A Creative Funk – part 3

My final few unfinished projects… this is part 3/3. You can read part 1 here for some context and part 2 here for my other WIP’s.

WIP 5 – Mosaic work. During the very hot weeks in July/August here in the UK I really struggled. The whole upstairs of my house were uncomfortably hot. So I avoided being up there, which is usually where I sew and I was too warm to knit and handle yarn. I was even too hot to sit on my sofa. The kitchen/dining area was the coolest place at 24C. So I decided to do something creative in there. So sat at my kitchen table I decorated a plant pot for my friend in mosaics. I really enjoyed it, so much so I planned out anther little project. Then another, as I started really enjoying it and loving the distraction from the heat. I left it all my materials and tools out so I could come back to it. Which I have done in fits and starts. I had a rare afternoon and evening with absolutely no plans or commitments a couple of weeks ago and spend the majority of this time working on a larger mosaic.

Since that burst of enthusiasm I’ve had very little time to continue and now it lays there taunting me, unfinished. In fact all 4 pieces I started after my initial plant pot are unfinished. My side-track into mosaics was very welcome at the time. Though I also feel it took me away from other things and now other things are taking me away from this. Maybe I have just taken on too many different things. I plan to transfer all my mosaic stuff into my small craft room, so it will not taunt me. I could schedule a day in the future to complete the pieces I’ve started. Maybe even setting aside 2-3 hours every other week to spend time on them, which should hopefully make good steady progress.

BUT first I’ll have to tidy my craft room. It’s only a small space (the box bedroom, with kitchen cupboard storage). It too often become the dumping area for all sorts of stuff. Cluttering it with more stuff, without tidying will be a distraction and I’ll not enjoy my time in there. This is a time and practicality issue. When I’ve needed to tidy this space before and it’s felt like a big mission, I set myself 10-15 mins a day to work on it, it usually kick starts the whole task and I just get on with it, or as least I make a little progress each day.

WIP 6 – Stripy winter cardigan – years and years ago I was given a bag of chunky soft but acrylic yarn. I’d thought I’d make a blanket out of it at some point, hadn’t happened. I had also been thinking about making some sort of cosy house coat/cardigan (I really wished I had one during lockdown winter 2020/21). I bit like a dressing gown but for everyday wear around the house. It can get draughty in my house and when I’m in on my own during the day I rarely put the heating on. I’m often in multiple layers, woolly socks, jumper, shawl and mitts. So I thought I could combine all these in one stash busting project. So decided to make a wrap over long cardigan, with a shawl collar, snug cuffs with thumb holes to keep my paws warms.

I was so excited to start this last winter though as spring approached, knowing it wouldn’t be worn until the following autumn, I just stopped knitting it. It somehow felt inappropriate to be working on it as the weather was warming up. However we’re now edging ever closer to chillier seasons and I’ll be wanting to wear it soon and I’m nowhere near finished, and I haven’t touched it since. This is also due to it being impractical to take to knit club, as it’s on the bulky side. With so many balls of yarn involved it would be a bit of a mission to take along each week. I may have to set myself a challenge of a certain number of stripes per week just to get me started again and I may find I just get back into it. The first super cold day will definitely give me a kick up the bum, but Ideally I hope to have it done by then.

WIP 7 – Curtains – also one of my a Make Nine projects. This was my stroke of genius last year. My house can feel a little draughty in winter (as mentioned above). This seems to come from around my front door and despite closing the door to the lounge the cool air gets in. I’d entertained the idea of a draft excluder, but knew I’d find it annoying. So decided to make a thermally lined long curtain to keep the draft out and add some interest to my small hallway. It worked well (it worked well during the heat wave to keep the sun heat out too). However I hung the curtain without finishing then hem, so it could settle into place and I could figure out the correct length…. 7 months later it’s still unfinished. I also bought enough fabric to make matching curtains for the top of the stairs. Which I’ve not done either. Hemming the door curtain is just sheer laziness. I should just get on with it.

The curtains at the top of the stairs are a little different. I need to decide how I’m lining them. I had a random amount of thermal lining left (as you had to buy whole meters) but it didn’t occur to me at the time to thermally line the other set too. So I have been pondering since February whether to buy more thermal lining (to make the most of what I have left) or buy standard lining which will be easier. It’s silly really it’s just decision paralysis on something that shouldn’t require this much thought. However the with colder weather coming, it should make me get on with it. Also thermally lined curtain on in the draughtiest area should really be a no brainer especially with the rising cost of energy bills, so I’ll have to figure out how much more I need (and hope it’s in whole meters).

