Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

It's Friday again ! - how did that happen ? I feel as of I've been super busy this week and it's flown by but not sure what I've done ? I do know,  I'm talking all about fibre today, no mention of the Trees Project until next week.

I've got good and bad news again on the fibre front  (I seem to say that often ! ). Nothing much to show for my efforts with fibre this week. No completely finished items as such, however, I have spent lots of time on the red Moussaillon Cardigan (to be referred to as M from this point)  and re knit most of it several times. I quite like the completed design ...... but its enormous, on me. I've already reduced the size considerably and although the front looks good - the back is twice as big as it needs to be. The only thing I could do is rip it out and redo the back for the third time. I think, I may have 'lost it' with the cardigan ? I've made the decision (several times) to rip it out and then thought better of it. I'm still a bit undecided. However, regardless of the final decision, I'm making plans for a new garment. I may re-use the yarn (Dovestone DK) if I rip out the M cardigan. 

Moving on - so far, I have a long list of 7 ideas for my new garment. See my list below with links :

Palmetto

Diesis

Canvas Cardigan

Netherton Pullover

Ceilidh

Soiree

Bowmont Jumper

These items are in no particular order, although, I'd like to knit them all at some point ! My main decision is where to start and should I rip out the M ? and use the yarn. It's lovely yarn and I want to make something I will love wearing.

While I ponder that one, I'm going to start the Azurite Mittens from Blacker Yarns , I've already completed my KAL effort (read back last Friday for details of the KAL). I completed the Holt Wrist Warmers (see last Friday for images). I already have the Blacker Yarn for the mittens so will join in and knit another KAL. Incidentally, the Bowmont Jumper  (from my list) also forms part of the KAL, so that would be good too. However, I'm not  sure if I want to commit to the Bowmont Jumper just yet ?, it's quite a challenging pattern.

No spinning to speak of - a tiny little rolag only ! I'm hoping for more next week. I'm excited to be going to a local spinning group on Monday - I've been meaning to join this group for a very long time so Monday's the day ! I'll report back next Friday, re my experience.

Almost forgot, on my needles at the moment is a second Bousta Beanie, and as its Shetland Wool Week this week (I would secretly like to be there !) I think it would be fitting to knit it. I enjoyed knitting the first version and am looking forward to this one. It's quite a quick knit so I should make progress this week.

             

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday.

Tree Beads

Hi Everyone

We are on day 4 of the Everyday Collection : Trees Project. The beads are here and will be finished today ! The finishing stage is quite a time consuming business. I initially, prepare the holes for threading. I use a bead reamer for this job. Each bead needs to be assessed and the reamer will tidy the holes as well as re shape the entry part of the holes. This process transforms the look of the bead and immediately improves the appearance.

The next phase involves tumbling the beads in a mild soapy water. I use various grades of sandpaper on the lining of a tumbler, changing the sandpaper 3 or 4 times, each time with a finer grade. The beads come out of the tumbler with a rather dull, 'washed out' finish - not very attractive ! The finial stage involves polishing with a felt pad using wax polish. After polishing, the beads take on either a matt sheen or a full shine, depending on how much polishing goes on.

The finishing stage does take quite some time - for the most part,I'm dealing with individual beads. I have just over 70 beads to finish. Hopefully, I have enough beads to make 3 individual bracelets. I will string the beads with stretch elastic, this is the 'Everyday' element of the bracelet (read back each day this week for more on the Project). I want the Everyday Collection to be wearable for most situations and will have this in mind when I put the beads together.

Here's a quick look at the beads, ready for 'finishing' :

                        

I'm happy with the beads, especially the longer beads. I was inspired by actual 'trees' and wanted to achieve an individual 'tree trunk' look for each bead. Although each bead has similar qualities, the shapes are slightly varied and hopefully the finished bracelet will turn out well. 

Thanks for calling in today.

Everyday Collection - continued

Hi Everyone

I'm on my third day of the Everyday Collection:Trees today ( you can read back each day for more on this project). I've reworked the oblong shaped bead and made them 'thinner'. The new shapes are much more like the 'trees' from my initial inspiration idea.  I was hopeful that I would stumble across the right solution if I kept working and experimenting and this has proved to be the case. I didn't need to drastically change the clay mix, I've altered the shade of red, slightly, but the consistency of the clay is the same as my first batch. I guess the narrower bead is proportionate and therefore more stable in the pre cured form.

