Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost finished my latest garment project, the Carbeth Cardigan. This has been a great knit, quite a quick result too. I’m not into quick knitting, generally. I find putting a deadline on a knitting project especially a quick one, is super stressful and completely contradicts my relationship with knitting. Knitting for me is relaxing and something I tend to do in the evenings, as a treat each day. It’s about time for winding down and enjoying the feel of the activity. Having said that, the Carbeth has knitted up very quickly and almost (surprisingly) magical. The sleeves did give me some grief- I needed to add quite a bit extra as per the measurements on the pattern re the underarm to wrist measurement. With hindsight, I was a bit out, re my understanding of where I should measure from ? I wasn’t fully aware of the exact finished shape of the cardigan and how it fits ie to the armpit point. I read as many Ravelry reviews as possible on the subject and there were mixed messages. However, All is well, but I could have left a few centimetres off the sleeves.

                 

The cardigan is slightly big for me. The length is good, I was able to measure exactly where the cardigan would end (the pattern is a bottom up design). The body could be a little smaller but it will be fine. If, I knitted a second Carbeth, I would go down a size. There’s a strong possibility.

The pattern works beautifully, the shaping from the yolk is very satisfying, as is the collar and button bands. I did enjoy this project.

When it came to buttons, I knew I wanted some special buttons. I’ve ended up, making some lovely flower shaped buttons and I’m happy with how they have turned out. I made the buttons from polymer clay. I didn’t have the specific colour in my stash. I spent lots of time mixing clay to get to the right shades. The grey colour is very much a blue/grey and has several tones of blue. Hopefully, the buttons will work well with my knit. I’ve polished the buttons to a soft sheen and they are waiting to be attached.

I need to sew in all the ends and block the cardigan as well as add my buttons. All very pleasing news.

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

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I’m celebrating three new pairs of socks today. 

                

A couple of the sock designs are by Helen Stewart, the Red Robin Sock Design (top right)was part of Helen’s Handmade Sock Society (December 2018) and the Fragments (top left) appeared in a Laine Magazine Issue 4. Both patterns are lovely to knit and produce interesting and perfect socks for me. I love Helen Stewart’s designs. The final sock (bottom left) is one of my own designs. It’s a simple toe up sock design with an afterthought heel and three simple welted rows in the centre of the three contrast colour bands. All the socks have been waiting a couple of months to be completely finished. I forgot about the fact that they were waiting for their ends to be sewn in ! 

I’m very pleased to add these socks to my sock box. I can spend some time looking for my next sock project, later today. All my current sock projects are complete ! I’ll share my decision when I’ve chosen the design.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Plan

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been thinking about my next sewing project for a few days now. I think, I’ve come up with a plan ? - it’s a Dungaree Dress (view c2) from the Roberts Collection by Marilla Walker. This is a relaxed fit dress with slim shoulder straps, front pockets and side popper fastenings. I’ve had the pattern in my library for some time and it’s something I think will be a good addition to my wardrobe. 

                       

I love the style of the dress but have struggled with what fabric I need. It’s taken a few days of thinking about my options to finally come up with the idea of a stretch denim in my stash. I’m trying very hard not to buy any more fabric until I’ve used some of the stuff I have, I do have lots of fabric ! I think the denim will work well and is a brilliant fabric for wearing with lots of different clothing. The stretch element makes for a comfortable fit and I’m already looking forward to wearing my dress.
I’ll share my progress with the project. Hopefully, I can cut out the pieces (8 in total) later today. My habit is to cut out one day and sew the next. However, I will need to break down the sewing tasks to fit them into my week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Latest LB

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my latest LB Pullover make today. I wore my top yesterday for the first time, it’s a lovely print and so easy to wear. The colours are bright and such a vibrant combination of colours - inducing happy thoughts ! 

                       

I’ve followed the pattern as written and it fits well. This pattern is produced by a company called Paper Theory, I’m a huge fan. This fabric is a medium weight cotton with no stretch. I’m continually amazed how the design works with both stretch and woven fabrics. I have five of these tops in very different fabrics and each looks quite different.
I made the top in a couple of hours and used my overlocker for the majority of the construction, the bottom hem and hem of sleeves have been finished with a double top stitch.

