Category: sewing

New Year’s Eve Slippers

Posted on Posted in art, design, finished objects, holidays, inspiration, knitting, sewing8 Comments
📸 photophreak
📸 elven

I love the French Press Felted Slippers pattern by Melynda Bernardo (Ravelry link). I have always fantasized about dressing up for a New Year’s Eve party, but I don’t think I ever have. I feel like 2020 is the year for dressing up at home with some comfy but fancy slippers. I might make these in a sparkly yarn and put a rhinestone button on them.

This is my last December HoliDaily. I really enjoyed posting a festive pattern everyday in December. I hope you enjoyed it, too, and that it wasn’t spammy. Just a reminder that I don’t get compensated in any way for anything I share. I do it for my own enjoyment.

I enjoyed my yarn advent photo taking so much, I had a calendar made. It’s hanging in my studio. I will use it to plan my projects in 2021.

I’ve noticed other bloggers wrapping up the year with a list of completed projects. I think that sounds like the perfect New Year’s Eve post for 2020.

“Haze Over Maize: Granville 2020“

Fiber Art

Two pieces completed. I’m not going to post pics of new pieces since they are for a gallery show in September 2021.

Completed Knitting

I’m proud of all the socks I’ve knit this year!
  1. Paris (Twilight Tunis) Toujours Shawl (also dyed the yarn in a gradient for this)
  2. Deschain Tee
  3. Hermione’s Everyday Socks
  4. Pride Socks
  5. Purple emPower Bandaner
  6. Shetland Tweed Throw
  7. Arachne Sweater
  8. Four Square Cowl
  9. Mistletoe Kisses Socks. I’m determined to finish these today even though JoJo chewed my needle and I had to cut the cable to get the knitting off, it was so mangled, and switched to double points.
  10. Pumpkin Spice Latte socks
  11. Broom Riding Cowl
  12. Halloween Socks
  13. Trans Pride Socks
  14. Accidental Autumn Barley Light Hat
  15. Rikke Hat
  16. Meep the Christmas Mouse

Looking back, I wish I would have completed more sweaters. I guess two isn’t bad!

Knitting Design

  1. Another Blue Beanie
  2. Hat samples for Kenya
  3. Saffron hat and cowl with OG pompom

Completed Sewing

Seamwork Ace top
  1. Ace top, two versions (one shown above)
  2. Billie jumpsuit
  3. Enchanted Kimono Robe
  4. Poudre linen curtains. Only one to go!
  5. Coffee filters
  6. Knitting Sheep flannel PJ pants
  7. Halloween Rachel blouse
  8. Winter Solstice project bag

In 2021, I’d like to sew more garments: another Rachel blouse, some pants, and a wool coat. And more PJ pants!

I hope you have something fun planned for New Year’s Eve. We’re still trying to figure out what to eat for dinner tonight, but at least we’ll have pie, both mince and chocolate! Happy New Year!

Happy Winter Solstice | Sock It To Me Monday

Posted on Posted in holidays, inspiration, knitting, sewing, yarnTagged , 8 Comments

I made a new wintry project bag to celebrate the winter solstice.

It’s quilting cotton lined with linen.

I didn’t have much ribbon to choose from, and although I would have liked something gold or silver, this ribbon has sheep. If you look closely at this pic you will see a sewing error. I didn’t notice it until I finished sewing the lining in. I decided to leave it since it’s just for me. I still love it, and of course I will know to check that seam next time when I assemble the pieces.

Project Bag sewing pattern is Drawstring Bag (Etsy link)

But what’s in the project bag, you may ask? And I’m glad you did.

It’s my Aurora Borealis Cowl! (Ravelry link)

📸 Crissy Jarvis

Today’s Winter Solstice HoliDaily share is Norrland by Sarah Huntington Birch. (Ravelry link) If you could turn the Winter Solstice into a hat, I think this is it. I’ve shared this pattern before as I love to look at it. But I think if I were going to knit something this extraordinary, I would hang it on my wall. In fact, I might do that.

I’m almost to the toe of my first Christmas sock! I think Santa approves.

Moondrake Yarn Advent Day 21. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to work our twinkly twilightly icicle lights into a photo since December 1! I finally did it it. Happy Winter Solstice!

It’s Curtains! A YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged 15 Comments

Sewing

I finished the bedroom curtains. Each window is a different height so each pair had to be a different length. It took me a couple of tries to make sure the pairs matched each other… well, were close enough not to bother me.

I was curious why we use curtains to connote an end of something, and grammarist.com says, “The idiom it’s curtains for you is taken from the fact that the final stage direction in many plays is simply the word ‘curtain’ meaning it is time to draw the curtain and end the play.”

One more pair of curtains for the living room, and then it’s curtains for sewing curtains!

