Knitting the SHORE

Hi Everyone 

I have a new plans for my knitting. I’ve been trying to work out my next few knitting projects and have been struggling to find a direction. For some reason, I’ve  struggled to choose a wish list of projects. There are so many lovely things to knit and I often jump into a project without thinking it through. I like to have a wish list, it’s a way of focusing my knitting and giving me an element of self discipline. The new book of knitting projects from Kate Davies has arrived, just in time, to help me out. This new book called SHORE and is exactly what I needed.

                 

I struggled, initially, to decide which pattern I wanted to knit. Every project is appealing to me. I have actually completed one of the projects, the Polkagris Kerchief. I completed this little project earlier this Summer, while on a short family holiday. This left four projects to choose from. I’ve spent a couple of weeks trying to decide which pattern to knit and couldn’t. Finally, I’ve decided I’m going to knit all the patterns, all five ! So it’s just a question of which one next ? I’ve decided to go with the cover sweater, this is the Balmaha, a bottom up sweater with some colourwork. I’m going to choose Jamieson 2 ply for my yarn. I’d like to use a bright yellow, green and a navy mix. Kate uses five colours but a I think I’d like to use three. I’ll make a swatch and decide if it’s going to work. I’ll also choose another couple of colours as an insurance idea.

The other designs from Shore include a lovely shawl, a shrug like cardigan and a short sleeved sweater with a deep funnelled collar. My initial plan is to enjoy knitting each piece, one at a time; although I am tempted to start the shawl (Traigh) when I’ve decided on my yarn and colours. I’ll share my progress though Shore each Friday until I’m finished. So call back and check out my progress. 

I’m still knitting The Bright Sweater so my plans will need to go on hold for the next week or so. I will, however, make preparations for Balmaha and develop my swatch.

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

Making Pin Cushions

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m featuring a new project, currently under development. This project is all about making a simple but very cute pin cushion. I’ve been inspired by a Pinterest image (check it out here ). The pin cushions in the image (see bottom right image in my photo story) are the very ones which have inspired me. I love the fabric and the whole presentation style of the bobbins.

               

I have a number of bobbins reels in my stash, unfortunately I feel they need to be slightly different in proportion. The inspiration bobbins are 7x5 cms and my reels are much taller and not quite so wide. I’ll be making a new order (to my husband) for the shorter and wider size. I love the look of the inspiration bobbins with their very pretty fabric and embroidered middle section. I’ll be trying something similar.

The inspiration bobbins are available for sale in an Etsy shop, look at the link (above) for details. 

I’ve done something similar before using a screw top jar so I have a good idea of how to make my pin cushion. I’ll make one first and refine the process. I’m hoping I can put together a few kits and develop the project into a Making Workshop. I’ll share the results of the project as it evolves.

Thanks for calling in today.

Altered Pebbles

Hi Everyone 

I’m working at my bench today. It’s definitely back to work this week, the long Summer break has finally come to an end. I’ve dragged out my holiday for a few more weeks but the time has come to be disciplined and productive. So, my lists are under construction and organisation is key. I have a few new systems in operation but I’m working through the new developments at the same time as completing orders and projects.

Today’s job is to complete a group of earrings and a new statement ring.

                  

                  

My little photo story (top left) shows the components for my earring ideas. These components have been made from metal clay (Silver) and will be added to some small silver loops and either stud or dangle ear wires. I’m not sure which will go with either style ? - I’ll develop the components and progress the design, as I see it. The ear wires (top right) are a starting idea for a part stud fastening and a longer fixed dangle option, the components will be attached to the ear wire. I’m thinking of different lengths of wire to give a varied look to the finished earring.

My other job is to construct a statement ring using a spare piece of very thick silver wire. I’ve yet to decide how I will attach the wire to the ring ? The wire will need to be cut, again not sure how ? I’ll share all my finished pieces when they are ready to wear.

Thanks for calling in today.