After wearing my top all day, I have had thoughts of adding a turn over cuff and possibly an extended, deeper hem. However, I’ve slept on the idea and I’m not totally sure. My thought was to give the sleeves a bit more of a tailored look and as a consequence the hem would also need to be deeper and have a little more weight to provide balance to the design. I’ll keep thinking today and make my decision tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Carbeth Cardigan

Hi Everyone 

I’m updating progress on my latest knit project, the Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies. I can’t quite remember when I started this project ? - probably about two weeks ago in knitting time; although I think , I cast on a week or so before. This project replaced an idea for another cardigan read about it here . Generally, this (new knit) has been a quick knit. I’m using a chunky roving yarn (from West Yorkshire Spinners) called RE:TREAT.

                     

Ive really enjoyed how the yolk part of the cardigan comes together and can’t wait to wear my cardigan. I love how the decreases on the yolk shape the top of the cardigan. It’s a very neat and attractive technique. I was doing amazingly well yesterday when I noticed a bit of an anomaly. The right side button band is slightly longer, than the left. It’s not a big difference but I’m not happy with it, so I’ll redo the bands. Unfortunately, this means I need to undo the neck band too !

In addition, I will need some buttons for my cardigan. I hadn’t considered the buttons but I think, I’d like to make some from polymer clay. I have an idea of using a flower shape mould. I will try and make some time later today for a few experiments.

There’s the re do of the bands, the neckband and an icord button hole to tackle next. I will also need to close up the underarm gaps and sew in the yarn ends. I’m quite optimistic, I will be able to wear my cardigan by the end of the week.

I’ll share the finished item when it’s ready.

Thanks for calling in today.

Last word on PJ’s

Hi Everyone 

I’ve finished my pyjamas and I love them. The fit is brilliant and the finish is good. However, I can’t quite stop fiddling and have been thinking about a simple bow and a button for the centre front of the top.

                 

All the little finishing features of the Make have been completed (other than the bow/button thing) and it’s fair to say, I have been challenged to get the quality finish I like. The seams and all the frill attachments are perfect and the only thing I would like to add is a mustard coloured bow. A simple 5mm mustard ribbon. I can’t seem to find such a thing, in exactly the right colour. I will keep looking but for now, I think, I’m going for either a small button and a fabric (stitched) bow. I have a range of small buttons in my stash and have narrowed them down to a pink or a blue. I’ll sleep on it but I think, I like the pink. The pink adds a bit of contrast and stands out against the patterned fabric.

I’ve enjoyed making this little sleep outfit this week and although there have been frustrating elements, I’m very pleased with the outcome.

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

Pyjama Progress

Hi Everyone 

If you called in yesterday, you will know all about the trials of the pyjama making Project. I had a much better day yesterday with this Make. I think, my head was in the right place. Perhaps, with hindsight, I should have changed the project and worked on something else the day before. Read back yesterday for more on that ! I think, I just had a bad day.

On a positive note, I have completed the top (other than a possible top stitch around the neck and armholes). The bottoms need the waist elastic to be fitted as well as the hem on the legs. 

                  

I do love the outcome of this project. I wasn’t convinced the day before. Having completed the ruffle work on the top, I think, I’ve probably (eventually) done just as the pattern suggests - it’s not that clear from the instructions ! The eyelet lace embellishment (talked about yesterday)sits around the neck and on top of the top stitch detail (mentioned above). I quite like the simple, uncluttered neckline the way it is ? - I have eyelet lace coming so I will consider the finish when it arrives but I’m almost convinced to leave it plain.

There are one or two lovely features of the pattern which I’m especially pleased with. Under the arms, where the ruffle meets, there is a lovely rounded edge on each side. It just makes the top lovely. I also like the pleated front detail, it’s a very simple way of introducing shape and allowing the top to have  structure. Also, the bias binding around the ruffle is lovely. The finish on the inside of the top is beautiful and could be worn inside out. I especially get pleasure from beautifully finished garments and this technique is especially pleasing.

                

Having had serious doubts, this pattern has turned out great. I’m totally convinced about the shape of the top. It’s flattering and feels lovely when worn. I’m already thinking about more fabric for a nightdress version. 

The pattern (on the envelope) is graded as easy, I’m not convinced about that !  I’ve been sewing for a long time and to get a good finish with neat seams and ruffles I found quite a challenge. It would be very easy to mess up and spoil the finish on the top. However, having done it once, I will be forewarned about the tricky bits. My plan is to complete the bottoms today and look for some pretty fabric for the next job.

Thanks for calling in today.

