New Ursa

Hi Everyone 

I’ve started a new sweater knit - it’s another Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak. This time, I’m using  cotton yarn - creative cotton, Aran in a lovely French Navy colour by Rico Design. I’m using the same needles (6.5mm) as my previous Ursa. You can check out my first Ursa here. I’ve chosen to start this 

cotton version because it seems a perfect Summer sweater. I’m hoping, I can use this new sweater as a layering garment when the weather is a little cool. I’ve worn my first Ursa over the last few weeks but it’s probably a bit too warm to wear the wool (regularly) until Summer is over.

                   

I’ve made reasonable progress, I’ve only been knitting the cotton version for a few days or so, alongside several pairs of socks. Knitting with the cotton yarn is not as easy as the wool. The largish needles can also feel a bit cumbersome but I’m loving the resulting knitted fabric. I swatched for the sweater and am reasonably confident the size is right. However, I have history with sizing and this pattern so I’m prepared to have to start again if all doesn’t work out. I’ll concentrate on the Ursa this weekend and hopefully make good progress. I’ve seen several successful versions of the Ursa in yarns other than wool and all have worked out well. However, I’ve not come across any 100% cotton versions, so far. Hopefully, I’ll have something significant to share next week.

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

The Jeans Saga continues...

Hi Everyone 

Following on from yesterday’s blog, the jeans have been recut along with lots of new pattern pieces. The new jeans to be will be a mash of the original idea, the Palo design by Named and the Morgan Jeans by Closet Case, I have more patch pieces on both the front and back leg sections, although the back legs have stayed very similar to the original (only a length extension). Generally, I’ve used all the bits of fabric from my original 1.6m of denim. Some smaller pattern pieces such as one section of the yoke have been patched together but generally, I managed to get all the new pattern from my 1.6m of fabric.

The new cut will be much more like the pair of jeans I would like. All the pieced sections will lend themselves to my Sashiko embroidery plan. The embroidery element is some time away ! Read back for the idea here.

            

I have a curious mix of anxiety and excitement as to the next step. My plan could all go very wrong at any point. I’m going to baste the legs sections and do an initial fit today, this will let me know if the jeans will work. If all is not well, I’ll need to buy some more denim and redo whichever bit isn’t working. I have very little denim left - only a few scraps for mending purposes. However, I’m feeling hopeful about this one.

My other little Making story is about a shirt remake. This shirt belonged to my eldest son. It’s too small and I rather like the fabric. I’ve a few ideas about a refashioned top but need to reconstruct the shirt to see exactly how much fabric I have. I’ll do that today and check my options. What have this space for developments. 

Thanks for calling in today.

The Jeans Saga

Hi Everyone 

As predicted, I’ve run into big problems with my new jeans project. You can read about the idea here. Everything was going well and then, during the first fit, things changed ! I mentioned in my previous post, the issue of a high waist pattern design. A high waist was never going to work for me, I have a very short upper body so I knew I would need to alter the fit. However, the first fit placed the front pocket section almost under my arms. The back waist section also didn’t work, I had a different waist profile and found the pleat section simply sticking out. So, I knew the waist section would need to change. 

                  

Because of the construction order of the original jeans pattern, Palo Jeans by Named, I had completed quite a significant section of the Make. I found myself undoing lots of the seams and recut the legs. The waist area, especially the pockets caused the majority of the issues and it was back to the drawing board !

Eventually, my solution is to recut the front and back of the jeans using my Morgan jeans by Closet Case Patterns as a guide. The denim pieces don’t quite measure up to the new lines so I’ll adapt what I’ve got and add sections where necessary. The key is to get the waist working and everything else will fit into my design. 

One of the main points of this Make was to give me a blank canvas for the Sashiko embroidery idea. Read about this here. The new design will be perfect because there are so many different pieces of denim working to give me the final shape of the jeans. Each separate piece of denim will be an opportunity for an interesting section of Sashiko. 

I’m almost at the recut stage - a little more unpicking to do. I have my new pattern ready and will recut the waist pieces later today. Watch this space- it could take more time than I had initially anticipated. It’s quite an interesting process, I’m still enthusiastic !

Thanks for calling in today. 

Ready to wear

Hi Everyone 

I’ve managed to complete my planned Summer Top over the Bank Holiday weekend. This was a very quick Make. Read back on Fridays blog for the first mention of this project. I left out all the gathered edges (from the previous versions of the pattern) and made a simple sleeveless top. The top is lovely, I particularly like the fabric pattern and colour. The cut is flattering and very comfortable to wear.

