tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34729571566013702222024-02-07T03:01:20.835+00:00Knit-Sew-GrowAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-30872231064422168422015-12-26T16:17:00.000+00:002015-12-26T16:17:10.663+00:00Merry Christmas & Happy New Year<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends and a bit of crafting thrown in for good measure!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just wanted to bring you the news that I've decided to take a break from the blog for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last few months have been incredibly busy and uncomfortably stressful, and it now feels like the right time to take stock and thin out some of the areas where I'm making myself busier than I need to be. Unfortunately, the blog is one of those - I find it takes up more time and effort than I would like it to in writing, taking photos and editing. I'm not going to shut everything down completely though, I want to keep it as an option to come back to when I'm feeling more balanced in my work and home life and have more energy to dedicate to things for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I'm not going to disappear completely, I'll still be sharing my knitting and sewing projects over on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knitsewgrow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> which I find is a much quicker and easier medium to use right now - so please come over and follow me <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knitsewgrow" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like to keep up with what I'm making, doing, and rather a lot of sky photos (I do love a good sky).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for reading my posts in 2015 and I hope 2016 will be a year filled with expanding our crafting horizons!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-8648594812289884912015-11-28T11:18:00.000+00:002015-11-28T11:18:09.882+00:00Patchwork Hanging Star<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><i>This post also appears on the Craft Cotton Company blog as a guest post <a href="http://craftcottonco.blogspot.co.uk/p/free-patterns.html" target="_blank">here</a>. They also sent me the fabrics to use for this tutorial but all views are my own.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This tutorial is based on a project in the book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-Quick-Cute-Simple-Projects/dp/1782400885/ref=sr_1_86?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447240313&sr=1-86&keywords=sew"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sew
Quick, Sew Cute</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will need:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fabric
– scraps will be fine, 2,3 or 6 different colours/designs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Diamond
shape template<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Scissors,
or rotary cutter and mat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pins<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thread<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sewing
machine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Toy
stuffing/cotton wool or similar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Notions
for decorating the stars – ribbon, buttons etc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For each star you will need to cut out 12 diamonds – 6 for
each side – so you can decide how many of each fabric to use. I’ve made this
star with three different fabrics so needed four of each. You can make the
diamonds whatever size you like depending on how big you want your final star
to be. I wouldn’t recommend going too small though otherwise it will get a bit
fiddly! The template given in the book for this project is 3 7/8 inch tall by 2
¼ inch wide.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS01FOswgujt6xZ9xx4fQh7H9BSloOXhYInCGZ_zM7ylUuJMlO3EznGDX3dNqtaUO8SXmDt8VgoN23SFGaOoEiWRSyDGMHvYb0Gc08_Zh6WZlyJOcnbNRdtluL7ARDp6A0NFBauO7tzHow/s1600/1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS01FOswgujt6xZ9xx4fQh7H9BSloOXhYInCGZ_zM7ylUuJMlO3EznGDX3dNqtaUO8SXmDt8VgoN23SFGaOoEiWRSyDGMHvYb0Gc08_Zh6WZlyJOcnbNRdtluL7ARDp6A0NFBauO7tzHow/s320/1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used one of these plastic patchwork templates, or you
could cut out a shape from cardboard. Draw round your template onto the fabric
and cut out. I found the plastic template a bit flexible so if I’d cut straight
round it with a rotary cutter it probably would have distorted the shape. Depending
on your fabric you might want to ‘fussy cut’ to choose the best bits of a
design. I used a rotary cutter and mat to cut out as it meant I could cut
several layers at once and make sure they all ended up the same size.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arrange your diamonds into a star to decide what
arrangement you like best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start by sewing two diamonds together along one side – use
a 5mm seam allowance. Then attach a third diamond to these – press the seams
towards the darker fabric (or whichever way is easier if your fabrics are the
same tone).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscuxZePxi_YrKfCeIeFuIomFvbtz74jxBme9jN7L-S8VSvAmVHQFbD62GCm71iURmusQxlXoHmyzluIHoQ0RK9O5Ryaqfhc-bwYNAAzKBO56OTsOWRJm2Z-5-9r7jw0fzBxy1mgQ6kbes/s1600/1+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscuxZePxi_YrKfCeIeFuIomFvbtz74jxBme9jN7L-S8VSvAmVHQFbD62GCm71iURmusQxlXoHmyzluIHoQ0RK9O5Ryaqfhc-bwYNAAzKBO56OTsOWRJm2Z-5-9r7jw0fzBxy1mgQ6kbes/s320/1+%25285%2529.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue sewing the diamonds together into sets of three –
you should end up with four pieces. Take two of the sections and sew together
across the longest edge to complete the star shape. Press this seam open.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make the second star in the same way, but leave a section
unstitched so that you will have a turning gap for later.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now take your two stars and put them right sides together,
pin to hold in place. Sew around the outside of the whole shape, again with a
5mm seam allowance. Pivot carefully at all the ‘in’ and ‘out’ points.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trim off the points of the same allowance and clip into the
corners, then turn the star through the turning gap you left earlier. Carefully
ease all the points out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to be able to hang your star, now is a good
time to attach a loop. Use embroidery thread, string, or thin ribbon, tie a
knot in one end, then sew this from the inside of one point and back in again
making sure to leave a loop of thread on the outside. Tie off again on the
inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPkwS-MPD4BFiXzEll7114OKWmRifEy4Cdsupy7MlnItJgSOXrz_HMhyphenhyphenqqtMzY4kfQ2ZxBlbRpKxpo5Z4EOyRLt_zqmirv-7yl-PRyaPunlom00Ps4xiG-ptG4oQNKZ-iB-gfNGX4kl1G/s1600/1+%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPkwS-MPD4BFiXzEll7114OKWmRifEy4Cdsupy7MlnItJgSOXrz_HMhyphenhyphenqqtMzY4kfQ2ZxBlbRpKxpo5Z4EOyRLt_zqmirv-7yl-PRyaPunlom00Ps4xiG-ptG4oQNKZ-iB-gfNGX4kl1G/s320/1+%252812%2529.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuff the star with small amounts of toy filling, making
sure to push it right into the points and keep the shape even. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_w7c8ZTWBugd5XM8bjowgemkEgeaYdt96SMrGj1HQgqayDIs9tbM5Q4oN66RcqkIVqWUP81zMCJJy1mig0cQvTgCos0eVP6t_8CPs8yaFYioOFfgjE9vNiReqiOLqgYS-RcSZVFp0qN_/s1600/1+%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_w7c8ZTWBugd5XM8bjowgemkEgeaYdt96SMrGj1HQgqayDIs9tbM5Q4oN66RcqkIVqWUP81zMCJJy1mig0cQvTgCos0eVP6t_8CPs8yaFYioOFfgjE9vNiReqiOLqgYS-RcSZVFp0qN_/s320/1+%252813%2529.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sew up with the turning gap with a careful ladder stitch that
will be invisible once the thread is pulled up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqLUbmjKdxmKcdn5B9PnaS06VUTEXWCln0UzG3Iw52Vz06pPQL5BwKPYXZCtjyR4rO8XWia9KXEW90qjdJyHfJwnua1nSAQGYSMupbCAC_V3gWJun2MPp0uq_zPa1P6Ojpju5wtP5Qweq/s1600/1+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqLUbmjKdxmKcdn5B9PnaS06VUTEXWCln0UzG3Iw52Vz06pPQL5BwKPYXZCtjyR4rO8XWia9KXEW90qjdJyHfJwnua1nSAQGYSMupbCAC_V3gWJun2MPp0uq_zPa1P6Ojpju5wtP5Qweq/s320/1+%252814%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now you can decorate your star however you like. I decided
to sew a button on each side through the middle of the star to ‘puff’ out the
shape a bit. Or, you could sew ribbons, mini tassels or little bells onto the
points – just make sure they’re not too heavy otherwise your star will droop!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUZztXg38L6etyA8AqNymam9o_zcvxMUvyCkj-7aB1lE-asLVyzSYxKwvaAQoSEkCz8YxYbXbFFj2KSmmImDkbe_qZzqkUPyQwoLJSFVbX2Gl2AOVw8yDF7e4_-bzn2dKUUx63vLhEAsH/s1600/1+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUZztXg38L6etyA8AqNymam9o_zcvxMUvyCkj-7aB1lE-asLVyzSYxKwvaAQoSEkCz8YxYbXbFFj2KSmmImDkbe_qZzqkUPyQwoLJSFVbX2Gl2AOVw8yDF7e4_-bzn2dKUUx63vLhEAsH/s320/1+%252815%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hang your stars with pride all over your house and tree
this Christmas!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-63966267974381485672015-11-14T11:07:00.000+00:002015-11-14T11:07:27.089+00:00Extreme Knitting Blanket<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m so excited to show you this project – I’ve seen all
sorts of similar knits online and it was brilliant fun to have a go myself!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my purchases from the Knitting & Stitching Show
were these giant knitting needles – 25mm x 70cm long – and six balls of James
C. Brett Marble Chunky. I’d seen a lady at the Penshurst Craft Fair in
September with similar projects, so it was fab to find someone selling the
