Polymer Flowers

Hi Everyone 

Yesterday, I shared some little flower charms, devised for the Notions Pouch Project. Take a look at yesterday’s blog for more on the story. The charms, initially, were inspired by the fabric I used for the pouches. However, I’d also seen a very pretty necklace worn by someone on YouTube. After lots of research, I found the necklace Maker on Etsy, layla amber. The top left image on my photo story shows this necklace. The Autumn Wild Flower Necklace is made from Birch wood ply and hand painted. This necklace, although lovely, is not usually my sort of thing. However, I’m somehow drawn to it. After making the flower charms for the pouches, the layla amber flower necklace idea presented itself. I played around with some small flower moulds in my kit and came up with an idea, using polymer clay.

                  

The layla amber necklace (flower element) is approximately 8cmx3cm, so I followed this measurement (roughly) to give a similar size for the flower/bead pendant element of the necklace. That’s as far as I’ve gone with the design. I think, I will create some kind of inner frame using embedded wire with a small (invisible- from the front) plate to mount the flowers. I enjoyed making this little piece so much, I’m planning a few more.

My version has a very different feel to the layla amber version but I’m still very pleased with my efforts. I love the colours and the varied shapes of the flowers. I’d like to acquire a few more moulds to change the range of flower options. I need to work on the quality of the finish for each flower and the mounting plate but it’s a good start.

I see my necklace being worn as a statement piece alongside a few of my outfits, all very exciting ! I’ll finish the piece with an antique bronze chain, similar to the layla amber version.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. 

I’m off on a family holiday next week and will be back with more stories on Monday 3rd November. I’m hoping to add a few photos stories throughout the week, if I can get internet - always a problem in remote areas !

The Notion Pouch Continues

Hi Everyone

I’ve been adding a new size Notions Pouch to my little Collection as well as developing little flower charms. The flower charms have been inspired by one side of the fabric used for the pouches. If you called in last week, you will have seen the larger of the pouches, I’m calling it the Medium size. Check it out here. There’s a smaller version using the same fabric but in reverse. The smaller version pouch has a polka dot design on the outside, with the flower fabric used as the lining. Both pouches have red zips and each has a pretty charm.

              

The bags have worked well and are a pretty combination. I’m also going to develop a large version. Not sure, how large ? - it depends on how much fabric I have.

These pouches will be the focus of a forthcoming Making Workshop with an emphasis on the construction technique. It’s an amazing way of making a professional looking zipped bag, very simply and by hand. Not everyone has a sewing machine and this pouch can be made in a very short time with a needle and thread.

There will be kits available soon. I’m testing the kits at the moment, mainly to check the instructions are good enough for a complete beginner. I’ll bring the next phase of this project when I have the whole range ie small, medium and large pouches as well as the kits.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Plans

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new sewing plan today. This is a tunic design from a book called Uniform. I’ve had the book in my library for some time and have been looking for the perfect fabric to make it. I’ve actually cut out the tunic pattern in a washed linen. However, it’s a strange green colour and I’m not sure I like it ? The colour is called Light Green but it’s more of a washed out lemon colour. I’m thinking of ways of adding another print to the tunic which can help tone down the colour. I think, it maybe possible to dye the fabric, so this could be another option ? In the meantime, I’ve got another pretty print which, I feel, could work better. 

           

The pattern for my tunic is from the Uniform Book. It’s an interesting idea. The book includes knit instructions for the UNIFORM Cardigan by Madder. A top down cardigan, written in two weights (worsted and sport/fingering) with numerous body, sleeve, hem, and finishing options and sewing instructions with a paper pattern for the UNIFORM Tunic by Grainline Studio. A lovely garment with two body, sleeve, and neckline options. 

I love the idea of these projects. I also have some yarn for my version of the cardigan, a light grey wool. I’m hoping the lovely cotton print tunic will compliment the cardigan. 