Back to Project Bags

Hi Everyone 

Yesterday, I mentioned a need for yet another new project bag. This new bag will be for my sweater of the moment. I’m hoping the bag will help me to organise and manage sweater knitting. I like the idea of a sweater/ cardigan on my needles at any one time and feel the bag will prompt me to start thinking about the next sweater as the contents of the bag near completion. I’ll be able to start planning at just the right time.

My new bag has been developed because the previous sweater did not fit into its project bag. However, having a dedicated project bag for a specific Make is very satisfying, so this is a great excuse for a new bag. This bag will be called The Sweater Bag.

              

I decided a larger size bag was necessary for this particular project, so my bag is bigger than all of the others in my Collection. I have used a simple Calico fabric, added French seams and a knitted icord. The channel for the icord is a simple, seamed, strip of patterned fabric stitched onto the outer surface of the bag. I’ve left a little gap to thread the icord. My bag is perfect for the Bright Sweater (read back yesterday). However, I do want to add a little something on the front of the bag, so more work needed to make a little patch. I’m going to make an Appliqué sweater patch using some leftover bits of green fabric, as per the icord channel. The patch will also get an embroidered name ie The Sweater Bag. I’ll share the finished bag when I’ve completed the patch.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sweater News

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been rather busy this weekend and my only making activities have involved knitting. I’m currently working on my Bright Sweater (Junko Okamoto) and at last, it’s coming together and making sense to me. I’ve had a few attempts at starting this sweater ! However, It’s a lovely pattern, quite simple and I’m not sure why it’s given me so many problems ? I think, It’s just a case of concentrated knitting - not one of my strengths ! I’m well into the body construction of the sweater and it’s time to make a decision about sweater (body) shaping. I’m not keen on tight, shaped waistbands and I’m thinking the pattern may give me a nipped in waist. There’s lots of ribbing going on at the waist, so there will be an elastic waist area, regardless. I’d like to achieve a wide, loose waistband, if possible ?

               

I’m at the stage where, I think, I can try on the sweater. I will need to, temporarily, add a second circular needle to give me enough cable to get the sweater over my head as well as check the width of the bottom, so far. I’m using Cascade 220 Yarns (colour 9325) and it’s a lovely mid blue colour. I love blue and I’m very pleased with how the colour is working. I’m quite excited about completing this sweater, all of a sudden ! I have been rather confused and had lost my way with this project over the last few months. I notice the dates I’ve written (on the pattern), I started in May. I restarted, again in June and then again on the 15/9/18. Each new start has meant ripping out all the lovely cable pattern on the yolk - heartbreaking! However, I’m hoping I’m OK and back on track.

The other little issue re this project, is the size of my project bag, one of my current obsessions ie project bags ! This bag, pictured in my photo story (top left) is much too small. This is another great excuse to make a new one. I have something almost under construction, so that’s my first job today.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll share more progress as I move through the week. There’s much more knitting in this sweater, so plenty work for this week. Knitting, is definitely my hobby and doesn’t happen until the evenings and I’m not sure how much knitting time I will have  - to work on my sweater but I’m certainly hoping my project bag will be complete. I’ll be back tomorrow.

The Friday Bag

Hi Everyone 

It’s yet another bag post ! I’m featuring the little patch which will be worked to embellish my Friday (project) Bag. Read back over the last weeks posts for more on my project Bags. 

             

As you can see from my photo story. The sweater sketch has been transferred to my little patch, the second patch is a backing patch which will give the Pocket (to be) a neat and structured finish. My plan is to attach the patch, as a pocket onto the front of the bag. I’m also keen to develop a small fabric sweater charm which will hang from the bag cord. 

I’m really enjoying my thinking and planning time around these project bags, just my sort of thing. I didn’t have very much time yesterday, so didn’t make any progress with the embroidery. Today, I’m hoping I can get going with the task.

