Breaking News : The Finished Bag

Hi Everyone 

It’s finally finished ! The Stitch Story Bag has been part of my daily thoughts for a very long time and it’s great to say - it’s all done. Read back on the blog for lots more about this project. I can honestly say this has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever done. I’ve rediscovered the pleasures of handsewing and have spent lots of lovely afternoons (parts of !) working on the bag. 

For a very long time, the project was part of a series of Making Workshops (look back for more on these mini projects). We developed lots of different ways of making patches, including image transfer onto fabric, fabric printing, felting, appliqué and embroidery skills. All these techniques feature in some way on my bag. These mini projects focused the direction of my bag but I had lots of fun thinking about Miss Mitchell, my fictional Folk Art Doll. I love the red, blues and green colours of the bag and although I would possibly change some of my patches if I were starting again, I do love the whole piece as a collection.

           

I wanted the bag to be a useful thing rather than something which will sit in a box somewhere in my stash, so from the beginning, the bag was always going to be a knitting bag for socks. I will take it to my knit group and will take huge pleasure in using it. 

My friendly professional photographer will take some good photos sometime soon so I’ll have a record of how it looks now, all pristine ! I’ll share the results next week sometime, I hope.

I was also thinking about the positives and negatives of the project. The positives hugely outweigh the negatives. Generally, I’ve learned how to enjoy taking time to work on something. Until the very last bit, top stitching the top edge of the bag, I didn’t want the bag making to end. The top edge was a little tricky because the machine was used and slightly messed up the bit on the back between the handles. Some of the mini gathered stitches looked a little untidy. I used this as an opportunity to add a few polymer heart beads (made by me) in the messy bits and make the back more interesting. I love the look and feel of the bag, I’ve taken lots of care to make the patches and the sewing neat and secure. The back is almost as tidy as the front, no one will see this ... but I know and that’s important. I also love the handles. The little messages are a delight and I’ll enjoy seeing the words every time I use the bag. The size is good, I like the shape. The only thing I would change is the bag construction. I would give the bag a base. At the moment, the bag won’t stand up by itself. I’m not sure I can change this without deconstruction. That’s not entirely out of the question ! For now, I’m going to enjoy my bag and keep thinking about what or if I need to improve my design - sometime in the future!

Thanks for calling in today.

Bag Handles - the results

Hi Everyone 

The experiments have been done (read back on Friday for the background to this story). My chosen solution is to machine stitch the handles. I think, the machine stitched handles give the bag an extra something. As you can see from the photo story, I tested a few different stitch lengths and found the right one for the job. I like the hand stitching but on this occasion, I think the machine will do a better job. 

Having tested the machine stitching, I’ve decided to finish the top of the bag with the same technique. I did have thoughts about handstitching the top of the bag (where the lining and outer skin meet). However, as it’s turned out, I think - the machine stitching will bring the handles and bag together, as one.

                    

I’ve used a Guterman, thick polyester thread in red for the machine stitching. It’s the kind of thread used for jeans top stitching. The bag is almost finished. I’ve tacked all the bits in place and am ready to machine. More on how the bags looks, as a finished item tomorrow. It’s been a long standing project and I’ve learned lots about embroidery.

Thanks for calling in today.

Friday News (27/7/18)

Hi Everyone 

I’m still reporting new developments on my Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell but am very, very close to the end. I’ve managed to complete the embroidery on the handles (read back yesterday for background on the handles). You can also find much more on the Stitch Story: Miss Mitchell by searching the blog. Back to the handles, both have been prepared and embroidered with my chosen messages. One handle has the statement : ‘What would Miss Mitchell say’ ....... and the other : ‘It all started on 27-04-12’. My plan is to add both handles to the bag when I stitch the lining to the outer skin. My only issue is whether, I hand stitch or machine stitch each edge of the handles (as a top stitch design feature). Whichever finish I choose, I will use the same technique for the top of the bag (where the inner and outer bag skins meet). I need to do some experiments in order to choose. In one way, I feel it should be hand stitched in order to keep true to the whole idea of the project. On the other hand, would machine stitching add a level of professionalism to the finished bag ? More news on my decision next week.

