tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58169950110866785692024-03-17T20:00:14.917-07:00Janet Friel DesignsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-37839207792368353042016-05-04T03:29:00.000-07:002016-05-04T03:29:00.742-07:00Me Made May 2016So here we are in May and I am taking part in the Me-Made-May challenge again. Like last year, I am promising to wear at least one home made piece of clothing every day throughout the month. It should be easier than last year as I have more clothes to chose from but I am hoping it will highlight those that are most useful, and also those that rarely get worn and why. May is a good month for this as the variable weather gives me a good chance to try all types of clothing. So far this month we've had heavy rain, hailstones, cold winds and bright sunshine!<br />
I shall try to record each day's outfit mainly as a reminder to me, but so far the lighting has not been great when I've taken the photos so the quality is a bit rubbish. It also give me a chance to catch up on recording some outfits which I've made in the last couple of months but have been too lazy to blog about!<br />
<br />
Day 1<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrCoVWzP3io/VynJd9EbBAI/AAAAAAAANWk/Gv8zPuvQzsYUhB_Z2pRmY0X-wwwW7wcHACKgB/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrCoVWzP3io/VynJd9EbBAI/AAAAAAAANWk/Gv8zPuvQzsYUhB_Z2pRmY0X-wwwW7wcHACKgB/s320/IMG_1813.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A simple tunic in a ponte style fabric - very comfy to wear but the fabric is stating to bobble a bit. Worn with my newly knitted wrist warmers which are based on the Little Cotton Rabbits pattern. I love these - they really keep you warm without the bother of a cardigan. I've already made a second pair and more are planned!</div>
<br />
Day 2<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gs1fbB7hIiU/VynJmq2keuI/AAAAAAAANWo/y3CK8V_y0lQ5KFaWwWCfXMpifhGic-o2wCKgB/s1600/IMG_1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gs1fbB7hIiU/VynJmq2keuI/AAAAAAAANWo/y3CK8V_y0lQ5KFaWwWCfXMpifhGic-o2wCKgB/s320/IMG_1814.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ5X9T2ydMw/VynJmog6sbI/AAAAAAAANWo/HxlJFpWJpToB9JYbIeKIdBOvY_FSVsgsACKgB/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQ5X9T2ydMw/VynJmog6sbI/AAAAAAAANWo/HxlJFpWJpToB9JYbIeKIdBOvY_FSVsgsACKgB/s320/IMG_1815.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rll0Ay9CPnU/VynJmqpAYmI/AAAAAAAANWo/P0flKxbg83Urf2dLUQX-E7YSxuKcMjXdACKgB/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rll0Ay9CPnU/VynJmqpAYmI/AAAAAAAANWo/P0flKxbg83Urf2dLUQX-E7YSxuKcMjXdACKgB/s320/IMG_1816.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my most worn makes - the pattern is New Look 6340 and I have made three versions so far and will probably make more! I love the simple shape and its layering possibilities. Worn with a little scarf knit with one skein of gorgeous Skein Queen - possibly my favourite yarn to knit with. And under a pair of boots were my hot off the needles socks - the yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners and were supposed to be my Christmas knit but they had to wait until April!</div>
<br />
<br />
Day3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3vSY4jTbcY/VynJy_OavmI/AAAAAAAANWs/zkVzvTpGVqoJfEfffuPczpbFRdW8rvJ0gCKgB/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3vSY4jTbcY/VynJy_OavmI/AAAAAAAANWs/zkVzvTpGVqoJfEfffuPczpbFRdW8rvJ0gCKgB/s320/IMG_1817.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Terrible photo of another New Look 6340 - this time with sleeves. This is after a day of work, hence the crumpled look!</div>
<br />
<br />
Day4<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OrHcYCRWXo/VynJ3fFPiOI/AAAAAAAANWw/iUDrfV41YUolcRoVtkQ1W6uAueS21_ZMgCKgB/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0OrHcYCRWXo/VynJ3fFPiOI/AAAAAAAANWw/iUDrfV41YUolcRoVtkQ1W6uAueS21_ZMgCKgB/s320/IMG_1819.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I'm wearing a hand knit cardi ( I don't wear this very often because the vibrant green is hard to pair with anything other than black). A black linen top which started life as a dress but was hardly worn, so when I needed a black top I just chopped it off and re-hemmed it. And the cropped trousers were my first attempt at making trousers - they were cast aside as disastrous, but during a tidy up I found them crumpled up and decided to see if I could salvage them. I cropped the leg length and to my surprise found them quite wearable!</div>
<br />
<br />
On a more artistic note, I've had a clear out and tidy up of the studio and in a bid to be more organised for this year's Frome Open Studios in July I have started a sequence of linocuts. I have two completed and two more nearing completion. Next up is the fun part which is experimenting with hand colouring some of the prints. This doesn't always work out but the joy of printmaking is that if it doesn't go according to plan you've always got more of the original image.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGleJ6ZkTg/VynKXIPNCiI/AAAAAAAANW8/uegrBAw78S0KaT8Hc2uYDtpV41iyNY3cQCKgB/s1600/85712CE1-FD47-4F19-962F-03D1A46548C1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1CGleJ6ZkTg/VynKXIPNCiI/AAAAAAAANW8/uegrBAw78S0KaT8Hc2uYDtpV41iyNY3cQCKgB/s320/85712CE1-FD47-4F19-962F-03D1A46548C1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHkQkIhN3Y8/VynKXO7jduI/AAAAAAAANW8/xRN91NroFLkM-17bRnvEgWoKtl7uqYWBwCKgB/s1600/DC799605-4A38-489D-84E2-27DF7FE7AEAF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHkQkIhN3Y8/VynKXO7jduI/AAAAAAAANW8/xRN91NroFLkM-17bRnvEgWoKtl7uqYWBwCKgB/s320/DC799605-4A38-489D-84E2-27DF7FE7AEAF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1zumugoz_M/VynKXDP8o6I/AAAAAAAANW8/qlaA4HPkozkxXCBry5bYMpTX0A9vJ3mlACKgB/s1600/IMG_1804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1zumugoz_M/VynKXDP8o6I/AAAAAAAANW8/qlaA4HPkozkxXCBry5bYMpTX0A9vJ3mlACKgB/s320/IMG_1804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwm301R-Y1c/VynKXGNHmVI/AAAAAAAANW8/KTKMY0INsv0wGQQPLKJ4va8MVeNOpad4QCKgB/s1600/35E8769D-1605-4D8C-8141-A39A04F62317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwm301R-Y1c/VynKXGNHmVI/AAAAAAAANW8/KTKMY0INsv0wGQQPLKJ4va8MVeNOpad4QCKgB/s320/35E8769D-1605-4D8C-8141-A39A04F62317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFLcOO37E4w/VynOUSyGYQI/AAAAAAAANXs/XIcLtMVhyNAIuC2pRFFwk-7-Kqse03f9wCKgB/s1600/FE9301A3-8E6F-442B-A416-F20E7DEB1AB6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IFLcOO37E4w/VynOUSyGYQI/AAAAAAAANXs/XIcLtMVhyNAIuC2pRFFwk-7-Kqse03f9wCKgB/s320/FE9301A3-8E6F-442B-A416-F20E7DEB1AB6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-19798722143916169102016-02-25T03:21:00.000-08:002016-02-25T03:21:38.644-08:00A tale of two scarves...Scarf No 1 -<br />
Knit on 9mm needles using 5 skeins of Debbie Bliss Paloma.<br />
Time taken - 3 evenings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2b_5oaZDP60/Vs7jWxqgz8I/AAAAAAAANN0/ESLQ4mk5Yu8/s1600/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2b_5oaZDP60/Vs7jWxqgz8I/AAAAAAAANN0/ESLQ4mk5Yu8/s320/IMG_1789.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Scarf No 2 -<br />
Knit on 2.5mm needles using 2 random skeins of 3ply lurking in my stash.<br />
Time taken so far - 4 hours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLg8ow9JBDY/Vs7jg-pToXI/AAAAAAAANN4/wy2Y4fAkS78/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLg8ow9JBDY/Vs7jg-pToXI/AAAAAAAANN4/wy2Y4fAkS78/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Conclusions -<br />
1. I hate using big needles almost as much as I hate knitting moss stitch. The finished scarf is, however, gorgeously soft and squishy and warm and I love it so it was worth 3 evenings of annoying knitting.<br />
2. I love, love, love using tiny needles and variegated yarn. This scarf is possibly going to take the rest of my natural life span to finish but I don't care because I'm loving the process.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-84060923633035862842016-02-19T10:10:00.001-08:002016-02-19T10:10:53.083-08:00When things don't go according to plan...Lately my creative pursuits have hit a number of brick walls.<br />
<br />
A lace weight knitting project was going swimmingly until I spotted an error that I can't work out how to fix and so it lies unloved and ignored in a bag.<br />
<br />
A pair of trousers I was sewing were looking good until I made an adjustment to narrow them in the hips and now I can't get my hands in the pockets and they're lying in a heap waiting for their waistband.<br />
<br />
A shirt I made for myself looked lovely until I tried it on and I realised that the buttons were straining to come undone in a most inappropriate area - now I've lost interest in adapting the pattern even though I have some gorgeous fabric patiently waiting to become a shirt.<br />
<br />
I spent three whole days working on a new painting of a wood pigeon and was almost finished when I decided to use an acrylic glaze to seal it - it reacted to the paint underneath and the whole thing was ruined - at this point I may have cried.<br />
<br />
