Sample-along Update

Hi Everyone

I'm providing an update of the spinning 'sample-along' from last week (read back here for details). I've chosen my little sample fibres and am making up a record sheet of my spin. This involves recording little samples of the job as the developed final yarn appears as well as a knitted sample of a range of specific stitches including cable, stocking stitch, rib, lace, moss stitch, garter. The sample card will include all the information I need to replicate the spin in the future. With the help of the Ravelry group linked to this little project I've got a pattern idea for a knitted sample. Check out the group if you are interested here.

So far, I've finished the spin section and washed the yarn. It's been drying overnight and I'm ready to knit the sample. 

        

I used a 'short forward' drafting technique (not my favourite !) and it was quite a struggle to keep disciplined throughout the spin. I tend to spin with a 'long draw' and feel very relaxed with this technique - using the short forward drafting made me very aware of the need to prepare my fibres more. Im keen to see how the drafting technique will effect my knitting sample. 

I'll keep you informed of progress - my next update will be the completed knitted sample.

Thanks for calling in today.

Project Bags

Hi Everyone

Last week, I talked about making a new project bag. I've been thinking about this 'make' for a while and finally, I'm finally into the development stage. I've done a fair bit of research on the subject and have decided to go for a drawstring version rather than a zip version. I wanted to make the bag from existing stash and this probably gave me more problems than anything else. I've lots of small pieces of beautiful fabric and wanted to use them. I think, I've got a good design which will require a little sewing before I can start the bag. The fabric pieces I've chosen are too small to use as they are - so, I've decided to sew them together to create a couple of larger pattern pieces.

I've taken inspiration from a great design I found on Pinterest from www.gluestickblog.com. There's a great tutorial available on the blog.

 

I'm planning on a lined bag with extra pockets and handles with the option to extend the size (upwards). I've divided the project into five smaller tasks which aim hoping will allow a relaxed approach to my sewing. I don't want to rush the job. I'm almost sure there will be modifications along the way but I want the bag to be as good as it can be - in terms of design and quality. I specifically want to use this bag for a sweater size knitting project and if this design works well, I'll make a few more. My first task is to prepare the pattern pieces. I haven't set a timescale as such but I want to create the individual pieces by the end of the week and have the construction process clear.

I'll keep you up to date with developments.

Thanks for calling in today.

Sewing Story

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing yet another project in my very long 'to do' list today. This time it's to do with sewing. I've had a long history of sewing but for the last few years, sewing has taken a 'back seat'. However, I've been inspired by reading  a number of popular sewing blogs such as  Sew Over It and Tilly and The Buttons. As a result, a few days ago, I found myself in a local craft shop and saw a selection of sewing patterns.Among the range of patterns, I found a lovely Merchant and Mills pattern.

 

When I got home, the only thought was to look at the Merchant and Mills online shop. How wonderful - words fail me. I love everything they sell. More gorgeous patterns and lots and lots of lovely fabric. However, something I need to do NOW - is check on the rather large bag of fabric stash I already have !! 

In addition, I've found a smaller project which will, hopefully, give me a little necessary practice and brush up my sewing skills. This smaller project is to make a project bag for a sizeable 'make' such as a dress or jumper. I have a number of small zip bags and a range of simple drawstring bags but I'm after something larger which is pretty and does the job of organising the projects.

I've been in the habit of working with a single project and then moving on to the next. However, I'd like to start organising my time more efficiently by managing several projects at once. I'm hoping some new project bags will help. 

 

I'm not sure how many bags I'm going to need ? but I think I like both drawstring and zip style bags - it's just a question of size and deciding on my 'making' schedule ! Hopefully, I have enough stash fabric to start the bag project, I'm hoping to get the first one going this weekend.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.

Thanking for calling in today

Box of Delights

Hi Everyone

Yesterday, the most delightful box arrived via the postman. The box shouldn't have been a great surprise - given that I'd ordered it ! But something about the square purple box that arrived made my heart beat a bit faster. This box was full of lovely individually wrapped mini packages. Lots of different colours and textures and generally a beautiful sight. This box is all about a NEW project which involves spinning. Each little package (20 in total) contains 15gms of wool roving. I thought I'd identified my favourite three packages (see top photo) couldn't find just one ! However, each time I look at the box, I have a new favourite. The little packages have their own descriptive names which is lovely too. I can't wait to get going with spinning them.

The Project is a sample-along with a great YouTube Channel called Tiny Fibre Studio. The channel is quite new and based here in the UK (everything about it is great) and exactly what I need just at this moment in my own spinning journey. I'm also quite new to spinning but try and spin everyday. I've made great progress but I'm ready to try and become a 'purposeful spinner'.This means that I want to be able to spin specific yarn in a specific way for a particular purpose ie a knitting or crochet project.The sample-along project will begin on 1st March 2017 (so I can start ASAP) with a worsted 2-ply as the theme. The sample-along itself will involve spinning the little sample of yarn, plying it and then knitting a small square which will include a mixture of stitches to help see how the yarn behaves. Worsted spinning is done from a combed preparation and my gorgeous little packages are perfect. Hopefully, members of the sample-along will have lots of different experiences which we will discuss and share findings. I'm really excited about this project and feel able to confidently join in !

Here is a quick look at the packages before deciding on which I'm going to choose :

 

If you are interested in getting involved have a look at  Tiny Fibre Studio on Ravelry for the details.

Just want to mention how Candy from Nunoco on Etsy responded to my request for the little packages of roving (Becks from Tiny Fibre Studio recommend the shop) I messaged her to check if she could provide a box and within an hour I'd placed my order. The order arrived within a few days. Thank you so much Candy. Go and check out her store for more goodies 

Nunoco.

I'll keep you posted on my progress with this project over the next few weeks.

Thanks for calling in today.

Work In Progress

Hi Everyone

Today, I'm sharing a knitting project which has been 'in progress' for only a few weeks. The pattern is called Linnea Tunic by Stella Ackroyd. This item is a long length tunic. I'm knitting with a beautiful yarn, Dovestone dk in the aire colour way which is 50% Bluefaced Leicester/25% Wensleydale Longwool/25% Dark Brown Masham. The resulting knitted material is soft and drapes well. I'm amazed how quickly it's knitting up ! I'm not usually a quick knitter and although it's very plain, mostly stocking stitch with a moss stitch boarder on the bottom and up each side, there's still quite a bit of knitting. There are also a couple of buttons on each side - I'm not sure which buttons I will go for ? At this point, I'm considering making some buttons with polymer clay but can't decide on a colour ? or a size/style ? I'll work on those decisions over the next few days.

 

I've got about 30 cms of knitting to go  including some arm/shoulder/ neck shaping - not very much at all. I'm very pleased with how it's going and looking forward to wearing this tunic.

Thanks for calling in today.