Here's a quick look at the new samples :

                          

My job today is to develop lots more beads (the two shapes above as well as the round sample) and write up the recipe/tutorial as I go. I find the process of writing instructions more useful if I literally, jot down every step of production. I tend to review and edit my written instructions the following day and turn the words into a simple step format. I also like to include lots of visual prompts so will also take photos and possibly draw quick diagrams.

Thanks for calling in today.

Everyday : Trees

Hi Everyone

I'm extending my Polymer Clay session for another day, today. Read back yesterday for more on the Trees project. 

I had mixed success yesterday, a few issues presented themselves which have changed how I will make the next batch of beads. My main challenge was the texture of the mixed clay. I used a particular transparent clay (I have used this before and like the post cured appearance), it's a Primo Sculpey brand. The clay is quite soft and I really needed a more solid shape for my chosen design. The soft texture didn't hold the straight lines of my design in the way I had hoped. I'm going to blend up a new clay mix with another brand of clay today - to see if I can alter the final material. I need a firmer consistency to hold my straight cut lines.

I also struggled to decide on the final size of the oblong shaped bead. I'm quite keen to get a much thinner bead which is inspired by the 'trees' (see the image from yesterday). My plan was to make the bead in two halves, fused around the threading hole. My initial bead was too wide and combined with the soft consistency, the bead did not quite live up to my design. I did manage to produce a second smaller, square bead which I think is more successful for the Everyday Collection. I like the square shapes and will repeat the size with a round shape, using the same construction idea.

                       

The current beads are a rather bright red, my next batch will be a darker shade. I do want to produce a mixture of shades with lots of transparent random patches throughout.

I'm hoping for a better production rate today. In my defence, I did have lots of other things going on yesterday ! I'm keen to complete my Trees project this week, so will keep going with it - until I complete. Hopefully, I can have something significant to share tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Everyday Collection Designs

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm concentrating on developing new additions to the Everyday Jewellery Collection. I've mentioned this range of polymer clay jewellery several times (look back for details) and am keen to keep going with new ideas. The concept behind this range is, as the name suggests, is a Collection of jewellery suitable to wear for almost all activities. I always test out each design for running, cleaning (don't do much of that !), painting/craft, gardening and general living activities. If a design seems awkward or gets in the way of the activity then it's not suitable. I'm confident each design will work as an Everyday piece if it reaches the production phase.

The process for developing my designs usually follows a similar path. I will be inspired by something and a sketch is produced, followed by a workshop session to produce initial prototype pieces. 

My latest additions to the Everyday Collection has followed this process. I found myself cycling through a stunning forest of trees at the weekend and was struck by the tall, compact trees on either side which promoted thoughts about new beads and ways of linking them. Here's a quick look at my inspiration :

                    

These trees created an immediate sense of upright, rounded oblong shapes. As I cycled through the forest, I was surrounded by the shapes and immediately started thinking about bracelets and how to develop individual beads. I'm not sure I did a very good job on the photos, the inspiration was more to do with travelling through and being surrounded by the trees. My photo gives a more distant view, the inspiration was more of a 'feeling'. However, the idea was planted in my brain. Throughout my cycling session, I found myself thinking about how the jewellery could 'look'. When I got home I sketched out these ideas :

                   

I'm hoping to play with the colour mix and develop the first beads for this project later. I'm calling the new set : Trees, so will hopefully have something to share and wear for next week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday Update

Hi Everyone

Just a little news again today. I'm still going with the two knits from last week. Here's a quick look at my progress :

                           

The Moussaillon Cardigan is back on track and I'm now well into the back section. I think the fit is good ? I've tried on the garment several times and my only challenge is to ensure the width of the back is working. When I've finished the back, I simply need to repeat the other half and the cardigan is done. I do like the original design but need to rewrite the pattern for my particular version (read back last Friday for more on this pattern). I'm tempted to add a button band and a loose rib bottom to the design. I'm not sure if I will adapt this particular garment, I do like the simple garter stitch and the shape of this one but perhaps a second Moussaillon could happen with my additional modifications ?