needles at Ally Pally.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3Moz-lYCe79gEB7ENcRof5khZOKxRvkghPnUQ9Sp9k10S18B_mt_fh7KP6YXXSV0sTQdh2jDhO6-RLqu_LA_BOjjBKS6KUK6xZQBC6QGNBkbSaptX1Kj0Ns7mYG_1MTq26mEVp3MZqM9/s1600/20151031_104402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3Moz-lYCe79gEB7ENcRof5khZOKxRvkghPnUQ9Sp9k10S18B_mt_fh7KP6YXXSV0sTQdh2jDhO6-RLqu_LA_BOjjBKS6KUK6xZQBC6QGNBkbSaptX1Kj0Ns7mYG_1MTq26mEVp3MZqM9/s320/20151031_104402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmQ3Iz5a4dOwTSpxGmAckT01yi9w8KjDArqojNbfYwXfEjqBUKtP4s82ja_RUihD4rso2E7OhOs7vGTJkFTYT9BOZYrazqmiYNbf1b1pVmwiotLv8KKkCTXHaU_vGD-MdR9iQQn8ijofg/s1600/20151031_104411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmQ3Iz5a4dOwTSpxGmAckT01yi9w8KjDArqojNbfYwXfEjqBUKtP4s82ja_RUihD4rso2E7OhOs7vGTJkFTYT9BOZYrazqmiYNbf1b1pVmwiotLv8KKkCTXHaU_vGD-MdR9iQQn8ijofg/s1600/20151031_104411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmQ3Iz5a4dOwTSpxGmAckT01yi9w8KjDArqojNbfYwXfEjqBUKtP4s82ja_RUihD4rso2E7OhOs7vGTJkFTYT9BOZYrazqmiYNbf1b1pVmwiotLv8KKkCTXHaU_vGD-MdR9iQQn8ijofg/s320/20151031_104411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All I’ve done is a very basic pattern with a four stitch
garter edging and the main body in stocking stitch. But I think the combination
of the different coloured and variegated yarns all held together and knitted on
the huge needles gives amazing results.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBsj5pRwXWWVDJrIFee7YZBV1dRItDR3dezssqXbrhodiNfSXUmGC7312QUD7cxqs3Hog0VprYuby8w4Kec3NqtRAsnNmkluFCQplPXLdds261tjOWG00oUCRu4GLTRaNgS67YeEQpblt/s1600/20151031_104532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBsj5pRwXWWVDJrIFee7YZBV1dRItDR3dezssqXbrhodiNfSXUmGC7312QUD7cxqs3Hog0VprYuby8w4Kec3NqtRAsnNmkluFCQplPXLdds261tjOWG00oUCRu4GLTRaNgS67YeEQpblt/s320/20151031_104532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqo8ymXC2bcXzlkF4PVR2nuF37KvSc6mDD0nMXz6LX6e4n9UscGU_85TyTnahaIKpA74gAdCr73ijF4pEz303ViQcZAZ4a82vmZUZGh_lmPFJdZdzoaOw6vZb1rH9AywjaHK5DhJGEyfx/s1600/20151106_140653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqo8ymXC2bcXzlkF4PVR2nuF37KvSc6mDD0nMXz6LX6e4n9UscGU_85TyTnahaIKpA74gAdCr73ijF4pEz303ViQcZAZ4a82vmZUZGh_lmPFJdZdzoaOw6vZb1rH9AywjaHK5DhJGEyfx/s320/20151106_140653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The colours and shades end up mixing together in slightly
different combinations and you knit and different tones get highlighted. To be
honest, I was a little wary of the combination of yarns I bought there wasn’t a
great deal of choice so I was a bit limited and wouldn’t necessarily have
picked these ones as a first choice, but actually, blended all together they
show up really well, and I think are really appropriate for an autumn blanket –
lots of green, brown, orange, yellow and other bits and pieces.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhY8qlXSjCoEV0hY-OTXkGlwpybDZ6Cn1T_ImVEjo9xeTs-oVlez31h0qrHv-pY2BaWqu4XHoJeS11RlRm8qVgIWbEkigkKaaL2I8ZlkY87bFcmjIoFbWqx2RTRito-KgeDgAmlMpo3XH/s1600/2015-11-12%25252021.20.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhY8qlXSjCoEV0hY-OTXkGlwpybDZ6Cn1T_ImVEjo9xeTs-oVlez31h0qrHv-pY2BaWqu4XHoJeS11RlRm8qVgIWbEkigkKaaL2I8ZlkY87bFcmjIoFbWqx2RTRito-KgeDgAmlMpo3XH/s320/2015-11-12%25252021.20.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m very happy with this – it’s just the right size for one
person to snuggle under while watching TV on a cold evening! I’ve already
ordered some more of the yarn (in shades of pink, grey and purple) to have
another go – it may end up as a Christmas present for someone as it’s a nice
quick make, only a week for this one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFd_h7ZQaxgycgrYUHD_l10X2aXUsLJRWu02BjnBWbeq_V66YjcYO4VEhccpqk3muEHVXLVqV9Nh502J0aJTlUKYceIXASsn3_KZu84avvK2EecwTfgV36Uun3Ga3zNmq-c1opw8OSwB/s1600/2015-11-10%25252020.11.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFd_h7ZQaxgycgrYUHD_l10X2aXUsLJRWu02BjnBWbeq_V66YjcYO4VEhccpqk3muEHVXLVqV9Nh502J0aJTlUKYceIXASsn3_KZu84avvK2EecwTfgV36Uun3Ga3zNmq-c1opw8OSwB/s320/2015-11-10%25252020.11.38.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you tried any extreme knitting before? Either on a
giant or miniature scale? I’d love to see what you made.</span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-53263832323473019182015-11-07T13:54:00.000+00:002015-11-07T13:54:10.976+00:00Christmas Pipit Cardigan<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes! I’ve finished one handmade Christmas present! To be
honest, I don’t think I’m going to have time for many anyway, but it feels good
to have one thing sorted – and it’s only the beginning of November.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKJ7pQklM96Roor2bEL65Rj_a2tLcIoonwj7Ccu2xe8c6vnVrh4rFbF4T1Wub9T8K31mcIVMv0b4swCxPUo2zgpn8uWcjDyaBFEzYQp50LEYZQaWFq_dEw-EfUzyzB3yPNqm4U0E2x_Rd/s1600/2015-11-07%25252013.42.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKJ7pQklM96Roor2bEL65Rj_a2tLcIoonwj7Ccu2xe8c6vnVrh4rFbF4T1Wub9T8K31mcIVMv0b4swCxPUo2zgpn8uWcjDyaBFEzYQp50LEYZQaWFq_dEw-EfUzyzB3yPNqm4U0E2x_Rd/s320/2015-11-07%25252013.42.33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This little cardigan is a present for my cousin’s daughter
who is 18 months old, and an absolute sweetheart. The pattern is called Pipit,
by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hattonknits" target="_blank">Sarah Hatton</a>, and was published in issue 65 of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TheKnitterMag" target="_blank">The Knitter</a> magazine. The
yarn is <span id="goog_646872425"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Patons Baby Smiles Fairytale Merino Mix</a> <span id="goog_646872426"></span>that I got from the Knitting & Stitching
Show, and used nearly all of the four 50g balls I bought – it really had to be
this wonderful red for a Christmas present didn’t it?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e_OXSN55drlUUKgUCfNItLLk263xPyZnC9laybzhyphenhyphenIzZq-6z7HskvE7YJeWE8HjJgEBa3ZUCW6u2B8s1knv4B-ug2ifhkfsujyzen6qMD95qZLX9gzQH7ZbsCFX4NdrlssIwI9pQOslt/s1600/2015-11-07%25252013.43.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e_OXSN55drlUUKgUCfNItLLk263xPyZnC9laybzhyphenhyphenIzZq-6z7HskvE7YJeWE8HjJgEBa3ZUCW6u2B8s1knv4B-ug2ifhkfsujyzen6qMD95qZLX9gzQH7ZbsCFX4NdrlssIwI9pQOslt/s320/2015-11-07%25252013.43.20.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e_OXSN55drlUUKgUCfNItLLk263xPyZnC9laybzhyphenhyphenIzZq-6z7HskvE7YJeWE8HjJgEBa3ZUCW6u2B8s1knv4B-ug2ifhkfsujyzen6qMD95qZLX9gzQH7ZbsCFX4NdrlssIwI9pQOslt/s1600/2015-11-07%25252013.43.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a pretty quick knit, just a couple of weeks of
evenings and weekends, and mainly stocking stitch, although the textured rib on
the body makes it more interesting. The button bands and collar are picked up
and knitted on, with the collar in the same textured rib so that it continues
up from the body.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZODGbB86URrsJtdybDoF8R0ZDtW3BzDUmSc5TGfsI4DkKFJ6fkdOX6iYrB5QCFcXmbEVC3wuef6_enNJPd3W-Ihh4bBi4y5h-GKhe-j36FNecwiU8jH1VKtOwkw-c_LWuj7u4M3WsXGL/s1600/20151031_103938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZODGbB86URrsJtdybDoF8R0ZDtW3BzDUmSc5TGfsI4DkKFJ6fkdOX6iYrB5QCFcXmbEVC3wuef6_enNJPd3W-Ihh4bBi4y5h-GKhe-j36FNecwiU8jH1VKtOwkw-c_LWuj7u4M3WsXGL/s320/20151031_103938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I found the round red buttons in Mum’s collection to finish
it off with and am really happy with how it came out – the yarn is wonderfully
soft (especially after a wash) and has a decent amount<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of stretch, so hopefully it won’t be grown
out of too quickly.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m in the process of working on my Joan dress and hope to
be able to show you progress soon – I made a toile to check the fit and only
had to make a couple of small adjustments, so I should be able to get on with
cutting out and sewing this week. I’m also working on my giant blanket knitted
with giant needles which is great fun and turning out fantastically, I’ll
definitely show you when I’m done.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you been making any Christmas gifts? Or just working
on winter treats for yourself?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-86885868102553960682015-10-24T12:36:00.001+01:002015-10-24T12:36:46.872+01:00Woven Stitch Jacket<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hi! How’s your week been? I’ve got a newly completed
knitting project to show you today – this pretty textured cardi-jacket.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwX2zIaQkKK02N4rpjH8GqBKrGWZR_-QrFcCG9YnDtz6Wz28Gv3ohkTrXqmDh8SoDiombQCVqkcl1JfOIA71zPusOzgoxwfKuz8ComHIggtUKLsvoxQWHLxPu90RXQs2NDUmlTWu1qctA/s1600/2015-10-24%25252012.27.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwX2zIaQkKK02N4rpjH8GqBKrGWZR_-QrFcCG9YnDtz6Wz28Gv3ohkTrXqmDh8SoDiombQCVqkcl1JfOIA71zPusOzgoxwfKuz8ComHIggtUKLsvoxQWHLxPu90RXQs2NDUmlTWu1qctA/s320/2015-10-24%25252012.27.37.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The pattern was in an issue of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KnittingMag" target="_blank">Knitting </a>magazine last
autumn (sorry I can’t remember which issue – I tear the pages out to just keep
the patterns!) and it’s been on my To Do list for months. The yarn I’ve used
has also been in the stash for over a year waiting for me to get round to this
project!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyWI1CI9Go814E7KV7cvrhneupIIvJ_FsmzteYfoBW2PAEwKmncaqzDRfTTwxPjCMTjiEV3XvDXCh9GTFVaxehY_01vOJZTbcf_qRX5OjAyrWe1hgYCKKhL8qrUTAluqs__CEsTVk1lsZ/s1600/20151024_121106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDgl3mNooYJM6PYIcU9XRQAcMML1EqmWCt1aCZ7K9FEo5J4WUkdB-Y1VOV6e6uxP-V4L-YouLUQaPU5oHHg6oAkiZkUBWSsfFH_Nha7LKzGS_Rp8iWxSIrpshM9UZCCtdbv7jymwDshxJ/s1600/2015-10-24%25252012.25.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDgl3mNooYJM6PYIcU9XRQAcMML1EqmWCt1aCZ7K9FEo5J4WUkdB-Y1VOV6e6uxP-V4L-YouLUQaPU5oHHg6oAkiZkUBWSsfFH_Nha7LKzGS_Rp8iWxSIrpshM9UZCCtdbv7jymwDshxJ/s320/2015-10-24%25252012.25.52.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It turned out to be a fairly straightforward knit – the
texture pattern is used all over so once you’ve got the hang of that you just
keep going – although I had to concentrate on the counting when it came to
increase and decrease rows!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyWI1CI9Go814E7KV7cvrhneupIIvJ_FsmzteYfoBW2PAEwKmncaqzDRfTTwxPjCMTjiEV3XvDXCh9GTFVaxehY_01vOJZTbcf_qRX5OjAyrWe1hgYCKKhL8qrUTAluqs__CEsTVk1lsZ/s1600/20151024_121106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyWI1CI9Go814E7KV7cvrhneupIIvJ_FsmzteYfoBW2PAEwKmncaqzDRfTTwxPjCMTjiEV3XvDXCh9GTFVaxehY_01vOJZTbcf_qRX5OjAyrWe1hgYCKKhL8qrUTAluqs__CEsTVk1lsZ/s320/20151024_121106.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The yarn is <span id="goog_1951461431"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Sirdar Softspun Chunky<span id="goog_1951461432"></span></a> and is incredibly light
but warm to wear – I got this whole cardi out of seven and a half 50g balls.
