The Sock Saga continues.....

Hi Everyone 

I’ve another knitting sad moment to report. Having made good progress and upped my game re colourwork and socks, sadly it doesn’t fit ! My first version of the Molly sock (read about it here) caused a few problems but I thought , I’d sorted things out and made good progress. As you can see from my photo story - top image - I’d put a heel in and was quite a few rows into the foot of the sock. I decided to try on the sock and it was clear, the sock would not comfortably fit. I could get the sock on but the instep part of my foot caused lots of strain on the front (where the heel meets the top and bottom) and getting the sock on and off was difficult. So, it had to come out and I’ve started again, this is version 3. 

                      

Having realised the problem, I went for a walk to think through my next move. I did consider, only partially, frogging the sock - back to the point just before the heel but that didn’t quite work either ! 
It seems, my mistake was to come down a size from version 1. This sock (#1) did seem a bit big but clearly, I need the larger size when working in stranded colourwork. I’ve taken the sock out and have made around 3-4 rows.

 I think, I have a reasonable chance of success this time- only time will tell !

I’m treating the drama as practicing my skills. If everything works out, I’ll do a more detailed story of the changes I’ve made or are about to make, regarding the pattern. All is well at the moment.

Thanks for calling in today.

Shetland Wool Week Pattern for 2019

Hi Everyone 

I had a lovely morning on Saturday- a breakfast meet with my local knitting group, followed by a session- knitting the Shetland Wool Week Beanie Pattern for 2019. The pattern is called the Roadside Beanie by Oliver Henry. I’d had a preview of the Beanie at Edinburgh Yarn Festival in March but hadn’t really looked  at the pattern (in detail), so the pattern came as a bit of a surprise.

After a lovely breakfast, I was ready to knit. I was thrilled to find out, we needed 7 different colours of Jamieson & Smith yarn. So many lovely colours to choose from. The pattern does suggest several different colourway options but I needed to go for my own ! Not sure why ? but I felt the need to choose yellow/ citrus shades along with a few greys. I just stood at a wall of yarn (in my lovely local yarn shop - Fine Fettle Fibres) and simply chose the colours which spoke to me, then the next etc. In the end, I had my seven colours.

             

I’ve made reasonable progress and have used 6 colours, the final yarn is another shade of yellow. I love the combination and have decided to use these colours for a cardigan sometime soon.

Regarding the pattern, I’m not totally convinced about the sheep motif or the boat- I do acknowledge this is the back story to the pattern (apologies to Oliver Henry). If you would like a copy of the pattern you can find it here. You can read all about the story. I do love the ribbing and the crown pattern. For my Beanie, I will change the sheep for some regularly spaced lines and the boats will get a cross and/or gate shape.

I have quite a few other projects on the needles at the moment. I need to manage each one to make sure I work on them all. I’m hoping to knit a few lines of my hat each evening and will share progress here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Socks

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a little sock knitting update story today. I talked about the Molly sock a few days ago, you can read about it here. I had made a bit of a mess of the colourwork as well as completely ruined the short row Heel. The sock was frogged and I started again. This time, I’ve knitted the colourwork inside out and have had more success. I’ve done this before and suddenly decided this approach could help. It’s not brilliant but I think, it’s better ?

                   

I have a tendency to knit tightly (at all times) and I need to concentrate on finding a way of changing my technique. I’ve also decided to make a Heel with a flap this time instead of the short row Heel. Again, it’s my poor technique which lets me down with the short row style. I know, I can knit a very neat Heel with a flap. I’d like to eliminate any chance of a hole in the heel knitting and the Heel with a flap is, the one for me. I would like to conquer the short row Heel technique but not for this sock, there are too many other issues. Other than my poor technique, I love the Molly sock. The colours are subtle but very pretty and the colourwork pattern is quite striking. I’m back to where I was at the beginning of the week, so all is good !