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

The Utility Bag

Hi Everyone 

I’m still batting on about Project bags ! You can check back a few days for more about this current obsession. The bag of the moment is a basic calico project bag, now to be know as UTILITY BAGS as a Collection. I’m also giving individual bags a name. The first bag will be - ‘The Friday Bag’. The reason for the name is all about reminding me that Friday is a spinning day and this bag will be housing my ‘short spin’ of the moment. I needed to add a little work to the closure of the bag (read back for the original design) and can now report, the bag construction is complete.

                  

Yesterday, I spend some time thinking about a hand embroidered patch to go on the front of the bag. I’ve come up with an idea and have prepared the fabric for my patch. I’ve sketched the design (on paper) and transferred it to my fabric patch. I’m now ready to embroider. You can just see the design in my photo story (bottom right photo). It’s very simple. I’m using a few words and a sweater motif. I’ll also make some kind of sweater charm to embellish the drawstring. I may use fabric or possibly polymer clay, can’t quite decide at the moment. The patch may form a pocket on the front of the bag, it’s just a possibility at the moment but I quite like the idea. I’ll share results as they appear. There’s not too much embroidery but I want to spend quality time on my hand stitching. I can use the bag as it is, so all is well.

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Bag #1 Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m, very slowly, moving my first project bag to the finish line (the construction part). I’ve not quite decided on my embroidery patch (read back 

here for the embroidery story.

The original closure for the bag, didn’t quite work and the new drawstring design is much improved. My new design is simply an extension to the bag, I’ve developed a couple of bands which extend above the main bag and allow a channel for the the cord. I will aim to complete this job today and prepare a second bag, using the same design. The new design allows a much neater and more efficient closure.

             

The next task will be to develop my little embroidery patches for the front of the bag. The idea is to both use the patch as decoration but also to distinguish between the bags. I’m still unsure about what to embroider on the patches. I’ll spend some time thinking about this one today. My usual approach to thinking about some creative solution is to go for a short walk. The process never fails me, so far ! So, I’m hopeful, I’ll come up with something.

Thanks for calling in today.

More about bags.

Hi Everyone 

I’m still obsessed with ‘bags’. The need for organising my stuff into specific bag storage is taking over my life. However, I’m viewing this as a good thing. I have so many things to organise and the bag thing is giving me an excuse to focus on the job.My bag chat for today involves a couple of new bag ideas. 

The first bag is an actual paper pattern, acquired with a sewing magazine (Simply Sewing). It’s described as The Bowling Bag and is zipped top bag with both a shoulder strap and a handle. I’m not quite sure where the bag fits into storage, if at all ! I’m thinking, I may adapt the bag, slightly, to be suitable for my Making/knitting group activities. It’s not really a storage bag, more of a light carry bag. I just like the idea of using the pattern and seeing what happens. I don’t have any fabric in mind, yet ! and I’ll need to acquire a few notions, so this is a planning activity for now.

             

My next bag idea is more important as a storage item. I’ve been struggling for some time with storing my circular knitting needles. I have lots of needles and they are currently stored in a zip top toilet bag. It’s fine as a storage bag for a few needles but I have lots of circular needles and a I spend hours looking for the right needle for each new knitting project. I also tend to think, I need to buy extra needles when I actually have the right one and simply can’t find it. It’s very frustrating and I’m keen to make a specific bag for the purpose. My plan is to develop something similar to the one in my photo story (bottom left). I like the idea of making something with pretty fabric, so will raid my stash and see what I can find. There are lots of Pinterest tutorials on these storage bags/wraps so I’m going to check out as many as possible. I’ll spend a few days looking for something which can work for me.

My bag making list is growing ! I think, I have at least six bags either under development or in planning stages. I need to complete these six before starting anymore, so that’s it for bags ! I’m hoping to concentrate on bag making for this week. I’ll share my progress as it happens.

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Bags - update

Hi Everyone 

My project bag initiative is picking up speed. Check back to Fridays blog for the background story. I currently have three bags underway. The linen embroidered bag and two plain calico drawstring bags. 

