Category: sewing

Year of Projects 20-21 Update #2

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Sewing

organic hemp and cotton coffee filters

I finished my coffee filters! They work great and are much easier to use and clean than muslin bags.

Fiddle

My pegs weren’t holding their tune, and I was worried I would have to toss my fiddle goals. But I purchased some peg drops and they are staying in place now.

I restrung my fiddle and signed up for lessons on Peghead Nation. I’ve been practicing my scales and the tune June Apple. (Link is to a Bluegrass band playing the song. Note my fiddle playing sounds nothing like this.)

Knitting

Arachne yoke

I finished the yoke on Arachne. I accidentally knit all 59 rounds of the colorwork chart instead of 51 as instructed. I’ll cut 8 rounds off the plain knitting to make up for it. I hope the web won’t be too long. The neck is looking a little wide, isn’t it? I hope the ribbing will fix that. I love knitting with this yarn. It is so soft!

Franca back neck

I cast on Franca. I finished the back neck piece. Once I get going on this I have a feeling it will be a quick knit.

Pride socks

I’m ready to start the heel flap on my second Pride sock. Uh oh. I’m in the middle of the rainbow stripes. I think I will use the blue on my second ball of yarn for the heel flap so that both socks have blue heels and toes.

emPower Bandana

I’ve almost finished the emPower Bandana. I’m not sure if I will be gifting it. Pretty and soft yarn though. And such a pretty color.

Fiber Art

No progress. I’m trying not to worry about it. I did sketch an idea, but it’s not a very original idea. In the words of Twyla Tharp, “Everything’s been done. Do it anyway!”

Design

I have been sketching in my journal every weekday. Some ideas are interesting, some banal, some ridiculous. I’m trying not to judge.

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

I can’t wait until fall when I can knit in front of a fire. Of course, this cat will have to get off my lap occasionally to make room for my knitting.

Finally, if you are into historic costuming and haven’t seen this video on the clothing of two different women in the late Middle Ages, you may enjoy it. I did. 🙃

Coffee Filter is Go

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First fabric coffee filter

This is my first fabric coffee filter. I wanted to test it out before I made more. It works great! I used this pattern. I also used their fabric, but you could use a cotton muslin. I didn’t have any. I also didn’t have any paper filters to trace since I was using the muslin bags, which I don’t recommend. Not cleaning out the muslin bags was motivation number one for me to get a move on for this project.

I know Sarah is moving, but is there any desire for a virtual Skype knit? I miss the company of knitters.

Year of Projects 2020-2021

Posted on Posted in art, design, finished objects, knitting, sewing, Year of ProjectsTagged 27 Comments
I made my own header image for YOP because I’m extra that way.

I decided to jump in and join Year of Projects. I have been inspired by Liz’s updates, and I thought it might be good motivation for me to blog along with my ever expanding, massive list. I read the group rules, and it seems pretty easy going, so if I fail (indubitably) it will be no big deal.

Without further ado, here’s my list!

Fiber Art

“Sunbleach” 2019
  1. I have a group show in November 2020, and I need to create a piece or small group of pieces for this. I have some ideas.
  2. I have a solo show in September 2021, and I need to make a body of work for this show. If I start on this now, it feels doable. I have some ideas. Once I have a firm concept for the show, I’ll make a sub-list of pieces.

Knitting

Deschain Tee in Quince and Co Kestral

Oh dear. Hold on to your butts. If it is on this list, it means I have the yarn.