My other sock on the needles is a new pair of Men’s socks. I’m using my own simple sock pattern, which I’ve called the pattern Miss Mitchell’s Garden Socks. This time, I’ve graded up the numbers and am using Tuku Wool in Color 162 which is lots thicker than my usual sock yarn. This yarn is a lovely rich Rust colour. I’ve been testing out gauge and I think, I’m there. I’ve gone up a few needle sizes from my usual 2.00/2.25mm to a 3mm and will see how we go. I will use these socks for general, communal knitting, no real thought needs to go into the pattern, just simple knitting. I’ll add an afterthought heel. I may add a lifeline strand (of yarn)where I want to place the heel, this makes life very easy when I need to add the heel later. I’ve started at the cuff so these socks will be a top down. I’m going to call this version of my pattern Mr Mitchell’s Garden Socks. My knitting size will fit a 9/10 UK size foot.

That’s about it for current sock knitting. 

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

Easter Eggs or Fabric ?

Hi Everyone 

I don’t really like chocolate - shock horror ! It’s fine in very small amounts, in a biscuit or cake but a Chocolate Easter Egg does nothing for me. So, instead, as an Easter Egg replacement,  I received a couple of pieces of beautiful fabric. Blue, of course.

               

I’ve been looking at this fabric for some time. It’s 100% cotton from Seasalt. My photo isn’t highlighting the colours but there are lots of different blues/greens, mainly blue, with a lighter (neutral)colour large check. The fabric is very pretty and destined to make a skirt. I’m planning to make the Saltmarsh skirt from Merchant&Mills. You can check out the design here. This design is one of the designs from the lovely Merchant&Mills Workbook.

 The skirt is a simple, long-line design (with side pockets) which is gently gathered into the waistline with a drawstring tie.  I hope to get all the pieces cut over the next few days and I’ll share the progress of the project here on the blog. I’m hoping this skirt will be a useful addition to my Summer wardrobe. I’m not usually a skirt person but this skirt seems just right for my new fabric and I’d like to plan a few more items around this skirt. I’ll be thinking more about this idea.

Thanks for calling in today.

Summer Top or Nightwear ?

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new (potential) Make today. This time it’s a Summer Top idea. 

Looking in my wardrobe, I’m missing tops (especially me Made) for warm weather. The last few days have been very warm, it’s probably all over (for now) but I’m sure we will get the good weather back and a few new tops would be good.

               

My plan is to use my recent Nightwear pattern for a top. The finished fit is especially good for me and in the right fabric, I think a little top would be lovely. I have some very pretty cotton batik picked out for the job. The fabric is generally blue with lots of splashes of bright colours. I only have one metre of this fabric, so am hoping I can get the front and back, cut out in the two standard pieces. My only concern is about the length. However, I’m considering piecing an extra add on hem, if it’s a bit short. This modification could improve the top and make it less like nightwear. 

I like the pleats (see my photo story,bottom right) on the front but may stitch them on top rather than inside. This will again, give the top an extra decorative feature. I will leave out bows and ribbon and may add a couple of tiny buttons on the front. I also like the small frills gathered around the neck and sleeves, so they will stay.

I think this top will work well with jeans and shorts. If successful, I have a number of other 1 metre pieces of fabric that could be Summer tops. I’m sure there are lots of opportunities to hack the pattern to give a few variations.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll share my top when complete.

Ursa Problems

Hi Everyone 

My Ursa sweater has been completed. However, all is not well ! I can wear my sweater but it’s not quite what I wanted. So, I’m afraid it’s got to come out. Here’s a quick look at the problem areas. See all the * points on my photo story.

              

The first and biggest problem point is where the arms meet the body. The photo doesn’t quite show the extent of the poor fit, there’s lots of extra fabric in the front and the back. I’m not absolutely certain why this has happened ?, although - I did need to knit far more rows before dividing for the arms (as per the pattern instructions). Alarm bells started at this point for me.

