Crafty Christmas Presents

The last day of 2014. I can't quite fathom how we seemed to get here so quickly. But yes, another year gone by and another one round the corner ready to begin. Do you choose New Year's Resolutions? I usually do but I'm never especially diligent about sticking to them, they tend to be more general guidelines for things I'd like to do during the year rather than 'must do's' - although I might have to be a bit more strict with the 'eating healthier, do more exercise and lose weight' one this time as I have a bridesmaid dress to fit into in the summer!

But before we get too serious, I just wanted to show you the crafty presents I was lucky enough to receive for Christmas.

My sister and her fiance bought me this book of knitting patterns which was a nice surprise to get something so considered. I've not heard of this lady before but a quick Amazon search found a few more things she's published, and another out this year that looks interesting. I particularly like this stained glass window effect pattern for a tank top which will probably be added to my extensive project list.

My uncle and auntie gave me this book my Debbie Shore, I've watched here on TV a few times and like her quick easy projects, so this will definitely get an outing for stash-busting makes with the sewing machine. I like these little cushions, they'd look really pretty in a mix of patterns.

Finally, from Father Christmas (aka Mum and Dad), I got this ball of Sirdar Heart & Sole sock yarn and the DPNs to knit the pattern. Socks have been on my waiting list to try for ages so I was really pleased with this, and just how happy are those colours!

I cast on the afternoon of Christmas Day and finished the first sock yesterday. I'm glad I'd had a bit of practice with DPNs beforehand as they can be a bit unwieldy, but the heel turned out not to be half as complicated as I'd imagined, and I'm really pleased with how it's turned out. I've also made sure to cast on the second sock straight away so as not to fall into the 'one sock syndrome' trap!

Oh, the Christmas Pudding turned out beautifully, Mum and I enjoyed it on Christmas Day to finish off our lunch.

I've spent the last two days giving my room a really good sort out and have consolidated all my crafty stuff to be more easily accessible. And I've got a lot of stuff, it's worrying how quickly it accumulates! However, my philosophy is that if I can see it I'll do something with it, so I'm hoping having things readily to hand will encourage me to be more crafty in 2015 and try some of the things I've not go round to yet.

I'm off into town this afternoon for a quick look in the fabric shop to see if they've got anything good in the sale - they quite often have pre-cut pieces of Liberty cottons that are quite good value and a useful size so fingers crossed!

What did you all get as crafty Christmas presents? And are you making any crafty New Year's Resolutions? If so I wish you luck, and a very Happy 2015.

Christmas Knits

Well that time of year does seem to be suddenly rushing upon us, so in the spirit, I’ve had a go at a couple of quick little Christmassy knits.

A friend sent me a set of patterns for lots of little ornaments and the first one I had a go at was the Christmas tree. With all the big projects I’ve been working on this year, I’ve got plenty of leftovers in my stash, and so has Mum, so these are perfect for using them up.

The patterns are knitted flat and then sewn up, and just use stocking stitch and lots of increasing and decreasing for shaping, as well as colour changes. I used some of the shimmery Sirdar Softspun I had left over from my Emerald Eyelet jumper to do alternate stripes with a plain green DK.

I always find stuffing things like this the fiddly bit and it never seems to go the shape I want, but I’m quite happy with this one in the end. I added the chain stitch tinsel and knot baubles to jazz it up a bit.

From the same set of patterns I also knitted a golden bell – this one was really quick and only took a couple of hours from start to finish one evening while watching the TV. This one has a circle of cardboard added to give the flat-bottomed shape, and I added a longer hanging loop than the pattern suggested.

I’m thinking about trying to work out these patterns to knit on DPNs to avoid having to sew up a seam, and I could then stuff them as I go. I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to figure out; I’ll let you know how I get on.