The colour is gorgeous, the purple base set off with a flash of silver metallic
all the way through. I used the gold colourway of this yarn for another jumper
a couple of years ago.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This one knitted up nice and quickly in the chunky weight
yarn – and it uses three needle sizes (51/2mm, 6mm and 61/2mm) to create subtle
shaping through the waist. Button holes are made within the right front, and
the collar is knitted up from saved stitches on both front pieces then sewn
down along the front edges.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m really happy with this one, the fit is great, and it
will go with lots of the things I wear regularly, as well as keeping me lovely
and snuggly warm!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_yf0uavSzW7EmV0lWJd3IQc_FD4AQTGOI0KH3ZO7tv_nKrE3z72TP4g8BK4217VqMduaggRf1JRXxB1lZGgMoMKJGtosSqsMYBXK-XV3NhcLH1ndiCwEsXwlgeWmVv9G4CrVU7PY36jH/s1600/2015-10-24%25252012.26.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_yf0uavSzW7EmV0lWJd3IQc_FD4AQTGOI0KH3ZO7tv_nKrE3z72TP4g8BK4217VqMduaggRf1JRXxB1lZGgMoMKJGtosSqsMYBXK-XV3NhcLH1ndiCwEsXwlgeWmVv9G4CrVU7PY36jH/s320/2015-10-24%25252012.26.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyWI1CI9Go814E7KV7cvrhneupIIvJ_FsmzteYfoBW2PAEwKmncaqzDRfTTwxPjCMTjiEV3XvDXCh9GTFVaxehY_01vOJZTbcf_qRX5OjAyrWe1hgYCKKhL8qrUTAluqs__CEsTVk1lsZ/s1600/20151024_121106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To finish off I added big silver metal buttons - although they're quite heavy so I'll have to be careful they don't stretch that side of the cardi!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmsAGKJ7mcrqXcK_SQl0Gh3R7RfQcSk3KrxRyN4wHlG0fF5p4fC-c1GaTMQcxLoDMDhk5p1whDAfXr4vmxFiTkvaEW9LYdNClY23CPEfqJdJNPUTTVZWZ6fR3-pQ1NwkUs8wKl8sDyDiZ/s1600/20151024_121057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmsAGKJ7mcrqXcK_SQl0Gh3R7RfQcSk3KrxRyN4wHlG0fF5p4fC-c1GaTMQcxLoDMDhk5p1whDAfXr4vmxFiTkvaEW9LYdNClY23CPEfqJdJNPUTTVZWZ6fR3-pQ1NwkUs8wKl8sDyDiZ/s320/20151024_121057.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmsAGKJ7mcrqXcK_SQl0Gh3R7RfQcSk3KrxRyN4wHlG0fF5p4fC-c1GaTMQcxLoDMDhk5p1whDAfXr4vmxFiTkvaEW9LYdNClY23CPEfqJdJNPUTTVZWZ6fR3-pQ1NwkUs8wKl8sDyDiZ/s1600/20151024_121057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve got my Knitting & Stitching Show purchases lined
up ready in the order I’m going to work through them – I’m already part-way
through knitting the little red cardi for my cousin for Christmas, then will be
my super-chunky blanket. Sewing-wise, I’m working on a few little patchwork
Christmas decorations, and am hoping to fit in some time this weekend to trace
the pattern for the Sew Over It Joan dress and maybe start on a toile –
definitely want to get the fit right with this one!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you started your Christmas crafting yet? Are you going
completely handmade for presents and decorations? I’d love to but just don’t
have the time to fit everything in around the day job – maybe one day! Have a
great weekend everyone, happy crafting.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-17317705145816473922015-10-17T11:24:00.000+01:002015-10-17T11:24:56.185+01:00The Knitting & Stitching Show<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><i>This also appears as a guest post on the Craft Cotton Co. blog <a href="http://www.craftcottonco.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week was the <a href="http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london" target="_blank">Knitting & Stitching Show</a> at
Alexandra Palace in London. It’s one of the biggest craft fairs in the country
with over 400 exhibitors, and a whole host of demonstrations, lectures,
workshops and fashion shows to keep you entertained. This year is the second
time I’ve been to Ally Pally – there is also a Spring show at Olympia – and I
went with my Mum for a day out to get some inspiration for projects to keep me
going through the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stands are spread out in three main halls, and you
definitely need a whole day to go round everything properly, we got there just
after it opened at 10am and didn’t leave until about 4.30pm – if you wanted to
do some workshops too you could easily spread it over two days. Also, there are
plenty of places to refuel with coffee, cakes, or a cooked lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s incredibly easy to spend an absolute fortune very
quickly as there is so much inspiration and so many amazing crafters to talk
you through how to do something. My top tips would be to go with a shopping
list and a bag on wheels – you will end up carrying tonnes of stuff and it will
help save your arms!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum and I didn’t do any workshops this time, but we did
watch the Make it Coats/Rowan fashion show which showcased some of the yarns
and patterns from Patons and Rowan, and some of Coats dressmaking fabrics by
designers like Zandra Rhodes. The absolute highlight was the collaboration
Rowan have recently released with Swarovski – a collection of beads and crystals
to work into your knitting with a capsule collection of stunning patterns, the
star of which is the dress which apparently uses over 2000 crystals! They’re
not cheap but for a special item would be worth the cost and effort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the big companies were there including sewing machine
brands Janome, Singer and Brother, as well as dozens of designer-makers showing
off their crafts and selling kits so you can recreate their style at home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With my own shopping list in mind, one of my top picks of
the show was the <a href="http://www.blacksheepwools.com/" target="_blank">Black Sheep Wools</a> stand. They bring hundreds of packs of yarn
and just pile them up on the floor for you to wade through and find what you
want! I was looking for some Rowan Revive for a jumper on my ‘To Do’ list, and
eventually I managed to unearth some. These are all packs of 10 balls of yarn,
and most have at least 50% off the full retail price – definitely the best way
to buy premium brands like Rowan, or get an absolute bargain with Sirdar or
Patons – I also picked up a pack of Sirdar Summer Stripes that will go in my
stash until I find something to make with it, I just love the colours!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up is <a href="http://www.fabricsgalore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fabrics Galore</a> who stock a massive range of
dressmaking, quilting, homeware and ‘fun’ fabrics at great prices. There’s always
a queue round this stall but the staff move really quickly and everyone stays
happy! I find this is a great place to get Liberty Tana Lawns at half price,
mostly last season or ongoing designs. This is the one I picked out this time –
I’d seen it in Liberty’s last year but couldn’t justify spending the full price
at the time, so I pounced as soon as I saw it. I got a couple of metres and
have a few possibilities for what I might make. Liberty cottons are just
beautiful to work with and they wash and press well too. Also from Fabrics
Galore I got this remnant of fantastic zebra print which will probably end up
as a cushion cover, and this pretty floral fat quarter that jumped out at me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving on, the girls at the <a href="http://www.sewoverit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew Over It </a>stand helped me
pick out this gorgeous purple crepe to make their new Joan dress (I bought the
pattern from them too). This will be my most advanced dressmaking project yet
as it’s fully lined, and I’m determined to iron out some fitting issues I’ve
had previously. I also stopped at the <a href="http://www.sewmesomething.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew Me Something</a> stall where I grabbed
the new Imogen top pattern, and some wool blend fabric to make a second pair of
their Portia wide leg trousers having had success with the pattern last year.
Jules who owns the business was wearing the Imogen top in this fab yellow crepe
which looked really sunny and cheerful, I might have to look out for something
similar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few other purchases I made were some chunky yarn from
<a href="http://www.abakhan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Abakhan</a> and some giant knitting needles from Rachael John Extreme Knitting to
make a big snugly blanket, four balls of Patons baby wool from <a href="http://www.ladysewandsewknits.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lady Sew and SewKnits </a>to knit a cardi for my baby cousin for Christmas, some beautiful floral
ribbon trim from Aarti J (no idea what I’m going to do with this!), a big pink
cutting mat from Sew 2 Go (yes, pink!) and a patchwork ruler to go with it. It
was a bit interesting getting home on the tube and the train carrying
everything!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another great thing about the Knitting & Stitching
Show is the textile artist galleries, of which this year’s star for me was Kate
Jenkins’ The Stitchmongers – a whole shop full of knitted, crocheted and
sequinned fish! It looks absolutely amazing, and incredibly life-like if you
take a step back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum and I both had a brilliant day out, and I’m looking
forward to getting stuck in to all my new projects. The show also goes to
Dublin and Harrogate and I’d definitely recommend going along if you can, I’m
already booking out the days for the Spring show next year!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-9457124536120501922015-10-12T10:49:00.000+01:002015-10-12T10:50:07.290+01:00New Look K6107 Blouse<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! So I'm trying to hang on to summer just a little bit longer, even though it's nearly the middle of October - I made another sleeveless cotton blouse!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one is from New Look pattern pack K6107 which came as a free gift with <a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew magazine</a> a few months ago.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToR_P-SUizvoGhhBDZclF3tG6TvHzFkPvCuU9fkmeXWGlcYsMVsqqHSUXvJdgIxhZiRBoii1w8JxhMPJGFxAQl0R7QwdW_ttwq3BfvA5eAbX1oPUAUucjBmA6uXwZM45mbvud5ITef_X8/s1600/2015-10-04+08.45.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToR_P-SUizvoGhhBDZclF3tG6TvHzFkPvCuU9fkmeXWGlcYsMVsqqHSUXvJdgIxhZiRBoii1w8JxhMPJGFxAQl0R7QwdW_ttwq3BfvA5eAbX1oPUAUucjBmA6uXwZM45mbvud5ITef_X8/s320/2015-10-04+08.45.40.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric I've used is some Liberty cotton lawn bought in the sale at the beginning of the summer - it was a pre-cut 'remnant' of 1 metre so just enough to get this blouse from. Actually it turned out I probably could have got the short sleeves out of it too but never mind. I just loved all the little specks of colours - I think I'm going to call it my 'hundreds and thousands' blouse!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose my size based on the finished garment measurements - there is a LOT of ease in this pattern and it would have swamped me if I'd gone with the body measurements. I went with the size 14 which is just about right in terms of ease of movement when I'm wearing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are body darts in the front and back, and gentle gathers at the front yoke. Adding the rouleau button loops and underlap to the front was probably the fiddliest bit, but not too tricky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to use shop-bought bias binding for the neck and armhole facings rather than making it from the main fabric (pure laziness) but I don't think it matters, it's all on the inside anyway so no-one's going to see it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the little buttons I got for this one in the shape of white flowers with coloured centres, they pick up the pink in the fabric nicely - although I did debate over purple or yellow ones in the shop!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please please excuse the creases in the photos - I couldn't wait to wear it so after sewing the buttons on Thursday evening I wore it on Friday to the Knitting & Stitching Show - and had a couple of really lovely compliments too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccNy26KsN0YZZ0GuBWObbUnVieliJpjyEzsEGA_4adnoGGMDc-X0iUlYP86GCCt-2z_4pOgcOLo40y-HM2T76Zt9JzpfUoGiqQDZcjBYoVP-CEijIu5KZE_xxfkyLL5JQJA2ZXR8ZTLgd/s1600/2015-10-10+12.01.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccNy26KsN0YZZ0GuBWObbUnVieliJpjyEzsEGA_4adnoGGMDc-X0iUlYP86GCCt-2z_4pOgcOLo40y-HM2T76Zt9JzpfUoGiqQDZcjBYoVP-CEijIu5KZE_xxfkyLL5JQJA2ZXR8ZTLgd/s320/2015-10-10+12.01.15.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I seriously need to work on the fitting issues for my next dressmaking project - as always on me the neck line comes quite low (which is why I've got a camisole on underneath) because I'm obviously short from shoulder to bust - if anyone's got any useful tips for adjusting this one on patterns please let me know! I also had to take a little dart into the underarm to stop some gaping so probably need to have a go at a full bust adjustment too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Otherwise I'm really happy with this blouse, it makes me happy, even though if I want to wear it now I'll have to layer it up for the colder weather. It's definitely one I'd have another go at - the body darts give a bit more shaping which suits me rather than being too loose and baggy, and if I can sort out the low neckline it'll be a useful one for wearing to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm just in the last stages of finishing the cardi I've been knitting so I'll show you that soon, and tell you more about my day at the Knitting & Stitching Show - my poor bank account took a bit of a battering!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-65303241381360637182015-10-03T12:02:00.001+01:002015-10-03T12:02:40.526+01:00Colouring for Adults<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! Wow, I’m
really looking forward to having a few days off at the end of next week, work
has been very busy recently and I definitely need a chance to recharge my
batteries!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you
caught onto the craze for adult colouring books yet? I seem to have amassed a
small collection but don’t get much opportunity to actually do any colouring!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved
colouring in as a child, and to this day I remain a ‘stay inside the lines’
kind of girl. I actually got this book of Christmas designs several years ago
(from Hobbycraft I think) way before it became ‘cool’, but then I obviously got
distracted by life and other stuff and it’s been sitting on my shelf ever
since.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOgRXRdI5i6RbZuhKfFrZIFOfPrQ1BIYcsO2ea-RHkqn7hyphenhyphenH3YqUViRlqvt4aI-utGXLoOab4CVZYaSqTcSBvzZVFEstglBI7b8CjWovonEcdVDDuQpHSwCbrdk2-umQChi5bOw5Cheak/s1600/2015-10-03%25252011.55.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOgRXRdI5i6RbZuhKfFrZIFOfPrQ1BIYcsO2ea-RHkqn7hyphenhyphenH3YqUViRlqvt4aI-utGXLoOab4CVZYaSqTcSBvzZVFEstglBI7b8CjWovonEcdVDDuQpHSwCbrdk2-umQChi5bOw5Cheak/s320/2015-10-03%25252011.55.29.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the
designs in the books I’ve got are just stunning – I have to say although they
look incredible I’m not hugely keen on the really intricate mandala types as
they’re just too fiddly and I don’t have the patience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a
couple of books on holiday with me over the summer with the intention of using
some relaxing time to colour in a few pictures – and they remained in my bag
