Harrogate Chat : Episode 5

Hi Everyone 

It’s the last chat about Harrogate today. I’ve been re living my visit (daily) to the Harrogate Knit and Stitch Show which happened last week - read back each day for more little stories about my Day. Today, I’m sharing fabric acquisitions. I didn’t go mad about acquisitions generally and I didn’t see huge amounts of fabric that I couldn’t get online or from my local fabric supplier. 

However, I did see the lovely fine corduroy in my photo story. This cord was on my look out for list. It was almost the last stand we visited and I had thought that I wouldn’t find any cord in a bright red. I bought this fabric from Bombay Stores and it was very reasonable price, amazingly good value. They has lots of very good deals. Contradicting myself, I could have bought lots of fabric from this stand but settled on the red cord and a couple of metres of fine cotton. I’ll feature the cotton next week and share an idea about what I want to make with it. Getting back to the cord, I want to make a skirt from the red fabric. I have a grey skirt (top right image) and would like to reproduce this unusual design. I bought the grey skirt but it’s a very simple design. The skirt has an ingenious stretch jersey waistband. The waistband is a simple fold over construction and is quite deep, almost from the natural waist to the hip line. This allows the skirt waistband to stretch over the head for ‘putting on’ but fit snuggly around the body when the jersey returns to its cut size. This stretch waistband can also allow the skirt to be slightly shorter or longer depending on where I place the band.

                      

The skirt design features a series of flat front/back pleats and a dramatic dipped hem. I like the dipped hem, so it will probably stay. The red jersey for the waistband was something I already had in my stash. I’d like to add some ‘in seam’ pockets to the red version, the grey skirt does not have pockets, a major omission !

My next move is to draft a pattern. This will be a simple job but I’m  keen to get the proportions right so will take my time. Hopefully, I will have my new skirt next week.

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

Harrogate Chat : Episode 4

Hi Everyone 

I’ve another little bit of news from Harrogate today. Read back a few days for more on the back story to Harrogate. This time, my chat is all about the purchase of a sewing pattern. Looking back, I think, this was probably the highlight of my Harrogate day. I didn’t plan to purchase this pattern and didn’t really think the design would suit me, prior to my visit. The pattern in question is The Madeline Robertson Jumpsuit and Dress from The Maker’s Atelier.

I’d seen this pattern in various publications, I have a couple of The Makers Atelier magazines, one of which details the story behind the pattern. This pattern has been designed by a student in an initiative called the Design Studio Project and commissioned by The Makers Atelier. The idea is to encourage fashion students and graduates to engage with the making process, focusing on the home dressmaker rather than the fashion industry. This means that the construction of the garments must be possible using a basic home sewing machine.

                       

Getting back to the Harrogate visit, I was very excited to see The Makers Atelier stand at the Event. Generally, I love all the garments in their Collections. I’ve often drooled over their designs. On the stand, at the Harrogate Show, I saw made up samples of all the pattern designs. What a treat. Every single garment is beautiful, the minimal lines of the design are complimented beautifully by exquisite fabric choices. I loved them all. 

I also had an opportunity to talk to the designer, Francis Tobin. Amongst general chat, we discussed the dress version of the Madeline Robertson pattern ( see my photo story image) and I noted that there was a second dress (almost identical) with a more fitted, set in sleeve. It turns out, the dress is a different pattern but looked very similar to me. I was quite keen, at this point, to acquire the pattern. However, I have a small, short upper body. My legs are relatively long but I often struggle with the waistline of garments being too long. I’m sort of a standard size but my proportions don’t always work. This second pattern (with the set in sleeves) is called The Relaxed Gather Dress and was the focus of my attention. I thought this would be more suited to my body shape. 

Francis, suggested I try on the Madeline Robertson dress, over my clothes (there was no changing facilities). She felt, the design would work for me. I tried on the dress, made from a beautiful silk fabric and it looked amazing. The fit was snug (over my clothes) but my initial reservations about the design on my body was immediately reversed. I loved it. My initial question mark was to do with the sleeves and how they would lie. I felt my short body would be swamped by the excess fabric at the place where I needed some definition ie around my waist. Everyone (the whole stand !) agreed how well the design suited my shape. I had to agree. Francis, then encouraged me to try on the jumpsuit. Again, I wondered if it would fit over my rather bulky jeans ? However, no problem and it looked and felt amazing. I loved the design. The jumpsuit looked better than the dress !

