Thoughts about Life !

Hi Everyone 

It’s over a week since my last post and I can’t quite believe where the time has gone ? I somehow, missed posting anything last week. Today, I thought it would be a good idea to simply have a quick chat and reflect on life at the moment. 

I’ve been Making as usual (everyday) but in a more relaxed way. Life has taken on a regular routine and is filled with general living things. I feel, as if I don’t have my Making space prior to lockdown on the 23/3/20 - seven or eight weeks ago. Each part of my day is quite busy. I’m not sure how that can be ? All the things I do are important in their own way eg planning meals, keeping in touch with family, exercise walks, shopping menu and lists etc. All these things need doing but are not especially exciting.

 We (two grown up boys, my husband and me) are living in the same house and together (very grateful that that is the case) and are doing Ok, considering we are all completely at home. In some respects, things are very organised and gradually little jobs (around the house) are being done. I think, it’s true to say, life has taken on a different focus. We have lots of lovely moments but things seem are a bit short term with lots of uncertainty. I’m not sure I’m totally happy with my personal focus, I like a list of things to achieve each day and my lists are very uninspiring at the moment. Perhaps, it’s time to make some plans ? By plans, I mean little personal goals - I think ?

Getting back to Making for a moment (my happy place), I’ve spent lots of time trying to conquer a knitting pattern. This pattern is from the 52 Weeks of socks from Laine, you can read all about the book here. The pattern is called Heartichoke. It’s a wonderful pattern, I talked about this knit on the blog a few weeks ago - read about it here. However, for some reason, the lace detail on the leg has given me lots of grief. It’s not difficult but it’s the sort of pattern which needs attention and I have made so many mistakes (repeatedly) that I almost gave up. I must have restarted the lace section six times, at least. I knitted several rows of the 20 row pattern each time. I couldn’t read my knitting accurately enough so each time it all came out (just the lace bit !) Very frustrating. However, I persevered and I’m so pleased I did. Having done so, it’s a joy to pick up the needles and knit a few rows. I realised I needed peace, the radio is fine but no conversation and no TV screens.

              

I love this pattern and am enjoying the knit, immensely. The yarn is from the wonderful Ginger Twist Studios, read about it here.

I’m not sure when these socks will be finished, it doesn’t matter at the moment. I’m simply enjoying the process.

I do have other projects underway. There’s a sweater and a few sewing projects. I’ll share my sweater knit and the sewing projects in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Keep safe.

Sewing Project Update

Hi Everyone 

I’m finished ! As planned, I’d hoped to complete my latest sewing project by the end of the week. This is the beautiful dress from Big Clothes and Little Clothes by Asuka Hamada and featured in my last blog (check out the post here).

                 

I love everything about the patterns in the book (check out the link above). I’m already planning the next project.

Getting back to my dress project - the simple lines and attention to the cut is perfect. The fabric is also an added advantage to this project. I was slightly anxious that the dress would not work because the design demands a fine, flowing material. However, all is well with the fabric and the dress hangs beautifully. I feel very good in the dress and will wear it with pride.

I’ll be back next week with my next project early next week. In the meantime, I’ll be working on a little bag for knitting projects and will hopefully share that next week too.

Thanks for calling in today.

Keep safe.

Sewing Project News

Hi Everyone 

I’m back with an update of my latest sewing project. This is a dress from one of my recent birthday gifts, a Japanese pattern book ( check it out here). I love this book. Everything about the book is beautiful. The fact that it’s written in Japanese doesn’t make any difference. The photos are lovely and the instruction drawings are perfect. I was slightly anxious before tracing the pattern but no need. I can highly recommend the book. 

I have some lovely check fabric from Seasalt and have managed to squeeze the pattern into three separate 1m lengths. I have quite a bit left from one of the pieces and am considering making a small shawl. All kinds of hand embroidery ideas have appeared in my head - for finishing the edges of the shawl. However, I’m not sure about the final length of my dress - I may need to add an extra bit to lengthen. I’ve already decided to use this as a design feature and top stitch to highlight the feature, if required. This would have an impact on my shawl idea ! 

Back to progress, all I’ve managed to do, is make the pattern, cut out and complete the neckline for the front and back. Today, I’m planning to add the pockets and sleeves. There’s not too much more to do !  This, like all the other patterns in the book are very simple but beautiful shapes. I’m very keen to have neat and precise finishing details so will be taking my time and thinking through each stage, very carefully. I’m enjoying taking everything very slowly. It feels luxurious and very calming. I like to get lost in my sewing - this project is perfect for this moment.

Here’s  a quick look at the fabric and the neckline detail as well as the finished dress sample from the book. As you can see, each of the patterns has a small and large application of the design. Such a wonderful idea.

                   

Hopefully, I will have the finished item for my next post later this week. I’m aiming to publish Thursday or Friday.

Thanks for calling in today.

Keep safe.