I’m not sure when I can fit in my sewing but I’m hoping to cut out the pattern in the next few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Necklace ‘to be’

Hi Everyone

If you called in to my blog last week, you will have come across a little necklace project, under construction. If you missed the post, check out the details here. I’ve been waiting for some leather cord to arrive to finish the job. It’s here. The cord has arrived and I can move on. However, as with most creative projects (in my world), there will be changes to my original plan. 

                  

The idea for the necklace was inspired by a piece of fabric, soon to be a dress. The fabric is a lovely print cotton from Sea Salt. I love the different shades of green and I’d like to pick up some of the shades in my necklace. 

I’ve developed beads which are very close to a particular green in the fabric but my cord is a very different shade. I feel the contrast is too much. I think, I need to develop another couple of shades of green for a few more beads, maybe not ? I’m not sure at this stage. I think, I need to thread the beads and review. Any new beads need to be the same shape and size but with another slightly different surface texture, subtle but different. 

Having checked out the cord, my holes in the beads need further attention. I need to slightly enlarge all the holes. It’s a fine line re the size of the holes. I want the beads to have a slight bite to keep the beads in place rather than slide. I’m not sure how this project will turn out. I’m hoping I can play with the ideas and something will work for me.

Thanks for calling in today.

Pedestal Buttons

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been looking for a special kind of button or closure for some time and finally, an idea has arrived !  The inspiration for my new button came from browsing a week or so ago, after a couple of years of looking ! The button plan is specifically for a ‘wrap over’ hand knitted cardigan? The cardigan is a lovely mustard/yellow shade in soft Merino wool. Each time, I wear my cardigan, I’m disappointed with the look The cardigan design is a Waterfall shape but it’s not quite for me. I prefer the front sections of the garment to be flat and pinned in place. I feel the cardigan needs quite a large button to add a feature to the cardigan. However, there are issues about the weight of buttons and lack of button hole. I’ve also tried lots of different pins without success. There’s no guarantee that my pedestal button will do the job but I’m hopeful. Here’s a quick look at the idea :

                 

I found the original inspiration (bottom left image) from here. I love the simple, neat, round shape and feel it would work well with my cardigan. We have designed and made the button in house and it’s the prototype. My plan is to create a needle felted section in place of the leather. I do like the leather so may make a leather version too. The metal bit has been made on a metal lathe and may need different dimensions to accommodate how it’s to be attached through the cardigan. I’m hoping, I can separate the knitted stitches to allow the post of the new button to pass through. I think, it can work but I need to check this, later today.

Here’s a quick look at the cardigan in question. This image appeared on the blog several years ago and you can see the shape of the cardigan as intended Adrift by Carol Feller, the designer.

                      

I’ll report on the project when I have the other components of my button prepared and tested with the cardigan.

Thanks for calling in today.

Makeover Plans

Hi Everyone 

Sometimes, it’s important to recognise when a treasured knit isn’t working. The knit in question is my Linnea Tunic by Stella Ackroyd and I’m using Dovestone DK. I made this lovely garment last year and have tried many times to make it work for me. The completed sweater is beautiful, it’s a lovely colour and the yarn is wonderful. However, it doesn’t fit and it doesn’t suit my body shape. The garment is much too long and big all over. Generally, my skills re knitting the correct fit, have let me down. I’m drowned in the garment and I feel lost, when a I wear it. I’ve been up and down about this decision but in the end, I need to pull the whole thing out and start again. 

                        

I have the beginnings of a plan. I’d like a cropped cardigan, possibly with some element of lacework ? I’m not sure,  exactly ! First, I’d like to undo the sweater and rewash the yarn and while I’m doing this, I’ll do lots of research re cardigan designs.

There are so many fantastic options out there that keeping stuff in my wardrobe that I know I’m not going to wear is not acceptable. The yarn deserves better, as does my wardrobe. I’m quite excited about the idea of starting something new with this yarn and am going to make this project a priority. I’ll share my ideas as soon as I have some decisions.

