Tuesday 5 November 2013

Movember Madness - Free Workshops, Free Pattern and Competitions

This Autumn has been a bit charity-tastic. You've already seen my Innocent Hats, but I've also just finished Sober October - I didn't drink any alcohol for the whole of October to help raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. They're a brilliant cause, but I must admit to be glad that month is over! And now it's time for Wife of Brian's favourite charity, Movember! You'll probably see lots of men around and about growing tasches to raise money to help fund prostate cancer research (well done Mo's), but if you can't grow your own then you can pick up a woolly version from my shop. I'll be donating 2% of my sales during November to the charity.

To celebrate Movember, there's lots of moustache antics going on this month.

My lovely publishers over at Love Crafts have released a free pattern from my book. You can download it here. And once you've made your moustache, tweet us a picture of you wearing it using #KnitYourOwnMoustache and you could win a free copy of my book! All sorts of awesome.


And if you'd like some help making up your moustache, I'm running some free workshops at the brilliant Renegade Craft Fair this Sunday (10th November). I'll be on the Mollie Makes stand (exciting) 1.30pm-3pm and 4.30pm-6pm. The workshops are free but you'll need to sign up on the day. Click here for more info.

And don't forget, the super folks over at Crafty Magazine are running a competition to win a copy of my book and lots of knitting gooodies. Click here to enter. You'll find the answer in issue 7, which also includes my Halloween patterns. Here's some hilarious pics of the Crafty Team and their own moustache makes:


Merry Movember Mo Fo's xx


Monday 28 October 2013

Innocent Big Knit

I've just posted my contribution to the Innocent Big Knit.

If you don't know what this is, check out their website here: http://thebigknit.co.uk/

The folks at Innocent are working with Age UK to help keep older people warm this Winter. They put little hats knitted by us knitty people on the top of their bottles and 25p from each bottle sold goes to Age UK. Brilliant stuff.

Here are my hats:


I'd have quite happily carried on knitting these and making little pom poms until the cows come home, but the deadline is this Thursday (31st).

There's just about enough time to make a hat or two yourself, so go spread some cozy xx

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Crafty Patterns, Book-signing and Moustache o'clock

It's been a busy few weeks in Brian-land. As you know, I was at the Knitting & Stitching Show last week with Collins & Brown, signing books and knitting moustaches.


It was a brilliant and exhausting day! I learnt three things while I was there: I could never go on the Apprentice as I am incapable of selling people things they don't want; ALL old ladies tell the same jokes (in this case, 'why would I want to knit a moustache when I'm already growing my own?? - hilarious); and the truth is, I am actually a little bit weird. Who knew?

But in all honesty, I had a great time and the Collins & Brown gang had made some brilliant free moustache kits. I'm hoping to get hold of a couple, so I'll let you know if I do. I'm also looking forward to all the resulting pictures we've been promised of people's moustache makes. Moustache-tastic.


I've popped the moustaches I made during the day onto my shops ready for Movember, so if you fancy picking one up, pootle over and have a look: http://www.wifeofbrian.com/page4.htm

In other news, Crafty came out last week with my Halloween patterns. They look absolutely ace and I was dead chuffed to discover they also have a competition to win my book! Pick up a copy now and you could also win lots of goodies to make your own disguises. Brilliant. Team Crafty are planning a November moustache knit along, so I'll be back with news of that soon.




With Halloween and Movember around the corner, Knit Your Own Moustache is getting a bit more press at the mo (wee moustache pun there), and has popped up in a couple of nice little reviews in 'Let's Knit' and 'Simply Crochet'.


Slowly but surely taking over the woolly world... Tee hee.

Laters, mo fo's xx

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Wife of Brian at the Knitting & Stitching Show

Hi gang,

Thought I'd give you a few more details about this week's Knitting & Stitching Show.


The show is on at Alexandra Palace from tomorrow (Thursday 10th) through to Sunday 13th and features crafts aplenty. I am all sorts of chuffed that not only do I get to go this year, but I will also be there with my brilliant publishers Collins & Brown. I'll be there on Friday from 1pm at stand TGK15, signing copies of my book 'Knit Your Own Moustache', chatting and doing knitting moustache demos. There are also free moustache kits (while they last), which I'm über excited about!

So if you're at the show, please pop by and say hello. It will be great to see you.

Also, the next issue of Crafty Magazine comes out tomorrow, featuring my Halloween patterns for Cat Ears & Tail and Frankenstein Bolts. Here's a sneaky peek (check out the pic bottom left).


Happy knitting, gang x

Friday 27 September 2013

Knitting & Stitching and Wonky Frogs

I'm very excited to announce that I will be making an appearance at the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace on Friday October 11th. I'll be at the Collins & Brown stand doing some moustache knitting demos, so if you're at the show please pop by for a chat.


