Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone 

Friday is here again ! and yet another week has flown by. This week seems to have been very busy with lots of unusual things happening. Nothing amazing but just ‘out of routine’.

 I’ve been knitting most evenings and had some little knitting sessions scattered throughout the week. However, I’ve not much to show for my efforts. I think, I’ve almost exclusively worked on my Winter Rose Socks by Helen Stewart. I love the pattern and it’s a dream to knit with my lovely Natural Born Dyers sock yarn in Seapinks. The yarn is a Hugh Twist BFL/ Nylon and beautifully soft. The colour is stunning. Lots of varied shades going on.

I’ve had lots of issues, th  main one is my very tight knitting gauge. I’m trying to loosen up and feel I have made some progress but there are still problems with the finished size of the sock. The foot part seems fine on each of the socks I’ve completed (three in total !) however, all the sock legs are much too tight. I can get the sock on - with a bit of a struggle but it’s not good. The pattern becomes distorted and spoils the overall look of the sock. My plan B was to go up a needles size on the leg and go down again for the foot but I don’t have the right size needle. I should have acquired it at the beginning of the week ! This would have been a simple solution.Plan C is to knit the larger size in the pattern. I like the fabric I’m producing with my needle size ie 2.25mm and think, I will be OK with the larger size because my gauge seems to bring everything down, at least one size. I’ve just started the leg lace pattern on the latest sock and will complete one more sock and see how it looks. I’ve not had the heart to rip out the first sock so it’s there inspiring me to keep going. When I get my second sock completed the way I want it, I’ll rip the original out and make another.

It’s my ‘way’ to rip things out if they are not exactly right, so I’m fine with all this. If I get a bit frustrated, I will switch to another project for a while. My only slight irritation is that I could have been well into the yolk of my Coinneach (read back last week for details) cardigan. I think, I may have done a couple of rows since last Friday. Maybe I need to do a few more later today.

Something to balance all this ‘gauge angst’ and giving me huge pleasure is using my new little progress keepers (see my photo story, bottom left). I made these a few weeks ago and have started to add them to all my knitting projects. Check out one of my previous posts here for more on the progress keepers/stitch markers back story. This one is a slice of layered chocolate and raspberry gateau with a strawberry cream swirl on the top.

                      

My other news for today is to share a couple of birthday treats from earlier in the week. I bought myself a couple of yarn treats while on a trip to Edinburgh.. A 4 ply Rennie yarn from Shetland in the Stonehenge colourway and a Hebridean/Mohair from Kathysknits in Blue. I did see a couple of lovely Burnt Orange colours from Kathyknits too but she didn’t have the 4 ply. I have some 4 ply undyed yarn here at home and am planning to dye some up to compliment the two new yarns. I have an idea to knit a cardigan using the two new yarns as part of the design. I’ve a few ideas based on some patterns I already have. I’ll be revealing my plans when I have something to share.

My other yarn acquisition is a lovely present - yarn for walking/boot Socks. This is yarn I’ve used before for thick socks and it’s lovely to knit. The pattern, I’m planning to use, is a simple cable design. It knits up very quickly and I know it will fit. No lace to mess up here !

                    

That’s it for this weeks Fibre news. Yet again, no spinning or crochet ! 

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’m hoping to be back next week with some photos story style posts. It’s Easter Holidays here so we will be out and about. Bye for now.

Tales from Edinburgh

Hi Everyone 

 I’m sharing a few memories from my great day out in Edinburgh. If you called in yesterday, you will know I planned a birthday treat with my family. Our day started with a couple of hours in the car, knitting. It’s a beautiful route from our home in Northumberland to Edinburgh and the weather was kind. Low sunshine in the sky and wonderful views along the coast. The Gorse was also beginning to blossom giving bright spots of vivid yellow all the way alongside the road.

Once in Edinburgh, we had coffee in the Scottish Parliament Building followed by browsing our way to Kathy’s Knits in the New Town. I managed to acquire a few balls of yarn (I’ll share the yarn tomorrow in my Fibre Friday slot). 

                    

Lunch happened in the Dovecoat Studios, a wonderful place to eat. I was hugely inspired by a Garry Fabian Miller exhibition. This exhibition showcases a new tapestry created in collaboration with Dovecot Tapestry Studio. This exhibition looks in detail at processes, from the perception and selection of colour in tapestry to recent changes in digital photographic printing that have had a major impact on Fabian Miller’s work. You can find more about the exhibition here. There was also a great little shop at the Studios, I managed to resist buying too much stuff. Only one little momento. However, lots of inspiration and new plans to get into weaving.