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

New Making Workshop Project

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new Making Workshop Project today. This is a return to sewing and construction skills (in the Workshop) and we are making a Notions Pouch. The pouch is a lined and zipped bag and has lots of possibilities re extra design features. We will make a simple version in our workshop but the construction process could offer lots of different decorated bags. In my sample, I chose to use two bright coloured fabrics and a 20cms zip.

             

We don’t have sewing machines in the workshop so all our stitching will be done by hand. There’s not so much stitching in my sample and I made the pouch in an hour or so. The way in which the bag is constructed allows all the stitches to be hidden inside the bad, giving a very professional finish. If a sewing is used, the bag is a very quick make. 

The size of the bag is totally dependent on the length of the zip and any size is possible, however, we will offer two sized. The finished size of my sample is approximately 20x14cms. 

I’m also going to make a 10cm zip version bag as an option in the Workshop. I’m thinking of reversing the fabrics, the spot fabric on the outside and the flowers as a lining for the smaller bag. I’m also going to make a few mini charms (as per our last workshop )to add to the zip.

Sewing Inspiration

Hi Everyone 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been obsessed with making a shirt Dress. This idea seems to creep into my thoughts most days. I have lots of fabric in my stash and need to narrow down ideas, for how my dress should look. I can’t find a pattern for the perfect shape. There are lots of dress patterns that come close to my perfect shirt dress but not the one ! I’ve spent lots of time looking for dress patterns and there are many patterns out there. I’d like a soft, brushed cotton fabric, I don’t have this kind of fabric but I have lots of other stuff.

               

I’ve put together a little photo story, to help me decide which specific dress shape I like. In the four options above, I like all the dresses. However, each dress has design issues. The dress which comes closer to my perfect look is the Alder Dress. I particularly like the bodice and the skirt but I’d like sleeves. The Blaire dress bodice and grown on sleeve is great too but I’d like a gathered or pleated skirt and longer sleeves. The Flip Collar Shirt Dress has similar issues but I do love the top of the bodice. The Reeta dress has most of the design points I’m looking for but the sleeves need to be longer and I’m not totally convinced by the way the gathered waist is achieved. 

I think, at this stage, I’ll probably end up going for the Blaire Dress pattern and hacking it to include longer sleeves and a gathered skirt. I do like the Alder Dress. I think, eventually, I’ll make an Alder Dress, just as it it. But for this project, the Blair pattern has it (with all the changes I’ve highlighted). I’m going to keep thinking about this until I’m happy with my decision.

Thanks for calling in. There will be more news on this one. I’ll share when I’ve made my decid

Bye for today.

Polymer Clay Jewels

Today, I’m sharing progress on a mini project from last week. It’s a necklace. My necklace has been inspired by a piece I’ve seen a similar necklace in the clothing chain, Sea Salt. The Sea Salt version is made using painted, wooden beads with a cotton cord. My version is made up from polymer clay and leather thong.

I’ve started to finish the beads by rounding the threading holes with a bead reamer. I need to highlight the surface pattern with a very small amount of acrylic paint. I’ll then sand any imperfections and polish the beads.

                      

I’ve chosen to use a 2mm green leather cord for the stringing material. I feel the leather will add a contrasting green colour as well as give the beads a firm but slightly flexible shape. I’ll use several beads to finish the ends, at the end of the necklace. I may glue the beads in place or possible use a simple knit at the end ? I’ll wait and see how the design works out.

I’m hoping the subtle surface pattern will add interest to the beads. The surface pattern is a very simple series of narrow lines. Each bead is unique and hopefully the collective series will make my necklace an interesting piece.

                        

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back in a few days, sharing my finished piece.

Leather Bag Update

Hi Everyone 

Today, I have a little news re the leather bag project featured last week on the blog. I’ve been spending time researching the job and decided to acquire some very basic tools. The tools have arrived. I’ve not tackled leather projects before and feel I’d like to make a good job of the bag. There’s not too much leather material, so don’t have the luxury of making mistakes. I’m hoping, if I do lots of research and preparation, I’ll make a good job of the project.

