Silver Sample

Hi Everyone 

I have a Silver sample to share today. The sample is almost there, I need to shape the hoop part (which goes through the ear). I think, I’m going for something I call a Balloon hoop. You can see an example of this style here.

              

This new earring design is made up of three short pieces of sterling silver wire, stacked and attached to the ear hoop. It’s a very simple design but works well as a balanced weighted earring. I made the stacked component and soldered the stack to a balled/hammered long post. The post will now be shaped into the balloon. I’ll add a small transparent plug to keep the earring in place, I’ve had a few disasters when the earring has been lost, in the past. 

Thanks for calling in today. 

Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more Making stories.

Blueberry Cowl

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a new completed knit today. This is a project that has been underway for a while and reworked several times. This is not unusual, for me ! I started with a crochet cowl project and completed the cowl, however, the finished item didn’t really work. All my crochet stitches merged into a very tightly worked fabric. There was very little definition of the pattern and wearing the cowl was uncomfortable. The finished fabric was solid and did not bend. Generally, it was unwearable. 

My final approach (after several attempts) was to find a knitting pattern which I liked. I’ve taken inspiration from a recent sweater project (check out the initial stages of the idea here).

          

I’ve renamed the cowl - the Blueberry Cowl. I’m using leftover yarn from my recent Woodbine Sweater - see the finished sweater here. I have designed a central column using a very simple lace with a few cables. The sides are stocking stitch. My cowl is great. The size is just right and it’s blue, my favourite colour. All is well !

Good news,  I have more of the memade yarn leftover from the Woodbine Sweater the Blueberry Cowl and have yet another knit underway. This time it’s socks. I’m using the memade yarn for a folded, chunky cuff and a much finer 4 ply for the foot part of the sock. I’ll share progress as it develops. I’m in the very first stages and have just completed the first cuff and started the foot.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Nuuk

Hi Everyone 

I’ve finished my latest version of the wonderful Nuuk Sweater by Joanna Heitala. This is my fourth version of the design. You can check out my previous Nuuk sweaters here.

The latest Nuuk is in its second form. I’d used the same yarn (an old Merino yarn from way back - in my stash, held together with a Malabrigo Lace). The yarn is roughly a DK weight. I love the colour, it’s a vibrant lettuce green, the photo bottom right is probably near to the true colour.

               

My version 1of the Nuuk - see bottom right image, was slightly too small across the shoulders as a result of the gauge. I should have gone up a needle ? However, I’m not sure the long sleeves and longer body worked for me ? I like the more versatile layering options of the short sleeves sweater. I’ve also made the latest version wider and slightly cropped and it’s great. I’m much happier with the result.

I need to sew in the ends and it’s ready to wear.

Thanks for calling in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another Making story.

Sewing Plans

Hi Everyone 

Today, I’m sharing a new sewing project. This is one of my lovely Christmas gifts.

                   

The fabric in my gift is a beautiful mustard coloured fabric in a double gauze from Merchant&Mills. I also have a contrasting rib in blue with a mustard, yellow and burgundy stripe, again from Merchant&Mills. My plan is to make the Fielder Dress, yet again by Merchant&Mills. I already owned the pattern and it’s been waiting for the right fabric to come along.

I’m not sure, if I will make a full length dress or go for a longish tunic ? Perhaps, the dress would be a more useful garment ? My hesitation is to do with how I will wear the garment. I envisage mostly wearing the Fielder with jeans or trousers. However, I do like a long tunic and a dress length would be more versatile. 

The Fielder is a very simple Make and I’m hoping to get things moving over the next few days. I’ll share my decisions and developments as they happen.

Thanks for calling in today.

Happy New Year

Hi Everyone 

Happy New Year for 2020. We’ve had a lovely family Christmas holiday and I’m feeling quite refreshed ! I’ve got lots of new plans which I’m hoping will happen, only time will tell !

Ive had a lovely time, dabbling with little Making projects over the last couple of weeks and I’ve got one of them to share today. My first make of the holiday is a little knitted needle case.

                 

The yarn is leftover stuff from my 2019 Advent Project (check out the project here). The inspiration for the little needle case came from a recent workshop, just before Christmas, led by the very talented Liz Reed. I had the most wonderful time, produced a knitted Angel (see it here) and was gifted a special little button from Liz. Check out her website here. Liz also provided her own knitted sewing needle cases for use in the workshop. I loved the idea of the little cases and was immediately inspired to make one of my own. So, my little case is a simple Garter Stitch shape with a memade felted insert for holding a selection of needles. I’ve added my little button to close up the case. I love it and it makes me smile each time I use it. Thank you to Liz for the idea and the button.

Thanks for calling in today.