The calico bags (featured last week) will both acquire an embroidered patch on the front as decoration. They are large bags and will probably be used for spinning projects. As such, I need to keep them simple. Spinning fibres need space and non embellished storage. In the past, I’ve used zips and fastenings - resulting in snagging  and damaging the contents.

I’ve spent some time trying to organise projects (generally) over the last few days and I feel the individual project bag is going to work for me, as a way of managing my work. I have a long list of ongoing projects and will choose three projects to  be ‘current’ - these will move into the bags and I will work each project until it’s complete. Waiting projects will have a very large storage bin. I will review which is to be the next project when there is space in a bag.

All sounds great ! I’m hopeful.

Getting back to the job of the moment, I did make some progress with my linen bag, again read back on Friday for more on this bag. I needed to find some suitable lining fabric ove the weekend. It’s done. I have my lining fabric. The fabric I’ve  chosen is a modern traditional design and has lots of pretty flowers . I’m going to use this flower to develop my embroidery element for the bag. I’ll sketch out a flower, scale it and draw directly onto the linen fabric here’s a quick look at the materials.

              

My new patterned lining fabric (left photo) is quite bright but will tone down the very bright linen. I love the little flowers and am looking forward to developing my embroidery element. I will use the bag (on the right) as inspiration for my bag construction. I’m hoping my bag will have a similar closure and a scattering of embroidered flowers.

Thanks for calling in today.

More Project Bags

Hi Everyone 

Yet another project to share today. This will take a while to complete ! I’m using inspiration from a beautiful project bag I saw in the Loop yarn shop

check here for details  of the original. You can catch a glimpse of the original, bottom left, in my photo story board (below). I love these bags and have decided to have a go myself, I’ve been watching them for some time. I’ll adapt and go with my ideas as the bag comes together. I’m using some old linen trousers for the main part of my bag and will keep some of  the double stitched seams as a design feature. I’ve spent some time deconstructing the trousers today and now have quite a large piece of linen fabric to make my bag. I’d like to line the bag and add some hand embroidery. I’ll try and find some fabric from my stash for the lining. I’m not hopeful, I have lots of fabric but not necessarily a suitable fabric so will probably take a visit to a local fabric shop to check out something tomorrow.

I’m hoping to use the trouser buttons and a pocket from the trousers, somewhere in my design. I think, I’ll go for a cord pull for the closure and will probably crochet or knit an icord.

Here’s a quick look at my preparations.

           

The light has changed, drastically, in my photo board, but I would say the top two photos give a good impression of the true linen colour, love it ! I’ll plan all the elements of the bag and then decide on the hand embroidery. I’ve no idea what to embroider at the moment ? I’m hoping inspiration will turn up, as a I work. I think, the lining fabric will dictate the ultimate design. Perhaps, a modern fabric pattern will give me different ideas to a more traditional surface design.

This project is very much in the slow stitching work tradition . I have a bit of a thing, at the moment, for lots of special project bags and am slowly working through all my current live makes to pair up with a project bag. It could take some time !! As usual, I’ll share my progress her on the blog as and when.

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

Silver Stuff News

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a little section of my new Silver work Collection today. This is only partially complete but as I develop each piece, I’m slightly changing the parameters of the Collection. I started with a small series of shapes (sketches) and have moved away from the very angular shapes to more organic pebble like components. I often revert to this pebble shape in my experimental work. Somehow forcing a design doesn’t quite work, so I’m going with my feelings on this one. The simple roundish pebble idea is the start of my Collection and each piece has taken a slightly different and more textured design. I have a few rings, earrings and charms in the Collection and will keep working on the shapes. 

           

The Collection had been named Take 5 as in five distinct shapes, however, I need to rethink my name ! I like to name my work, somehow I find a need to develop a relationship with what I’m doing. My original components, in some cases, have been combined to form new, more interesting/ complicated shapes and I’m reasonably happy with progress. I’ll share more elements of the Collection as they emerge.

