Embroidered Pendant Project - part 2

Hi Everyone 

I have a very small bit of progress to report today. Yesterday was mostly taken up with a special family birthday so not much work done ! I had a lovely time so all is well.

I have done a little embroidery trial on the wooden blank, although it’s just an experiment to check thread size and ways of finishing of the threads. If you called in earlier in the project you will know I’ve chosen a range of coloured threads, inspired by one of my blouses. I did have six colour options and in my first trial I’ve used only four. The main issue will be finishing off the threads, I’ve been talking about this throughout the project and as I thought, it’s the most challenging aspect. Obviously, the more colours, the more ends there are to secure. I’m almost convinced there needs to be a backing created to hide the knots created each time a change of thread is introduced. I like the idea of making a felted piece of fabric to stick over the back of the pendant, in a complimentary colour. I’ve also thought about cutting a piece of commercial Felt to size or possibly a piece of handmade paper ? I’ll try each of these ideas later today.

In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the first test piece of embroidery:

                       

I’m hoping to test out another couple of ideas for my embroidery patterns and my only thought is not to include a traditional cross stitch pattern on the blank. I’m not sure why but I feel it’s not quite my thing ? However, I’m not ruling anything (definitely) in or out at this stage. I  also need to work on the ‘chain’ part of the necklace and finalise the closure part of the chain. Look back yesterday for more on the chain.

Thanks for calling in today.

Embroidered Pendant - construction (1)

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing the part (1) results of my Embroidered Pendant Project today ie the braided chain element. Read back yesterday for more detail on the project. After several attempts, I’ve decided to go with a very simple braid for the necklace. I wanted something which will compliment the embroidery element but not too dominant. I’ve developed a kumihimo braid using 4 strands of S-Lon cord. I used a single cord in a darker Blue colour and three cords in a brighter Teal. This cord is a 0.5mm 3ply nylon cord. I decided to make an 80 cm length of braid which includes enough (I hope)  to develop a short decorated and beaded end feature. I’m not totally sure of how the ends will turn out ? I’ll go with a development approach for the ends but I’m happy with how the braid is looking so far.

              

Using the Kumihimo disc for braiding this 4 strand cord is a little tricky because of potential ‘slack’ tension. I needed to re braid sections as I developed the cord. However, it’s working out ok and seems to be a good alternative for a chain. I’ll keep going with the cord and work on the ends later today. It’s the ends of the braid which will make or break the final cord.

Thanks for calling in today.

Embroidered Pendant Project- continued

Hi Everyone 

I’m picking up my latest project again today and I’ve got a plan which is in two parts. I’ve decided to go ahead with making the necklace part of the project (first) using a couple of blue colours. The necklace element will be a simple four strand kumihimo braid. My idea here is to produce an interesting but quite fine braid. I’d like the braid to compliment rather than dominate the pendant. I see the embroidery being the focus of the piece. I’ve also chosen the colours of the second element ie the embroidery bit. As per my blog from last week, I’m using the fabric of one of my blouses to inspire the colour scheme. Here’s a quick look at the materials I’m using :

                    

Hopefully, I can start the braid later and test out the colours I’ve chosen. At the moment, I’m thinking about using three strands in the teal colour and one strand in the blue. I’m hoping this will give more of a subtle combination.

I’ve thought about the embroidered pattern on the blank too, there’s a very simple idea (for filling in the holes) in my head and sill go with that to start. My only concern is how neat and tidy I can make the different coloured threads, when changing colours. I’m sure I can find a way !

That’s about it for today. I’ll be back with some progress tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday - 26/1/18

Hi Everyone 

I think most Fridays - it can’t be Friday again ! However, it is Friday and its time to look back at my weekly fibre news. Lots of exciting stuff to share !

