Hanabira - reborn

Hi Everyone

I know it's not Friday (my designated day for updating my current crochet project) but I am excited to share 'Plan B - the new Hanabira' crochet cardigan project. I think, I'm back on track ! You can read background on the project here.

To restart , I swatched 4 different options for the fabric and eventually decided on this one :

                     

                        

I've gone for a 6mm crochet hook and Merino sock yarn. The colour is a lovely Pistachio Green and very soft. Compared to my previous version of the Hanabira which used a linen mix, the yarn is so easy to work. I'm confident, at the moment !, this plan will work out and eventually - I will have my cardigan. I'm begining to enjoy the challenge again.

So far, I've created the Foundation Chain and organised the neckline markers for the pattern increases :

                          

As per the last plan, I'm hoping to crochet a little everyday and will update each Friday showing my progress.

Wish me luck !

Thanks for calling in today.

Beading Experiments

Hi Everyone

I've been spending a little time beading recently. I know lots of Makers, new the beading, often struggle making a beaded ring with a Peyote style technique. So, I've been developing a simple, step by step tutorial to help our Makers succeed. I'll report on my success after the first session !

                   

These particular experiments are linked to a Making Workshop later today but I've also been testing out some new ways of using a beading loom with small seed beads and developing additional polymer beads for use on the loom. The idea is to create a component from polymer which can be added to the loom and beaded in place. I'm experimenting with making several holes in the clay component 'in line' with the loom threading. The finished item, initially, will be a bracelet and the component will feature in the centre of the piece. I'm not quite there yet ! - but the first polymer component is similar to the beaded example (see photo) in a 'tartan like' pattern. More to follow over the next few weeks.

My sample above will adorn a fibre bracelet after the workshop today. I'll post an image of the finished piece when complete along with other samples created by our talented Makers.

Thanks for calling in today.

Working Progress

Hi Everyone

I'm sharing an update on my latest knitting project today, this the Miette Crop Cardigan by Andi Satterlund. I started last week while watching lots of tennis on TV and trying to work through a flue virus. I was feeling a bit better by the end of the week so spent most of two days knitting with my feet up ! This is the result :

                     

I was hoping I would have enough yarn (from a stash bag) to finish but it's obvious I will need a few more balls. The yarn is a linen mix and I'm holding two strands together, it knits up quickly but also takes up lots of yardage.I've almost finished one sleeve and I think that's probably all I will get from the yarn ! I'm planning to order more later today. 

I've been trying on the cardigan as I go and I do like it. I've altered the pattern a little - it's more boxy in shape and longer in the body and I've changed the shaping in the sleeves slightly to make them fit with more positive ease.. I need to complete both sleeves, add the button bands and neckband. I'd also like to add a ribbon backing for the button bands and have possible ribbon in my stash. I'm not sure about buttons ? - I don't think I have any candidates. I could possibly make some from polymer clay - will keep thinking about that one.

This project will go on hold for a day or two, until the new yarn arrives. I'll keep you updates on progress.

Thanks for calling in today. 

Plan B

Hi Everyone

It's Friday's update on the Hanabira crochet project - you can read more about this project here. If you are a regular reader you will know, I'd already started this project a few weeks ago. Well - it's been ripped out and the yarn has gone elsewhere and doing very nicely as another cardigan. However, I'm determined to make my Hanabira so it's Plan B time. The problem with the previous yarn was the weight. It was definitely much too lightweight - the resulting fabric was tight and very heavy. So, Plan B - I've acquired some new yarn - not exactly the yarn in the original pattern but very close. I'm hoping this new yarn will act as the patterns directs.

                          

I haven't started working with the new yarn yet but having completed the initial neck section, I'm confident about how to start and I will complete a swatch before starting to check the gauge.

As I've said, the new yarn is a heavier weight and I'm  hoping the project will grow a little quicker than last time - I should be back on track soon. The colours in my photo are not quite showing the bright mustard/lime colour of the main part of the Hanabira. I'm very pleased with the new main colour - all is well there ! It's not quite the colour (again poor light is not giving a true mustard colour) of the first attempt but I will, of course, have a cardigan in that shade ! - again this is great news.  I also have a few more colours to choose from when it comes to the contrast sections, exciting choices to be made in due course, I'll decide when I get to the bottom and the sleeve cuffs.

I'm hoping this is it and I can get going later this afternoon. My hope is that I can set aside a little crochet time each day (as I did last time) and all will be well. I'll report on my progress next Friday.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.

Making Workshop

Hi Everyone

I'm doing a little preparation today for our next Making Workshop. We are still working on the Fibre Jewellery Project, which is in its 3rd and final phase. Read back a few weeks for more on this project. This time, the focus is on making some seed bead rings to embellish either bracelets or necklaces.

                      

Our regular Makers have developed some lovely items over the last couple of sessions and this ring embellishment idea is something which can be added to change the look of the piece, making it a more versatile item. 

Making beaded rings from seed beads can be a tricky process. Often, Makers new to beading find the construction of the ring rather difficult at first, so we will take it very slowly. I'm hoping everyone will be able to design and make their own rings after our session. I will be using a very simple Peyote technique.

I've developed a few rings for demonstration purpose but I'm hoping to embellish a new bracelet of my own too during the workshop. It will be interesting to see what our Makers come up with.

The Fibre Jewels Project has been a very satisfying project, all out Makers have developed interesting and innovative pieces. I will take some images of the jewels at out workshop (next Tuesday - 6/617) so we can share their Art.

Thanks for calling in today.