Spinning Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m ready to start swatching for a new sweater project today. I’ve been spinning yarn to knit part of the project. There is a need for more yarn  to complete my plan. You can read about the fibres and the plan here and here. 

So far, I’ve developed the yarn to be used for a lace element of the sweater. I’ve also acquired some mohair, to be held with the newly spun yarn. More yarn is needed to complete my sweater - yet to be decided. Lots of decisions to be made.

            

My plan is to start the lace element and decide which colour yarn suits the sweater. I could go for navy or grey. I need to hold the mohair together with the yarn for both the lace section and the additional body/arms element. The mohair is navy in colour, obviously, this will affect how the final fabric looks. I’m quite excited about this knit. It will be a challenge for me, concentrating to produce lace - not one of my strong points !

However, I’m pleased with how my spin has worked out and am looking forward to this project. I’ll cover this story in more detail as I produce various elements of the sweater.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Update

Hi Everyone 

I think, I’ve finished my new Nuuk sweater ? My hesitation is there because - I’m not 100% sure the fit is as good as it should be ! That said, it’s more to do with how I can wear my sweater rather than the actual size. Initially, I wanted a much wider body shape and Ive ended up with something which is quite snug. I’m not doing anything just now, I’ll ponder the fit for a while and make my decision in a few weeks. It’s important to me, that the sweater is truly wearable. 

         

I love the colour of the Nuuk, the fabric of the sweater is lovely and it’s so very soft. I like the long sleeves, this is the hack from the original design by Jonna Hietala. I’ve created a cropped length for the sweater, which is perfect.

Generally, everything is good with the project. It’s just that little question about the amount of ease I have. If things don’t work out, I’ll rip out and start again. I’ve used up all the yarn I have with this version. If I choose to knit a wider body for the sweater, I’ll loose some length on the sleeves. Perhaps, I’ll need to go for a half sleeve ? However, for now - I think I’ve finished !

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

Spinning News

Hi Everyone 

I re-started spinning on a regular basis last week and have completed my first batch of yarn for quite some time. This is a bit of an experiment and Im not completely sure if I’ve got enough yarn for the project I’ve chosen ? You can read all about the details of the fibre I’ve used here.

          

So far, I’ve transferred the yarn to the niddy noddy (tool used to wind skeins of yarn). I will soak and dry the yarn today. It will be ready to knit in a few days. As you can see in my photo story (bottom left) - there was a little of the grey/blue yarn left so I created a small swatch to check the gauge. I’ve split the swatch and knitted half with 4mm and half with 6mm. Looking at the result, pre soaked, I quite like the smaller 4mm needle fabric. This may change after soaking/blocking. 

The garment I’ve chosen to knit with my yarn was featured here, earlier this week. The design is a sweater with a central front and back section, using a beautiful lace pattern. The pattern instructions combine an aran weight yarn with a mohair, held together. My own yarn, I would describe as a weighty double knit rather than Aran but the swatch is giving me the information I need to alter the numbers. I’m reasonably confident I can make the project work for me.

I will need much more yarn to finish my sweater, a mohair and additional aran weight yarn. The yarn I’ve created will only knit the central lace panels, so lots more thinking to do. I’ll keep you informed re all my decisions. At the moment, I’m planning on needing a month or so to complete my sweater, if all goes well.

Thanks for calling in today.

Five New Rings

Hi Everyone 

My Silver work this week is focused on rings. I’m using some PMC Silver components on traditional Sterling Silver rings and developing a Spinner ring.

The ring bands have some shaping and finishing tasks to complete and the clay components need to be fired. Then, I can attach the components to the rings.

            

I’m also making a Spinner ring. This design will have two spinning elements  - a fine plain Silver ring and a Silver beaded wire ring. Hopefully, I can complete my job list by the end of the day. 

Thanks for calling in today. 

Sewing Hilda

Hi Everyone

Way back in August, I started a little sewing project. All was going well, you can read about my initial plans here. The project is a skirt, a very simple gathered skirt onto a shaped front waistband with an elastic section on the back on the band. I also wanted to line the skirt. For some reason, I find the need to give my designs a name. The name of this skirt is Hilda.