A little more browsing around the old streets of the Castle area, on our way to the National Gallery for Afternoon Tea. We even came across a traditional wedding with a couple of Pipers en route. After Tea, it was time to come home. A few more hours knitting later, I had a lovely meal cooked by the Boys with a big bag of wrapped presents to open. 

‘All in all’, a wonderful birthday. The only thing that got in the way is a severe head cold! However, it was still a lovely day.

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

Stitched Story Week 4:3

Hi Everyone 

Today, is my birthday and to celebrate I’m off to Edinburgh with my family. I’ve identified a great place to visit. The place is called Dovecoat Studios check out here. I have a new interest in all things ‘weaving’ so am really looking forward to the visit. One extra special  treat will be browsing in the Dovecoat Studio shop, notice the Merchant Mills products. I love everything Merchant Mills. 

Yet another special thing for the day is a new book - all about weaving. All very exciting.

            

In addition to all this excitement, I’m keen to drop into Kathy’s Knits, a great yarn shop in Edinburgh. I’m not sure exactly what I’m after but I’d like to find a little ‘memory purchase’. Perhaps, something for a shawl ? I’ll wait and see what I can find.

Hopefully, I can find a little time working on my stitched clock pin ? However, I’m not sure if that’s going to be possible. I’ll share snippets of my adventure tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitched Story Week 4:2

Hi Everyone

Following on from yesterday’s clock pin idea, I’ve started to make the clock part. Not much progress to share because I’ve been busy doing family things all day. However, I’ve made a start and will work away with the embroidery part later. I also had a lovely little package arrive via the post yesterday, the long awaited ‘butterfly buttons’. The buttons are lovely and just what I was expecting, just the right size and a great range of suitable colours. They will make a great addition to my Stitched Story bag. I’ve spotted at least two buttons which will be perfect. There is a danger of over doing the buttons, I will need some self discipline !

                 

I’m probably going to spend the next few days working on the clock broach, I find making these sort of things really rewarding and could spend the rest of my days dabbling in this sort of thing. No particular end to anything ! However, from a practical perspective, I know, I need a plan. 

Part of my plan, is to use a red velvet ribbon for the top closure of the bag. I’ve deconstructed the bag (a little) and have plans for adding a coloured fabric lining as well as a frill around the outside of the drawstring pockets. 

I’m hoping all the elements of my Story are now together, ready for the final construction.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitched Story Week 4:1

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost there with my individual elements for the Stitched Story Project. More on each of the elements later in the week. 

My latest little creation is inspired by a fabric bow by Jessie Chorley. I’ve taken the clock bow idea and started to think about how I can incorporate this embellishment into my Stitched Story. 

So far, I’ve produced a bow (see images on left) and used simple running stitches to decorate the bow.

               

I want to develop a fabric embroidered clock and am wondering how I can link a part of my story to the clock. At the moment, I’m thinking about how many years have passed since developing the original Miss Mitchell Folk Art doll and trying to relate that date to a symbolic time on my clock. I’d like the clock part to be a small quilted item which can attach to the bow. The whole embellishment will then pin to the bag. Read back for more details about the Project as a whole.

I’m planning to use a stamp to develop the clock face, the stamped numbers can act as a guide for embroidery. That’s the plan. I particularly like the covered fabric buttons on the Jessie Chorley sample, so may try to develop something similar.

My intention is to produce all my patches and embellishments before I commit to including them in the finished piece. As mentioned, I think I’m almost there. I could go on making elements forever,  at some point, there needs to be a decision to stop. More on that later in the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday - 23/3/18

Hi Everyone

My round up of  fibre related projects this week is entirely focused on knitting. No apologies for lack of spinning or crochet, just no time ! However, I’m making reasonable progress with my Coinneach cardigan by Kate Davies. I’ve joined the sleeves and body and am about six rows into the colourwork yolk. I find the colourwork quite relaxing. The colour pattern per row, is relatively easy to remember after a few repeats and quite satisfying to work. I tend to knit in the evenings, so am often watching a film or sporting event while knitting. This means, I need to be able to keep track of where I am, in the pattern. I use stitch markers along the whole row to divide the pattern repeat. I find this a great way to track where I am. At any point, I only need to check within the ten stitch repeat. Most mistakes can be picked up very quickly and repaired. As the colour work changes each row is a new and exciting challenge. I’m enjoying this project and don’t want to rush things. Often, I do find myself rushing to finish projects when they get to a certain point. I’m not about quick knitting, for me, this spoils the experience. My way of managing my knitting, is to have a few projects on the needles at any one time. I’m still struggling with how many projects I have,  at any one time but for now, a pair of socks and a couple of other projects seems to work. If, I find myself getting impatient, I can switch the project.

