Sewing Story

Hi Everyone 

I’ve got another couple of nightdresses underway. I’ve had a few little ditsy print pieces of fabric waiting for nightwear Makes for a while. For some reason, I can’t bring myself to wear ready made/bought nightwear, so it’s lots of washing of the two nightwear garments in my wardrobe. 

Hopefully, I can produce another couple of garments in the next few days. 

I’m using my faithful old nightwear pattern Butterick B5792.

           

This time, I’m going for a plain front (no pleats). Check out the pleated version in my pyjamas here. I’ve identified the E version in my photo but I’ll go for a just below the knee length rather than long. I’m also adding a ruffle around the arms but a plain neckline. I will add a small ruffle on the hem, not the large one in my photo.

 I’ve started sewing already. My plan was to simply cut out the pieces but it’s such a quick Make that I decided to start sewing straight away. The front and back are attached. I’ve used French Seams, my favourite nightwear seam. So, it’s the arm/hem ruffles and the bias binding tape for finishing next. I’m almost sure to get the nightdress finished today.

I’ve started with the yellow version and will do a similar job with the pink/red fabric. I may reverse the ruffle from the arms to the neck  - not sure ? 

I’ll let you know.

There are two more pieces of fabric for nightwear in my stash and I’ll probably grow for another pair of pyjamas. Again, I’ll let you know what I decide.

Thanks for calling in today.

The Fisherman’s Wife

Hi Everyone 

I’m talking socks again today - read yesterday’s blog for the previous sock post. The Fisherman’s Wife Socks by Anna Bergman are on my needles. They have been on the needles for about a week and I’m officially on version 2. However, I’ve ripped them out several more times ! The problem seems to be sizing. All the issues are to do with the width of the instep part of the sock ie my instep measurement compared to the sock. 

My photo story shows the very first (version 1) sock on the bottom left. I like the fabric of this sock, it’s strong and tight but won’t go over my foot. The latest version, on the bottom right has gone up two needle sizes and I can get the sock on (with a bit of tugging) but it’s not how I’d like it. I’m not quite sure what I can do, other than add an extra fish (pattern dictates 8 extra stitches) which I think would be too big ? Perhaps, if I go for the smaller needles this may work ? It’s probably worth a try.

              

I love the pattern and the colours I’ve chosen. The whole sock pattern is a delight to knit - just as well !! I’ll let you know how things progress.

Thanks for calling in today.

All about socks.

Hi Everyone 

I’m back from our mini Grand Tour - lots of lovely weather and sitting around in Scotland.  Now lots of putting away and washing ! However, all is in hand !

I’ve been knitting socks. I’ve finished two pairs, one for me and one for a friend. My socks are the lovely Molly pattern by Anna Bergman (bottom pair). I’ve been knitting these socks for some time ! Lots of mistakes (fitting issues mainly) but now lovely and ready to wear. The other pair is a mismatch of lots of patterns I’ve knitted before and just in my head.

                  

I’m knitting more socks at the moment and am having similar fitting issues ! More on the that tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Ursa #2

Hi Everyone 

My Ursa #2 is finally ready to wear. I’ve not had an opportunity wear my sweater but it’s turned out well.

            

I’ve talked about this project a few times - you can read the previous posts here and here and here - these posts give all the details of the yarn and the pattern. Generally, I wanted a cotton, summer version of the sweater. I’ve made the sweater with short sleeves and as the body of the sweater is cropped and quite wide, I think I can get away with wearing my sweater over a lightweight blouse or dress when the weather is warmish. It will be interesting to see, if I can find outfits (in my wardrobe) to suit my Summer Ursa.

I find myself, continually, looking for summer sweater ideas. I like the idea of cotton or linen knitting but I’m not so sure about the way in which I’m able to finish off the garments. Sewing in the ends and adding more yarn seems to create a rather messy connection point in the final fabric. I’m especially critical of how my knitted items are finished ! 

So, I’m interested to see how the Ursa will feature in my everyday clothing choices. I hope to wear my sweater tomorrow- it’s seems the temperature will fall (very slightly !). 

Hopefully, all will work out well and its worth searching for another Summer sweater knit. I’m going to try and develop a few rules (for myself) to make cotton or linen yarn very tidy within the knit. I’m thinking of things like only adding yarn at a seam point or where a button band would be added. I’ll keep thinking about this issue and do a bit more research on the subject. Hopefully, I can get a few photos of the Ursa#2 in action.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend.  

I’m taking a break next week for one of our mini Grand Tours. I’ll be back the following week.

Fisherman’s Wife Socks

Hi Everyone 

I’m almost ready to start my next pair of socks, the Fisherman’s Wife Socks by Anna Bergman. I introduced the idea of this project last week but it’s taken me all this time to narrow down my choice of yarn. I’ve found all the yarn from my stash - something, I’m working to do for the foreseeable future. I’ve got so much yarn that I’m  not sure (exactly) what there is ! I do know that I need to organise my stash and plan to use it or sell it on.

Here is a look at my choice :

         

I’ve not really moved too far from the yarn colours used by Anna Bergman. All my yarn is Socks Yeah by Coop Knits. There are a couple of blue shades and a cream. I’ll probably cast on the socks this evening. I’m off on a short holiday break next week, so this project is perfect for holiday knitting. I’ll be visiting an old favourite, seaside place - these socks are perfect.

I especially like using Socks Yeah yarn for colourwork sock knitting. The yarn is quite fine and I like the close knit fabric which results. Blue is such a great colour for me, I’m looking forward to these socks being ready to wear.

Thanks for calling in today.