untouched for the entire two weeks! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I got
back I have done a couple of designs, and am trying to find time more regularly
to sit and spend even just 20 minutes or so when I get home from work to do a
little bit of a picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve also got
a reasonable collection of colouring pens and pencils in a good range of
colours, so at least I can be more bold or subtle depending on my mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My other
little stress buster is this smaller book which I keep in my work bag so I can
dig it out for a few minutes when I need to give my brain a rest – there are
some good repetitive patterns that are handy for when I don’t want to
concentrate too hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you done
any colouring? What are your favourite books and tools? Pens or pencils?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ooh, I must
share a little piece of good news with you – I’m going to be working with the
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/craftcottonco" target="_blank">Craft Cotton Company</a> as a guest blogger! They put a message out on Twitter a
few weeks ago and I thought I’d bite the bullet and get in touch. There’s a whole
team of bloggers getting involved so you’ll be able to read about lots of
different ideas, my first post for them will be about my trip to the <a href="http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london" target="_blank">Knitting& Stitching Show </a>next week, so please look out for that!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-42614324137004600522015-09-19T14:45:00.000+01:002015-09-19T14:45:30.632+01:00Lake Garda Shawl<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,
hope you’ve had a good week, mine’s been pretty packed and a little stressful
so I’m glad to have made it to the weekend again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I said in my
last post that I’d show you the shawl I started knitting on holiday and
finished a couple of weeks ago when we got back – so here it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu83ukhlfTtejMPxhGyKAmteTkWrWN4NEh3uhqE5UdefQ14MvTeAjgCI5AYt0LsyD0jbCDrojD-g5xZ_7AvEY_EsLGUkuv6doL0-ZL6_GeD2xS6Kzm2Ebpbi2KwFjAAsoK04jZO22eQO2/s1600/20150918_073049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu83ukhlfTtejMPxhGyKAmteTkWrWN4NEh3uhqE5UdefQ14MvTeAjgCI5AYt0LsyD0jbCDrojD-g5xZ_7AvEY_EsLGUkuv6doL0-ZL6_GeD2xS6Kzm2Ebpbi2KwFjAAsoK04jZO22eQO2/s320/20150918_073049.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern
is the UK Alpaca Pearly Queen shawl that I used for my cream version earlier in
the year, but I chose a different yarn this time. It’s <a href="https://www.artesanoyarns.co.uk/Lace-Weight-Yarn/Lace-Hand-Painted-Alpaca-Silk-All-Colours/" target="_blank">Artesano’s </a>Lace Handpainted Alpaca Silk and the colourway is called Mermaid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgr42Y9_7bLwa2I_y1rwFBNzaTdtASRI9JuLWuOPh2YKUCTpvs9vMbam0eXHSmF1Ik7X1Tnk4GRDCkRNsTgReTg-M-SAFAwVKbzMvtGKtPjvNt0x2yLgWRRK9m0cY6ddiE6GlhFRnw1dL/s1600/20150819_160857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgr42Y9_7bLwa2I_y1rwFBNzaTdtASRI9JuLWuOPh2YKUCTpvs9vMbam0eXHSmF1Ik7X1Tnk4GRDCkRNsTgReTg-M-SAFAwVKbzMvtGKtPjvNt0x2yLgWRRK9m0cY6ddiE6GlhFRnw1dL/s320/20150819_160857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I actually
started knitting this the weekend before we went away, but as I spent some very
relaxing afternoons sitting by the huge picture window in our apartment
overlooking Lake Garda working on it I’m going to name the shawl in honour of
the lake – and the colours of the yarn remind me of the shades of the water and
surrounding mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvzWTEXBTnKg7BMOyle9mCox9ts9P2fz74NJQ2U4ar624G9HwrHenNLwBtmm6tzlSH56Kn74ddnA_EaVUSD-eqBm_JbW-jSldKULKxUAsEPTdrhYfU1w_zq8uCVPOsKuGB_Vu2-GECQS2/s1600/20150912_153253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvzWTEXBTnKg7BMOyle9mCox9ts9P2fz74NJQ2U4ar624G9HwrHenNLwBtmm6tzlSH56Kn74ddnA_EaVUSD-eqBm_JbW-jSldKULKxUAsEPTdrhYfU1w_zq8uCVPOsKuGB_Vu2-GECQS2/s320/20150912_153253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There really
isn’t much to say about the pattern, I still love the stepped edge, and the
lovely simple stitch pattern used throughout. The only thing different about
this one from the first shawl is that the yarn is much finer, so although it’s
worked up and blocked out to roughly the same size because of the stretchiness
created by the open mesh stitch, it’s not as bulky and so not quite as warm, but
it’ll be fine for the next few weeks while it’s chilly in the mornings but not
cold enough for a proper scarf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuTfEryrRCfKUiELZ-wZqucc_wQqYHYglPeCWuYNrbBK4iGyljQ8x4CC8BwUna4U0WfXdshfRrX8bKannmAVnVTMOCho0YkEeYjsOeD97a_sCFbBSX8exdzSBJ7xiE2lXpBfoJxrBi8Y9/s1600/20150912_153315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuTfEryrRCfKUiELZ-wZqucc_wQqYHYglPeCWuYNrbBK4iGyljQ8x4CC8BwUna4U0WfXdshfRrX8bKannmAVnVTMOCho0YkEeYjsOeD97a_sCFbBSX8exdzSBJ7xiE2lXpBfoJxrBi8Y9/s320/20150912_153315.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAU4CDsqWKTunGpKFQvLykx4Vk0HbImLD9TNhrEHtFItwfYhmT6hfaOpNIRkQ7E_OzGzLVBIpy7HT_2W-UOim6ldfkEOk8g1MYgMxFBOJ6zzAcSdU88vdgS2WsP3Ou4vhSd91Tfa4wfhU/s1600/20150912_153308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAU4CDsqWKTunGpKFQvLykx4Vk0HbImLD9TNhrEHtFItwfYhmT6hfaOpNIRkQ7E_OzGzLVBIpy7HT_2W-UOim6ldfkEOk8g1MYgMxFBOJ6zzAcSdU88vdgS2WsP3Ou4vhSd91Tfa4wfhU/s320/20150912_153308.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I obviously
made a fairly drastic over-calculation when I bought the yarn though as I’ve
got a skein and a half leftover – so I may well end up making another one for
someone as a gift, or finding another pattern for something a bit different, I
spotted a beautiful lace cowl in last month’s issue of The Knitter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve made a
good start on my next cardigan, and gone from extreme to the other - lace-weight
shawl to chunky knit cardi! I’ll keep you posted with progress, and let you
know if I manage to fit in any more sewing, but I’m a bit pressed for time over
the next couple of weekends with extra choir rehearsals and a big performance
coming up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only three
weeks to go until The Knitting & Stitching Show which I’m really looking
forward to. I know it’s the Handmade Fair at Hampton Court Palace this weekend
so if you’re going I hope you have a great time, and I really must try and get
tickets next year! Have a lovely weekend everyone.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-73035134027065469482015-09-12T15:01:00.000+01:002015-09-12T15:01:03.728+01:00Sleeveless Mimi Blouse<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! How are you all? Hope you had a great summer, I
thought autumn was fully upon us but the last couple of days have been really
warm and sunny where I am – chilly in the mornings though so autumn still
knocking on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I’ve been back from holiday for a couple of weeks
so wanted to give you an update on crafty progress. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took my knitting away with me and managed to do a
little bit most days working on my shawl – I’ve finished this since we’ve been
back so I’ll show it to you in my next post, I need to wash and block it out
first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weekend I didn’t have anything else special on so I made
another Mimi blouse. As I already had the pattern traced out it was much
quicker to cut out my fabric, and having the experience of the first one meant
I got the sewing done quicker too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This floral fabric has been in my stash since the
beginning of the year and I’m really pleased I’ve finally used it because it’s
so beautiful, I love the colours and the big florals, and it’s a lovely light
cotton lawn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to go sleeveless for this version for a bit of
a different look, and it means it’ll layer better over a long-sleeved t-shirt
and under a cardi so I can carry on wearing it over the winter. My first
version is a little awkward under a cardi because of the bit of puffiness in
the sleeves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nice and quick to sew up, I zig-zagged and pinked all my
seams, got the collar and facings on straight and sitting nicely, and then
bound the armholes with cream bias binding folded through to the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got purple buttons to pick out the colour from the
fabric and love how they look against the other colours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The size is great, and I didn’t make any alterations to
the armholes but they’re absolutely fine and don’t gape at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m wearing it today as I type and really happy with how
it’s turned out, it’ll be great for work or casual, trousers or a skirt. I’d
quite like to try another version in a drapey viscose or something and see if
that makes any difference to the overall look and feel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve got loads of patterns lined up for more sewing, and
more fabric still in my stash, but I bought several metres of calico yesterday
that I’m intending to make some toiles in, especially of dress bodices and
really concentrate on ironing out the fit issues I’ve had before – I’ll let you
know how I get on. There are a couple of dresses I really want to make, but I
don’t want to waste good fabric on something that doesn’t fit properly and I
then don’t wear often.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had an amazing holiday and bought lots of souvenirs,
but the one I want to show you is some GORGEOUS silk I bought in Venice. We
spent three days there and I hunted out a couple of fabric shops, but got this
from G. Benevento near the Ca’ D’Oro – they stock lots of dressmaking fabrics,
many of them designer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is 100% Italian silk and from the new season
collection for Etro – the man in the shop showed me a catalogue of some of the
dresses and they are absolutely incredible! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was extremely expensive, I bought a metre and a half
(140cm wide) and it cost the equivalent of about £100!!! I’d never ever spend
that much money on fabric over here, but the holiday spontaneity monster
obviously took hold that day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love it though, the colours and the print,
plus it feels amazing, but I’m going to have to do some serious thinking and
planning of what I’m going to make with it, and probably a toile or two before
I even dare thinking about cutting into it. I’ll keep you posted!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m going to start a new knitting project this weekend,
and will also be visiting the Weald of Kent Craft Fair at Penshurst Place on
Sunday, and then it’s not many more weeks until the Knitting & Stitching
Show at Alexandra Palace, which very conveniently falls on pay day for me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend, I’d love to see what you’ve been
making.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-9730996669396157612015-08-01T12:43:00.000+01:002015-08-01T12:43:30.933+01:00Rowan Spelt Cardigan<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi! How are you all? Still enjoying the summer I hope,
although the weather’s not been quite so good as it was at the beginning of the
month. (Really must stop this compulsion to talk about the weather every time,
it’s a horribly British thing isn’t it?!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve finished a new cardi this week using more of my
favourite Rowan Purelife Revive – this is the last pack of it bought from the
Knitting & Stitching Shows, although I’ve booked my tickets for the Ally
Pally show in October so I’m sure I’ll be able to re-stock then!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZvEPEbfeMGprAZPHBvkk2WJSjDPmzATEuu-zzpPlceGtXQ90B6xx3YgFqD_oZTIbRZZaFx6FNitT7wajF03vZNkja-xKsiW1JLo8kwsrgLtVCAcl06wSCLmEGNa3v8nOGdatGYaxzOZ-/s1600/20150801_103623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZvEPEbfeMGprAZPHBvkk2WJSjDPmzATEuu-zzpPlceGtXQ90B6xx3YgFqD_oZTIbRZZaFx6FNitT7wajF03vZNkja-xKsiW1JLo8kwsrgLtVCAcl06wSCLmEGNa3v8nOGdatGYaxzOZ-/s320/20150801_103623.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I LOVE this colourway, orange is one of my favourite
colours anyway, and this is a beautiful shade, and all the extra flecks in
different colours add some interest and texture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aH5KK92NhQ9DSq8q7NFns7zFedP9veeiHdr3ee_Ya3KBqZRaxtKvtIvx0rvIQJdJF379vpGH2BnVulTk1GG0IjcmNyKOfogVWXRe4aoychMA3UirkEdAWbasTwzyKUVOW9s_kUcYxQLl/s1600/20150801_103555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aH5KK92NhQ9DSq8q7NFns7zFedP9veeiHdr3ee_Ya3KBqZRaxtKvtIvx0rvIQJdJF379vpGH2BnVulTk1GG0IjcmNyKOfogVWXRe4aoychMA3UirkEdAWbasTwzyKUVOW9s_kUcYxQLl/s320/20150801_103555.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The pattern is Spelt from the Simple Shapes book I’ve
used before and is a useful everyday round-necked cardigan with garter stitch
edging and three buttons. The pattern recommends 10 balls of yarn for the size
I’ve knitted, but I’ve actually ended up with slightly more than 2 balls
leftover. I’m going to add these to the leftovers of the other colours and
maybe do a stripy top or something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXWbaHBbnTMQu7JXTiVldQ9R08m1OKWnM1zezXR8I-zgJEH2Pq7QUi-tSrwBVPauFNfML-6aQUVnKIio8xr3lS4cFmL0UadcXXM8ikJLU2ZbMlxmeST98wsUWjqN_vfEZpKUWzVLNKnGt/s1600/20150801_103649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXWbaHBbnTMQu7JXTiVldQ9R08m1OKWnM1zezXR8I-zgJEH2Pq7QUi-tSrwBVPauFNfML-6aQUVnKIio8xr3lS4cFmL0UadcXXM8ikJLU2ZbMlxmeST98wsUWjqN_vfEZpKUWzVLNKnGt/s320/20150801_103649.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirI2q1apn4-2rsgq73sM4ECGSu20rgR8GwwLb-dITpgq3RkciYHeyxlfFag5t_5yvhq4_6kjGZHkum_7pQ6KM5Y528E4qcd6wV6nZm8aiRzWUyMjt2YYMnk0p3zTEoMSfOIr0tP6YK7aL/s1600/20150801_103704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirI2q1apn4-2rsgq73sM4ECGSu20rgR8GwwLb-dITpgq3RkciYHeyxlfFag5t_5yvhq4_6kjGZHkum_7pQ6KM5Y528E4qcd6wV6nZm8aiRzWUyMjt2YYMnk0p3zTEoMSfOIr0tP6YK7aL/s320/20150801_103704.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can’t really say much about the pattern or knitting
process – nice and straightforward and one that I’ve been working on in front
of the TV the last few weeks. It’s got some subtle waist shaping, and I like
the three quarter sleeves. The button and buttonhole bands are knitted up
separately then sewn on to the front pieces as they’re knitted on different
sized needles, and I had to do a bit of maths to work out where to place the
buttonholes – though I’ll probably rarely do the cardi up anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I found some buttons in Mum’s button box to finish it
off, and will wash and block it this weekend to settle in the sleeveheads a
bit, they look a bit puffy at the moment!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My collection of me-made knitwear is rapidly outnumbering
the bought items in my wardrobe, but I think that’s good because they’re things
that I’ve invested time and effort into making, they’re colours and styles I
like and suit me, and it’s always a nice feeling to say ‘thanks, I made it
myself’ when someone compliments an outfit!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I won’t be posting for the next few weeks as I’m going
away to enjoy some summer sunshine in foreign climes, but I’m taking a new
knitting project with me, and am hoping to start on some paper-pieced patchwork