The big story is -  I’ve finished knitting my Garland Sweater and I’m very pleased with it. There is a way to go re the finishing techniques and I also need to adjust the length of the sleeves. I think, I’ve made the sleeves approximately 3-5cms too long. It was difficult to try on the sweater while I was knitting the final neck part so decided to leave the sleeves until I had finished all the remaining knitting parts. It’s very pretty and the colour is beautiful. The sweater is lovely to wear, it has a great feel with some really interesting elements. I particularly like the rib sleeve feature and the cropped, very wide body. So, I need to sew in the ends and sort the sleeves. The pattern suggests blocking the garment and then turning the neck band inwards and sewing in place. I’ll get to this later today and hopefully will be able to wear my sweater next week. This has been a very enjoyable knit. I can see myself knitting a second in a different colour and possibly adapting the style a little. I’ve also got quite a bit of yarn left and am already thinking about what I can do with it ? I may hold it together with another yarn and develop a Nuuk. More on that next time.

        

My next knitting story is a new pair of socks. This is my Miss Mitchell Socks Pattern, I’m writing up this new design as I go. This time I’ve started toe up and am knitting the main sock part ‘two at a time’, I’ll knit the rib on each sock using DPNs and add Afterthought Heels. The leg of the sock will get a bit of a pattern and I’ll introduce another colour - more on that next time.

The other new knit this week is a Spindrift Shawl. I’ve already knitted this pattern in a finer yarn. This time I’m using WYS fleece Gems dk (Peridot colourway) and will add an edge of Artesano Alpaca Silk Lace (Tabby Grey colour way). More on the Spindrift next time. I’ve literally just started the Shawl but it’s already looking lovely.

My last story for this week is some spinning!! This is a little project I’ve started for a friend. I’m not sure exactly what the fibre is ? It’s dyed in lovely variegated range of greens. I’ve prepped the fibre a little and developed a few rolags and will test out a few different ways of spinning. The fibre feels very dense and I’m favouring a simple spin from the braid rather than the rolag approach. I’m finding I need to hand card the fibre in small batches to get the best results. Here is a quick look at the job so far :

      

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

Silver Job

Hi Everyone

Today, I have a simple but experimental Silver job. I’m making a couple of rings. These rings have been prepared (a little) to the point of shaping. The

 

The left hand ring will be developed into a type of ‘spinner’ ring and the rings on the right, a ‘stacking’ - three part ring. The Stacking style ring will also get a few ‘Pebble gems’ from last weeks design work ideas. Read back last Thursday for more on the latest new design work.

The little pebble feature is running through the spinner ring, referenced by the thinner silver ball wire. Each of the stacking rings (right photo) will get a silver Art Clay pebble. This Pebble idea will feature in my new Collection, again discussed briefly in last weeks blog post.

Hopefully, I can finish these designs today and decide which pieces will follow. I think, at the moment, there will be earrings and a broach. I want to develop some small earrings, for an ‘everyday’ type of jewellery, I’m not sure exactly where I’ll go with this one ? but the Pebble theme will feature. I also need a broach for a hand knit cardigan. The broach needs to be very delicate and lightweight, I don’t want to damage my cardigan ! This is quite a challenge. At the moment, I’m thinking I need something similar to a ‘safety pin’ style. I think, I can come up with a design which incorporates the pebble characterist.

Thanks for calling in today.

Embroidered Pendant - more

Hi Everyone

Not much to report today on the Pendant Project.! We had a Making Workshop yesterday to introduce and/or progress the last project. We’ve had an amazingly creative session with the Felt Pocket Project and all our Makers have made a great response. Here’s a quick selection :

My only progress with the Embroidered Pendant is a bit of thinking/planning. I’ve decided on the initial necklace design. I will go for a very simple 2 colour braid, quite fine. I’ll make a knot for the closure with some beaded strands on the ends, picking up colours from the a embroidered element.

That’s about is for today. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in.

Embroidered Pendant Project

Hi Everyone

It’s Day 2 of the new Embroidered Pendant Project and I’ve done a little planning. My first job was to develop a very small inspiration board. I decided rather than just pile in and choose colours for my embroidery, I would plan to develop the project with an outfit in mind. Most of my wardrobe is ‘blue’ or versions of blue ! So, not much change there but my choices are based on wearing a particular outfit even if it’s mainly blue.