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Bags

Hi Everyone 

I suggested, yesterday, making a project bag to house my latest spin project (read back yesterday for the story. It’s a minor miracle ! but I seem to have delivered. I did have a long list of work jobs to complete but managed to squeeze in half an hour or so to make my bag. However, I’m not especially pleased with the result. I’ve made a simple, machine sewn fabric bag with French seams. Good so far. Ive also made an icord from some cotton yarn and I’ve turned over the top and created a simple channel for a string closure. This is where the problems starts. I’m not happy with the closure. It’s a bit clunky to pull closed and the finish around the closure opening is not quite right (see my second photo storyboard).

           

           

Generally, the bag is great and it’s just the closure part which needs some attention. I’m going to add a new channel to the top of the bag and use a slightly different closure style. I’ll share my idea when it’s applied to the bag.

Having decided on the necessary improvement, Im now thinking about a creative addition. I’d like to add a bit of a hand stitched patch/ badge/label to the bag. This creative addition is not necessary but it will give me extra pleasure to add embroidery to the bag. Im going to think about the motif or message for my patch/badge/label today and spend some quality time over the next few days stitching and embellishing. Great news,  I have some of the fabric left and will make a few more bags of slightly different sizes.

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning Talk

Hi Everyone 

Its all about spinning today. I’ve been quite disciplined with my spinning projects over the last few weeks and decided I could introduce a new project every time I finished one of the two current spins. I have a long standing Men’s sweater spin (which is well overdue) but I feel a need to introduce another shorter, manageable project to keep me inspired. The sweater spin (photo story here) produces beautiful yarn and it’s a pleasurable task but it does seem to go on forever ! I’ve decided, I need, to have something which I can see the end, quite quickly ! I also want to experiment with new (to me) fibres. The two part spinning schedule seems to be the answer, one long and one short spin, with a variety of different fibres.

The new spin for today is something called Airforce Blue, another HilltopCloud, Time Travellers Club monthly fibre. This one is an April 2018 fibre. The fibre is 25% Shetland, 50% Merino and 25% Bamboo. There are a range of lovely colours in the fibre, lots of blue/grey tones. The fibre is soft and quite silk-like to spin. I’m in the very early stages but I’m very happy with the yarn. I’m not sure about a schedule. I think, I’m going for a short (30min) session each day, if I can. Here’s a quick look at the fibre.

            

My photo story image shows a much darker blue, close up the yarn is varied and had some very bright blues as well as greys. It’s going to be lovely. I’m not sure what I’m going to make with the yarn, probably a dk weight ? This is always an issue with such a small amount (100gm). I can see myself trying to match up another yarn either to dye or contrast. Who knows ? I’ll wait and see, something will inspire me when the time is right.

One thing which is a constant thought with lots of projects, what about project bags ? I like to have each one of my projects in a dedicated bag. At the moment, I can’t find a new bag for Airforce Blue. So, today, I’m hoping, I can make a few new bags. Organisation is another issue !! - how do I keep on top of projects and where to store them ? It’s a whole new subject - for another day !

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

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I’ve had quite a busy weekend but have managed to complete (very nearly) a new hat. This hat was started at a little event organised by my regular knitting group on Saturday. I spent lots of the event chatting so didn’t make huge progress. However, over the next few days, I have managed to squeeze in more little sessions and have finally completed the kntting part of the project. I still need to make a Pom Pom and sew in some of the ends as well as blocking.

          

The pattern is very cute, not especially my sort of thing - usually ! I do love the colours and the yarn.

I have changed my hat pattern, a little. I’ve not given the hat a folded cuff and have altered the sheep pattern. I thought, I would keep the sheep the same all the way around the hat and I like the effect. The original pattern has a number of different size/shape of sheep running around the hat. However, I’m already planning a second hat, I have lots of yarn left and will just change the order of the colours. Ive already decided, a second hat will get a different sheep effect. This has been a lovely project and so satisfying to finish, so quickly.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday : 7/9/18

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my current fibre related projects today as well as chatting about potentials, to add to my list.

