan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat as soon as all sugar is dissolved.

2 Stir together the remaining water, cranberry juice, lemon juice and syrup you just made, stir well. Make adjustments to taste by adding more sugar if needed. Chill for an hour and then add ice if desired but not too much or it will water it down and top off with the lemon slices, again optional.  Stir just before serving

Lemon and Lime

1 1/2 cups of sugar
4 cups water (divided into 1 cup and 3 cups)
1 cup lime juice (you can use freshly squeezed or bottled from the supermarket)
1 cup lemon juice (you can use freshly squeezed or bottled from the supermarket)
Ice cubes optional / slices of lemon & lime optional

Method

Make a syrup by heating all the sugar and 1 cup of the water in a small pan until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat as soon as all sugar is dissolved.

Stir together the remaining water, lime juice, lemon juice and syrup you just made, stir well. Make adjustments to taste by adding more sugar if needed. Chill for an hour and then add ice if desired but not too much or it will water it down and top off with the lemon & lime slices, again optional.  Stir just before serving.

 

Seek It Out: changing the world, a stitch at a time!

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© RHIMAGE - Fotolia.com                                 

Jubilee Mania

With the big build up to the Jubilee, the games and a summer of Rule Britannia just wonder how many will have a lasting legacy to remember.  Will it just be a crumpled rain splattered row of paper butting to remind you or something far more special.


A special picnic with lots of photo's to keep the memories alive.  A family or solo project to make the decorations, bake a special cake or create something fashionable to last long after the moment has gone.  What could you do to give your Jubilee more of an impact - the possibilities are endless.  The important thing is to look back later and smile as the memories flood back.

So are you ready, only days to go and what have you decided to do.  You do not have to follow the Union Jack theme, you can create anything you like.  Knit a hat or crochet a cushion cover in any colour safe in the knowledge that every time you put on your hat or plump up your cushion you will know that was your very own Jubilee project.  So better get cracking spring will not last long, it will be Jubilee and summer before you know it!

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time.

No longer just cabbages & kings

Here at Seek It Out HQ we are always being surprised by the amazing imagination the public has.  We have just taken delivery of some fantastic wool felt brooches from Felt So Good and we were discussing what you might use them for, well the obvious such as adding to a bag or a coat came first.  Curtain tie back additions was next and then topping off a present to make it totally special, shame Mother's day has passed.  We will match some up with some of our SeeKITout craft kits as well as selling them standalone to let people decide for themselves.

What we want to know is what clever use you might have for them ?  How could you use them in a craft project?  Like all our customers buying goodies from the Seek It Out site, we will encourage those buying the brooches to send in a picture of their brooch in use so we can show off their idea on our gallery.  After all, we love to give our customers a moment of fame as a thank you. 

We wonder if you did a survey in the street would people say they thought Brits to be creative or not, whatever the outcome we know you are a very creative and busy lot.  It is something we should all shout about, time for those who craft to come out of the shadows and spread the fun to everyone.  Crafting is after all KING!


Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time!

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Being social is not always so wise

 

Welcome to our guest blogger Janie, who is going to be a regular part of the SIO blog team.  Janie is a specialist in small business support and advice.

 

Firstly, thanks to Seek It Out for inviting me to add to the SIO blogs, quite an honour I can say.  Hello to you all, especially the small business owners amongst you or those longing to escape the hamster wheel of employment for the, tough but worthwhile, world of self-employment.  When invited, I will be adding blog posts on running a business, ideas on how you can avoid pitfalls, ways to market and other similar topics.

Being social is not always so wise! 

 

Strange heading you might think but social networking does not always pay dividends.  Sometimes as small business owners we muddy the waters between personal and business, this can apply in social networking. Doing this we act from the heart not our business head.

The other day I saw some comments by few disgruntled stall holders at an event, cross because the venue was cold and draughty.  This was a two day event and these comments appeared on Twitter at the end of day one.  Fine to let off steam but why do it where potential attendees might see.  Those potential attendees may take one look and decide to spend the next day elsewhere.  That hurts your bottom line, your secondary marketing (raising brand awareness), and makes you publically the cause.  So not only might you annoy the event organiser, fair you may say, but you will possibly annoy other stall holders who also lose out if folks stay away.  Those stall holders could be ambassadors for your business long after the event, but not if they feel you have spoilt their take or reputation.  Tell the event organiser, constructive feedback good or bad is vital in business, but do it directly not from a soap box or your business might be the real loser.

 

Keep your personal views where only those close to you can see them. How would you feel if that was one of your products or services someone was publically decrying from a social media soap box, you would be devastated. Do not kick your business it has done nothing wrong, instead help it to thrive & survive by avoiding pitfalls like these!

Thanks for letting me ramble, hope it was informative and look forward to the next episode. Janie

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time.

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Raining too much for you..

Keep calm and keep crafting.  Horrible weather it might be but it does mean more excuses for me time and a little crafting.  The weeds here at Seek It Out HQ are going berserk but nothing we can do just too wet.  So instead we can turn our attentions to coming up with yet more goodies, guilt free fun time it just does not get better than that.

So stop being depressed by the gloom and seek out your creativity.  Got a family or friends birthday coming soon, why not challenge yourself to make the card or pressie from things you have around the home.  Decoupage a card using scraps of wrapping paper or fabric.  Take a shoe box and cover with fabric or paint it to make the ultimate gift box then fill it with homemade muffins. To receive something which has so much love put in to it is wonderful and beats petrol station flowers by a mile.

