Planning and Preparation

Hi Everyone

It’s my focus on sewing today (in theory every Tuesday) and I’m inspired to develop some sewn appliqué Christmas Card samples. This project will prepare and test a few samples for a small batch of Christmas cards. I like the idea of a simple decorated tree but have also seen some cute Robins which I may try out. 

Take a look at my Christmas card Pinterest board HERE for more inspiration ideas and starting point for the cards. Here’s a couple of my favourite images at the moment. I may change my mind later !

                         

I like the ideas of coming up with something similar to the right hand image but with a Christmas theme rather than flowers. I’m unsure about wether to stitch directly onto card of make a motif to stick onto a card ? I’ll try both and decide. I’m also slightly ‘up in the air’ about colours  ? Should I go for traditional or contemporary ? So many decisions !

I’m hoping I can be a little more organised this year re Christmas. I always have great intentions and lots of elaborate ideas which rarely fully materialise because of time. So, hopefully, I can be better prepared if I keep to my current plans, test them out properly and plan thoroughly. Is it possible ?

Thanks for calling in today.

Making Moulds

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing a little more of the polymer clay project I talked about a couple of weeks ago check it out here. I mentioned using a range of moulds that I had made. The moulds were made from something called Siligum. This moulding paste is widely available and is very easy to make, it’s a fast setting, two-component silicone paste. Ideal for moulding small objects. My moulds were made by pressing natural seed heads into the mixed paste. After setting the seed heads can simply be removed. The moulds are very flexible and work beautifully on the natural material.

In my samples, I developed beads from polymer clay which has been pressed into the moulds, removed and either rounded to form a large bead or flatterned and sandwiched together (with a channel for threading).

               

My new batch of beads are to be developed in shades of mixed red clay but I’m also going to experiment with surface dyes to colour the white samples.

I’m hoping I will have some interesting results to share next Monday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

It’s Friday again - how did that happen so quickly ? If you are a regular reader, you will know I’ve been on holiday (at home) and had thought I’d have lots of knitting progress to show. However ! - although I’ve been busy with fibre, I’ve spent most of my time ripping out and starting again - so not much actual progress to show.

It’s all good news, the Hanabira (a long standing crochet project for me) has been completely ripped out and I’ve started again. I was almost finished. My #2 version is going well and the only regret is pulling out the lovely flower section. I spent forever learning how to do this and made a decent job in the end. Still, move on and I’ll be in a better position to do it again, when the time comes.

Sticking with crochet, I’ve also been working on a tiny little project for the Making Workshop (read back on the blog for more on this regular initiative). It’s a crochet Snowman, so fits into Friday fibre updates. The Snowman is either a gift bag or a tree ornament. I’ll share more on the detail next time.

Spinning has been limited to 2 more rolags for the big sweater. I’ll give more details next time with a review of progress on this project.

I did mention casting on a Blacker Yarn sock last time. It hasn’t happened ! Hopefully, I’ll get that one going this weekend. Again, more on this next time.

My last story is about the new Nuuk (see last Friday for more detail). Another little issue - I’m probably not much further than the photo from last time. I had added 10 new rows but had not read the pattern correctly. Instead of increasing at the sleeve points every other row, I’d increased every row. Fortunately, I thought things were not quite right before going too far. I’ve ripped out the offending rows and I’m back on track. I’m off to my weekly knit group this morning so should make some progress today. However, I often need to rip out lots of knitting after knit group - too much chatting and general lack of concentration !! However, I always have a lovely time.

That’s it for my fibre update this week.

Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday.

Henni’s World

Hi Everyone

It’s Day 4 of the Henni Doll Project and I think, the sketch maybe there ! At this stage, it’s time to get some colours and textures into the piece. I’ve chosen a colour palette with the help of decoupage papers and I’ll start adding colour to Henni’s face today. My approach to getting paint onto dolls faces is very much like applying makeup. I’ll start with a foundation and add highlights for shaping,eye colour, lips and cheekbones. This is a long process and I’ll go carefully, layering light shades each time. I’m not sure exactly the look I’m going for but I’d like to stick with the Titian hair colour therefore Henni needs a fair complexion. The warm colours of the papers will help me here.

