Silver Sample

Hi Everyone 

I’ve not had very much time this week for anything other than house decorating ! I’m deep into painting our home with lots more to go ! All is going well but house painting is not my favourite thing, so a few hours Making in my week is a wonderful antidote. I’ve been developing a new range of Silver Stuff and my sample (prototype) today is a pair of earrings.

                 

The range will be centred around the slightly different shaped rings. I wanted to try and create pebble like rings which are linked to create movement within each piece. I’ve developed a batch of pebble rings which are inspired by little pools of water on a flat surface. I want the rings to move and flow along with the wearer. Easy to imagine with the earrings.

I have a necklace in mind for the next piece. This is a bit more of a challenge. I’d like the necklace to be quite short and sit around the neckline of a t shirt. I’ve been working on ideas to develop a clasp which will form a smooth but easy link to my necklace, allowing a perception of movement within the shape (around the neckline). I’m hoping, I can also produce a bracelet and a few rings following a similar theme. I’ll share the photos when I have something in place. 

My photo story today shows the first earrings in my Collection. There are several pairs of earrings with various modifications to the pebble ring shapes and differences in ’movement’. I’m planning to wear the first design of earrings today - much excitement !

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

Crochet Tales

Hi Everyone 

I have a little crochet project underway, just started yesterday. I had some yarn leftover from a recent sweater knit, it’s a lovely navy blue colour and perfect for my new crochet cowl.

              

The Fennel Cowl by Emma Mitchell is a very pretty pattern and relatively simple. There are only 14 rounds of crochet, I’ve completed 5 rounds, so far and all seems to be going well. I’m holding my memade yarn, spun and dyed from a mix of fibres together with a fine strand of mohair. This mix of yarns gives the crocheted fabric a lovely soft feel with a pretty fine halo. Very satisfying.

My plan was to find a small project to use up my yarn and this certainly fits the bill. I’m hoping I will get the job done quite quickly and that there will be enough yarn to finish the job !  I think, the cowl will look great with my newly completed  Willowburn sweater - check out the sweater here. The sweater has worked well and will look great with the cowl. I’ll get an image of both items together - when the time comes !

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Chat

Hi Everyone 

I have a little sewing discussion today. This story is all about petticoats. I’ve had an idea to make a simple petticoat/ dress designed to wear underneath some of my skirts and dresses. The idea is to turn a very lightweight Summer garment into something I can wear all year. Wearing petticoats has been around for centuries (fourteenth onwards ) and has had a role in fashion throughout history. Mostly, there is a very practical reason for the petticoat and my application is a practical one.

My purpose for a petticoat is very simple, it’s about layering for warmth. I have lots of navy/blue/green dresses and a couple of skirts which would work well with a reasonably full skirted petticoat. With this in mind, I’ve purchased some navy brushed cotton fabric for the job.

                

I think, my idea (I’m still thinking) is to produce something which could be called a full slip or chemise or petticoat. All terms are interchangeable in my chat. Historically the slip was a garment which would be regularly washed and worn underneath dresses, lots of dresses which need a slip these days are usually lined - often making the slip redundant. However, I do like the idea of layering for warmth and a slip or lined dress or skirt often hangs well, if there is a slip underneath. 

I thought, I could make my full slip with the view to having a little bit of the slip visible (a few centimetres only) below the outer garment. I also thought the underskirt could give my skirts and dresses a fuller look. 

Having bought my fabric, it’s a lovely navy brushed cotton, I’m now not sure the plan will work ! It would be fine for one or two dresses but most of the targeted garments in my wardrobe (ie for the full slip treatment) are quite close fitting and will probably be too tight on top of the full slip (made in this fabric). So, my plan is to acquire a different smooth, Lycra fabric for the slip and make something much more body hugging. The initial idea, for keeping warm, is still at the top of my list. The lovely navy brushed cotton is now up for an actual sleeveless, layering dress or a skirt. Watch this space for more on my plan. I have some decisions to make.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Knickers

Hi Everyone 

I have a new sewing project underway. This time it’s new underwear. I’ve been making my own clothing (including lingerie) for a few years now and I’m slowly working through previously bought, ready to wear stuff. I’m now in need of new underwear, including knickers, on a larger scale.

I’ve previously made several pairs of knickers and they are fine but I’d like to improve the fit of any new knickers. I’m not over keen on big knickers but have a few patterns which do work well for me. I’m now looking for a smaller design with a good fit so have started looking for lots of different styles. My latest find is a free pattern from Love Sewing magazine, you can download the pattern here. This pattern looks great. The instructions are good and the pattern is very simple. I’ll report on how this goes over the next week or so. I also have some lovely new fabric for my knickers, a lovely pale pink polyester Lycra, there is a little stretch but the texture is quite firm. 