I have no photos of these disasters as I didn't want to depress myself so instead I've included some photos of the pop up shop I'm involved in at the moment...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JuVyZmM1dE/VsdXWtyF8XI/AAAAAAAANME/wsVE3H9ZsbM/s1600/IMG_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JuVyZmM1dE/VsdXWtyF8XI/AAAAAAAANME/wsVE3H9ZsbM/s320/IMG_1784.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzFScLJkkdY/VsdXWuccnzI/AAAAAAAANME/o6K_kmXzT9U/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzFScLJkkdY/VsdXWuccnzI/AAAAAAAANME/o6K_kmXzT9U/s320/IMG_1779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnrg_QPuOxo/VsdXWkjQ-bI/AAAAAAAANME/GxkNLF32kTE/s1600/IMG_1786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnrg_QPuOxo/VsdXWkjQ-bI/AAAAAAAANME/GxkNLF32kTE/s320/IMG_1786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfnvlXAK6M/VsdXWsregBI/AAAAAAAANME/XnZ4oi53D0Y/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozfnvlXAK6M/VsdXWsregBI/AAAAAAAANME/XnZ4oi53D0Y/s320/IMG_1785.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTF2HZG6OBY/VsdXWpgo7vI/AAAAAAAANME/8FUJXHhrcdk/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTF2HZG6OBY/VsdXWpgo7vI/AAAAAAAANME/8FUJXHhrcdk/s320/IMG_1783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGC28-wIg6o/VsdXWoHZpxI/AAAAAAAANME/mpv9C7chOt0/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGC28-wIg6o/VsdXWoHZpxI/AAAAAAAANME/mpv9C7chOt0/s320/IMG_1780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JblQ5FEVzrI/VsdXWluHHKI/AAAAAAAANME/_e-pQXIJvXE/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JblQ5FEVzrI/VsdXWluHHKI/AAAAAAAANME/_e-pQXIJvXE/s320/IMG_1781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's taking place in Studio 4 in The Black Swan, Frome and will be on until the 27th February. The photos are not great but we've managed to pack a lot into a small space. There are 5 of us taking part (known collectively as The Keyford Artisans) so there's a good variety of hand made crafts on offer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Following my disastrous week or two I only managed to add one new painting to my collection - another raven...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5ywokmpuaA/VsdYbhFViBI/AAAAAAAANMM/_9cK0mOH6bo/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5ywokmpuaA/VsdYbhFViBI/AAAAAAAANMM/_9cK0mOH6bo/s320/IMG_1777.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and also enjoyed whipping up a few crocheted daisies for some more bunting...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQx9kPg7rQs/VsdYnp_loPI/AAAAAAAANMU/_qZwdh1Llm8/s1600/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WQx9kPg7rQs/VsdYnp_loPI/AAAAAAAANMU/_qZwdh1Llm8/s320/IMG_1778.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When in doubt, go back to the things you can rely on - in my case, crochet and crazy birds!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-66615475915100294942016-01-07T03:36:00.001-08:002016-01-07T09:09:09.680-08:00A New Year and a new skirt......and it's crocheted!<br />
I've often thought that the qualities of crochet that make it hard to create most wearable items - it's bulk and density and lack of drape - actually make it perfect for a simple skirt. However, when I first mooted the idea of making a crocheted skirt over a year ago, most of my work colleagues were sceptical, to say the least! Nevertheless, when I saw a pattern in Simply Crochet that I liked I bought some yarn, did a sample motif and then promptly put it all in bag and forgot about it. I think I was put off from putting so much time into a project that may be completely unwearable. This Christmas, though, in looking for something to do over the holidays, I came across the bag and decided just to go for it - and yesterday I wore it to work!<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1085350152"></span><span id="goog_1085350153"></span><img src="webkit-fake-url://56ec95ae-339a-4f51-ab56-3b28af672179/imagejpeg" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlC6Puh3oK4/Vo6boOVYzPI/AAAAAAAANGM/pqnB52U-aak/s1600/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlC6Puh3oK4/Vo6boOVYzPI/AAAAAAAANGM/pqnB52U-aak/s320/IMG_1760.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZaRQhU0XzU/Vo6boBGL7sI/AAAAAAAANGM/lb79GwEr3JM/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZaRQhU0XzU/Vo6boBGL7sI/AAAAAAAANGM/lb79GwEr3JM/s320/IMG_1761.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://2fb8efb0-9673-4bec-8981-c6dbba636260/imagejpeg" /><br />
I teamed it with an all black ensemble hoping to blend into the background and not be mocked for wearing a blanket but the response was positive - even my most doubting of colleagues made encouraging noises!<br />
<br />
Having had a good clear out of my wardrobe, I now have more handmade clothes than shop bought. My aim for this year is to continue to make as much as possible and particularly to make well fitting trousers. I'm definitely won't be crocheting those though!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-49903533789725242572015-11-03T04:38:00.002-08:002015-11-03T04:38:36.482-08:00New Yarn...I have enough yarn - I know this because during a sleepless night last week (a late night coffee three months after almost completely giving up coffee - mistake!) I decided to go through my stash and match it to patterns. I found yarn I don't remember ever acquiring. I found yarn that deserves to be made into something rather than languishing unloved in a box. I found yarn that had been bought for specific patterns and yarn that was bought just because I liked it. I have enough yarn.<br />
<br />
And yet...<br />
I work in a fabulous yarn shop and they keep getting gorgeous new yarns. I try to resist but I am weak - resistance is futile.<br />
I seek out yarn shops when we go anywhere - when visiting a yarn shop it would be rude not to buy anything.<br />
<br />
And so...<br />
This week I have added to my stash with not one, not two, not three, not four, but five new skeins/balls. However, I'm sure I can justify all of them...<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://marmaladeyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Marmalade Yarns</a> I got Christmas sock yarn - because it's almost Christmas and I need socks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byi1CuSt9mQ/Vjip9UFl7gI/AAAAAAAAM-E/LsRN0Zn18x8/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Byi1CuSt9mQ/Vjip9UFl7gI/AAAAAAAAM-E/LsRN0Zn18x8/s320/IMG_1719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I also got 3 skeins of Socks Yeah! because the colours are gorgeous and they would make some beautiful stripy fingerless mitts and I have a stripy fingerless mitt pattern just begging to be used. They would also make a beautiful fairisle hat and I have a fairisle hat pattern that is also begging to be used. Decisions will have to be made.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36PdyNw04Q4/Vjip4iQncII/AAAAAAAAM98/DElkPjZsbZE/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36PdyNw04Q4/Vjip4iQncII/AAAAAAAAM98/DElkPjZsbZE/s320/IMG_1720.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
From <a href="http://www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Oxford Yarn Store</a> (discovered during a lovely weekend jaunt to Oxford) I bought this beautiful green Aran because I don't have much Aran and I don't have much green and I want to make another pair of cabled fingerless mitts and I think they'd look nice in green.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJZD3wzz4SQ/Vjipq_7cUkI/AAAAAAAAM90/G9xTDW_oiNk/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJZD3wzz4SQ/Vjipq_7cUkI/AAAAAAAAM90/G9xTDW_oiNk/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb7FJIZVihs/Vjipq8f1pGI/AAAAAAAAM90/FVJ5ZBlzg4U/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb7FJIZVihs/Vjipq8f1pGI/AAAAAAAAM90/FVJ5ZBlzg4U/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made these grey mitts with leftover yarn from the crocheted poncho - the jury's still out on that one but I do like the mitts.</div>
<br />
<br />