PJ’s to be

Hi Everyone 

I’m a bit late posting today ! I had planned to get up and get straight into my pj making. See my PJ plan here. However, I’ve been distracted by watching one of my favourite YouTubers (Rachel from Stitched Up). She has just made a few lovely T shirts for a pattern designed by Named. I love their stuff and Rachel’s T shirt was something (I knew) would be great in my wardrobe for warmer days or for layering. So, I had to download the pattern and put it together - hence forgetting/delaying everything else ! I will get back to the T shirt later in the week.

Anyway, back to the PJ project. I spent lots of time yesterday, messing around with my sewing. Generally, it’s a straightforward make. Amazingly, I managed to mess up some little pleats on the front. In theory, a very simple start to the make. One of the pleats was wider than the others and instead of taking time to check, I altered one and the rest were out. After re doing the whole thing, the pleats were in the place they needed to be. 

I also decided to use French seams because that’s what quality night wear needs ! (little voice from my Tailor grandmother in my head). That went well. I’d read through the pattern to check this would work and it did.

My next issue was a gathered, ruffle neckline. The idea in the pattern is to add the ruffle to stand up from the neckline behind an eyelet lace band, threaded with ribbon. My first problem was not having picked this up from the pattern ! I didn’t have eyelet lace. I spent ages looking for it and also trying to find very narrow ribbon (correct colour) to thread through. Having wasted most of the morning, I looked again and thought I wasn’t that keen on the eyelet lace with threaded ribbon - why did I think I would be ?  I quite liked the eyelet lace look but not the ribbon. My fabric is quite traditional/pretty nightwear and the lace adds to this look. So plan B. I’ve ordered some eyelet lace and will either thread with self made ribbon (from the main fabric) or leave as lace without threading. I decided this embellishment could be added at the end so no problem there.

             

My next issue was about the gathering process for the ruffle. Initially, I did a hand gathered job and thought it looked unprofessional so pulled it all out (good hours work) and used the machine to gather. The gathers are lovely. Very pleased with that bit. The PJ top looks pretty and fits beautifully but "........... I’m still unsure about how to finish off the gathered ruffle. The pattern incorporates this eyelet lace element and uses bias binding. I’m at the stage where I need to decide. I had decided to make my own bias binding, so will do that next. The armholes also use the same finishing technique so whatever my decision is, it will serve both neckline and armhole.

I’ll share the final stage of my adventure tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Lingerie Making Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing the latest lingerie making developments. If you call in on a regular basis, you will know I’ve started my second bra. There are four different designs in the Evie de la Lune Collection - all are very similar but use slightly different cup shapes. I had cut out and sewn all the fabric pieces but needed to add the elastic elements. I’ve now added the bottom picot elastic which incorporates the beginnings of the straps. It’s going well and I’m much more confident about sewing with elastic as well as understanding how to get a good finish with my stitching. All the sewing in a bra is on show, so it’s quite important to be precise about measurements as well as accurate about stitch lines. It’s all going well. The next stage is adding fold over elastic to the top line of the bra. Wish me luck.

                

I also have a completed piece of lingerie, the Binky Panties. The pattern came at the same time as my original kit, although it is a completely different pattern. I’ve used the kit fabric (printed scuba) and some stretch lace from my stash. The kit didn’t incorporate enough elastic in a pink colour for my panties. They are a good fit and Im very pleased with them. I used the overlocker to stitch the sides, I also top stitched the overlocked seam ; mainly to keep the seam flat. Adding a top stitch to the seam gives the panties a luxurious touch. I’ll be making more in a different fabric. I like the scuba but I’d also like to try a bamboo jersey fabric. I think a lighter, more drapey fabric would work well.

That’s it for today. I’ll be back to tomorrow with more news about my pyjamas to be !

Me Made Mini Gifts

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a lovely simple mini sewing project today. These little needle books took around 10 mins to make but are lovely for anyone who sews. I made the first needle book (bottom image in my photo story) from a lovely scrap of oil cloth with a bumble bee cotton lining as a gift for a new sewer. I was so impressed with the needle book, I decided I needed one for myself. These little tools are brilliant and such a pleasure to use. They are pretty and incredibly useful.

                     

I’ve used a piece of felt in the centre for the needles with a tiny pocket in the back for a needle threader (you can just see the stitching on the back of the Bee sample, right hand page). I don’t use a needle threader so haven’t added this feature to my Book.

My little needle book sits perfectly in a small notions bag which I use for sewing and is giving me more pleasure than I can convey (perhaps I need to get out more !). I’ve already decided everything in my sewing stash needs a dedicated bag of some sort !