The second issue is the width of the upper arms. Again, I can wear the sweater but it’s not totally comfortable and the armhole shape seems narrow and too long. The bottom of the armhole is much too low. This distortion causes the extra fabric at the front and back to fold. Not a good fit.

The final issue is the length of the sweater -  it’s too long ! I would like the length to finish  where the rib pattern starts.

Having completed the sweater, there are lots of positives. I love the yarn, Baa Ram Ewe, Dovestone Aran (Colour 2). I love the pattern, Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak and the construction is very interesting, so it’s a great knit.

Generally, there are too many problems to keep the sweater the way it is. I know I won’t wear it, if it’s not exactly the right fit. So it’s back to the beginning. My plan is to go up a size and try to get a good fit for the arms, I think this is were the majority of the problems started. The length, is an easy one to deal with.

I’ll record progress as I go and share on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Socks

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my latest sock knitting project today. The Molly socks from the wonderful #tantulltussocks book by Anna Bergman. This is the first sock pattern from the book and I’ve had the sock on my needles for a few months. I’ve been distracted by several sweaters knits but they have been completed and now it’s time for these socks.

               

Sadly, the quality of my knitting was so bad - I’ve pulled the whole thing out and started again ! Drastic measures ! However, I know, I wouldn’t have worn the socks as they were -  so it’s for the best. I’m a very tight knitter and my colourwork was almost matted together, especially where I’d changed to a new needle. I’m using Magic Loop and the edges of the sock were not good. The yarn was pulled much too tightly, giving the impression of a seam. I had the idea of going up a needles size, so did just that. Unfortunately, the knitting was too slack for the beginning of the sock. I’ve gone back to my original size  needles and will try the next size up for the colourwork. 

Usually, I can stop this overtight knitting, once I’m aware of it. Not sure why it took me so long to decide it was too tight and consequently, no good ? I’m also not 100% sure about the Short Row Heel technique. I like a very neat join and at the moment, my technique is poor. You can just see this heel technique in my photostory. I will practice one more time (as per the pattern) but if I don’t get it next time, I’ll revert to my tried and tested Heel with a flap. Such as life !

 I’ll keep going with my plan of sizing up the needles, as I get to the colourwork and will share my thoughts when I’m  there, probably a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Polymer Necklace Project

Hi Everyone 

Just a little Making story update today, the Polymer Necklace Project is finally coming to an end. I seem to have been working on the project for quite some time ! Each of the pieces are now ready to get their final finish - the chain attachment. I’ve already added one of the chains (the green leaf necklace), this is a very quick process which should be completed in a few mins. per necklace.

                

I’ve been using the original Navy Flower necklace as a guide for the length of my chains. This first Flower version is one of my favourite necklaces pieces and I wear it whenever I can.

 I’m especially looking forward to wearing the scissors version, so I’ll complete this one next. I think, the Scissors Necklace will suit lots of casual outfits- my usual daily style !

Generally, it seems to have taken quite some time to make my necklace pieces, lots of shaping, sanding and glazing as well as several baking sessions. However, I’ve loved making the necklaces and will definitely be thinking about more ideas.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a lovely weekend.

 I’ll be back on Monday with more Making ideas and plans.

More Sewing Ideas

Hi Everyone 

I’m not quite finished my last sewing project, the Ogden Cami (check it out here). However, the Cami is a quick Make and I’m already preparing for the next one. This time it’s another top - there maybe another LB Pullover ! or I could change things, slightly, and go for The Boxy T-Shirt by The Makers Atelier. I can’t quite decide, although- I’m moving towards another LB but adding the very pretty ribbon trim of the Boxy T-Shirt. You can see the ribbon trim feature in my photo story (top left photo).

                     

My fabric is a drapey polyester silk in a lovely, bright blue. I don’t have any ribbon but I’m thinking whichever top I choose to make, I will definitely add the ribbon - so will need to acquire some ribbon (same colour). I’m tempted to go with the LB, I know the fit is perfect. However, I do like the cut of the T-shirt. Both pattern designs are very similar. The T-Shirt neckline does have a difference, no rib/neckband , this maybe the deciding factor for me ? I think, I’d like to go for 3/4 sleeves, as per my previous LB ? (here). I used an inverted pleat to get a drapey sleeve. Next time, whichever pattern I use, Im thinking just a shorter sleeve with the ribbon trim.