         

I need to get the iron out ! - and I’m ready to go. The only issue seems to be the weather, it’s been quite chilly here and not quite Summer Top temperatures. I’m hoping the weather picks up over the next few days - so I can wear my top.
There’s not much more to say about the top. The pattern, Butterick 5792, is a nightwear pattern but works wonderfully as a simple top. This time I used the version without any pleats (check out the previous pleated version here).

I will definitely be making another Summer Top. Next time, I’m planning to used the bias binding on the outside of the neck and sleeve edges - just as a change. This will give the top a slightly different finish but still a very simple construction. I have some fabric ready go, so hopefully another new Top will be ready to wear over the next few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Another Summer Top

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing another Summer Top idea today. Again, I’m following the usual Butterick 5792 pattern, I’m certainly getting my money’s worth out of this pattern ! I’m going for another simple shape, without the frills. You can read/see about the first Summer top here, with the frills.

I’ve been looking into my stash for this Make. I have lots of fabrics which will be perfect for the Summer Top but this one seeemd to shout out to me. I love the colour and the simple pebble shapes in the fabric. It’s a soft and reasonably drapey cotton, perfect for a simple Summer Top.

              

I’m hoping, I can get the top cut out later today. The whole Make should be quite quick, although, I don’t like to think about quick sewing. My preference is to make all the construction elements beautiful (the inside needs to be as pretty as the outside) and enjoy the whole Making experience. However, the weather is good for wearing these Summer Tops at the moment, so it would be lovely to have a few new tops to wear over the weekend. I’ve got several fabrics waiting for the this pattern, see another of my fabrics shared earlier this week here.

I’ll share my progress with these projects next week. It’s a Bank Holiday on Monday so I’ll be back on Tuesday.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.

New Knitting Plans

Hi Everyone 

I’ve recently completed my last sweater, the Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak. I’ve been wearing it for the last 2 days and it’s even better than I thought it would be. This is the second version (you can read the back story here ) and all the elements of the sweater, length, fit, colour etc - are just right. Now, I’m inspired to make a second sweater. I have thoughts of a cotton version - I can’t quite decide if the cotton would be very heavy ? I would need an Arran weight cotton. My other thought was to try and change the Ursa into a cardigan - using a steek technique down the front. I’m quite keen to try both !

The other sweater idea is a new sweater, to me, called Blink by Ragnhild Vaaland. This sweater is knitted in mohair and cotton, held together. The sweater is very boxy in shape, cropped sleeves and has two little pockets on the front in a bright contrasting colour - very appealing.

                 

I can’t wait to make my next sweater, the Ursa has been such an interesting and enjoyable knit, I’m inspired to start another. The Blink can wait a while, it will be more of a cold weather garment. I think, an Ursa cardigan needs to be the main knit. I know, if I can make something similar as a cardigan it will be a great addition to my handmadewardrobe. 

The next challenge is to decide on a colours. I’m drawn to bright, interesting colours or subtle pastels but a neutral or navy would probably be the best idea. I’m going to check out my stash rather than buying new, at this stage. I’ll share my plans, in more detail, when I’ve got something definite.

Thanks for calling in today.

Jeans Underway

Hi Everyone 

At last, the jeans are underway. You can read about my original introduction to the jeans project  here. I am planning to take the Make slowly. I’d like to be quite precise about fitting and I do need to change the fit, so there are lots of challenges. My first intention is to make the jeans and then spend lots of effort with the Sashiko embroidery.

                   

I have divided the jeans Make into lots of small tasks and intend to keep going with this process. I need to keep working on key elements of the job and each bit needs lots of thinking.You can see my little checklist on the photo story.

 So far, the jeans are ready for the first stages of actual machining. I will follow the pattern instructions and the first construction part is the front pockets. The jeans design has a high waist fit, this is no good for me. I’m conscious about the pocket placement being the first job, and this area is to be tackled first. My plan is to baste the pockets in place along with the legs and try on the jeans, I’ll check where I can alter the waistline and will probably need to re cut the top of the jeans. I may need to have another plan for the front pockets ? I won’t know until I’ve constructed the front.

I’ll get some images as I work this next section and share here in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Summer Top

Hi Everyone 

I have acquired another lovely piece of fabric this week. I saw this fabric on one of my Instagram feeds last week and thought it was exactly what I needed for my next Summer Top. I’m using the Butterick 5792 again. This time, I’m using the plain nightdress version, shortened to make my top. I’ll add a bottom band section as per the back of my last Summer Top (read about this Top here). The new top will get a band around the whole of the garment.