It’s school half term holidays this week and Im hoping to take things easy. I’m having a week off work so I’ll be doing lots of sewing. I’ll take you with me and record any progress.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with sewing news, I hope.

Just One More

Hi Everyone 

Having said (only to myself) that I would move on from the LB Pullover and try new patterns for my next top, however, I’ve got a plan for another !

                

I love this pattern, it’s a very easy make and such a great fit for me. The fabric is something I picked up yesterday while shopping for some sewing thread. Somehow, this fabric just spoke to me and that was that ! This time my LB will be a light weight blouse type item.

 I have considered making a simple round neck version of the pattern with a ribbed cuff - I’m still slightly unsure about the detail at this point.  I’ve also thought about adding a buttoned cuff with the Cowl neck ? - so many decisions ! I’m hoping I can cut out the fabric later today and sew up over the weekend, so I’ll need to make my decisions.

I’m very happy about the range of colours in this fabric. The red and mustard colours are a perfect match for the two cord skirts I’ve recently made. The blouse idea will be a great layering piece and very different from my other LB’s. 

There will be a small piece of fabric leftover from my pullover, there was a little leftover on the fabric roll and the guy in the shop just added it to my order (for the same price) and I’m thinking about making a new zip bag with it. I always need more zip bags for knitting projects and I think there will be enough fabric to make a reasonable sized bag. I may need to find some extra lining ?

Thanks for calling in today.

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

Sewing Pyjamas

Hi Everyone 

Way back in August 2017, I started thinking (seriously) about making a handmade wardrobe and declared I would be starting with a pyjama set. You can read about it here.

It’s only taken me 18 months or so to practically get around to making the pyjamas ! I have made lots of other things but the pyjamas have not materialised until now.

                                   

Last night, I prepared the pattern and cut out the pyjamas, top A and trousers F. What a great feeling ! Somehow, this project has been sitting in the back of my mind and bothering me ! I’m underway and should have some time to start sewing up the pyjamas today.

The fabric is lovely and I’m quite excited about wearing my new pyjamas. If I like the results, I’ll make a few more pieces from the pattern. I especially like the short nightie in the centre (c). I’ll share the project as it develops.

Thanks for calling in today

Lingerie Developments

Hi Everyone 

Exciting developments on the lingerie front. Last week, I mentioned starting my second handmade bra. Sadly, I’ve not had much time to work on the project. However, last night I managed to reboot and I’m back on track. I’ve added a pair of knickers to the project forming a little lingerie set. I’m planning to make both the bra and knickers at the same time. If you follow me regularly, you will know I received the lingerie kit as a Christmas gift. I have lots of fabric in the kit but needed extra notions (elastic etc). I’ve ordered the extra notions and I’m ready to go. I also need a particular type of stretchy lace to complete my knickers. I’ve ordered the lace, it should arrive in a few days.

                    

I’ve chosen a very simple version of the knickers to start, style 1 in the pattern (see top left image in my photo). All the designs are similar, so having made one design the others will follow (I hope ? ). The only difference in the styles is the addition of various lace elements. I’m using the same scuba fabric as I’ve used with the bra making, so I’ll end up with a beautiful lingerie set.

Hopefully, I can give this project some time today. I’ve realised how enjoyable I find these little projects. I feel such a sense of achievement when I can wear the items.

Thanks for calling in today.

The 5-in-1 Skirt

Hi Everyone 

Following on from yesterday’s chat, Ive spent a little time,  reworking my cord skirt. Read back yesterday for more details. I didn’t have time to complete the whole skirt but it’s almost there ! I need to add a hook and eye to the top of zip. I also need to hand stitch the waist facing around the zip, and the hem, of course.

                     

Generally, I’m very pleased with my remake. The skirt fits well and is positioned as a low slung waist - not sure if that’s a thing ? However, it’s good for me. I’ve changed the 5-in-1 skirt pattern in lots of ways. All of the pattern pieces have been resized but I’ve kept the general shape of each piece. The original pattern used darts on the front piece and I’ve changed this to form a couple of stitched down pleats. I’ve also added two back pockets (jeans style) and all of the seams have been top stitched with a twin needle.The back of the skirt has 4 panels which help give a contoured shape, it’s a very clever way of fitting the garment; giving the skirt has a degree of ease, which I like.

I’m hoping to find a little more time, today, to complete the extra hand stitching on the waist and finish the hem. Changing the skirt design was the right decision, hopefully my skirt will be ready to wear in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Start Again !