One exciting piece of news I’ve been meaning to share for a few days is my new embroidery pouch. It’s a pretty blue colour with a cute cactus pattern. The pouch is much bigger than my previous pouch and is a joy to use. There’s lots of space for my little tools and some threads, just right for my needs. This new pouch has given me an extra element of pleasure to my embroidery work this week - little things sometimes make such a difference !

                 

My next piece of news is a new knit (top left photo). This time it’s a pattern called The Shift by Andrea Mowry. The Shift is a Cowl. The yarn I'm using is the same yarn from my recent frogged Skimmimg Stones, crochet project (read here for information on the crochet project). I dyed the yarn myself and it’s working out beautifully for the new knit. On the crochet front, I’ve tried a few times to find the right crochet pattern and failed. I was so exited about the Skimming Stones Project and although, I did manage to crochet the pattern and keep up with all the CAL clues - the finished item was just not me. I’ve seen lots of beautifully finished Skimming Stones shawls which look great but I knew I wouldn’t wear mine. I think, I’m going to keep my crochet projects to dish cloths, soft toys and possibly bags.

Thanks for calling in. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back next week.

The Bag - taking shape !

Hi Everyone 

My Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell Bag construction is now underway, almost ! Read back on the blog for lots more about this project.

The next section of the bag will, hopefully, be a quick Make. If you read back a few posts, you will note that I needed to deconstruct the outer skin in order to help attach the patches and add new embroidery sections. Well, I’m preparing to re-stitch the sides of the skin. I will machine stitch the sides.

 However, before I stitch them, I’ve decided to make the handles. The handles are a simple length of green fabric, reinforced with iron-on interfacing. I’ve prepared one of the handles ready for embroidering. Yes, I’m embroidering the handles ! I wasn’t sure about this but have decided it’s the right thing to do. Words will appear on each handle, on the outer facing part. I’ve prepared the handles to be 32 cms. long, 2.5cms. to be stitched into the top seam (where the lining and the outer skin meet).

              

As you can see from my photo story, the words What would Miss Mitchell say ? will feature on one handle and the date, 27/04/12 will appear on the other. The date is the day Miss Mitchell was created. She is a piece of folk art in original form and is an important inspiration for lots of my work. I often ponder the thought, what would Miss Mitchell say ? , especially if I can’t quite make a decision about something. It’s a bit of a cue to reconsider while taking a walk. Usually, I can work something out. Hopefully, my words will be embroidered today and I will have my completed handles.

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

Final Push #5

Hi Everyone 

There’s more news to share re the Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell today. Read back on the blog for lots more about this project.

I’ve finished attaching all the patches and almost all the embellishments. I need to fix the bee tape tab into the lining seam (as described on yesterday’s blog) but that will be a construction task rather than am embroidery thing. Having added all the patches, I saw that there was enough spaces to add some inspirational words directly on to the bag skin. I had, originally, wanted these words to appear in a patch but ran out of space for a whole new patch. The embroidered words on the bag skin is a much more pleasing solution.

        

I’ve pencilled the words in their final space and will work them into the bag skin using red and blue threads. I’m adding Dream, Breath, Listen and Inspire in a little block. I spent lots of time thinking about which words I wanted to include. My four words are often used in memory or scrapbook pages and it’s easy to include these words without really thinking about why ? However, I’ve pondered this question for quite some time and am convinced they are right for me in this context and each word is true to my thoughts. I’ve also added Papersac Village in words because that’s where Miss Mitchell lives. The word ART also features on the skin - for obvious reasons (I hope) !