My other Christmassy knits are baubles. The patterns are from 55 Christmas Balls to Knit by Arne and Carlos. These are done on DPNs and with fairisle colourwork, and although it was a bit fiddly getting started with only a few stitches over four needles, it didn’t take me long to finish and I’m really pleased with how they turned out. The first design is called Selbu with a repeated flower motif, the second a squirrel, just becuase it looked fun, and the third a Greek Cross which I think turned out the best because of practising with the other two, and because having more red as the base colour means the white stranding doesn't show through.

I'm now trying to knit a little cardi for my 8 month old little cousin's Christmas present, but I think I left it a bit late to start so it might end up being a New Year present!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and that 2015 brings you lots of crafty opportunities! x

Christmas Puddings just like Nan used to make

I finally managed to fit in a bit of time in the kitchen the other weekend and started to get into the seasonal spirit by making Christmas puddings.

The recipe is my Nan’s and as she sadly passed away a couple of months ago I thought I would give it a try in her honour. Nan made puddings every year, often with mixes so big she needed the jam pan to do the stirring, so that she made one for all the family and a few friends too. I didn’t fancy being that ambitious so I just made up one quantity of the recipe.

It’s a really packed mixture full of fruit, nuts and spice, breadcrumbs and suet, and eggs to bind it all together, not forgetting the generous slug of brandy!

The amount of mixture I made managed to fill three pudding basins – a one and a half pint, one pint and a diddy half pint – so there are a couple of spares.

Making the mixture didn’t actually take too long so I did that on the Saturday afternoon (before Strictly!) and left the puddings in the fridge overnight.

Sunday was the best day with the puddings steaming away gently on the hob for six hours and the most wonderful smell filling the house all day. Mum then also put a gammon on to roast in the afternoon so it smelled even better, honestly if I could have bottled it...

Once the puddings had steamed and cooled down I uncovered them to check, and they certainly look and smell like they’re supposed to! I put fresh greaseproof paper on top and tied on a cotton napkin lid so they’re ready for Christmas and the taste test.

Mum decided that if they’re really good we’ll eat them all ourselves, but personally I think we ought to share at least a little bit with some of the family and see if I’ve made it up to Nan’s standards.

It’s not at all a difficult process, just time consuming with the steaming, although I’m sure there are short-cut ways of doing it, but at least for the first time I wanted to do it properly. I’m really pleased with how they’ve come out and I’m sure they’ll taste lovely too.

More Christmassy things on the horizon, mince pies to make, little knitting projects, and presents to buy, but I’m getting there, hope you are too!

Chunky Cable Trim Waistcoat

I needed a quick and easy knitting project to work on, having had a bit of a stressful time recently, I wanted to be able to work on something while watching TV that didn’t involve anything too complicated.

I bought a pack of Rowan Drift at the Knitting & Stitching Show and had a pattern in my file for this longer length waistcoat with a cable detail round the neckline – perfect: easy pattern, would knit up quickly in the super chunky weight, and would be nice and cosy to wear as the weather is now getting colder.
 

 

The back was really easy, just a big rectangle of stocking stitch with the most minimal shaping for the tops of the shoulders. Then the front pieces were straight up to the waistline then a big bold cable twist on the neck edge that got carried around back of the neck for a bit of a collar.

I can’t really say much more, it was quick, it was easy, I love the style and the colour, and it’s used up some of my stash. The only thing I will say is that the Rowan Drift, though lovely to work with and super cosy, is obviously very highly saturated with dye. There are now slight red marks on my 10mm bamboo needles where the stitches have sat, so I think I’m going to have to be very careful about washing it and not wear it with anything light underneath!

The instructions on the yarn band recommend hand washing (as it is 100% wool), but given how big the waistcoat is, I think washing by hand will be nearly impossible because once it’s wet it’ll weigh a tonne! I’m going to risk putting it in the washing machine on its own on a wool cycle with a gentle spin and hope that it doesn’t go too felty. It is also going to need drying flat and blocking to try and stop the front edges from curling in too much.

I reckon this is something that’ll be handy for throwing on around the house if it’s a bit chilly, or as a top layer if I’m going out for a walk, maybe even for in the office (I’m always cold but everyone else says they’re too hot!).