Reflection on my creative funk

This isn’t by any means ALL my unfinished projects, but all 7 are things I’ve started recently with good intentions, then just stopped and struggled to get motivated as I mentioned in part 1. However, although this rambly writing has felt a little self-indulgent and possibly no one cares, it has helped me get a few things in order in my mind, and I realised a few things too.

Recently when I’ve felt “not bothered” to work on a project I had in mind for that day, I think what I’ve actually been doing is giving myself a break. All too often in the past I have worked hard to meet self-imposed deadlines, to the point I’ve not enjoyed the process as much, or stayed up late or rushed. At the time it feels a little defeatist, when I’ve made time for something and then not done it. I think I need to be kinder to myself and “strike when the Iron is hot” so to speak. Work on project when I want to and not force it. This is perhaps a bit of a new concept for me. Crafting and in particular knitting has always been what’s got me through difficult times and relaxes me when I’m anxious, it’s comforting. So not wanting to do it when I was feeling down was actually quite disconcerting, but maybe I was subconsciously making things easier for myself….

I’m posting the state of all my WIP’s on Instagram and will update my progress there too.

Thanks for reading
Steph Xx

A Creative Funk – part 2

Following on from yesterday’s post “A creative funk”. This is part 2 of 3. I’m listing all my unfinished projects and figuring out what obstacles are getting in the way to help me get back on track. If you’ve not already read part one, you can read it here.

WIP 2 – Hinterland Dress

WIP 2 – is my Hinterland Dress. I’ve wanted to make one of these for years. I’ve admired so many of them on Instagram, and in the grand scheme of things it’s a straight forward sew. However I have PROCRASTINATED so much. I have a real metal block with sewing at the moment.

I think having listened to lots of sustainability podcasts recently, I’m viewing fabric as a much more precious commodity as usual (I’ve always been precious over it, but now even more so). My Hinterland toile is made of a very old bed sheet from my Grans attic which wasn’t in a great condition. I dyed in and cut around the holes. So I’m making good use of it, but still something is preventing me from finishing. I’m about 70% there!

I’ve made time to work on it and then just don’t feel like it. I also set myself deadlines and then just didn’t try and meet them. There’s always the worry when sewing garments (particularly in woven fabric) that once they’re finished they won’t fit or they simply don’t suit you. This always makes me procrastinate.

However I am going on holiday soon (maybe too soon). Though it would be nice to finish it to take with me, so hopefully that will spur me on, maybe even setting myself a small task at a time… pin pockets in place today…. Failing that, I am attending a jeans making workshop next weekend. Hopefully that’ll build my confidence again so I can tackle more sewing.

WIP 3 – Crochet hexagon Cardigan

WIP 3 – Crochet cardigan. This was an idea I had rattling around my brain for sometime, to make a cardigan out of crochet hexagons. Then when I was looking through my yarn, I discovered I had some left over bamboo cotton in 3 colours that looked great together. Navy, teal & grey so I thought a summery cardigan would be great. I almost talked myself out of starting it several times. However I was enthused by the idea so decided to go with it (despite not being on my #MakeNine list and adding another WIP to the list). I initially made good progress and I was enjoying it, but then I stalled. I think in part it’s because I knew I wouldn’t get it complete for summer. Also having made the majority of the hexagons (the fun bit) sewing the hexagons together is fiddly. It also works best sat at a table, with it spread out. But I like to crochet/knit while sat in my lounge on the sofa and the coffee table is not the best height for that. Really it’s just a practicality and mentally preventing my progress here.

I can use my sewing table in my spare room. However my sewing my machine is set up with all the pieces of my hinterland dress waiting for me to finish it. If I clear that away that’s one more barrier to not completing WIP No.2. So this will just mean that I will have to do WIP 2 before 3, then I have the table space and I can just watch something using my laptop. Simple practical solution there (hopefully). I am totally ignoring the fact that I’m not using a pattern and I’m making it up as I go along (as an inexperienced crocheter)… I’ll cross any other bridges when I get to them. I’ve already resigned myself to the fact that it’ll be ready for spring/summer 2023!