One of the little challenges, I mentioned yesterday, was how to to attach my handmade button. I had thought about stitching a jump ring to the button and stitching it on the bag skin but as suggested (in yesterday’s blog) the button did not lie flat to the bag and didn’t look quite right. Eventually, I decided to give the handmade button an external button hole. I developed this in the same way as a standard button hole would be worked but on the edge of the handmade button. The worked button hole will fit over a second pretty button, fixed to the bag skin. This solution will allow the handworked button to be seen on both sides but also firmly attached to the outer skin of the bag. Look at the photo story for an immediate visual explanation !

         

I will be ready for bag construction after the words have been embroidered. Hopefully, tomorrow will see the bag taking shape.

Thanks for calling in today.

  

Final Push #4

Hi Everyone 

The Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell is moving on ..... I’ve attached most of the patches (as described in yesterday’s blog) onto the outer skin of the bag. There’s a couple of embellishments to go - as well as one final patch. I’m not sure exactly how the felted pin (bottom left image) will attach but I’m hoping I can develop a fabric loop using the bee tape. I think, the tape loop will fit into the lining seam, in some way ? I need to find a way of attaching my bow. I did wonder about adding a pin on the back of the bow, so I can change the position if I choose ? - however, I think, I’d like it more secure and closely built into the bag. I’ll wait and see how things develop.

              

I also have my butterfly buttons and a fabric button I made from scratch to add. I’d like to be able to see both sides of my handmade button and need to come up with a way of attaching it, to the bag. At the moment, I’m thinking I could add a thread covered (closed) jump ring and sew it into place ? I’m not sure if it would lie flat, using this technique ? Again, I’ll wait and see.

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

Final Push #3

Hi Everyone 

I’m still working hard on finishing my Stich Story: Miss Mitchell. Read back on the blog for more detail about this project. I’ve been working on this piece for many weeks and it’s finally coming to an end. I’m certain, I can finish the bag this week (famous last words !).

Having repositioned all the patches several times, I’ve finally decided on the layout. I’ve attached my ribbons in a way to give the patches a defined space and am ready to sew each patch in its final space. As I decided on the final patch placing, it was obvious that I needed a new patch of a specific size. A new idea came to me immediately, so I  set about making the new patch. This is the same green patch I talked about last time. This patch has the words Everything is Possible, another of Miss Mitchell’s standard messages. It’s worked on a piece of the green fabric which balances the range of patches well.

                         

I have been wondering, for a while, about how I would attach each patch and several options seemed to be available. I considered using a fine invisible thread as well as attaching each patch from the second back layer (most patches have a two layer construction). In addition to finding the right technique for sewing the patches in place, I also struggled with access to stitching. The difficulty arose because the bag had been partially constructed. Three sides of the bag had been machine stitched and the only access was from the top. My solution to this problem was to deconstruct the bag slightly. Both sides were unpicked which left me with a flat surface and exactly what I needed.

After several tests, my chosen technique for attaching patches will be to use the original patch edge stitches as a guide and oversew, in the same colour thread. This method results in an almost invisible second stitch and allows for a neat and secure seam.

I’m ready to go and should make good progress today. I’ll be back tomorrow with more to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Final Push #2

Hi Everyone 

I’m breaking with tradition today. Usually, I focus on fibre related stuff each Friday. However, I’m determined to keep on track with the Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell final push. I talked about my intentions yesterday and I’ve made progress. You can read all about this project on my blog, just search back for Stitch Story.

I had thought, I was ready to sew my patches in place. But ...... I realised there were a few patches still needing extra embroidery. I’ve had a little break from the project and I seem to be looking with new eyes. As a result, I’ve got a few new ideas. This is a dangerous phase for me! I see lots of extra work stacking up. But that’s OK, I’m not in a race to finish, I simply want progress each day. 

                   

So far, I’ve repositioned the patches (top left photo) and maybe this is my final placing for the patches/embellishments ? I also focused work on two patches which needle extra work. The dragonfly (top right) acquired an embroidered ARABELLA (Miss Mitchell’s name) as well as a line of small Detached chain stitches, simulating little flowers. The dragonfly embroidery had not been completed and the patch looked a little unfinished. I like the finished patch and feel the name is a lovely addition. I also worked on the appliqué Miss Mitchell patch and added some flowers.