                

I love the colour combinations in my new fabric. The fabric is a lovely, soft cotton lawn from a shop called Nimble Thimbles, you can check out the shop here. These Summer Tops are versatile garments which look great with denim. I can also see the top working well with floaty trousers and skirts too.

My top will be very simple in design. I think, the fabric needs to be allowed to take front stage.

These tops as well as the nightwear I’ve made using this pattern, Butterick 5792, is such a joy to wear. I make French Seams throughout and the finished garment feels fantastic to wear.

The top is a quick Make so I’m hoping I can find a few hours to complete the job over the next few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Ursa Version 2

Hi Everyone 

My new Ursa is ready to wear. I’ve re knitted my sweater and it’s exactly as I wanted it. All the problems have been resolved and the new knit has come together in a week. What a bonus !

                  

You can take a look at the previous version here. Although, the problems were not hugely obvious from my photos, I knew I wouldn’t wear the sweater in its previous form. The new Ursa is only one size up but the shoulders and the top of the sleeves are a much improved fit. I needed to shorten the sleeves by a few centimetres and the length was considerably shortened. Generally, the second knit was much easier. I knew exactly where the problems could be and I was able to adapt the shape of the sweater to fit. I love it.

My first version didn’t get the neck band (I abandoned the sweater before making the final band) and this makes quite a difference to the finish of the neck. I was a little concerned that the neck area would be too large, the pattern suggests the option of going down a needle size to make the neckband, however, no such issues. I used the same size needles 6.5mm throughout.

I’ve enjoyed making this sweater, it would have been better if I’d avoided my initial sizing issues but the second version is probably a much better quality knit, so all is well. The Summer weather is rather warm now for general sweater wearing but maybe I can wear it as a jacket on an evening walk ?

I’m now thinking of trying out a lighter weight yarn for another Ursa !! I’ve seen examples of Ursa sweaters using cotton yarn. I need to do some research later today.

Thanks for calling in today.

Making Fish

Hi Everyone 

I spent a lovely afternoon earlier this week making fish !

                 

This little kit came from an issue of Mollie Makes, many issues back ! I love the idea of fabric fish and have been thinking about making these little fish (sardines) for quite some time. The time has arrived. My plan for the fish is to use them for a display in my kitchen. I want to hang my fish alongside a range of others, collected over many years, for brightening up various corners of the room.

I’ve chosen blue coloured scraps of fabric for my fish rather than the fabric in the mini kit. So far, I’ve only completed one single fish but have cut out all three. I’m now considering making a few more to hang around the place. The fish in the kit are designed to be a keyring. My fish will simply hang together via waxed cotton strings and look pretty on a hook.

I’ve started the Make by producing a series of templates from card, I’m simply drawing around the card giving me my fish shapes. Each fish requires two shapes which are sewn together and stuffed. A couple of buttons or beads are added for eyes. The hanging cord is sewn into the fish during the initial sewing phase. That’s about it ! Simple but effective.

My first couple of fish have been hand sewn but I’ll machine sew the rest - simply to speed up the job. The construction can be slightly tricky because of the small size (thinness) of the fish and keeping the right shape, especially the head and tail. When all the elements come together, the fish look great. If they are out of shape and over stuffed - not so good. I may, enlarge - only slightly, the size of my next batch ? I’ll do a bit of experimenting. Hopefully, the fish will be ready and in place within the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

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

Outside my comfort zone !

Hi Everyone 

Last week, my latest SewHayley Jane box arrived. You can read all about this idea here. This is my second or third box (over a few years). I was especially excited when my box arrived and delayed the opening until I’d finished a range of chores. I built up the excitement and was particularly looking forward to seeing this months fabric. However, I couldn’t quite believe the choice of fabric this time. Animal print is not my favourite ! It’s something, I would definitely not buy for myself. I’ve never been a fan. I like the look on other people but it’s never been something, I would go for. At the time, I felt very disappointed and wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with the fabric ? I’d decided in a moment, that these fabric surprise boxes, were not for me !

                

However, having said all that - I may have changed my mind. Having opened my box, I placed the fabric in a place where I passed it, often. Every time,  I passed by, I imagined what could I make and would/could I wear it ? Gradually, I’ve decided I will give it a go. The whole point of the box (for me) is to extend the range of fabric choices I make, look outside my comfort zone. 