I also thought you might like to see what woolly non-beardy activities I've been up to of late. There's a case for my ipad; a wonky frog gift for a friend at work; a dress for my newly christened Goddaughter; booties for my friends' lovely new baby; a funny goldfish; and a plaster cast cover for my brother who was stuck in the cast for six months... Proof that there is a little life beyond knitted beards.


Keep your eyes open for next month's Crafty Magazine that includes my Halloween patterns x

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/163475190/crochet-frankensteins-monster-bolts


Monday 26 August 2013

Brian hits the Twittersphere

Stop Press! Shock horror! And all that surprised sort of jazz. I have, wait for it, finally joined Twitter.  I know, I know. 'Where have you been all this time, Veames?' The answer is, who knows. I suspect I was a little worried that Twitter might consume me like a tidal wave of nonsense. But having deliberated about it for several years now, I think it might actually be fun. So why not come and play with me. My name is the ever so original @vicky_eames.

In other news, the lovely chaps (just the one chap I think, actually) over at HirsuteforHappiness.com have mentioned me on their blog. Have a pootle over for some facial hair fun.


'And what news of the ongoing book hunt?', I hear you cry. Possibly sarcastically. Well, I found a copy in the Waterstones near my work at Trafalgar Square.


What you can't tell by this picture, is that this is actually practically the bottom shelf in the basement. So, feeling a little reckless, I sneaked my book onto a display:


And then I ran away quicksmart. Don't go telling anybody, will you??

xx

Sunday 4 August 2013

International Book-Hunting

I'm chuffed to say that I am not alone in my quest to seek out copies of Knit Your Own Moustache. I have friends on the hunt and am pleased as punch with the spoils thus far. Here are some pics:


So the above beauties are respectively: Waterstones in Greenwich (found by me); my friend Samia's local knitting shop in Hertford; and discovered by my friend Claire in faraway Portland Oregon, hurrah.


And these two gorgeous people are my friends Jean Chan (all the cool kids know Jean Chan) and my dear schoolfriend Adam all the way from Cleveland, Ohio. Slowly, but surely, woolly facial hair is taking over the world!

In other news, I've finished my Halloween designs for Crafty Magazine. Here's a sneak peek:


The patterns for these will be in issue 7 of Crafty Magazine, which is out on September 12th.

You'll also be glad to hear that after my last post I was indeed successful in changing my logos and also finding my next theatre job - this is a play called 'The Pride' which opens next week at Trafalgar Studios. It's a great play so check it out.

xxx



Thursday 4 July 2013

Book Hunt Success!

I'm sorry to harp on about it, but I've written a book. I know, I know - you're bored of hearing me talk about it. But that's what blogs are for, right? Tee hee.

Anyhoo, I went for an interview today for my proper work and on the way home popped into a book shop (Foyles on the Southbank). I was delighted to find they had a couple of copies of my book for sale, hurrah! This is literally the first time I've seen a copy in a real life shop, so I was proud as punch and took a little sneaky photo...


Uber exciting. This coincides with the day that 'Storyland Cross Stitch' comes out, which is by one of the other authors I met at the Anova Book Party - Sophie Simpson. Check it out here.

Here are a few more press photos. I especially love the interview in 'Let's Get Crafting' Magazine (which is still out now). The other pics are from 'Knit Now' and 'Cloth' Magazines.



Meanwhile, I am busying myself designing some Halloween patterns for Crafty Magazine, trying to redesign my logos, looking for my next theatre job and watching as much Wimbledon as is humanly possible. Hooray for Summer!

Sunday 9 June 2013

With-Out Wool (W.O.W.)

Believe it or not, I do occasionally make the odd non-woolly craft item. Controversial, I know...

This week's project has been a birthday present for my friend Chris. He and his girlfriend (my best friend Katy) are massive fans of 'It's A Wonderful Life' and I knew they would like a homage to this film for their new house.

In the film, George offers to 'lasso the moon' for Mary:


George Bailey: What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary.
Mary: I'll take it. Then what?
George Bailey: Well, then you can swallow it, and it'll all dissolve, see... and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair... am I talking too much?


Mary later draws a picture of what this incredible feat might look like.


It was this picture I have tried to recreate, and I have done it using some simple cross stitch. The drawing of the pattern was the most tricky part - the actual stitching was quite straightforward after that.

Here's my effort. Chris seemed to be quite happy with it, so that's all that counts really! Merry birthday, Chris.





Sunday 2 June 2013

Beardy Booky Blogosphere

Hello folks,

There have been lots of nice knitty things afoot this week.