                      

I’ve not managed too much progress with the Winter Rose Socks by Helen Stewart. I’m hoping to give the project a little more time this week. This pattern is part of the Handmade Sock Society Check our the details if you are interested. The Sock Society Club releases new patterns every two months and the next pattern is due early April. I’m looking forward to the next one but again, I’m not intending ‘to rush’ to finish. I usually knit two socks at a time and haven’t done that this time. My thinking was to just check out the lace pattern before I started the next sock but I think, I will just complete this one and then start the next. The lace pattern would cause me too many problems keeping track if the socks were on the same needle so the option was to knit one row of each sock after the other, on two needles. I’m not sure why but I’m ok with completing one whole sock after the other this time.

My next bit of yarn news is all about an old knit, waiting for a bit of attention. It’s the Miette cardigan by Andi Satterlund. I’ve finished the knitting element of the whole cardigan. However, the button band is not quite right. I think, I may need to take it out and do it again. I’ll check the whole project  again and make sure everything is, as it should be. I’ll bring this project back next week to share what I decided to do.

My last piece for this week is a new project. It’s the pattern called Merrie Dancers Toorie by Elizabeth Johnston. This pattern has been developed for Shetland Wool Week (22-30 September 2018). I knitted last years Shetland Wool Week pattern, the Bousta Beanie and somehow I’ve adopted the Shetland Wool Week pattern as something of a tradition. I’m using yarn from my stash other than one new acquisition of Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool in a lovely raspberry shade (72MIX). Hopefully, I will have chance to get all my yarn together and possibly cast on this pattern for next time. I’ll also share a little more about the background to the pattern.

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

Silver Day etc.

Hi Everyone

Today, has been designated as Silver Day for quite some time but as with last week, I’ve had to reschedule my work pattern again. So, I’m multi tasking (a bit) with some Silver jobs and juggling the other live projects in my current portfolio. Top of my list is the Stitched Story Project and I’d like to develop something inspired by the Jessie Chorley bow pins (top right image). Some time ago, I made the Silver pins (top left) as an experiment and the pins have been waiting for a special moment to be used. The moment has arrived ! My plan is to use the pins to develop a form of bow with some kind of hanging element. I’m not sure exactly how this will turn out ? but I’ll spend some time testing out some ideas today. 

The Small & Simple Range, from my regular Silver work is ongoing. I’ve make lots of progress but will explore more samples as per the circled example (see bottom left image). The idea looks very simple, the design involves simply bending wire. However, it’s  key to get the angles right and my previous experiments are not quite there. Because the design is so simple the finish needs to be perfect. Each bend needs to be tight and the finish, polished. I’m still working on organising the professional photo shoot for the Collection. More to share on that, soon.

             

My other little task today is to turn some of the La Patisserie Project charms into stitch markers for my knitting projects. You can see more about this project if you read back over the blog posts. I have quite a few spare charms, leftover from samples, so I can develop a great little stash of stitch markers.

                      

Hopefully, I can have one or two of the stitch markers in use by the end of the day.

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

Stitch Story 3:3

Hi Everyone

My Stitched Story (read back a few weeks for the whole back story of the project) has been growing for quite a few weeks and I’m inspired to make more and more ‘patches’ each time I work on the Project. At the regular Making Workshop yesterday, The Maker Group inspired lots of new ideas. In particular, I have a need to develop lots of crochet lace embellishments. The Project involves using a small drawstring bag as the basis for Stitching the Story and Im running out of space to use all the patch ideas I have.

                 

I feel, I need to start making decisions about which ‘patches’ can stay in this particular Story. Hopefully, I can make some progress with that, today.

As part of the whole Stitched Story idea, there are a series of Making techniques which will form ‘the patches’. Makers can use any of the techniques to develop their own patches, no rules about what’s in or out. However, part of the plan is to provide the opportunity to ‘allow’ options. To make choices, the Makers need information about the skills involved in the techniques. It’s quite important to experiment and practice. The techniques I’ve identified are fabric image transfers, fabric stamping, Gelli Plate printing, felting and appliqué. In addition, we will play with ‘smocking (stitch)’ techniques, fabric covered buttons, ‘e chord’ development and possibly more ?

As I’ve mentioned, I’m hoping to make my final patch decisions for this particular Stitched Story today. I do know,  I will definitely be developing more Stories ! - so I’d don’t feel any patches will be wasted. 

Thanks for calling in today. 