Have a quick look at the development so far :

                                 

I’m hoping to keep this project going for a few weeks. I’ll hope to spend an hour or so each day. It will be interesting to have a photo of each day as I progress. Often, I change my mind and new plans are formed and that fine (I’m prepared for that) - Henni will tell me what to do.

Here’s the colour palette I’ve chosen :

                                

Thanks for calling in today.

Henni #2

Hi Everyone

Henni is still developing ! (read back this week for more on Henni). She has been changed slightly and there is still ‘a way to go’. I’ve altered her eyes and her mouth and I’d like to keep her looking slightly ‘other worldly’. I feel her features are a bit big for her face but that’s almost the look I’m going for. I will possibly change the length of her face ? I like the bone structure of her cheekbone and may exaggerate that a little more. I like her eyes looking into a stare/far away - not quite real. My husband thought she looked liked Lady Penelope (of Thunderbird fame).I can see the resemblance.

The colours are, of course, blue ! but I’d like to have some pattern going on - not sure of the detail of the pattern yet ? More decisions needed today.

Here she is at he moment :

                     

                            

I wanted to finish off the clay elements yesterday but ran out of time, so that’s another job for today. The colours on the bottom are some of the range I’m thinking of using. I also changed the neckline of the dress, yesterday’s Henni had a Peter Pan collar. 

I’ve been wondering about hair colour too - I’m almost decided on Titian (not red !).

I’ll be back tomorrow, sharing whatever turns out of my session today.

Thanks for calling in.

Doll Talk

Hi Everyone

If you called in yesterday, you will know I’m working on a new multi media painting. The theme of the painting is a simple folk art doll with the idea of having wings and therefore able to ‘fly’ - in the symbolic sense. It’s all about confidence and dreams, reaching out with imagination, thought and freedom. 

I found a canvas to work with, my initial idea was to use a hard board but I didn’t seem to have one in the right size. So, I’m going with it. I’ve sketched out a very rough head and shoulders with two different sides to the face. I’m calling my doll, Henni (Henrietta). Henni isn’t very pretty at the moment!  She needs to have two sides of her face which look similar. I’m also not happy with the clothing - I will change that today. Henni needs a high collar style rather than the cute Peter Pan version (my default neckline - not sure why this is ?). 

                         

Her left eye (shape) is the one I will go for - I think ? Her mouth is also too big, so that needs fixing. My final face will look very different - I should have just made the face shape but can’t resist creating a character for my dolls with the eyes and mouth. Lots of decisions around colours will happen today. I also want to add lots of papers for background textures and depth, so the placing of the head is all that’s important at this stage. I think the hair will be braided at the top and more flowing at the sides. I’m hoping to add some wool fibre for this job.

You will see, I’ve got a ‘wing’ going on, only one at this stage. Love this idea. I’ve  also made some gold polymer wings and a crown. I will place the smaller wings in the painting somewhere and the crown will go on Henni. The crown is very small but I like that. Both wings and crown need some extra finishing before curing. 

So, not huge progress but it’s a start. There will be more to share tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

A week of dolls

Hi Everyone

In theory, it’s a week of holidays for me. Not sure how the week will work out ? but I’m hoping to indulge myself in ‘dolls’. I’m abandoning my usual regime for blog themes and concentrating on creating a new inspirational piece of work. I’d like to develop a multimedia painting as well as develop one of my art dolls. I probably won’t finish either but it’s a start. I also have other stuff to get done (work and house commitments will continue) and I’ll keep my crochet/knitting projects going. Generally, I’m planning a nice time.

Here’s a look at my inspirational piece :

                     

This part of a large piece that I painted quite a few years ago. My main aim for the new work is to develop a painting of a folk art doll. I like the wings idea in the image above and will go for similar colouring, I think ?. It’s only my starting point, so anything could happen ! I also want to develop some ideas for a workshop (in a few weeks) for a wooden/knitting project - more about that nearer the time. I have some ideas for using polymer clay wings and possibly a crown ? 