My next item, the Holt Wristwarmers are finished (read back last week for more details on this knit).I've sewn in the ends and will block the Wristwarmers today. The colour is lovely and the fit is great. I enjoyed knitting these items very much and made light work of the job ! Unusual for me, I'm not a fast knitter but the pattern is great to use and the wool feels lovely and soft to knit. I have some more yarn for these Wristwarmers so will cast on the second pair soon.

The final box in my photo shows a new acquisition. This is a 100gms of Hayfiled Spirit in some lovely shades of pinks and orange. The yarn is a gift from my little, big boy and will turn into some walking socks for me. This gift was a lovely surprise and I will enjoy knitting the socks. I have a pattern, so I'm hoping to cast on this week. More news about the project next time.

That's it, again I failed to crochet or spin this week. Although, I did meet someone at my weekly Knit Group who helps run a spinning group locally. We had a lovely chat and I'm very keen to join the spinning group which hopefully will get me back into my spinning routines. The problem is 'time' and nothing to do with spinning. However, I do need to prioritise my time because I do love spinning and am missing it.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday.

Silver Stuff

Hi Everyone

I'm making more rings today - see last Thursday for more on this. I have plans to make 4 new stacking rings. So far, I've cut the Sterling Silver wire and it's time to solder.

                               

My plan for the 2 ring stack in the centre of my photo may get some form of pattern on the silver  - not sure what I'm going for yet ? I have a range of shapes and sizes of silver wire in various combinations. I particularly like the idea of quite fine rings for stacking, my sample (left on the photo) will have 6 individual rings - designed to be worn together. 

I'll take a few images of the development process and share next time. In total, there are 15 individual rings to make ! - not sure how many rings I will get done today but I'm hoping to complete the soldering element.

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Recipe

Hi Everyone

I'm working on a new format for writing up my Making projects at the moment. It's quite a challenge. I'm mostly persuaded that diagrams and pictures are the favoured approach. Written notes and instructions seem to be incredibly difficult to get right. What seems straightforward and clear, often creates all kinds of issues for the reader. I have six new projects which need to be published, so I'm trying out several approaches with a mixture of notes and diagrams with an emphasis on the pictures.

The first project is something that had its first outing yesterday in a Making Workshop. The project was a simple Flat Kumihimo Braid. 

                             

I produced some simple notes and some of the instructions seemed to work for most people but I noticed specific points where I need to improve. I specifically used all written instructions this time, to check how our Makers coped. I will try again with a mixture of diagrams and written instructions in a second draft with a new group of Makers.

I like the idea of presenting the projects as a series of Making Recipes, so will keep going with that concept. Hopefully, I can develop my little Making Recipe booklet with six different projects within the next few weeks - I need to create a few different styles of presentation, so lots to do !!

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Day or is it ?

Hi Everyone

My blog today could be a little misleading ! - I'm sharing my sewing job for today but it's not the usual. I'm sewing in the ends of the Blacker Yarns/FineFettle Fibre KAL project. My pattern is the Holt Wristwarmers. I chose to knit in the round but the pattern also has an option for knitting flat. This is an amazingly quick knit. I don't consider myself a quick knitter but these Wristwarmers just flew off the needles. I started last Thursday and completed the second wristwarmer on Saturday evening. I have until the end of December to complete the KAL, so I'm amazed I've finished. I love the colour (Balsam Bog) and the feel of the yarn (Blacker Swan),the yarn is quite bulky but wonderfully soft. 

                          

I'll sew in the ends today and am already wondering what I should tackle next. I have another Blacker Swan yarn for a second pair of Holt Wristwarmers (in another colour) for a Christmas gift, so I may go for that ? However, I also have some Blacker yarn for a mitten pattern ? I'll make my decision for my Friday Fibre slot.

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern and have quite a large part of the second ball of yarn left. I'm thinking about knitting a Nuuk (check it out here).

I'll need more yarn but I think it's a possibility. Instead of finding a project to use up all my leftovers, I usually end up buying loads more yarn for a sweater !

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Day

Hi Everyone

I'm battling to get my work schedule on track today. Each day seems to bring yet another priority !! However, I'm trying hard to keep to the plan. It's my polymer day today. I'm hoping to complete another set of the Everyday Collection, a tried and tested range of polymer jewellery. 

