Birthdays Gift

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing one of my wonderful birthday gifts with you today. Read yesterday’s blog for background to the birthday story. Today’s gift is in two parts, a pattern book and some beautiful fabric. 

        

You will notice, the pattern book is actually written in Japanese ! I’m hoping I can cope. All seems well at the moment, the diagrams are brilliant and the designs are quite simple in structure - famous last words. The book contains twelve garment designs but each design has two options, a close fitting (small design) and a generous, loose fitting (big design). I’m told the title says Big Clothes and Small Clothes. It all seems very straightforward! The book is available from Etsy. I do have a Japanese friend, so if things get tricky, I can call upon her for help.

The fabric is a gorgeous cotton print from Merchant&Mills. I love the fabric design and can’t wait to test it out.

My first make from the book will be the dress on the front of the book, the bigger loose version. My plan is to wear it as a layering item with either blouses or T shirts. However, in hot weather I’m sure it will be a great sundress.

There are quite a number of Japanese pattern books available and if these designs and the making process work well, I can see myself using more of them. I’ve been reading about and wondering about this particular book for quite sometime and am thrilled with the gift. Most of my birthday gifts were on a WishList but that doesn’t take anything away from the delight at receiving them. 

All the designs in the book are lovely, I will definitely be making them all. They vary from dresses to trousers to coats, so lots of things to make. Beyond excited about all this.

Thanks for calling in today.

Keep safe.

Birthday Stories

Hi Everyone 

I’d like to share a few lovely stories from my birthday on Saturday (28/3/20). It was a very strange birthday and one that I will remember forever. Obviously, because of the Coronavirus issues my usual day out somewhere, wasn’t going to happen. We are in ‘lockdown’ and only go out once each week for food other than a daily (20/30min.)walk from our house. 

A few months ago, we had a long term plan to go to Edinburgh for the day. I love Edinburgh and it’s a regular celebration visit for our family. We love the galleries and have a number of shops and favourite cafes that we visit. However, this wasn’t going to happen this year. So, what was I to do ? I was determined to celebrate somehow.

Sadly, when I woke up, it was raining (that wasn’t in the plan) and I had thought about a walk followed by breakfast (part of our daily exercise). We live in a beautiful part of the UK and there are lots of very pretty walks from our house. I’d chosen a walk through a wooded glade, along the river. Lovely idea and perfect for a birthday treat. However, the rain didn’t encourage my husband and I out. My sons were a ‘no show’ re this idea. We decided on breakfast first and then our walk. This worked our well. The rain stopped and our walk was lovely. Somehow, more special because we are living through such a difficult time. My senses seem to be working on a hypersensitive level, so smells and views were enhanced.

I was given some lovely gifts, very special things that have been on a wish list for a long time. I’ll share and enjoy talking about the details over the next few days. My favourite gift was three lovely handmade cards from my husband and sons. My boys are grown up and haven’t made cards for many years, the fact that they had made the cards was so lovely. They are great and reflect their personalities, perfectly. They all have thought about the messages and the decoration and have got it just right. I will keep them always.

My third extra special thing was a What’s App birthday song with my Dad, brothers, husband and boys. We organised a time to call and share the screen with a four way video call. My Dad even managed a Happy Birthday accompaniment before blowing out the candles on my birthday cake. So special. I wasn’t sure we could actually make a cake because we couldn’t buy any flour. However, I found a recipe which didn’t need too much flour, we had around 80gm in the cupboard. The recipe is an orange/almond cake with an orange glaze. I even managed a few candles. Unfortunately, the cake was only enjoyed by my immediate household family. When all this is over, I’m going to make the cake again and we can all enjoy it together in one place.

           

The cake has been eaten and my flowers have withered. However, I will remember all the experiences and have my special cards.

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

Keep safe.

Knitting Update

Hi Everyone 

I have good news and slightly bad news re my knitting. The Lovage Sweater knitting has been done - hurray ! Read back on the blog for more on this project. You can see the details here. However, the sleeves are too long !