I’ll decide by the end of the day and let you know.

Thanks for calling in today.

Ursa Update

Hi Everyone 

Sadly, I didn’t manage to get any sewing done yesterday. All my plans changed and there was no time or energy left to complete my Ogden Cami (read back a few days to get the back story on this sewing project. However, I always make time for a little knitting at the end of my day, so I’m sharing progress with the Ursa sweater by Jacqueline Cieslak : 

              

I’m almost there ! Annoyingly, I have run out of yarn ! There’s only a very short way to the end of the second sleeve . I love the long sleeve so that’s it ,I need one more ball of yarn !! I love both the pattern and the yarn. This Ursa will not be the only one I knit. I’m already wondering what I can do with my leftover yarn. Could I, add more yarn to make a second Ursa in a new colour or adapt my pattern to a cardigan ?  I like the idea of the cardigan. I think, I need to overdye more yarn to give me a new colour - possibly a green ? I can include my leftover ball and create a new colour batch for a second Ursa. Sounds like a plan.

This sweater is a little longer than I expected. However, measurements from the pattern giving a 20.5cm from the underarm to hem, is spot on. I’m thinking , my next sweater could be a little shorter. The sweater only suggests 4 balls of yarn and I think, I could have made that work with a slightly shorter body. Having said that, I’m very happy with the fit - it’s roomy without being too big. I love a boxy look and this fits the bill, perfectly.

I’ll get some photos of me wearing my new Ursa when I’ve completed the sleeve.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Update

Hi Everyone 

Following on from yesterday’s sewing news, I’ve managed to build my pattern (from digital download), cut out my fabric and I’m ready for sewing. This is the Ogden Cami garment by True Bias. As I mentioned yesterday, this little top will complement the latest LB Pullover I made over the weekend. I’ve made a few changes to the sleeves of the LB. I wanted a 3/4 length and although, I did shorten the sleeves, they are not quite as short as I’d imagined. So, I’ve added an inverted pleat at the elbow point, this gives a permanent drapey fold, midway down the sleeve and is just what I was looking for. I’ll post a few images of this feature and the completed garment over the next few days.

Meanwhile, the Cami fabric has been prepared for sewing. I’ll, hopefully, get the top sewn up today.

                    

I used a rotary cutter and the trusted 2p pieces (as pattern weights) for cutting out. There are only five pieces for the pattern, so quite a quick job. The pink fabric is a lovely colour and surprisingly easy to sew. I had initially thought, I would have problems with the four way stretch and the slippery nature of the fabric but no problems at all ! 

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow to share my progress.

Sewing Project Update

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick note to update my current sewing Plans. I’ve almost completed my latest LB Pullover, as planned (look back to last weeks blog for the back story). The new LB is bright pink with a small contrast rib collar, 3/4 ribbed sleeves and a simple double stitched hem. The hem is yet to be completed but the Pullover is made. I love it. 

                 

I especially like the colour and the drapeyness of the fabric, so much so - I’ve decided to make an Ogden Cami by Truebias, using the same fabric. I’m hoping the two items will work well together. The Pullover is quite a short garment and I’ve shortened it very slightly from my previous LB’s. My thinking is to allow the Cami hem to end slightly below the LB, giving a layered look. As the fabric is fine and drapey, I’m hoping the cami will also act as a foundation slip garment. 

I like the way the lighter pink rib elements of the LB keep it a casual piece but the 3/4 sleeves add a little style. Generally, I’m pleased with the whole idea of this version. Amazingly, I still have new ideas for variations of the LB Pullover. I’m now working on an idea for a dress ! Watch this space.

Thanks for calling in today. 