Have you started Christmas knitting yet? I've got a couple of little projects lined up for my next post.

Mimi Blouse #LoveatFirstStitch

I said I was going to give my new sewing machine a workout didn’t I? Well here it is: my first attempt at a Mimi blouse – the pattern from Tilly’s Love at First Stitch.

 The fabric is the Liberty cotton lawn I got from the Knitting & Stitching show, and I LOVE the print and colours. It washed really well before I used it, and ironed out nicely too (although it does then get creased again very easily once you’re moving it about).

 

This is the most complicated thing I’ve sewn so far, but I actually really enjoyed making it. The pattern pieces come with the book and I just traced them onto kitchen baking baker that is slightly translucent. I cut out a straight size 4 for this one, based on the garment measurements given in the book. Fitting the pieces onto the fabric was simple too, there is a layout diagram in the book, and I was careful to fold the fabric exactly in half so that the pattern matched across the fronts (yes, there is a repeat pattern on this fabric, although it’s quite subtle because of the ‘busyness’ of the print).

 

After the initial moment of hesitation at making the first cut into the fabric I had everything ready to go. Tilly’s instructions (as I’m sure I’ve said before) are really clear and easy to follow with lots of photos, and expanded details on working new techniques, like the gathers when attaching the front and back pieces to the yoke. These came out really well I think, for my first go, and actually with the detail in the fabric they’re probably not that noticeable anyway.

 

 

I took my time over this make, partly because of not having a lot of time free to get on with it (only one day at the weekends and a few odd bits in the evenings), but also because I wanted to make sure I got it right and was left with something wearable. Another first for me was French seaming the side seams, and attaching the collar and neck facings. I’m thrilled with how the collar turned out, and how evenly I managed to balance it!

 

The iron was definitely my best friend during the process; it really does help to make sure things sit right. Other than the side seams, everywhere else was pinked, and I tried out the overlock stitch on my machine which I think worked OK, I don’t think I’ll get much fraying.

Attaching the sleeves also went smoothly, and I really like the little pleat detail for a bit of interest. I topstitched the sleeve facings in place, and the hem, and used the same brighter pinky/purple for the buttonholes for a bit of contrast.

Ah, the buttonholes. I’m sure I mentioned how much I love being able to do automatic buttonholes. SO easy, once I’d re-measured where they needed to go of course. I’m really happy with how the top button sits neatly between the collar points, and the positioning means I don’t get the dreaded gaping at the bust. I’ve put on simple little plastic buttons in a toning pink; I didn’t think it needed anything fancier given the print of the fabric.

 

I’m completely delighted with how this turned out, apart from anything else it fits well and I’m looking forward to wearing it – with a long-sleeved layer underneath and a cardigan over the winter, and on its own next summer. I also love that this pattern is easily varied: I fancy a plain version with piping in the yoke seams, and a sleeveless summery one too. I’ve got a bit of the fabric left, not enough for another one of these, but maybe a simple camisole top or something, and some scraps for little makes – I haven’t shown you my favourite little flower brooches yet.

So thank you Tilly for another beautiful pattern, thank you Janome for my amazing new sewing machine, and thank you Liberty for the gorgeous fabric. Completing this blouse has really given me some more confidence with sewing garments, I’m already scouting out patterns for my next big project, but I think some little fun Christmas makes might be first on the list.

Emerald Eyelet Jumper

More knitting completed, another jumper this time. It’s another pattern from the Sirdar Summer brochure, but instead of the cotton DK I used some Softspun DK that I got as an offer pack from Hobbycraft a while ago. I really like this yarn, I’ve used the DK and the Chunky, it’s so soft to handle, really light to wear but also warm, and the gentle sheen looks really pretty in different stitch patterns (I knitted this cable jumper a few months ago). The green of this is gorgeous, a really lovely bright emerald that I love, and the silvery sheen just highlights it.

