'Born Too Early' Knits

Biritzs is Set to Launch

2008-05-05T22:50:00.006+01:00

14 May 2008

Biritzs at its core is a general auction site, with a great value for money ethos.

Gone are the days of a totally free to list approach by alternative sites, No fees generally mean no exposure to the world. The reality is none of us get something for nothing, and for Biritzs to get out into the market place means that we have to advertise, and that advertising costs money.

To this end we have introduced a penny listing format for those that do not want to open a shop on our site.
These low price listings also come with low price FVFs, meaning that we will be able to get your items out there for the world to see. Those fees, along with our Store fees, will generate an income which will not only cover the costs of running the site but will cover the all important Marketing needed to make the site a success.

The site owners have also pledged a percentage of any site profits will go to two great causes.

Royal Opera House Benevolent Fund

http://info.royaloperahouse.org/SupportUs/Index.cfm?ccs=738&SubNavMenu=9

Missing People

http://www.missingpeople.org.uk

We also acknowledge the value of a well-developed niche site, which is why we intend to gradually introduce these as additional subsections.

First to be developed will be Arts & Crafts - it will reside on its own Biritzs subdomain as a virtual marketplace, where members can stage their own exhibitions and community events. Members of the Arts & Crafts community would help us to develop the site into something tailor-made for their needs.

During this process, we will also be selecting other categories to receive the same treatment. Suggestions are welcome from the members and it would help us to prioritise which ones should be dealt with first.

Over time, we hope to create a virtual shopping mall, with each market being specifically designed to its own unique requirements. General auctions will always remain at our core, but our hope is that the shopping mall will prove to be the most popular feature.

I Got The Job, WooHoo

2008-04-24T07:10:00.002+01:00

The call came last night and I was prancing around the floor with a huge grin on my face, singing and laughing when my OH got in from work! Ye gods you might say - she's gone manic! No, I'm just so excited and proud of myself!

I start next Friday with 3 long induction days, but from then on will have 3 shifts of 6hrs each, either 8am-2pm or 2pm-8pm.

There is a small niggle at the back of my mind that concerns me - what if I can't cope after 18 months of &^$£". What if I fail myself, will I be able to pick myself up, shake it off and carry on?

All I can promise myself is that I'm going to give this one hec of a go. I'm ready, someone is looking after me with the appropriateness (??LOL) of this fabulous job and I deserve to be happy again.

Hope it's been as beautiful a dawn where you are :)
Sue x

Wednesday Search for Etsy Sellers

2008-04-23T10:44:00.016+01:00

Good Morning campers, it's overcast and drizzly here today so I've put my thinking hat on for ways to make me cheer up. I wanted to work it around Etsy and some of the fabulous sellers to be found there, so my new idea for a Wednesday morning is a 'Wednesday Search for Etsy Sellers' challenge. The idea being I choose a theme, do a search and feature 6 sellers items.

As I need cheering up, this week's theme is Roses :) One of my favourite garden flowers, they are found in almost every colour and for every location - an amazing species. And they smell fabulous too!

In no particular order, here are some examples of the tag 'rose' found on my search, all are beautiful and I could have chosen many dozens but space is a factor!

Reminiscent of Fabergé, this is a stunning, hand painted duck egg by ElegantEggArt.

Measuring 3.75" inc stand and featuring roses and Swarovski crystals, this is hand-painted in acrylics and sealed to protect.

Fed up with losing your keys, juggling the baby or the shopping?

A Wristlet Keychain is the answer. Garden Gate from jimmypickles is large enough to find in your bag and comfy enough to hang keys from your wrist.

Brilliant!

A lovely spring looking pair of earrings from michvanetta with Lemon Roses.

Using Czech glass beads and swarovski crystals, they have a vintage aura due to using Natural Vintaj Brass findings.

Gorgeous!

I love recycling and here is a pretty, practical example from RecycledMemories. The Recycled Yellow Rose Hat is sized for a young child.

Created from a vintage Wilendur tablecloth and trimmed with lace and a flouncy bow, wouldn't Bow-girls be absolutely perfect for a summer wedding?