Holidays interrupted my progress and since, I’ve been struggling with decisions about how to construct the waistband. I’d prepared, pinned and temporarily attached the waistband to check the size and shape were suitable. All seemed to be good. Most of my indecision was wether to use a piece of elastic in the back of the waistband or use shirring elastic. The original inspiration came from a skirt in my wardrobe which used the shirring option, you can see the original skirt in the link. Eventually, I’ve come to the conclusion, a single piece of lightweight elastic will be best. The elastic will be hidden in the waistband and it’s all about doing a gentle gathering job. 

            

I (especially) like to produce very neat solutions to sewing construction, the inside needs to be just as good as the outside. Yesterday, I made good progress with Hilda. The skirt and waistband are sewn together. I’ve also overlocked all the layers together, so the lining, the main fabric and the waistband are all attached and neatly finished. I have a small open section on the back of the waistband (top line) which will allow me to slot in the elastic. I’m going to attach my elastic on the line of the side seam on either side of the waistband. The elastic will only fit across the back of the skirt. The fit is working well and the skirt sits quite low on the waist. I like this fit, I have a very short upper body and a high, tight waistband doesn’t suit me at all.

Today, I’m hoping to complete the waistband section and then it’s just the hems to finish. I may have time to complete my project ? Hilda is very much a Summer thing, however, I’m also thinking it would be fine with thick tights and boots for Winter. This revelation has spurred me on, I’ll share the finished garment when I’m there.

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning a Sweater

Hi Everyone 

I have a plan for my latest spinning project. Initially, I simply wanted to get back into spinning so found some lovely fibres to spin. You can read all the details about the materials here. 

I’ve completed around 150gm of blue fibre and have a little more to go. My plan is to work towards combining the lighter blue/grey colour with the darker blue yarn. I will ply my two colours to give me enough to make part of a sweater. The sweater design I’ve chosen is Woodbine by Fiona Alice. This pattern can be found in the latest Laine magazine (on the cover). The sweater has a lace panel down the front and back and my idea is to produce this in my own yarn. I’ll probably use a contrasting yarn for the remaining part of the sweater. I’m not sure what to use ? I will probably go for a ready to knit yarn rather than a whole sweater spin. 

        

I want to change the pattern slightly. I’ll probably knit the arms in plain stocking stitch, this is different from the pattern. The pattern includes a lace element. I’ll also reduce the length of the sweater to make a cropped version. Hopefully, this will be a good plan. I’ll keep you informed of progress. I’m taking my time with this project, so things will happen slowly.

Thanks for calling in today.

                       

Silver Stuff

Hi Everyone 

Just a quick look at another little silver ring today. 

              

I’m slightly obsessed with stacking little bits of silver on my rings and other jewellery components. I’m never quite sure how (exactly) the designs will work out and that seems to be the attraction ! I could place the pieces of silver and use soldering wire to keep them in a specific position before soldering everything together but it’s much more interesting to build the stack as I go. There’s a chance (every time) that all the bits will not, securely, attach together. However, the more pieces I make, the more reliable I am.

Some of my final rings are not quite balanced, in terms of sitting on the finger without slipping and rolling around. The ring size needs to be quite snug and the weight distributed for success. I quite like the challenge. If things don’t work, I can undo, prepare the silver and start again. Love this experimental approach. 

My next experiments will be with earrings. 

Thanks for calling in today. 

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

Nuuk Progress

Hi Everyone 

A quick post today to share progress with my latest Nuuk knit.

             

There are lots of things I love about my Nuuk, however, there are some questions. I am very pleased with the yarns, I’ve held a 4 ply Merino with a Merino lace weight yarn in quite similar colours. The yarns compliment each other and the final fabric has a lovely depth which is very pleasing. The 4 ply is a recycled (several times) cardigan. The original cardigan was knitted a few years ago and it didn’t work for me. The Nuuk is so much better.

However, there are questions around finishing the final details of my Nuuk. I had an idea that long sleeves would be good. Now, I’m not sure ? I decided to complete both a long and short sleeve to see. I’ve done that and am still undecided. I got to the point of pulling out the long sleeve and having tried on the sweater, have decided to make the second sleeve. Also, how long should my sweater be. It’s not there yet. I want a cropped length but also am unsure about the width of the rib ? I feel the rib width needs to be reflected in the sleeve rib. My final issue is the amount of positive ease in the sweater. I thought I’d like lots of positive ease and I haven’t got this. Perhaps, I should have gone up a size or two ?