LB Version 6

Hi Everyone 

I have another LB Pullover in the planning. I’ve actually prepared my fabric ie washed and ready for cutting ! This time it’s a bright pink stretch fabric. I’ve decided on 3/4 sleeves with a wide lighter pink rib and a narrow neckband.

              

This will be version 6 of my LB Collection. Making the pullover is a very quick job and I’m  hoping I can have it ready to wear by the end of the weekend. That’s about it for that news, I’ll hope to share my completed Pullover on Monday.

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

New on my needles

Hi Everyone 

I have a new knitting project to share today. I actually started it a few days ago but as per usual, I wasn’t 100% happy with the quality of my starting attempt. So, it came out. All is well and it’s back together, as seen in the photo.

                      

The Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak is a cropped sweater worked from the top down. The yarn is Dovestone chunky in shade 2. It’s beautiful yarn, there’s a slight variation in the fibres which give the yarn a bit of interest and it’s very soft. The yarn is from my local yarn shop Fine Fettle Fibres check it out here. Also make sure you check out Jacqueline Cieslak on Instagram . Jacqueline has a great handmade wardrobe style which I love.

Back to my sweater knit, there’s a couple of special techniques used at the beginning of the pattern and I found this tricky ! I’m not sure why ? - hindsight is a great thing. However, there’s plenty pattern support from Jacqueline on Instagram and on Ravelry, so all is well. I’m back on track and am ready to join in the round. 

I think the Ursa will be great for wearing over summer dresses early in the season as well as layering generally. A good excuse to start thinking about making summer dresses ! I think this will be a relatively quick knit and am super enthusiastic to knit more today. I have lots of tasks on my to do list but just know, I will be distracted by knitting. I am on holiday(again), so that’s OK !

Thanks for calling in today.

Next Sewing Projet

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost ready to start my next garment sewing project. This time it’s a pattern from the Breaking The Pattern book by Named. I love the designs in this book and could happily work through them all ! However, my starting Make will be the Ruska Tunic. I’m using a lightweight knit fabric in black with small cream coloured hearts. The fabric is rather sheer so I’m planning on lining it with another lightweight plain black knit fabric. I’ve been pondering this idea ie the lining for a few days and have finally decided to go for it. I’m still not 100% sure it’s the right thing to do but I’d like to try.

              

The tunic is very simple in design. There are only four pattern pieces. The tunic is long ( almost calf length) with a deep slit at the front and there’s three different sleeve length options. There’s also an option for the collar, a simple round band or a turtle collar. I’ve decided on a capped sleeve length (as per the photograph) and a turtle collar. This garment will be something to wear over trousers or perhaps a long flowing skirt. 

I tend not to wear much black but this fabric was a gift and I think it will work beautifully. I’d also like to make some wide black trousers to compliment the tunic (there’s another great trouser pattern in the book).

My plan for today is to produce the tunic pattern ready for cutting out tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

Necklaces ‘to be’

Hi Everyone 

As I mentioned yesterday, I had a plan to make a scissors necklace (check out yesterday’s post for details). Predictably, one little job turned into half a days experiments - such as life in my world ! I had a lovely time. Instead of one scissors necklace, I managed to produce five pieces. Each of my necklaces ‘to be’ will need more work. I’ve baked/cured the initial polymer clay shapes and constructed them into their intended final place (for now). Things could change. I’ve come up with two flower designs, a leaf combination, a bee and my scissors.

             

My next step is to sand and arrange each of the components again, and fix them onto their mount plates with liquid polymer. I’ll re bake the pieces and glaze, as a whole and finally add a chain. 

For some reason the initial scissors idea seems to have been relegated to the bottom of the pile. I didn’t give my scissors enough attention, so didn’t manage to add different colours to the piece. I do want to get to this idea, so will test out the idea after I’ve completed this batch of necklaces.

I’ll share the finished necklaces before the end of the week. Each necklace needs three layers of glaze and a day in between for drying, so it’s a bit of a drawn out affair and not that interesting to watch !