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a bit of a disappointment today. I had completed a cord skirt last week (read the details of the first attempt here) and having spent so much time pondering the button holes (several days thinking), I was slightly upset about having to undo the whole thing. I spent another few days wondering what I could do with the skirt ? The main issue was the waistline. I have quite a short body and all skirts with a high waist position tend not to work for me. The skirt (dimensions) fitted me perfectly but I didn’t like the look or feel of the fit. I knew, I wouldn’t wear the skirt, so there was no option other than to rework it.

                      

I searched through my pattern collection for something suitable and eventually came across a pattern called the 5-in-1- skirt. This pattern was a free pattern which came with my latest Love Sewing Magazine. Unfortunately, the pattern is sized 16-24 which is too bit for me. However, I managed to redraft version E and have a reasonable fit. I was restricted by the amount of fabric in the first skirt and didn’t have (and couldn’t get) any more. I liked all the design versions in the pattern but I didn’t have enough fabric for any version other than E. I’ve cut out all the pieces and sewn the body of the skirt (5 pieces) together. There’s a zip in the back and a waistband to attach. In addition, I’ve created a couple of pockets to work on the back, a little like a jeans style pocket. I also want to add some top stitching to each of the back seams.

There has been lots of size fitting issues, I wanted to skirt to lie low, just above my hip line and the skirt is designed with a high waist. The back of the skirt has 4 panels which give the skirt a pencil skirt appearance. I didn’t want a tight fit, so have quite a bit of ease in the fitting. I also needed to considerably change the length of two darts on the front panel to give me a suitable fit.  Generally, I love the new shape - much better for me. I can see myself wearing this version and am enjoying the remake. Hopefully, I can make a little time later to move on my project, later today.  I’ll share any progress tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Re Think

Hi Everyone 

After a couple of months of trying to make a knitting project work, I’ve finally decided to re think my plan. The original idea was to adapt and knit a cropped cardigan. You can see the cardigan plan in question here. I messed around for ages with several attempts to make the project work. I was using different yarn (from the pattern) and as a result there were lots of numbers which were very different. I managed the numbers well and completely re wrote the pattern. Having completed the back of the cardigan, I eventually decided, I didn’t care for the fabric. So, I needed a Plan B.

I’ve decided to rip out the knit and start again. This time Ive gone for a Kate Davies pattern, the Carbeth Cardigan. I’ve swatched and started knitting.

                        

I know I’ve made the right decision. I love the fabric already. The cardigan is a bottom up construction and is knitting up quite quickly. I’m using West Yorkshire Spinners RE : TREAT yarn in a lovely grey colour. 

I’m confident about this pattern and I’ve never been disappointed with a Kate Davies knit. So all is well. I’ll share my progress over the next few weeks.

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

Ultimate Trousers

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing yet another new sewing project today. I mentioned this make here a few weeks ago and it’s taken me all this time to get my photos ready for sharing. This time, the project is a pair of trousers using the Sew OVer  It : Ultimate Trousers Pattern. You will also notice another LB Pullover in grey cotton. This is my third (and I’m not done yet !).

           

          

The trousers are made from a polyester crepe in a black and white stripe. The fabric was something which arrived as part of a budget batch purchase. The point of my purchase was another fabric altogether and bought for a specific project (yet to be started). I didn’t know the black and white fabric was coming and when I saw it, I didn’t think I could use it ? However, the more I looked at it, the more I liked the fabric and knew exactly what I wanted to make.

Im thrilled with the trousers. They fit well, I needed to do a pattern adjustment as I’m in between sizes. The waist is one size and the hips almost another. However, this was straightforward, so no problems there. I don’t like very tight, fitted clothing and the great advantage of making a garment is the fact that I can have something which fits but still has the amount of ease that I like. The fabric also has a little bit of stretch.

I wore the trousers yesterday and they are super comfortable. The trousers are fitted with darts and an invisible zip, no waistband. I love this pattern.  Waistbands are not my thing and these trousers are perfect. I’ve chosen to make the trousers cropped, just above the ankle. I did have concerns about what footwear would work with my trousers but I’ve  tried ankle boots and heels and I’m happy with both.

I will definitely be making more of these trousers. I can definitely see a denim pair and a few cotton pairs for Summer.

Thanks for calling in today.

Messing around with clay

Hi Everyone 

I had a lovely couple of hours, yesterday, playing with polymer clay. It’s quite some time since I made the time to play with clay. Here are a few images of the results.

                

I was (partly) preparing beads for a little bracelet project. Check out the project details here. The beads on the top left photo are now ready for making the bracelet.