My first project is socks. I tend to have a pair of socks on the needles, most of the time. My socks of  the moment are the Honey Bee Dance Socks by Helen Stewart. I have subscribed to the Sock Society for 2018 (read about it here)  and am very much enjoying the regular patterns coming my way (every two months). I like this particular pattern (the fourth, I think ?). The lace section down the centre front is very pretty and the combination of my yarns, a mustard/Brown cuff and the variegated Manos (check out the yarn here) is lovely. The main colourway reminds me of Bees, in amongst plants (which is why I chose the yarn). I probably have a couple of sessions left on the second sock. I’m already looking forward to the next pattern in October.

             

My next project to share is spinning. I’ve managed to spin 100gm of a lovely Bamboo/ Merino/ Silk, no name for the yarn yet. The colour is a very rich rust orange with lots of tiny speckles in a huge range of colours. I’m hoping to team the yarn with a dark lime (green) shade and make a cardigan. The jury is still out on the pattern. I’ve done a little research but I need to do more. I’d like a simple design but using my hand spun in blocks of colour.

I also have a second spinning project on the go. This is a large Mans sweater spin. It’s a BFL/ Corriedale  blend. It’s not an exact calculated blend, I just go with my feel as I blend the two fibres, there’s definitely more BFL, so the yarn is very soft. The Corriedale is quite a deep grey and the two combined are delicious. I’ve got about 300 m of yarn so far, loads more to go ! My schedule is to spend a little time each day on this spin. 

I’d like to have a couple of spin projects  going at any one time and I’m already lining up a new spin to compliment the sweater project. Not sure what to do at the moment ? Again, I need to do a little more research.

                

My fourth project is a crochet cardigan. I’ve spent a little time each day working on this project and it’s slow going at the moment. I’m happy with my colours, dark petrol blue, dark grey and a bright splash of vibrant blue. The photo story shows a striped design but I’m going for a different look. I’ll share more next week.

In addition to the yarn projects in my photo story, there are a couple of sweaters under construction. Several garments are almost finished and I have a plan to undo a sleeveless sweater and knit up a third Nuuk. Here’s a link to the Nuuk (check it out ). I’ve got several shawls to finish ie sew in the ends and block and a new hat will be started on Saturday. So, lots of projects and so little time ! I’m hoping to get more organised with my yarn projects over the next few months. One thing which needs my attention is storage and recording of stash, plans and patterns. I often feel, I’ve no idea what I have in my stash and waste lots of time trying to find things. This weekend will hopefully get things organised and I will have lots of exciting ideas for the next few months of knitting, spinning and crochet.

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

Silver Work

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new batch of Silver work today. This collection will be part of an extended Everyday Collection. Check out the original story here ,

here and here. I’ve developed the new range for Metal Clay (PMC) and will also add new shapes in both Polymer Clay and PMC. The idea is to get this particular batch ready for sale in a few months.. 

I’m in the early stages of the PMC elements but I’ll share my progress over the next week or so. Some of the pieces will share components and all are intended to be Everyday jewellery and easy to wear, each piece should complement one another.

                

My photo story shows the PMC components before firing but after the Clay has dried. Some of the components will be small post earrings or added to long hooks. I’m also developing simple Sterling Silver rings and some will be added to bracelets. I enjoy wearing all my own Polymer Clay Everyday Collection, especially the stretchy bracelets and have been wanting to extend the range for some time. Ideas have been brewing and I hopeful the new developments will be a success.

I’ll be sharing this growing Collection over the next few weeks, so call back often for updates.

Thanks for calling in today.

Bead Weaving Update #2

Hi Everyone 

I started a bead weaving project a few ago and have been waiting for a clasp forever, still waiting ! You can read the original clasp story here. However, I do have an alternative clasp. Great news, I thought. Not to be. The replacement clasp required a different way of attaching the beads and the whole thing needed to be reworked. You can see why, in the photo story.

