The history of knitting…

Here at Amelias Hobby box we love knitting. It chills us out, helps us clear our and heads, and give us time to unwind. However knitting hasn’t always been a hobby, and at one time it was a necessity.  This blog will talk a little about the history of knitting…

Knitting is a technique for producing fabric or items from a strand of yarn or wool. Unlike weaving, knitting does not require a loom or any large equipment, which makes it a valuable, inexpensive and widely available technique.

It is believed that the first garments produced using techniques similar to knitting were socks and stockings in Egypt from the end of the 19th century.

Fashionable knits were known in France as early as the 1420s, but the 1920s saw a vast boost in the popularity of knitwear in much of the western world. Knitwear, particularly jumpers, became essential part of the new fashions for men, women and children alike.

‘Make do and mend’ was a booklet produced by the Ministry of Information, a British wartime government department. As wool was in extremely short supply, the booklet encouraged women to unpick old woollen items and re-use the wool. Knitting patterns were issued so that people could make items for the Army and Navy to wear in winter, such as balaclavas and gloves.

The 21st century has seen knitting grow popular as a hobby. Women, including stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts, have rediscovered knitting. It’s no longer something we have to do, and we see it instead as a relaxing, comfortable hobby. Here at Amelias, we stock everything you need to get started in Knitting. Everything from high quality yarns and to knitting books, if you are a keen knitter, or are interesting in starting to knit, look no further. If you would like any advice on our items or what you will need to start out, please feel free to give us a call on – 01636 642765

Mothers Day Gifts from Amelia’s Hobby Box

Mother’s Day can be really difficult to find a unique and thoughtful gift for our Mum’s. When you consider all they have done for you and how much they care for you, it becomes really important to, at least for one day a year, buy them a gift that is that little bit different. Of course, they would be more than happy with flowers, but we want them to feel really special!

Here at Amelias Hobby Box we have a wide range of sweet, unique and quirky gifts that are sure to make your Mum feel as special as she really is! Our options are distinctively different and of the highest quality. Here are a few ideas –

Santoro Gorjuss New Heights Premium Journal with Pen £11.99

Santoro Gorjuss New Heights Premium Journal with Pen £11.99

This pretty notebook has 3 different sections, each with a different coloured printed paper subtly printed with images of the cover artwork, New Heights. There are also 3 different ribbon page markers, a co-ordinating book mark, and a card pocket hidden away within the back cover. The pen is coupled up to the journal with an elasticised decorative band. A thoughtful little gift we’re sure many Mum’s will love.

Airfix Plastic Model Kits

We also stock Plastic Model Kits at http://www.ameliashobbybox.co.uk

Here are a selection: –

A07112 De Havilland Mosquito

The De Havilland Tiger Moth first flew in late October 1931 and, after being accepted into RAF service as a trainer the following year, has enjoyed widespread use and universal popularity ever since. Surviving into the jet age, the diminutive biplane was finally retired from RAF service in 1959. Over 7,000 were produced, with an estimated number of over 250 still flying today.

Airfix A50009 Battle Front Gift Set

Depicting a scene that is typical of the many meetings of opposing forces in the battles of Northern Europe in 1944, this set contains a Sherman and Tiger Tank, British Paratroops and German Infantry, a Forward Command Post and base to set everything out on.

Airfix A50164 RMS Titanic

This model of the famous and tragically doomed Titanic comes in pre-coloured plastic making it suitable for beginners as well as advanced modellers of all ages.

 

Built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and launched on May 31st 1911, the Royal Mail Steam Ship ‘Titanic’ was one of three Olympic-class passenger ships built for the White Star line.

 

The largest and most luxuriant passenger ship ever built at the time, Titanic sailed on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on 10 April 1912, and what was seen as a trumph of man-made engineering was to end in tragedy and disaster at the hands of nature.

 

Paint Scheme – R.M.S Titanic, 1914

 

New Bothy Threads Cross Stitch Kits

I received delivery of 7 new Bothy Threads Cross Stitch Kits last week and they are all lovely. I haven’t got time to do much myself, business is gearing up for the Christmas rush, we are moving premises and I only have 6 weeks until baby number 2 arrives. Life is pretty busy at the moment.

I have been updating the website on a regular basis so lots of new stock on there. Plus we now offer free postage to UK and International.