Ignore the rain, craft away and before you know it you will have a draw full of cards, a selection of gift boxes and loads of ideas for gifts to cook, sew or make.  Time well spent before the sun comes out and the weeds demand your precious time.  So make cards while the rain falls!

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time....

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Union Jack mania - cake stands to stockings

How many ways can you portray the Union Jack?  It is fascinating to see just how the Union Jack is spreading countrywide like a rash.  Pride in the flag is clear but the wish to party or be a part of something special is really shining through.  The Seek It Out team have been keeping an eye out for the unusual, we have seen ladies stockings through to cardboard tiered cake stands.  It is great to see how many ideas folks have come up with.  So we decided we wanted to find a few kits that might just hit the mark but also might have a little more life than a cardboard cake stand or pair of stockings.  So we came up with kits to make and there is a mobile phone cover, a tea cosy and a cushion.  We wonder what people will make themselves and invite those creative souls to share their pictures with us through our gallery, we bet we will be amazed.  Meantime, even those totally new to craft can join in the fun with one of our kits as they are easy to do and the end result will last long after the last paper napkin has blown far away from the street party table it once adorned.

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time!

All is revealed

The mystery is solved, hugs lots of them.  The cheeky picture was that of a cotton mug hug wrapping around a lovely Laura Ashley mug.  The magic is that it is not conventional knitting or crochet but French Knitting.  Yes woolly worms carefully worked to make a mug hug.  This is knitting for the totally terrified as not only is it easy with tension a breeze and casting on a doddle we went the extra mile working the pattern in cotton.  Cotton yarn is less fluffy than wool so yet again even easier.  Seek It Out is all about in comfort zone crafting with great outcomes.  Seek It Out wants everyone to be filling the world woolly worm beauty.

The Seek It Out team have created a new kit.  This French Knitting kit contains all you need and more to make up to 9 items.  We give you really detailed and in depth instructions to cover all those questions that never get answered.  We tried many ideas but decided lovely silky cotton yarn was the answer and gives great results.  So have a go, it could not be easier no longer need you be terrified!

French Knitting is the answer to all our woes.

Seek It Out changing the world a stitch at a time!

Leaning to the Left!

Do not be locked out just because you favour the left.

Turns out our Plump Flump maker is a lefty!  Who says left handed folks cannot knit or crochet, we can, this is living proof.  In the Seek It Out team there are several lefties and we can assure you that it has not stopped us crafting.  Instructions are not always helpful but it is just mirror image stuff not rocket science.  So if some mean soul is telling you that being a lefty means you are out in the cold then you tell them they are wrong and the righties do not rule the world!

Seek It Out: changing the world, a stitch at a time!

Picture credit © Solomin Andrey - Fotolia.com / © Grin2k - Fotolia.com

One step for mankind one giant leap for....

The team here at  Seek It Out just love it when we hear that a first attempt at a new hobby went fantastically.  Being so aware of the fact that people are scared off by complicated instructions or lack of instructions it is great to hear of a success story.  Seek It Out tries to stock or create craft kits, mainly for adults, which can actually be enjoyed and completed.  We need say little in this blog, the words from the lady concerned says it all and the picture brings the little plump flump to life.  Knitting it seems is a new found passion for this lady in her 20's.  We have asked her if she can send some more pictures which we will host on our gallery.  So if you have a craft you want to try tell us and maybe one day your creation will take centre stage on our blog or gallery.

Our customer said......

"Just taken a quick snap of my finished Flump…I have to say I'm very proud of it being my very first exploration into knitting and will definitely be doing more. (counting the rows was an interesting experience!) - the wool is magic the way the stripes appear, a very rewarding kit - My friends cat loved the ends of the needles as I knitted and was keen to adopt the Flump itself so I made a little mouse out of the extra wool for him to play with :)"

Seek It Out: changing the world, a stitch at a time!

Baby monsters need love too…

Fancy some company? How does cute, snuggly, soft, charming and adorable sound? No, we’re not talking about an Andrex puppy – what we have to tell you about will not chew the furniture or your Jimmy Choos, just quietly keep you company… and be über cool. 

Meet Seek It Out’s little mates. They may not fit the dictionary definition of ‘pretty’ but they sure are cute, and they make great company. Easy peasy to make and easy to love.

Seek It Out introduces to you four little friends you’ll simply adore. Adoption will not be easy; you’ll have to put yourself out and work at it, but the benefits are amazing.

How cool to show off your new best pals and to recount tales of the efforts you went to save the little sweeties. Why stop at one? Take on the world and go for a trio – you can do it! Revel in the warm and fuzzies that you get from adopting a warm and fuzzy critter or two… today…

Just waiting for you...

Renegade Red, Cool Clementine, Sulky Sapphire & Galloping Green

What is the big secret?

Do you ever feel left out, like you’re not part of a secret club whose members somehow know how to do everything? Why do cookery programmes, knitting patterns and so much more just assume we all know the basics? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone gave us a chance to get into something by kindly and clearly showing us the starter steps – after all, we’re grown up enough to know the difference between accepting guidance and being patronised...

Well, that’s something we’re passionate about here at Seek It Out: how can we give people that bit of extra guidance so they can try something new without fear, frustration or embarrassment. What’s more, as we grow and develop, we’ll listen to your feedback and constantly make improvements to the way we guide people – so you can help us help you! 

Is there a particular craft you fancy trying, but are you too nervous about mucking it up?  If so, go and find us on Facebook or Twitter and tell us about it.  Perhaps together we can change the world a little for the better and share the love of craft and creativity, rather than letting it be the preserve of the few…  

Seek It Out and you: changing the world, a stitch at a time!