This Collection is versatile and very 'easy to wear', I'm hoping to develop a red/translucent set of beads to wear for myself. I've recently acquired a few red items of clothing and would like to compliment these items with some simple jewellery that I can wear for most occasions. I'm also knitting a red  cardigan which will layer with lots of outfits, so there's an imminent need for the red Everyday set. Here's a quick look at some of the previous designs :

                       

My Red Set (I'm thinking of this as a name for the set) will include a bracelet similar to the blue one (right in the photo) but will also include a small, round,flat shaped bead which give a minimal bracelet. I'm also thinking I'll prepare a few pairs of earrings. I'm hoping to mix the colours of the Red Set today and play with some shapes. I will have a few samples of my new Everyday Collection to share next Monday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday News

Hi Everyone

Can't quite believe it's Friday again ! This week has flown by. I'm back on schedule today with the usual Fibre Friday slot. I've got good and not so good news today. I was thinking of saying good news and bad news but I'm happy with the outcomes for both of my little featured items.

                        

If you called in yesterday, you will know I cast on for the Blacker Yarns KAL, the Holt Wristwarmers - photo top right. I really enjoyed spending a few hours knitting the cuffs of both Wristwarmers and started the cable part of the right one. I'm knitting the Wristwarmers as I knit a pair of socks, two at a time. Great news - the yarn is lovely and the pattern is very straightforward but mostly I love the colour - Balsam Bog (great name). I'm already dreaming  about wearing them.

The not so good news now - my Moussaillon Cardigan has been substantially ripped out. It was enormous. I knew something was not quite right, the start point was the left front and it almost wrapped around the whole of my back. So, deep breath and I ripped it all out to the point where I think the arm sleeve should start. The pattern advises trying on the cardigan for size, throughout, but it's difficult to get a sense of the fit without a reference for the sleeve and shoulder. I'm reasonably happy that I'm back on track with the size. I love the cardigan, even though it was huge, I did get the impression of how it will look when finished. Therefore, I'm thinking 'not so bad' news now. I know it will be a great addition to my wardrobe when finished.

Not sure I've done anything else on the fibre front ? No spinning to speak of and no crochet ! Must do better next week.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I'll be back Monday.

KAL News

Hi Everyone

I'm having yet another deviation from my blog regime today. I scheduled to focus on Silver stuff but feel the need to talk about a new KAL which starts today.

This KAL is a Blacker Yarns KAL (knit-a-long!) 14 September – 14 December. Blacker have been producing their own knitting patterns since 2008 but have decided that the time is right to refresh some of their existing pattern collection and introduce some new ones. On 31 August they will be launching a collection of twelve garment and accessories patterns – 8 refreshed ones and 4 new ones – that use a variety of Blacker yarns.To celebrate this event, Blacker are running a KAL and my local knit group, Fine Fettle Fibres, will be joining in the fun! 

This is how the KAL will work:

• The new pattern collection will be launched on 31 August and the patterns will be available to download for free from the Blacker website www.blackeryarns.co.uk
• We will have 2 weeks to have a think about which pattern from the new collection we would like to knit and which Blacker yarn we would like to use.
• We then dig out Blacker yarns from our stash or get new supplies of Blacker yarn in.
• We cast-on on 14 September (today), aiming to finish our project by 14 December.
• To make it more fun, we hope to share the experience by :
• adding comments and pictures to the Blacker Yarn Ravelry group thread 
• sharing Instagram posts 
• coming along to Knit Class and sharing progress
• wearing finished items at Knit Class no later than 14th December 
• And there will be PRIZES! Anyone who comes to the Fibe Fettle Fibres Studio wearing their finished object, or sends me a photo of the finished object being worn, no later than midnight on 14 December, will receive a voucher for 15% off any purchase of Blacker yarn at Fine Fettle Fibres and 1 lucky person, chosen at random (using random.org's random number generator) from those who have finished their projects, will receive a copy of Sue Blacker's book Pure Wool.

So, if you feel you would like to join in, contact Fine Fettle Fibres and get involved.