Here’s a quick look at the elements of the project :

                 

I have a wonderful box of different types of elastic, lots of colours, sizes and patterns of elastic which can add to my experiments. I have a metre of fabric which will make quite a few pairs of knickers. If all goes well, I’ll purchase a few more colours of the same fabric.

Hopefully, I’ll have something to show by the end of the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Chat

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m sharing a new knitting project. I’ve pulled out a sweater/tunic (Linnea Tunic by Stella Ackroyd) which wasn’t working for me. I love the design of the Linnea but I’ve chosen the wrong size and it’s much too large. The garment swamps my frame, I’ve only worn it once or twice since making it, several years ago. Take a look at the design here. I like the idea of the design and love the yarn. 

                 

               

The yarn is Baa Ram Ewe Dovestone DK in the Aire colour. You can check out the details of the yarn here. This particular yarn has been discontinued but there is a replacement called Winterburn DK - read about the new yarn here.

I have 300 gm of yarn from my Linnea Tunic and can’t  quite decide wether to make a much smaller version of the same pattern or go for a Nuuk pattern, my favourite small sweater design. Check out the Nuuk sweater by Joanna Hietala here. 

My overall aim is to produce something more like a short, layering garment. As the Dovestone has been discontinued, I’m planning on using my 300 gm to complete my garment. I have seen a number of Dovestone yarns available for sale, so I’m sure at could get more but I’ve given myself the 300gm limit. I’m not sure what the yardage of my yarn will give me but the Linnea was quite a bit bigger than I would want my reworked sweater, I’m hoping all will be well ! I’m going for a short, waist length garment, so my choice is between short sleeves (as with the Nuuk) or no sleeves (as per the Linnea). I’m leaning towards the Linnea at the moment, simply because I already have two Nuuk sweaters.

I’ll report on my decision in a few days. I have several knitting projects on the go, although both are coming to an end in a few days. There is also a long queue of projects - I’ve a feeling this sweater may leap to the top !

Thanks for calling in today.

Weekly Silver Sample

Hi Everyone 

Today’s Silver Stuff Sample is another pair of small earrings. These little pieces were made from leftovers, always pleasing to rework every last bit of material. This is a bit of a problem with me, there’s lots of positives about being efficient but it does lead to hoarding ! I’m working on this problem.

Anyway, I’m very pleased to have made these lovely little items. They should be for sale but I rather like them and they are almost in my little everyday  box. 

                 

I will certainly be making more of these little earrings, watch this space.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.

I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

More Knitting Chat

Hi Everyone 

For the past week or so, I’ve been heavily into house decorating. This is not my favourite activity ie the actual painting but needs must. The whole process is long overdue and something which should have been done, years ago. However, things are getting done now ! Each day, I have a couple of hours dedicated to the job. As part of the the new decoration process, I’m planning new colours and lots of new soft furnishing ideas. This element of the job is more me.

I’m going from blues, pinks and little bits of green to grey, white and possibly touches of red, green and a mix of Autumn type colours. It’s all a bit fluid at the moment. I’m also trying to introduce different textures into my main living space, so there are different fabrics as well as knitted items, leather and wood. I’m not there yet but it’s all coming together. 

One of the new things which I’d like to add to my sofa is a knitted cushion or maybe two of them ? The images in my photo story show the pattern I have in mind. This pattern is called Tassel Pillow and comes from a little book called Cosy Alpaca Knits by Jem Weston. I won’t be using Alpaca yarn but I will probably use some similar colours to those in the sample.

                    

I have lots of yarn in my stash and will be checking there for suitable colours. The cushions needs to join the knitting queue ! I have quite a few projects already underway. I’m not sure when I can start it ? However, I’m keen to have the finished cushion so may start quite soon. I’ll share my process as usual.

Thanks for calling in today.

Bag Making Project

Hi Everyone 

I have a new project in the planning stage. This time it’s all about bag making, leather bags ! I’ve been thinking about the idea for quite some time but finally, I’ve found a local leather supplier and I’m inspired to put my ideas into action.

I’m still researching ideas but am convinced I need a simple design - which I can handle. I’ve found inspiration from Pinterest and have put a little photo story together which illustrates the designs I have in mind. Check out my Pinterest board for the details of the samples here.

My leather skills are non existent so I need a very simple process. The first ideas will follow previous bag construction methods. I’ll line my bag with a complimentary cotton fabric and am hoping my old sewing machine will cope with the soft leather fabric.