I would never have chosen this pattern, above lots of the other patterns in the Collection. Check the photo on the front of the pattern envelope (see my photo story) showing Madeline modelling her jumpsuit. She looks great but having tried on the jumpsuit (over my clothes) the fit was more defined on me and I like that. I prefer this fit. Both the garments I tried, were beautifully made and the fabric choices- exquisite. The jumpsuit sample was made up in a bright red crepe with a lovely drape and certainly makes an impact. I was totally convinced and bought the pattern.

At home and searching through my stash, amazingly, I found some dark green poly crepe. Perfect for the jumpsuit. I’m hoping there’s enough! My plan is to make up a wearable toile in the jumpsuit design with the green crepe and then acquire some red crepe (after refining the fit) and make another.

I really enjoyed visiting The Makers Atelier stand and loved my chat with Francis, definitely one of the highlights of the trip. I will remember this experience for a long time.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with my final chat from Harrogate.

Harrogate Chat : Episode 3

Hi Everyone 

Today’s chat is the third episode remembering my Harrogate trip, last Friday (read about the it  here). I’m focusing on some lovely examples of what I’m calling textile Art. The Harrogate event highlighted lots of examples of textile Art from many different sources. However, the one that stands out for me is a series of artists working in a ‘pop up’ studio at The Event. I had a lovely time chatting with the artists and being inspired by their work. The artists in question are Amanda Hislop (here), Alison Hulme (here) and Jenny O’Leary (here). All the artists were working on landscapes using various paper, paint and printing medium with hand/machine stitching. My lasting impression was muted colours on wide landscapes with beautiful paper and very fine sheer fabrics. Take a look at some of their work for inspiration. I find the best way to see examples of their work is to go to Pinterest and type in each name. There’s loads of lovely examples.

                     

I love this sort of thing and am planning some similar experiments using my Gelli plates alongside freemotion embroidery. I’ve worked on textile Art many times over the years and find I need to spend time, every now and again, immersing myself in this sort of thing. Mixed media stuff is the way I’m going.

My photo story shows a few bits of work involving my own experiments over the last few years. I’ve developed a whole series of embroidered work this year (see the images in my photo story) and Gelli Plate printing is an absolute favourite. However, the simplicity and mark making of the worked examples I saw at Harrogate has given me new inspiration. I’m hoping to create something which I can use as surface pattern designs for fabric. I’d like to make a garment, probably a tunic or dress, in my design. All this new work will need to wait a while as I’ve got lots of stuff pending !

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

Harrogate Chat : Episode 2

Hi Everyone 

If you called in yesterday, you will know all about my trip to Harrogate, last Friday. Having set the scene, I’m planning to reveal a highlight from my little adventure, each day this week. 

Today, I’m sharing a purchase. The purchase is a vintage sewing pattern, a coat. I’m very excited about this pattern. I’m not usually, a huge fan of the vintage look - as such ! I love the glamorous style and images on others but I’ve always thought, it’s not for me. Having given some thought as to why it’s not for me; I think, it’s to do with the tight bodice look. I don’t care for tight clothing and especially a very close fitting waistline. I think, I’ve decided, I like the vintage style if there’s an option to introduce a generous amount of positive ease. I often like a dress or top to have a slightly oversized look.

However, I’m drawn to vintage sewing patterns and every time I see such patterns I’m quite keen to check them out. Getting back to Harrogate, I came across a little shop selling all things vintage re the sewing world. Lots of buttons, books, patterns as well as paraphernalia to do with sewing/knitting/crochet. The shop had a couple of boxes of old patterns. As I flicked through the patterns, one pattern in particular stood out and I found myself exclaiming ‘wow’ - quite loudly ! (almost attracting a crowd). I kept flicking through the patterns and came back several times to The Pattern. For some reason, I needed to buy it. The pattern wasn’t very expensive but there was no guarantee that all the bits were there. I asked to vendors if the pattern had been checked and NO it hadn’t been checked ! They suggested, I go for a coffee and take the pattern out and check myself ! Not quite that easy at a very busy event. However, I bought it anyway.