I have an idea of a small, chunky style handbag. I’ve created a Pinterest Board and found a couple of bag shapes which appeal to me. I’m planning to use the chosen shapes to work up a pattern and think through a construction approach.

                    

I especially like the bag (bottom right) as an initial style and shape. This bag is made from a textile rather than my leather material but I think the shape could work with the leather. My leather is very soft and pliable, to fabric like.  The only issue (wishful thinking at this stage !) seems to be the size of my leather pieces and I’m not sure I have enough ? I also like the shape of the other bag in my photo story (top right). I think, I may find the top bag construction will need less fabric than the bottom bag, so a combination of the two styles will hopefully work for me.
My next job is to make a pattern and test it out. I’ll make a paper bag first and check out the size as well as the shape. I’m hoping to create a bag which I can use and which will last, so it’s important to research more leather skills. I’ll report back when I have my paper prototype.

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Jewels

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a few new polymer clay experiments today. All the components in my little photo story will find themselves as part of a new Collection of earrings. Each component needs to be cleaned up and polished, so lots more work needed. Several components will also have a thin layer of acrylic paint, simply to give a stain rather than cover the clay.

           

I’ve got a reasonable idea of how I will aim to construct the earrings but at this stage anything could happen, changes are possible !! 

I’m using sterling silver wire to make all the findings and will make whatever seems to work for each design. I love the colours of the beads, the Teal blue is just my sort of thing but I’m also very keen on the Mustard colour. I spent quite some time blending clay to get exactly the right sort of Mustard.

Thanks for calling in today. That’s it for another week. Have a great weekend, I’ll be back on Monday with more projects.

The Making of A Patch

Hi Everyone 

I’m giving a quick update on the patch progress linked to my recently developed project bags. There’s been a little bit of a delay ! I’ve had lots of distractions, some legitimate and some not ! Just to recap, I’ve been developing many project bags to try and organise current/ongoing Making projects and have decided to make specific patches to identify each bag. Take a look at the original post  here.

               

I  do have lots of existing project bags but they are full of unfinished projects, the idea is to gradually complete each project within a managed schedule of work. Fingers crossed that I can stick to this plan.

I love hand stitching. I’ve missed the little hand stitching embroidery sessions (a regular afternoon 30 min session) I worked on, earlier this Summer. My plan, a couple of weeks ago, was to re introduce these sessions but other things have got in the way. However, today’s the day - I’ll be starting again this afternoon.

My current patch (above) is underway. I’ve worked the Friday word and I should be able to complete my patch in a couple of afternoons. Famous, last words ! I usually find lots of inspiration while stitching, there’s lots of time to think and inevitably, the design gets more complicated and I end up extending the job. This is OK with me. If ideas present themselves, I’ll go with it !

When I do eventually finish, I think, I’m going to hem the patch and stitch it onto my bag using a sewing machine. I want the projects bags plus label patch to be robust and I think, the machined patch is the way to go and will look OK with my bag design.

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Clay Charm Kits

Hi Everyone 

I’m making some new polymer clay charms today. I’m using my own charms for knit markers and need more. I love the little cakes and pastry charms but am also keen on little cup and mugs. 

               

I need to develop a range of charm kits for a recent order so will use the opportunity to make myself a new batch along with some samples for the kits. The mugs can be a little more challenging to make and have not appeared in the kits to date but hopefully with a bit of work, I can come up with good diagrams to help Makers (outside the Workshops and by themselves) to make great mugs, cups and saucers.

I’m also keen to develop some polymer ice cream cones for my own stitch markers so will also work on that idea too. I’ll share my results in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Pincushion Underway

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing progress on my bobbin pincushion project. I have been trying to source a new bobbin for the job (read back here for the original project idea) and have commissioned a perfect size bobbin. The bobbin has been made and I’m in the process of deciding on my fabric and the decoration idea for the centre section of the bobbin.