Generally, I’m hoping to have a lovely time, messing about with paper, paint and clay. Wish me luck. 

Hopefully, I’ll have something to share tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

I’m on holiday today ! - not quite sure what difference that means to my day ? but I’ve got some deluded idea I can do a bit of knitting at some point during the afternoon. We are staying at home so no big packing etc required. I’ll let you know how things turn out next time.

So, I’ve started the new Nuuk (look back on Fridays for more on the Nuuk). As per my plan for last week, the Moussaillon cardigan has finally gone from my life and I now have an enormous ball of lovely Dovestone DK in Worksley Bob. The Nuuk is well underway and I’m very pleased with my decision (read back on Fridays for more background on this story).

                          

My Blacker Yarn KAL, again more on this over the last few Fridays, has three items completed, with one to go. The Azzurite Mittens and two pairs of Holt Wristwarmers are ‘done’. I still have the Polgooth socks (Sonja Bargielowska) to go. These socks are a top down sock in Blacker, Classic DK, so chunky socks. Although the pattern suggests no colourwork is involved, the socks are heavily striped and look like colourwork - they look very interesting. I’ll be casting on this week, so I should have something to share for next time. I have until December, so plenty time for other things too.

Next up - my blue Garland sweater (Stefani Pollmeier). I’ve tentatively started casting on for the sweater but am being a little cautious about sizing. My friend , mentioned last time and the time before, is still on holiday and I’d like a chance to chat to her about her experience of the sweater sizing before committing to my chosen size. I love her finished sweater and am quite excited about getting underway. I will spend some time looking through Ravelry posts about this project today but am still keen to chat with my friend first.

The crochet cardigan (Hanabira by Elaine Alcocer) from way back, is definitely coming out ! I’ll start it again with another crochet stitch - I think ? The majority of the make is done in single crochet, I’m thinking a ‘half double crochet’ could work ? I’ll let you know how it turns out. This cardigan has been going for some time and the yarn will be very crinkly when it gets unraveled, I’m thinking about re soaking and winding again today. I’ll take it out first but I’m thinking it could be a completely new beginning, if it’s done properly. I’m ok about ripping out - I’ve learned lots about crochet, so it all good.

Very little spinning completed. Only a few rolags. I’m hoping I can spend a few hours over the weekend, spinning. I’ll share more on spinning next time.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.

Silver Rings #3

Hi Everyone

I've another batch of silver rings to develop today. This batch will be a small one, five stacking rings in total with three ring elements each.

                      

                        

I've soldered and filed the silver wire and need to do some initial shaping. I always enjoy the shaping part, I'll find my favourite podcast videos and hammer away ! As I get near to the size I need for each ring, I'll start shaping the rings together.

Hopefully, I can get the shaped rings into the tumbler after lunch and have some bright, shined silver rings by the end of the day.

I'll get a few images before the rings go to their new homes.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Journal

Hi Everyone

I've got a busy day today (I'm out and about most of them day) but I'm hoping to spend some time updating my knitting journal. Currently, I have lots and lots of yarn and fibre waiting for something to happen to it. I'm hoping I can introduce some organisation into the stash sometime soon. Id like to use my knitting journal to help me plan how to use all this lovely stuff.

At the moment, my knitting journal is organised into pages which detail specific knitting patterns along with the yarn I've used but it's only a record of what I've done. I'd like to develop some form of 'wish list' for what I'd like to do in the future and give me options for knitting projects. I think, I'm going to use some of the elements on Ravelry (online knitting site with lots of interactive knitting functions) but somehow I want to link plans and ideas to my knitting journal ? I'm not sure how I can do this but I'll try and work on it today.

                         

This is a quick look at the actual journal. It's a simple soft backed, lined exercise book. It does have a very pretty gold cover with spectacular flowers and birds on it. I do like writing in the journal and would like it to be more involved in my everyday knitting. I''m not sure how I can achieve my goal today ? but I'll link my ideas with my Fibre Friday Update in a few days time.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Project

Hi Everyone

I have a new sewing project underway today. It's a hand crafted, fabric case for my DPNs (double pointed knitting needles).