WIP 3 – Ilha Sweater

WIP 4 – Ilha Sweater by Tête Bêche Designs. Well I started this over a year ago. We had a uniform at work, a casual uniform of a black top. So I decided to knit myself a black loose fitting 4ply jumper I could wear with lots of different things. We then scraped our uniform just after I started this project and we can wear what we like (excellent news for all my other knits). However I don’t think I would have knitted a black top otherwise. Undeterred I decided to persevere. I discovered after splitting for the sleeves, it was way too big for me (after adjusting for my different tension). So I ripped it out and started again. This time the fit looks alright, but the more I knit of it the less I can imagine wearing it. The lack of enthusiasm has definitely slowed my progress, also black yarn is not good to knit with in rubbish light. I have decided I will finish it, however I may end up giving it away when I do… time will tell. This is a relatively good mindless knitting project, now I’m on the body, though I’m already not looking forward to the sleeves…

Would you just let this reside in the WIP pile forever, persevere or rip it out and use/gift the yarn for something else?

Thanks for reading.
Steph Xx

A creative funk

I’ve been in a little bit of a creative funk lately. If you read my blog you might think it’s lasted a very long time due to my lack of posts. It’s not been that bad. But lockdown and the pandemic did strange things to us all and in particular my motivation and how I spent my time. I’ve still making (I always am) however during the lockdowns I was spending much more time behind a computer screen for work. Which meant I didn’t feel like doing the same in my spare time too. I documented most things over on my Instagram account. Even then it was sporadic.

However I am probably in my worse creative funk EVER. I’ve lost focus and because I’ve not completed much I’m lacking enthusiasm/inspiration for a lot of my creative pursuits. This is due to several reasons, I think. It peaked at the worst of our UK heatwave (I’m the opposite of solar powered – the sun and heat zap my energy) and I’ve struggled to get going again. I’m working really hard in my day job. Often working late which usually means I’m exhausted when I get home and do very little (make tea, cat cuddles and watch some TV). Then my days off I’m resting and recuperating and doing some general house stuff (food shopping, cleaning life admin etc). Then before you know all your spare time has gone. Then there’s the actual projects that could be part if the issues. I also have lots on the go so that’s tricky to balance too. I think it must also have a little to do with my age and energy levels too (maybe).

Mia – my lovely procrastination buddy

I realise this is normal for most and I don’t have other constrains on my time (kids/other dependants/commitments). However this is very much out of character for me, I’m usually reaching for a project at every opportunity, so I always felt productive too.

It’s not all doom and gloom

I’m not as down as all my ramblings might lead to you conclude. But I am keen to get myself out of this funk and find my creative oomph again. I’ve also been frustrated my things more easily and I’ve lost my nerve with some things (like cutting into fabric). However I always used to find writing blogs posts quite cathartic. So when I mentioned to my friend Jem that I was going to document all my WIPs to try and get my making mojo back, she asked if I was going to write a blog post. I thought, YES! And here it is.

I always used to be a fairly monogamous knitter, start a project and finish it before moving onto the next, maybe I’d have 1 big project and a smaller one on the go and that’s worked for me for years. However last year, as things felt a little strange during lockdown 2/3 (winter 2020 into 2021) I decided to make myself a Make Nine list, which I’ve done before. However last year I did one for sewing and knitting. And I managed to pretty much complete all 18 projects. (side note – you can read notes on this on Instagram). It was great, (though ambitious) it helped me focus and I felt incredibly productive. However I occasionally found myself frustrated by the limits I’d put on myself. As a result I gave myself more free reign this year. I made a looser plan for my make nine this year so I could do additional projects that just took my fancy too. I think this might have been a contributor to my unravelling… so to speak.

My “Make Nine” projects for 2022

I think I like the structure of lists and occasional deadlines (like finishing a particular garment for a certain occasion). However I’ve had several of these bench marks that have been and gone this year. I’ve also had days where I’ve planned ahead to be able to make set some time aside for sewing on a set day and then just didn’t fancy it. I then felt disappointed with myself that I’d wasted the time & not been productive. I know deep down it doesn’t really matter and I should be easier on myself. However making and creating things is such a big part of my life I feel a little broken when I don’t want to do it.