The slightly bad news, I need to undo my knitting and sort out the length of the sleeves. 

         

I’m happy with the fit of the body and I will love the whole thing when I sort out the sleeves. I almost decided to cut and graft the sleeves half way down the arms to shorten the overall length but having slept on it. I’m decided to undo the sweater to the arms. I have the opportunity to try on the sweater, which gives me a great chance to give a really good fit length for my sleeves. I’m also very happy to re knit the top section and make a better job of the neckband. The neckband is Ok but I think I can do better.

So, ‘all in all’ - this is my usual way with sweater knitting. It’s never straight forward but it will be as good as I can make it, in the end. I’ll keep you informed of the process and highlight some of the improvements as I go.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a good weekend. Keep safe.

Sewing Project

Hi Everyone 

I have another new idea for a sewing project. This time it’s another Frankie T Shirt from Tilly And The Buttons. I made a version of this T shirt a few weeks ago and like it very much.

            

The first T Shirt (above bottom left) is a great fit, very simple to make and exactly what I need right now. I’m hoping, I can use my new T shirt ‘to be’ for layering on cooler days but as the weather warms up, as an everyday item. 

My new fabric (been in my stash for a while) needs to be washed, so that’s my job, for today. The first navy T shirt only took a couple of hours to make, it’s a quick job ! The only issue I had with the Frankie construction was the neckline. I did need to redo the size of the neckline, a few times, to accommodate the fit on my body. I don’t care for a tight neckline so will make adjustments as required for my new Frankie.

There will be fabric leftover from making my T shirt. I think, at the moment, I will make a vest or a shirt sleeves top ? I’ll work on that one today. I could simply shorten the sleeves of the Frankie pattern but I think, I’ll do a bit more research and report back.

I’ll share progress with this little project as I have something to share.

Thanks for calling in today. Keep safe.

Knitted Dishcloths

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing my new knitted Dish Cloth today. It’s a very minor thing but I love my handmade dishcloths. I’m not a fan of washing up, obviously, but it’s got to be done - to some degree. I have a dishwasher which gets lots of use but the dishcloths are also well used. 

            

There looks to be a slight issue with a small section of the knitting, I’m not sure what going on there ? I’ve checked, closely, and all is well in terms of the stitches. Perhaps, it will even out when it gets wet and is used.

My usual dish cloth Making technique is to crochet cotton yarn but this time I thought, I’d try knitting. I get through quite a few dish cloths. They are robust but I sterilise the clothes regularly and the cotton does tend to disintegrate.

I will be making a few more dish cloths this week and I think, I’ll go for the crochet approach next time. I will be able to compare my favoured technique. 

Thanks for calling in today. Keep safe.

Gifts for me

Hi Everyone 

Here in the UK, it was Mother’s Day on Sunday and I wanted to share some lovely gifts I received. A beautiful Lavender plant and some very, very nice sock yarn as well as a couple of wonderful cards. I feel very lucky. I’ve got my gifts placed, where I can see them from my favourite chair and am finding myself looking and smiling at them - all through the day. Such a lovely feeling, enjoying my gifts. The plant will need to go out today, it’s an outside thing. I’m just wondering where I can position my Lavender , to so see it often, from the window.

               

Giving an update from the Factory Dress project (see yesterday’s blog for details). I have the pattern printed and have washed my fabric. The pattern is part of a birthday gift for later this week, so I’ve decided to wait until the day. So my project is on hold.

I spent lots of time yesterday shopping/ planning meals for our family and as a result, I didn’t do much Making - other than my regular evening  knitting. Shopping was OK, I got mostly what I needed- so I’m not complaining. Such as life at the moment. 

Today, I’m going to get another sewing project underway, I have a few ideas and I’ll share the plan tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today. Keep safe.