  1. Pride Socks. Just one sock to go!
  2. Purple emPower Bandaner. Almost done! This is a gift, so I probably won’t post an update until it’s been gifted.
  3. Shetland Tweed Throw. This is coming along. It’s enjoyable TV knitting.
  4. Arachne. Deadline Halloween, of course.
  5. Franca. For my Mom. I caked all the yarn today! This is unusual for me. I usually only cake up one or two hanks. But winding the yarn has become a real chore for me in my new house. I don’t have a permanent setup for it. So I decided to wind them all.
  6. Peerie Flooers. I have the J&S Shetland yarn for the original version of this that you can see in the show Shetland.
  7. Four Square Cowl. I could knock this out if I focused on it for a week. I would love to wear it this fall.
  8. Farmhouse Cardigan. This is the sweater I was so excited to get the Black Welsh Mountain yarn for. What an investment! But I cast on, made a mistake in my knitting, frogged it, and now it’s all sitting in a bag waiting to be cast on again.
  9. Midnight Merino Raglan. When I found out the pattern has you knit the pieces separately and sew them together, I lost interest. But hey. It’s my knitting and I can do it however I want! I need to remember that.
  10. Celtic Myths Shawl. I am so close to finishing this.
  11. Celtic Tree Handwarmers. I haven’t swatched or cast on yet, but would love to have them done by fall.
  12. Gryffindor Winter Ferns Hat. I haven’t swatched or cast on.
  13. Mistletoe Kisses Socks. These were supposed to be for the Christmas in July KAL, but since socks are my least favorite thing to knit, if I get them done by Christmas in December, I’ll consider it a win.
  14. The Oa. Cast on but languishing. I still want to knit it. In other words, I won’t be frogging it.
  15. Teal Niamh. I purchased some Nomad Noos High Mountain Yak yarn for this in a moment of weakness. At least I got the Fruity Knitting discount.
  16. Pink Rhodes. My goal for this is to cast on in January or February so it will be wafting-ready by April or May.
  17. Con Alma. Next spring?
  18. Seavaiger. Oh yes I did.
  19. Shoalwater Shawl. (Starting to sweat.)
  20. Oxbow Cardigan. Sarah is running a KAL for this in November, and I have red Fibre Co Arranmore tweed yarn for it. Will I knit it this year? Who knows?
  21. Hot Waffles Hat and Mitts. I have some beautiful blue yarn for this.
  22. Sunset Slouch.
  23. Cabin Kitchen Towel Set.
  24. A Scarf for Hans.

HAHAHA there is no way I will finish all of these projects in 2020-2021. But at least they are on a list now. And yes, I still have more yarn!

Knitting Design

My goal for design is to sketch a design 5 days each week, and knit one of my own designs in this 2020-2021 year. It can be anything. It might be a headband. It is not allowed to be a blue beanie.

Sewing

Enchanted Kimono Robe
  1. Yates Coat in navy wool.
  2. Cotton Twill Ottobre Cargo Pants. I have navy stretch twill and gray twill fabric for these.
  3. Poudre linen curtains. The linen is a very soft pink. We are just waiting on the curtain rods and I will get started. Yay, more rectangles and straight lines to sew!
  4. Coffee filters. I use a pour over and I have been using muslin bags to filter the coffee and it is such a mess! I have some organic hemp and cotton on the way. This should be a quick and gratifying make.
  5. Sew something amazing with this plaid flannel!

Fiddle

My Music Journal and New Strings
  1. String my violin.
  2. Sign up for online lessons.
  3. Daily practice.
  4. Weekly lesson.
  5. By June 30, 2021 I want to be able to video myself playing a song for you. Don’t get too excited. It will probably be a very basic song. But once I surprised my friends (and myself) by launching into an improv version of Three Blind Mice. So who knows?

Tapestry Weaving

Remember way back in November 2019 when I purchased a tapestry loom? I also dyed some Cotswald SE2SE yarn with turmeric and it came out so beautiful. Well, I want to weave some placemats with it. The gold will look hideous with our pink tile, so maybe they will be gifted.

I think I may be on the 10 year plan for Year of Projects.

Enchanted Kimono Robe

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Have you ever seen the film Enchanted April? I haven’t watched it in at least a decade or maybe longer. I hope there is nothing offensive in it. I sometimes think fondly on an old film and then rewatch it and find myself appalled by something I never noticed before!

Anyway, in the film, Josie Lawrence is wearing a lovely silk kimono robe. I’ve always wanted one. I have shopped robes but never found one I liked or felt good about buying. Then I decided to make one, and I shopped silk but couldn’t find quite the right thing. I finally settled on this cotton lawn with cranes and peonies (printed in Spain).

This was a very zen make. I didn’t follow instructions or a pattern. I measured and cut rectangles and sewed them together. I made the sleeves extra long for extra waftiness. Isn’t it great with the pink tile? I purchased this fabric several months ago, before I’d even seen the pink tile! Happiness score = 😃

Bob and I walked our local rails to trails bike path this morning. It wasn’t too far and it was a well kept path. I got all my steps in today!

I can’t wait to drink my coffee on my hammock swing tomorrow in my new robe.

Throwback Thursday

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Remember way back in 2019 when I sewed this Farrow dress and these Emerson pants? They look great together! I may sew another dress like this in the mauve linen from Lithuania in my stash.