Here is a quick look at my inspiration board - it’s a limited board with only three items, a bracelet, a blouse and my very old denim jeans.

I’m hoping to use all 6 colours from the blouse for my embroidery design and the Kumihimo style braid will contain 2 blues. I’m also thinking about adding some beads to the closure section of the braid - I’m not sure about this part just yet ?

 I’ll play around with a few ideas before deciding.

I’ve also prepared a little sketch of the pendant blank to test out some embroidery designs.

Hopefully, I’ll spend some time later testing out the embroidery element. I’ll share my results tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Project Launch

Hi Everyone

Today, I’m introducing my next Making project which is to be known as The Embroidered Pendant. We will take a final look at the last project (The Felt Pocket) later this week. There will be a second Felt Pocket Workshop taking place tomorrow but I wanted to launch the next idea today and explain how I’m preparing and choosing colours and designs for the project.

Here’s a quick look at some of the materials I’m using for this new project.

                              

My plan is to develop a fine (4 strand) kumihimo braid to attach the pendant using S-Lon medium weight cord. The pendant will get a embroidered pattern sewn onto the wooden pendant blank. I’m still in the design stage but at the moment, I’m thinking about using a chunky metal jump ring for attaching the braid. I’m also thinking about developing the braid with additional beads to finish the fastening and give additional interest.

Choosing which colours to go for with this kind of project is always a difficult job. I’m designing this project for a Making Workshop so I want to give Makers a practical exercise to help them decide on colours and patterns before they arrive at the workshop to complete their project. I’ll try the exercise out on myself to day and share my results this week on the blog. More of that tomorrow.

I’d you called in last week you will know I’ve been trialling a new way of working. I’m happy this way of working is proving to be practical and efficient. Each project will get however long it requires to complete and I will document the process from Monday to Wednesday- I’m keeping Thursday for Silver work and Friday for Fibre news. The Felt Pocket Project, the first activity in my new working process, will result in a series of kits after the second workshop (tomorrow). The workshops give me a greater understanding of the issues which may arise when using a kit at home without workshop support, so an important part of the development. Each project will aim to produce such a kit.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Fibre Friday (17/1/18)

Hi Everyone

I’m still working away with the Garland Sweater and I’m recording a few observations about my experience today. I had hoped I’d have a completed sweater to share today but it’s not to be. However,  I’m still excited about this knit. The hold up has been mainly down to a silly mistake - made on the first sleeve. For some reason, I seem to have gone wrong with a single stitch on the rib pattern of the arm. I noticed the mistake fairly early and tried to rectify it several times, without success. The mohair yarn does make undoing rather difficult and at times, I found it difficult to determine if a plain or purl stitch was required (in isolation). I know this sounds unlikely (I’m amazed I couldn’t manage this better) but I wasted several evenings on this. However, all is well and I’ve completed the first sleeve with no further problems. I’m well into the second sleeve and am more confident that I will be finished by next week. 

Generally, although I seem to have been knitting the Garland forever, it’s been a very positive experience. I have had various issues with size and I’m still slightly concerned that the body length maybe a little short ! I’ve been thinking about what I will do if it’s too short when I’m finished. I think, at the moment, I will lengthen by taking out the initial rib and knitting down in stocking stitch followed by a new rib section. I don’t want to interfere with the lace section. I would like a cropped sweater but when a I look at the garment so far, I’m constantly thinking - it’s too short. One other issue,  the sleeves look at bit small at the top of the arm. The Garland has a dropped, unshaped shoulder, the sleeves are mainly rib, which gives a good fit around the majority of the arm, it’s just the bit where the arm meets the shoulder. I’ve tried on the sleeeve, as much as is possible while under construction. The sleeve seems fine but I still have a niggling feeling it may not work ? Not sure what to do if this is the case, I guess it’s a big job !