Sewing News

Hi Everyone 

I’m starting my week with a new sewing project. However, before launching into sewing news, I thought, I needed to mention something about the very difficult time we are all experiencing with COVID-19. Words can’t adequately describe the change in our world and I don’t feel qualified to talk about the medical details or the Global impact. I can only relate to my own personal experiences, at the moment. I’ve decided to try and give a practical sense (in my blog) of how I’m dealing with everything from my own perspective while carrying on with Making. Currently, I’m finding being creative and making things is giving me focus and helping to emotionally cope with the monumental changes which are necessary. So, I’m not ignoring COVID-19, I will include things which are relevant to my projects and my life.

So, about the new sewing project. This is the Factory Dress pattern from Merchant&Mills. I’ve had my eye on the pattern for a while and I have some lovely Fine Wool fabric which is perfect for the dress. This project has already given me a few hours of excitement. I’m thinking about how I will plan my Make, amongst the other things I need to do ?

Today, I’ll wash my fabric and print the pattern - the pattern is a PDF download. The aim is to set aside a few hours each day to work on the Factory Dress and focus my thoughts on the process. I’m certain this will help me direct my thoughts away from being anxious for a while. Here’s a quick look at the pattern and fabric :

                

I love the fabric. It’s a Fine Wool from Minerva Crafts, I bought the fabric a while ago and didn’t know what I would make with it. I feel the Factory Dress is perfect. I’m treating this project as a wearable toile. When I’ve sorted the fitting etc, I will think about a few more dresses, possibly with slight design changes. At the moment, I’m not sure what ?

This week, I’m hoping to breakdown the dress project tasks, each day I will have a defined set of things to do. I’ll be sharing how I get on and how it fits into life.

Thanks for calling in today. Keep safe.

Silver Sample Story

Hi Everyone 

Today, I have an unusual story to share. It’s an absolute disaster, in terms of the initial idea ! However, I’m finding lots of positives. Starting at the beginning .... I wanted to make a pair of earrings inspired by my recent Seed Pod Ring. The idea was to develop a simple round base and add three very small, balled pieces of silver wire, shaped to imitate seed heads. I would then, add short posts with a butterfly to wear the earrings.

It sounded like a good plan. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t take the number of very small pieces of wire (which needed to be soldered and consequently heated) into account, sufficiently !

             

The image (bottom left) was a little way into the Make and going well. I’d created the basic component (soldered) and ready for ‘balling the ends’. I should have done this or tried to ‘ball’ the wire first. I’m not sure it would have made a difference ? I think, the main issue is the very small length (1.4cm) of quite ‘fine’ wire. I managed to ‘ball’ a couple of the wire ends (perfectly) and then the whole component started to melt. I decided to abandon the job and melted the whole thing (see bottom right image). I’ve hammered the melted silver and produced a couple of larger, flattened, roundish pieces (top image). I’m calling these component drops. 

I’ve learned lots of things about managing this kind of Make and feel very good about the whole project. I’m determined, I will produce a much better and improved design. I like my Seed Pod Ring but if I’m honest, it’s not especially my kind of thing and I’m not sure I would like earrings in the same design. I simply got the idea in my head and it wouldn’t move.

My new plan is to add a couple of larger pieces of thicker silver wire (probably about 1.0 or 1.5mm) to the new silver drops. I have three drops,  so will aim to produce a necklace charm and a pair of earrings. Wish me luck.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend and I’ll be back next week with more Making stories.

Sweater Progress

Hi Everyone 

I’m working away on my latest sweater knit, the Lovage sweater from Flora Kennedy and Uist Wool. I’m doing OK, so far. I’ve completed the body and almost the second sleeve. I’m a session away from joining all the bits to form the yolk.

               

At this stage, I’m slightly anxious that the sleeves are going to be too long. I’ve tried on the sleeves several times, as they are worked and have lengthened the first sleeve by around 6/7cm. This is unusual for me. I’m usually shortening sleeves. However, I’ll go with the longer length and will have to take out if they end up too long. I feel, I need to get a sense of how the underarm meeting point sits on my body before a I can be sure.