                           

Having got home, the pattern was unpacked and all the bits are present. Unfortunately, the previous owner had left metal pins in the pattern, it looks as if pins have been used to shorten the coat length and left in the tissue. Having done a bit of research, the pattern dates from the 1950s and is quite a valuable item (if it wasn’t damaged). Similar patterns of the era are selling for about £20/£30.
I’ve removed the pins, see my photo story, and will need to reproduce the individual tissue pattern pieces. I’m happy to do this. I’d like to make my first version of the coat in a modern waxed cotton fabric, perhaps a mustard or burnt orange colour. The pattern suggests the size is 12 to 16. I’m not sure how that works ? There’s no pattern markings, so I will need to do lots of measuring and preparation. Vintage patterns are notorious for being on the small side !

I love this coat pattern, the instructions are limited but adequate, I think, at this stage. Perhaps, I will think differently when I try to construct my coat. The pattern was my first purchase at The Event and will be a lovely reminder of my day, when I’m making my coat. I have high hopes for the finished garment.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another little story about my Grand Day Out.

A Grand Day Out

Hi Everyone 

I’d like to share a few highlights from a little adventure. Last Friday, I went along to the Harrogate Knitting and Stitch Show with my husband for a Grand Day Out. This Show is a four day event held a couple of times each year. I’ve not been to this particular event before, although I’ve been to the Exhibition Centre many times. The venue is a couple of hours drive away from our home, so it was quite a long drive on Friday morning.

I have been quite excited about this trip and did lots of ‘thinking planning’ about how I wanted the day to pan out. I had a list of things to check out, mainly to do with planned/potential sewing projects. The Show is about knitting as well as sewing but I didn’t focus on knitting as such. My knitting inspiration will come from another trip in March, to the Edinburgh Yarn Festival.

The Harrogate Show venue is a series of very large halls with many different vendors as well as lots of mini exhibitions of work, workshops and catering options. It’s quite overwhelming. On entering the building, there was an enormous display of TOFT crochet animals, stunning and very impressive. After a good look around the first hall, it seemed to be lunchtime and we found ourselves next to the amazing Royal Hall, see bottom left image in my photo story. 

                 

The Royal Hall is a stunning Edwardian theatre, built in 1903 by Frank Matcham as a multi-purpose entertainment space for the rich and famous visitors to Harrogate’s spa. The building, actually part of the Exhibition Centre is stunning. The breathtaking interior design is reminiscent of a great ballroom from imperial Europe combined with the architecture of an old style British theatre and almost a thousand seats. We sat in the seats you can see in my photo story and it was magical. The hall has richly detailed architecture, a stage and little side boxes  with a table and a couple of chairs (no spaces for us in the side boxes). Lunch was simple takeaway sandwiches, cakes and coffee but the atmosphere in the theatre was amazing. I had no idea about this part of the Exhibition Centre, so such a lovely surprise. 

Over the next few days, having set the scene, I will take you through more highlights from the trip as well as observations about the event.

Thanks for calling in today. Come back tomorrow for the next instalment.

New Knitting Plans

Hi Everyone 

I’m introducing a brand new knitting project. This is an idea I’ve been thinking about for quite some time. My new project is a cardigan called Jess by Kim Hargreaves. My idea has been inspired by flicking through a very old knitting booklet produced by Rowan in 2002. The book is all about Rowan Big Wool but I’m using West Yorkshire Spinners, Chunky Roving RE:TREAT. I’m hoping, I can achieve gauge.

                          

I’ve some recent experience, knitting with the RE:TREAT yarn and I think, I can make the pattern work. I quite like the fitted, chunky fit in the photo. This is not usually my thing ie fitted knitted garments, however, I’m making an exception with this one. I think, the project will be a quick knit. However, I’m not especially eager to finish the project quickly and will make sure I do lots of needle size experiments. I’ll share more details plans, when I have them.

Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making chat.

Thanks for calling in today.

Solution Found

Hi Everyone 

I’m in the final stages of completing my latest sewing Make, the Gertrude Top. I introduced this Make a few blogs ago check it out here and talked about the decisions I needed to make re the sleeves and the main hem. I wanted to try a Blind Hem technique using both the overlocker as well as my standard sewing machine. Having tested the process with a specific Blind Hem foot (on my standard machine) I’ve decided NOT  to go with this solution. You can see the stitches (in pink - top photo story) which would not be a problem if I used white thread. However, the technique seems to produce a definite mock seam. I tested the same technique using my overlocker, with a similar result. The Blind Hem finish using the overlocker is very neat and perfectly acceptable, other than producing this mock seam. I particularly don’t want a seam at the cuff for this project- so the Blind Hem has been rejected.

                            

I don’t have a photo of the overlocker mock seam but it’s similar to having an actual separate attached cuff. For some projects, this would be great but for The Gertrude, it’s not quite right. The image above (bottom right) shares the results of using the Stretch Seam function on my basic sewing machine. Again, it’s a bit messy for me, stitches look like they are set at the wrong tension every ‘now and again’. This technique has also be rejected.

My favoured solution is to be a twin needle on a standard sewing machine with a Walking Foot attachment. I feel this gives a professional finish which looks attractive on both sides of the garment. 

                          

I’ve tested the approach and am quite pleased with the results. The Gertrude Top has 3/4 sleeves, all ready and waiting to be top stitched with the twin needle finish and the Hem is also prepped. I’ve gone with a slightly dipped Hem and a 2cm turning both at the sleeve and the bottom. All hems are tacked in place and ready to go. The Walking Foot is necessary, without the Walking Foot my fabric was distorted and does not produce a straight stitch finish. You would not believe my next hurdle ! No white thread !! Unbelievable. I have a whole box of coloured threads but NO white.The twin needle, obviously, needs two bobbins of thread to provide the stitch and I have only one white thread bobbin and a very small amount of thread on that one bobbin ! So, how frustrating. I’ll be acquiring white thread later today and all will be well.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Felted Bird Update

Hi Everyone 

 I introduced the Felt Bird Project a few blogs ago and have reached the next stage of developments. This little bird will form the basis of a Making Workshop and hopefully end up on Christmas Tress, as a decoration. The Christmas word has crept in again and it’s not December yet, apologies. Sadly, the project is all about Christmas preparations, so I can’t avoid using it !  However, I’m loving my little birds and will go on to make a few more. 

My bird sample for today, has all the extras ! - legs, hanging wire, a stick and a tiny crown.

                

                         

The images on the right half of my photo story show the bird with the hanging wire. The left hand images feature a set of feet. I like both version and think each version has a particular place in my own festive decorations.

I especially like the elaborate feathers and the little crown, shaped with fine antique bronze wire. The hanging wire uses the same wire and simply passes through the neck part of the bird. I created a short bar with fixed rings at the end and attached a second, curled/shaped wire for the hanging part. This construction allows the bird to rock (back and forth) and move freely which is charming. The second option is to make a set of feet, as per the images on the  left side of my photo story. The feet are shaped from 1.5mm copper and support the bird with a frame around the belly section of the bird. A third option is to add the bird to a thin, covered skewer (just visible in the bottom right image, used as a hanging point). I see this option sitting in a vase or similar container.

Generally, this is a lovely project. It’s very simple and quite a quick Make. All the little details are fun to develop and different colours, embellishments and shapes are possible. I need to make a few more birds.  I think, having a Collection of birds together will make a great impact.

Thanks for calling in today.

Cover Story

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing another new sewing project plan today. This time it’s a couple of covers for my sewing machines. If you called in yestday, you will know I’ve just bought a new overlock machine, I also have a standard sewing machine which I’ve had for a very long time. My standard machine has a cover but it’s a bit utility like and I’m after something a little more attractive. My overlocker also has a cover but it’s quite a flimsy item, which feels it could tear at any moment ! 