               

The leather Im using is a dark grey colour, ideally I would have liked red but couldn’t find a red leather. I like the grey so will probably use a red cotton lining as a compromise. I’d like my bag to be a handbag size. I’m going for short handles and a boxy type shape.

My next move is to make a paper pattern and test out the size with a toile (a test version) in calico. I’ll also check out my machine on the leather and check how many layers the machine can cope with.

I’ll be sharing my leather bag developments over the next few weeks. Call in to check my progress.

Thanks for reading.

Knit Project News

Hi Everyone 

I have a new knit project in the planning. This is a pair of knitted socks/slippers. The pattern is from a lovely little book ‘Cosy Alpaca Knits’ by Jem Weston. The pattern calls the items slipper socks, although the socks are knitted they have a leather like sole which make them hardwearing for use around the house. The book gives a reference to buy the soles, I’ll be making my own from some leather offcuts (already in my stash).

            

I especially like the little tassels which embellish the top of the slipper socks. I love the colour combination in the book and will probably go for similar colours. The slipper socks use a single skein of yarn as well as the contrast yarn used for the tassels.

I’m going to raid my stash for suitable yarns, I’m hoping I can find exactly the right colours. I’ll share my final choices in a few days. 

I have a few knitting projects currently underway, there’s my final pair of Christmas gift socks to complete (almost there) as well as my Woodbine Sweater. You can read about my Woodbine Sweater progress here. The sweater has been waiting for a week or so, until my sock gift knitting has been completed. However, I’ve run out of yarn for the socks (needed to order a new ball) so have added a few rows to the final arm of my sweater. I’m almost there and it’s looking great.

Thanks for calling in today.

PolyGem Ring Sample

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been experimenting with making polymer clay stones and enamelling techniques, you can see my original post about the subject here. I’m quite happy with the first completed ring. The polymer stone is quite large and seems to sit well in the sterling silver ring. I have a number of other stones, ready for several more rings so will continue with the experiments.

                  

The idea for this first project was to understand the specific dimensions of the stones. I wanted the stones to be quite large but also needed them to be appropriately proportioned. Having completed the first stones, I think, the next few samples need to be several millimetres thinner. I’d like the silver to envelope more of the stone. 

My next stones will be thinner and hopefully covered in more silver. I’m hoping to make more progress with this project later in the week. I’ll save my results until I have a few more rings to share.

Thanks for calling in today.

Earring Experiments

Hi Everyone 

Today’s post is an experiment with earrings. I’ve been developing polymer beads/components and adding enamel to the surface. I’ve had mixed results but those that have worked are great. My plan is to add a silver jump ring to attach both pieces together and a silver post or half hoop for the ear connection. I’ll experiment with both styles of ear attachment and choose the best look for me.

          

I love the colours. The smokey blue and teal colours work so well together.

Small earrings are usually my thing and these are not that small, however I think they will work fine with fine silver elements. I’ll make the silver rings and ear attachments with 0.8mm silver wire. I’ve decided the jump rings should be slightly oval in shape, I’m hoping this will keep the finished items compact and give the bottom bead slightly limited movement. I’ll share the finished items next week. 
Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

The Advent Project 2019

Hi Everyone 

A few days ago, I mentioned preparing for my 2019 Advent Project. I’ve been putting some thinking time to my plans and have decided to make a pair of socks this year. I’ve searched my sock stash bin and come up with a number of yarns, including some leftovers from previous projects. Here’s a quick look at the pile of yarn I’ve put together. I won’t need all the yarn in my photo story. I’ve decided to use a pair of recently knitted socks as a guide for how much yarn I need. Several pairs of hand knitted socks have been weighed and each comes out at a different number. The highest number seems to to  72gm. I’ve decided to use this as my guide.

          

My sock design will follow a top down approach, I’ll include a scallop cuff, a heel flap with a simple stocking stitch throughout. I’m going to divide my yarn into little balls of around 2/3 gms - this is very small but great for knitting up every day (and completing). I’m going to develop two balls of the same yarn for consecutive days. This will allow me to knit two very similar socks. I’ll cast on two pairs of socks, each on a separate circular needle and repeat the same exercise on each sock for two days. I guess this takes out a certain degree of surprise every other day but I can live with it.

I will add my little balls to mini paper bags with the number of the day on each bag, I did this last year and it was great, so I’ll repeat the same process.