Stitch Story Week 3:2

Hi Everyone 

As suggested yesterday, I’ve now produced a couple of stamped ‘patches’ for my Stitched Story Project. I wanted to test out a number of fabric stamps rather than standard ink stamps (normally used with paper and card). The results are very similar. I think, the only difference seems to be how easily the inked image took to the fabric. I feel the standard ink stamps soaked into the fabric and the fabric stamps formed a layer of ink on the surface. However, the difference is very small and if I wanted to use the stamped image as a simple stitch guide, I’m not sure there is any advantage to using the fabric stamps. Where there is a need for a permanent stamped image, I’m more convinced the fabric stamps would do a better long term job. Both types of stamp still need to be ‘heat set’ onto the fabric. I’ve done this by ironing the back of the fabric patches.

Read back yesterday for details of the story but I’ve made a couple of new patches with my ‘Miss Mitchell’ letters. I hope to develop one of them or even both ? Not sure how, exactly ? I will wait to be inspired when I consider the piece as a whole.

             

I like both fonts from the patch samples. Perhaps, I will embroid one sample and use the other a simple stamped patch (without any embroidery).

My next patch technique is appliqué. I’m thinking about either a butterfly, a bow or a flower at this stage. For the purposes of developing a tutorial, I’ll probably develop all three ideas and try them out for inclusion in my project.

Check back tomorrow for how the whole Stitched Story is developing and how I plan to start the appliqué element.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story Week 3:1

Hi Everyone

The last time I shared my progress of the Stitch Story, I mentioned using a Gelli Plate to develop some printed fabric. Today, I’m sharing the results of the first batch of printing. Read back for background re the project. 

                 

I wanted to include the colour palette from my developed ‘patches’ and mixed acrylic paint for the purpose. I didn’t have a specific surface pattern in mind but wanted to produce something with a small repeat. I’m using quite small pieces of fabric for my patches so the small pattern is essential. I haven’t developed any patches with my printed fabric yet. I’m thinking they will be a great way of ‘filling in’ small areas of my Stitch Story, with a view to pulling the individual patch designs together and forming a whole piece. Here is a view of how they look with some of the patches:

                     

I’ve done a little more embroidery on the Miss Mitchell image transfer patch but that’s about it for progress to date. My next move is to do a little more stamping on fabric. This technique will give me a line guide for making a new patch. I want to make a patch which includes a reference to Miss Mitchell as a name. I have lots going on in my Stitched Story so will probably go for simple stamped letters. I’ve got a few options re the font I can use and will make some test pieces before deciding. I have used this simple stamping  technique already - see the kindness words in my photo (above). However, I do have some fabric stamps which I’ve not tested and would like to check out any advantages. The kindness patch was developed with standard water based ink pads.

There are a number of other patch techniques I’d like to include in this project and will share each over the next week. The techniques will also form a series of workshops I’m leading over the next few weeks. Hopefully, other Makers will test out some of the ideas and we can turn them into tutorials

More tomorrow on the Stitched Story Project.

Thanks for calling in today.. 

Fibre Friday

Hi Everyone 

Before getting into my Fibre news for today, I must mention Edinburgh Yarn Festival. It’s underway for 2018 and I’m wondering why I’m not there ? For some reason, I decided not to go this year ? I’m very envious of all the people talking about their travel plans and the excitement of the whole EYF experience. I was there last year and loved it, so why wouldn’t I go ? Well, I’d decided months ago, I would go to Yarnfest in Cumbria this year instead. That’s about it. No other reason. I’m sort of regretting the idea now.

 However, I need to move on and look forward to June (Yarnfest), it will be great too. A few days ago, one of the photos from my 2017 EYF haul appeared in my Facebook memories prompt and it made me review how I’d used my purchases. To my surprise, the only yarn I’d used is some Coop Knits Sock yarn. So, I’ve got a big bag of lovely yarn/fibre just waiting. This has made me slightly embarrassed but partly rather happy too. All the lovely memories from last year have flooded back and Ive decided I will enjoy Edinburgh via lots of vloggers instead and by rediscovering my 2017 haul.

Moving on .....the lovely big bag of yarn from last years EYF is somewhere in my stash cupboard. However, finding it - is another story ! My fibre storage is very poor and I need to do something about it. My plan is to bring the fibre out of the cupboard and store in some stacking storage bins. My thinking is, if I can see and get access to my fibre, I can enjoy it more. I have a wall which will be a perfect place for the bins but no ‘bins’. I’ve sourced the bins at my local Ikea store and will definitely get things organised over the next few days. My plan is to rediscover lots of stuff from my cupboard, most of which I’ve forgotten about. So, perhaps, not going to Edinburgh this year has been a blessing in disguise !