Lots of questions. My way forward is to complete two long sleeves, lengthen the body and increase the rib width slightly. At this stage, I can’t increase the positive ease. Having said all that, I do like the fit of the evolving sweater. It’s fits well and feels comfortable. If things don’t work out, no problem, I’ll rip out and start again. I’ll let you know in a few days. 

Thanks for calling in today.

Recycling Projects

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m sharing a new project to recycle a pre worn garment. I’ve done this sort of thing before but not necessarily as a thought out plan. My usual style is to do a quick alteration as and when I need to, often just before leaving the house (when something doesn’t fit) ! My approach at this time is to consciously look into my wardrobe or acquire a pre worn item to rework or restyle in some way.

I’ve been working towards a handmadewardrobe for some time now and feel the recycling approach needs to be part of that plan. I have lots of garments which lend themselves to being reworked and feel quite excited about the idea.

My first recycle project is a shirt, made for and by my husband. The shirt is too small for him and it’s proved difficult to change into anything for him. I like the surface print and the cotton fabric is beautifully soft. The obvious answer was to alter the garment to fit me.

                

I’m calling my garment a blouse rather than a shirt, just to mark the changes being made and easily reference the recycled item. However, I’m planning on keeping most of the shirt features. Currently, the sleeves are much too long and the shoulders have a very loose fit. The neck is oversized. The body needs some darts, probably both front and back. The length is also a bit long, although I’m wondering if the length will be fine when the darts are in place. I’ll need to assess the situation when I get there.

I’m hoping to develop a recycling programme over the next few weeks alongside any new sewing projects. I have identified six projects at the moment, from my wardrobe. I’ll be sharing all my recycled Makes here on the blog. Keep calling in to see what happens.

Thanks for calling in today.

Making Art Dolls

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new project idea today. It’s all about making Art Dolls. I’ve been inspired by a range of dolls from my Pinterest Board - check out the Board here. I’ll make the first doll forms from Balsa wood and paper. The decoration will be acrylic paint and printed paper. I may add other embellishments when I begin to form the dolls ? I’ll wait and see what is needed. My intention is to develop a few kits alongside my dolls, so I’ll be thinking about that as I’m Making. I’ll share the project progress here on the blog as I work (with lots of images).

Here’s a quick look at the inspiration images I’m using for the dolls.

              

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning News

Hi Everyone 

Finally, I’m back on track with spinning projects. I’ve been looking at my wheel for some time, thinking about restarting and thinking of new spinning ideas. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to get my spinning going again ? I guess, it’s just time priorities. Life has been very busy lately and some things need to go. However, I’ve started again and thats the main thing. I have lots of fibre in my stash and most of the interesting stuff has come from a subscription to HilltopCloud fibre club (several years worth) I’ve stopped taking my monthly subscription but have lots of lovely fibre to use.

                          

I have around 400gm of fibre in my project, I’m not sure exactly what I will make. This is a tricky total, it’s not quite enough for a garment but quite substantial for anything else. I have a few vague ideas but will keep thinking. For this spin, I’m going for a 2 ply DK yarn. The two different fibres in my spin are really interesting combinations and surprisingly similar to touch. Very soft and squishy. I’ve started with the darker blue mix which is a Shetland(25%), Merino(50%), Bamboo(25%) combination. The colour is called Airforce Blue. The other fibre is Corriedale(75%), Llama(25%). The second fibre is called Penicillin. Both fibres have lots of blue/grey shades and combine well together. The Airforce Blue is spinning into a darker, quite intense blue and I haven’t started the Penicillin yet, so am not sure how that will turn out ?

My preparation process is to separate the beautifully combed fibre into long, thin batches and fold into loose mini cakes . I aim to spin three little cakes each day. This may sound like a very small amount of spinning but it needs to become a habit and it ensures I’m making progress each day. I’m not ruling out more spinning time but that’s about what I can (mostly) fit into my day. However, I won’t beat myself up if I miss a day. The spin task is on my daily to do list each day and it’s going well.

I’m aiming to keep a picture record of my progress and I’ll be sharing the results here on the blog.