when I’m back. So until September – happy crafting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-84051073923275355352015-07-18T10:34:00.000+01:002015-07-18T10:34:42.450+01:00Liberty T-Shirt<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hi! Just a really quick post today, I’m super busy again
with too much to cram in to not enough time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is another version of the New Look K6217 t-shirt
(like my Feathers top for a few weeks ago) – nice and quick but a couple of alterations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The fabric was a fab find in the <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/departmenthome/dept/fabrics" target="_blank">Liberty</a> sale a few weeks
ago – gotta love a remnants table! Half price too so that always helps. I love
the bold print that’s like mandalas, though I think it’s from the Alice in
Wonderland collection they did this season so it’s probably supposed to look
like the playing card designs – it’s called Lord Paisley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-FotqHIhEbLB2wM5Ze961wuNMbBcJsFScQNxhhTyRO_kAey5N2EUz-6yG9Yl_eGL3LTYeHmCzGfmt-3YRDaF3byCbY-n1itPtVbYWzLvAohh-DdqjGVg80Riy_mpx7d4DHMzbmDCzuQ3/s1600/20150702_113954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-FotqHIhEbLB2wM5Ze961wuNMbBcJsFScQNxhhTyRO_kAey5N2EUz-6yG9Yl_eGL3LTYeHmCzGfmt-3YRDaF3byCbY-n1itPtVbYWzLvAohh-DdqjGVg80Riy_mpx7d4DHMzbmDCzuQ3/s320/20150702_113954.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the experience of the first one under my belt, this
time I lengthened the pattern by 3 inches to give me a bit more stomach
coverage, and because I only had a one metre remnant I squeezed the back piece
onto the fold instead of cutting two pieces. However, I’ve since realised that
I made a bit of a rookie mistake here – I forgot that the back piece has a seam
allowance included at the centre back, so my piece cut on the fold is two seam
allowances-worth too big! D’oh! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s not too much of a disaster though and I think if I
sew a pleat into the back of the neckline to take a bit of the extra fullness
out it’ll be fine – I don’t mind it being looser through the body, the fine
cotton voile drapes beautifully anyway. I left slits in the side seams too so that it's not too tight over my hips with the extra length.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m pleased with the symmetry of the print on the front
and back, I made sure to iron the centre folds really well to line everything
up! I used cream bias binding for the neckline which stays invisible on the
inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy with this one, lovely and cool to wear and I love
the colours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m hoping to fit in another couple of quick sewing
projects before I go on holiday, and I’m making good progress with my knitted
cardi – but the free weekends are fast running out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-33061293037012262792015-07-12T12:55:00.001+01:002015-07-12T12:55:34.941+01:00La Paloma Shift Dress<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still enjoying lots of lovely sunny weather here – how is
it where you are?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I’ve got my main holiday week project to show you –
this took the best part of two days, but some of that time was because I had to
figure out linings and I wanted to make sure everything was sewed neatly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern for this dress is New Look K6145 which I got
free with <a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew magazine</a> a few months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric is <a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/la-paloma-cotton-fabric-by-alexander-henry-6774.html" target="_blank">Alexander Henry ‘La Paloma’</a> which I bought
at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the spring after scouring all the
websites where it was sold out. And the reason it was sold out everywhere is
because <a href="http://www.twitter.com/dfabricate" target="_blank">Deborah</a> made a dress with it on week one of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sewingbee" target="_blank">Sewing Bee</a> this year
and it looked AMAZING! Its mid-weight cotton and I just love the bold colours
and print with the birds and flowers. Anyway, I was thrilled to find some and
quickly snapped up two metres. It’s not a very wide fabric and I’m now wishing
I’d bought more to have some spare for future makes, but never mind. The two
metres was just right for this shift dress and meant I didn’t have to do any
drastic pattern matching across waist seams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose to make version E of the dress – sleeveless, but
I left off the collar. I picked and cut out size 14 based on the finished
measurements, and lengthened the skirt by 3 inches to take it to knee length on
me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6NmnQA2pNcU4_W33_cOxE3ydpsKyPPjbbmAGkn_z5oCOlEMnmhQRVSS6i5RPPU_vhed4-YBhySrp3WGcpmx6pnbpH0ytdZjTCom9c9sxt3wRS9h1QnNZbDZI6Y0GqkqkfgjLaDfFpwev/s1600/20150701_160833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6NmnQA2pNcU4_W33_cOxE3ydpsKyPPjbbmAGkn_z5oCOlEMnmhQRVSS6i5RPPU_vhed4-YBhySrp3WGcpmx6pnbpH0ytdZjTCom9c9sxt3wRS9h1QnNZbDZI6Y0GqkqkfgjLaDfFpwev/s320/20150701_160833.jpg" width="160" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gave myself an extra challenge this time by deciding to
line the dress rather than just using the facings and potentially needing to
wear a slip underneath. I got some basic poly-cotton lining that will be cool
to wear and not cling. As the pattern instructions don’t include a lining I had
to figure this bit out myself, but followed the principles of the all-in-one
facing from the Shell Top I made a few weeks ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTF4E1I7ZXegJQin6kwFONPTQYYTe9d522XpzOahGjp6aV2OiOSYKQFNOpK63PwgqaAuTZv30RLC1ykNfWQMLoBhNbS873Nga3DnSUqJob6pcIT6J4J4_JKuRWkAwuUl8b2BOEpxYpxVr/s1600/20150701_160924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTF4E1I7ZXegJQin6kwFONPTQYYTe9d522XpzOahGjp6aV2OiOSYKQFNOpK63PwgqaAuTZv30RLC1ykNfWQMLoBhNbS873Nga3DnSUqJob6pcIT6J4J4_JKuRWkAwuUl8b2BOEpxYpxVr/s320/20150701_160924.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after I’d made up the two layers as far as sewing in
all the darts and joining the shoulders, I attached the lining to the main
fabric around the neckline and understitched to keep it sitting flat once
turned through, and then joined them at the armholes too. This meant I could
then turn the whole thing the right way out by bringing the lining through the
shoulder straps and giving everything a really good press. It looks a really
neat finish and meant I didn’t need to worry about using bias binding to finish
the neck or arms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inserting the invisible zip into the centre back seam
took a bit of figuring out to get the layers in the right order and I managed
to sew main fabric, zip and lining in one go so that the lining is anchored
neatly, and meant I didn’t need to do any hand sewing! The back is finished
with a skirt vent which I’ve never done before but was pretty simple and give a
little more freedom of movement – I mirrored this in the lining too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This just left the side seams to sew up, and allowed me
to shape the dress a little to bring the waist in to fit me a little more
closely – I find straight up and down shapes don’t suit me terribly well so
just nipping in the waist seams by an extra inch means it has a better
silhouette for me. A quick double hem and I was all done!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m really delighted with this make – I think the simple
shape shows the fabric off beautifully, it’s a comfortable dress to wear and
will be great for work over the summer. Plus there’re so many colours in the
print I can change up my outfit with a different cardi and shows every time I
wear it – I went with orange when I wore it the first time!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fit still isn’t absolutely perfect, I think I need to
take a bit of length out of the upper torso as this is where I’m obviously
short compared with the standard measurements – the armholes and bust darts are
a little low. I also might lower the neckline into more of a scoop next time,
again as a personal preference for what suits me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve had loads of compliments wearing it though which is
lovely to enjoy the “Thank you, I made it myself!” moment. I’m really pleased
with how the lining turned out too and will definitely use this method again.
I’ll have to look out for more of the fabric too as it’s just fantastic and I’d
love to try some other garments with it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve got one more recent sewing project to show you
another day, and I’m currently knitting another cardigan which I’m hoping to
get finished before I go away on holiday in mid-August, so I’ll probably be
concentrating on that instead of starting any other new projects for the next
few weeks. I also need to figure out what projects to take away with me –
knitting, crochet, patchwork – what would you suggest?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-12588906520054179292015-07-05T12:29:00.001+01:002015-07-05T12:29:49.537+01:00Feathers T-Shirt<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! I'm on holiday from work this week so have been making the most of lots of time at the sewing machine. I'll probably post a few things up separately - mainly so I don't lose track myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For today though, this nice quick t-shirt. The pattern is New Look K6217 which is an outfit pack (I got it free with <a href="http://www.sewmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew</a> magazine), but I've just stuck with the t-shirt for now (I might have a go at the trousers and skirt at some point). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cut my size straight out of the pattern paper going for the size 14 based on the finished garment measurements - there seems to be a lot of ease in this and I didn't want to be too swamped in fabric.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkJ7nrAM51gAwo9PsxGcI93dVFi66INYw0WTnvPKzi7Ne-SLXanCRihDDWBiGTvec68jO9NKAEmD0kGZmh6NHQc1FVILD7xH5ynf3k5xTjijOgEq16gUxZ7sIlLldXRLCVtfeZpUCWr8x/s1600/20150701_160551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkJ7nrAM51gAwo9PsxGcI93dVFi66INYw0WTnvPKzi7Ne-SLXanCRihDDWBiGTvec68jO9NKAEmD0kGZmh6NHQc1FVILD7xH5ynf3k5xTjijOgEq16gUxZ7sIlLldXRLCVtfeZpUCWr8x/s320/20150701_160551.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a medium weight cotton that I bought at the Knitting & Stitching Show (yes, still working through the stash...) and I loved the colour and print - peacock feather designs always look gorgeous I think.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two pattern pieces and some bias binding for the neck and bobs your uncle. The keyhole detail at the back neck is a nice feature, though with the amount of ease in the pattern it's not strictly necessary from a functional point of view - I can get the top on quite easily without undoing the button.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very happy with this, and easy to whip up in an afternoon. This is definitely going to be a staple pattern, in fact I've already made another one, and will be great for making easy and comfortable tops for the summer that I can wear for work or casual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been glorious weather this week, although rather too hot and humid on Wednesday, so I'm hoping it lasts through July so I can wear lots of my new me-made cotton clothes!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-88488402892752969442015-06-27T11:11:00.002+01:002015-06-27T11:11:43.567+01:00Leonora Jumper in Blue<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi! Another busy couple of weeks have kept me from
updating, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been getting on with some sewing and
knitting! I’ve got a couple of new sewn garments to show you in another post,
but today is about knitting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished my second Leonora jumper last week and I’m
really happy with it. I love this pattern by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hattonknits" target="_blank">Sarah Hatton</a>, and the <a href="http://www.deramores.com/rowan-purelife-revive" target="_blank">Rowan Revive</a> yarn is wonderful to work this (I may have mentioned this before...).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I picked up a pack of the yarn in this beautiful blue
blended colourway (the name Grit really doesn’t do it justice) at the Knitting
& Stitching Show - and a pack of orange-y Silt which is next on my list to
knit up.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern is one I’ve knitted before, I blogged about
my first version of this jumper last year, and I don’t mind using it again
because it’s a shape and style that works for me. I love the little lace panel
detail at the front and back necklines and cuffs, as well as the slightly more
unusual (in knitting patterns anyway) square neckline.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time around I made a couple of alterations: I
knitted a size smaller than before which helped narrow the body and shoulders a
little, I also knitted the body longer and the armhole-to-shoulder section is
shorter. This was because in my first version the neckline ended up being a bit
low for comfort (and decency) so I have to wear a vest top underneath. The new
version now sits higher so I can get away with wearing it on its own. The
longer body will also help here by not revealing any midriff if I’m stretching
or reaching up for any reason!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much else to say on this one really – straightforward
knit, fits really well, washes beautifully, gorgeous colour and with the
cotton/silk blend I’ll be able to wear it through the summer without overheating
(assuming we get much warm weather that is...).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m on holiday from work next week with a few days to
chill out at home so I’m intending to get stuck into a few projects – hopefully
a couple of quick and easy summer tops, maybe a dress or two, and start
knitting another cardigan. I’ve also been catching up on a few of the free
craft kits that come with Mollie Makes magazine, and stash-busting some yarn I
won’t use for anything else with a bit of giant granny square crochet. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">How’s your summer of crafting going so far? I’d love to
see what you’ve been making, drop me a line with where to find you! </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-66999577307603645462015-06-13T12:11:00.001+01:002015-06-13T12:11:31.619+01:00Liberty Print Shell Top<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! How are you all? I didn’t get a chance to post
last week as I had a manic week at work and then a packed weekend with a big
choir concert in Birmingham – which was absolutely brilliant!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the crafting though, and this week I’ve got a
Sleeveless Shell Top from the Great British Sewing Bee <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-British-Sewing-Bee-Fashion/dp/1849495459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434193591&sr=1-1&keywords=fashion+with+fabric" target="_blank">Fashion With Fabric</a>
book. This was actually one of the projects from the previous series of the
Sewing Bee but the pattern was so popular they’ve included in the new book.