                            

I have seen many of these lovely cases but found this tutorial on Pinterest. I had already worked out a plan of my own but having found this tutorial, I think I will stick with it.
I've found some fabric (from my own stash) and will cut out the sections for the case today. I especially like the numbered little pockets for the DPNs, which should make life easier when I'm searching for just the right size. Hopefully, this sort of case will also stop me buying duplicate sized needles in the future.

I'll share my 'make' as soon as I finish. My aim is to complete by the end the week and have my DPNs secured in the case, ready for use.

Thanks for calling in today.

An old idea

Hi Everyone

I'm reviving an old idea this week. This design goes back about threee years and came from using plant material to make moulds for beads.I'd like to change the beads from the original design but use the old moulds. I'm going for a deep red colour this time, same mix as the last Everyday Collection (read back on Mondays episode for more on the last Collection).

I've been inspired by another bike ride yesterday, in the same woods as last time. As I was riding along, all I could see was 'seed pods' all over the tracks. Everywhere I looked the different seed heads seemed to appear. The shapes reminded me of my previously mentioned project. 

I had developed the original plant moulds with dried seed pods from my garden.When I got home from the bike ride, I searched for the moulds and my ideas starting forming.

                     

The original beads used two of the moulded pieces to form a 'shell like' bead. I'm thinking of using one of the moulded parts and developing a flat back to form a smaller and easier to wear series of beads, these smaller beads will then form a stretchy bracelet, that's the plan. Let's wait and see what comes out. I'll share my progress next Monday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Friday Fibre Update

Hi Everyone

My Fibre Friday Update is almost the same as last week ! I have been working away on my projects (honestly) but not so much to show for it. Generally, I've made decisions about some projects and have almost completed two projects .

                      

The Azurite Mittens have caused me most grief ! I'm finished the knitting part (eventually) and have struggled, mainly with the sizing ; although I have been going wrong with the colour pattern while watching TV (quite a few times)! I must have knitted parts of both Mittens 3 or 4 times. I've yet to sew in all the ends but I'm almost there. I do like the finished items and I've learned lots about Fair Isle colour management. I'm almost at home with holding my yarn colours in either hand - which is great. So all is well.

The Moussaillon cardigan is definitely 'going' and I will be casting on another Nuuk as soon as today. Hopefully, I will have something to share on the new Nuuk next week. Look back a few months for more on my first Nuuk.

The Amelia Ruffle scarf needs the ends to be sewn in. The scarf is a lovely colour and now the weather has turned a little cooler, I'm hoping I can wear it. The knitted part of the project has featured on Fridays for a while, so it's time to get it finally finished. I'm hoping I can do that over the weekend.

My last update is the Garland sweater. I talked about this last week and wanted to chat to a friend about the sizing choices she made for her Garland knit. I've swatched and I'm ok for gauge, so I'm hoping I can cast on today. I love the look of this sweater and can't wait to get going.

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

Silver Day Work

Hi Everyone

Thursday, is (usually) Silver Day. Some Thursday's need to be given to other stuff but today, it's definitely going to involve making silver rings. I've started shaping some of the latest batch of rings. 

                                

Most of my rings will end up as part of stacking ring designs, possibly three to five rings combined. I'm also prototyping a new design - I'll share the design when I have my first sample - not sure if it will happen today but I'm hoping. This new design will combine silver clay with sterling silver wire and Swarovski gems.

I also have a new earring range - using silver clay. I'm going for a simple range of designs - three in total. The earrings will have a shaped, textured silver element with a shaped wire, soldered to the shape. I'm starting with a square as my shape for the first pair of earrings, again I'll share my initial sample when I have something.

Thanks for calling in today.

Snowman Developments

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing the developments of the crochet Snowman gift bag story from yesterday (read back for details of the project). I've made two sets of eyes, nose and buttons. The red/white version also has a mouth.