My last observation is the lace element, quite a tricky section. Both the sleeves and the body have a band of lace which is a 7 stitch repeat and about 8 rows. Quite a small section but I think the difficulty is entirely due to the mohair yarn combined with my very tight knitting technique. I’ve managed the lace section reasonably well but there are one or two mistakes when a I look closely.

Amazingly, I’ve genuinely enjoyed this project and I’m already thinking about a second !

                                

As mentioned, last time I have new plans for a pair of socks.. The photo story shows my chosen yarn (left photo). I’m using Socks Yeah yarn from CoopKnits plus some red (not in the photo). I had chosen a new sock pattern (to me) but I’m going back to my own tested pattern - I’m going to refer to this pattern as the From Scratch Sock Pattern. I’ve chosen bits from lots of patterns (over a long time) while developing my From Scratch Pattern. I’ve got little notes rather than a pattern for my instructions and will be writing up the pattern properly, this time. My pattern notes are a great fit for my feet but it’s about time I wrote up the pattern properly with a range of sizes. I’m going to use these socks to develop my pattern. I want to use different colours for each section and would like to develop a little stitch pattern for the leg. I’ll swatch the stitch pattern today and share next time.

That’s about it for fibre news. No crochet or spinning ! Although, I’ve been planning a queue for spinning - I’ll share this plan next time.

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

Silver Day Resumed

Hi Everyone 

As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve reinstated my Silver Day feature each Thursday on the blog. Making Silver jewellery is a large part of my week and it seemed important to include and share stories about my work in the blog. I also think, there will be a benefit (for me) re organising my Thursdays more efficiently. I’ll review the whole thing in a few weeks but I’m fairly confident it’s a good move.

My last Silver Day post gave a little insight into where I am with my Silver work. Check it out here. I’ve had a very long break ! The good news is - I have been planning and there are initial plans for a new Collection.

                  

I have some very basic ‘scribbles’ made over the Christmas break and created while having coffee at a local Art Gallery- great inspiration. These drawings link to the last batch of earrings, check out the link above for more on this. I’m not sure exactly how things will proceed ? - I don’t have a timeline as such but things should be planned later today. I want to create something a little more varied than earrings, so will keep thinking.

I’m using both Silver Art Clay and Sterling Silver for this Collection, I was hugely inspired by my last Silver Art Clay experience and am buzzing with ideas for more. I will record my progress as I go and treat my Thursdays a little like my other project work.

My little photo story shows pebble like elements with Sterling Silver hooks or links - I’ll work on these ideas more today. I’d like to include some bracelets and necklaces as well as rings and earrings. Hopefully, by next Thursday I will have something practical to share here.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Felt Pocket Project - results

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing some examples from The Felt Pocket Project Workshop which took place yesterday. All the Makers did an amazing job and started to create some lovely Pockets. This project requires a slow approach and each element needs to be adapted and specifically modified depending on the design chosen. Everyone made great colour choices and all have made good progress. I’m happy that the project - works in a supported Workshop. I need a further test on the kit form of the project before I can finally announce a complete success. In the meantime, here’s a few examples from the Workshop :

                  

                 

I think, it’s time to announce my next project. The Felt Pocket has been a great way to test out the process for me. I’ve managed to spend a number of days developing a single project and have found the organisation a positive way of working. Read back last Monday for the background to this story. The Felt Pocket has been written up and all is ready for the kit production. I’m hoping to make some kits available over the next few weeks. When I have something organised, I will announce the news here on the blog.

After trialling my first week, I’ve decided that I need to keep both Thursday and Friday to concentrate on talking about Silver work (my main concentration of work) and Fibre Friday, my ‘hobby’. Monday to Wednesday will concentrate on the ‘project of the moment’. I’ll test out this modified plan for a few weeks and hopefully all will be well.