To my delight, I came across a pattern produced by Closet Case Patterns while reading their blog. Even better, the pattern is free ! I don’t desperately need a pattern as such, I could easily develop a pattern using both of the covers as a template but it’s rather nice to have something to use as a guide. I’m quite excited by this project but it will have to wait a little while. The pattern is a digital download and our printer has decided to die. So, I’m waiting for a new printer to arrive before I can make my pattern.

             

I’ve been checking my fabric stash and have found some lovely bright, thin striped (yellow/green) lightweight upholstery fabric which will be perfect. I want to relocate the machines to a shelf (on view) near our dining table and like the idea of a splash of colour for the room.

If you are interested in getting the pattern or want to read about the project, check out here.

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

Overlocker News

Hi Everyone 

Very exciting news today. I’ve been experimenting with my new overlocker machine (see here for more on the machine). My new machine arrived last week and initially, I had a day of (slight) panic ! I don’t want to exaggerate the point but for some reason, I couldn’t seem to thread and balance the tension. However, a YouTube session later and ‘all is well’ ! 

Last week, I mentioned a new Pumpkin Dress pattern (see the link above for details) was to be my first Overlock machine Make. For obvious reasons, I decided I needed a very simple Make for my first garment. The solution seemed to be to develop a pattern ! Not sure how these things happen. Life could be so much easier. However, after drafting my pattern and deciding on the fabric, everything worked out. Amazingly, I was able to overlock all the seams and my pattern was quite good (as a first draft). The fabric is a Navy/white stripe and a quite drapey, fine jersey.

                 

                       

The pattern will be called Gertrude, a suggestion from my husband ! Having made the prototype Gertrude Top, I think, I will alter the neckline slightly. The roll neck element is OK with the original cut but I’d like to make a second/third Gertrude with a slash neckline and scoop neckline. I feel the original neckline (as per the photo) could be improved (slightly) and would be better with a very slight dip at the throat point. The roll neck is able to successfully disguise the small fold at the bottom of the neck seam. The top is very wide and drapes beautifully.

I’ve overlocked all the seams and the sleeve/bottom edge of the top. I’m not sure about the length of the sleeves. I think, I need a 3/4 sleeve to compliment the wide cut of the top. I like the length but will also add an option to give a raised front and possibly a split seam on each side. I have lots of  suitable fabric so will make a second and third Gertrude. I’ll need to spend some time re drafting the pattern for the different versions and will make up detailed notes and an envelope for the pattern.

In addition, I want to test out more techniques for finishing the sleeve and bottom hems. I’ll share the technique experiments I’ve tried so far and show the results along with my final decisions for finishing over the next few days. I need the inside to be as neat as the outside, so the construction approach is very important to me.

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

Little Zip Bags

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing another little Notions bag sample today. Maybe it could be another workshop project with a kit ? This is very cute and deceptively simple to make. The construction is slightly different from the bag we made a few days ago (at another workshop). You can check out the details here. This time, I made the bags on my sewing machine but the design can easily be made by hand in a single session (couple of hours).

                  

The zip of the new bag has a quirky diagonal corner position and is lined as the previous bag design. I’m already planning a larger bag for my next Make. 

I’m over run with bags. At every turn, I can see the need for a new bag !!
Here’s a quick look at some of the original bags, made by our lovely Making group during the workshop (earlier this week).

                                

Well done to everyone. 

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

Thanks for calling in today.

Felted Birds

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been working on a new Making Project- this time its a felted bird. I don’t want to talk about Christmas just yet (not before Dec. 1st) however, there’s festive theme involved. I’ve concentrated on a Robin but I’d also like to develop the idea and make something a little more exotic too. I started with a simple paper drawing which has turned into a template. I used the template to provide my Robin shape.