It’s a fairly basic top with wide straps, scoop neck, longer back hem and a
button loop fastening at the back neck.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE_0PR8jxP-8sCi07dmUswVV6X46IkP-8CRS-y23gk_xbYRbZVnsgwbnMYQLugLjCHJaEjnT2drnqLHu-EIXy4uAnLp42C3t10Reiuut-77FbxWYLtnUAfXv_LrmGFZVbwnPOZR2v7aLg/s1600/20150612_063622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE_0PR8jxP-8sCi07dmUswVV6X46IkP-8CRS-y23gk_xbYRbZVnsgwbnMYQLugLjCHJaEjnT2drnqLHu-EIXy4uAnLp42C3t10Reiuut-77FbxWYLtnUAfXv_LrmGFZVbwnPOZR2v7aLg/s320/20150612_063622.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve made it in this pretty Liberty Tana Lawn in ‘Capel’
print that I got earlier in the year. I love the colour and print anyway, but
the name is particularly special as it’s the parish where my Nan used to live.
I traced the pattern from the sheets that came with the book – based on the
finished garment measurements given I went for a size 14 to fit my bust. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhEJG0Qau1k5Nf3E6okI7tZ30skOvnMUVwPsU37zYDr79d7mY8IN32g9gWQjnaRHeELEp1kvbUUTy-WbQC8x9cgYmCG8JELEZzC81C-l8XjRUFn5HBAk7sHPX3m_UQPjPi8NNTzGtTUH_/s1600/20150530_164022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhEJG0Qau1k5Nf3E6okI7tZ30skOvnMUVwPsU37zYDr79d7mY8IN32g9gWQjnaRHeELEp1kvbUUTy-WbQC8x9cgYmCG8JELEZzC81C-l8XjRUFn5HBAk7sHPX3m_UQPjPi8NNTzGtTUH_/s320/20150530_164022.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sewing the top together was all pretty straightforward – sew
the bust darts, join the shoulder seams, interface and sew the shoulders of the
facing, then attach the facing round the neckline and armholes. This is
actually quite a neat trick – because the back is in two pieces it means you
can attach the facing all in one go and then pull the back pieces through the
shoulders to turn everything the right way out. This cotton presses beautifully
so I’ve got lovely neat seams and everything sits where it’s supposed to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joining the side seams next, then the back, leaving a
section at the top open for a button and loop fastening. I’ve done my usual
‘belt and braces’ by zig-zagging and pinking all the exposed seams.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHasZw_FBcJp1PRyeQHkbIKMWT0RBy4inBGy5oK9Q8hg6CnD8sJsCfiS2ReiWI4fWUDLD8NSS5VRwcj3-IhT8ui_zuAtTUuC5qaiq42aCiiFvvasTX5Htf4DmLYvgi2NLNtz2Ef8Nd4Q8/s1600/20150612_063636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHasZw_FBcJp1PRyeQHkbIKMWT0RBy4inBGy5oK9Q8hg6CnD8sJsCfiS2ReiWI4fWUDLD8NSS5VRwcj3-IhT8ui_zuAtTUuC5qaiq42aCiiFvvasTX5Htf4DmLYvgi2NLNtz2Ef8Nd4Q8/s320/20150612_063636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found a little piece of silver ribbon and a purple button
just the right colour in my stash to finish off, and did a narrow-ish double
folded hem which worked out OK with a little bit of easing in because of the
curved shape.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGQtayJBJf6YbdhC8JSNBgdR1f6CpHVj7ZQPcPYSEdPenVjim4KVKeyh_aUZvB7cMAeGDUcC1alwbs-ifSH4IeWDrinn7Ym1NCkPe0a_1ysfC-XbM3LdopQ859bOJE_8q8kTO-q_rlAHP/s1600/20150612_063714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGQtayJBJf6YbdhC8JSNBgdR1f6CpHVj7ZQPcPYSEdPenVjim4KVKeyh_aUZvB7cMAeGDUcC1alwbs-ifSH4IeWDrinn7Ym1NCkPe0a_1ysfC-XbM3LdopQ859bOJE_8q8kTO-q_rlAHP/s320/20150612_063714.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m happy with how this one turned out; the neckline is much
more modest than the Silk Cami I made before so didn’t need adjusting, and
it’ll be lovely and cool to wear in the summer. Only a couple of little niggles
– the front hem is perhaps a little shorter than I would have liked but not
disastrously so, and the armholes gape a little – I probably need to learn how
to do a full bust adjustment!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4T7C6k4y3xlVahJDYGc2ldOQWkA2MtqCQilLb3j6d0uGh9QTFYghnqErYlUpU1eKJ2KkDRBQUQ-EbTlMCOqUvs8NAPUABQqqbwu9kC2CgDzgrGcoNu2CBeiwdKqrNHOA-l1e0Kw2yewZ/s1600/20150612_063835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4T7C6k4y3xlVahJDYGc2ldOQWkA2MtqCQilLb3j6d0uGh9QTFYghnqErYlUpU1eKJ2KkDRBQUQ-EbTlMCOqUvs8NAPUABQqqbwu9kC2CgDzgrGcoNu2CBeiwdKqrNHOA-l1e0Kw2yewZ/s320/20150612_063835.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definitely a useful pattern to have in the arsenal, and a
quick easy one that doesn’t use huge amounts of fabric. I’ve got a couple of
other similar patterns so I might try those and see how they compare for fit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, I’ve finally finished knitting my second
Leonora jumper and am in the process of sewing it up so should have that to
show you next week. What are you all working on at the moment? I’d love to see!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-82416786235169914282015-05-31T12:47:00.000+01:002015-05-31T12:47:59.206+01:00The End of Me Made May<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s the end of May already! That means it’s time for a
round up of how my Me Made May challenge has gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the beginning of the month I remember thinking ‘OK, well
I’ll give it a go but won’t worry too much if I miss a day or two, because I
probably haven’t got enough things to wear anyway’. Now, looking back at all
the photos I’ve posted on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knitsewgrow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, I really only missed a couple of days not
actually wearing something me-made, but I was working on making something new
on those days, and as making more was part of my pledge I’m happy to include
these.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s a few thoughts about my month:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I’ve got more me-made garments than I realised,
especially knitted jumpers and cardis.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">The sewn me-mades are things that I really like
wearing so it’s OK that I’ve repeated them a couple of times each – my Portia
trousers, Mimi blouse and Delphine skirt.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">The only major thing I haven’t worn this month
is my first floral Delphine skirt – firstly because the weather has only
intermittently been nice enough for summery clothes, and secondly because I
need to alter the waist again so it’s not 100% comfortable to wear at the moment.
Once this is fixed it’ll definitely be back in regular rotation as I have a
good selection of colourful tops and shoes to wear with it.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I’m getting quicker at making new things. I
sewed two new garments this month – my Silk Cami and Walkaway Dress, and have
made a start on another cotton shell top. I’ve also made good progress knitting
another jumper which should be done in the next week or so.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I love my Walkaway dress and am looking forward
to wearing it lots this summer. I’m so pleased with the fit and love the
fabric, and I’m really chuffed with how good the lace ribbon binding worked
out.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I need to make some more basic tops to wear with
plain trousers for work – I’ve got plenty of fabric lined up ready to go and a
couple of patterns in mind.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I need some more co-ordinating tops to wear with
my Portia trousers. These are a slightly awkward colour – the fabric was an
impulse buy from the remnants table at my local haberdashery – and I’ve had to
repeat outfits.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I’d like to make some more Portia trousers in plain
colours. Now that I’ve got the fit right, they’re really comfy and I like the
style so another couple of pairs in everyday basic colours and fabrics would be
a useful wardrobe addition.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I have way more clothes than I realised, and
tend to repeat my favourite things leaving others sitting there unworn for
months at a time. I think it’s time for another clear out in my wardrobe being
really ruthless about what I keep. I’m more comfortable with my personal style
now and what I’m comfortable in, especially at work, so if I’m not going to
wear things they’d be better off out of the way.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I’ve loved seeing everyone else’s outfits on
Instagram, Twitter and blogs. There are some amazing sewers out there, some
gorgeous fabrics, and beautiful patterns. One that I’m keen to get hold of and
try is the <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/hawthorn" target="_blank">Colette Hawthorn Dress</a>. I love the shape and the little collar, and
having seen lots of different versions in different fabrics, with sleeves and
without, I think it’s one that would suit me and I’d be comfortable wearing.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">I’ve had some lovely compliments about my
outfits and the things I’ve made; I suppose it shows that a bit of
individuality is eye-catching.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve put a few photos of the outfits I’ve worn this month at
the bottom of the post but you can see my whole month on my Instagram feed. Me
Made May is definitely something I’ll join in with again in future – hopefully
with a more expanded me-made wardrobe to avoid so many repeats! But actually, I
know that I already wear most of the things I make quite frequently anyway, so
I’m sure this will carry on as a normal part of my wardrobe, especially once I
crack on with making some more things to wear!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-733699407945513522015-05-25T09:00:00.000+01:002015-05-25T09:03:20.395+01:00The Walkaway Dress<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make number two for Me Made May is one I’m really really
pleased with and proud of. Ladies and gents, may I present my Walkaway Dress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the idea of this dress when they made it on this
year’s Great British Sewing Bee, and was delighted that the pattern was
included in the new book this year (</span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-British-Sewing-Bee-Fashion/dp/1849495459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432480515&sr=1-1&keywords=fashion+with+fabric" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Fashion with Fabric</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). I got the book when
it first came out, read through from cover to cover and picked out a few things
I’d like to make, but then got distracted with other projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, we’ve been having a clear out at my Nan’s house and
I came across these beautiful curtains. Mum said she can’t remember where in
the house they used to hang, but they’d obviously been altered at some point
because there were two main curtain panels and then four extra pieces sitting
spare in a bag. They even had a label in them from St Michael! Vintage M&S,
how lovely! Anyway, I gave them a wash and cut the curtain tapes off before I
could figure out if I’d actually got enough for the pattern.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fashion with Fabric comes with all the patterns printed on
big sheets in the back of the book for you to trace off, but you can also
download them from Quadrille Craft’s (the book publisher) <a href="http://www.quadrille.co.uk/fashionwithfabric/patterns" target="_blank">website</a> which is what
I did this time. The download for the Walkaway dress is 50 pages so I spent a
great couple of hours crawling around on the living room floor sticking all the
bits together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going by the finished measurements given in the book, I
chose the size 12 and cut the pattern pieces straight out from the printout.
Personally I like having the pattern on sturdier paper that I’ll be able to use
more than once. Laying the fabric and the pattern out was a bit of a nerve-wracking
moment – would the curtain panels be big enough to fit the circle skirt
pieces?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, of course, with plenty to spare. The dress front and
back bodice pieces came out of one of the extra pieces of material. The skirt
pattern piece has two length lines marked on it, the longer one being
recommended for a different dress in the book that uses the same skirt.