Knitting

I’ve made a good start on the second TransPride sock. Background art by Sydney, one of our delightful children. I think I’m going to frame them and hang them over our TV (the art, not the socks, which will go on another kid’s feet).

I’ve finished knitting the main part of my Shetland Tweed Throw, but I need to knit the i-cord edge. I had to order new double pointed needles for it. I’m also making progress on Franca.

Design

I’m taking a video class on writing knitting patterns. I’ve also checked out a few books at the library by the teacher. If I feel like this was worth my time and money, I will link it later.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.

Sunday Sewing and Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, sewing, Uncategorized, Year of ProjectsTagged 21 Comments

I did a curtain! I learned a lot while making these curtains, and I hope all subsequent curtains will look a little more polished. But I love this fabric. I think we made a good choice.

After finishing the curtains for one window I decided to treat myself by whipping up some new PJ pants. Inspired by Sarah, I went for these knitting sheep. Her fabric is way more cool, but this flannel is super soft. I think it’s meant for babies, like me.

Year of Projects Update

I don’t have much else to share, other than I updated my list. I posted a knitting update on Wednesday.

I may be adding the Aurora Borealis Cowl to my list in Euclid Sparkle Sock from Superfine Yarn Co. It’s got a subtle silver sparkle.

And I may be adding the Less Is More Cowl to my list in this sparkly yarn Karen sent me. It’s got a subtle gold sparkle. I’m really wanting a sparkly cowl to knit and wear for the holidays. I wish my photos showed more of the sparkle.

What about you? Are you planning your holiday makes? Are you making for you or someone else? Is anything going to be sparkly? I’m planning to be selfish with my sparkly makes in December.

Fall Back Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in art, knitting, sewing, what makes me tick, Year of ProjectsTagged 23 Comments

It’s November 1. Only two more months of 2020! Even though this year has been a dumpster fire, it’s been a productive year for me. Probably because I never leave my house.

Fiber Art

I started a new piece for the solo show next year. Here it is pre-felted. I’ve wet felted it now, but it’s drying. I have to make at least one piece every month until September 2021. In November, I’m going to concentrate on dying my own fleece as I’m finding purchased dyed roving doesn’t always felt as expected.

This week our group, Mother Artists at Work, had two interviews in local publications for our group show. I also had an interview for work with the Fair Trade Federation. Three interviews in one week! It was a lot, but it was good. This must be the year of doing all the things. I also won a yarn giveaway from Ramen Needles!

Knitting

I knit a bunch of Halloween things that weren’t on my YOP list and it was fun. I knit two colorwork cowls. I want to leave a note for myself right here. Don’t knit anymore colorwork cowls that don’t have shaping. When you wear them, all you see is the floats on the back. Maybe I need to learn how to wear them.

I think I figured it out! Maybe it was still too damp and floppy when I had it on at first.

Sewing

I feel really good about finishing my Halloween Rachel shirt. I’m going to finish sewing my fall advent bags and then I’d like to concentrate on our curtains before starting on any new apparel projects. I think I found my go to pants in the new Ottobre.

Design

I kind of forgot about this. Why design your own thing when there are so many awesome designs already out there?

Fiddle

I listen to fiddle music and daydream about playing the fiddle. Does that count?

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit today at 1PM Eastern! Please message or email your Skype ID to me, Marilee, or Sarah if you are new and want to join in.

Almost Ready for Halloween!

Posted on Posted in finished objects, holidays, knitting, sewing, sweatersTagged , , 13 Comments

I finished my Halloween shirt! The pattern is Seamwork Rachel. Fabric is Harvest Moon Ghostly Vine Black. I enjoyed making it. I made a couple of mistakes, but overall I did well.

It looks great with my Arachne!

I just like smiling. Smiling’s my favorite.

And it’s super comfy! It’s a little big. Next time I’ll take the seams in a little more.

Sewing buttonholes on my Juki machine was pretty easy. Much better than sewing them manually on my old machine.

After the holidays I may try to make a wool version, and then a linen one in spring.

Once I finish my Broom Riding Cowl I will be all done with my Halloween makes. Are you making anything special for Halloween?

Saturday Sleeves and a Quiz

Posted on Posted in sewing, what makes me tickTagged 10 Comments

I sewed in the sleeves on my Halloween shirt today. I did a pretty good job, but if you look carefully, you can see a little puff on this one. I may take the seam in a bit, but I’m going to get the collar and front placket on first. If I can get it all sewn together tomorrow, maybe I will be able to make all the buttonholes this week and sew the buttons on so it’s ready to wear by Saturday!

Sleeves have always been a challenge for me in tailoring. I usually try to avoid setting them in after sewing the side seams, but sometimes you don’t have much of a choice — like with this pattern. I had to sew the underarm seams before sewing the sleeve plackets and cuffs.