Thanks for calling in today.

Holiday Project Plan

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a little Making plan today. My aim is to make a new necklace (same style as this one.) I acquired a new cutting shape on my birthday (couple of weeks ago) and am keen to try it out. The shape is a pair of scissors. I’ll test out a few ideas, I’d like to develop a few different colours in the scissors necklace, I’m not sure exactly what will happen yet ? My previous necklace (linked above) has been particularly well worn. I love it. I’m hoping the new idea will be just as successful.

Here’s a quick look at the scissors shape and some of the clay I’ve initially chosen :

         

That’s as far as I’ve got with the plan. This should be a quick Make, so I’m hoping I can be wearing my new necklace in a day or so, if all goes to plan ?

This week is the start of the traditional Easter holiday break, I’m already stacked up with jobs but I’m hoping I can make time for this project today.
I’ll share developments and the outcome here on the blog tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knit News

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing the progress of my current (main) knitting project today, the St Catherine’s Cardigan by a Kate Davies. I’ve been knitting this garment for a few weeks and it’s going well. It’s quite a quick knit, I’ve been quite surprised at the progress I’ve made to date. Look back here for my introduction post on the St Catherine’s knit.

              

The pattern is split into various sections of the garment and each element adds shape to it. I’ve chosen to knit various bits out of sequence to try and get the right fit. At some points, I could not decide where the design was going eg getting the bottom length didn’t seem possible ? However, I had faith with Kate Davies and just went with it ! The sleeves also caused me to think ! I’ve decided to keep the sleeves ‘live’ until the end with an option to lengthen. I want to make sure the whole piece works with a longer sleeve. Kate’s version has cropped sleeves. You can just see the wool balls tucked into the sleeves in my photo (top image), ready to knit more rows if necessary. I’m knitting the neck section at the moment, then it’s the bottom band. I think, Im quite close to finishing. I love my cardigan already. I’m hoping to finish over the next week.

The only other thing on my needles is a pair of socks. I’ve not added much knitting to these socks for a few weeks. I’m hoping I can move them on next week and share the progress here.

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

Making Frame Purses

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a project, started earlier this week in one of our local Making Workshops. This project is all about creating printed fabric and making a frame purse from the fabric. I have a couple of samples, prepared specifically for the workshop but I’ve also started a purse for myself. I’m using some meMade fabric from an earlier workshop and have a grain of an idea to prepare some quilting for my purse. I like the idea of using the story within my printed fabric to inform how the quilting will develop. I’m going to use my sewing machine to quilt a series of lines around the images on my fabric. I may also introduce a few beads in strategic places ?

Here’s a quick look at the frame purse samples as well as the new purse ‘to be’:

                       

All the purses use a similar ‘sewn in’ frame but each has a different size and shape of the actual purse bit. My new purse fabric (bottom right) has lots of images around travel over/ in the sea. I’d like to reflect the sewing machine lines as wave like ripples. It’s a nice idea but probably quite difficult to achieve. I’m happy to develop something which is symbolic ! We will wait and see what happens, I’ll go with whatever looks good. I’ll share some details of the project as I work and the final purse over the next week or so.

Thanks for calling in today.

LB #5

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my latest LB Pullover - this is version #5 !

                  

My photo isn’t showing the real shape (I’m sitting down) as well as it could ! My fabric is quite a chunky jersey and it works really well, accentuating the square shape. I’ve cropped the length a little on this version, and have added a narrow rib cuff. The ribbing is a silver sparkly fabric. I’ve also chosen to make a narrow neckband rather than my usual roll neck. It’s a very cosy and easy to wear garment - just right for everyday.