I have received my first delivery of copies of my book - really exciting to see several copies together! And this means I can now sell signed copies of my bonkers tome to you lovely people - click on this link to check it out: http://wifeofbrian.bigcartel.com/product/knit-your-own-moustache-signed-by-author


I've also discovered a few blogs out in the ether with lovely things to say about the book - some people are still a wee bit skeptical, but it's understandable given the mad moustache theme!

http://knitandnosh.typepad.com/knit_nosh/2013/05/knit-your-own-moustache-giveaway.html
http://knitspot.com/?p=10189
http://mylifeinknitwear.com/?p=2573
http://ideasandinspirations.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/knit-your-own-moustache-vicky-eames/

One of these blogs has a competition to win a copy of the book (open until 5th June) and another has a delightful photo of a mini person wearing a moustache!

Speaking of mini people, my friends Paul and Jacki have just had a lovely new one of their own (called Serenity) and I managed to squeeze in some time to make them some baby booties. I hope they like them (and they fit!).


And there have been a couple more magazine-y fun things. An interview in Crafty Magazine, with an incredible sketch of moi - my Mum assures me I'm very funny in this interview, but then she would say that... And another nice flag in Simply Knitting Magazine. (Slowly building up my scrapbook...)





Sunday 19 May 2013

Book Spotting

My facial hair friends, I have a favour to ask. I would love to know if any of you have spotted an actual copy of my book in a real shop. My personal hunting has thus far proven unsuccessful, although my friend Flo found it in Forbidden Planet - and on the top shelf nonetheless. (Does this make it some sort of knitting porn..??)

Anyway, it would be great to hear from you if you've found Knit Your Own Moustache in the real world, and I'd also love to see your pictures of your beardy makes if you've tried out any of the patterns.

Out in press world, here's a picture of a nice little book flag in this month's Knit Today magazine.


Looking forward to hearing from you, gang xx

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Birthday Moustaches

To celebrate my big fat birthday and the big fat book launch, I had some small fat beverages last week and made everyone that came wear a moustache.

Here's a little taste of my knitty world:


We did, as a result, make friends with a curious woman who had the same birthday as me, but otherwise we garnered very little attention... But that's London for you!

Tonight I have just got back from the publishers where I have been signing some copies of the book. This month's copy of Mollie Makes has a deal to buy a special priced signed copy, so check it out if you'd like to see my scrawl!

Friday 10 May 2013

Birthday Treat

Yesterday was my birthday, hurrah! I am now all sorts of old, but we don't need to talk about that...

Anyway, I had a lovely day. Lots of nice messages, a bundle of goodies and tasty dinner and cake. Thanks all.

And as an added treat, I discovered that the latest issue of Mollie Makes was out. Excitingly it includes five pages of Wife of Brian goodness, comprising a pattern from my book and an interview with yours truly. Mollie Makes is definitely one of my favourite magazines, so I'm over the moon to be featured. It's out for another four weeks, so pick up your copy for some crafty fun.


xxx





Thursday 2 May 2013

Moustache Surprise

I woke up this morning to discover a small unexpected parcel had come in the post.

It turned out to be some treats from my Mum to celebrate 'Book Publication Day'!


Thanks, Mum! xx

Wednesday 1 May 2013

B-Day

So tomorrow is the big B-Day. No, not my birthday, although that is only a week away, so this is a lovely early birthday treat! Tomorrow is Book Day - as in, the release of my book. Woohoo!


It's been a few weeks short of two years since I received the first email from Anova Books, so I can't quite believe it will actually be fully published and real tomorrow! I'm thinking of doing a bookshop trawl to see if I can find any copies in a JRR Hartley style!

Last week I briefly made the heady heights of number 29 in the Top 100 Knitting Books on Amazon. Wowzers. And on and off I've been the top new knitting book, too.


Outside of Book Land, I've also been busy working on my shop and knitting lots. Here are a couple of new creations I've made in the last couple of weeks. I hope you like them.



I'll let you know how the bookshop trawl goes!

xx

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Woolly Headed

So what happens when you combine a knitter with a mathematician stage manager? (All three are me, by the way...)

Stupidly organised wool, that's what!


I can't even describe to you how happy this photo makes me...

Meanwhile...

I went to a Book Party at my Publishers' last week. It was London Book Fair, so all the various publishers had parties to celebrate. I'd not been to anything like that before, so I didn't really know what to expect. But I had a nice time, and the best part was that I got to meet a couple of other authors. It was lovely to hear about their experiences and expectations and realise that although we're all a little bit odd in our own ways, there are plenty of other lovely talented weirdos out there, hurrah. Both these ladies design beautiful things, so do check out their websites: www.whatdelilahdid.com; www.byeline.no.