The Project will form the basis of a new Making Workshop so needs to be organised for a single session. I think, I’ve got the basic construction approach organised. I used a commercially produced felt fabric to make the shape the bird. A Dry felting technique is then used to add fibres to the bird with separate felted wings. I’ve also added a couple of beads to the bird (for eyes) and used some fancy feathers for the tail.

                

All the bits and pieces need to be secured in place and there will be an option to create the bird on a long stick or hang the bird on an ornate wire. I’ve yet to test out the wire option ! The bird is working progress and the detail will determine how the final ornament turns out. The idea is to make a kit available, in due course. One of our lovely Making Workshop teachers will also develop a similar bird and Im looking forward to seeing her version. Hopefully, together, we can produce a lovely thing ! I’ll share our final design in a week or so.

Thanks for calling in today.

Breaking News

Hi Everyone 

Very exiting news for today, an Overlocker Machine is arriving. This will be my first overlocker/serger. I’ve been using my trusty old sewing machine for years and have been talking about an overlocker for about the same time. My old machine has zig zag plus stretch stitch options and has been great. But I want to make lots more knitted garments and like the finishing techniques offered by an overlocker. So, the time has come to invest in an overlocker. I’ve done quite a bit of research and asked lots of people about which model to go for. Eventually, I decided to go for a fairly low cost option. At one point, I did consider an expensive Baby Overlock model with air threading etc but ultimately (after lots of online chats) decided to go for a Brother machine, see my photo story for the model. 

              

My first Make will be the Pumpkin Dress. I talked about this project a few weeks ago but didn’t have all the fabric I needed (check out my original post here ). I’ve had a rethink about my fabric and have found some new  Jersey fabric, in my stash. I hope to make all the versions in the pattern, eventually. I have lots of suitable fabric for most of the options in the Pumpkin pattern Collection, although, I do need to acquire some plain stretch fabric for the trims (neck,cuffs, hems and button bands). Most of my jersey/stretch fabrics are highly patterned/striped and need some suitable contrast options.

Am so looking forward to getting to grips with my machine. I’ll be sharing all the high and lows of the first weeks, here on the blog. 

Thanks for calling in today.

More Zip Pouch Plans

Hi Everyone 

I’m running a Zip Pouch/Notions Pouch Workshop today, very exciting ! These pouches have been very well received and Im hoping our Makers (from today’s workshop) will make up some lovely samples. I’ll take some photos and share over the next few days. Look back here and here for the back story on the Zip/Notions Pouch Project. The pouches for today are the medium size. I’ve made a smaller pouch already (see bottom left image below) and I’m about to make a large bag. The size of the pouch, in this project, is determined by the length of the zip. My large pouch uses a 30 cms. zip, so I will have a bag rather than a pouch.

             

I will use exactly the same basic construction technique for the larger size and my bag will be also be lined. However, the bag will have a definite base and as such will stand up. I will also introduce some little tabs/channels into the side seams of this design. I’m hoping to use the bag for a two strand yarn knitting project. I’m hoping my construction approach will allow me to use the bag to hold two strands of yarn, separating the strands and keeping them apart. My plan is to use a snap closure on the tabs, to place and remove the yarns from the tabs. I’ll feature my bag here on the blog, to share the detail of the design.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Miss Mitchell Knitted Collection.

Hi Everyone 

I introduced a little project, the fingerless mittens, last week and have worked on developing the pattern further. After finishing one of the mittens, I decided the gauge wasn’t quite right. My original fabric was much too dense and rather tight on my hand. I wanted the mittens to be used, regularly and comfort is import. 

                      

I’ve officially called the mittens, ‘Miss Mitchell’s Gardening Mittens’. This is a reference to my fictional Folk Art Doll, Arabella Mitchell. She is a piece of Art but inspired by a real person. The actual Miss Mitchell was a teacher at my sons First School and is a favourite character for me. She famously has a little red heart on her face and is known for giving out these little hearts, as a token of love. I’ve used the character in lots of little children’s stories as well as other art media samples. This time, with my mittens, I’ve used the hearts as embellishments. The hearts have been made from scratch using dry felting techniques. The hearts are stitched onto the mittens (from the back).

