Knitting, Fiber Art, and Lofty Thoughts
I did it. I sewed a pink velour Mile End sweatshirt. Pattern is Mile End Sweatshirt by Closet Core. Fabric is rose organic cotton velour from Nature’s Fabrics. Although really soft and mostly cotton, I found the velour a little challenging to sew as it rolled a lot. I may give up my velour fantasies.
Next on my sewing list is a wool melton Clare Coat. Learning curve for sure!
Knitting
I got Marilee the All Sass and No Squatch pattern for her birthday and then subtly suggested a knitalong. I may have gotten really excited and powered through. I just have the crown to do. You probably can’t see the gold stellina sparkle. When I finish and sew on the pompom I ordered, I’ll try to get a better pic. Can you see Bigfoot? It’s okay if you can’t. Bigfoot is elusive.
I’m making good progress on my Arrowhead Cardigan sticking to my one row a day.
Sewing
I’ve been wanting to sew a velour sweatshirt for a couple of months. What can I say. I’m a child of the 80s. I found some mostly cotton velour fabric. What color, you ask? Well, Valentine’s Day is coming. I thought, “I know. I’ll get rose.” Yeah. A pink velour sweatshirt. Good thinking. Except, it’s really pink. Will I go ahead and sew the sweatshirt? Or maybe I should sew a robe instead? I’m going to stew on it.
Spinning
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Gardening
I ordered some kale, broccolini, and German Chamomile seeds for the garden. The greens under the greenhouse are still alive but not in great shape. I do think that I can plant some kale and cabbage in there when I plant the snap peas, though.
I’m still getting over whatever virus this is that isn’t Covid. I may have had a secondary sinus infection. I’m fatigued. I’ve been working, knitting, and binge watching Scott and Bailey. It’s my new favorite show (after UK Ghosts and Beforeigners.)
How are your projects coming along?
This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.
I forgot to tell you that my socks are knit from High Twist Merino Sock in colorway Orange Grove by Forest Lane Fiber Co. I used a 64 stitch recipe with a garter stitch heel, based on the Hermione’s Everyday Socks pattern, on a size 0 needles. I wore these all day yesterday and slept in them last night. I may stop knitting garter stitch heels and just knit stockinette heels. I might also try an afterthought heel. My next socks will be sport weight.
I finished sewing my shacket! I can’t remember what the fabric is, and I can’t look it up because I bought it in store at Sew to Speak a couple of years ago. It’s a heavyweight, double-sided cotton flannel. Chamois? I found a double-sided black flannel to fill in for the in seam pockets and interfacing. Pattern is Logan Shacket by Style Arc. I really love the way their patterns are written. I’m still waiting for the big snaps to arrive to sew them on.
I need to figure out why my Juki is balking at sewing buttonholes on anything other than single layer quilting cotton. Maybe it’s a tension setting? I think I’ll spend some time this week on tutorials.
Are you ready for Monday? I’ve been listening to lo-fi chill hop daily to keep me moving with a soft steady beat and low pulse rate.
I’m also trying a new thing. I’ve downloaded the Feedly app, and I’m trying to follow blogs that way. It’s a little clunkier with WordPress sites, since I have to pop out to the browser and sometimes sign in multiple times to like and comment. But it’s much smoother on the Blogger sites. I’ll get the hang of it eventually. But if it seems I’m missing posts or commenting twice or weird stuff like that, this is why!
Knitting
I finished my Gourd Party socks! I love them.
Spinning
I made yarn! Okay, it’s thick and thin novelty yarn. It’s fine. I think I may dye it and knit a hat with it. It’s “wool top” that came with the wheel. I’m not ready to practice on my Coopworth fleece or pretty dyed roving. But I might try Shetland next.
Our power went out today so I made use of the time by finishing up spinning a bobbin, and then plying my two full bobbins. By firelight. Because I have all the power that is necessary. Also I assembled my lazy kate.
Sewing
Before our power went out, I was sewing on my shacket. The inside of this fabric is almost as pretty as the outside. So much so, I debated which side to use for a minute. All I have left is the collar, the hemming, and to sew the snaps on!
This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.
And with that, I will cease inserting “YOP” into the titles of carols.
Knitting
I started the Vertices Unite KAL that Sarah is hosting. It’s a super fun knit!
Sewing
I’ve cut out my first Logan Shacket in this gorgeous plaid heavy flannel from deep stash. I didn’t have enough for the pockets, so I may see if I can find a solid cotton flannel that will suit.
Spinning
I took my spinning wheel class, and I’m improving. I’m going to practice for 15 minutes every evening.
This has been a Year of Projects update. You can find out more about the group here (Rav link) or here: Backstage Kath’s YOP bloggers list. You can read my updated list of projects here.
