Silver Sample (16/1/20)

Hi Everyone 

My silver sample this week is another couple of Sterling silver bangles. This Make is a regular one, from my repertoire. I’ve produced a plain bangle which will get a semi precious stone charm made from 2mm round silver wire. The second bangle has three sterling silver tube beads and is made from 3mm sterling wire. I did consider decorating the tube beads with a simple surface pattern but decided I liked the simplicity of the beads, maybe next time !

             

I like wearing a couple of bangles together so will look at these two pieces as a single piece of jewellery. I’ve completed the construction part of the Make but need to polish the bangles. Hopefully, I’ll get this job completed later today. I’m hoping to add a Turquoise charm to the finer bangle, I’ve already prepared the bead and casing for the charm. I’ll share the finished, polished piece next week.

Thanks for calling in today.

New Knit Project

Hi Everyone 

I have a new sweater project underway. This knit is called the tarasgeir by Flora Kennedy in collaboration with Uistwool. I’m using Wensleydale Longwool yarn in shade 401 which is a beautiful natural white colour.

               

The sweater is knitted flat and is simple in style. The bottom hem and sections of the sleeves have a short lace section and the sleeves are ribbed for around a half of the length. I love the design and originally saw the design knitted up at Edinburgh Yarn Festival last year. It’s a design that’s been on my to knit list ever since.

Although, I did intend to knit the pattern as written, I seem to have gone off on my own journey. This is not unusual for me. I do have a compelling reason for changing things but I’m still wondering if I’ve done the right thing. I’m sure a more sensible approach would be to knit the sweater as per the pattern and then knit a second with my own alterations. However, that said, I’ve changed the fit of the sleeves. I’ve done this because, I think, I’d like to wear the sweater as a layering garment and don’t want a fitted sleeve. My alteration involves a dropped, straight sleeve fitting. My sleeve will be exactly the same half sleeve (from the cuff) with a wider, roomy shape at the underarm point down to the elbow. I’m hoping the sweater will remain balanced and work with my changes. I especially like the simple lace elements and the neck which a I will hope to retain. in addition, I’ve made a size larger than my body measurements, to allow for a boxy, cropped shape.

I’m using a beautiful yarn called Wensleydale Longwool. The yarn is lovely to knit and has a wonderful lustre. The colour is a cream shade and works very well for this pattern. This is the first time I’ve used this yarn and I’m already thinking about using the yarn for another sweater.

I’m making good progress with this project and have almost completed the back. My usual approach is to knit in the round and I tend to shy away from flat knitting in separate pieces but I’m quite enjoying this knit. I have slight anxieties about sewing up seams in a neat fashion ! 

I’m still using a flexible needle which fits my style of knitting, so it’s a comfortable knit. My plan is to complete the back and knit the front, I’ll then attach at the shoulders. I’ll knit the sleeves and attach both to the shoulder seams. I’ll then stitch the sides and sleeve in one seam. The neckline will be the last job. If all works out as planned, my sweater will be ready to wear. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for calling in today.

IKEA Hack

Hi Everyone 

Today’s Make is an unusual one for the blog. I’m sharing the latest in our house Makes. There is always a need for more storage and this very simple IKEA hack has created much needed storage for sewing related things. Sewing has a very important position in our house and as such gets lots of time and attention for storage opportunities. Sewing happens in the centre of the house rather than being hidden away in a spare room so it’s important that storage is specific and easy to use. I’ve been looking for some kind of storage for a (small) space for quite some time. I wasn’t especially looking for a new piece of furniture but I came across an idea for changing a rather uninteresting set of drawers called RAST from IKEA. You can check out the original piece here - pre hack.

            

The little set of drawers has been given a simple makeover, there are three separate drawers but our RAST has the illusion of six drawers by adding a groove along the width of the drawer front. Different handles have been added and the pine finish has been given a Dark Oak stain. The bottom edge has been lined up with the rest of the drawers and that’s about it. I’m going to give the piece a wax today and am hoping this will add a little something to the finished item.

Generally, I love the new storage. The top drawer is great for overlocker threads and there are another couple of drawers for more storage- yet to be decided.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I have a new knitting project underway- another sock design. This time, I’m developing a toe up design with an afterthought heal. I’m using a traditional 4 ply sock yarn in blue for the majority of the sock. The cuff will use one of my own spun yarns in a sport weight. My socks will be called Blueberry Socks.

             

                  

I have tested a cuff down version of the sock which didn’t quite work for me. The sport weight yarn required a relatively larger needle, initially I used 4.5mm, the transition to a 2.25mm needle (for the finer yarn) required a gradual decrease of stitches. Ultimately, the plan needed a rethink. I wanted to develop a finer sock foot but with a chunky look to the cuff. The finer foot part is important, in order to wear with regular shoes. My plan is to complete the foot part of the sock and play with different transitional arrangements for the cuff.

Things are working well at the moment. I’ll share progress as I find my solution to the process.

Thanks for calling in today.

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.