Woodbine Sweater Continues

Hi Everyone 

Exciting developments. I have dyed a few hanks of yarn for my Woodbine Sweater job as per the suggestion from yesterday. Everything has gone well. I was anxious about getting a Navy colour but I have managed to do that. It’s not quite as dark as it could be but I’m sure it will be fine. The yarn took all the dye immediately (in the dye process) and it’s such a good feeling when there’s no dye residue when rinsing. 

              

I’ve used a BFL yarn for my dye job so the resulting batch is very soft and squishy - just right for plying with my hand spun stuff. I need to keep going with spinning so I can get going with the knitting. I’m hoping to complete the spin element by the end of the week. I’ll ply this new yarn with the hand spun and then it’s back to knitting the remaining part of the sweater. Read back here for more details of the knit project.

I’ll update progress by the end of the week.

Thanks for calling in today.

My Woodbine Sweater Moves On ...

Hi Everyone 

My Woodbine Sweater has moved on ! Check out the background story here . 

Last week, I’d decided to knit the remaining sweater sections (sides and sleeves) in a repurposed grey yarn. Things have changed ! Having spent time, over the weekend, delving into my stash. Ive have found some more navy fibre to spin. The fibre is a Merino /Bamboo mix. This idea has turned the project into something quite different !

            

I’m pleased with the new spin element, so far. However, there is still not enough yarn to complete my sweater. That’s it, as far as navy fibre of navy yarn exist in my stash ! I have a few options, all of which involve dyeing. 

So, my next plan is to dye some undyed fibre or dye some undyed pre spun yarn. If I dye the pre spun stuff, things will move on, relatively quickly. 

The idea would be to ply my navy spinning (the yarn in my photo story above)with the pre spun stuff to give me an Aran weight yarn. I intend to complete the sides and sleeves of the sweater with this new yarn and could be on my way to completing the project. If, I go for more spinning with dyed fibre, things would take much longer and involve much more work. Im struggling to see the advantages right now ? 

At the moment, I’m leaning towards the first idea. My thoughts are that, I could always use the dyed pre spun yarn for lots of other projects if the yarn doesn’t work for the Woodbine job. Navy is always my favourite colour for most occasions and will definitely be used. My concerns involve dying the colour, generally. I’ve has previous issues with dying a true Navy colour. However, I’m ready to give the dye plan, a go.

If all fails re the dye job, I will buy some yarn to ply my hand spun yarn. I’m sure at can live with whatever happens. All very exciting and such things keep me happy !

I’ll share any developments as they happen.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting News

Hi Everyone 

I have a little knitting progress to share today. I started my latest sweater project last week using me Made yarn. I’m thrilled with the outcome. This yarn has been lovely to knit and I’m quite surprised how far it’s going. One of my concerns was that I wouldn’t have enough. As it’s turned out, there is more than enough to produce my initial plan. You can read about the pre knitting job as well as the plans here , here and here.

                 

It’s all come together beautifully, so far !

I’ve knitted the front panel and I’m  almost finished the back centre panel, just a little more to go. I hadn’t considered making a lace section on the sleeves but I may go for it ? My initial plan was to knit plain sleeves.

 I need to prepare or source the yarn for the other part of the sweater ie the side sections and sleeves. I have an idea to use a grey dk (previously an unwanted sweater) which will be held with navy mohair. I’m not totally sure about this ? I think, it may need to be a navy colour. I don’t have a navy so I would need to buy some or possibly over dye the grey ?

My next task is to swatch the grey and check the look. I’ll make a large swatch to ensure I get enough of the contrast material. The side sections and the sleeves are quite a significant part of the sweater, so it’s important they work well together.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday.

Tiny Tassels Revived

Hi Everyone 

While reading the latest Laine magazine (Autumn/Winter 2019), I was particularly drawn to the photo on the back cover (see top left image on my photo story). On closer inspection, I realised the shawl is the Tiny Tassels shawl from Loop London. I made this shawl for my me made Advent Project last Christmas or rather I have almost made the shawl.

I loved the Advent Making plan, you can read about the start of the project here. There are quite a few posts in December, tracking my progress. For some reason, Life took over and I didn’t quite finish the project ! The shawl has been sitting in its project bag ever since. I think, it’s time to get this one finished.

             

The shawl on the back of the magazine seems much larger than my version ? I do have small amounts of yarn left. However, at the time, I was slightly anxious that I wouldn’t have enough yarn to complete the tassels. The tassels really make the shawl for me, so I have a dilemma. Perhaps, I could try and find more yarn ? I can’t  remember anything about the yarn, I need to read my posts again.

I’m quite keen to wear my shawl, as soon as the weather permits. I think, I have a few weeks yet ! So, plenty of time to research and possibly source more yarn. I’ll let you know how things go.

Thanks for calling in today.

Wearing Hilda

Hi Everyone 

I’m finally there. Hilda is ready to wear, she has been ready for over a week. Take a look at the whole Hilda story is here and here. 

               

Hilda has worked out as planned and fits well. I do think it’s very much a Summer garment. I did think I could add some tights, boots and a cosy wool sweater to turn Hilda into a Winter thing - I’m not quite sure I can do this now ? I certainly need a few tops and sweaters to compliment the idea.

I do like the Hilda design and can see the idea being transferred to a lightweight wool fabric. There needs to be an element of drape and perhaps pockets are something which would be good ? I like the length of the skirt, I did wonder if a longer version would be better for a Winter version ? I’ll keep thinking about that.

My next sewing project is a recycled shirt hack, I mentioned the idea here on the blog, last month. I don’t think the project is a big job - famous last words ! Hopefully, I’ll get my blouse underway later today. I’ll share progress here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today.