Back to actual fibre news, I’ve been very busy with the same projects as last week. I’ve spent most time on my Coinneach Sweater (Kate Davies) and have completed the body and both sleeves. I’ve got all the stitches on one needle and am starting the yolk. However, I'm using a small gauge needle to hold all the stitches (organised for working) and need to get a long enough circular needle in the right size before I can continue. I got to this point yesterday, so will hopefully acquire the right needle today. I feel the Coinneach has knitted up quite quickly and am looking forward to the best bit ie developing the yolk. I’ll have some photos for next time.

My other knitting time has been taken up with my latest socks project, the Winter Rose Socks by Helen Steward. This is the first pattern in The Handmade Sock Society Club. I’ve chosen a lovely sock yarn from Natural Born Dyers in Seapinks. The yarn is a beautiful colour and a treat to knit. Here’s a quick look at my progress so far :

                         

I love Helens patterns. Each line is so detailed and I gain confidence with a continuous stitch count, especially where lace patterns are concerned. I’ve not done too much but it does look lovely. Both the colour and the lace pattern work so well together.

Again, to my shame - no spinning or crochet. Despite great plans for three spinning sessions, I’ve missed all three. Next week!

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

Silver Day and more

Hi Everyone 

I’m having a multi tasking day today. My Silver Project from a few weeks ago is still top of the list. Check out the details here. There’s not much more to report on the Small and Simple Range, it’s almost done ! I'm hoping to wind up the final details of the earring designs this week. There will be some professional images produced at some point over the next few weeks.

My other tasks for today involves La Patisserie Project and the Stitched Story. Both projects are well underway, although I do have a few finishing touches to La Patisserie. The Stitched Story Project will have a couple of months to go, so lots more to be done on that one.

I’ve mentioned (on this blog) the fact that La Patisserie is an old project but I’ve worked on some new samples and completely reworked the project. I have more cakes in the range of charms with some different techniques involved. All has gone well and I’m struggling to identify my favourites. I love most of the charms. I’ve chosen five charms to add to the bracelet but I’ve a large batch which will become stitch markers. Here’s a quick look.

                  

I’ve taken the decision to give the charms a coat of varnish and am happy with the finish. It’s not necessary to varnish these charms and in some cases an unvarnished ‘cake’ looks more convincing. My thoughts are more to do with protecting the charms as samples. The samples get lots of handling in workshops and hopefully, will have a longer life with a varnished finish. I will aim to get a range of ‘close up’ images of the cakes for next week.

The Stitch Story will also get a little attention today. Read back a few weeks for more on this project. I have printed some fabric for the project and am very pleased with the results. I now need to decide exactly how I will use my new fabric. I also need to find some interesting new (to me) stitches for my Story. I’m thinking about a couple of new patches but am rapidly running out of space. The project is restricted in size by the little bags we are using as the ‘stitching base’ . As I’ve mentioned several times recently, I’m really enjoying working on this project. I spend time looking and thinking about the projects each day and will be sad when it’s finished. I will probably start another bag !

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

Stitch Story Week 2 .2

Hi Everyone

I’ve a quick look at the Stitched Story progress today. Read back the last two weeks for the background story. I’ve added a few extra patches to the main piece (bottom of photo story) and the whole patchwork is almost a complete oblong shape. I’ve a little piece to add to the top of this shape as well as connect the dragonfly. More work is required on the dragonfly too. I’m looking for a decorative stitch which could enhance the wings.

                

The image transfer of Miss Mitchell (centre stage in my photo story) has a fabric frame and I’ve worked some simple Running Stitch lines around the image, five stitches form the frame pattern. I especially like this stitch effect, inspired by Jessie Chorley, my inspiration for the whole project.

Yesterday, I talked about a second fabric printing technique which I’m including in my project. This technique involved using a Gelli Plate. I love this way of printing and could spend my days with a Gelli Plate. Check out this You Tube Video for a great insight into how Gelli Plates can be used for printing on fabric. I’m hoping I can produce some interesting fabric for my patches. 

Today, I’ll play around with colours and patterns. I need a couple of small patterned pieces of printed fabric to act as link patches. I’ve no idea what I’ll come up with  ? but I’m hoping inspiration will come to me at the right moment !  I’ll share my results and process (from today)  next time. 

Generally, I’m happy with how the project is going. I very much enjoy picking up these patches and working on them for 30mins or so. I find these little embroidery sessions give me a huge sense of ‘time out/well-being’. I can’t quite explain why this should be ? but I look forward to finding time for this little self indulgent activity.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story Technique 2

Hi Everyone

I’m sharing the second technique used in my Stitch Story Project today. Read back yesterday and last week for more detail on the Project. I talked about image transfer using Modge Podge yesterday. Today’s technique is another image transfer idea. This time, I’m using fabric stamping. I’ve developed a range of stamped patches which can be used to embellish my Story. The stamped images in my sample photo (below) are random subjects, to experiment with shapes and suitability.