This has turned into more of a stream of consciousness than I thought it would. However writing this has helped my think about how to help myself. I think lists definitely help me. My Make Nine list of projects for 2022 is still relevant. However I am also going to document all my current Work In Progress projects to help me be more realistic and decide what to focus on.  I’ve decided to note down what each project is and what obstacles are preventing me from just getting on with them and maybe set myself a realistic go for completing them.

A have 7 significant project on the go at the moment. If I list them all here now this might turn into a ridiculously long post (even more so), so I’ll start with one and split the rest into 2 more posts;  

WIP 1 – First up are socks from my #MakeNine list. I wanted to knit some socks with a little more interest as most of my hand knitted socks are quite plain. These Dancing Skies Socks by Emily Joy Rickard caught my eye last year. They’re striking with a nice amount of detail. However now I’m knitting them, I don’t always reach for them. Sometimes I just want a simple mindless knit to have on the go, that I don’t have to think about (the irony is not lost on me).

That said now I’ve got into them a lot more (as of last weekend) they’re coming along nicely. I feel there’s always a point in socks when they feel like they’re taking ages and you’ll never finish. I’m hoping I’m now past that. I have a long car journey soon (as a passenger) so hopefully they’ll be a good travel project and I might even get onto the second sock and then it’s plain sailing from there…

Thank you for reading, the next instalment will be shared tomorrow.
Steph : )

Make 9 challenge 2021

I started seriously thinking about my make 9 challenge for 2021 several months ago (I like to have it finalised at least by the end of January). I started jotting down ideas in a notebook and saving a few things on Instagram. But really the list was getting a bit chaotic and long. So I sought out the origins of the challenge on Home Row Fibre blog, which I was reminded about when reading Jem Weston make 9 challenge. There’s some really helpful tips about how to choose, why they’re important to you, or why not. It definitely got me thinking and I started narrowing my ideas down….but then…. while scrolling my Instagram feed I saw Katie Green Bean had shared their make 2021 challenges as a “sewing edition” & “knitting Edition” and it planted a little seed that grew and grew and now instead of narrowing down I’ve expanded my lists.

I knew full well that I’d be making more than just 9 items this year, regardless of what I put on my list. So opening up my options allowed me to think about what I want to achieve with both my knitting and my sewing this year. I am also much more of a seasonal creator than I thought. Spending so much more time at home over the last year I have become more aware of my creative habits. I much prefer to knit in winter and sew in summer. I think that’s mostly to do with light and wanting to sew in the evening during summer. It also has the advantage of usually being more seasonally appropriate too. That said I always have knitting on the go all year round.

My Knitting Make 9 Challenge for 2021 (including a crochet project)

1. Granny Go Round jumper by Iron Lamb – Sort of a hangover from 2020, I made a very hard, but sensible decision to change a plan. In 2020 I planned to make the Granny Rocks sweater. So I started making it – almost 75% there. But then the designer released a new variation of the crochet jumper, one I preferred much more and I knew the shape would suit me better. I didn’t feel I needed two very similar jumpers in my life so I made the brave decision to rip out the partially complete jumper and use the same yarn to crochet the new one.
   
2. Glenfidich by Annamária Ötvös – this was on 2019 make nine which didn’t get touched (I was overly ambitious that year) so I transferred it onto my make 2020, with the intention of at least starting it. I did my gauge swatch – so I’m all prepared and ready to start this year.
   
3. Tuinn Bheaga Shawl – by Liz Corke – I bought the lovely shawl pattern last Autumn, with the intention of using a skein of lovely red yarn I’ve had in my stash since 2018 (Chromatic yarns in Blood Hunter). This would fill a gap in my wardrobe of a smaller shawl/scarf that I could wear at work and would make a plainer dress or jumper more exciting and keep me warn in a chilly Victorian building.
   
4. Chimneys by Hunter Hammersen – I simply fell in love with these wonderful tiny houses. I generally don’t like to make things that have no function or purpose, I certainly won’t be able to wear them. But aren’t they just wonderfully charming. I do love a miniature project sometimes and I love a tiny house. They’re great for learning/practising techniques too. They’ll nicely use up some odds & sods of sock yarn too and I already have a small idea to potentially make them functional….
   
5. 4 ply jumper – I am keeping this vague for now. I think my knitted wardrobe covers most basic staples, not many missing items. Though all my 4ply jumpers suitable for in between seasons are quite colourful and don’t necessarily go with lots of different items. So I might go down the route of a plain jumper with a simple texture to keep it interesting, having said that, Viewpoint sweater by Dani Sunshine knits has caught my eye. A 4 ply jumper will take me some time, so I’m being kind to myself and this is going down as a project to start in 2021 – maybe ready to wear for spring 2022.
   