I’m very happy with progress and am looking for ward to starting the yolk. The yarn is beautiful and I love the shape of this sweater.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Knit Project

Hi Everyone 

I’ve started a new knitting project, it’s a Dish Cloth. I realise this is not hugely interesting but it’s one of those things which I love to use ie. a handmade Dish Cloth. It’s ‘a several times a day’ reminder, of my desire to have and use all things handmade. My usual approach is to crochet my dish cloths but this time I’ve chosen a knit pattern.

               

The Spa Facecloth by Anne Mancini and available on Ravelry (free pattern). I’m using a Rico essentials cotton DK in a bright green colour (86). The pattern is made over 4 rows with a seed stitch pattern around the edge. It’s very simple and quite an intuitive pattern, after three or four rounds. I’ve completed a very small amount of knitting so far but I’m happy with gauge and the fabric being produced.

I’m consciously thinking about HandmadeHome items alongside my Handmadewardrobe, so hopefully I’ll be making many more things for my home.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scrap Project - continues

Hi Everyone

I’ve been working on The Scrap Project for over a week now and have produced a total of six items. Read back (each day) last week for more on the Project. The original idea came from reworking a couple of old pieces of clothing from my wardrobe, garments which didn’t fit and had not been worn for years. 

I made a lovely T Shirt top, check out the back story here and here. The final top still needs the hems to be finished. I had thought I may leave the sleeves and bottom hem with an overlocked edge. However, having worn my top, I would like a turned up/stitched finish. You can check out the (almost) finished top here.

Today, I have a new scrap item to add to my list,  its a small, neck cowl.

             

I decided, I’d like to make a cowl which would be a useful for lots of outfits. I have lots of striped clothes in my wardrobe so I’m sure my cowl will be a great addition. I’ve pieced several pieces of fabric together (using my overlocker) and made a simple turned tube - very similar to the technique used to make my scrunchie (the first scrap project).

I think, that’s it for this Scrap Project. I do have some tiny bits left but I’ve done what I intended. I’ve made something I didn’t wear into something, I will wear. I also created a few little things which will enhance my world and be useful, from the scraps. It’s a great feeling to repurpose and I’ll definitely be doing it again.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scrap Project continues...

Hi Everyone 

Having thought I’d completed the Scrap Project last week, I’ve made another pair of knickers. I like this pair much more than the original pair (check out the original pair here). The 2nd knickers design is a more luxurious looking item with lace rather than simple stretch elastic. I’ve adapted my pattern this time and have revised each of the pattern pieces to give a better fit.

          

The lace was already in my stash, so this is an unexpected extra item from the Scrap Project. I took my time stitching the lace, so I have a very pleasing and neat job. I used a small zig zag stitch on my regular sewing machine. There’s not much more to say about this particular Make other than how pleased I am to have a lovely new pair of knickers.

I also have a new idea for another Scrap Make with more of my leftover fabric. I’ll share the idea land the Make later in the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scrap Project Round Up

Hi Everyone 

I’ve had a whole week of working on my Scrap Project, this week. I’ve really enjoyed being creative with leftover fabric. I feel very happy with all my Makes and I’m not done yet ! I have  a little more fabric available and will make a couple more pairs of knickers. I’m amazed how little fabric is needed for a pair of knickers ! These are not tiny little things, they are standard, medium sized knickers. I’ll be sharing the different styles next week.

Getting back to the main Scrap Project, I’ve put together a little photo story of my Makes and each one has a very satisfying role in my life.

             

I have a genuine need for all my little Makes. I’m using the Lavender Bags in my wardrobe, the scrunchie is a regular hair thing (I want to use it each evening to tie my hair up while having a bath) and the knickers explain themselves. The use of the buttons were a little vague earlier in the week. However, I now have an idea for a jersey fabric cardigan/jacket and my fabric covered buttons will be perfect. I’ll share more detailed plans about this cardigan/jacket in a week or so.

Thanks for calling in today and sharing Scrap Project story. Have a great weekend and I’ll be back next week with more Making stories.