See - easily justified. Now I just need to find the time to finish current wips before starting these...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-58470954747263080692015-09-30T02:30:00.000-07:002015-09-30T02:30:05.682-07:00Channelling my inner granny!Despite eldest son using MY sewing room as HIS bedroom during the long summer break from uni, I have managed to churn out a few makes over the last few weeks. My aim is to develop a mostly homemade wardrobe and I'm pleased to have found a couple of dress patterns that I love and plan to make multiple times - more of those in another post (the trouble with having a long break from blogging is there's too much to catch up on when you return!). However, one project that languished in my crochet basket throughout the summer was a crochet top from a rather beautiful Japanese pattern book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tfg9DtsUQs/VgurEewr5OI/AAAAAAAAMxw/qOvWnrwGVF0/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Tfg9DtsUQs/VgurEewr5OI/AAAAAAAAMxw/qOvWnrwGVF0/s320/IMG_1695.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nK116UaVYMg/VgurESrau5I/AAAAAAAAMxw/BUW8kHVUlR4/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nK116UaVYMg/VgurESrau5I/AAAAAAAAMxw/BUW8kHVUlR4/s320/IMG_1696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'd had a John Arbon 3ply yarn in my stash for a while, waiting for a suitable project and decided to match it to this pattern. As the instructions are in Japanese I had no idea what weight of yarn was used originally but a sample motif looked about the right size so I ploughed on. I prefer to work from charts so deciphering the pattern wasn't hard but I had reservations throughout that this wasn't going to work - the Japanese model is very petite and I am most definitely not! Also, it's styled so beautifully in the book which makes it look fresh and modern whereas mine was simply looking like something my Granny might have worn - not the look I was aiming for! However, having it lying there, half done, was annoying me so I bit the bullet this week and just forced myself to finish it. The jury is still out on whether it looks stylish and original or hideous and dated! I also haven't decided whether to put a cord around the neck as per the pattern (too bed jackety?), put a single button on the top, or wear it open like a shawl with sleeves. Option 4, of course, is never to let it see the light of day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbX84UOWsgo/VgurW2oDJxI/AAAAAAAAMyY/HZGsdPAI5uQ/s1600/IMG_1694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbX84UOWsgo/VgurW2oDJxI/AAAAAAAAMyY/HZGsdPAI5uQ/s320/IMG_1694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6tIRFIpQKs/VgurWyzXrnI/AAAAAAAAMyY/GfdsJhGfpN4/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6tIRFIpQKs/VgurWyzXrnI/AAAAAAAAMyY/GfdsJhGfpN4/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mtqY34O3zc/VgurW8AGy3I/AAAAAAAAMyY/iQAyNMiIm_A/s1600/IMG_1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mtqY34O3zc/VgurW8AGy3I/AAAAAAAAMyY/iQAyNMiIm_A/s320/IMG_1690.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJp7oWBwID0/VgurW1diJpI/AAAAAAAAMyY/4WTwMv9cwww/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJp7oWBwID0/VgurW1diJpI/AAAAAAAAMyY/4WTwMv9cwww/s320/IMG_1689.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not learning from this episode I have now started a crocheted poncho - it seems I really am a girl of the 70's after all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqBmbE9nSqA/VguriOldDmI/AAAAAAAAMyg/u2dLKYc_IEY/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqBmbE9nSqA/VguriOldDmI/AAAAAAAAMyg/u2dLKYc_IEY/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-54650026404223118932015-08-20T08:31:00.001-07:002015-08-20T08:31:41.245-07:00Summer LullThe Summer holiday is whizzing along and although I love the change in routine I find I don't use the time so much for making and painting, but for planning. I did manage to whizz up a little shawlette with a single skein of some beautiful Skein Queen 4ply that I've had for about a year, and I finally made my husband the shirt I've been promising him for ages...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpftBfGRkW0/VdXxtmahQII/AAAAAAAAMsE/z7WJhLY2ycM/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpftBfGRkW0/VdXxtmahQII/AAAAAAAAMsE/z7WJhLY2ycM/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyE5BxF_ymg/VdXxtjOInUI/AAAAAAAAMsE/vqjCEoBOs4w/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GyE5BxF_ymg/VdXxtjOInUI/AAAAAAAAMsE/vqjCEoBOs4w/s320/IMG_1654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMhhDLIA9Qo/VdXxti1Q34I/AAAAAAAAMsE/exEIw0Mnzak/s1600/IMG_1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMhhDLIA9Qo/VdXxti1Q34I/AAAAAAAAMsE/exEIw0Mnzak/s320/IMG_1664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9dA4UwhGTo/VdXxtilIyFI/AAAAAAAAMsE/QfjDf5ewBC8/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9dA4UwhGTo/VdXxtilIyFI/AAAAAAAAMsE/QfjDf5ewBC8/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was particularly pleased with the shirt and enjoyed making it slowly and carefully. I've already promised eldest son one for his graduation next year and may well make hubby another one for Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have two knitting projects and three crochet projects on the go and plans for more chicken paintings in the Autumn. In the meantime I'm having a good old sort out of my studio so that when two eldest boys go back to uni and peace is restored then I'll be ready to go!</div>
<span id="goog_1332579904"></span><span id="goog_1332579905"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-84869194761108115122015-06-30T02:29:00.001-07:002015-06-30T02:29:31.941-07:00Flamingos and Chickens!Don't you just love it when you go into work on a Monday morning to be told your main task of the day is to sew together and stuff a knitted flamingo?! I love my job!<br />
<br />
So, said flamingo is now stuffed and sitting in the new tropical themed window. I also made some watermelon and banana bunting (as you do) and a watermelon cushion, and Maxine made some pineapple bunting and pineapple teacosies. Catriona is crocheting a second flamingo (well, it would be cruel to just have the one!)<br />
We're just waiting now for Carmen Miranda to make an appearance!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_C21vARwek/VZJgvKjpTtI/AAAAAAAAMkw/eZKHU-P6sCM/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l_C21vARwek/VZJgvKjpTtI/AAAAAAAAMkw/eZKHU-P6sCM/s320/IMG_1611.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtmtisEmv4A/VZJgvM7UtuI/AAAAAAAAMkw/lEQ8X8tap2c/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtmtisEmv4A/VZJgvM7UtuI/AAAAAAAAMkw/lEQ8X8tap2c/s320/IMG_1612.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUmsKhQRNPI/VZJgvIhNYPI/AAAAAAAAMkw/VP3RfOKrOqo/s1600/IMG_1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUmsKhQRNPI/VZJgvIhNYPI/AAAAAAAAMkw/VP3RfOKrOqo/s320/IMG_1614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Having not done much painting of late I thought I better do a few new pieces for the upcoming Open Studios. I wasn't going to paint any more birds but in the end I couldn't resist. I wanted to experiment with painting with acrylic on wood and began with one of my favourites - a rather sinister looking crow. However, I then felt like doing something a bit lighter and more colourful so painted a rather daft looking chicken! I have to say, I don't think this will be my last time painting a chicken - I love their goofy expressions. I have several friends who keep chickens so I plan on going round and photographing them. Maybe my next exhibition could be called "Chickens of Frome"!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxBEw8lngfs/VZJhAdJhgYI/AAAAAAAAMk4/1tYx2M9UxJg/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxBEw8lngfs/VZJhAdJhgYI/AAAAAAAAMk4/1tYx2M9UxJg/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geaZwJXzM44/VZJhAU7Fa9I/AAAAAAAAMk4/v8lZQFjcEVc/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geaZwJXzM44/VZJhAU7Fa9I/AAAAAAAAMk4/v8lZQFjcEVc/s320/IMG_1616.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I also managed to make up some pendants - these are very satisfying to make (apart when when I almost stuck two of my fingers to one of them! Note to self - superglue dries fast!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg_DuK-YB1g/VZJhIaMdECI/AAAAAAAAMlA/iZ-Yue-V34Q/s1600/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg_DuK-YB1g/VZJhIaMdECI/AAAAAAAAMlA/iZ-Yue-V34Q/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm currently working on a painting of a hare although I'm not sure if it will be ready for setting up the Open Studio on Friday. Nevertheless it feels good to be back in the studio, and the combination of sunny weather and Wimbledon on the radio (come on Murray!) makes the perfect backdrop. Happy days!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-81121134601286061632015-06-11T12:04:00.000-07:002015-06-11T12:04:00.592-07:00It's too warm to wear a cardigan......just as I finished two of them! Clearly my clothes making is affecting the climate - I make a Summer dress - it rains, I make a cosy cardi - we get a heatwave!<br />