I've chosen my pattern https://www.blackeryarns.co.uk/patterns-etc/free-patterns/blacker-swan-holt-wrist-warmers-knitting-pattern.html. It's a pair of wrist warmers called Holt. I'm using the Swan yarn. Here's a quick look at the preparation I've done to start the KAL.

            

All my tools and materials are ready to go and I'll be casting on around mid morning, I don't usually knit during the day (at home) so it's a bit of a treat for me. I'm lining up a coffee and even a bit of cake. However, I'm quite busy today, so not sure how much progress I'll make ? but I'm determined to make an event of it. I'll be sharing regular updates on Fridays, so you can share the highs and lows of my KAL. 

Thanks for calling in today.

My Writing Day

Hi Everyone

If you called in yesterday, you will know it's Writing Day today. My writing focus for today is a piece about the versatility of Polymer Clay as a material for making embellishments. This particular writing will eventually be a piece for a craft magazine. My job today is to draft the outline of the article and produce a range of samples to illustrate my piece. 

My main message is clear (for me), so my job is to make sure I present my ideas clearly and have a variety of attractive samples to illustrate my message. That should be straightforward, should it not ? I do love this sort of thing but I'm not deluding myself - it IS difficult to achieve something a magazine is keen to use. But I'm up for the challenge.

Here's a sneak preview of one of my photos samples :

                         

You may, if you are a regular viewer, remember me talking last week about making buttons (read here for details). The white buttons in my photo are the result of that particular project. The other embellishments in the photo are a range of small gold bows which have been made to add to greetings cards/gift tags.

My piece will include several other samples which illustrate how polymer clay can be used in a variety of other ways to develop craft embellishments; as well as background information for making such items. I will point you to the final article at some point in the future.

Thanks for calling in today.

Blogging News

H Everyone

I'm sharing my new blogging restructure ! - all sounds very grand. In actual fact, I've simply scheduled a specific focus for each day of my blogging week. This is not written in 'stone' and from time to time, I will change things depending on what's going on in my creative world but in order to give an element of cohesiveness, I think my new approach will work.

                           

My official start day will be tomorrow, Wednesday. It's taken me quite a while to get into work mode following the long Summer break and I'm still struggling to get there. However, I've made my plan and I'll try my best to keep with it ! 

Alongside, the daily focus, I will have a special 'project'. My current 'special' project is a new Art Doll Project. Very exciting ! I'm not sure exactly how I will schedule this aspect of my work at the moment. I hope to have a flexible approach. Hopefully, I can weave in the development of my dolls with the different daily focus depending on what the dolls require at anyone time. The dolls will have a mixed media approach and should sit alongside elements of my daily focus work.

Thanks for calling in today.

Blogging Journal

Hi Everyone

I'm starting a new Blogging Journal today - very exciting development ! My usual process is to make a list of my daily blog episodes plans (each Monday) in my Work Journal, outlining each episode with a few notes/linked photos. However, I'm hoping to reorganise my daily stories about 'the Makes' or creative activities in a more structured and detailed way. I'm convinced, I work more efficiently and creatively if I plan ahead. I prefer to have an outline of a specific episode which I can then give some quality thinking time, well before I need it. Often my thinking time comes during a short run or walk each day, if I have a specific plan in my head new thoughts often seem to slot into place.

I'm hoping my new Journal will allow me to document, daily, the content of each episode (in more detail - ahead of time) but also act as a reference for future work ideas and supporting links to previously mentioned work. I'm organising contents lists at the front of the journal and will have some fun sticking stuff onto pages. The contents page will allow me a quick reference to build upon certain projects - I hope ?

Here's a quick peak at the actual book :

                 

The book is a simple, lined notebook at the moment. It's slightly shorter than A4 size with a plastic sleeve, plenty of room on each page for lots of sticking and doodling.