So, my next project will be a jewellery item. A wooden, embroidered pendant with a ‘stylised threading’ option. You are probably wondering - what does that mean ? The answer must be - I’m not sure at this stage. I partly want to explore different ways of wearing the pendant. I may think of a chain but I’m more inclined to think about a cord of some description, something Makers can create. I also need a project name. I’ll work on some ideas and launch the new project on Monday. Tomorrow, will be a Silver Day.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Felt Pocket Extra

Hi Everyone

I’m almost there with both version of the Felt Pockets - read back a few posts to check out the detail of this project. Yesterday, I worked on the Fox version of The Pocket and completed the decoration (minus the eyes, ears, nose beads). I started the Blanket Stitch element and have a very small section to complete. I wanted to leave the final closure part to illustrate my way of finishing of the Blanket Stitch (for my Making Workshop today).

                            

I decided to keep the stitching simple, Running Stitch is used to attach each part of the Fox. I added a tiny bit of padding to the front (chest) and the tail of the Fox. I’m not sure it’s obvious from the photos but I do feel the padding effect is positive and gives a more attractive look and feel to the decoration.

As mentioned, I want to add some beads to the Fox but will finish the stitching elements of the Pocket before deciding on colours, shape and size of the beads.

I’ve written up the tutorial for this project to date but need to review my notes after the Workshop today. Often, I learn so much from my group Makers about what works and ways of describing little tasks as well as useful tips for tackling a project outside a group workshop situation.

I’ll have a comprehensive review with some more photos tomorrow and I think, that’s probably it for this one. I’m quite enthusiastic about how the project has gone so far. It’s a good project for kits. I’m quite keen to develop a small batch - these kits should be available in a month or so. I think, I’ll probably go for another couple of decoration designs  and will work out an attractive range of colour options with some pretty packaging.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Felt Pocket Continued

Hi Everyone

I’m back with the Felt Pocket Project today. The project has been developed for our next Making Workshop (tomorrow) and I have developed a range of samples to illustrate all the techniques required to support our Makers. I wanted to keep the main samples unfinished to show stages of development rather than completed items. However, I also need elements of the completed samples to break down the tasks. My solution has been to make small versions of techniques which can be examined in detail.

                    

The techniques I’m referring to include making a hand stitched button hole and using Blanket stitch around the whole pocket. I wanted to show these techniques in isolation from the finished Pocket and possibly give an opportunity to practice before using on the final piece.

                       

The Tower House, as I’m calling this version of the Pocket is complete. I’ve chosen to add a range of beads to the decorate the house. I’ve also slightly padded the roof and front panel which gives the decoration another dimension. All the stitches from the decoration will be contained and hidden between the layers of Felt. The embroidery stitches I’ve used are simple running stitch, I had considered more elaborate stitches but the size of the decoration needed a simp,e solution. I’ve used coloured threads to make the stitches ‘stand out’. I’ve yet to choose a button but I think I will go for a blue, similar to the colour used in the main Pocket.

My second decoration style will use an image of a Fox.

                  

I’ve used a Grey and Cream colour for the actual Pocket. The little Fox is made up from seven individual pieces some of which are quite small. I will stitch the pieces onto the Pocket with simple running stitch and add extra beads for eyes, ears and nose. I’m also hoping to give the body and tail of the Fox a little extra padding. The Blanket stitch will pick out the burnt orange colour with a similar coloured button. I’ve more work to do on this one and hopefully with complete it later today.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone

As this is the first week of working after the Christmas break, I’ve been quite busy getting back into some sort of routine. I don’t feel I’ve organised my life very well this week, as a result my spare time (usually filled with fibre related activities) has been limited. All my knitting time has been spent working on my Garland Sweater. I’ve made great progress and am almost finished one sleeve, as well as the body. I have the other sleeve to finish and then a deep neckband. My photo does not do justice to the beautiful colour of the yarn. It’s a bright Saphire Blue and quite stunning. I’m really looking forward to finishing the sweater and wearing it. I think, I could be there, next week ? I’m not rushing things, so I will take my time enjoying the knit

                           

My other yarn story this week is a Christmas gift, the Lovage Sweater Kit from Uist Wool. I mentioned this Christmas gift earlier in the week but I’m sharing a little more here today. The yarn is something called siaban. It’s a lovely light grey colour with lots of different grey tones going on and a dk weight. I’m excited about the whole kit and will start as soon as my Garland has finished. I love the pattern and the idea of the overall rib patterns. I especially like ribbed arms (just like the Garland) they give a slight impression of being flared at the end of the sleeve. I love this look.