           

As you can also see from my photo story - I’m back to the beginning. I’ve woven all the beads onto finer threads and am now ready to sew the clasp in place. 

I’m still trying to source my original clasps to compare the construction approach, however, I do like the replacement clasp. It’s a little more chunky and fits the bead style nicely. My only reservation is the clasp attachment is dictating the width of the bracelet. I could add a separate, thinner end section and will probably have a go with my next sample.

Next, I need to stitch the bracelet beads back into themselves to form a solid link for the clasp. I’m confident a I can make a neat job with much finer thread. I’ll report back in a few days with, hopefully, several samples.

Thanks for calling in today.

Arabella’s Other Dress : Update #4

Hi Everyone 

At last, I’m almost done with making my dress. This dress, Arabella’s Other Dress, is part of my Summer Project for this year. Sadly, I’m very late in delivering and my Summer is over ! I’m not sure why or what I’ve been doing but the time has just flown by ? I’ve had a lovely Summer. I love the dress. It’s a great fit for me and I feel quite ‘dressed up’ in it ! It’s a strange thing, I have a few dresses which make me feel like this. Such a lovely feeling.

The basic dress needs the sleeves and skirt hems to be finished properly but I’m still deciding if I want this to be part of an embroidery element. I think I probably do ? I’d also like to tidy up the seams (inside). Most of the seams have been French Seamed but the sleeves and waist are waiting to be given some bias binding. I think, this is today’s job. I like the inside to be as neat and perfect as I can make it. I’m going to buy an overlocker - it’s decided ! I’ve resisted a overlocker for years but I think I’m going to work towards creating a handmade wardrobe so it’s going to be worthwhile. The handmade wardrobe is an aspiration and will happen very slowly. I’m not about to give myself lots of pressure to deliver on this one. However, after a recent sort through my clothes, I’m hoping I can fill gaps with a handmade approach. 

However, back to my dress. It’s time to start working on my story for the dress. Read back on the blog for lots more about the concept of the Stitch Story. I’m planning to add hand embroidery elements throughout the dress. My theme is Friendship and I’m currently thinking about words and symbols I’d like to incorporate. My intention is to wear my dress, so this will guide me to embellish the dress accordingly. I like simple, uncluttered clothing so the embroidery needs to be subtle. I’m hoping I can be inspired to use the pattern on the indigo dyed bodice to tell me how to add embroidery. All parts of the dress are included for embroidery but I think most of the navy will get Navy embroidery I’m hoping to keep with a blues and white colour palette throughout. I may also create some polymer charms and buttons to embellish my embroidery. I’m going to keep an open mind about what I’m going to do. I’ll just go with ‘how I feel’ and what feels right.  Here’s a few images of the dress, before any embroidery.

                    

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning News

Hi Everyone 

It’s almost back to work today. I’ve got a few more days before my schedule begins but I’m sort of planning, today. However, big news to report ! I’ve managed to complete my mini spinning job. Read back last week for more on this story. The resulting yarn is a lovely, soft and vibrant dk. I’ve produced only 142m but my mind is buzzing with ideas of what I can make with it. I’m thinking about a cardigan. My new yarn (which needs a name) will probably form a colour block at the bottom and possibly have some on the arms. I’ve been searching my library for potential patterns and I hope to firm up the plan later today. Obviously, I’m going to need lots more yarn (there’s a surprise!) I think, I’d like to dye some yarn a green colour for the job. There are a few different greens (not obvious from my photo) in my yarn so will pick out a few shades for my final decision. 

              

The yarn is a deep russet/red colour but there are lots of colours spread around and I’m very excited to see how it knits up. I’ve literally just finished plying and need to soak my yarn. I think I’m going to knit a swatch after the yarn is dry and this will help me decide what I need to acquire to complete my cardigan plan. 

I’ve loved doing this project and am inspired to keep going with more regular spinning sessions. Last week, I gave a session by session report on my progress. I like this way of recording progress and I found this method quite inspiring (for me) as a process. Here’s a quick look at the way it worked :

              

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