I only have a meter of fabric, so there are limits. I’m considering a version of my Summer Top. You can check this design  here. I have lots of ideas about how I can adapt the Summer Top. I could also (possibly- I think ?) adapt a version of the LB Pullover too (my favourite pattern of all time).Check out this pattern here.

I don’t quite love the fabric but I’m keen to have a go with a top. If it doesn’t work out, I can pass it onto someone else.

Thanks for calling in today.

Ursa - reborn

Hi Everyone 

After a rather tragic move, last Friday, I recited to remake my Ursa sweather. I’d finished the original sweater a few weeks ago but the fit was not good. I knew I would wear my sweater. There was no point in keeping it. I love the sweater pattern and the yarn, so the obvious solution was to pull it out and start again. 

Check out the previous post on this knit project for more about the problems here. 

My sweater was OK to wear, I could wear the sweater but ‘the fitting’ was not quite right, for me. I felt the arms were a little tight and the sweater was too long, the top of the sweater ( across the top) was also a little too big. I wanted a shorter and wide fit which would be suitable for layering. I’ve gone up a couple of sizes and I think all is well. I’ve tried the progress size a few times and the sweater feels much better. 

             

I’m almost there with the length of the sweater, perhaps five more rows. I also need to use a ‘loose bind off’ on the bottom of the sweater, the first version was far too tight. Then, I’m onto the sleeves. I’ve quite enjoyed remaking the pattern and am keen to keep going. I think, I’ll be there next week. I didn’t start the new size until last Saturday- only a few days ! It’s an amazingly quite knit. Hopefully, I will have a really good fit.

I’ll share my progress in a few more days.

Thanks for calling in today.

My next big project ....

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost underway with my next big project. It’s the Making Sashiko Jeans. I introduced the idea of this new project here - read back for more information about my ideas.

               

My plan is to partially make the jeans before adding Sashiko designs. I want to have access to several parts of the legs for my Sashiko embroidery so would like a flat surface for the job. I’m going to keep this initial work very simple and will aim for basic patterns around the areas where the fabric is pieced together (refer to the line drawing - top right of my photo story. At the moment, I think around the each of the seams. I’m yet to practice Sashiko technique (in any detail) and will try out a few samples before committing to the actual jeans.

I also need to adapt the jeans pattern to a slightly more relaxed shape. I’d like the fit to be very relaxed rather than a tight, skinny jean.

I’m hoping I can develop this project slowly, alongside another few sewing projects, over the next few months. My plan is to divide the tasks into small, regular, scheduled chunks.

I’ll share the developments as they take place. My first job is to wash the denim - scheduled for today.

Thanks for calling in today.

Summer Top

Hi Everyone 

I’ve a few photos of my new Summer Top to share today.

             

The weather was a bit warmer a few days ago (warm enough to wear my Top indoors ! )  but I needed to add an outer layer - to go out. The Top works well with one of my favourite handknits, the Garland Sweater by Stephanie Pollmeier. This cropped sweater is so light and easy to wear over any outfit but it works beautifully with the Summer Top.

I particularly like the finishing elements of this Summer Top, the French Seams and the me Made bias binding. Somehow ? - these little features add so much to the garment. The whole thing feels well made and I’m sure it will be a well worn garment in the future.

There will definitely be more Summer Tops. I can play around with different types of frill features. Colour blocking/piecing is also something I’m thinking about.

The fabric and colours of this Top are just right for wearing with jeans. I tend to wear mostly blue coloured stuff (mostly jeans !) and am already thinking about new shorts/ skirts which will compliment this top. It’s definitely a favourite for my Summer wardrobe.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Sewing Project

Hi Everyone 

My next sewing project is this lovely dress :

                 

I found this pattern via an online subscription pack. This is a new initiative, you can find the details here. The name of the company is In a Haystack. It works by helping stitchers discover sewing patterns for garments and fabric from independent suppliers in a ‘fun, flexible and wallet-friendly way’. The founder, Kate, does this by sending digital subscription packs straight to your email inbox each month. The contents of each monthly pack will be a surprise.

I’m not sure if I will subscribe each month ? but the first pack (to me) included a lovely pattern by Workshop. I haven’t come across this independent pattern company before but I do love the dress. A discount code for the fabric was also included in the pack, so I purchased fabric (as in the photo) at a very reasonable price. The finished dress will be a lovely treat for very little money.