This pattern is a pretty easy one, mainly stocking stitch but with garter stitch ridges and an eyelet row in blocks that continue all over the body and sleeves. I llike the stepped hem effect too, a bit different. It wasn’t too difficult to keep track of, in fact I only really used my row counter when I was doing shaping to keep track of the decreases rather than counting the pattern repeats.

This jumper also seemed to come together quicker than the cardigan I did last, I suppose there are fewer pieces, but I think I’ve also managed to carve out a bit more time to sit and do my knitting in the evenings and at weekends to help me chill out from other stuff.

The only thing I’m slightly worried about is that the jumper seems to have come up a bit tight across the shoulders and armholes. I knitted the same size as the cardigan pattern from the same book, and it’s fine around the bust (usually where I struggle) but seems small at the shoulders, the pretty rolled neck gets stretched out. Not sure what’s going on as I don’t think I’ve sewed up any tighter than I do normally and all the pieces measured right according to the pattern. I’m hoping that the yarn will stretch out a bit when I wear and wash it and it’ll be fine. Obviously I’ve also done my usual shortcut of not blocking, so maybe I should have done. I really like this jumper and it’s the sort of thing I can see myself wearing a lot over the winter, even in the office, so fingers crossed it eases off a bit.

I’ve got a couple of balls of the yarn leftover and I think it’ll be perfect for some little Christmas trees – a friend sent me some patterns last week and I think they will be my next project. I feel like having a bit of a break from big knitting projects for a little while and working on some smaller things that are easier to get finished quickly, so Christmas decorations will be perfect, and maybe a few presents like mittens and hats for friends and family.

A break from knitting will also give me a chance to work on my Mimi blouse – I’ve cut out all the cotton pieces and interfacing ready to get going with the sewing machine one evening this week hopefully.

What are you all working on at the moment? Have you started Christmas crafting? Or are you nearly done already and I’m way behind?! I’d love to see what you’re making, maybe leave me a link to your blog and I’ll return the reading favour.

A Brand New Sewing Machine

I’m very pleased to introduce my new baby. The Janome CXL301. I am one very happy crafter!

 

It was delivered the week after the Knitting & Stitching Show, and sadly I was out the day it came so it had to stay in the box for an extra 24 hours before I got home on the Friday afternoon to let it out. I was very good and took everything out carefully, and read the instruction manual first before plugging anything in. But oh the happiness of the lights coming on when I switched it on for the first time!

The sewing machine comes with quite a good selection of accessories included; a regular sewing foot, zip foot, satin stitch foot, and an automatic buttonhole foot (more on this later!), as well as bobbins, seam ripper, screwdriver, spare needles, extra spool holder and a soft cover. I’m already working on a shopping list for extras – concealed zip foot and twin needle for starters.

Threading up was really easy, there are guides on the machine to show you which direction to run the thread, and the drop in bobbin is so much simpler to deal with than the side-loading one on Mum’s old machine.

 

Time to get sewing then. I had a good play around with all the different stitch settings, the locking stitch, reverse, foot pedal vs auto speed control – this is my favourite button on the machine by the way – look, it’s a tortoise and a hare! In fact, I may never use a foot pedal ever again just so that I can use this slider!

 

 

Being able to adjust the stitch length and width for straight and zigzags is easy, and more precise than my old machine, and although there aren’t many decorative stitches they are pretty (love the trailing leaves), as well as some stretch and overlocking stitches (haven’t tried these on jersey yet).

 

But then, there really wasn’t any point putting it off longer, I had to have a go at a buttonhole. Now, given what I’ve told you about my/Mum’s old sewing machine I’m sure you can appreciate why I’ve never attempted a machined buttonhole before. However, I am very happy to announce, automatic buttonholes are my new favourite thing in the whole world! You just load the button in the back and away it goes! So easy! I’m going to put buttons on everything from now on just because I can!

OK, calm down.

So yes, very very happy with my new toy, and it will get its first real test soon as I’ve cut out and prepped the pieces from my gorgeous Liberty lawn to make a Mimi blouse. More on that next time.