I finished the Rowan Felted Tweed one a couple of weeks ago and despite being quite lightweight it is incredibly warm. I do like it a lot but it's quite hard to wear done up as I've chosen buttons for their prettiness rather than their practicality! They're a smidge too small and also not deep enough so the slightest amount of pressure and they pop open. I'm hoping to remedy this by sewing some ribbon on the back of the button bands. I've not done this before so I'm looking forward to trying it out. I've chosen some bright orange spotty ribbon to add a secret splash of colour!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wchM1DSdGM/VXnZSj8coyI/AAAAAAAAMbk/zj8Z4cbkKBQ/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wchM1DSdGM/VXnZSj8coyI/AAAAAAAAMbk/zj8Z4cbkKBQ/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFXoBWiKodY/VXnZSuqi1FI/AAAAAAAAMbk/_toBmsaHgSo/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFXoBWiKodY/VXnZSuqi1FI/AAAAAAAAMbk/_toBmsaHgSo/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My second cardigan was started and finished in about 10 days which is a record for me. I am a terribly slow knitter but this one is cropped with 3/4 length sleeves and worked in an aran weight so it positively flew off the needles! The pattern is Miette and is free on Ravelry and was a really easy knit. I really like the vintage feel of it, particularly the shaping for the bust. The only changes I made were to lengthen the body by a couple of inches and shorten the sleeves slightly. I was worried it was working up too small but now it's finished and blocked it fits fine. I haven't put buttons on it yet but I'm planning on putting in some ribbon reinforcements in this one too as the negative ease means there's quite a lot of strain on it and I don't want the button band to gape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r7Cw0Ch1ZI/VXnaImwDh1I/AAAAAAAAMb0/smWgXohqyPQ/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r7Cw0Ch1ZI/VXnaImwDh1I/AAAAAAAAMb0/smWgXohqyPQ/s320/IMG_1582.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-R59UfaA2Q/VXnZ0ZLsxvI/AAAAAAAAMbs/J-dxgXJa8I8/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-R59UfaA2Q/VXnZ0ZLsxvI/AAAAAAAAMbs/J-dxgXJa8I8/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JIINRyRCAM/VXnZ0acPe_I/AAAAAAAAMbs/RqRj9IeLtwg/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JIINRyRCAM/VXnZ0acPe_I/AAAAAAAAMbs/RqRj9IeLtwg/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's amazing how different the colour looks in the first two photos - in reality it's somewhere in between the two. I'm sure I'll make at least one more of these - maybe in a pale pink or buttery yellow. In the meantime I still have an Open Studio to prepare for (procrastinate, me? Never!)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-206501256822445612015-06-01T12:41:00.000-07:002015-06-01T12:41:12.379-07:00June already......and as I type this it's blowing a gale outside and feels like winter! The changeable weather certainly created a few challenges with Me-Made-May. Most of my home sewn clothes seem most suited to warmer weather so it has required some serious layering to stick to the challenge! However I'm pleased to report that I managed to wear at least one item of home made clothing every day during the month of May - hurray! I did make a few extra garments to prevent boredom kicking in and it also made me evaluate my wardrobe to the extent that I got rid of 5 full bin bags of clothes that for one reason or another I just didn't wear or like! It's now obvious where the gaps are in my pared down wardrobe and I can enjoy making (wherever possible) clothes that I feel happy in.<br />
Here are some of my May outfits...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ-UK96TTuI/VWyv7EcPpjI/AAAAAAAAMXU/rAmfJuEMoCw/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ-UK96TTuI/VWyv7EcPpjI/AAAAAAAAMXU/rAmfJuEMoCw/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Teal linen tunic dress - meant to be worn as a Summer dress but too darn cold so had to be layered. Lovely simple pattern (New Look 0775) but the linen creases really badly (even by linen standards!). Will make again in a drapey fabric.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn2AfB0ZMoM/VWyv7KBp-mI/AAAAAAAAMXU/ugOPSCh1W3I/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn2AfB0ZMoM/VWyv7KBp-mI/AAAAAAAAMXU/ugOPSCh1W3I/s320/IMG_1548.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simple top made in some cotton I was given (layered up again!).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--657oPorpGc/VWyv7BRexJI/AAAAAAAAMXU/qOu2XTSFDLc/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--657oPorpGc/VWyv7BRexJI/AAAAAAAAMXU/qOu2XTSFDLc/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I like the effect of the spotty bias binding on the sleeve and neck edges. I have quite a lot of spotty binding so this may well become a regular feature!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ7u_fUfRYM/VWyv7I0aDiI/AAAAAAAAMXU/y7yGw3XgWRE/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ7u_fUfRYM/VWyv7I0aDiI/AAAAAAAAMXU/y7yGw3XgWRE/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black linen dress - this one is sleeveless and doesn't crease quite so badly as the teal linen - I think I'll get a lot of wear out of this one.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kU8sIrHawyQ/VWyv7JP58hI/AAAAAAAAMXU/C-IL3k4dMj8/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kU8sIrHawyQ/VWyv7JP58hI/AAAAAAAAMXU/C-IL3k4dMj8/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was my blocking technique for my Daybreak Shawl (pattern by Stephen West). I didn't want to lose the straight edge with pins so weighted it lightly with pegs - worked a treat! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXoLCR55Tc/VWyv7AhR7aI/AAAAAAAAMXU/l98qb0rP6C4/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXoLCR55Tc/VWyv7AhR7aI/AAAAAAAAMXU/l98qb0rP6C4/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A lovely pattern that works well as a traditional shawl and also in the wrap around style below.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THlPOqvS7Yw/VWyv7B1zeTI/AAAAAAAAMXU/bdnzOj26ubs/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THlPOqvS7Yw/VWyv7B1zeTI/AAAAAAAAMXU/bdnzOj26ubs/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It came in very useful on the chillier days!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also finished my felted tweed cardigan, which I love (no photos yet but I have worn it several times already) and I've started two more cardies - 1 knitted and 1 crocheted, so all in all, May felt like quite a productive month. June is going to be all about the painting as I gear up for another Open Studio in the Frome Festival!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-605328734029516922015-05-12T13:55:00.000-07:002015-05-12T13:55:42.025-07:00Me-Made-May 2015For the last couple of years I have watched from afar as sewers took part in the Me-Made-May challenge. This year I decided to take the plunge and promise to wear at least one piece of me-made clothing every day throughout the month of May. The challenge was started by the talented Zoe of <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">'So Zo...What do you know?'</a> . I have decided not to photograph each outfit every day as my homemade wardrobe is still somewhat limited and there will be many repeats throughout the month. So far I have worn the following items quite a lot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZH9n-Wh8yA/VVJlGEejYvI/AAAAAAAAMO0/mfpztuqShK8/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZH9n-Wh8yA/VVJlGEejYvI/AAAAAAAAMO0/mfpztuqShK8/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkoj5TjPXKA/VVJlGNMLNCI/AAAAAAAAMO0/R6E3lgWusRM/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkoj5TjPXKA/VVJlGNMLNCI/AAAAAAAAMO0/R6E3lgWusRM/s320/IMG_1522.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEjU54ZoEeo/VVJlGPhzKcI/AAAAAAAAMO0/lZG5hruRk3c/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEjU54ZoEeo/VVJlGPhzKcI/AAAAAAAAMO0/lZG5hruRk3c/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0fTOzC6BBM/VVJlGF-lP8I/AAAAAAAAMO0/j5Os_Uq8FpI/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0fTOzC6BBM/VVJlGF-lP8I/AAAAAAAAMO0/j5Os_Uq8FpI/s320/IMG_1529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHl4VU3-qAU/VVJlGHVo0_I/AAAAAAAAMO0/XVBktR4DRoA/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHl4VU3-qAU/VVJlGHVo0_I/AAAAAAAAMO0/XVBktR4DRoA/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The second picture is a simple little top made from the Learn to Sew with Lauren book and she very helpfully showed how to do a full bust adjustment on her blog, <a href="http://guthrie-ghani.co.uk/" target="_blank">Guthrie & Ghani</a>. This was something I've wanted to try for a while and it was surprisingly straightforward. It was very satisfying to have darts in the right place and not to have to go up a size to ensure a good fit around the bust.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuc7RZOIszM/VVJmzDFNfdI/AAAAAAAAMPA/_NBlIblX6lQ/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuc7RZOIszM/VVJmzDFNfdI/AAAAAAAAMPA/_NBlIblX6lQ/s320/IMG_1518.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, 12 days in and I've managed to find something homemade to wear every day but it has made me realise where the gaps are in my homemade wardrobe - solid colours, trousers and cardigans (must knit faster!). I did finish one pair of trousers but they won't be making an appearance outside of the house and certainly not in front of the camera! Let's just say I'm still seeking the perfect trouser pattern!