                           

The flowers are a three phase embroidered job. I started with a series of Detached chain stitches in a five petal arrangement. Each petal has a worked French knot and a Star stitch finish over the centre. I like how the flowers lift the appliqué doll image and make the patch complete.

That’s about is for progress. I’ve developed a new little green fabric patch next and have started some embroidery. I will share my progress on Monday.

Thanks for calling in today, have a great weekend. Bye for now.

The Final Push !

Hi Everyone 

I’m talking about my Stitch Story : Miss Mitchell again .......... This project should have been completed several weeks ago, that said - I have been quite busy. However, I’ve made a commitment to finishing by this time next week. I feel as if there’s not much more to do. Most of the structure is in place and it’s a matter of sewing the patches and other embellishments onto the front panel. I do need to add handles but I’m sure that’s a minor task (famous last words !). Here’s a quick look at the stage of the project:

               

The left hand photo is the embroidered back of my bag. The bottom right phot shows all the patches, ready to be sewn into place. The photos are showing the outside front and back of the bag. A green fabric lining is also prepared and will fit into the embellished outer skin. I also have green fabric handles cut to size.

I’ve given some thought to the placing of the patches and I think I’m set to go with sewing them in place. Several of the patches have a backing layer so stitching will be straightforward. The challenges will be single layer pieces and working sympathetic stitches, which will be visible. 

This final push for completion is part of my greater determination to finish lots of ongoing projects within my portfolio. After this one, I’m going to organise a list of unfinished projects and order their priority. Hopefully, by the end of the Summer I will have everything completed or binned. Most of the unfinished items are workshop samples, I think ?

Thanks for calling in today. I’m going to record my progress and will share here each day until I’ve completed the bag.

Spinning News

Hi Everyone 

I had a very busy family birthday yesterday. The whole day was lovely. However, my Making time was very limited and only had chance to test out my newly refurbished carder. This machine has been designed and hand built by my husband and son. It’s a very special thing and I love it. Unfortunately, the carder has been waiting for a repair for some considerable time. 

Great news, it’s fixed and better than ever. The design and mechanism  are much improved and it’s perfect for carding very rough bits of fibre (which should probably go to waste). I had a small amount of waste Fils Vert (to be) sitting in my stash, just waiting for this occasion. I wasn’t sure the carder could do the job but no problem. You can read about the original Fils Vert Story here. The original Fils Vert spin was a little job for a Knit Group friend.

                   

I’ve over twisted the ply in this last batch, so will run it through (my wheel) again to loosen up the yarn and will deliver to my friend on Friday. Hopefully, a lovely surprise for her.

I’m now inspired to get my regular three weekly sessions of spinning underway. I had this all organised a few months ago and I’ve lapsed once again !

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch Story #2 Organised

Hi Everyone 

I’ve got my new Stitch Story plan underway (read back on Monday for more on this story). I’ve sourced the green fabric I was looking for and it’s arrived. The fabric is lovely and I’m very excited about working with it. I found the fabric in the amazing Merchant & Mills online shop. I love everything they do, so I knew the fabric would be perfect.

                          

My vague plan (which I’m sure it will change) at this stage is to make a simple gathered or soft pleated skirt with a slightly raised, curved shape at the front hem. I think it will have a side zip and a grown on waistband.

I’d like to incorporate some embroidered patches on the skirt as well as directly embroidered words/ images. The fabric is a beautiful crisp green and I’m hoping to keep the embroidery to various shades of green too. The theme of my garment will be Friendship. The patches, I mention, are part of a lovely birthday gift I received from a friend in March. More on the chosen patches, at a later date.

I’m very exited about this project, it’s going to be my focus for the Summer. Hopefully, I will be able to wear it before the end of the hot Summer weather - always a tricky prediction in the UK !

