My 2020 plans

Here are my plans going into 2020... 2020 Make Nine Here are my make nine plans: Freya Sweater by Tilly and the Buttons Toucan t-shirt Shawl Mila Dungarees by Tilly and the Buttons Dressing Gown using Butterick 5189 A men's shirt (not decided on pattern yet) Slipper Boots (free pattern by Tilly and the Buttons) Trousers Art of Knitting throw Other plans Learn to draft a trouser block (going to a locally held class) Mend textile items at home which need fixing Successfully make any items for special birthdays coming up this year Keeping track of my progress and achievements I decided that this year my day job and hobbies would collide in the form of this spreadsheet - the my makes spreadsheet!  At the end of 2019, I realised that I couldn't remember a lot of the makes I had achieved, particularly gifts as I no longer had them, so this year I am keeping track. I am going to gather data on various aspects such as whether it's a gift or not, what type of project, how long it takes and the cost, if possible. Watch it on the vlog I discussed my plans in a bit more detail over on the vlog: https://youtu.be/Pxz1beeCKb4

Continue ReadingMy 2020 plans

Review of the year: 2019

With the year drawing to a close, I thought I would reflect on my makes during 2019. Most challenging make - the black copley cardigan I've chosen the black copley cardigan as it is the make that took me the longest.  I have made this pattern before but in a yellow colour, which was a lot easier on the eye!  I can get quite impatient so the fact I persevered and finished it within a year is quite an achievement. I haven't worn it much yet - I think I have just got a bit exhausted from it.  I'm sure I will start wearing it more once I've recovered! Most fun make - the beach towel poncho It was easy to select the most fun make - it's the beach towel poncho!  My mum and I made this one weekend when she came to stay.  She wanted one for when she visits us as we live close to the beach. I enjoyed this make as it was a collaborative effort, we had to work out how to make it as we went along, and it came out better than I imagined. Most useful make - the Debbie Shore office bag The most useful make has been this Debbie Shore Office Bag.  I only made it in September but it is now my work bag.  I made a matching water bottle carrier and zip pouch as well which have proved to be invaluable as well. Favourite gift made - the bear pjs I am fond of practically all the gifts I made this year, but my last substantial make has to be my favourite.  I made Phill these bear PJs from pattern woven fabric from our trip to Hong Kong in 2018 and then made a top in a black knit fabric.  Once made, I couldn't resist making a little bear motif for the top.  I tried to replicate one of the bears on the patterned fabric and created the outline with chain stitch, using a french knot for the bear's eye. Favourite make - the Cleo upcycle The Cleo pinafore stands out in my mind as it is probably the make I wear the most.  As I made it from two pairs of jeans that were given to me, it feels so substantial and lovely to wear. My #2019makenine Molly Dress - completed Bibi Pinafore - completed Copley Cardigan - completed (see above) Kinder Cardigan - completed Toucan T-Shirt - did not start but will rollover to 2020 list Bag for swimming or yoga - no longer required (but I did make that office bag instead) Vinyl travel bag - did not make but may carry over to 2020 list Art of Knitting throw - Did not continue as the cardigan took so long Sew House 7 Dress - did not make Other key achievements and lessons learned I can survive on my fabric stash without buying more fabric - and I now appreciate my stash rather than feeling overwhelmed…

Continue ReadingReview of the year: 2019

Crafting with a chronic illness: my experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis

I thought it might be useful to share what I have found helpful for my circumstance in case it is also useful for someone else. Everyone is different though, so you must keep problem solving until you find your own strategies.

Continue ReadingCrafting with a chronic illness: my experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Wool makes update: Crochet by day, knit by night

No completed achievements to show this month as I clink on with a couple of larger projects, but I fancied sharing some photo updates of my progress: Crochet by Day I'm a lunch crocheter at the moment - well, a broomstick crocheter anyway - and am currently working on a birthday present during my lunch hours.  The wool is called Senses by Stylecraft, and it's been lovely to work with. Phill has noticed that it does look like I'm knitting a camouflage to avoid returning to work through! Knit by Night My "at home" project is a knit a jumper with one ball mission.  Phill bought it for me from the local wool shop and it's been partially complete for 1 or 2 years (I lose track).  I went wrong on the sleeves by misreading the pattern and had to undo a huge chunk so I am back on sleeve #1! Upcoming! I'm quite determined to complete the above mentioned projects before I begin this one, but I got this kit from my friend for my birthday, and I'm very keen to begin it!  