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-15438713266362295842015-04-21T04:57:00.000-07:002015-04-21T04:57:56.405-07:00Yay - I made a Tee Shirt!I have spent the last few evenings wrestling with my sewing machine and overlocker, using new stitches, working out how to use a twin needle, trying not to be impatient and refraining from bad language (well, I didn't quite manage the last one!) all for the sake of a tee shirt! I saw this project as a learning process so I used some cheap fabric in case I botched the whole thing up. I've discovered that I don't like cutting out stretch fabric but sewing with it really isn't as difficult as I feared. I used a combination of the super strength straight stitch on my sewing machine for the neckline and armholes and the overlocker for the side and arm seams, and for neatening edges. I used a twin needle for all top stitching and hemming and now I have a homemade tee shirt that I might actually wear out of the house!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDoRrFgFPds/VTY1wiosofI/AAAAAAAAMG4/t_qzJx0H3YE/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDoRrFgFPds/VTY1wiosofI/AAAAAAAAMG4/t_qzJx0H3YE/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tee shirts aren't really my thing but I do like the v neck and three quarter length sleeves on this one. The neck line was the trickiest bit of the whole thing and although it's far from perfect, it's definitely wearable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BypmzjgFNCE/VTY2QbXSPgI/AAAAAAAAMHA/RPpVu5x_t3I/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BypmzjgFNCE/VTY2QbXSPgI/AAAAAAAAMHA/RPpVu5x_t3I/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, inspired by this experience I'm now on the lookout for other stretch fabrics and patterns to sew - there doesn't seem to be a wide variety available in the shops I've been to so I think I need to look online.<br />
I'm considering taking part in the Me Made May challenge but before committing myself to wearing something homemade every day in May I need to come up with a few more items. Consequently I ran up a little cotton tunic which requires no fastenings and is a very quick make. It's the first time I've made this particular pattern and although I do need to make a few adjustments to the fit I can see me making a few more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oB9udXZy-S4/VTY4ehWugnI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/zQSSm1H_ivc/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oB9udXZy-S4/VTY4ehWugnI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/zQSSm1H_ivc/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvIBxKofo4/VTY4ehgDLXI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/rGGORZ6v5yo/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvIBxKofo4/VTY4ehgDLXI/AAAAAAAAMHQ/rGGORZ6v5yo/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It doesn't sit quite right under the arms but luckily my little knitted top not only matches in colour but also covers any fitting issues!<br />
I also couldn't resist using this cotton rich Aran when it arrived in Marmalade Yarns. These colours reminded me of Neapolitan ice cream and were quickly hooked up into a snug cowl. Of course, since making it the sun has shone and I've had no need for it! Never mind, now I've made a summery tee shirt it's bound to rain!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkkfuD73OTg/VTY6m5I2iTI/AAAAAAAAMHc/E2vpQi2-cpY/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkkfuD73OTg/VTY6m5I2iTI/AAAAAAAAMHc/E2vpQi2-cpY/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGdIMt9ZjBg/VTY6t82leHI/AAAAAAAAMHk/AJDvTdVezZU/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGdIMt9ZjBg/VTY6t82leHI/AAAAAAAAMHk/AJDvTdVezZU/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA9xj30-DCU/VTY6m79ZrOI/AAAAAAAAMHc/tlRd0kdj5GE/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA9xj30-DCU/VTY6m79ZrOI/AAAAAAAAMHc/tlRd0kdj5GE/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-44457470674083295872015-04-13T15:32:00.000-07:002015-04-13T15:32:52.743-07:00Mimi Blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I feel I've got my money's worth from <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">Love at First Stitch</a> as I've now made my third item from it. This time it was the Mimi blouse. I used a drapey lightweight fabric which was a pain to sew and even worse to press (as is horribly clear in these photos!) but the pattern itself is well drafted and, as with the other two patterns I've sewn, clearly explained. I did get confused at one point when attaching the collar but realised later that this was due to my own impatience! If I make this one again, I would go down a size - the shoulders are a bit wide and there's a bit too much roominess in it, but I'm calling this a wearable toile!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFDX2IIkSNA/VSw9zx6sWRI/AAAAAAAAMDg/VK3imPqezMY/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFDX2IIkSNA/VSw9zx6sWRI/AAAAAAAAMDg/VK3imPqezMY/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwV0IJm2mQk/VSw9z0t6d7I/AAAAAAAAMDg/ew4F3iX8Sa0/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwV0IJm2mQk/VSw9z0t6d7I/AAAAAAAAMDg/ew4F3iX8Sa0/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ej2NotMQYcw/VSw9z4VxndI/AAAAAAAAMDg/SdwLA15uMxQ/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ej2NotMQYcw/VSw9z4VxndI/AAAAAAAAMDg/SdwLA15uMxQ/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next up is my biggest sewing challenge of late - a simple t shirt (I've never sewn with jersey before) and a pair of trousers! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've also finally finished hand painting the commissioned Lino print - I finished the print ages ago but the paper I used wasn't thick enough not to buckle when over painted. If the paper is too thick it's hard to get a good print so I had to try several weights before finding the perfect balance. I've done three versions with slightly different tints in each. One of the things I love about linoprinting is the </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
freedom to explore different colour ways - if it doesn't work you can just print another!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhN23WmQnl0/VSxDagf-jRI/AAAAAAAAMDw/cPI6kuUu9wY/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhN23WmQnl0/VSxDagf-jRI/AAAAAAAAMDw/cPI6kuUu9wY/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-46302272938077941842015-03-30T17:24:00.001-07:002015-03-30T17:24:34.085-07:00Megan Dress and a cross dog!I made the Megan Dress from the Love At First Stich book with some cheap tartan. I decided to use this instead of making a muslin and I've actually ended up with a wearable dress! I really love the shape and fit of this dress and plan to make at least two more - one using the Spring Hares fabric and possibly one in linen, although I'm slightly concerned that a linen version would end up with a saggy bottom after a day of wearing and sitting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoLMMVOpecg/VRnowfKRwyI/AAAAAAAAL_w/S0Li5IjLkcg/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoLMMVOpecg/VRnowfKRwyI/AAAAAAAAL_w/S0Li5IjLkcg/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I put in the invisible zip in the fish skirt I used a regular zipper foot and the result is ok but not completely invisible, so for this dress I invested all of £5 in an invisible zipper foot and I think it makes a big difference. The next challenge for me is clearly in the art of pattern matching!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnzkgFTGJ8/VRno52P5FuI/AAAAAAAAMAE/BZ3FctNJGoU/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnzkgFTGJ8/VRno52P5FuI/AAAAAAAAMAE/BZ3FctNJGoU/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uI4yIBkHic/VRno59YUj-I/AAAAAAAAMAE/cEIaE1aV1Ec/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uI4yIBkHic/VRno59YUj-I/AAAAAAAAMAE/cEIaE1aV1Ec/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I also, finally, finished my pink (oh so very pink!) lace and kidsilk haze scarf. I don't think it looks that great on me so I put in on Mabel instead - as you can see from her expression she is not impressed! Maybe pink isn't her colour either!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_YNM9uuIg/VRnpFMcKiWI/AAAAAAAAMAY/ehzEIKDYF0A/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3_YNM9uuIg/VRnpFMcKiWI/AAAAAAAAMAY/ehzEIKDYF0A/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFv-3jgy31E/VRnpFKUpv7I/AAAAAAAAMAY/E76H3TGj1mM/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFv-3jgy31E/VRnpFKUpv7I/AAAAAAAAMAY/E76H3TGj1mM/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-32563974188534486632015-03-10T14:12:00.001-07:002015-03-10T14:12:17.639-07:00Bits and Pieces...I've thoroughly enjoyed using my free time to do creative bits and pieces just for the fun of it over the last couple of weeks. The pop up shop was great fun and successful for all four of us, but it is nice to be making something for no other reason than just because you want to!<br />
<br />