So, I’ve  got my plan and will get the whole thing organised this weekend. I’ll share some images of my Advent Box when it’s ready to go for 1/12/19.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Shawl

Hi Everyone 

I have a new knitted shawl project on my to do list. I’ll probably cast on the shawl later today. I already have have several projects ‘on the go’, however, I’m very keen to get going. This project is part of the 2019 Knitvent from Helen Stewart. The idea is to receive six different knitting patterns over the next couple of months, towards Christmas. Knitvent is an annual thing and each year there is a theme connected to the idea. This year the theme is ‘home’. You can read about Helens Knitvent here along with her other news.

               

I’m using Dovestone natural chunky yarn in shade 3. I’ve chosen to knit the medium size, however, I’m tempted to knit the larger one each time I look at the pattern. I know the shawl will be very cosy and it feels as if I need to go for larger size ? If I do, I will need to acquire another ball of wool, I’m hoping there’s one left in my local yarn shop ? - I know there was only one left in my chosen shade. 

I have a sweater in this yarn and it’s lovely so I know the shawl will be squishy and luxurious. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

Thanks for calling in today.

Silver Sample

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m sharing the Silver Sample for this week. This time it’s a few pairs of ‘button’ stud earrings under construction. 

              

A version of these earrings has a regular place in my workshop. This time, I’ve made the stud buttons from Precious Metal Clay (PMC). I use all kinds of  silver for the stud part of the earrings (as a regular Make) but these particular pieces of fired silver clay are leftover bits from previous jewellery projects  and I’ve been able to hammer, shape and file the leftover pieces into something which is perfect for stud earrings. 

My next job is to solder the posts in place, I’ll also tumble the finished earrings which gives a lovely shine to the stud part. My favourite (from the sample in my photo story) are the studs in the centre. These studs have been domed and shaped; I think, I’d like to keep them for myself.

Thanks for calling in today.

Gift Knitting

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing progress with the last item in this years gift knitting list. I don’t knit many Christmas gifts (usually socks) and I tend to start around October. Each year several people have requested to join the list and after consideration, I decide if they are knitworthy or not. So, my photo story is showing the last pair of socks. I don’t have a pattern as such, it’s several bits of various patterns that have worked for me over the years. I’m using stash yarn, stuff left over from previous socks. All my yarns are West Yorkshire Spinners sock yarn in solid colours. I’m not sure of the names of the colours but they are all in shades of blue and green. The toe and cuff will be blue, the body of the sock is green and the heel a bright teal shade.

             

I’m using a rib pattern for the leg and top of the foot, I find this help with the final fit. These socks are large, size 12 feet ! and the rib helps give a lovely snug fit over the foot while coping well with the very long length of the foot. I’m hoping this pair off socks will be finished by the end of the week.
My next knitting thoughts are all about planning this years Advent Knit. Over the years, I’ve tried lots of different ideas. This year, I’m going to knit socks. I’ll have mini balls of yarn each day (to open) and simply knit whatever comes out, that day. I’ll seek out leftover sock yarn in my stash and choose colours which work together. Generally, 60- 64gm yarn is about the weight of yarn I need to make a pair of socks for me. I will chat about the detail in a week or so, just before December arrives.

Thanks for calling in today.

Silver Sample

Hi Everyone 

Each week, I’m including an example of one of my ongoing Sterling Silver Makes. I’m hoping I can use this prompt to help me organise and plan my work, more efficiently. This weeks Silver Sample is a pair of tiny stud earrings. I have a batch of these earrings underway, each is unique although the scale and type is similar. The sample in my photo story is around 7mm in diameter. I’ve created the Stud part from PMC (precious metal clay) and made various surface marks during the moulding stage which gives the unique design for the earring. I have also hammered and carved some earrings after the firing stage to provide more surface patterns.

I like to wear small earrings for everyday wear, so am keen to keep going with this design. 

               

I have given my sample Studs a slightly distressed surface and will keep this pair for myself. I need to add the posts and give a final polish and then, they are ready to wear. Hopefully, there will be some earrings left to sell ! 

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. 

I’ll be back on Monday with more Making projects.

The Woodbine Sweater

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing an update on my current sweater knit today, the Woodbine Sweater by Fiona Alice. You can read all about the progress of the project here ,here and here.

 I’ve developed the main body of the sweater and have almost completed one sleeve. The sweater is a good fit. There’s plenty of positive ease and it’s just the right length. I wanted a short, boxy shape which is slightly different from the original pattern by Fiona Alice. I’ve also changed the sleeves, I have made a plain stocking stitch design rather than the lace version in the original. I liked the look of the lace combination but felt I would prefer a plain sleeve for my own particular look. You can see the original version here on Ravelry.