My first job is to wash the fabric, later today. I’ve a busy weekend coming up so will not have opportunity to start my dress project, until next week.

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

Thanks for calling in today.

Summer Top - ready to wear.

Hi Everyone 

I managed to complete the Summer Top yesterday, started at the weekend. You can check out my initial post of this Make here This is my most successful Make using the 5752 Butterick pattern. I’ve made several of these tops/nightdresses, so have a bit of experience.

                     

The ruffle edge is the most challenging element of the Make, probably the only one ! Most of the sewing is very straightforward but adding the ruffle can be tricky. Alongside the ruffle piece there’s a bias binding backing to the edge of the ruffle, finishing the edge - beautifully. It’s important to line everything up and get the gathers just right. My previous Makes with this pattern have all involved using self made bias binding. However, I’ve never had quite enough fabric to cut the lengths of binding on the bias. As a result, the previous bindings didn’t have the stretch required to sew around the curved edges. This time, even though, I was  struggling for fabric - I managed to produce the real thing. What a difference ! So much easier to use. The other very satisfying element of this Make is the French Seams, throughout. I love French Seams. The pattern instructions don’t require French Seams, (it’s my choice) but perfect for the job.

I acquired the fabric for this project via a Sew Hayley Jane subscription box, check her out here. I wouldn’t have chosen the fabric myself, which is what the Box is about (for me) but I do love it as the top. The colours are lovely and the fabric works really well for this Top. I had only 1m of fabric and at one point wasn’t sure if I could get the top out of 1m. I needed to be creative and added a section on the back piece of the pattern, you can just see the seam line in my photo story (top left). With hindsight, this was exactly right for the Make. This additional section is an absolute success and adds a very nice detail to the back, it also gives the back a little more structure.

I can’t wait to wear my new top, needs an iron first ! I’m hoping the weather improves soon. When that happens, I’ll get some photos of me wearing the top.

Thanks for calling in today.

Shetland Beanie

Hi Everyone 

I’ve managed to complete the knitting for this years Shetland Beanie. I mentioned this project here, a few weeks, look back for the details on my story. Im using 7 shades of Jamieson &Smith, Shetland Wool for my Beanie and the original pattern is designed by Oliver Henry.As mentioned in my previous post, I changed some of the pattern, leaving out the sheep and the boats section. I replaced the sheep and boat patterns with a series of simple colourwork rows. There was no particular plan but I like the results which look a little like contemporary tree’s and flowers (when squinting!).

                

I do love the colours in the Beanie. The overall results are very different from the original pattern but I do love my version. I haven’t blocked the Beanie yet, I’ll get to that job tomorrow. I need to sew in the very many ends resulting from the colourwork process. 

I’m keen to use this colour range for a colourwork cardigan. I have a few Kate Davies patterns which, I think ? would work. I also have lots of yarn left so that’s a bonus.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a little project which I managed to start over the weekend. I mentioned this idea here, a week or so ago. The project is a Summer Top based on my PJ pattern, Butterick 5792. I have some very pretty fabric in a bright blue colour with lots of splashes of colour. However, I only have 1metre of this fabric. 

              

The 1 metre of fabric caused a few issues for me ! You can see the image on my photo story (bottom left) showing the back pattern piece of my top. The piece is a good 16cms short ! I placed the pattern pieces every way possible and realised they - would not fit.  However, I decided to piece  the back of the top and add an additional section, which I could add as a feature. I love the way it looks. I now have an added section to the back piece of the top which gives the back some structure. 

I’ve sewn most of the pieces together and created the pleats on the front. Instead of having the pleats on the inside, I’ve made them on the outside and top stitched them to mirror the top stitched seam on the back.

I had wanted to add a frill, as per the PJ pattern, on both the armholes and the neck. Sadly, I completely ran out of fabric so I’m adding a frill feature to the neckline and have used bias binding (same fabric) to finish the armholes. I managed to construct bias binding from the very small pieces of fabric left. There are more seams in the bias binding than I would have liked but all is well.

I’m hoping, I can spend some time today on my sewing project. If so, I think I could possibly finish the top - ready for when the weather turns warm enough to wear it !

Thanks for calling in today,

Exciting Stuff

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been dreaming up a very exciting project. It’s something I’ve been meaning to around to for a very long time. This plan is about two things, practicing Sashiko and making jeans. The jeans thing has been on a to do list for about two years, the Sashiko thing is a bit more recent (perhaps 12 months) !