My mittens pattern is very simple and can’t really be called a pattern, it’s simply an oblong shaped piece of knitted fabric. A side seam, using Mattress Stitch, creates a mitten (leaving a gap for a thumb). However, the gauge and size can be slightly tricky (I needed two attempts with this sample) depending on the weight of the yarn. My second mitten design used a larger needle and I added a few more stitches. I also used a particular cast on and cast off technique to improve the fit.

I’m going to add a few more knitted items to make a little Miss Mitchell Collection. I will add a hat, a Buff and some Wellington Boot socks. When I get the whole Collection together, I’ll share the patterns here on my blog. Each item will use the same yarn (check out the label in my photo story above for details) and each will include a red heart reference, probably a mix of knitted hearts and felted hearts.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a little knitting News to chat about today. A number of recent projects need to be completed (as usual) ! Generally, I have ends to sew in - lots of socks and a few hats. When it’s all complete, I’ll do a big round up. Also hugely exciting  - I’ve finally sewn in lots and lots of ends in my Andrea Mowrey Cowl. It’s such a lovely knit. I dyed the yarn for this project, so - it’s a bit more special. I’ve yet to block the Cowl but can not resist wearing it today.

                    

You can read more about the Cowl story here (way back in August). The Cowl pattern is by Andrea Mowry and called The Shore Cowl. This cowl is a relatively simple knit but I chose to use a different weight of yarn (from the advised yarn) and I had a few gauge issues. My own dyed yarn  had a bit of a chequered history too. Read the link to get the whole picture. However, I’m thrilled with the outcome, I love the colours and the design is very pretty.

Moving on, my next little bit of knitting news is yet another pair of socks. I’m very busy with gift sock knitting (coming to an end) but the next idea for socks will be for me. I want to make a pair of Fragments Socks by Helen Stewart. This will be my second Fragments socks. I love this pattern and it’s a dream to knit. I’m having trouble deciding on which yarn to use ? I like the combination of all the yarns and will possibly make two pairs of socks rather than one. Here’s a quick look at my first Fragment knit :

                   

My chosen yarns (top photo story) involves three lovely combinations. I think, there will be an option for all three combined in the sock as well as a combination of the two plain yarns. I’ll go into more detail re the yarn when I’ve decided on the combinations.

Thanks for calling in today. 

Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making news.

Sewing Plans and other things !

Hi Everyone 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been starting lots of little projects and I’ve yet another one to share today. This project is a free download sewing pattern from The Avid Seamstress (take a look at their website for details). I’ve cut out and assembled the pattern. The pattern is a simple drop sleeved top with only four pieces. I have a few Avid Seamstress patterns and they are a great fit for me, I love their style.

                  

Having acquired the pattern, I briefly (so, I thought), started looking in my stash for a possible fabric. Huge problem! My crafting stash is enormous and totally disorganised. Trying to organise and store my stash, is an ongoing problem. I would love everything to have a specific and accessible place to live and I spend lots of time thinking about it. 

I didn’t know if I had any suitable fabric for my new pattern but thought I could have ? Several hours later, both my studio and my bedroom was in chaos. Eventually, I achieved some semblance of order with lots of semi organised bags - full of stuff. I came across a few pieces of fabric which may suit my project BUT the organisation of the whole stash has taken over !  I will need to spend more time today and probably most of next week, getting to grips with this problem. I’ve managed to create such a mess, that there’s no going back ! All the stuff will not fit into the space where it came from. Some of it, needs to go ! This is a good thing and it’s something I’ve been dodging for some time. Deep down, I knew, I needed to do something drastic. I couldn’t seem to face the inevitable and although I find this kind of task very difficult, it’s the best thing that could have happened. Just at the moment, it doesn’t feel like a good thing.

By the end of the exercise, I’m hoping, I will have some fabric for my drop sleeved top. I know, I’ll have a well organised studio and this will make me feel great. 

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Experiments

Hi Everyone 

Im sharing the results of a little knitting experiment I spent time with last week. The idea is very simple. I’ve made a rectangle of knitting using a 2x2 rib pattern. The idea is to develop a pair of fingerless mittens. I produced a little swatch and decided on the size and simply kept going until the fabric covered the length of my hand.