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

New Sewing Project

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new sewing project today. The fabric is from my latest SewHayleyJane Box. You can check out the SewHayleyJane subscription idea here. I dip in and out of the subscription, my initial idea was to take the box so I would try different fabrics, particularly fabrics that I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen. On the whole it’s been quite successful but I have decided to give the box a break. I have only ever tried the basic version of the subscription and this means only one metre of the main fabric with several Fat Quarters and other embellishments/threads as well as a great little inspiration booklet. The Fat Quarters are always great and I love making bags and small projects using these bits. The main fabric is also great quality but I do struggle to use it for something special, I often wish I had an opportunity to buy more. I’ve made several summer tops and a skirt with my metre and the latest fabric will be made into one of my favourite LB Pullover Tops. You can check out my favourite LB Top here.

             

The fabric for my LB ‘to be’ is a check polyester crepe with printed flowers. I definitely wouldn’t have chosen the fabric print but I’m quite keen on my idea of a LB Pullover. I think it will work well. I’ll make the cowl neck version but I’m not sure about the sleeve finish. I’ve considered a faux cuff idea ? I’ll need to check out the amount of fabric required.

This is a very quick Make. I use my overlocker for most of the LB sewing so things progress very fast. The slowest part is cutting out. Hopefully, I will have my LB ready to wear in a day or two.

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

Knitting Project Progress

Hi Everyone 

I’ve not had too much time to Make this week. Almost all my Making time has been given over to knitting. I have two ‘live’ projects, my third Nuuk sweater and a pair of trainer socks.

         

I’ve made great progress with both projects. The socks knitted up beautifully and very quickly. I’ve knitted one sock and am about to cast on the second later this evening. I followed the pattern, exactly. I used the suggested yarn, a Regia Cotton Denim (72% cotton, 18% polyamide,10% polyester). It’s a lovely smooth yarn to knit with and I love the colour. The fabric is surprisingly stretchy and makes the fit very snug.

The Nuuk Sweater is going very well. This is my third Nuuk sweater and I’m super excited to wear this one. The colour is great. I would like to lengthen the sleeves with this one. The original pattern has short sleeves and I’m thinking about a 3/4 length sleeve this time. However, it all depends on how much yarn I have. I won’t know until I’ve finished the body. I’m aiming to have a short, loose body for my Nuuk. I don’t want the rib section to bring the sweater ‘in’, so will knit the rib on larger needles, the pattern goes down a needle for the rib. So far, I’ve completed about 10cm from the underarm point of the sweater. The pattern suggests a finished body length of 33cm from the underarm point. There is a rib of 5cm in the pattern, giving a total of 38cm  from the underarm. I will probably go for a finished length of about 28cm. I’ll try on the sweater, when I get close. I should be able to finish the body by the end of the weekend. I share the project again, on Monday to show my progress.

Thanks for calling in today.

simple Silver

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a little preview piece from a new silver jewellery collection today. The design idea is all about spots and stripes. I have earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces in my collection. Most elements are small and understated, something -  I would call Everyday jewellery. This is my kind of  jewellery. My usual criteria for such jewellery is - could I clean the house in it ?, not that I spend very much time doing this ! 

At times, I like statement pieces too but often find myself wearing the same small pieces most of the time. The exception to this is big rings, Im especially drawn to big rings, so this has been taken into account for the new Collection. There will also be small rings, not everyone feels comfortable in a big ring.

       

My first sample is a pair of stud earrings made from Sterling Silver. The earrings are quite small - 0.7cm diameter. This is the smallest of the elements. Most of the rings are bigger. 

I’m still working on the Collection and hope to have the whole range complete in a few weeks. I’ll share the results after that.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Knit Project

Hi Everyone 

I’ve started a new sweater. I’m using the tried and tested Nuuk pattern by Jonna Hietala. I love this pattern. It’s a dream to knit and such a good garment to wear. I already have two of these sweaters but am very happy to be knitting a third. There will be more.

      

This time I’ve chosen a lovely green colour. I’m using the yarn taken from a previous sweater (ripped out a few weeks ago), a 4ply Merino yarn held together with a lace weight Merino. I’ve swatched and I’m getting the right fabric, so I’m ready to start. I like the way my yarns  are working together, the colours are great and the yarn feels good to knit.