The Scrap Project (4)

Hi Everyone 

Today is the 4th and final item in my Scrap Project, it’s a pair of knickers. They shave turned out well and I have enough left to make a second pair !

Here’s a quick look at the steps I took to make my knickers :

  

  

I used the Binky  knickers pattern by Evie de la Luve. I’ve made several pairs of knickers using this pattern so I’m familiar with the process. You can see the steps in my photo story. I used both of the fabric designs and extras from my stash. Generally, it’s a quick make with very little to challenge a sewer. The only technique is getting an enclosed seam gusset. There are several YouTube videos created by Evie de la Luve detailing all aspects of making knickers (including the enclosed gusset), I would highly recommend her tutorials. She is very good at walking though all the steps. 

I used a thin white elastic around the top and legs and it’s all worked well. I’m planning to make my second pair with some stretch lace. This gives the knickers a completely different look and slightly more luxurious. I think, I’ll also narrow the height of the side seam. I’d like a narrower and possibly, slightly higher point for the waist. This is not a big issue but I’d like to experiment and I think, it’s a more flattering for my body shape.

Hopefully, I’ll have a bit of time later today, to get the second pair of knickers underway. I need to check on stretch lace colours in my stash, I’m sure I can find something suitable.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scrap Project (3)

Hi Everyone 

It’s time to share my 3rd Scrap Project sample, today’s it’s the Lavender Bags.

           

There’s not too much to say about this very simple Make. I have simply cut out squares of the fabric scraps, using a little paper template (1). I overlocked the fabric pieces together on three sides (4). Initially, I turned over the 4th edge (the top of the bag) before sewing down the sides. However, I felt, this approach made a rather bulky edge to the top; the other two bags - I simply overlocked to the end of the fabric. My photo story (6&7) shows the different approaches. In the end, I’m not sure it made that much difference ? After overlocking the edges, I filled my bags with lavender, added a little folded tape (8) and hand sewed the top of the bag. That’s it !

I love my little bags. They have turned out better than I expected. My plan is to attach small cup hooks to the top of my wardrobe and hang my bags in there. I can also add the bags to individual hangers. They smell lovely.

Tomorrow, it’s my final Scrap Project sample, a pair of knickers. Call in the check out the Make.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scrap Project (2)

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing the second Scrap Project sample today. If you look back to the Friday blog post you can read the story behind this project. The second sample is a range of fabric covered buttons.

          

This little project is very simple and takes a very short time. It’s a particularly satisfying Make. 

I have used three different sized button blanks for the project. These blanks are plastic Button shaped forms with two parts. I had these blanks in my stash but they are readily available in lots of different sizes.

The process is simple and you can see the different tasks I’ve followed to make my buttons in my photo story. The first job is to cut out circle shaped pieces of fabric which are a little bigger (few millimetres) than the plastic form(1). Next, I used a needle and thread to make a small running stitch around the edge of the circle(3).I pulled the running stitch and popped the button form in the centre (4). When the button is enclosed in the fabric, the second button component is snapped over the shank to tighten and keep the fabric in place (6). 

I’m very happy with the way the buttons have turned out. I have 6 of the smaller buttons, 2 of the medium size and 1 large button ready for using. I don’t have a specific sewing project ready for using my buttons but I’m already thinking of a button up cardigan/jacket where these buttons would be perfect. The buttons are really easy to make and I love the finished items.

Look in tomorrow for the next scrap project sample.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Scraps Project

Hi Everyone 

I introduced something I’m calling The Scraps Project on Friday - read back for more on this story. In summary, this is a project which will use up leftover scraps of fabric to make useable items. 

My first Make is a sample scrunchie for my hair. I have several scrunchies which (I feel) are a little big, slightly too wide. I have resized the width of my first sample and I think, this is the size I like. I’m testing out the first scrunchie and will check how things work out. If this is a good fit for me, in a day or so, I’ll make a few more scrunchies. 