                           

The features for the Snowmen have been mounded from polymer clay. Each little button has some form of hole to sew the features in place onto the crochet bag and I've tried to make the features proportional to the size of the Snowmen. 

As described yesterday, there are two crochet Snowmen bags, a red/white version and a green version - the yarn used for each bag is a slightly different weight and the green bag is smaller because the yarn is finer. I've used a 4.5mm hook for both versions.I'm hoping the features will instantly turn the little crochet bags into Snowman characters.

I'm also planning to add a draw string closure at the top of each bag and the 'extras' elements in my photo will thread onto the string - I may need to develop more extras ? I'm thinking, I will go further and make some candy canes or other festive items ? I'm happy to go with the basic elements at the moment, until all the buttons are in place. This will give me a good idea of what else needs to happen.

Keep watching over the next few days to see how the Snowmen grow.

Thanks for calling in.

Very Early Preparations

Hi Everyone

It's very,very early but preparations for Christmas (only mentioned as 'C' from this point) are underway ! I don't usually like to say the word 'C' before November but in the world of Making, early prep. is a must ! I have a new project and it's all about crochet, the project is a little Snowman gift bag or a possible hanging decoration. One of my lovely friends has made up a sample for me and I'm adapting and modifying another sample. I've used the same basic idea but will introduce a few different materials and techniques into the mix. 

                            

The red and white version will get some extra facial characteristics/buttons as well as a little draw string top. The green version will also acquire some eyes, nose etc as well as a mini knitted scarf and possibly a hat ? I'm having fun developing the ideas and will write up this project as part of a new Making Workshop to be launched next week.

I'll develop some polymer clay embellishments today, as well as finish the green bag. Hopefully, the mini bags will be used to make special gifts for 'worthy' people.

I'll take some photos of the finished bags and share here - later in the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Everyday Collection : News

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing one of my Everyday Collection bracelets today. It's taken quite some time to finish and string this collection of beads (look back last week for more on this project). I've already worn the bracelet and it's lovely to wear.

                       

My inspiration for the bracelet was riding through a group of tall trees (on a bike) and I'm happy about the final results of the beads. They give a hint of the layers of bark and have the appearance of the upright nature of the trees. I'm also happy with the range of red shades I managed to create within the bracelet. The individual beads are quite chunky and fit nicely together.

I have another couple of bracelets to finish later today. The remaining beads are different shapes but I'm hoping they will all sit' happily together as a Collection. I'd like to have enough beads to develop a couple of pairs of earrings, in addition to the bracelets - watch this space for the final outcome, later this week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

My Fibre Friday update has a new planned project : the Garland Sweater by Stefanie Pollmeier. This is a lovely garment which I saw at my local knit group. One of my friends had made this sweater and I was inspired to make a similar version. The sweater is a wide boxy, cropped item with a generous , rolled neck and slightly flared (bell sleeves). I especially like the sweater as a layering garment.

My version will be made from Drops Kid Silk in colour 21 (a bright blue colour). I've done a swatch and it seems I'm 'bang on' for gauge, so that makes life easier. However, I'm not sure what size to go for ? The pattern suggests using the upper arm measurement as a guide. If I follow this advice, I'm knitting the largest size ? But my upper body, generally, is not that large - so I'm a bit confused about that one. I'll definitely discuss sizing with my friend before starting.

 I've never used a mohair yarn before and am quite surprised (from knitting the swatch) how enjoyable it is. I had visions of the yarn getting tangled and knotting. The Ravelry reports on the pattern suggest a lace section on the bottom of the sweater have caused problems for some people, so I'm aware of possibly having to undue knitting. I'm reassured that I could undo knitting, if I need to. I will take extra measures to try and stop any ripping out. I'll report my progress over the next few weeks.

                             

Other news, the Azzurite Mittens by Sonja Bargielowski (for the Blacker Yarns KAL) is moving on at a pace. I've ripped out elements of these mittens so many times but I'm almost there. Alongside the knitting, I'm teaching myself to knit a combined English/Continental style colourwork technique. I think it's a hybrid version of both but it's working for me and I'm very pleased with myself. I'll keep going with the mittens until they are as good as I can make them. Any unsightly elements will be ripped out and repeated. One of the issues with the pattern (for me) is the fit. The length of the thumb and the main part is too long and this impacts on the pattern. So, a bit of resizing is required.