I've made a couple of slouchy hats - one knitted, one crocheted. Both have a high silk content and are very warm to wear on those early morning dog walks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeZu6080y0o/VP9Xtuq7mqI/AAAAAAAAL6M/b-dcZpP9PC0/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeZu6080y0o/VP9Xtuq7mqI/AAAAAAAAL6M/b-dcZpP9PC0/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejWnawv0mec/VP9Xtl7yHfI/AAAAAAAAL6M/ryFMQeQUtRI/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejWnawv0mec/VP9Xtl7yHfI/AAAAAAAAL6M/ryFMQeQUtRI/s1600/IMG_1436.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I've experimented with a new corsage design - more three dimensional than my previous ones, and also tried my hand at making a pendant for a necklace. I just used a photocopy of an existing painting of mine for this one but I'm quite keen to explore this idea with hand painted images specifically done to fit different sizes and shapes of pendants. I see all sorts of potential for miniature butterflies, birds and creepy crawlies!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDlQVz5F34c/VP9XzTdaGgI/AAAAAAAAL6U/b7bRur5Qfw0/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDlQVz5F34c/VP9XzTdaGgI/AAAAAAAAL6U/b7bRur5Qfw0/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I went to <a href="http://www.midsomerq.com/" target="_blank">Midsomer Quilting</a> with Maxine and came home with two different fabrics - one fishy and one with Spring hares. The range of fabrics was amazing and I shall definitely be back for more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoYDhMg9no8/VP9YKYeaG6I/AAAAAAAAL6k/WAD0Ugy9a7U/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoYDhMg9no8/VP9YKYeaG6I/AAAAAAAAL6k/WAD0Ugy9a7U/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oDVAj_l14U/VP9YKQJfNMI/AAAAAAAAL6k/nA4XfbdR8Mo/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1oDVAj_l14U/VP9YKQJfNMI/AAAAAAAAL6k/nA4XfbdR8Mo/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The fishes have been turned into a skirt. The pattern is the one on the cover of <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/all/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">Love at First Stitch</a> and I was very impressed with the clarity of instructions. I plan to turn the hare fabric into the Megan dress from the same book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3ikw8fK858/VP9YUyPAjtI/AAAAAAAAL6s/jCGDX8noV-Q/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3ikw8fK858/VP9YUyPAjtI/AAAAAAAAL6s/jCGDX8noV-Q/s1600/IMG_1444.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oycbJQLAbbA/VP9YU3VxIJI/AAAAAAAAL6s/G_OLdu5x4Qw/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oycbJQLAbbA/VP9YU3VxIJI/AAAAAAAAL6s/G_OLdu5x4Qw/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One problem with the skirt is that I seem to have nothing to wear with it, so with Maxine's encouragement (again!) I have brought home some yummy Rowan felted tweed to make a little cardi!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euTfFDQTSCQ/VP9dkaw5DdI/AAAAAAAAL7U/QZIiq3m6vGo/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euTfFDQTSCQ/VP9dkaw5DdI/AAAAAAAAL7U/QZIiq3m6vGo/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know I have a long list of projects on the go already and I also know that I promised myself not to get any more yarn until I'd finished at least a few of them, but Maxine's very persuasive and I am weak!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-37621029551942477042015-02-20T23:24:00.000-08:002015-02-20T23:24:21.801-08:00Colour Coordinated!Occasionally, and purely accidentally, I find myself colour coordinated! So when I tried on one of Rachel's rings in the Pop Up Shop this week I was delighted to find that it went not only with my newly crocheted fingerless mitts and my cardigan, but also the crochet hook that I happened to be using! I feel this is a sign telling me that the ring must be mine!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5mUBmETn0/VOeVHPZIDFI/AAAAAAAALyg/_Wp8xYnXKQE/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8N5mUBmETn0/VOeVHPZIDFI/AAAAAAAALyg/_Wp8xYnXKQE/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZSKUkf94EM/VOeVHPHTHvI/AAAAAAAALyg/h8d4itpRJ5I/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZSKUkf94EM/VOeVHPHTHvI/AAAAAAAALyg/h8d4itpRJ5I/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-81384441402139539802015-02-20T12:04:00.000-08:002015-02-20T12:04:12.313-08:00The Pop Up Shop has Popped Up!Whilst I've been very quiet on the blogging front of late, I have been beavering away trying to get everything ready for our pop up shop and it is now up and running! I belong to a group of 4 local crafts women known collectively as The Keyford Artisans. Keyford is an old part of Frome where we all live and have previously shown our work during the Frome Festival. The Pop Up shop is in a studio in the lovely Black Swan Arts Gallery in Frome and we have it for two weeks. It's a small but light and airy space and as none of us has large scale work we have managed to fit everything in quite comfortably.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvaBJ5PElrM/VOYjZeKKlaI/AAAAAAAALxg/lEoj-LgRizE/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvaBJ5PElrM/VOYjZeKKlaI/AAAAAAAALxg/lEoj-LgRizE/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The shop window.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqkpybfvyPQ/VOYjZfaDi8I/AAAAAAAALxg/2GZYACRb0hY/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqkpybfvyPQ/VOYjZfaDi8I/AAAAAAAALxg/2GZYACRb0hY/s1600/IMG_1404.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mary manning the desk whilst simultaneously working on a new fair isle design!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iXaipbyAyk/VOYjZQfbMEI/AAAAAAAALxg/BH5MJrGcxpg/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iXaipbyAyk/VOYjZQfbMEI/AAAAAAAALxg/BH5MJrGcxpg/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of Lin's felted bowls and Mary's tams.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baPCcNvq-C4/VOYjZToo9RI/AAAAAAAALxg/qPGAqjLah3U/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baPCcNvq-C4/VOYjZToo9RI/AAAAAAAALxg/qPGAqjLah3U/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rachel's beautiful jewellery and pretty lights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCmpyp3-7_c/VOYjZcMXHAI/AAAAAAAALxg/b0Zv4suJY7s/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCmpyp3-7_c/VOYjZcMXHAI/AAAAAAAALxg/b0Zv4suJY7s/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Painted and crocheted pebbles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSpiIjrnMM0/VOYjZRlUcGI/AAAAAAAALxg/7mgeFXo2v9g/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSpiIjrnMM0/VOYjZRlUcGI/AAAAAAAALxg/7mgeFXo2v9g/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My butterfly collection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah342sNgvPw/VOYjZTBn0oI/AAAAAAAALxg/tGiklrSoupE/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah342sNgvPw/VOYjZTBn0oI/AAAAAAAALxg/tGiklrSoupE/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crocheted bunting adorning the desk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're open until Sunday 1st March, which is also the day of the next Frome Independent Market. It's been fun to chat to lots of people and even make some sales! We've had some lovely coverage in the local press although they mistakenly attributed me with a degree in metalwork!! Maybe I should start crocheting in wire and see what happens! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-84646238079232879382015-01-21T03:12:00.002-08:002015-01-21T03:12:43.760-08:00Busy times!Having decided to paint a butterfly a day in January life appears to have got in the way so instead of 21 butterflies I currently have 14! Never mind, I'm enjoying the process even if I'm not being as productive as I'd hoped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaX3HcTNM0M/VL-CmVcZJWI/AAAAAAAALpE/Qdx92TL8ae4/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaX3HcTNM0M/VL-CmVcZJWI/AAAAAAAALpE/Qdx92TL8ae4/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've finished the crocheted top but have yet to choose a button for it. I'm undecided about its wearability - it seems ok over a crisp white shirt and I've worn it open and loose over a black tunic dress but I am concerned that it's pushing me over into mad crocheted lady territory! Must remember not to wear it with the crocheted skirt I've started! (Incidentally, friends at work have looked at the skirt pattern and stifled laughter has been the overwhelming response - well, I do like a challenge and am determined to make it and wear it with pride!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfTOawZRKNY/VL-D8jutKbI/AAAAAAAALpo/G2EQibMca9s/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfTOawZRKNY/VL-D8jutKbI/AAAAAAAALpo/G2EQibMca9s/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dress form has a new black body - I made it out of a fabric called "scuba"! This was a necessary step to keep in all the padding I had to add to make the form the same shape as me! A rather depressing piece of sewing but when making your own clothes there's no hiding from your vital statistics!