I’ve made a photo story, showing the process I’ve used to make my first scrunchie. Here’s it is :

       

        

The 8 steps I’ve shown in my photo story, show how simple this project is. My fabric piece (1) measure 24cm x 7cm. I folded over the fabric length wise (2) with right sides facing each other and turned one end of the fabric over by about 1cm (3). The next step (4) is to machine the length of the folded fabric. Number (5) shows the sewn strip of fabric. Next (6) is to turn out the fabric, seam to be inside. I threaded the elastic (1/4ins. x 9cms piece) through my sewn tube and used my machine to stitch the elastic together. The last job was to slip the unfinished end of my fabric tube into the turned over end (see photo 3 step, previously prepared). I used my machine to sew over the join but you could hand finish the join. When the scrunchie is worn, you can’t see the seam at all.
Generally, this is a very simple project. I like the idea of making a scrunchie of exactly the right size and using a specific fabric to wear with a particular outfit. I’ll definitely be making more.

Thanks for calling in today. 

Using Up Scraps

Hi Everyone 

Last week, I made a lovely T shirt from two reworked garments (from my wardrobe). Check out the post here. As a result of the Make, I have some leftover fabric pieces. I’d quite like to use up these bits of fabric. The fabric is blue striped jersey in a couple of different stripe combinations. I’ve done a little bit of research and have come up with a few different ideas of things to make. There are many more options but I have a genuine need for the items I’ve identified on my list.

Top of my list is a couple of hair scrunches. I have quite long hair and am always reaching for something to tie it up. A couple of navy/white striped scrunches will be just what I need.

My second idea is a range of fabric covered buttons. I have a number of different sized button blanks, ready for covering with fabric. I can see lots of uses for such buttons. I think, I can make quite a few buttons with very little fabric. I don’t have a specific project, in mind, for using my buttons but I’m already quite excited about thinking of ways of using my fabric covered buttons ‘to be’.

I also have a need for some new lavender bags for my wardrobe and clothing drawers. I like the idea of making some bags from the leftover striped fabric which I can attach to hangers or slip into drawers. I’m hoping to make around 6 or 7 bags.

The last idea is a couple of pairs of knickers, you can see the sample from my photo story below (bottom left image). I have lots of stretch lace in my stash and the amount of fabric needed is relatively small. I probably have enough fabric for a couple of pairs of knickers, which will be great.

                    

I’ll plan my Makes over the next few days and check how the fabric can be used most efficiently. I’ll probably make the larger items first, ie the knickers followed by the scrunches, then the lavender bags and finally the buttons. Hopefully, I will have most of the leftover fabric used up after this little initiative. If it works well, I’d like to think I can apply the idea for all my sewing projects. There’s always bits of fabric left after all my sewing projects.

I’ll collect some images of the different stages as I Make my samples and share here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend and I’ll be back next week with more Making stories.

New Knit

Hi Everyone

Earlier this week, I talked about the next knit project on my list, the Lovage Sweater by Flora Kennedy. Here it is :

            

I love this design. The project is kit from Uist Wool. It was a birthday gift from a couple of years ago and has been sitting, waiting in my stash. I was especially inspired to focus on the kit when Uist Wool came to my local wool shop (Fine Fettle Fibres) for a special tour event. I really enjoyed hearing about Uist Wool and felt I was depriving myself,  if I didn’t get my sweater underway. I love the design of the sweater, it’s simple and yet has a lovely shape which suits my body shape well, I hope.

The yarn is siaban dk in a mid light grey range of tones. Check out the details of the yarn from their website- link above. The kit is still available with lots of yarn options in their online shop.

I’ve produced a gauge sample and I’m happy with the fabric and the sizing. I didn’t want to start my Lovage until a current project pair of socks had been completed, these socks have been waiting and delayed previously, by other projects. However, I couldn’t resist starting, just a few rows ! In the end, I knitted around 6 or 7, only to find I’d twisted the cast on ! There are around 275 stitches for the bottom up sweater, knitted in the round. Disaster ! - what a waste of time.  I took this as a sign to get the socks finished first ! So, I’m ready to go again (all the rows have been ripped out) but not until the socks are ready to wear.