My job today is to research some more inspirational designs for my skirt. I’m also looking for more ideas to incorporate Friendship stories into the skirt. The range of stories will be carefully chosen as my usual style tends to be very paired down and simple. I don’t want to make something which I find difficult to wear. I think, this will be the most challenging part of my project ie. to choose, just the right amount of addditional embellishment without compromising my idea of a Stitched Story within the skirt. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

Making Plans for the Summer break.

Hi Everyone 

Over the last week or so, I’ve been thinking about my Making plans for the Summer break. Traditionally, I reduce the number of  worked projects for approximately 6 weeks and tend to take a Summer break. I keep my knitting, crochet and spinning going (evenings only) but other Making plans go on hold in favour of family stuff.  However, this year, I’m thinking of taking on a brand new Stitch Story, a wearable item. I’ve spoken about this before but haven’t really spent time planning and organising the idea. I have a vague plan of designing and making a skirt. I like the idea of developing an embroidered story on the skirt. The theme, I have in mind, is Friendship. Ive decided I need to find some green fabric and will acquire my fabric this week. I’m decided this is a good idea.

The only thing I’ve been spending time on this weekend is the Crochet Along (read back last Friday for more on this). It’s almost over, the last clue will be next Wednesday (18/7/18). Shock horror ! - I’m almost up to date and I have to say, sadly - I’m not totally convinced I like the look of the shawl, so far. There’s a couple of things which don’t work for me. I’m not keen on the central spine which runs through the shawl and I’m not sure I like the long pointed part - the starting bit. I’ve been finding myself looking at the shawl as I work (thinking negative thoughts) and have decided to put things on hold until I see the last clue. I don’t want to go any further at the moment and spend anymore of my precious time on the shawl. I’m considering ripping the whole thing out and starting again with my own modified version. I will wait until I see the final clue but at this moment, it’s not looking good. Unless things radically change, I think, I need to start again. I simply wouldn’t wear the shawl as it is. My crochet skills have improved beyond my expectations so there are lots of  positive’s to celebrate !

                  

Other plans for Summer involve finally organising my Making stash. I have lots of stuff which needs to be reduced and organised. Every item needs to earn its space and much of it probably needs a new home. I find this job very difficult. It’s almost always on my to do list and I never seem to thoroughly get it done. I’m hoping I can stay positive and make a good job this time. I’ll share my progress over the next few weeks. 

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Fibre (13/7/18)

Hi Everyone 

My Fibre Friday is a little slim again. I’ve been busy with work and family holidays so not too much time for me ! 

My holiday shawl knitting (top right photo) has sadly come to a bit of an abrupt halt. Read back last Thursday for more on the shawl. Essentially, I’ve run out of yarn on the final icord bind off. I have a plan which involves my local Yarn shop hopefully having a tiny leftover bit of yarn or reworking the ‘bind off’ in the second colour. I’ve chosen the blue as my bind off and have only a few centimetres to go ! However, I could use the mustard colour and have plenty of yarn for that. I’m going to wait until next Wednesday, the day of my regular Knit Group Meet, before deciding which way to go. I favour the blue because, I think, the darker colour gives a ‘cleaner’ finish to the edge.

                   

The other fibre related projects are all about crochet. The Skimming Stones shawl is well underway - as predicted I’m way behind. I’m on clue 2 of 5. I have a bit of a habit of completing a couple of rows each evening so I’m getting there ! I will not finish on time, there’s only 1 more clue to go (final clue 18/7/18). The shawl, so far, is an odd shape and Im not sure about how it will turn out ? There’s a FaceBook group showing examples of CAL’s which are up to date and I’m still unsure about how the final item will turn out. I joined the CAL to help develop my crochet skills and have definitely succeeded there. I like my hand dyed yarn too, another positive from the project. I’m not sure about the shawl ? However, I will finish the project.