             

 I needed to check which shapes and how much detail will be useful. The idea is to use the image as a guide for embroidery, too much detail and the patch can be too difficult/ busy to work. I’ve also decided that a small stitched image will be more practical for the Project. The overall size of the finished Stitched Story piece, is relatively small, so each patch needs to be proportional. I also think there is a place for stamped fabric patches, without embroidery and will experiment with more of this idea. I especially like the bottom right image in my photo story, the scissors and thread are lovely and could enhance the Story. If, I’m using stamped images for surface design purposes, I think the patterns need to be closer together.

I’ve already embroidered one of the patches in the top right, the dragonfly image. Here it is, ready for inclusion in my piece.

                        

I’m now playing around with how the patches should be connected. I think, I’ve almost decided on all the patches ? I need to fit a few buttons and a small charm into my piece. More tomorrow on that particular detail. I do have another couple of techniques to share, so will be back tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitched Story Week 3

Hi Everyone 

It’s another week of the Stitched Story Project. I’m featuring a range of techniques involved in the Project this week. Today, it’s all about image transfer. There are many ways to transfer images, my method (this time)involves using Modge Podge as my transfer medium. A small photo is covered with a thick layer of Modge Podge, if you’re not familiar with Modge Podge, it’s an all-in-one glue, sealer and finish used to attach paper and fabric to various surfaces. 

The Modge Podge covered photo is placed image down onto a piece of plain cotton fabric and left to dry (overnight). In my little photo story, you can see that I’ve framed an area of my fabric with tape. I’m doing this to limit where the Modge Podge meets the fabric. I want to sew the transfered  image and turn it into a fabric patch. The Modge Podge adds a layer of glue to the fabric and I’d like the fabric to be free of glue in the places where I want to sew. 

The following day, the fabric with the embedded photo is sprayed (lightly) with water. After a few minutes, the white paper backing of the photo can be gently rubbed away. The rubbing needs to be gentle but eventually all the white backing paper can be removed. This leaves an image on the fabric. The image is a little cloudy, so I have painted a thin layer of glaze sealer on the image which adds a slight gloss finish and makes the colours much brighter.

This technique is a very simple but effective way of creating images on fabric. I’m now ready to prepare my fabric image and turn it into a patch -  for inclusion in my Stitch Story.

             

My image transferred patch is not quite a patch, I’m not sure if a I want to frame it with more fabric or attach ribbon as a frame ? I’ll try both methods today and add the patch to the larger piece which is turning into my story.

Tomorrow, I’ll share another technique for the project as well as showing how the story looks to date.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday Update (9/3/18)

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a very short update today ! Sadly, other stuff has taken over my life and I’ve had less time for ‘yarny’ stuff this week. The thing that has probably taken up most of my knitting/spinning time has been my evangelical obsession with embroidery and in particular, the Stitch Story Project. Read back over this weeks blog posts for background on the Stitched Story.

However, before I get distracted with embroidery, I do have a couple of fibre stories to share. I’ve finished my From Scratch Socks and have detailed notes for the pattern. I’m hoping to type up the pattern over the next week. I also have three volunteers for test knitting, so that will push me to write up the pattern. I’m pleased with the socks. They fit me perfectly. I’ve not blocked them yet and I have few ends to weave in but I’m very close to being able to wear them. I’ve already got a new idea for my next pattern. I’m thinking of something a bit more ‘patterned’ but will keep the construction (up to the leg) as per the first design. I’ll keep you informed of how the project progresses.

                     

I’ve also got a new knit project on my needles, literally started last night after completing the From Scratch Socks. Only three rows of the cuff completed so far but lovely yarn and a Helen Stewart Sock Society 2018 pattern called Winter Rose. The yarn is Natural Born Dyers in the Seapinks colour. This yarn is a High Twist BFL/Nylon Sock. I didn’t link the colour with the name of the pattern until last night, so there wasn’t a conscious thought about pink. However, I love the shade and I think the colour will suit the pattern well. I will knit the socks concurrently with Magic loop on two circular needles. Somehow, knitting both socks at the same time is more satisfying to me.

My last photo story is something I mentioned yesterday. These little things (bottom left photo) are stitch markers (almost) they need clasps and they need to be cured (baked). I have made these little polymer charms for another job but will develop a couple into stitch markers. There is a possibility that the charms are not quite the right size for stitch markers ? I’ll make a few up and test them out. All the charms are based on little cakes and are quite cute.