Thanks for calling in today.

Socks in progress

Hi Everyone 

I started a quick sock project about a month ago ! I’ve put some work into the job over the last few days but the project has been patiently waiting for a Sweater Make to finish. Now, I can spend some time on the socks, I’m doing well. One sock almost done and the second well underway.

             

These socks are made from West Yorkshire Spinners Signature Sock Yarn in the Juniper shade along with some hand spun stuff (leftover from a previous sweater knit) I’m using my own sock design for this project, just a very simple, plain sock with an afterthought heel. The key to my design is the chunky, turn over rib at the top. I wanted to make these socks to wear with lace up style shoes which will show the detail of the cuff. There was a little bit of trial and error re the needle size but eventually I went for 3mm needles (for the cuff). The rest of the sock is using 2mm. 

There’s not much more to say about this project, it’s almost there. The next time you see them, I’ll be wearing them. 

I’ll finish the socks before moving on to a new sweater knit. I also have some new sock yarn, ready and waiting for the next pair. I did think about another plain sock but may go for a lacey design ? Not sure ? I’ll give the plan some time to develop in my head. Check out this link to see the new sock yarn here.

Thanks for calling in today.

Reworked Saltmarsh

Hi Everyone 

I made a lovely Saltmarsh skirt, a pattern from Merchant&Mills, a while ago. The fabric is a beautiful blue plaid-like design, just lovely. However, although, I did wear my skirt a few times, the fit was not quite right. I felt, there was so much fabric (especially the width at the front) that the skirt was not very flattering. There are no zips or buttons involved and the fit comes from a simple threaded fabric tie at the waist; my initial skirt was to resemble wearing a sack !

After, pondering the idea for several weeks, I decided I needed to unpick the whole thing and recut/fit the garment. This was quite a task. I had used my overlock machine on all seams and the skirt was as good on the inside as it was on the outside. Lots and lots of stitching to unpick. I was convinced, I needed to remake my skirt, so I spent a few days ( several sessions per day) unpicking !

             

I managed to unpick all seams and completely recut the patterns pieces. The fit of the skirt, in my photo image, shows how the skirt should look. The front of the skirt is slightly gathered by the tie waist but the ‘sack-look’ is certainly not there ! Having remade the skirt, the fit in now similar. I need to sort the waistband out, it’s a simple line of stitching around the waistband. I also need to renew the skirt. There is a difference in the front and back of the skirt, the length needs to be matched. I’ll hopefully complete this job today.

Generally, so far, I’m very with the outcome. I do like all aspects of this design and am keen to make more versions of this pattern. I also want to test out different ways of wearing my newly renovated skirt, very exciting times !

Thanks for calling in today.

St Catherine Version 2

Hi Everyone 

I’ve finished knitting my second version of St Catherine, a lovely shrug style cardigan by Kate Davies. I had quite a struggle with sizing, earlier in the project. I needed to restart this project several times. I used two yarns held together for this one, a kid silk and a 4 ply Merino. I wanted a drapey style fabric for my cardigan, so experimented with different size needles. Eventually, I worked it out and used 5 mm needles.

I love the cardigan fabric, it’s very soft and squishy, the colours are lovely and I’m happy with the fit. Generally, this pattern is wonderful to knit, a very clever construction with lots of shaping, throughout. 

               

                   

I still need to sew in a few raw ends of yarn before I can wear my knit but other than that, I’m finished. The only change I made with this version, is to do with the ‘meeting part’ of the front. Although, the front looks similar in my photos, the latest version is much more cardigan-like in terms of the front edges meeting and the length. It’s not a huge change but looks different when a I wear the garment. I’ll get some images of both, side by side, to illustrate my point - sometime soon.

Now it’s time to decided on my next sweater, I have a few options ! I’ll let you know later in the week.

Thanks for calling in today.