The cardigan from last time (the red M) - read back last week for more, is to be ripped out. I've decided to knit another Nuuk sweater, with some modifications. I'll have more news on this next time.

I've also done a tiny bit of crochet (NO, not the cardigan) - a mini Christmas Tree (apologies for mentioning the word so early) for a Making Workshop project. There will be more on this over the next few weeks.

Finally, I've done a tiny bit of spinning. A few rolags of my current sweater quantity spin - read back a few weeks for background on my spin.

That's it for my update.

Thanks for calling in. Have a great weekend.

Silver Rings

Hi Everyone

I've got a big batch of Silver rings to finish today. All my preparations went smoothly and I'm looking forward to seeing how I can develop the final rings.

                            

The rings are all soldered and ready for filing, shaping and polishing. I've worked on this batch in two sessions, I cut all the silver and prepared the ends before bending in the first session.I completed the soldering in the second session.

I'm hoping I can find some interesting stacking combinations amongst this lot. I'm not sure how many combination rings I will get ? I'm thinking about groups of 3 or 5.

I'll share my finished stacking choices next time.

Thanks for calling in today.

Magazine Style

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing the focus of my Writing Day today with a possible cover idea for a new publication, very exciting. This publication will be in the form of a magazine/book and will contain six new Making Projects with a variety of additional, related articles and/or tutorial style information. This new (for me) project is in the design stage but I'm working on a sample and will produce an actual 'magazine', ready for publication (print and digital).

Here is a quick look at the initial cover idea, this is again, a sample idea but I quite like the format. The title is yet to be agreed but (I think)From Scratch will be in there somewhere. In my sample, I've just written Magazine Style - more discussions needed. My little collage features only one project but I'm hoping all six will appear in the final design, forming a sort of 'patchwork' of the projects, at a glance.

                          

                      

The projects will have a central theme but will use different materials and techniques and will be accessible to most Makers. My sample theme for this edition is 'Bracelets'. I'm looking at a range of styles, materials and techniques with additional information around famous bracelets and museum pieces.

I'll keep you posted about the development of the project and will share more details over the next few weeks.

Thanks for calling in today.

Making Workshop Session

Hi Everyone

It's a Making Workshop session today. This time we are in the second phase of a Flat Kumihimo Project. We are producing the braid with 16 lengths of embroidery floss. The Kumihimo disc is used to create the resulting material in a flat, tight braid. The braiding does take quite a long time but is very simple, once the weaving sequence is mastered.

                      

Our Makers started the project last time and today we will add the findings, to finish the bracelet. There will be a choice of end cap and fastening options for our Makers, I'll be interested to see the choices made. We will also develop ideas and make mini charms for the bracelet.

Finishing the braids can be a little tricky and making a neat job will enhance the bracelet, so it's important to think through the process and choose the right technique, possibly practicing before finally deciding on whichbtechniquentomuse. An untidy attachment can completely trash the whole bracelet !

I'm sure all our Makers will produce amazing bracelets. I'll get a few images to share on here.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Final Words

Hi Everyone

Despite declaring last Thursday, that the Tree Beads would be finished by the end of the day - it's not case ! I did work on the project but other things got in the way and it's obviously going to take another day. I managed to start polishing and have made reasonable progress but I'm not there yet !

                   

I'm pleased with the way in which the beads are coming together and also with the general look of the three different bead shapes. The longer beads have worked well, they evoke just the impression I wanted from my original inspiration of the tree lined pathway which initially inspired the project. 

I'm hoping I can spend enough time today, finishing the beads and may even get to thread a bracelet.

The colours have also worked well, Ive used a range of different clay blends and mixed transparent clay with elements of Browns.This has developed a lovely range and depth across the colour range, hopefully this will result in an interesting bracelet design.

Thanks for calling in today.