Another great upcycled idea from ArtfulMosaicSupplies!

Hand cut from quality china, these tiles include lovely pink roses against a green and pale yellow background.

At approx 1", they would be perfect to brighten up a recycled tea tray.

Wow, imagine a Natural rose filled soap and you have Rosary Soap from SmellsandBells.

Sprinkled with rose petals and deeply scented with rose geranium, rosewood and frankincense, it looks almost good enough to eat.

Yummy...

Hope you'll check these and all the fabulous sellers on Etsy soon.

Toodleoo
Sue x

On a Lighter Note....

2008-04-22T18:39:00.004+01:00

I've been baking for the family for years, which lead to me getting a City & Guilds qualification in Sugarcraft Design. Wow, it was so exciting participating in both national and international shows. The Pinnacle was a Gold at the 1996 national show in Thame, Oxfordshire.

These days I only bake celebration cakes for family and friends, but I still love the process, I try to make my sugar flowers as realistic as possible, using real flowers to ensure both the shaping and colouring are the best I can manage.

Here's a small slideshow of some I have made recently :)

So what IS Hypnotherapy?

2008-04-22T10:47:00.006+01:00

I just wonder how many people have the idea that hypnosis is 'putting ideas into my head', and are probably scared that at any given time, they might suddenly start acting as an animal or being a baby, or doing the Funky Chicken up and down the street!!

I wanted to write this post to try and put your mind at rest in case you ever need to seek help with this amazing therapy. The only form of hypnosis I'd ever seen was Paul Mckenna on the TV making the audience act weirdly, so yes I was scared and had no idea of what to expect. It took a lot of courage to make the appointment and even more to actually turn up!

Well, hey, it was absolutely nothing like what I expected. You don't lie on a couch, no-one dangles a pendulum across your eyes and I could hear all the surrounding sounds the whole time. :)

I was sat in a comfy armchair, given a drink, a box of tissues, answered a few questions and had the whole thing explained before the session got going. I closed my eyes and followed the therapists instructions - stuff like counting down from 100, trying to visualise happy times and being reassured throughout that I wouldn't 'be asleep'. I heard all the other noises around, but was able to dismiss them, was aware of where I was the whole time, but at the same time, I could feel the tension slipping away from me. It was the most relaxing experience that I had managed in nearly 2 years.

Do this at night and I might just sleep all night!

Anyway, I did let go of some emotions and needed the tissues, and will need a few more sessions to enable me to conquer my problems once and for all. But I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now, am much, much happier with life in general and I'm learning to accept what I can't change.

For all you guys out there who might be intrigued by all this and are wondering if YOU could be helped, take a look at this You Tube Video. It was made by a guy named John Burns who has a Hypnotherapy Clinic in Somerset, and will give you a really clear idea of what you might experience. He has given me permission to use this here on my blog :)

Take care
Sue x

Depression CAN Be Beaten

2008-04-21T10:44:00.014+01:00

I think I am finally beginning to overcome the black hole of depression which has been following me for the last 18 months. And oh struth does it feel good...

It started in Sept 2006 when I had to give up my beloved nursing as I had suddenly developed epilepsy, consequently had to give up driving. Good for the planet but it made me sad, but hey, there is public transport! On top of that though, in early 2007, a ghastly family incident occurred. From then on I've lived on the edge of a black whirlpool, suddenly encased in an inability to function properly.

I started waking up very early in the morning, unable to rest any further; I over-ate; I ached all the time; I cried at the most ridiculous things; I lost my libido; I pushed away my wonderful man; I was SO tired; felt guilty about everything and anything; I kept forgetting things; couldn't concentrate long enough to get anything done; constantly had that 'butterfly' sensation in my solar plexus and actually twice worked out plans to commit suicide.

Under normal circumstances, that would trigger admission into a mental health unit, but I kept those thoughts inside myself, it felt warm, as if I was finally back in charge. Scary.... Each time, luckily, my daughters appeared in my dreams, I saw them devastated at my funeral and they pulled me back.