Bothy Threads Heart Bouquet Cross Stitch Kit

Bothy Threads Love Woo Cross Stitch Kit

It’s the middle of May

The middle of May is here and where has this year gone?  I’m losing track of time, my little girl is nearly 3 and I just do not know where the time has gone since she arrived.  Time certainly does fly when your having fun.  I’ve now got a 3 year old that is heading into teenage years, god knows what she will be like when she’s 16.  I’m already getting the answering back, hands on hips, pouts and the strops when she doesn’t get her own way, along with ‘why’.  Everything is answered with the word ‘why’ it is driving me crazy.

We have another on the way and I’m wondering whether I am just slightly mad, are we really going to go through the sleepless nights, never ending supply of nappies and of course carrying everything with you in a bag that resembles carry on luggage on the aeroplane?

I’m wondering how my little girl will adapt to another child in the house, will it be tantrums and jealousy? or will she adore this little bundle so much that I find her walking around the garden with it in her toy pram?

Along with that, the business is still growing.  I’m still trying to load products on the Website, Ebay and Amazon.  It seems to be a never ending job.

With the arrival of the new baby approaching, I’m strangely thinking about Christmas.  I have so much to do, baby should arrive beginning of October, just as the Christmas rush begins, this year I’m going to have to be super organised and have stock ready for when I have my very limited maternity leave.

We have had some lovely new cross stitch kits in from DMC and Bothy Threads these past couple of weeks, I have included a few pictures below.

Until next time, enjoy the sunshine 🙂

One of DMC’s Flower Mini Cross Stitch Kits

DMC Elegance Cross Stitch Kit

Bothy Threads Love Birds Cross Stitch Kit

All cross stitch kits are available from http://www.ameliashobbybox.co.uk. We accept payment via Paypal or Worldpay

Trying to spread my time

I’m finding it increasingly difficult to spread my time between my ever expanding business, my husband and my very demanding 2 year old.  After much reluctance I agreed to send her to nursery 1 day a week, this started 3 weeks ago and I do miss her so much while she’s there but its giving me a much needed break and a guaranteed full day in the office.  I’m lucky that I have a mother-in-law who comes over once a week to help with childcare and my mum who helps out (when she’s not gallivanting in her caravan with my dad!)

I keep telling myself that working this hard is going to benefit our family in the future and that I am very lucky to be able to work my own hours and hardly have any childcare costs.  I know that had I returned to my job following my maternity leave Amelia would have been in nursery everyday.

How do you keep your family happy? and your customers?  I don’t know the answer I’m just trying the best I can and hope that Amelia doesn’t remember mummy being grumpy and short tempered at times and that I am creating good childhood memories for her.

Tapestry For Beginners.

Our website is full of lovely tapestry designs but if you have never tried the craft then we thought we could help you out there with a few pointers on getting started. We have tapestry kits available for all levels of experience; we will highlight which are best for beginners.

Getting Started

Kits

The equipment you need to get going includes a canvas, needle and wool. All of these items are included in our kits making it even quicker for you to get started on your new craft project. The canvases in our kits are printed so they are super easy to follow.

Tapestry Frames: These are not essential but can be useful for beginners. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes but the one you will find most helpful is the scroll frame. The size of the frame is dependent on the project you are working on so check you canvas against the frame size. The top and bottom of the frame will turn. This allows you to roll up the canvas and move which area of the project you are working on. It also allows you to tighten the canvas as you work, helping to make your stitching even. * It is best to try a small beginner’s kit before investing in a frame to see if you like it.

Starting Your Project

• If you are using a frame then secure the canvas into place.
• Preparing The Needle – Cut the length of wool no longer than 45cm, any longer and it may get tangled or wear thin.
• Thread the needle and leave a reasonable amount of overlap.

Tent Stitch

• The easiest stitch to use as a beginner is the tent stitch, there are 3 various types of tent stitch but the half cross stitch version is the easiest and uses less wool than other forms of tent stitch.
• This tent stich is simply one half of a cross stitch with all stitches worked in the same direction along each row or column (seem image). It doesn’t matter which direction the stitches slant so long as you don’t mix them, although, top right to bottom left is most usual.
• On your first stitch make sure you leave a bit of the wool length at the back of the canvas. This needs to be ‘caught’ by your first few stitches in order to secure it and prevent your stitches from being pulled out. This is easily done by holding it in place as you stitch over it.
• When you have completed one line you simply come back along the next line in the other direction. This produces even, slanted stitches on the front and small, straight stitches on the back.
• When ending a length of yarn pass it through a few stitches on the back of the work.

Kits For Beginners

Anchor 1^st kits are a great place to start. They are small with simple yet cute designs and inexpensive.

http://www.ameliashobbybox.co.uk/children-s-toys-crafts/anchor-1st-kits.html