        

The various sections of the sweater have come together beautifully and I’m definitely feeling, I’m on the last stages of the knit. The right sleeve is almost done and I’m pleased with how the sleeves are working out. I’ve changed the rate at which the sleeve is decreasing from the shoulder, the sleeves feel good - plenty of room for layering. My next dilemma is to decide how to finish the cuff - do I go for a rib as per the pattern or continue with a slight roll of stocking stitch ? I’ll wait and see how things look when both sleeves are completed.

I love my sweater and am keen to complete the sleeves, then there’s only the neckline to knit. I’m especially pleased with the fact that I have made and/or dyed all the yarn for this project. The idea was quite overwhelming, initially, but it’s given me lots of ideas of how a I can integrate my hand spun into larger projects. Very pleasing !

Thanks for calling in today.

More Sock Knitting

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m starting my final gift sock for this year. I don’t knit lots of Christmas gifts, there are very few knitworthy folk on my list ! This time, I’m going for a series of green coloured yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners, I’m not sure of the colours ? - all the yarns have been used for previous projects so, I’m using up my leftovers (always satisfying). 

My plan is to knit a simple rib sock with a heel flap. I’ll use each of the colours for the rib, the main body of the sock, the heel and the toe. I like the combination of these colours and the finished socks will be just right for the recipient.

Here’s a quick look at the yarns :

          

I’m hoping I can complete my socks over the next week or so. However, they are the largest socks I ever knit - size 12 feet ! The foot part seems to go on forever. I’ll share the final items when they are finished.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Mittens

Hi Everyone 

I mentioned knitting mittens while on my mini holiday last week, here is a quick look at the finished items.

               

I was inspired by the Azzurite Mittens pattern designed by Sonja Bargielowska for Blacker Yarns. I knitted the original pattern, last year, which includes a simple colourwork design. You can check out the design here.

I especially like the cuff construction and also wanted to include some colour contrast in my design. I’ve chosen to use a number of stripes, this is a very simple way of using colour and works well with the mittens. I have a pearl row either side of two knitted contrast colours. Both of the yarns used are from Blacker, Swan and Gotland DK.

The pattern design is straightforward but I’ve changed the size, a little. I felt my original Azzurite Mittens didn’t fit very well and as a result they were not that warm to wear. This time, I’ve reduced the width of the mittens and lengthened the thumb, only slightly. The finished items are a snug fit and feel as if they will be warmer.

I started these mittens (around this time) last year and had completed only one mitten. The project sat in a project bag and I’d almost forgotten about them. When I took the first mitten out of the bag, the quality of the work was dreadful. So, I’ve re knitted both mittens (some parts) several times, and have definitely improved the quality of the finished mittens. The weather is staring to get cold and I’ll be wearing my new mittens today.

This project has been part of my aim to complete all my unfinished Making projects. It’s one down, lots to go !

Thanks for calling in today.

Spinning Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m back from a lovely week in North Yorkshire, I could do with another ! However, such as life ! There was lots of sitting around time so I was able to knit several pairs of socks and mittens. Weather was good and we walked about and ate lots of very nice meals. Generally, I had a great time.

This week, I’m concentrating on planning to complete all my current unfinished projects. There are quite a few. I’m hoping to clear out lots of rubbish and will hopefully come across all the unfinished projects. Some will probably be abandoned but there are sewing projects and knitting project which I know I would like to complete. Hopefully, I can make a list which will be scheduled ! Wish me luck.

Other news; over the last month or so, I’ve been trying to practice my spinning skills each day. Just a short session but it’s certainly helping to improve the quality of the yarn I’m producing. I want to keep going with this practice so will need to make time each day alongside the unfinished list. Here is a quick look at the latest spin progress. It’s just a small amount of yarn to add to a yolk pattern for a cardigan. I’m not there yet but you can see the first bobbin load, transferred to my niddy noddy.

             

The knit project is a cardigan, the pattern is the Epistrophy by Kate  Davies. You can see the pattern on the yolk section of the garment. This will be knitted in my me spun yarn, the rest will be Baa Ram Yew Dovestone (now replaced by Winterburn) in a dark grey colour. I’ve been thinking about knitting this garment for a long time and am excited to use my own yarn for part of the project.
My yarn is in a lovely bright green shade called Lichen, the fibre is Perendale. The fibre produces a tough yarn, with a similar feel to Shetland. I’m hoping the yarn will soften, a little, after soaking. There will be more about this project over the next few weeks.

That’s about all my news for today. Thanks for calling in.