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've made progress with the pink scarf - I've finished the first half and started the second. I have learnt one important thing from this project - I absolutely hate knitting nupps and will avoid a project in the future if they have them! Luckily I've now completed all the nupps on this piece, but I've had to put it to one side to concentrate on making flowers (for corsages and hair clips) and hearts (for bunting) for the pop up shop in February. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPJlcCqK5qs/VL-G_INjlJI/AAAAAAAALp4/Q6FTBFDNtg8/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPJlcCqK5qs/VL-G_INjlJI/AAAAAAAALp4/Q6FTBFDNtg8/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFrNoIm7EMM/VL-G_P-v2qI/AAAAAAAALp4/TaEhnN5kA4c/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFrNoIm7EMM/VL-G_P-v2qI/AAAAAAAALp4/TaEhnN5kA4c/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvPKcXKRKv0/VL-G_BS8V6I/AAAAAAAALp4/47BzOVF06WE/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvPKcXKRKv0/VL-G_BS8V6I/AAAAAAAALp4/47BzOVF06WE/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The red hearts will be making an appearance in Marmalade Yarns soon - a clue as to what Maxine is planning for the next window display!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, whilst I haven't quite done as much as I'd hoped to by this stage in January, I shall continue to try and do something creative every day and enjoy the moment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-79613243675258780882015-01-04T10:27:00.000-08:002015-01-04T10:27:13.781-08:00WIP - the Hall of Shame!With Christmas done and dusted it felt right to do some reorganising. I knew I had a couple of projects to complete once the festive makes were finished but I didn't think I had a really meaty project to enjoy in the New Year. Inevitably, this led me to bring home some more yarn from Marmalade Yarns so that I wouldn't get to that horrible state of having nothing to do! I needn't have worried - once I went through my various bags and baskets I realised I had more than enough projects, either started or planned for, to keep me going for most of 2015! I decided to post some of them here to shame me into completing them before I acquire any more yarn! So, in no particular order, this is what I will be doing in January (and February, March, April etc)...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM9ASPpcX1Y/VKl-ZXh55NI/AAAAAAAALl4/XOj6ZiUwpYE/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM9ASPpcX1Y/VKl-ZXh55NI/AAAAAAAALl4/XOj6ZiUwpYE/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lace scarf - about a quarter done so far.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TxjhKGBSng/VKl-ZevOtdI/AAAAAAAALl4/KdkU6gSGW5Y/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TxjhKGBSng/VKl-ZevOtdI/AAAAAAAALl4/KdkU6gSGW5Y/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Capelet/cowl thing - designing it as I'm doing it and currently stalling on what to do next.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCzDG8lz9s/VKl_mgvqKAI/AAAAAAAALmA/mMhO0TENI1s/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffCzDG8lz9s/VKl_mgvqKAI/AAAAAAAALmA/mMhO0TENI1s/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
String basket - hardly started but abandoned because it hurt my fingers and wrists. Need to remember to do a couple of rows every now and then.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inO3g61VwGo/VKl-ZSqU3-I/AAAAAAAALl4/ICWM7rQjUsQ/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inO3g61VwGo/VKl-ZSqU3-I/AAAAAAAALl4/ICWM7rQjUsQ/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simple Granny blanket needed for a birthday in February.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_0lo6NgL1A/VKl-ZV6W47I/AAAAAAAALl4/PJG-OExX_44/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_0lo6NgL1A/VKl-ZV6W47I/AAAAAAAALl4/PJG-OExX_44/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crocheted skirt - 1 motif done!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyE287ZLL3k/VKl-ZVlYy8I/AAAAAAAALl4/W2fgy0PeBGI/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyE287ZLL3k/VKl-ZVlYy8I/AAAAAAAALl4/W2fgy0PeBGI/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful yarn earmarked for some fingerless mitts (the Skein Queen) and a cabled cowl (the wonderfully soft Purl Soho yarn).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgPl6U1h7RA/VKl-ZQ6XcRI/AAAAAAAALl4/u_o405qRoUc/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgPl6U1h7RA/VKl-ZQ6XcRI/AAAAAAAALl4/u_o405qRoUc/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A cap sleeved cardigan - two thirds done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've also got several skeins set aside for socks and fairisle mittens!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the painting front I have given myself the challenge of painting a butterfly a day for the month of January. I'm actually a bit ahead of myself on this as I've already started tomorrow's and Tuesday's! Once each sheet of 6 is finished I need to varnish them and then cut them out with a scalpel before mounting them individually in the little 3D frames. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLBLhByDnxE/VKl-ZWJRTZI/AAAAAAAALl4/kUY2oaTeAUE/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLBLhByDnxE/VKl-ZWJRTZI/AAAAAAAALl4/kUY2oaTeAUE/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is preparation for a pop up shop I'm taking part in, in February, so I also need to get cracking with crocheted bunting, corsages and hair grips. I think I need a lie down!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-20485447870704908192014-12-07T08:59:00.002-08:002014-12-07T08:59:19.016-08:00This week......has had it's ups and downs. Food poisoning on Friday was definitely a down, but bouncing back and teaching some lovely ladies to make crocheted snowflakes on Saturday was an up! My latest knitting project has also had a bit of both. What started as a simple project to make a stocking filler turned into an epic nightly battle with wool and needles!<br />
<br />
This was the rather unpromising start where I turned some beautiful Rowan yarn into strange and unrecognisable shapes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D45l-e6WarA/VISGiwObbdI/AAAAAAAALh0/llsP-S_twp8/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D45l-e6WarA/VISGiwObbdI/AAAAAAAALh0/llsP-S_twp8/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then followed some carcass construction - still not looking great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqUCy45GKaY/VISG_geSAJI/AAAAAAAALiE/n1MVOxit6n8/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqUCy45GKaY/VISG_geSAJI/AAAAAAAALiE/n1MVOxit6n8/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At one point I was stared at by a manic penguin...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UN-n7GWdFe0/VISHK5-JqUI/AAAAAAAALiQ/z1GCNhyipXs/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UN-n7GWdFe0/VISHK5-JqUI/AAAAAAAALiQ/z1GCNhyipXs/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
But then finally I finished, and lo and behold it looked like it was meant to - a bear!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUfviEwGhz8/VISHTWPoT_I/AAAAAAAALiY/KGizyn5zekE/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KUfviEwGhz8/VISHTWPoT_I/AAAAAAAALiY/KGizyn5zekE/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The pattern is in the book Knitted Woodland Creatures and I have to say it was very well written - you just have to believe that the strange shapes will actually come together in the end!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-75493105137544686472014-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:002014-11-21T08:46:01.467-08:00Christmas is a coming......and the window at <a href="http://marmaladeyarns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Marmalade Yarns</a> was due it's festive makeover! We had a sociable gathering last week to finish the snowmen and give them all their own personalities! I made a couple of strings of crocheted snowflake bunting, which will also be used in our Christmas Crochet class on Saturday 6th December. Maxine did the shopping for the tasteful (mostly!) accessories, and then put it all together today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVT54Fk7SM8/VGuKoSKENrI/AAAAAAAALfs/22JRA8vf6R8/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVT54Fk7SM8/VGuKoSKENrI/AAAAAAAALfs/22JRA8vf6R8/s1600/IMG_1332.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfw5UUt_g1Y/VGuKoYuGcqI/AAAAAAAALfs/LX_nUyxmAC8/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfw5UUt_g1Y/VGuKoYuGcqI/AAAAAAAALfs/LX_nUyxmAC8/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDkT1VVKYiE/VGuKoamKmeI/AAAAAAAALfs/-Vdho1BAEOY/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDkT1VVKYiE/VGuKoamKmeI/AAAAAAAALfs/-Vdho1BAEOY/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGFa6Y7_1j8/VGuKoX9bIOI/AAAAAAAALfs/b-Ya5NqfhTY/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGFa6Y7_1j8/VGuKoX9bIOI/AAAAAAAALfs/b-Ya5NqfhTY/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I rather liked the bunting on my own mantle pieces so I might need to make some more for me and also for the Christmas fair this weekend - do come if you're in the Frome area!