                      

The Lovage uses 5.5mm and 4.5mm needles so the whole thing should knit up quite quickly, not that this is something I strive for. I especially warm to the idea of ‘slow knitting’. For me, knitting is about relaxing and a process of producing something as perfect as I can. I want to understand each part of the pattern and how this translates to the knitted material. I try and fight against the thoughts of fast knitting and techniques for knitting faster. I do, sometimes, get a little impatient with a particular project and feel a ‘need’ to get finished. As I’ve mentioned, I’m hoping to fight against this idea. I want knitting to be a joy, always. My way of dealing with the problem is to have a few live projects at any one time, to counteract any impatience. When I get impatient about a particular project, I can turn to another. 

I think, I’ve mentioned before on Fibre Fridays, always having a pair of socks on my needles. At the moment, there are no socks. I need to put this right today. I have a few ideas but will tell you all about what I decide next week. I also need a new shawl idea, so will look for a project. I think, three projects on the needles is about right for me.

Now for spinning chat. There has been no spinning at all over Christmas. I stored my wheel away because of our Christmas tree taking up lots of space. But, it’s back in its usual space and ready for action, I will definitely make a little time later for some spinning. I’m still spinning for a sweater (read back most Fridays for more on the particular sweater). I also have lots of lovely fibre from my  Hilltopcloud monthly subscription club. I’m going to plan a few projects to use some of this fibre. I’m not sure how to do this but will work on a plan this week. Hopefully, I will have something to share for next time.

That’s about it for my fibre update. It’s also the end of the week ! 

Have a lovely weekend. I’ll be back on Monday. bye for now.

Felt Pocket IV

Hi Everyone

The Felt Pocket has moved on ...... 

                    

We now have the actual Pocket pieces, arranged to show the final shape and colour combination (bottom right image). The blue section is the flap closure part. I’m planning to add a button. I do have a range of buttons available - but will decide when the decoration is complete. I’ve also got an option for a snap fastener, I can’t decide which to use yet.

The image on the bottom left is showing the inside front lining piece, this has been machine stitched and re-cut to match the second front layer. I needed to use this two colour arrangement because I simply ran out of the green felt. I quite like the effect.

I’m reasonably happy with the ‘case to be’ - the shape is good and I like the two colour combination. I have tried my reading specs in the case and they are OK but a snug fit, as a result - I’m going to lengthen the case by about 2cm. for the final pattern template.

I’ve started developing the first decoration option for the case.

                     

The little house decoration is underway. I’ve chosen bright colours in magenta and purple. I’d like to hand embroider each section of the house and add some small sections of padding to give a slight 3d effect. In addition, I’ll use beads to provide a little bling and detail to the house. 

I mentioned earlier in the week, my intention to add Blanket stitch to the entire edge of the Pocket. Hopefully, I will finish the prototype by the end of the afternoon. I’ll share the results over the next week or so. I also want to create another pocket using another decorative style. 

Thanks for calling in today.

The Felt Pocket begins

Hi Everyone

The Felt Pocket Project is finally underway (read back to Monday for the beginning of this story). I’m still adding ideas from my Pinterest Board (check out yesterday’s blog for link) but my first sample of The Pocket will use a little house for decoration. The shape of the house will come from a printing stamp I have. I’ll adapt the image to produce a template for cutting out different coloured felt fabric which will be layered and sewn onto the front of The Pocket, as decoration. I’m also planning to add beads, buttons and possibly ribbon to the design. I’ll make decisions as I go.

So far, I’ve made a paper template and cut out some felt, in Teal and Green. I didn’t have quite enough of the Green Felt so I patched together one of the front sections, producing a two colour piece. I’ll use this piece on the inside. The final Pocket consists of four pieces, two pieces will layer to form the structure of the Pocket, the second layer will form the lining. The double layered construction adds more structure to The Pocket. The decoration will be worked on the front before sewing all four layers around all the edges, using Blanket stitch in a contrasting thread.