I’m also well underway with my latest cardigan knit. Look back a couple of weeks for more details. This cardigan is the Carbeath by Kate Davies. I have completed the body section and one sleeve. Unfortunately, I had a complete conundrum about the length of the sleeve. I read all the notes and reviews on this project in Ravelry to check if anyone also had sleeve length issues. Not one mention. For some reason, I had decided my sleeve needed to be much longer than the pattern suggested. I ended up taking out about 7cms ! Hope I’ve done the right thing. I will get the second sleeve underway this weekend.

No spinning at all and no crochet. I must do something about this. Next week will see some developments!

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

La Patisserie Project

Hi Everyone 

I’m having a slightly different Thursday today. Usually, Thursdays are all about making things with Silver - Silver Day. However, I’m waiting for various materials to arrive and have decided to spend my day developing some little polymer clay cake charms. These charms are part of a bigger project called La Patisserie.  It’s an old project which has been revised and will form a practical workshop in the next few weeks. I do already have a range of little polymer cupcakes in various ‘flavours’ but I’d also like to develop more cakes and a wider variety of recognised cake types. In preparation, I’ve made a long list of samples for my experiments and I’m not sure how many I can develop at this stage or which ones will be successful. Each charm will have a ring which will allow the charm to be attached to something. I’ll take images as I work and share my results.

Here’s a quick look at the previous cup cakes which formed the basis of the project :

                     

For my new workshop the little charms will be attached to a silver bracelet rather than a necklace although it’s possible to use them for the same purpose. I’m also going to create a few more charms as part of my experiments, to use as stitch markers. Some knitting friends may receive a gift next week !

Thanks for calling in today.

Hoop Art -revisited

Hi Everyone 

The Hoop Art Project has another outing. It’s the finishing part !

This project has been underway for a couple of weeks and our Making Workshop (yesterday)concentrated on completing the stitching and finishing of the hoops. I intended to get photos of all the beautiful hoops but unfortunately failed on that one !  I’ll try harder next time. See the original Hoop Art Project introduction post here for background on this story. My own hoop has undergone only minor changes since I last shared the work. I’ve added a few simple pearl beads to one of the embroidered lines and white washed the hoop. 

 

                      

I have a specific location in my bedroom where a I want to display my hoop so wanted the embroidery to compliment the space. The room is very much a light, white space and the hoop is perfect for the job. Generally, I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out. I still have a few of the many thread ends to weave into the back of the work. The edge of the fabric (square shaped at the moment) will be trimmed to form a circular shape approximately 4/5cms larger than the hoop. I’ll create a running stitch around the fabric to allow the circular shape to be gathered, forming a neat and secure edge to the back of the hoop. I’ve also added a layer of padding behind the embroidery, this gives a pleasing domed shape to the front of the piece. 

I’ve really enjoyed this project and am looking forward to the finished Hoop finding its way to my bedroom where I can look at it everyday.

Hopefully, I can finish these little task later today and hang my hoop. 

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitched Story continued.

Hi Everyone 

Yesterday, I gave an update on the process of the Stitched Story and it seems to be working well. 

I’m at the stage where I can think about and make individual embroidered ‘patches’ to add to my story. I’d started the latest patch, a dragonfly/butterfly- like shape. I’d already stamped the shape onto fabric and started to add stitches. Ive completed the outline and worked some more Chain Stitches and tiny Satin Stiches to the insect. I’ve also added a simple boarder to the patch, which is particularly pleasing to work. Generally, I like the patch but am wondering what I can add ? My process involves leaving the piece for at least a few hours and reviewing where a I need to go. If no inspiration comes, I will leave it and work the next ‘thing’. Although, I must say, this hasn’t happened yet !

       

If I get slightly anxious about what to do next, I simply refer to my list of things to think about. I’ve placed these things, ie ‘thinking prompts’ in a simple list for quick reference. This list is the one I developed at the beginning of the project and I’ll make another which looks pretty, but the initial list makes my point :

           

I’m not sure how long this specific stitched project will take ? - but I know I will keep going with Stitched Stories.

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

The Stitched Story (week 2)

Hi Everyone 

Its the second week of my Stitched Story Project and things have come together, at last . I’ve taken time to consider how I want to develop this project and it’s been a struggle to find a formula which works. There’s a lovely creative process to the project but it can get overwhelming. It’s more about what to leave out rather than finding things to add ! - although, at the beginning of the project there seems to be a potential problem of where to start. This project needs to translate to other Makers and somehow there is a neeed to think, plan and reconsider, several times. This process can be frustrating and it’s very easy to loose sight of the enjoyment the project can bring. 