I wear jeans most of the time and am ready to conquer this Make. I have several patterns for jeans but have chosen the Palo Jeans by Named. I will adapt the style to a different fit, see my photo of old but very comfy jeans. The old jeans are well worn and probably not the shape they started out but I love them. I want to create my own pattern using both styles together. The Palo Jeans lend themselves to lots of visible Sashiko embroidery so that’s a great coincidence. My old jeans are a great, loose fit around my legs which is what I’m after. The waist and hips are a bit big, hopefully I will be able to sort that one with my new design. As always, the jeans will get a name ie Miss Mitchell’s jeans, of course. It’s a long story, read back over the blog for more on Miss Mitchell.

             

I’m calling this an ambitious Make but I’m not sure it’s that difficult. Many people have successfully made jeans, I’m feeling optimistic (at the moment). How hard can it be ? No doubt, I’ll regret that statement.

I don’t have the fabric at the moment. I did think I could bring some old jeans together and add some new bits - it’s still a possibility but I think I may need to buy some. The Palo pattern talks about 2m or 1.6m depending on the widths and I want a wider leg. However, the Palo does have lots of smaller sections the legs are chopped up to allow for a mix of denim colour blocking. 

The Sashiko element will be designed into the garment from the beginning so I’m going to start with practicing Sashiko. As you can see from my photo, there’s a book involved. I don’t have it yet but am thinking about designs already.  I know this will be a really enjoyable challenge and a I can’t wait to start. 

It’s a Bank Holiday this weekend so I’m having a day off on Monday. I’ll be back on Tuesday with a chat about developments re this project again. I’ve got all weekend to think about my plan, hopefully the book will arrive in the morning.

Have a lovely weekend.

Thanks for calling in today.

Latest LB

Hi Everyone 

At last, I’ve finally managed to get a few images of my latest LB top. I finished the top a few weeks ago and have been trying to find a time to get some photos ever since.

  I’ve made this top from fabric gifted to me. The thing is, I probably wouldn’t have bought the fabric myself. It’s a very bright pink and a very stretchy Lycra. I’ve used the fabric inside out to taken advantage of a lovely crepe-like surface. The fabric has a wonderful drape, almost silk-like. I do love the whole thing !

             

I’ve chosen to make the narrow collar version of this pattern, many of my previous LB’s have the larger roll neck- check this style here . With the latest version, I’ve added a powder pink rib neck band and the same rib on the bottom of the sleeves. 

My idea for the sleeves was to add an inverted pleat on the inside of the elbow to give a drape effect on the sleeve. I have done this, but I’m not totally sure about the final finish ?  I’m wondering if it’s a bit too long ? I’ll wear the top a few times and decide. If, it doesn’t quite work for me, I’ll shorten the sleeve.

The LB needs a good iron ! The hem, in particular, is not quite sharp enough at the moment. I’ve used a twin needle to finish the bottom hem and it’s all great but not pressed - ironing is always a chore ! Other than, the sleeves hack, I’ve made the LB as per the pattern. I love this pattern - I know I’ve mentioned this before !!

My next LB (there will be many more) will be a short sleeve version. I’m already checking my stash for some suitable fabric.

You may also notice the flower  necklace in my photo. Also love this necklace. I did make it especially with this top in mind. I have a thing about pinks and reds together. I’ll do a more detailed blog on the other necklaces in this range in the near future.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sock Swatching

Hi Everyone 

Having spent lots of time recently, undoing lots of knitted garments/socks, I was trying to put processes in place to avoid problems with a new project. However, I’ve spent quite a long time trying to get the correct gauge for a new pair of socks. The yarn I’m using is Tuku Wool, it’s a beautiful Ginger colour, 80%Finnish Wool and 20% Nylon. The yarn is much more chunky than my usual 4ply sock yarn, hence the gauge problem. I’ve tried various size needles and several start up number of stitches with mixed results. I’m using my own pattern based on Miss Mitchell’s Garden Socks. This time it’s a mans size pair of socks, so Mr Mitchell’s Socks seemed to be a good name.

I think, I’m OK with the gauge I’ve got at the moment. I’m using a 2.75mm circular needle. I’ve started with 64 stitches. I will keep going with a simple tube and add an afterthought heel at the appropriate point. So, all should be well.

           

These socks are one of 3 pairs of socks on my needles at the moment. I’m trying to give each pair of socks some time each evening. 

Let’s see how it goes ! It will take longer to complete the batch but I like the idea. I’ll keep you informed of progress.

Thanks for calling in today.