I'll come back to the Journal in a few weeks and review how it's going as well as share some of my scribblings.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

Today in the Fibre update, I'm introducing my new main project - Moussaillon by Cleonis. This is a little cropped cardigan. I'm using Dovestone DK in Worsley Bob, the same yarn as my last scarf - look back here for more on the scarf, the Amelia Ruffle Scarf (now complete !!) It was the Amelia Scarf which inspired me to look for a pattern in Garter Stitch (same as the scarf) with a 'flared style' bottom. I particularly wanted the cardigan to layer up with a few dresses I have. The dresses have a wide silhouette and I'd don't like the fabric to be gathered in at the waist (as per a closer fitting garment with a traditional waist rib). After much research I decided to use the Moussaillon. This pattern, the Moussaillon, is a free pattern on Ravelry. The pattern is translated from an original French pattern and is a challenge to follow, however, there are quite a few projects using the pattern with some very helpful advice and tips. When I first read the pattern it didn't make much sense, having studied it for a few days, it seems very straight forward. I would recommend trying it.

                      

I'm well into the left front part of the cardigan and am really enjoying the knit. I swatched with a few different size needles and decided on 6mm, quite large needles. I like the resulting fabric, it's quite soft and drapes well for a DK yarn. 

I didn't include a picot edge on the neckline, as directed in the pattern. I think I may add a short rib neckline and a button /waist band ? - not sure at the moment. I'll wait and see how things turn out.

This week, the only progress Ive made in fibre projects has been with the Amelia Scarf and the Moussaillon. I do need to block the scarf and weave in the ends. I'm thinking, I may wait until both items are complete and block them together.

Other fibre news - my Hannabira (crochet cardigan) project has been ignored as has the sweater spinning project, must do better next week ! I also need to start a new pair of socks. I'm considering joining a sock KAL with the Ravelry Stranded Podcast group take a look at the detail. I'd like to dye up some yarn for the project - it's a Christmas theme and intend to look for a pattern, perhaps snowflakes ? I need to get on with it, if I'm going ahead. Will confirm next time.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday.

At My Bench

Hi Everyone

I'm using Thursday's to work at my jewellery bench. At the moment, my current jewellery project is a batch of rings. I have quite a few prepared pieces to finish. I've cut two sizes of metal, mainly Sterling Silver, which are now ready for soldering. Hopefully, I can get the soldering completed and cleaned up, ready for finishing and polishing.

                         

However, I think, I maybe struggling slightly today. I picked up my son from the airport (early hours of the morning) and don't function very well without sleep. I'm hoping to have a nap mid morning - compensation time !! So, if I can complete the planned work over the day, I will be more than satisfied.

I have plans to decorate some of the rings but will also use others as stacking rings. I'll have an update next week to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Writing Day

Hi Everyone

The day has arrived - back to work day ! I've been leaving this day especially for planning my new 'term'. It's a while since I was at school myself but I do organise my working time around school term dates (one of my boys is still at school) and today is our first day back after the long Summer holidays. 

I usually find myself very unsettled on the first day back and it takes me a few days to get my mind into the right place. Hopefully my planning day will help to occupy my thoughts today.

I've drafted a new regime for my working week this new academic year with specific days for tackling different aspects of my work. Wednesday's have been designated writing day. The detail needs to be worked out but generally I will include articles, books, planning and project reviews in my day. I have lots of notebooks in my work life. I also use technology for recording stuff but my favourite planning tool is the notebooks. I tend to either decorate the covers or go for a pretty patterned paper. This decoration thing is part of what I do and I get huge pleasure from using my decorated items. My favourite is my current Project book, it's a larger, lined, soft backed notebook with lots of stuff stuck in. I find this book inspirational to work with, somehow my mind works well when I'm jotting down thoughts into this book. All the notebooks have a page reference section at the begining and all pages are numbered, I love to flick thorough my previous projects when trying to come up with new ones.

Here is a quick look at a very small sample of my notebooks :

                         

The notebook on the left (teal/gold) is the favourite I mentioned earlier. It's almost full and I will move onto the navy/pink version very soon. The third book on the right is my Knitting Journal.

My plan today is to get my stuff sorted (on paper) and be ready to start doing 'practical things' tomorrow - it's a slow start for me ! I need a coffee already - to help me start.

Thanks for calling in today.

Design Results

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing the final three design ideas for my mini hoops, I talked about this last week  (details here) and after changing my mind lots and lots of times, I've got my chosen three designs.

                            

I'm planning to start with the Bee. I have a larger hoop art kit (design top right which includes the Bee) and instructions on how to create the embroidered Bee motif. Hopefully, this will give me a good idea of how to tackle the other two designs. The kit comes with detailed instructions and advice on how to complete the embroidery with lots of drawings showing different stitches. The larger kit also has enough background fabric (spare) which I can use for my mini hoops.