I also learnt at the party that although the Dutch really don't like what I do, the Americans want to make a mini kit version of my book. I'm mega excited by this and think it's a great idea. I'm hoping to do kits to sell with my book from my website, so watch this space for news on that.

And finally...

I found the first review of my book this week in 'Knitting' Magazine. I get the feeling the reviewer thinks I'm a wee bit peculiar, but that's completely fair enough! See what you think yourself when the book comes out.

xx



Friday 19 April 2013

Book-tastic Blog-tastic

Hi Gang,

It's less than two weeks now until Book Day. Wowzers.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, my first book 'Knit Your Own Moustache' is released on May 2nd. Properly exciting. If you want to get ahead of the game, it's available for pre-order on Amazon here.

For a brief few hours a couple of days ago it was actually in the Top 100 Selling Knitting Books on Amazon. Obviously not any more, but not bad going for a book that's not out yet, I suppose. I took a screenshot for posterity!


With the big B-Day impending, I've actually spent the last few weeks writing more than I probably did for my book itself! I've written two magazine interviews - one for the third issue of Crafty Magazine and one for the next issue of Mollie Makes. The latter are in fact doing a bit of a feature with a pattern from the book, so I'm really excited to see that next month!

This week I also wrote a blog for my publishers' website which you can find here:


Or to save you some effort, I've posted it below! Enjoy kids xx


So I’ve written a book. An actual book that real people can buy in proper shops. Wowzers. This is something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was wee, and now I have realised a dream. To be fair, I’d never imagined it would be a book about knitted facial hair, but these surprises are certainly the joy of life!
In all seriousness, I have loved making Knit Your Own Moustache. I am very proud of the end result, and the process has been a great experience.
There’s a slight clue in the title, but in case you haven’t spotted it, the book is about knitting moustaches and patterns thereof. But it is not this alone, oh no – it is in fact a selection of patterns to knit and crochet your own variety of disguises. What this basically meant for me was that for the duration of my designing and writing it, I had an excuse to wear ridiculous things most of the time. Hurrah. I’ve been knitting beards and moustaches for a few years now for my shop Wife of Brian, so I’m reasonably familiar with the world of daft. As a result, I’m always open to a bit more silly and at times I really did get carried away creating for this book! I talked to a lot of people, looked at loads of pictures, sketched plenty of ideas and, best of all, wore a plethora of silly hats, wigs and masks to work out what I, my friends, and hopefully some real people, would most enjoy in this pattern book.
Once I’d come up with a few ideas I then had the fun of making them a reality. One thing I love about knitting and crochet is that if you can imagine something, there is a way to make it. The fun part is figuring out how! In the old days I used to be a mathematician (of sorts) and so sometimes I like to be very systematic about how I go about things. Hence, for some of my designs, the graph paper came out and I employed a lot of logic before I even picked up any wool. For others the kooky lady took control and I just made it up as I went along! But everywhere I went I took the latest project and my notes – thank goodness I didn’t lose that notebook!
I have quite an unusual job, working in theatre. Thankfully this means that I work with creative and quirky people who generally don’t bat an eyelid if I smuggle some wool backstage. And I had to do a lot of that to squeeze everything in. (Thank you for your patience, Team Theatre.) As is always the nature of things in my work, the deadlines would always fall during particularly busy periods so any free minute was filled with knitting and I know I sent in a lot of my text amongst the (very) wee hours of the morning. But when you’re enjoying your work, whatever it may be, you don’t resent that. Well, not much. All I can say is, if I sound a bit bonkers in the book (and now, in fact), I can only blame it on a lack of sleep rather than an innate madness …
My publishers and everyone working on this book have been all sorts of brilliant. One thing I have especially loved is the freedom and trust I have been shown and the amount of involvement I have had. We had a great day in the wilds of Dalston taking pretty pictures of my silly things on the faces of a few of my brave friends. Everyone that was there that day got involved with ideas and although it was a long and exhausting day we had a lot of fun. You’ll see in the book how great the photos look and what a daft time we had.
Anyway, I now have in my hand an actual copy of Knit Your Own Moustache. It even has a barcode so it must be real. I am absolutely delighted with it and every minute of theatre/woolly multi-tasking was definitely worth it. If you happen across a copy, I welcome you madly to my bonkers knitty world. Happy moustache-ing, all.


Thursday 11 April 2013

A Bunch of Keys

Last week I finished another show, and in true Vicky style I knitted everyone a little parting doodah.

This play largely featured an invisible piano, so I knitted a bunch of mini (visible) piano key brooches.


Hopefully they hit the right note...