Despite the pandemic, I had a good year. My intention for 2022 is to slow down a bit and “conserve,” i.e. energy and resources. I’ll be starting each day with gratitude and appreciation for my abundant life, and taking it one day at a time. Happy New Year!
Well, that week flew by. I’ve been sick for almost my entire vacation. I’m trying not to have sour grapes about it, but instead be thankful I was off so I could rest and recuperate. Bob and I both tested negative for Covid, so I guess it’s a flu or cold.
I am glad I was able to spend some time getting organized this week. I knit several rows on my Arrowhead Cardigan, and realized I need to take my time with it. The all-over colorwork wears me out.
My new and improved plan is to knit one row each day until I finish the body, then tackle the sleeves and finishing. Hopefully I’ll be able to finish the sweater by the first week of April. Maybe I’ll even get to wear it this spring a few times before it warms up.
I’ve decided to sew a couple of Logan Shackets: one in a cotton plaid flannel from my fabric stash, and the other in the navy wool flannel. Because I anticipate my sewing machine will struggle with buttonholes, I’m going to use big sew on snaps for them. If you would like to see some shackets in action, while also listening to some beautiful music, check out this link. I won’t make mine that long, though.
In other news, we have a new member of our family. A little black kitty found his way to us. He is sweet and very friendly. We posted around in case someone was looking for him, but we think he may have been dumped. He is adorable and has been adopted by our daughter Mackenzie. We will have to say farewell once she finds a new place, but I think this kitty was just what she needed. JoJo hasn’t met him yet as the vet told us to keep him quarantined for two weeks.
Bob jarred four quarts of apple cider vinegar yesterday made with apples from our apple trees. He’s also made sauerkraut for New Year’s Day, to have with collards, black eyed peas, and vegan bratwurst.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog, and like and comment this year. It means a lot to me. I appreciate the friendship, support, and encouragement. I’ve met so many wonderful people here! I hope you have a very Happy New Year’s Eve and a relaxing, peaceful New Year’s Day. Wishing you a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2022!
After researching coat making, I realized my wool flannel fabric is too lightweight to use with a wool prefelt interlining, which is bulky. So I went ahead and ordered two yards of Thinsulate to make a warm jacket for spring and fall, which wasn’t very expensive.
While I was on the Vogue Fabrics site getting the Thinsulate, I took a look at their wool coatings. I have been researching them online, and they go anywhere from $30 to $70 per yard. I figured I would need to save up for that.
But Vogue Fabrics had a royal blue 100% wool melton on clearance for $12.50 per yard! I couldn’t resist at that price. (Plus my Mom is sending some Christmas money, so I’ll put mine toward the coat materials.) I can use the prefelt as an interlining with it, and I’ll get some practice on the flannel jacket before having a go at the coat later next year.
Today is the first day of my 10 day vacation! I’m going to make a Christmas pudding, knit on Henry’s hat, and piece together my coat pattern.
I’ve been spending some time this week organizing my knitting projects by spreadsheet and cataloguing my yarn. All said in total including stash, I have over 60 miles of yarn to knit! That should keep me busy for a few years.
Based on my project completion goals, I will knit about 8 miles of yarn in 2022. I think my goal is reasonable compared to the projects I’ve knit each year over the past two years. Which means I have enough yarn for 7 years.
This doesn’t mean I will never purchase yarn, because that’s not realistic. But my plan is to save my creativity budget and only spend from that account, and to use what I have as much as possible.
Unfortunately, I haven’t really felt like knitting the past couple of days.
I’ve decided to sew a Clare Coat from my navy wool flannel fabric. I have the lining fabric too. I had planned to line it for warmth with Thinsulate, but I have plenty of wool prefelt I could use instead. Have you ever lined a coat with wool? I think it would work between the flannel outer fabric and lining fabric if I planned to quilt it, because it’s a lot like quilt batting. But, I don’t like the look of that, and I’m worried it will sag or tear as a lining without quilting. So, I’m wondering if I could felt it first and then use it. Or, maybe I could quilt the lining fabric to the wool prefelt instead of the outer wool flannel?
I could save for the Thinsulate, but I’d rather use wool if I can, anyway. Plus, I wouldn’t have to spend my budget on that.
Anyone have experience with this?
My youngest asked me about some handwarmers to use on her walks through the woods. I did a little research, and they are easy to make. Many sites come up if you google “DIY hand warmers.” I read a few to get the gist, and then proceeded to make my own. The following recipe makes two 3 inch square hand warmers.
What you need:
Directions:
That’s it. Pretty simple!
Directions for use:
This made a nice little Winter Solstice gift for my youngest along with a chocolate. These would also make great stocking stuffers!
headknits 