However, with the photos in the book as a guide and knowing my own preference
for below the knee skirts, I cut out to this longer length. In the end it
turned out to be far too long for the style of dress and the weight of the
material so I had to cut some off again, but I’d rather that than have had it
too short in the first place and not be able to do anything about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to make a trip to my local <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hobbycraft</a> to get some bias
binding to do all the edging, but sadly they were quite lacking in the
selection of colours and widths. I had to think a bit outside the box, but was
inspired by the gorgeous selection of ribbons, and found this beautiful crochet
lace style ribbon which was wide enough to be folded in half and cover the
edges of the fabric. I’m really pleased with how it looks against the floral
fabric, much better than any of the bias bindings would have been!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually constructing the dress was nice and
straightforward. I pinned all the darts to check the fit and had to let a
little bit out through the waist. The pattern is based on a 1950s dress, and
although it has been updated for a more contemporary figure, it’s still a
little slim on the waist, and I’m not quite there yet! Darts sewn in, the two
skirt pieces attached at the centre back seam, the next stage was to attach the
skirt to the back bodice. This needed a lot of pins to make sure the seams were
eased in and matched up, and then manoeuvring it through the sewing machine was
a bit interesting, I’m sure I ended up wrapped completely in fabric at one
point!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it was joining one shoulder, binding the neckline and
then the second shoulder seam. I’m really pleased with how the lace edging
looks – I attached it with two lines of stitching for extra security and to
hopefully avoid any fraying from the raw fabric edges, but the thread just
vanished into the crochet lace so it doesn’t notice at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point I was able to try the dress on for fit and
shortened the front and back skirts to just below my knees. Then it was on with
a ribbon binding marathon. The hems are the only edges not bound with
bias/ribbon, so the pattern recommends you start with the straight edges down
the sides of the front and back skirts, and then the curved sides and armholes. I decided to do a rolled hem in the end, to try out the new foot with my sewing machine, and I'm pleased I did, it was so much easier to do all in one go than it would have been trying to do a double folded hem!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A rummage through the button box at home yielded a single
plain button for the back, and these three for the front. A quick hand stitch
and all done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m so so happy with this dress, the shaping of the darts
suits my body well, and the fabric is really pretty and summery. I know it’s a
complete cliché but I did have a bit of a Sound of Music moment in my big
swishy skirt made out of curtain fabric! Just need to remember to wear a slip
underneath in case of any gusts of wind catching the skirt when I wear it,
although the skirt has quite a lot of weight to it so fingers crossed I should
be OK.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Has anyone else made the Walkaway dress yet? I’d love to
see; I’ve read a few other blogs and seen pictures of people making it in a
huge variety of fabrics which give it a completely different look. It’s
definitely one I’d like to make again, but I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for
bargain fabrics bearing in mind how much you need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me Made May in general is still going well, three weeks in
and I’ve only missed a couple of days wearing something me-made, but I’ve
probably been working on a knitting or sewing project those days so I think
that counts towards my pledge. Now I just need some good weather and a suitable
occasion to wear my new dress – but I might just wear it on a normal work day
anyway to show it off!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdkhcxMxCpOWgkZuVuSuxQ478vUv7eDw8BQ7RU1lDLcBmNqLt-uUs_Woh92gHJCt6Y9mx75jxPQsJG3Pm8VYhmOdJsqH3YNk9PHIXoLFtSDWlwCl2792GRtZwGzRJ1G57Dp8jZmaYwPjL/s1600/20150524_102915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdkhcxMxCpOWgkZuVuSuxQ478vUv7eDw8BQ7RU1lDLcBmNqLt-uUs_Woh92gHJCt6Y9mx75jxPQsJG3Pm8VYhmOdJsqH3YNk9PHIXoLFtSDWlwCl2792GRtZwGzRJ1G57Dp8jZmaYwPjL/s320/20150524_102915.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-51257288244497467272015-05-16T12:33:00.000+01:002015-05-16T12:33:24.789+01:00Sew Over It Cami<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first of my new makes for Me Made May and it was
a nice quick and fairly simple one. The pattern is the Silk Cami from <a href="http://www.sewoverit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew Over It</a>, though the fabric I’ve used is a viscose – I guess the effect is more or
less the same, it’s light and floaty and perfect for a cool summer top. Sadly
since I made it the weather has gone back to being cold, wet and windy so I
haven’t had a chance to wear it yet!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzRP-2kUaZm1OUfdlDoefpm6hURKqakZaLXgSUqmHZrQIjZHpPuFFYlm0wzMKdW9NqT_ZD-jkAfTl1QO18EmxXq_PYyVbKkyEzL0kpWgcR1u8ux1SN2qEgiLu2NbXnSb4ETCnSQ8Vphag/s1600/20150510_095623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzRP-2kUaZm1OUfdlDoefpm6hURKqakZaLXgSUqmHZrQIjZHpPuFFYlm0wzMKdW9NqT_ZD-jkAfTl1QO18EmxXq_PYyVbKkyEzL0kpWgcR1u8ux1SN2qEgiLu2NbXnSb4ETCnSQ8Vphag/s320/20150510_095623.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got the pattern as a download, so the first task was
sticking all the printed pages together, which didn’t take too long, and then I
actually just cut out the size I wanted directly from the pattern. I went by
finished measurements given and cut the size 16 going by the bust size. I
figured the printer paper would be more sturdy to re-use when I want to make
another one, and I’ve always got the download saved and can print another one
if I need to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cutting the pieces out was all pretty straightforward,
though I had to be a bit careful about the fabric moving around – it was quite
slippery! I even impressed myself by managing to centre the tile print in the
middle of the front and back pieces. This fabric was one I got from Simply
Fabrics at the Knitting & Stitching Show and I love how fresh the blue and
white looks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIe3C3FncQXr9gTlByehRcX260hyphenhyphenBmL_zc4Y-qKpeXVEhclhsc2AZi8w-bW6Py68f0gFyUSqFD-fcH6FYT4Oe3pEqUt89FKX-otkYXOZjQU9h6BOLtyPIAqF7-NunpCU6iHmSgvbzj0Qb9/s1600/20150509_175837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIe3C3FncQXr9gTlByehRcX260hyphenhyphenBmL_zc4Y-qKpeXVEhclhsc2AZi8w-bW6Py68f0gFyUSqFD-fcH6FYT4Oe3pEqUt89FKX-otkYXOZjQU9h6BOLtyPIAqF7-NunpCU6iHmSgvbzj0Qb9/s320/20150509_175837.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Construction was all fairly simple – French seams for the
sides, attach the facings to front and back around the armholes and neckline.
Then I made sure to try it on before I sewed the shoulders which was a good job
because I ended up having to shorten the straps by about 4 inches to avoid some
serious indecent exposure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think unfortunately this made the neck and armholes sit a
little strangely and I had to do some judicious steam pressing to get it all to
sit better – when I make another one I’ll remember to shorten the pattern
through the body/armhole section beforehand which will hopefully help. I should
have remembered that I’m quite short in my upper torso (shoulder to bust
length) and often have fitting issues with ready-to-wear clothes in this area.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77fvqJiPfLy1VUPzSAeePbFZG8Mu71r9Zis4ZjQ6QUagoGbkcFPl_7Y-mduC0lL-IzvwiF2zmLFiyiS2ZxtN2X0sI0yPrhBVYTRQqB3iN5YTad63u-fE0iuaE9LvvaIV4ATDldUajl0AZ/s1600/20150509_175850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77fvqJiPfLy1VUPzSAeePbFZG8Mu71r9Zis4ZjQ6QUagoGbkcFPl_7Y-mduC0lL-IzvwiF2zmLFiyiS2ZxtN2X0sI0yPrhBVYTRQqB3iN5YTad63u-fE0iuaE9LvvaIV4ATDldUajl0AZ/s320/20150509_175850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the hem I wanted to try out the rolled hem foot on my
sewing machine which has actually given a pretty neat finish. The hem is quite
a curved shape through the front and back so trying to turn up a normal double
hem would have probably been a nightmare with this fabric. As it is there are a
couple of places that went a little wobbly where I obviously stretched the
material out of shape a bit, but another go with the iron soon flattened that
out!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2KwBUX2LtOF7F68pHBG1QdMbcQ7BKNmBIyl7rq4Xsg0yUDNlG6GAKjOor5NJDaUGIjZoXyq7TNvFD4tG750s9oIYu9njLlt0mzZC5EDNhLVWTMotRWi7AaM5GNGJwN8sPao9lSfXR9KL/s1600/20150509_180019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2KwBUX2LtOF7F68pHBG1QdMbcQ7BKNmBIyl7rq4Xsg0yUDNlG6GAKjOor5NJDaUGIjZoXyq7TNvFD4tG750s9oIYu9njLlt0mzZC5EDNhLVWTMotRWi7AaM5GNGJwN8sPao9lSfXR9KL/s320/20150509_180019.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made this over a weekend so it wasn’t a great deal of time
in total, and if I can get the pattern adjusted right any future ones should go
a bit quicker now that I know what I’m doing. I’m pleased with it overall,
it’ll be lovely to wear when the weather’s warmer and it’ll definitely be part
of my holiday wardrobe later in the summer.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KbgtVmwTAvdbHMGhllmtbBw4CdMIBlmfW4PXaaYVqPOfeFbtKHe0y4zujhHM51BTIsBmKksYCthKzmEEuiW6KLewi-OdK0slTt-H7mMsGNHbc_znaK1_-n-gfZygt2_Z5zWpvdvmS6x4/s1600/20150509_175941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KbgtVmwTAvdbHMGhllmtbBw4CdMIBlmfW4PXaaYVqPOfeFbtKHe0y4zujhHM51BTIsBmKksYCthKzmEEuiW6KLewi-OdK0slTt-H7mMsGNHbc_znaK1_-n-gfZygt2_Z5zWpvdvmS6x4/s320/20150509_175941.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ll do a round-up of all my Me Made May outfits later in
the month (although I’m posting photos on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/knitsewgrow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>) but I’m quite pleased with
myself that I’ve managed to wear something me-made every day so far. The next
couple of weeks might be a bit more of a challenge though as I’m starting to
run out of options, and if the weather warms up I won’t want to wear my heavier
knitted jumpers, but we’ll see how I get on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you taking part in Me Made May? How are you getting on?
I’m really enjoying see everyone’s outfits on Twitter, Instagram and blogs and
I’m really pleased I’m taking part this year. If nothing else it’s making me
realise how many clothes I have in my wardrobe that I never wear – might be
time for another clear out!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-20904509974137144412015-05-10T11:50:00.000+01:002015-05-10T11:50:27.153+01:00#AprilLove2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's post definitely falls into the self-improvement definition of 'Grow' and is a round-up of the photo challenge I took part in during April. <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/" target="_blank">Susannah Conway</a> administered this under the tag of #aprillove2015. She set the challenge with <a href="http://www.susannahconway.com/april-love-2015/" target="_blank">this message</a>: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The theme of the challenge, as you’ve probably guessed, is LOVE — love for ourselves, our lives, the world around us. LOVE expressed in gratitude and kindness. February might have Valentine but we’ve got April LOVE :)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a list of photo prompts for each day and an invitation to share them with others taking part via Instagram. I've read some of Susannah's previous work and felt really inspired to commit fully to this challenge, so I posted a photo every day. You can see all my photos on my Instagram account <a href="https://instagram.com/knitsewgrow/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really enjoyed the month, it definitely made me more aware of the world around me and helped me think more clearly about myself and how I can try to take care of myself better in an emotional sense. My phone is now full of pictures of all the things I noticed, often things that I would have just walked past or missed entirely, and is something I want to continue to do - I even chose my new phone based mainly on the quality of the camera!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a very busy job at the moment, and lots going on at home and often feel exhausted and demotivated, but by taking a little bit of time, especially on my morning and evening walks to and from the station, and time spent on trains, to take notice of the world around me I've found a simple way of literally and metaphorically taking a pause, a deep breath, and reconnecting with myself. There's so much beauty around, especially at the moment with nature bursting back into full life during the spring that I feel like I don't want to take it for granted, but want to acknowledge that beauty as it really does make me feel happier and more at peace.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5p7T18kKDCZKBbTnNkJvicxw91RpV5q9BVdjozZYBQt8WmcxrgGJwOzd-10OAeDA-PoSpXDg_ovDJ2CeTG82yGCNW2GnSpsVFIMg63C_QrVNkoXh-wcBcG6n12dU_Atp6j7Z75jpUsX/s1600/IMG_20150404_092103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5p7T18kKDCZKBbTnNkJvicxw91RpV5q9BVdjozZYBQt8WmcxrgGJwOzd-10OAeDA-PoSpXDg_ovDJ2CeTG82yGCNW2GnSpsVFIMg63C_QrVNkoXh-wcBcG6n12dU_Atp6j7Z75jpUsX/s320/IMG_20150404_092103.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7qXiLZ9OQvNZFL_kQ-9p1DTa835JLNvmnd78tzaAEaRSoLf-qfSCKER3xqNMTqHOqzuiUX-eSeGd-92xB4_QiAu9IiMosTr3bZ-fZwjm_5Je0QK2Ns3MixrnXFYaKjPNL_EfRZcsVlwt/s1600/IMG_20150410_180642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7qXiLZ9OQvNZFL_kQ-9p1DTa835JLNvmnd78tzaAEaRSoLf-qfSCKER3xqNMTqHOqzuiUX-eSeGd-92xB4_QiAu9IiMosTr3bZ-fZwjm_5Je0QK2Ns3MixrnXFYaKjPNL_EfRZcsVlwt/s320/IMG_20150410_180642.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRVQIjqrfA-tUcG_7hz95RmM9D6mtadxeoRrZlaTpPx7XQodE9I8k3ZgTMyJCA2gH3p4t76ns3zfbolETtfqics3DgPOi2lFnkRRrM16nUPBqlGrjsa5ZZXesuH3n06OMRg24mI2VWzqd/s1600/IMG_20150415_083432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRVQIjqrfA-tUcG_7hz95RmM9D6mtadxeoRrZlaTpPx7XQodE9I8k3ZgTMyJCA2gH3p4t76ns3zfbolETtfqics3DgPOi2lFnkRRrM16nUPBqlGrjsa5ZZXesuH3n06OMRg24mI2VWzqd/s320/IMG_20150415_083432.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-154286606891374132015-05-03T21:23:00.005+01:002015-05-03T21:23:57.587+01:00Pearly Queen Shawl<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! How are you? Are you enjoying the long Bank Holiday weekend? I know I am even though I've been really busy, but it's been a fun busy with a shopping day at Bluewater, a wonderful lunch in London, and a trip to <a href="http://www.thecraftshows.co.uk/kent/spring/" target="_blank">Penshurst Craft Fair</a> so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still working my way through all the fabric and yarn I bought at the Knitting & Stitching Show in March and today I've got a knitted project to show you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the Pearly Queen Shawl from <a href="http://www.ukalpaca.com/" target="_blank">UK Alpaca</a> - I bought the pattern and yarn as a set. It's the first shawl I've knitted and the construction is different from most other shawls which I think made it a bit easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's knitted from side to side, so you start with just a few stitches and then work stepped increases up to the middle before decreasing down the other side. The open mesh-like pattern is created with a 'yo p2tog' repeated the whole way through - no knit stitches here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It actually came together quite quickly once I got into the rhythm of the pattern, and I used some bamboo needles as the yarn was quite slippery and I didn't want it all to drop off if I wasn't concentrating! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The yarn is a 4ply baby alpaca and merino blend and is so soft and light, but really lovely and warm to wear. It's been pretty chilly here this week so I've been glad to wrap this round my neck to walk to work in the mornings! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't going to tell you, but the shawl isn't completely finished - I ran out of yarn about 35 rows from the end to the second side doesn't have the last 'step' which is really annoying! I guess that's the risk you take buying a pre-packed kit, the yardage obviously wasn't quite as much in the second skein because I'd got to exactly the middle with the first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never mind, I'll just wrap that side underneath and nobody will ever know! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's definitely a pattern I'll make again, I think it would look really pretty in a variegated yarn. I'll have to keep an eye out for suitable things on my next shopping trips!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There we are, I'm all signed up and excited to give this a try!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw a load of blogs and tweets last year and thought #mmmay14 was a great idea, but as I'd only just started making and blogging in earnest I didn't really have enough of a handmade wardrobe to give it a proper go.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, I've got more me-mades in my wardrobe, sewn and knitted, that I'm planning to wear whenever I can throughout May.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want to try and make a few more things, especially a couple of tops and maybe a dress - apart from anything else I've got tonnes of fabric sitting around waiting for me to do something with it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't know, Me Made May is a challenge administered by <a href="https://twitter.com/sozoblog" target="_blank">Zoe</a> at SoZoWhatDoYouKnow, and you can read her post about this year's challenge and see who else has pledged to take part <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/me-made-may15-sign-up-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wish me luck! And Good Luck to everyone else taking part, I'll keep you posted with pictures of what I wear, and I can't wait to see what everyone else makes and wears!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-51199378531687822092015-04-18T12:02:00.001+01:002015-04-18T12:02:47.067+01:00Kamut Jumper<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! What have you all being up to lately? I’ve been
trying to cram too much in as usual, but do have a couple of completed projects
to show you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started knitting this jumper at the end of January but
then got side-tracked by making gifts for other people so it’s taken a bit
longer than I expected to get it finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern is Kamut from this Rowan <a href="http://www.deramores.com/simple-shapes-summerspun-purelife-revive-by-rowan" target="_blank">Simple Shapes: Summerspun and Purelife Revive</a> book
with patterns by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hattonknits" target="_blank">Sarah Hatton</a>. The yarn was a pack of the Summerspun
that I got at last October’s Knitting & Stitching Show in colourway <a href="http://www.deramores.com/rowan-summerspun-maida-vale-118" target="_blank">Maida Vale</a>. To be honest I wasn’t sure about the colours from
just seeing it in the balls, but I really like how it’s knitted up and how the
different tones of light and dark green, rust and brown have come together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pattern itself is just a basic round necked jumper, but
the ribbing on the body, cuffs and neckband is a little more unusual for a
change and looks really effective. It’s two rows of 1x1 rib between four rows
of garter stitch which gives a really effective texture, especially in the
multi-tonal yarn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said, a straightforward knit with all of the main body
and sleeves in stocking stitch. I’m pleased with the sizing too, I think it’s
one of the best fitting things I’ve made in terms of the shoulders and bust
area, although it could have maybe done with being a couple of inches longer in
the body. However, as I really didn’t have a lot of yarn left by the end (maybe
a quarter of a ball, if that) I wouldn’t have had enough to lengthen the back
and front by much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love these Rowan yarns; they knit beautifully and are
comfortable to wear (this one being a cotton and wool mix), and I’ve got
another pack in a pink/orange combination but I’ll probably make a different
pattern with this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing much else to say on this one, very happy and I’m
sure I’ll be wearing it a lot, it’ll be great in this changeable spring
weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another little quick make to show you, this Doll Face
Cushion made for my cousin as a birthday present, the pattern and instructions
are in the latest issue of <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/" target="_blank">Mollie Makes</a>
magazine. I used felt for the face and the back and front hair pieces were cut
from a fat quarter with a bit to spare. I actually enlarged the pattern from
the size on the template download and I’m quite pleased I did, I think it would
have been a bit small and fiddly otherwise. My cousin is also into her sewing
and crafting so I hope she likes it!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07014575941438602595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472957156601370222.post-53049920555023242902015-04-12T08:54:00.002+01:002015-04-12T08:56:18.447+01:00Portia Trousers<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new sewing
project to share with you this week – my <a href="http://www.sewmesomething.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sew Me Something</a> Portia trousers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgxud3nhyphenhyphenovl_QSv9_ND0hxJVgO7g707HV7IRpz7AVC3GPMkL0C4h4ZGtSzXW7WIHZm_eTDO6RStCynxs7xqNZlJNpV6uFePjJi_VYHPaqKR8bzRQB6aLrgQsfiAIIlXtbWrI3kT2eBI5/s1600/2015-04-08+17.39.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgxud3nhyphenhyphenovl_QSv9_ND0hxJVgO7g707HV7IRpz7AVC3GPMkL0C4h4ZGtSzXW7WIHZm_eTDO6RStCynxs7xqNZlJNpV6uFePjJi_VYHPaqKR8bzRQB6aLrgQsfiAIIlXtbWrI3kT2eBI5/s1600/2015-04-08+17.39.57.jpg" height="320" width="145" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had this
fabric in my stash from a post-Christmas binge in my local haberdashery and had
been debating what to do with it, maybe a dress, but with the big checked
pattern I wasn’t sure if it would work. Then I bought the Portia pattern from
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/sewmesomething" target="_blank">Jules</a> at the Knitting & Stitching Show and realised it would be perfect for
these wide leg trousers, especially as the wool blend would drape wonderfully
as well as being comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracing the
pattern from the pack is always a bit of a mission – the front and back leg
pieces just about fitted across the dining room table where I got the best
light, and this time rather than re-tracing with carbon paper I cut out my
pattern pieces to pin to the fabric and cut round. I also had to put extra pins
in the fabric once it was folded in half to make sure the pattern stayed
matched up, but this seemed to work pretty well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With
everything cut out it was time to start sewing, and one of the first steps in
the instructions was the joined the front crotch seam and then insert the zip
fly. Well, this turned out to be a little more complicated than it first
appeared, but eventually, after consulting several YouTube videos, unpicking
three times and checking what I was doing against another pair of trousers I
came to the conclusion that one of the steps in the instructions wasn’t right.
The fly on a woman’s pair of trousers should cross right over left, but the
first stage of construction for this pair tells you to attach the fly extension
piece to the wrong side, leading to a left over right fly. I’ve emailed Jules
at Sew Me Something about this as I’m pretty sure that’s where the problem
started. Anyway, I’ve ended up with the zip fly ‘the wrong way round’ but as
I’m left-handed it doesn’t actually bother me in terms of using it. But at
least I know for next time!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The rest of
the construction was fairly straightforward. I was hugely impressed with my own
neat double topstitching to attach the back pockets, and am really pleased with
how the front pockets sit too. Oh, and pattern matching happiness!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attaching
front to back introduced a few fitting issues. I’d cut out a straight size 14
based on the measurements given, which was fine around my hips with a
comfortable ease for moving and sitting. But I knew the waist would probably
need taking in, and in the end I took in about two and a half inches in total
across the centre back seam and two back darts. This definitely solved the
gaping back issue, but meant I had to remember to alter the waistband when I
attached that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waistband
on, belt loops attached, button hole made, button sewn on – nearly there! Just
the hems to do, which I had to get Mum to help with pinning them up to the
right level. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Done! I’m
really pleased with these, they’re definitely the most complicated thing I’ve
made yet, but not so scary that I wouldn’t make them again (now that I know
what to do with the zip!). The fit is still not quite right, I think I erred on
the side of caution a little too much with the waist and it could really do
with taking in another inch or two so that they sit better at my actual waist
line. I’ll do this after they’ve been through the wash in case there’s any
further shrinkage anyway (I did pre-wash the fabric before starting!). They are
really nice to wear though, and I’m delighted to have found a good pattern for
wide-leg trousers as I just don’t get on with slim or skinny trousers at all,
they plain and simple do not work for my body shape.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">I’ve got
more knitting to show you next time as I’ve almost finished my jumper. What
have you all been making recently? Hope you’re enjoying the sunny warmer
weather too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Easter everyone! I hope you're all enjoying the long weekend. I always look forward to having the extra time off work to get on with other stuff at home, but then try to fit in too much and wear myself out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I actually want to show you a couple of things I haven't made myself, although I have been involved in the projects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've seen any of my previous posts you might have noticed that I take a lot of my photos against a multi-coloured blanket background. In purely practical terms this is mainly because it's on my bed which is a good flat space in pretty good light under the window. In more sentimental terms it's there because my Mum knitted it and gave it to me, and I've had it on my bed all winter because it's really warm and cosy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I love anything multi-coloured, or anything coloured in general really. You'll very rarely find me wearing black unless there's a pattern or another colour somewhere in my outfit (red lipstick is a prime example). My bedroom has orange wallpaper, my bed sheets are bright colours, and a lot of my accessories and 'stuff' is very colourful too. I just find that being surrounded by colour makes me feel better, happier, and more optimistic. Most of the time - we're all allowed an off day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my crafting too I love colour. If you take a look back through my previous projects you'll barely even find anything in neutrals, I'd much rather use fun fabrics and yarns as I find them more fun to work with and they fit better with my personal style, or I'll try to match an appropriate colour if I'm making a gift for someone. My gardening is very colourful too, my favourites are any bright and cheerful flowers - at this time of year it's daffodils and tulips, later on I'll have sweet peas, lavender and dahlias, and my favourite cut flowers are gerberas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rainbows especially make me very happy, and not just in the traditional 'red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple' spectrum, but any combination of lots of colours together, whether they're subtle tones or bright contrasts. I quite often pin rainbow coloured things on my Pinterest boards purely because they make me smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry, waxing lyrical a bit there, back to the blankets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Mum has been a knitter for years and years, since my Nan taught her, but she prefers to just knit simple things that she can work on in front of the TV without needing to concentrate too hard. Garter stitch squares are pretty much as simple as you can get, but once you've got a pile of well over 200 of them in loads of different colours the best use of them is in a massive bed blanket. This is where I came in to help; we spent a really fun couple of hours with all the squares laid out on the living room floor (after we'd moved the furniture to make room!) playing with patterns, eventually deciding on the diagonal striped effect with the colours running through toning families. It then took another long while to sew all the squares and rows together (I helped), and then Mum knitted a red narrow border to go all the way round which just finishes it off beautifully I think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this first blanket being a bit more luck than judgement in the co-ordination and planning stakes, Mum decided to choose her colour scheme more carefully for the next one. Thank goodness for the ease of internet shopping, quick delivery from <a href="http://www.deramores.com/" target="_blank">Deramores</a>, and a slightly weighed down delivery man, we now had a huge bag full of <a href="http://www.deramores.com/red-heart-lisa" target="_blank">Red Heart Lisa</a> in pinks, purples and blues. Mum's been working on this one for about the last six months - no rush, it's just for fun - but I absolutely love how it's turned out. It's slightly more subtle colour shading than my blanket, but I still love the rainbow effect that works really well on the diagonal. This one is having a purple border which Mum is in the process of knitting now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm kind of hoping to acquire this blanket too, but we'll have to wait and see! And then we'll have the fun of choosing a whole new set of colours for the next one!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is my submission to the Deramores Craft Blog Competition 2015. Deramores is the UK's number one online retailer of knitting and crochet supplies. Visit www.deramores.com for more details.</span></i></div>
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