Depression, sadly, still holds a stigma in some folks minds, mine too. I kept thinking 'I had such an important job, how can I not manage to get washed today'? I refused to admit there was anything wrong and fought any suggestions that I needed to see a doctor. Me, see a psychiatrist? You have got to be joking... Bad, bad decision, I lost at least 6 months of help.

Eventually I did make it to my GP surgery and spent half an hour sobbing on my doctor's shoulder - literally. From that day on, there have been many people fighting to help me get my life back on course. Wonderful, kind, considerate people. Unexpected people like the GP receptionist, who, one morning last autumn, witnessed my hysterical reaction to being told there were no appointments available till the next day, realised I really did need to see someone THEN. Not in an hour, not at the end of surgery, but then. I had sought sanctuary after a night of appalling suicidal thoughts. Thank you Jane x

Pills didn't really help, in as much as they left me completely gaga, OK, they took away the bad thoughts and emotions, but didn't get to the root of ''why'?. I found my salvation in hypnotherapy and councelling. It took time and at times, it really hurt, but that's all part of the healing process. I still make sure I listen to my hypnotherapy tape at least 3 times a week - it helps me relax and keeps up the healing process. Think I'll probably always have it around even when all this is a distant memory....

My local MIND center has also been fantastic support, with an ongoing eco-project. It has an allotment locally, where we can meet up, grow flowers and veg, have picnics, get some fresh air and exercise and generally chill out amongst new friends.

So guys, if you feel really low, if you are getting suicidal thoughts - go and get help, NOW. It does help, talking helps, admitting you have a problem helps. Go on, try it :)

Now for the good news - I actually managed to go for a job interview and am waiting to hear if I can at last, start earning again.

Wish me luck!
Sue x

180'

2008-04-14T13:44:00.004+01:00

from knitting but hey! I adore this song - it says it all.

Canto della Terra sung by Andrea Bocelli.

Enjoy
Sue x

Finally Ready to Start Listing Baby Garments :)

2008-04-04T23:18:00.005+01:00

At last, I have completed 3 outfits and another that I'm working on. The new top is to fit a 5lb - 6lb preemie & is being knitted with hand dyed BlueFaced Leicester wool and what an absolute dream it is to work with! Must get a photo up tomorrow because the colours are absolutely yummy.....or maybe I'll make you just wait (evil woman! ;).

Oh okay, that's just too mean, here's a sneeky peek!

This is the colourway for the main body of the garment and I've done a light olive garter stitch border which makes a really good contrasted edging. Can't wait to finish it - it might just be my first sale, fingers crossed.....

Anyway, have a great weekend folks
Sue x

Oh Hec.....

2008-04-02T08:12:00.006+01:00

Last night, I decided I needed some me time, so ran a lovely warm bath, poured in my relaxing aromatherapy oil, lit my candles and started to read a new book which had just arrived courtesy of Amazon. I bought it to read out loud to my granddaughters in a few years time, but couldn't wait that long!

BIG mistake! I read until the early hours of the morning and somehow, I just know, that nowt much is going to get done until I've finished it......eeek!

It's a magical tale of two children, a beloved grandma who has recently died, a wood and knitting - it's Cat Bordhi's Treasure Forest.

A beautiful, magical, soul searching, humerous tale.

I urge you to read it - but make sure you don't have anything important to do for a couple of days!

What's your favourite read?

Sue x

De-Stashing at Last!

2008-04-01T14:25:00.010+01:00

At last, my store cupboard is being de-stashed (to make way for more yarn & buttons!).

I decided a couple of years ago that I would teach myself to make jewellery - and with that, off I went, bought a few beautiful & inspiring books and pored over them night after night. Eventually I thought I had a good idea of what was what, and promptly spent a small fortune on some stunning glass, czech, wood, ceramic & many other beads, Bali silver findings and a whole load of other paraphernalia..... they all looked so fabulous and I got stuck in.