Which rolls me right into Karen’s latest quiz!

1. What craft skill are you most proud of? Not an entire craft, just a little skill that you feel makes you a practicer of your craft with a capital C.
2. Do you have a secret mistake that you made for ages and when you learned you were doing it wrong you wondered how you managed for so long?
3. Is there an item that you’ve made so many times you feel like an expert? Is there one that even though you’ve done it over and over you feel like an amateur?
4. Would you like to teach your craft? Have you? Do you feel like you’re giving someone a special gift when you do?

1. I’m always proud when I can make a garment I can actually wear, and do wear. I’m proud when something fits and suits me.

2. I still get turned around on slip slip knit (SSK): Do I slip knitwise or purlwise? What is the default? Also, the first time I sewed a tailored blouse, I had the sleeves in backward. I never made that mistake again, though.

3. I don’t feel like an expert on anything, but I do feel like I’m intermediate to advanced on most sewing and knitting. There are some things I have done several times but I don’t do often enough to feel skilled. There are also some things that I do a lot of, but materials can vary a lot so the results also vary. That’s something I just go with.

4. I have taught knitting, sewing, and felting to children and adults. I’ve always enjoyed it and I think students have always learned something, as have I. Even if that something is, “Break the rules. Trust yourself. Make lots of mistakes and learn from them!” I don’t have the headspace to teach right now, though.

I hope you will join in on the quiz!

I was driving home after a storm and pulled over to get a photo of this rainbow.

SpooOOooky Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in holidays, knitting, sewing, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged 19 Comments

Sewing

I did a good enough job with the cuffs on the sleeves of my Halloween Rachel shirt, but I made a mistake. HAHAHA it makes me laugh. Can you spot it? No, I’m not fixing it.

Knitting

I’m plodding away on my Broom Riding Cowl. It’s tough to get a good pic while it’s on the needles. But I wanted you to see how the colorwork shows up (on parts of it at least). In places it looks like clouds are covering the moons, which I like. I wish I were enjoying the knitting more, but I guess I don’t like looking at a chart on every row.

I’m ready to turn the heel on my second Halloween sock. The stripes are lining up like they did on the first sock, which is awesome.

I haven’t cast on my Celtic Colours Mitts yet, but it’s still International Cast On All The Things Month for two more weeks.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.

Sunday YOP Update

Posted on Posted in knitting, sewing, Works in Progress (WIPs), Year of ProjectsTagged 23 Comments

It’s almost October, my favorite month!

Sewing

Halloween Rachel Progress

I’m sewing a little on my Rachel shirt each day. Sewing hurts my back, so I am taking it a few steps at a time.

Here’s a close up of the fabric. What I love about this fabric is I can wear it year round and no one will notice it’s Halloween fabric unless they get a close look. These buttons are from my stash, and I think work well. And I have enough of them.

Knitting

I am trying to buckle down to work on my Mom’s Franca. I have to learn some new things so I need to focus. I think the shaping will be worth it for the fit, and I’m hoping once I learn the method, I will be able to knit more of these sweaters. Like this one:

Cocoknits Molly Pattern

Eventually, I want to knit a suit — a pullover and skirt — and I think this sweater is perfect for it.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.

Year of Projects Update

Posted on Posted in finished objects, knitting, sewing, what makes me tick, Year of ProjectsTagged , , , , 24 Comments
Finished Arachne Sweater

I finished my Arachne Sweater! I love it! I think the cropped silhouette and short sleeves keep the vintage vibe alive. I had plenty of yarn and I look forward to making a Seamwork Rachel shirt to wear under it in this print.

Surely I’m not the only one whose YOP list stays the same number, or even grows?

I want to sew more Rachel shirts, one for each season. I want to customize the fit and make it my go to shirt pattern. I also want to do that with a pant pattern, but I haven’t found the pattern yet.

Our curtain rods should arrive today, which means my linen curtains just moved up on the sewing list.

Laura Kate asked me to share a sketch of my idea for my fiber art piece. I don’t feel comfortable doing that yet, but I am glad I have a more concrete idea. I will share something later, once I’ve made a little more progress.

This has been a Year of Projects Update. You can read my original list here. You can find out more about the group here.

Bob and I watched Driveways yesterday. Highly recommend. We shared our mutual love of Brian Dennehy. Then we watched the latest episode of Lovecraft Country. Highly recommend. Then I thought we were going to make it a Brian Dennehy weekend with a Lovecraft Country intermission, but Bob surprised me with an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that was a Doug Jones breakout role. I don’t love Buffy (the show, although I love the movie) but we think a Doug Jones weekend is imminent. And I wouldn’t mind rewatching the first season of Buffy in October.

Is it too early to watch Hocus Pocus? It is, isn’t it.