Jacob is now finally over his jet lag from LA and has managed to find time to put pen to paper (or rather fingers to keyboard) to tell you about. Why not read his new Travel Blog and keep up to date with his adventures?
First of all I’d like to say Happy New Year to you all. Last year was eventful for me to say the least, let’s hope this year is just as good. The New Year has certainly started unusually down here in the English Riviera - we have snow which actually laid for more than 5 minutes which is practically unheard of!
Anyway, back to the subject. I’d like you to meet Mr Drawers and Sid, made by Jack and Lou, two fantastic sock monsters that were made from one of my Monster Takeout kits. Nic kindly emailed these photos to me and I thought you should see them. You can find out more about them here on Nicsknots Blog.
I love to see others people’s interpretation of what a ‘sock monster’ should look like. If you have any similar photos of sock monsters you have made please email them to me at kate@madebykate.co.uk and I will put them on my ‘monster wall of fame’ page which is currently in progress.
Meet Jacob The Sock Monster. His recent trip to LA has given him the traveling bug. His aim in life is to be the worlds most travelled sock monster. He is currently in bed trying to get over the jet lag, but he will be starting his travel log right here. Want to know what Jacob got up to in LA? Check back here shortly.
We are currently working on this new product- vinyl’s for your wall or bedroom door which will be available soon at the Bust craft fair in August and also in my online shop. If you are interested in these vinyls for your home or have any monster ideas for designs please email me: kate@madebykate.co.uk
Following last years success at the christmas event, in August we’ll be in Bethnal Green selling our monsters and monster kits at the Bust London Summer Craftacular. So we’d love you to see you on August 22nd at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London. “It’s an all day shopping and music extravaganza...cool off with a spritzer or down a pint while you learn to craft. Then listen to DJ’s as you browse handmade wares. Goodie bags for the first 100 attendees.” £2 entrance fee.
Well, I went and got married on the 20th of June, and what with all the organising before hand and the honeymooning after I haven’t had a lot of time to in front of my sewing machine monster making! Well, I’m back now there will soon be lots of monsters around the house that will all need new homes. So please be patient and I’ll have some up for sale soon, here and on my Etsy and Folksy shops. Don’t forget my Monster Takeouts are still available here. Here are a couple of photos of the big day - I am wearing a hair clip from Sew Lovely and the necklace is from Star of the East both on Etsy.
I’m busy making new monsters and a few new types of kit. For any “monsterholics” I have a few monsters available on my Etsy shop, www.katedowding.etsy.com
I just want to say a big thank you to Vikki and her colleagues at Bust magazine for the amazing Craftacular craft fair on Saturday. I had a very successful day and I’m missing all the monsters I sold (especially as I gave them all names). I also managed get all my Christmas shopping done-- I will be sharing my goodies with you soon!
As you can see I’ve got a loverly new site, I’ll be posting all the old news up soon as well as more hints and tips. Any comments about the site please leave me a message below.
Babies and a fair few adult just love to pull buttons off, so if your monster is destined for a little one or a button pulling adult then instead of using buttons to make your monsters eyes use felt instead. Either use traditional black and white felt or give your monster crazy eyes by using multi coloured felt. Felt also comes in handy if you want to accessorise your monster. You can use it to make hearts, ties, capes or even a great set of funky Y-fronts!
The Backstitch For those of you who have bought one of my Monster Making Kits, this is the stitch used to attach the monster's arms and to close the legs if your not using a sewing machine.
The weebeastie to the right was made at my first Monster Making class, held on Sat 25th October. The monster was made by Mel of grumpyturnip.co.uk. I’ll be holding future classes in and around Devon soon, if you’d like your own class for your self and friends send me a message. The classes last around 2 -3 hours and I provide everything you need to make your very own monsters.
Following a recent competition on Seconsister’s blog our little Cuthbert is off to the Big Apple for cocktails and hotdogs. Minebymagpie is the lucky winner and the new keeper of one of our monsters
Here is a collection of goodies that can be found at Etsy. They all look good enough to eat! This is what Etsy calls a 'Treasury'. Members can put together collections of handmade and vintage items based on a theme, colour or whatever takes their fancy. As a buyer it is an excellent way to go shopping you can stumble across some truly exquisite items.
On Saturday 25th October I will be holding a 'make your own sock monster class' in The Craft Room, Newton Abbot. I will be showing you everything you need to know to make your very own little monster. There are limited spaces so book early. You can either book-in, in the Craft Room or contact me and I'll put you on the list. Date: Saturday 25th October Time 10am – 12.30 Cost: £15 What will we provide? - Everything to make your sock monster. What will you need to bring? – Nothing, although basic sewing skills and a sense of humour might come in handy! What will you take home with you? – Your very own sock monster and written instructions to make a whole family of sock monsters in the comfort of your own home! Why do you need a sock monster? - They are just so adorable and they would make excellent Christmas presents!