I’ve rewritten my personal process several times and I think, I’ve got a reasonable starting point with a few practical steps which can allow for being creative. My new list (read back last week for the previous plan) for starting the project is to begin with  an image or photo and come up with a theme from the photo inspiration, followed by a phrase which can sum up the theme and then a date which could relate to the image and/or experience. I feel at this point, a Story is developing. In order to develop the story and add embellishments which further express the story, I’m adding things which I’m calling ‘bits and pieces’. These are difficult to categorise hence ‘bits and pieces’. However, when thinking and looking at the initial image these little extra’s can start to creep in. Ultimately, the whole project is about the Maker telling their Story and I feel enjoyment comes from focusing in, on the detail. This needs to be a slow Make.

Here’s a look at my progress so far :

                             

I’ve had a few frustrations with this project but the time I’ve spent stitching has been great. I’ve loved finding interesting stitches to place in my story and am inspired to keep finding new places to add interesting stitches. I’ve tackled the stitching elements in little sessions and have hugely enjoyed the process.

Call in tomorrow for more on this one.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday (2/3/18)

Hi Everyone

Today, I’m sharing my fibre work for the week. Considering I’ve been held up in the house most of the week because of major snow in our area, I’ve not got too much to report in terms of finished items ! However, I’ve done lots of work on my From Scratch Sock Pattern. I had finished the socks earlier in the week but the pattern on the leg was not quite right. If you look very hard, the picture story below shows the slight difference in design :

                     

The leg of the sock, just above the ankle line has three welt like sections (in the centre of each coloured band) - I created these welts with two rows of purl stitch. When the sock is worn the welt lies flat, so no problem with an uncomfortable ridge. However, as I started the purl row at each side of the sock using magic loop with circular needles, the pattern produced was very untidy. I repeated a few times and didn’t like the result. Plan B was to start the purl rows in another place, ie. not where the needles needed to be pulled through at each side. However, I still wasn’t happy with the pattern and almost through out the pattern idea. Finally, after re knitting several versions of the whole leg, I’ve decided upon a slight gap in the welt at each side  of the leg. The result is much neater and I think the new design gives a much improved look to the socks. At last, Ive almost finished the written pattern, and only a few centimetres of Stocking Stitch leg and a short 1x1 Rib knitting to finish the socks. I had previously made a 2x2 rib but I do prefer the 1x1fornthis design. I will definitely complete this project in the next few days. I already have an idea for the next one !

My next fibre story is the new fibre from my monthly Fibre Club, The Time Travellers from Hilltop Cloud check it out here. I’m very excited to spin this fibre. It’s a combination of silk, merino and eider. There are lovely muted colours of browns, reds, orange and black in the fibre and it smells very ‘sheepy’. I don’t have an idea of how I can use the fibre or how it will spin but I  feel a ‘need’ to test it out today. I’ll share what happens next time. 

I’m still working on my cardigan from last week, Coinneach by Kate Davies. Look back last Friday for images. I’ve done a little more and am ready to start the second sleeeve. Somehow, my sock project took over. Hopefully, I can make more progress this week. As you can see from the photo, I’ve acquired another cardigan pattern. This is another Kate Davies, the Carbeth cardigan. I love the shape and the colour of Kate’s sample. I’m not sure about what colour I will go for ? - I do have some orange yarn which could possibly work ? I keep thinking about that one !

No crochet again and no spinning to speak of (tiny bit of my big jumper project- read back a few Fridays for more on the big jumper project). However, as mentioned my new fibre from The Time Travellers will get some attention later today.

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

Silver Day (1/3/18)

Hi Everyone

I’m a bit late today with posting my blog, it’s a Snow Day here. To be precise it’s the second Snow Day this week. Here in Northumberland (UK), we have lots of snow and the roads are very difficult. However, I’ve not needed to venture out and about, so no excuse for me, we (our family) have simply had a very lazy morning, cozy inside our house !

I need to get started with my Silver Day work schedule ASAP. 

My job today is to work on a little Collection I started a few weeks ago. This Collection (called Small & Simple) is all about small earrings. I’ve developed a few sketches and have started work on some the designs but I need to firm up the prototypes and test them out. Here’s a quick look at the sketches :

                     

All the designs are very simple but as such, each one needs to be just right. I’m referring to the proportions as well as the soldering of the designs where two different gauge wires or shapes will be involved. 

Hopefully, I will get a version of each design completed today.

Thanks for calling in. I’ll be back, hopefully earlier, tomorrow.