6. Socks! – I have incredibly cold hands and feet almost all year round. Despite knitting seriously for about 15 years it’s only in the last few that I started knitting socks – I just thought it wasn’t for me, they seems a little elaborate and how do you guarantee they’ll fit well, won’t they be uncomfortable? All which I attribute to my first sock knitting experience, using a kit which was a gift – it was a terrible kit, I just didn’t know that at the time, knitting on needles too big, all of them in rib with hand wash only yarn (they have since completely disintergrated). However having knitted a few pairs now (with great yarn, needles & pattern). I’ve got the fit pretty good and I love having warmer feet! I want to up my sock game with colour work, pattern or texture. I have the Dither pattern ready to go which I’ll start after my current pair are finished.
   
7. More Socks! Maybe this is cheating adding socks twice, however I want to make several pairs this year, I want to use the sock yarn I’ve been buying over the last few years and and learn a few new techniques too, I’ve also just bought Lanea Vanea sock pattern by Skeindeer Knits I just loved the bold pattern and would definitely tick the colour-work box.
   
8. Head band – I knitted one for my sister in 2019, then knitted myself one last year, however the yarn from my stash had a bit of alpaca in it and although lovely it itched me to distraction, so I gave it to a fellow knitter and I haven’t got around to knitting another for myself…yet!
   
9. Snug Mitts – I always underestimate the size of my hands (they’re very narrow), every single pair of mitts and mittens I’ve made myself are too big. So I’m going to knit a pair of snug fitted mitts that I can wear at work and while typing that aren’t going to flap about and get in the way, I’m thinking along the lines of these Vernazza mitts (though I may change my mind). One thing I do know, by the end of 2021 I will have very warm paws all round!
   

My Sewing Make 9 Challenge for 2021

1. Bottle green skirt – I made myself a dark red self drafted a-line corduroy skirt with pockets. It is simple, and to date my most successful and most worn handmade item of clothing. I bought some fine cord fabric, years ago, in a gorgeous green with the intention of making another and not yet got around to it.
   
2. Knickers – I made my first pair of knickers last year (Lulu Knickers by Dhurata Davies) from t-shirt off cuts. They’re really comfy, though still room for improvement, so I want to make more. I only plan to use off cuts of fabric, it’ll be good to further build my confident with new (to me) techniques. I’m also trying not to buy new items if I could make them myself.
   
3. Mending / needs attention pile – this is going in here. Is not terribly exciting, however is easy to ignore. Some of this items are things I’ve decided to part with and just need a little mending before going to charity (the odd hem in needs of few stitches fixing). One or two things that I love but need adjustments to make them fit better. The pile is currently growing rather than shrinking. If I tackle even just an item a month it’ll get the momentum going – so it’s on the list so it’ll not be ignored further!
   
4. Shirt/blouse – One of the reasons I started sewing garments more seriously is because I love shirts and shirt-dresses. But off the peg does not fit my shape (narrow shoulders, wide hips and short torso) and I want a shirt that fits me properly!!! I have been building my confidence with this and I have a short list of option in my note book. However one design I have seen Nightingale & Dolittle make several times and always catches my eye is the Butterick 6563 pattern.
   
5. Bean Bag Bed for Chip – Chip (my geriatric cat) commandeered a bean bag I made for myself many years ago – it’s well and truly her’s now. It has seen better days now, I’m hoping I can can rescue this one and also make her a new one so she always has one to use, I’d had the beans ready and waiting for months. I’m also planning on creating this only using oddment from my scrap box and the odd small stash piece.
   
6. Storage baskets – I’ve been meaning to make some for ages (both small and large), I haven’t settled on the material or method yet, this will be the year to make it/them.
   
7. Pyjamas – I’ve not owned a matching set of Pyjamas since I was a child, mainly as I’m such different sizes top & bottom I haven’t been able to buy any. Out of my 5 circulating pairs of pyjama bottoms 2 have massive holes where the waist band has worn out and they’re held together by elastic and stitching, so I think I can justify this. I’ll most likely make a set (Butterick 6296 fit the bill here) and also replace my threadbare bottoms.
   