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DjBQ4LXTKA/VGuLVpvxRsI/AAAAAAAALf0/dvguMJcac4g/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DjBQ4LXTKA/VGuLVpvxRsI/AAAAAAAALf0/dvguMJcac4g/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpupjqwaDc0/VGuLVq8dbdI/AAAAAAAALf0/2p5UqwXq9BE/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FpupjqwaDc0/VGuLVq8dbdI/AAAAAAAALf0/2p5UqwXq9BE/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd4t2aFFWd0/VGuLVoRiJ2I/AAAAAAAALf0/CBrx-5xMr34/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd4t2aFFWd0/VGuLVoRiJ2I/AAAAAAAALf0/CBrx-5xMr34/s1600/IMG_1330.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-15581970491840389822014-11-13T02:10:00.003-08:002014-11-13T02:10:59.535-08:00This week.... I finished my socks, I chose the yarn to make hubby some socks for Christmas, I finished the linocut, I experimented with hand colouring it, I crocheted some snowflakes in preparation for a Christmas crochet class and I redecorated the bathroom! Strangely, the ironing remains untouched!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVPxEDOHBLU/VGSDjokzs_I/AAAAAAAALdI/CtExFwV34yc/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVPxEDOHBLU/VGSDjokzs_I/AAAAAAAALdI/CtExFwV34yc/s320/IMG_1317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQ3T8bzMeI/VGSDjg09MqI/AAAAAAAALdI/y5kj7VP2XT8/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkQ3T8bzMeI/VGSDjg09MqI/AAAAAAAALdI/y5kj7VP2XT8/s320/IMG_1320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGqSkRHORaM/VGSDjqliCrI/AAAAAAAALdI/CDEYudq22TE/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGqSkRHORaM/VGSDjqliCrI/AAAAAAAALdI/CDEYudq22TE/s320/IMG_1323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bnN2Vts8Gc/VGSDjlF9AwI/AAAAAAAALdI/3nU2pMmKiKY/s1600/IMG_1324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bnN2Vts8Gc/VGSDjlF9AwI/AAAAAAAALdI/3nU2pMmKiKY/s320/IMG_1324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIkwwLqJlrE/VGSDjoh_oVI/AAAAAAAALdI/r_AXKizx_Cs/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sIkwwLqJlrE/VGSDjoh_oVI/AAAAAAAALdI/r_AXKizx_Cs/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-36939556818218216022014-10-31T10:47:00.002-07:002014-10-31T10:47:51.562-07:00Lino printingMy studio is a tip. I keep finding images of beautiful workspaces on Pinterest and vow to keep my little space tidy but it just isn't happening! However, I had to ignore the mess today and just get on with doing a test print of a Lino I finished cutting ages ago. This is a commission to make a print of someone's house and it's larger than the linoprints I normally do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGDGc6gNJF8/VFO9ncEa62I/AAAAAAAALas/nKCQPNBb-r4/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGDGc6gNJF8/VFO9ncEa62I/AAAAAAAALas/nKCQPNBb-r4/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLSY_Xi6cEE/VFO9nVq7MMI/AAAAAAAALas/TiEqQkeKPC0/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLSY_Xi6cEE/VFO9nVq7MMI/AAAAAAAALas/TiEqQkeKPC0/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN_ucV1T9IY/VFO9nQjj38I/AAAAAAAALas/u8UaY8UVp7E/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN_ucV1T9IY/VFO9nQjj38I/AAAAAAAALas/u8UaY8UVp7E/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used to moan about not having enough space to print - now I have the space, but seem to have filled it with just as much clutter as everywhere else in the house. Still, I managed to do a rough print just to see if I needed to cut away any more of the block. Overall I'm quite pleased with the outcome - just a bit of fiddling with it before I do the proper print.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also need to get cracking with paintings and crocheted bunting for the Christmas Craft Fair which is coming up in a few short weeks (why does this always take me by surprise?) but that hasn't stopped me from casting on a couple of knitting projects! The first is a pair of socks in some beautiful stripy yarn which was a birthday present. It was the perfect project for the flight to and from Rome. Secondly, I'm mixing a lace weight yarn with some kidsilk haze to make a soft and fluffy scarf/ stole thing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEKqbdzG9RE/VFPIQ2KsJfI/AAAAAAAALbE/yjy80DO6fio/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEKqbdzG9RE/VFPIQ2KsJfI/AAAAAAAALbE/yjy80DO6fio/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCpSBNsp-o0/VFPIQwTo38I/AAAAAAAALbE/141r7fmRfGQ/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCpSBNsp-o0/VFPIQwTo38I/AAAAAAAALbE/141r7fmRfGQ/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rome was wonderful - we had glorious weather, delicious food, fun with friends and cuddles with gorgeous babies! I also got to see the Sistine Chapel for the first time - it was breathtaking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it's back to reality and time to tidy up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-22842817764494409952014-10-14T08:33:00.000-07:002014-10-14T08:33:09.723-07:00Citron ShawlI've finished another shawl and am determined not to cast on another until I've completed a pile of unfinished projects first! This time I made Citron, a free pattern on Ravelry. The yarn was a lace weight ombré alpaca and silk mix and I didn't want to detract from its gorgeous colour change with too much pattern. The Citron is a lovely knit with easily created ruffles. I made an extra section to use up as much of the skein as possible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LERXHUmfgds/VD0_rFP4HyI/AAAAAAAALXI/ZetPi6iPzww/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LERXHUmfgds/VD0_rFP4HyI/AAAAAAAALXI/ZetPi6iPzww/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLVgShyC_WQ/VD0_rKeLAOI/AAAAAAAALXI/Lt8uhZXJMac/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLVgShyC_WQ/VD0_rKeLAOI/AAAAAAAALXI/Lt8uhZXJMac/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP7XKb7_VAY/VD0_rIFMa7I/AAAAAAAALXI/DnIr-jQv1gY/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XP7XKb7_VAY/VD0_rIFMa7I/AAAAAAAALXI/DnIr-jQv1gY/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I did knit a chunky little number over the weekend in Debbie Bliss Paloma but it felt like knitting with broomsticks after all those hours knitting with lace weight yarn!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmrpXUn4fBc/VD1Bx_akayI/AAAAAAAALXY/Yr_h_KsRbJc/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmrpXUn4fBc/VD1Bx_akayI/AAAAAAAALXY/Yr_h_KsRbJc/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My shawl and top are being modelled by my new sewing buddy! My youngest has forbidden me to give her a name as he says she's creepy enough without one but I think she might secretly be a Maud! I have also invested in a new sewing machine - my old one is now 32 years old and deserves a quiet retirement!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0pMOC-TnCY/VD1CAewEYDI/AAAAAAAALXg/JQjjSrBfeLg/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0pMOC-TnCY/VD1CAewEYDI/AAAAAAAALXg/JQjjSrBfeLg/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trouble-free sewing here I come!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5816995011086678569.post-36830715899735778542014-09-29T09:55:00.002-07:002014-09-29T09:55:56.312-07:00Baby knitsHubby and I are off to Rome in October to visit our friends and their twin baby girls. It would be rude to turn up empty handed so I had the perfect excuse to knit up a couple of little stripy cardigans in gorgeous Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. I decided not to go with an obviously girly pink colour way going instead for one in yellow and one in green. I used the same silvery grey for the contrast in both and it's interesting how different it looks against each colour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_ShfEfABl4/VCmNX3JXoVI/AAAAAAAALVE/RaoGv_zR2E4/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3_ShfEfABl4/VCmNX3JXoVI/AAAAAAAALVE/RaoGv_zR2E4/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74dhGuDf9AM/VCmNXws_dXI/AAAAAAAALVE/eV5jkKyuYzU/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74dhGuDf9AM/VCmNXws_dXI/AAAAAAAALVE/eV5jkKyuYzU/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a small amount of yarn leftover so I used it in the border of a hat and did the main part in a Sirdar Snuggly Crofter yarn to add a bit of pattern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3REPfCO6KJM/VCmODC2jN3I/AAAAAAAALVM/xkak1s0hOdU/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3REPfCO6KJM/VCmODC2jN3I/AAAAAAAALVM/xkak1s0hOdU/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I haven't sewn any buttons onto the cardigans yet as I haven't decided which to use but I'm currently liking these little pink flowery ones (well I've got to get a bit of pink in there somewhere!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfDHyjjzQCQ/VCmOuIyXwjI/AAAAAAAALVc/bO8jPWh15iU/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfDHyjjzQCQ/VCmOuIyXwjI/AAAAAAAALVc/bO8jPWh15iU/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00937072725325459816noreply@blogger.com1