Here’s a quick view of my progress so far :

                          

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow. Bye for now.

More Presents and other things

Hi Everyone

I’ve had trouble getting into my working routine this week. I know it’s only Tuesday but my working routine is suffering before I get going. Other things took over yesterday, family stuff and general shopping etc just got in my way ! However, the minor crisis is over and I’m hoping I can get back on track today. As a result, I did very little towards my new Felt Pocket Project. I had intended to draw up the pattern template and do a little more research re decorative ideas for the pocket. However, I did a little research and added a few inspiration images to a new Pinterest Board see the Board here . This exercise prompted an idea for my sample Pocket. My plan is to develop a layered Felt house. I will use a stamp to develop a template before cutting out and sewing Felt pieces combined with beads and possibly buttons. I will aim to complete my basic Felt Pocket ready for decorating before the end of the day. So fingers crossed, I can make this happen.

I’m also sharing another Christmas gift today. This time is a sewing kit and I’m very excited about this project. This gift came from my youngest son (via my own wish list).

                          

One of my aims for 2018 is to get my sewing back into my life. So, this gift is just right. All the bits are included in the kit and it’s a very simple pattern. I’m not sure when a I will start but I’m looking forward to making my first item for 2018. I want to include sewing as a regular Making activity in my life. I’ve an idea to create a ‘sewing queue’, as per my knitting queue. The knitting queue has definitely allowed me to have a planned approach to knitting projects so hopefully I can replicate this with sewing.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow. Bye for now.

New for 2018

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year for 2018

I’ve had a lovely Christmas break over the last few weeks but it’s time to start 2018 with a new plan ! Each year, as usual, I review my approach to Making. This year, I’ve decided to change the way I organise my work. All the elements from last year, the workshops, writing work, Making Kits, Silver work and knitting will stay but I’m hoping to rearrange my approach to accommodate additional elements. I’d like to work with more materials and am hoping a bit of reorganisation can help me to include a wider range.

On a practical level, I will keep my Silver work as my main daily working activity and knitting will feature as my usual evening ‘hobby’ activity. The rest of my Making life will be organised around a carefully planned ‘queue’ of projects, written up as I work.

Having reviewed last years activity, one of the weaknesses of my system was focusing on a different daily material or activity. Unfortunately, I regularly found myself with lots of unfinished projects. Spending one day per week (only)on a specific project, generally, is not enough ; by the time the following week came around, momentum was lost. I found myself wasting time picking up each week on projects which needed more time and attention. The ‘stopping’ and ‘starting’ seemed to stifle creativity. So, my major change will be to concentrate on particular projects and see them through, however, long it takes. I’m hoping I can build in a ‘working review’ approach to check the value of the project and know when to abandon or continue. 

My first project using this new system will be a felt glasses/pencil case. I’m calling this project The Felt Pocket. I’ll start my project today by devising a basic pattern. I’ll also research some decorative options. This project will form the basis of a Workshop in a few weeks time.

I’m hoping that I can identify and share key features of my projects to share here on the blog along with offering occasional downloads of patterns/ instructions etc. For the moment, I will keep my Friday Fibre feature. This is an important part of my Making world and the regular Friday post helps me to organise how I develop and organise my fibre working skills. Hopefully, my plans will keep things fresh and there will be some interesting news to share here on the blog.

One other thing I’d like to share with you are some lovely Christmas gifts. I’ll select a few items over the next few weeks to share, my first item is this :

                  

This is one of my favourite gifts (from my Dad). It’s a kit from Uist Wool. The kit is a sweater called Lovage and I chose Siaban (dk) yarn. I’m not ready to start, just yet, but I’m very excited about this one. I’ll talk more about this project on Friday along with all the knitting and spinning news from the last few weeks.

Thanks for calling in today.