Sheesh, I tell you, the books had made it all look so easy, but I was completely fingers and thumbs. How I asked myself could I manage to make life-like sugar flowers yet not manage a piece of fine wire. I have no idea but a good few beads ended across the room before I gave up with disgust!

And so this wonderful collection of goodies spent the next year or two behind a cupboard door and now it's time to let them go. Isn't that just the hardest thing to do? I'm a squirrel and can always find a great excuse for why I have to keep this and then that! This habit drives my OH nuts.

But the time has come, money is a little tight at the end of the tax year and those lovely folk at Etsy are in for a treat! Here are the first listings.....

Intricate Bali Silver Bead Caps

Gorgeous Bamboo Beads with a Red Highlight

Simply Stunning Bali Silver Necklace Clasp

Fantastic, Chunky Ceramic Beads.

I hope to get a good few more photos taken tomorrow as the weather forecast at last, looks good.

Sue x

Yarn, Yarn and more Yarn!

2008-03-31T18:00:00.009+01:00

I'm embarrassed at how I've neglected my blog, and would love to say it's because I've been too busy, but, to be honest, life just got in the way.

BUT, I have been busy surrounding myself with some totally delicious yarns from wonderful sellers on Etsy. I'll give you a peek now but you'll have to wait for most of them until it's all been knitted into cute and sassy baby garments!

This is a stunning silk/cashmere mix called Faded Rose courtesy of Etsy's 'skeinqueen'. As a fingering weight, I think this could make a beautiful summer cardigan and matching frilled hat, or a pretty and simply styled sundress and matching bolero. It reminds me of dollops of mint & strawberry ice-cream in a cone - roll on summer, I say!

The beauty of knitting from tiny babies means that I can often get complete outfits from a single skein - how economical is that....:)

Just look at the colour of this totally gorgeous handpainted Merino wool - doesn't it make your mouth tingle with anticipated sourness! Utterly lovely and teamed with a rich purple will make a fabulous sweater. And how different to see a baby in such zingy colours..

This yarn is hand spun and hand painted from pancakeandlulu, also on Etsy.

I found this unusual yarn whilst browsing, it's Japanese antibacterial yarn bought from another Etsy seller - 'ichigonopantsu'. I'd never heard of this, so went a browsing and found this info. Chitosan is derived from crabs and studies have proved it's antibacterial content. The material is completely natural, recyclable and sustainable with the added bonus that it has shown to be suitable for those suffering from irritating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Perfect I think, for premature babies in NICU.

I have so much wool and yarn that I couldn't possibly list, but as each garment is completed, I'll be sure to let you have a peek. It's all stashed around our back room and my OH has said recently (jokingly, I hope) " Think that lot needs to go into the loft!" EEK

Have a good week
Sue x

Other Etsy sellers I've bought yarn from:
Nimu
WildFireFibres
ArtemisArtemis
Knit-it-Good
spindlecatstudio
LLBSupplies
Shunklies

Scarey Thought, Starting Out....

2008-02-13T13:41:00.000Z

Oh struth, what have I done................only opened up a store, am I mad?
Gone off my head? or have I just sparked upon a great idea. Time will tell. I'm going to have great fun whilst I give it my all, that's for sure.

Friends are going say 'Thats it, you've finally lost the plot - you're a nurse for goodness sake, not a business woman. What on earth are you doing' and I could probably agree with them if I sat down long enough to think about it! But I'm not nursing anymore, I'm retired and twiddling my fingers on a daily basis; sheesh there's only so much housework and daytime TV a woman can take before seriously cracking up.

That's not to say I'm rushing into this blind, now that really would be crazy, but I got this idea in the middle of the night a few weeks ago, talked to many people (oh god, including the bank and tax office..), and I've been buzzing since. Talk about a cure for the depression thats afflicted me for over a year, so much for prescribed medicine...

Anyway, I've made a great start thanks to Etsy.com, the site which only accepts 'Hand Made' Brilliant idea!

My banner & avatar were created by the fabulous Etsy designer - grafikexpressions, and I'm thrilled with it, she has captured my spirit completely! Please pop in and browse her work, it's lovely - grafikexpressions.etsy.com