However, I also managed to distract myself and developed some more beads with new (to me) lovely colour combinations. I especially like the bead, bottom left, with a Baby Blue outer layer. I love the combination of the blue  with green and yellow. I have a bit of an obsession with yellow/mustard at the moment. I’m not totally sure about what I will do with my new beads yet ? I think, I’m going for a simple elastic bracelet. I would like the beads to be central to any bracelet and free from the need for a clasp and complicated threading. I’d like the bead colours to ‘shine’.

I’ve also had some thoughts about using my new beads as inspiration for dying a skein of yarn. I would love to knit a simple sweater using the colours of my new favourite bead (bottom left image in my photo story). It’s not on my to do list but I think it will be added today ! I’ll keep you posted of any developments.

Thanks for calling in today.

Lingerie Sewing

Hi Everyone 

My lingerie sewing moves on to my next bra. This is the second bra in my lingerie making list. Read back here for details of the first Make. My lingerie kit has a pattern with four different bra options, I started with number 3 and my new design is number 1 and a much more simple design. I wonder why I started at number 3 ? I have lots of the kit fabric - a patterned scuba, so the new version is quite similar in appearance. 

I’ve sewn and lined the main parts of the bra and it’s time to add the various different elastic trims. 

               

I’m using a single colour for all the elastic parts of the bra (my first bra used a mixture of coloured elastics) and I’m hoping I can improve on my sewing this time. My first bra is OK but I think, I’ve learned lots about how to attach elastic and this time the stitching will be ‘spot on’.
I’ve also slightly changed the profile of the bra cups. Bra number 1 was a little too big at the underarm sides and a little short at the front. Hopefully, my adjustments will give me a better fit. I can wear the first bra but it’s not a perfect fit. This time, I think the fit will be better.
The design for bra no.2 is simple and I like that. I’m much more confident about the construction and I completed the first part in about 20 mins. The first bra took me about a week !

Thanks for calling in today.

Button Hole Dilemma

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing the results of my mustard pleated cord skirt today. The main part of the skirt has been completed for a week or so but I’ve had a huge dilemma with the waistband closure plan. The skirt is simple in construction and relies on some kind of hook or button closure on each side of the skirt waistband. A pocket is formed on each side, when the skirt is closed. It’s a great design idea. 

However, I couldn’t decide on the best way to close my skirt. Initial attempts to form button holes caused a few problems. I was struggling to get the waistband under the foot of my sewing machine and as a result, the actual stitches looked very messy. I also tested a hook and bar clasp but it didn’t quite give the fit I wanted.

I practiced lots of button holes on scrap fabric, quite a few on the machine and several by hand. Eventually, I went for the machine approach.

                   

I used a contrasting thread with my practice holes to highlight where the problems occurred. Most of the issues were caused by needing to go through at least four layers of quite thick fabric. I was also very apprehensive about the button hole placement. If I didn’t get the button holes exactly in the right place, my skirt waistband would not fit and the pockets wouldn’t lie in the right place. The whole skirt design depends, totally, on the precision of the button position ! 

                 
Finally, after lots of procrastination, the button holes are done and the buttons are stitched in place. The skirt is now complete. I’ll share a few additional photos tomorrow showing more details of the completed item.

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

Petite Pegs and Teeny Beanie

Hi Everyone 

I managed to finish my baby gift sewing from yesterday. The pattern, from Patterns for Pirates, was a dream to use. The instructions are simple but good and everything about the process is delightful. Making such tiny garments is very quick and because the construction is simple, the whole thing came together in an hour or so.

              

Initially, my plan was to make one set of trousers and a hat, for some reason, I had cut out part of a second hat ?  I think, I’d mistaken a pattern piece for part of the single Knotted hat design. My first plan was the Knotted hat but I’d also cut part of the Bear Ears hat. I simply had to complete the Bear Ears and now I’m thinking, I need another pair of Pegs ! I do have a need for second baby gift soon, so that makes sense. The fabric is lovely and soft and the final garments are very cute. I particularly enjoyed making my gifts. I would highly recommend the patterns and the idea for any baby gift.

One tiny issue to report - a problem with my Overlocker machine ! I think, it was a problem (initially) from a broken thread and the tension of that  thread. I re threaded the thread in question, several times. Then, each of the threads, one by one. Each time, I assumed I’d threaded it correctly. However, I managed to waste about an hour messing around. In the end, I started from scratch, re-threaded the whole machine and all was well.

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