                   

The inspiration bobbin (bottom right image) has a lovely natural, woven piece of fabric with embroidered mini bunting. I quite like that idea but will try out a few different ideas before deciding on the final design. I have lots of different fabrics in my stash which will be perfect for the pincushion element, Again, I’ll test out a few options before deciding. My bobbin is a much lighter coloured wood and I originally thought about adding a stain of some sort. However, I think, I’ll go with the lighter wood colour for the moment, although, I’m keen to distress the surface in some way. At the moment, the new bobbin has a rather high shine look, not quite what I’m after !

My next job is to create a pincushion of the right size with a very neat flat bottom which can be fixed to the bobbin. There are a few challenges ! I’ll share my progress as I go. More news in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Making (more) Bags

Hi Everyone 

I’m introducing yet another bag Make today. This time it’s to be made from leather. Making anything from leather is new to me, so lots of research needed. I’ve long been thinking about making a leather bag but have struggled to acquire the right kind of leather material for the job. However, after a unplanned visit to one of our (almost) local fabric shops, the leather pieces presented themselves. I needed to buy them. I love the dark red colour and am quite excited about this one.

                  

I’m not 100% sure how this one will progress ? I need to research basic leather sewing techniques and associated tools. I feel, there’s a need to take this one very slowly. The leather is very soft and luxurious in feel and I don’t want to ‘mess up’. I don’t have too much material, only three smallish squares so the finished bag will need to be quite small. I have a vague idea about a square shape for my bag with a short handle but that’s as far as it goes at the moment.

I’ll spend a few days researching and making plans. I’ll share my findings next week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Project

Hi Everyone 

I’ve started planning a few ideas for forthcoming sewing projects. This is the first one in the queue. 

              

I’ve chosen a very simple jersey top, the Hemlock Tee by Grainline Studio. The jersey (bottom right image) is a narrow strip in two shades of blue. I’ve not made a jersey tee in a long time. I don’t have an overlocker machine at the moment but am quite keen to acquire one. Perhaps, I can add an overlocker to my Christmas wish list ! My machine approach is to use the zigzag stitch. In addition, I’ve sourced an Even Feed Presser Foot  to help with machining the jersey fabric. The idea is to feed both layers (top and bottom) rather than dragging the fabric. The Presser Foot has teeth which grip  and walk the fabric through the sewing process. It’s not arrived yet but I’m hoping the postman will bring it tomorrow.

The pattern can be found here, it’s a free download from Grainline Studio. There’s also a brilliant tutorial in the same link with tips and techniques. The pattern is a pdf download and I’ve already cut it out and sellotaped the bits. So, I’m ready to go as soon as my new foot arrives. This sewing project is very simple, only five bits of fabric. I’m not going to hurry through the project but it should be an easy make.

I’ll take some photos of my process and share developments.

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

The Repurposed Collection

Hi Everyone 

Following on from yesterday’s chat, I’ve managed to come up with a few ideas for my new jewellery Collection ‘to be’. Read back yesterday for the back story on this project. My ideas came quite quickly. I’m not entirely sure if they will all work as I imagine but I will process my plans and see how they look. Here’s a quick look at my sketch book :

             

Generally, I’m adding findings to feature and present the polymer beads (yesterday’s blog has photos of the beads). The issue for most of the designs is how to attach the metal to the clay ? Previous experiences have taught me that joining clay and metal can be tricky. So, with that in mind, I’m trying to think about design solutions which are secure (where the two materials meet). Mostly, I need to drill holes and attach some kind of embedded jump rings. I’m hoping the beads are up to the job ! All the beads are very old and as such (potentially) liable to split, when I drill. All but one bead has not been cured and I’m considering part curing all the remaining beads, to give the beads some kind of stability.