              

The yarn is a West Yorkshire Spinners - Chunky Roving : Re:Treat in a lovely blue colour. This yarn is lovely, very soft with a fuzzy halo. I love the ‘Denim Marl’ effect of the knitted fabric. I’ve chosen to use a size 4mm needle to give a tight fabric and the rib gives a great fit along the different contours of my hand. The mitten is knitted flat and I’ll simply, stitch along the length of the oblong shape, leaving a space for my thumb.

So far, I’ve  only produced one mitten to be but it's such a quick knit and I’m  sure I can finish the second pretty quickly. I’ll share the finished item sometime soon.

Thanks for calling in today.

Additional Fabric Required.

Hi Everyone 

I have a newish sewing project to share today. This dress pattern has been downloaded and ready to go for a few months but ........ I need some extra fabric to provide some contrast ‘pop’ to my plan. The pattern is the Pumpkin Dress by Cocowawa. I’m choosing to make the long sleeved, longer length version (see bottom left in the photo story). I don’t usually use downloaded patterns. I’ve deliberately avoided the download options for some time. I thought the whole process would be hugely problematic, the time, the number of printed pages (30 for the pattern and 30 for the instructions), the sticking together etc. However, I can genuinely say, I quite enjoyed this part of the preparation and am a convert. I also enjoyed making a special envelope for my pattern. I’m ready to go !

                

The pattern is written for stretch fabrics and I have a range of jersey fabric for my dress. At the moment, I’m going for the blue/navy stripe version but need to acquire some additional fabric for the edging sections. The dress pattern shows a button band, bottom band, cuff and neckband in a contrast colour and I’d like to use a contrast colour too. My problem is - which colour ? I keep thinking mustard or a bright green. I’ve also considered a patterned fabric. I’m hoping, I will know the right fabric when I see it. So, it’s all about looking.

One other little thing. I’m hoping to get an Overlocker machine as a Christmas gift and the question is, do I wait until at get The machine or do I go ahead using my old machine (limited to a zigzag stitch) ? I have enough of the main fabric to make a few versions of the dress so I may go ahead and make a dress using each machine ? This would allow me to create two very different versions.

Each day, I spend a little time looking for my contrast fabric online. I’ll keep going until I find the ONE. I could use the same fabric for the bands but somehow the contrast idea is more appealing to me. I’ll share the fabric choice(s) when I find it/them and may cut out the main fabric to get started !

Thanks for calling in today.

Holiday Knitting

Hi Everyone 

I’m back from our little holiday. We had a lovely week in Whitby (North Yorkshire). It’s not too far away from our home but it’s a very different sort of environment. I think, I’m feeling rested ? There was no consistent access to internet so uploading any photos didn’t happen. The area is quite remote, a wild and rugged sort of place on the north east coast of the UK. I enjoyed just being away and spending lots of time doing very little. We came back on Friday and it’s almost a distant memory, already ! Such as life.

Anyway, I feel as if I’ve had a little adventure, so all is well. Alongside walking, overeating and drinking lots of coffee, I spent time knitting socks. I’m generally, knitting gift socks at the moment, so - I need to keep a consistent output over the next few weeks. The latest pair of socks, has contrast rib, heel and toes with a single row stripe for the main part of the sock. I’m using a ‘new to me’ method of striping the yarn. It’s something I picked up from Grace O’Neil. She uses the technique to alternate hand dyed skeins but it’s perfect for my striping technique. It’s a simple idea but very effective. Take a look at her video (via the link).

                      

I’m using my Miss Mitchell Garden Sock pattern for these socks. The socks are quite large (man size feet). The stripe is made using WYS sock yarn in two shades of blue. I have lots of this yarn in my stash, in several different colour. The stripe is subtle but the heel, toes and rib (in the brighter blue) make the stripes pop. I’m happy with the result. I’ve a few more pairs of socks to make and I’m thinking of using the stripe techniques again, perhaps with a more obvious colour contrast, next time.

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