 I'm going to set aside a little time later to embroider my Bee motif and hopefully complete one of the mini hoops. It's got to be the necklace -  so I can wear it as soon as possible ! It's the last day of the holidays and I need a treat !

Thanks for calling in today.

Mini Project

Hi Everyone

The big Summer break is almost over, only two days left ! However, I'm still determined to 'eek' out the holiday until the last possible minute. So, I've planned a very small project to make a few buttons today. I want to add a couple of buttons to a rather old, white cotton kimono style robe which I use as a dressing gown garment. I like to swan around in the morning wearing this robe and have never been keen on the original tie belt closure. Some time ago, I discarded the tie belt and adopted a safety pin closure - not a good look ! I add the pin on the inside - it's not visible but I know it's there and it's not a desirable or pleasurable thing to use. Everyday, I think, I will add a few buttons to the front and get rid of the safet pin and some rather unattractive belt loops (left over from the tie). I've not managed to tackle the job until now.

                      

Way back in May last year one of my Making sessions covered button making from polymer clay and Ive probably decided to go for one of the designs I used in the workshop (see bottom right images).im not sure which one ? I done have a white coloured button so will have to make new ones. I'm going for white to match the cotton of the robe (see bottom left image).

This project is a very small job but will make a big difference to the robe and my mornings (no more thinking about the job!). I also need to make some button holes on the robe with my sewing machine and will practice a few samples, I haven't made button holes for a long time and don't want to mess up !

As an extra self indulgence, I'm also thinking, I may develop several Everyday Bracelets (check out here) in polymer clay. I'll share my results over the next few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

Friday again ! - this week has flown by and the long Summer holiday is coming to an end. However, a few more days to go (4) and I'm determined to make the most of them. So, onto my fibre update. I'm splitting the news into a few different categories this week. 

                   

First section 'on my needles' (top row). On the left is my Amelia Ruffle Scarf by Alison Moreton using Dovestone DK, Wesley Bob. The pattern calls for Titus which is the lighter weight yarn but I'm very happy with the DK fabric. I've used Dovestone DK in quite a number of knitting projects and know the yarn well, so was aware of what would be produced. I started this project with a skein from my stash and added another to start the scarf. I've enlarged the scarf by just enough to need another skein - always the way ! However, I've already decided what I'm going to do with the yarn leftover ( will launch that plan next time). Top right row, just started last night, is my second Bousta Beanie (for my knitworthy husband !). Again, I'm using some leftover yarn from my own Bousta Beanie (you can check it out here) and I've added a few new colours. The overall colour theme will be blue/greens. I've only done the ribbed band which needed to be much larger (my husband has a very large head). I've gone up a couple of needles sizes and will add a lifeline so he can try it on this evening before staring the Fairisle pattern section. I have four different colours and will mix up the triangle patterns as I go. Not sure if he wants a pom pom ? I really enjoyed knitting my version so am keen to get started with this one. It's quite a quick knit, the last one only took me around a week to complete.

My next section is 'spinning' (bottom left). This is yet another project for my husband ! A whole sweater quantity spin of BFL and Corriedale. I've been talking about this project forever - look back for more on the blog if interested. I'm blending the fibres as I go and my new approach is to blend a board (blending board) full of fibres and turn into rolags, spin and ply - repeat. This is working well and feels less daunting than simply blending as I go. My total to date is approximately 300m, quite a way to go (1250m)but I've made much more progress this week using my new process. I'll update this project in more detail next time (including the pattern- revised several times !)

My last section for today is 'hand dying'. I've got lots of dying planned. This particular skein is the start of another sweater quantity of yarn. There are lots of colours going on in a mainly blue yarn. I'm liking the aqua and teal colours especially. My plan is to dye up some additional skeins in Teal and some Navy to make a cropped cardigan. At the moment I'm thinking about alternating the mixed colours (in the photo) with Teal for the body with Navy contrast cuffs, neckline/button band and waist rib in navy. All that could change but that's my plan (today). I have a couple of patterns in mind, again will firm up this week and report my choice next Friday.

Thanks for calling by today. Have a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday. x