Continue ReadingWool makes update: Crochet by day, knit by night

Ceramics for the textile focused crafter

For the last two years, I have been going to evening classes to learn more about the challenging skill of ceramics. Ceramics does not come easily to me, but perhaps this is why I'm drawn to it.  I struggle to roll out coils for hand building with any consistency, my slabs seem to come out lopsided even when I use guides, I glaze unevenly which causes crazing, and I grapple with the wheel on most occasions.  But there is something so absorbing in the processes involved in ceramics, and when one item comes out better than expected among the multitude of items which are deemed as "lessons for next time," it can be fulfilling. I have veered away from "traditional" ceramics.  By this, I mean the classic goal to make either wares for your kitchen or dining, or even sculptures.  I have made the odd item such as an oven dish and a mug, but they both crazed.  I've managed to make some small bowls on the wheel - some of which have even sides - but they have ended up storing bobbins, pattern weights and sewing machine feet invariably as a lot of them are made from porous earthenware (which is easier to use on the wheel - for me anyway). It seems I am naturally drawn to making ceramic wares which I can use with my other hobbies.  In my first year of learning ceramics, I plucked up the courage to ask my tutor whether I could make a yarn bowl.  Once the tutor knew what I meant by this, I was able to set off and make a yarn bowl from coil construction.  It took many weeks to complete (which is why yarn bowls for sale are made on the wheel - not hand built) but I was delighted to have a practical item which I could use. Following the success of the yarn bowl, I set about creating matching accessories.  I created a set of needle and crochet hook holders.  I even made a pin dish, replicating a family heirloom version. It wasn't until more recently that I discovered the joy of making my own buttons.  I began using stoneware, but also had the opportunity to make some white stoneware ones too (which looks a bit like porcelain and can be rolled out thinner), which I haven't been able to part with! If I think about it, I think part of the reason I haven't made "traditional" ceramic items is due to that awful tendency to compare your own work to others.  Everyone else in the class was making mugs and bowls, and many of them were amazing, which can subconsciously affect your own choices.  No one else was making yarn bowls or buttons, so I couldn't compare!  However, everyone has their own style and skill development, and this shouldn't be a reason to avoid certain makes or opportunities. Moving into my third year of learning ceramics, I've decided I will try to make a few…

Continue ReadingCeramics for the textile focused crafter

The Walkley Dress

While on a bit of a dressmaking roll, I decided to delve back into the realm of knit fabrics.  Having only made one successful garment with knit, I decided that I wanted to keep the pattern as simple as possible. The simple question for this project was The Walkley Dress by Wendy Ward MIY. This pattern requires two pieces to be cut out of your fabric, and they come from the same template.  If you're lucky enough to have 150cm wide fabric, you only need a metre!  In this instance, I already had some fabric ready and waiting - a remnant from a fabric shop! Setting up the machine proved the most difficult part.  It's been about six months since I last tried a stretch pattern, and it was a challenge to set up my machine.  Following the advice from the pattern, I opted for the small zigzag stitch for the seams, and the three stitch zigzag for the hems.  In addition, I attached a walking foot to my machine and loosened the pressure of the presser foot; without these adjustments, my machine did not want to stitch! Originally, I planned to try a twin needle on the hems, but I managed to break my stretch needle one a while ago and haven't replaced it yet.  It turns out that I keep loosening the needle whenever I attach the walking foot to my machine! I didn't colour match the thread for this garment as I had recently acquired a set of threads in different colours (none of which were a perfect match) and I didn't want to go out and buy more supplies on this occasion.  The downside to this is that the hemming is a lot more noticeable than it would have been. Also, I stretched the hem a bit while stitching (I did the hem before the neck and armholes).  I didn't have any stay tape or stabiliser, which could have helped to prevent this, but I did adjust my stitching technique to decrease the amount of stretching after noticing the issue on the hem. The neckline is quite wide (though this could be in part due to my stitching ability!) but it's really comfy and it is definitely a pattern which provides you with fast results which are satisfying!  It's a brilliant 'first knit' pattern too as there aren't too many steps or seams to stitch which means you can focus on working carefully with the knit medium. I think next time I use this pattern, I will definitely try out some knit stay tape to ensure that the garment lasts a long time.  Also, I think I may opt for a patterned material. I think I will give this pattern another go with the lessons learnt from this occasion in mind!  As it only requires a metre of fabric to create a whole dress, and can be made in less time than a lot of the other patterns I have, I think another one will be made!  As…

Continue ReadingThe Walkley Dress