My previous Nuuk sweaters have given me a few ideas about sizing and adapting the shape to suit my body shape. I will shorten the length (from the pattern) and knit the rib with the same size needle (4.5 mm). My first Nuuk went down a needle for the rib and it’s not the look I want. The larger needle for the rib produces a loose, relaxed fit around the bottom and the edge of the sleeves and much better for me. If I have enough yarn, I may like to lengthen the sleeves ? I’ll need to wait and see.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I’m well underway with my trainer socks. I’m using the pattern I suggested here on the blog, last week. However, the pattern is not a detailed set of instructions, rather a suggested outline. I’ve used the half Fisherman’s rib for the cuff, as per the pattern suggestion and developed a simple flap and gusset heel. I’m knitting in stocking stitch for the remaining part of the sock foot in a single colour. The pattern suggested a striped design, perhaps next time ?

       

The yarn is a Regia cotton/poly in a lovely shade of blue, part of the Denim range. I have another darker shade ball and will probably have a go with the stripe idea next time.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Inspiration

Hi Everyone 

I was inspired today, after receiving my latest edition of Love Sewing magazine. Each month this magazine comes with several paper sewing patterns. This month one of the patterns is McCallsM7475. I do like culottes, so was very excited to see the pattern. I’ve not made culottes before, this is a first.

           

At this stage, it’s only an idea but I’m pretty sure I will make a pair of culottes. I think, I’d like to make something which is quite drapey ? I will need to dig deep into my stash. I’ll also do a bit of research to find some ideas which inspire me re possible fabric ideas. I’m not sure about colours ? I’d like to plan for something which will be good for Autumn/Winter. 

Thanks for calling in today.

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

More Sock Talk

Hi Everyone 

I’m still talking sock knitting. This time, I’m going for a trainer sock. I wear trainer shoes on lots of occasions and am constantly looking for a sock to wear with my trainers. I have a range of sports trainer socks (not hand knitted) which are great for sport but I’d like a few pairs of hand knitted trainer socks for simply walking around. In colder months, my regular socks are fine but in the Summer I like a ‘liner’ style sock. I have concerns about this type of sock design. I don’t want the sock disappearing down the trainers while I’m walking. However, I’m keen to try and find something which will work for me.

Having done lots of research, Ive found a free pattern from the Regia Design Team, you can find the pattern here.

            

I like the idea of colour striping the foot part of the socks and have two different blue colours in mind for this job. The pattern suggests knitting in a 4 ply cotton yarn, so that’s what I’m going for. I’ll let you know how things go.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sock Knitting Continued

Hi Everyone 

I have yet another sock to share today. I’ve only completed one sock, however, the other is well underway. I’m still using the Broken Seed Stitch Sock Pattern. I talked about this pattern in yesterday’s post, check out the details. 

This time, I’m using a plain blue background yarn with the same Zig Zag, Topaz yarn instead of the white. The socks look very different and I like the blue almost as much as the white (check out the image of the white background sock here). 

            

I will definitely be knitting another pair of Broken Seed Stitch Socks with another contrasting colour. There is a lovely green shade in the Zig Zag Topaz yarn, I’d like to try and find a plain green to match. There will be enough Zig Zag to make a third pair of socks (a planned Christmas gift ‘to be’). Is it too early to start making such gifts ? That’s another debate ! 

Thanks for calling in today.

More Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

More knitting News - I’ve been busy knitting more socks. This time it’s a version of the Broken Seed Stitch Socks. This pattern is more of a menu rather than a pattern. The Broken Seed Pattern works really well with a high contrast colour and the final socks are final are great. I’ve used Zig Zag 4ply in Topaz. The plain off white colour is an undyed sock yarn.The knit pattern works on the leg part of the sock and the top of the foot. The bottom of the foot is a simple stripe. The rib, toe and heel is knitted in the plain, contrast colour.

               

I’m already working on the next pair of  Broken Seed Socks - with a different contrast colour. The pattern is very simple but very effective and grows quite quickly.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sock News

Hi Everyone 

I’m back from our Family Grand Tour. The weather was great and we had a lovely time. Amongst all the ‘touring’, I spent lots of time knitting socks looking out at the beautiful Scottish countryside - mostly in short sessions in the evenings or while travelling. I especially enjoyed these bits of the holiday.

One of the joys of the holiday was finishing a sock project, the finished Fisherman’s Wife Socks by Anna Bergman. These socks have given me lots of grief ! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve knitted each sock. The pattern is great, the yarn is perfect but my colourwork knitting skills are rubbish. I’m improving but I’m not there yet. Most of the problems were to do with tight knitting, in particular, my technique for catching the floats in the colourwork sections. However, it’s been a great learning experience and I’m in a better position to do my next colourwork project.

          

Thanks for calling in today.