I’m wearing the pullover with my blue flower necklace, I love this necklace and wear it at every opportunity. It’s a perfect fit for this LB. There’s not much more to say about my pullover. As usual it was a very easy make. However, I did had a tussle at one point - wether to add a narrow rib bottom hem in the silver ? I did cut and attach such a hem but decided to take it off. The ribbing is quite thick and I felt it too bulky for the very wide, boxy shape. The silver rib would not lie flat and made the bottom of the pullover stick out. This idea would work with a finer fabric. I’ll be giving it a go with another LB. I’ve decided, the LB is the pullover/sweatshirt of choice and I’ll just go with it ! This won’t be my final version !

Thanks for calling in today.

Mending Matters

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing yet another book today. This time, its a belated Christmas present ! The book is called Mending Matters by Katrina Rodabaugh. I’ve been looking forward to receiving this book for several months and yesterday, it finally arrived ! I believe, the reason for the delay is all about the book selling out of several print runs. 

                      

After getting over the fact that the book had actually arrived, I spent lots of time yesterday, reading the initial chapters and considering how to apply the very interesting projects to my wardrobe. I love everything about the idea of making my own wardrobe and mending, seems to be a natural development of this concept. I’m trying to consider each item, I decide to include in my wardrobe. The point of having a range of clothing which works with each other and that will last, is part of my plan. Making clothes does take quite a bit of time, so making the right choice and looking after clothes is important. 

The Mending Matters book includes lots of ideas around mending but also introduces techniques which are more like embroidery and includes the handmade wardrobe approach using natural fabrics. One other characteristic of the book is lots of  blue things ! This is, of course, very appealing to me.

The cover of the book, uses jeans which have been beautifully repaired using visible mending techniques. I love this idea. I’m very keen to adapt a pair of my own jeans in this way. I do have several pairs of jeans which would lend themselves to such a makeover. I guess, in my case, the makeover would be a bit indulgent- I don’t have a pair of jeans which would require such a huge repair !  However, I’m rather taken with visible mending and have also  introduced the Shashiko and Boro stitching technique before on the blog (check out my reference here). The jeans project would be perfect for the job.

I’ve also got an idea for a project bag, with lots of the mending techniques included. I have several pieces of denim and will practice, joining the pieces using Shashiko and Boro sewing techniques. 

I feel a huge connection with this book. Katrina talks about her initial pledge, not to buy clothes for a year (in her case, several years ago). This kickstarted her approach to clothing. I’ve done this too. I have a wardrobe full of stuff (some handmade but mostly shop bought) and have decided to make any new clothes from scratch. I’m now also planning on remaking and restyling items in my wardrobe, most of which have been bought.  Somehow, this reworking idea is incredibly attractive to me. 

Generally, I’m thrilled with my Mending Matters book. I’m keeping it close and dipping into the chapters when I have a quiet moment.

Thanks for calling in today.

Everything Indigo

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing one of my lovely birthday gifts today - a book all about Indigo. I’ve dabbled with Indigo before and am a huge fan. I love all things blue. This book, Indigo by Kerstin Neumuller and Douglas Luhanko, is a practical and inspirationional look at Indigo, from plant to pigment. There are several dye recipes in the book as well as ideas on how to create beautiful patterns with fabric and a few projects. There’s also a look at Shashiko ( Japanese embroidery technique) and Boro (patching and mending garments) - I love all this stuff !

                      

I’m not entirely sure about how and when I’ll be testing out some of the ideas yet ? I’m hoping to come up with a plan over the next few weeks. I’d like to dye some yarn (hand spun) and also some wool fibre (for spinning) alongside fabrics - all very exciting ! I need to read the whole book several times and really try and understand the theory of dying with Indigo. There’s so much to take in and like all skills, experience is important. I have a huge need to get to grips with this one, and am especially motivated to learn.

I’ll be revisiting this subject many times over the next few months and I’ll share my experiences here on the blog. My first task is to come up with a plan and a series of little experiments. I have a small garden shed with the idea of creating a dye shed, something I’ve talked about for a year or so. My thinking is to develop a plan and action the dying when the weather improves. I’ll be sharing my plans ove the next month or so.

Thanks for calling in today.