If the beads deteriorate or become damaged, I’ll remake them. I’d like to test out my designs and the process will help me check if they are viable. My sketches are very brief but enough for me to use them as a plan (see above). Hopefully, I can work thought the ideas as they appear in my notes. I’ll take lots of photos and makes notes during the process to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Clay Jewellery

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing an idea for using a repurposed range of bead components today. These beads have been waiting for my attention for a very long time. They have been living in a pre cured bead box for over a year ! 

My plans involve spending some time considering how the beads will be developed and to add silver findings. I think, at the moment, I will have four pairs of earrings and four necklaces at the end of the exercise but anything could happen. 

                   

I’d like to do something a little different with the components. This means adding interesting chains or ways of presenting the beads on earring hooks or studs. I’ll make the findings from Sterling Silver and am excited to work on some new designs. I’m not sure what I’ll do, I need to do some research and find a look which appeals. I may need to develop extra beads or consider different ways of using these pieces ? I’d like to open up my mind to creative thoughts !

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll hope to share my sketches tomorrow.

La Patisserie Project

Hi Everyone 

Today, is a Making Workshop. The first workshop of our new season. This time we are making little polymer charms. The idea is to develop small cupcakes or other patisserie style pastries using polymer clay. I was initially inspired by some of the tiny house cakes (top left image) in my photo story for this project. As I started moulding the clay, I moved into other cakes and pastries and extended the range to include Eclairs, Vanilla Slices, Macaroons and more. 

                  

The finished charms can be attached with jump rings to anything (eg bracelet or necklace etc) but our aim today will be the make stitch markers or key ring charms. I personally use these little charms with all my knitting/crochet projects. The charms give me lots of pleasure each time I reach into my notions pouch and wonder which cake will appear. 

Making the cupcakes can be tricky because the different elements of the cakes are so small but re creating cream and coloured fruit, sprinkles etc is lots of fun. I’m hoping to make myself some new stitch markers in the workshop today. I’m not sure what exactly will turn out ? I’ll take a few images from our workshop and share the results over the next few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Bright Sweater Update

Hi Everyone 

Knitting The Bright Sweater has been challenging. I’ve restarted this beautiful sweater pattern several times and have made major changes along the way. However, given all that, I’m still very keen to keep going and make a good job. I’m not sure, with hindsight, why the project has taken so much extra work but I’ve definitely learned from the experience. Each time I’ve restarted, I wonder why I’ve made the initial mistakes ?

Last week, I reported, I was nearing the end of the body. As I was knitting, I had a sense that the body looked too big. I thought the length and the width felt it wouldn’t fit me. Having tried on the part made sweater, sure enough, it was way too long and a little wide. After, consideration, a large portion of the body needed to come out. Part of my problem with this decision was that the bottom of the body has lots of short row shaping and it seemed most of the shaping would be lost. As it’s turned out, I have retained some of the shaping, without taking too much of the knitting away. I’m back onto the long rib (30 rows) knitting and about a third of the way and all seems well.

          

Initially, I was a little unsure about the very long rib section of the body. I had some idea that the rib would nip in the waist, I don’t like the  fitted to the waist look in my sweaters. However, I think the rib will be fine and will be a great design feature. 

I’m looking forward to knitting the arms. See the patterned shoulder section of the arms (top left photo image). The design is very pretty and will be amazing, working all the way down the arm. The pattern looks complicated but it’s not difficult to knit. I think, I’d like to knit the arms with an extra few centimetres - to lie just beyond the wrist.

My last issue with the sweater is a major one. Part of the initial neck shaping involves a series of short rows, at the back of the neck. I’ve managed to create the shaping in the wrong place. The longer section is now on the side of the sweater (above a shoulder). This is a big issue. I can’t wear the sweater the way it is. My plan is to take the top section of the neck back from the upper yolk area (above the pattern). I will cut into the knitting and knit the pattern backwards to the top. I’m writing out the instructions in reverse. Fingers crossed, I can manage to solve the problem. I’m hopeful.

It’s going to be another week or so before I need to tackle the top but I’ll be sharing the process as a I go.

Thanks for calling in today.