In other news, I am back up to the weight and size I was when I made these. I haven’t dieted or worked out all year. So I signed up for a program that’s free with my health insurance to help me get back on track. I did yoga and pilates today! Now I need to find a cardio workout I can do regularly. The roads around here aren’t the safest for walking or riding a bike. I could go into town to the gym, but I’m a little wary because of the Rona. I think I will drive 6 miles to the nearest park trail tomorrow and see how that goes.

I hope you have some fun socially-distanced holiday weekend plans! We don’t do anything for July 4, but on Sunday we’re hosting my friend Laurel for a birthday dinner.

Tuesday Tidbits

Posted on Posted in inspiration, knitting, life, sewingTagged , 5 Comments

I went for a walk in the ravine today. By myself. I think this counts as exercise. I’m really pleased with myself.

I wore my new shirt.

I saw this on Instagram but unfortunately I don’t remember who posted it. I had to search but finally found it on Etsy. (It was my birthday weekend so I treated myself.)

I want this hat. I can make this hat. I will make this hat. I don’t even need a pattern. Or fabric. This one is linen, but I may use canvas. I should have some scraps after I sew my pants. I’m going to need interfacing, though, that heavy duty stuff.

Are you ready to get back to work today? I’m ready to get back to work today.

Mending

Posted on Posted in lofty thoughts, sewing, what makes me tickTagged 16 Comments

Today I’m mending Bob’s pants. They were too long to begin with — which is why they were fraying — but not so long I could turn up the hem twice after cutting. I used bias tape instead. I’m not sure where I picked up this trick, probably from Grandma. Now Bob’s favorite pants are good as new! Better, because they are the correct length.

I love mending because it’s very zen and I don’t have to follow instructions. I also love making something damaged like new, and reusing, and saving money! And I gotta pay for this sewing machine, right?

Do you mend? Do you darn your knitting? I’ve never been very good at darning. I need more practice.

Sunday Sewing and Survey

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I finished my black linen lantern skirt!

On the downside, it’s too big. I have to wear it on my hips. On the upside, I can wear a stretchy tank top with it and not have muffin top. And it looks great with my tie dye duster!

I suppose I can take it apart and down a size if it bothers me. Right now, though, I’m happy to have finished something. And it’s always possible I may gain more weight, although I hope not.

Pants: A Survey

I need help deciding which pants to make. I have some navy stretch cotton twill and some gray cotton twill. These are the contenders:

Seamwork Nolan, from my previous post. High waisted mom jeans. They are in style and I know they will be comfortable.

Seamwork Callahan. Wide-legged high waisters. I probably wouldn’t top stitch the creases. Trendy and comfortable but would not transition into fall.

Ottobre Cargo Pants. Less trendy. More flattering for my mature figure. Would probably be able to wear them for more seasons.

Please leave your vote in the comments and please just vote for one! And thank you for voting.

Sunday is my day to blog about what I’m thankful for. So Sunday Grace today includes: Bob surprised me with coffee and breakfast in bed this morning, we are both still working, all the kids are healthy, and we live in an era where we can do so much remotely. It really is a marvel.

Blogcrastination

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It’s Saturday. During the week I am so engrossed with work that when Saturday comes, I don’t know how to transition. I want to make something but I don’t know what I want to make.

These are some cute pants from Seamwork. The only thing I don’t have that I need is a zipper. I’m thinking about braving Joann in a face mask to get what I need. I tried ordering a zipper online three weeks ago and I still don’t have it. I have some navy stretch cotton twill that I think would be fab in this pattern.

This is the tile in the kitchen of the house we made an offer on. I dream about walking barefoot across this tile. I hope we get the house.

We went outside today. We took a hike at Infirmary Mound Park. It’s called that because there is a prehistoric mound there, and also an old home that was called The Infirmary for a time. You can read more about that here. It is a beautiful park with many lovely trails. Wildflowers are blooming right now, and there is a fairy garden trail. But we left it to the families with children.

We did go to Joann and waited in line to get in due to social distancing restrictions. We gave our new kitenge masks from Kenya a whirl.

They fit great! Now it’s time for nachos and Joe Bob. I will keep knitting on my sock. I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday!

Sunday Sewing

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I made a shirt today. I wanted a high (but not tight) neckline, 3/4 sleeves, short length (to go with high waisted pants) and a loose comfortable fit. And I wanted to get in on the floral trend. I modified the Ace pattern.

I found this knit fabric on sale, presumably because it is an autumn floral. I love the more subdued colors, but it is still a lot of color for me.

I tried to get a good shot without asking for photography help. This was the best I could do. It’s a little blurry, but you get the idea.