My last project this week is my crochet bag (bottom left). I started yesterday and have made the bottom of the bag (almost) - I have one more row to go. This T Shirt yarn is very thick and the bag is growing quickly. This type of crochet presents very different challenges to my CAL. The yarn is so thick and the crochet technique is difficult. I find, after a few rows, my hands are quite sore. However, it’s going well and I like the resulting fabric.

That’s it for this week. Thanks for calling in.

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

Silver Gem Rings

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m working with a new ring design. These rings will be a new line using traditional silver wire (3mm wire) with silver clay (PMC). I’ve used a similar idea with earrings in the past but I’m testing out a new way of building the silver gem into the ring. The silver gem will be formed from silver clay and torch fired directly onto a simple ring band.

             

My first samples will use a simple organic pebble shape but Im hoping I can come up with more varied carved shapes next. I just need some practice torch firing the clay. The example in my photo story (bottom right) shows a slightly melted finish - which I like. The danger of melting the clay is that I will loose any detail from a carved piece. I’m keen to learn how I can push the boundaries of this technique. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

Crochet Bag Project

Hi Everyone 

I’m starting yet another little project today. This time it’s a crochet bag. I saw this great tutorial a few days ago and had been wondering what to do with a huge stash of T Shirt yarn. This is my answer. I’m aiming for something a bit like this :

                    

The bag pattern can be found here. I’ll go for different colours and will certainly introduce some bright pop of colour. I think, I’ll be going for a turquoise with the navy and grey. I’m not sure about handles ? I like the leather bag handle (in the photo story) but for my knitting bag, I think, a yarn version would work better. I’ll wait and see what happens.

I’ve been hoarding the yarn for several years and am quite excited about finding something to make. My original use for the yarn had been a Making Workshop but for some reason I didn’t get around to organising it. The Making Workshop Project was a choker style necklace with a huge clasp, this is still on my agenda but there’s so much yarn that I know I can also make a few little bags. The idea for my first bag is to make something I can use for one of my knitting projects. I have a few different colours to choose from - my job today will be to organise the project ready to go this evening. I’ll use the project to alternate between knitting and crochet this week, for my evening yarn sessions. I’ll share my progress with this project on Friday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Beads

Hi Everyone 

Yesterday, I mentioned starting a new mini project with polymer clay. I was inspired, initially, by my latest knitting project (look back to yesterday’s blog for details) and wanted to look further into possible bead designs. I’m thinking about statement beads on a Kumihimo braid. The images in my little photo story (below) are the kind of bead designs I thinking about. At the moment, it’s the fish bead that I feel will fit my idea. I like the organic ring style too, so may also develop a few similar beads. I think, I’d like to add some texture to the rings and perhaps make them in different sizes ? - still not sure about that one.

              

Looking back in my project samples, I see that I’ve already made a few fish beads, also inspired by the Louise Smith fish shapes (in my photo story).

                 

The shapes of the earring beads (top left) is a shape that I think will also work, I’d like to produce something similar with a surface pattern. The fish bead (bottom right) will get different colours and a larger hole for threading but I do like the idea of my previous work.

Hopefully, I can mix some clay colours later today and play with some shapes.

Thanks for calling in today.

Jewellery Inspiration

Hi Everyone 

I’m back from my mini Grand Tour for 2018. We had a lovely week with spectacular weather. Lots of time on the beach and time with family. I also found some time for knitting ! I always take my knitting ‘on tour’ but often don’t have much time to sit and relax with my needles. However, this time I’ve had lots of little knitting sessions which was lovely. I planned to make something called the Polkagris Kerchief by Kate Davies. I chose to use 

Northumbrian Rose yarn and it’s worked beautifully. 

                        

The Kerchief has been slightly extended and it’s more of a mini shawl now and I’m probably a couple of rows away from finishing. I love the colour combination and it’s inspired me to make some new polymer clay beads using the same stripe design and colours. I’m not sure how they will turn out at this stage but I’m hoping the beads will evolve during the process. I will play around with a few sketches this morning before developing the clay. I think, a bracelet and necklace will be the result.

Thanks for calling in today.