8. Kew dress by Nina Lee– I have worn my Kew dress that was technically a toile a lot already and for my Birthday in July 2019 I bought myself some lovely fabric while on holiday to make the final garment. Another project I’ve not got around to yet, which is daft, I’ve already done the hard work of figuring out if it’ll fit/suit me.
   
9. Raglan sleeve t-shirt – I seem to have a lot of issues with some basic items just not fitting well or I’ve chosen the wrong fabric so I intend to master making a basic raglan t-shirt this year. It’s a shape that suits me and is very wearable with lots of different items (pictured above is a Frankie t-shirt by Tilly & the button, but I may try and find another pattern to try).

Well it’s not called a challenge for nothing, I’ve definitely got my work cut out though I don’t think I’ve being overly ambitious, I think what it’ll do is help me focus on the things I want to make that fill gaps in my wardrobe, piqued me interest and use the materials I have already bought for specific items. I’m currently very excited and feeling (maybe optimistically) confident! Let’s do this 2021!!!!

Thanks for reading
Steph

Make 9 2020 – in review

It was about this time last year that I looked back on my Make 9 of 2019, I hadn’t been strict with sticking to my plans, however I still did better than my 2018 plans (always learning). The plans I set myself for 2020 I felt were much more realistic, finish some things, makes some useful items, with the odd new challenge thrown in. But then 2020 happened (!) I don’t know about you, but my productivity went haywire, fluctuating from being enthusiastic and super productive to can’t be arsed and just staring out the window/at the telly. So really to have achieved anything at all in 2020 is really good and looking back on what I created and achieved I’m pretty proud.

These were my make 9 projects for 2020…

1. Sewing some more practical tops (like my Agnes top), I’m lacking these in my wardrobe, maybe a blouse/shirt.

YES! I definitely achieved this. I bought an overlocker in February and it has definitely helped with my sewing productivity. I made a Tilly & the buttons Frankie t-shirt (the fabric wasn’t quite right – the black isn’t very soft – so I will amend it in future).
I was also pattern tester for a simple t-shirt the first garment pattern released by Studio Jepson (also a first for me, being a tester) I made 3 KLP tee’s (as it’s now known as), a very wearable toile, a final tee and then I also made a pyjama top from the pattern too. I also made 2 Misty Tops by Sew Altered Style. The toile I made to check the fit became a summer pyjama top and then I made a blue one from an old dress that was perfect for summer.

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2. Zadie dress, I will conquer this project!

Sort of yes! I have completed the Zadie dress (except for hemming) the dress ended up way too big for me (a consistent issue I have with Tilly & the Buttons patterns). I’m not sure what I’ll do with it yet, so it is sat the pile of “not quite finished/don’t know what to do with items” it might be given to a friend…

3. I intend to do some form of creative patchwork with all my fabric scraps.

This I have done. I created a padded stool cover for the one I’ve been using at my over locker, much more comfortable and entirely make of off cuts (including the upholstery padding). I also make a plant pot cover – which I intend to make more of. Not to mention many, many face masks for family, friends & colleagues.

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4. This year I will crochet my Granny Rocks jumper.

Well I made a very good start – half way there, then Iron lamb announced she was releasing the Granny go round jumper, and as a top down raglan jumper I just knew it would suit me much more than the boxier granny rocks. I bought the pattern the day it was released and I’m going to rip our the granny rocks and turn it in to a granny go round!

5. I will complete a crocheted blanket that was given to me partially complete years ago, I made good progress at one point, but then got very distracted!

YES! I did complete this, this project was pretty big in the end (far bigger than I initially intended), it provided me with some much needed focus during the first lockdown and I really enjoyed seeing it grow and got back into the swing of crochet – I don’t do it very often.

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6. I’ll finish my monetta dress (first sewing project of 2020 maybe…?)

Yes! I finished this in February, but then felt it was too nice to wear during lockdown, but then I just got on with it and I’ve worn it loads. It’s very comfy. The fabric possibly wasn’t the best choice, it has gone a little bobbly in places. But it was essentially a toile and now that I know the fit is brilliant and I loved making it I will make another – I love the pockets!

7. I’d like to have made a start, at least, on my Glenfiddich Cardigan by the end of 2020.

If by ‘make a start’ I mean having done the tension square then that’s another big fat yes!

8. I will bring my Arboreal sweater out of hibernation & get it finished at some point in 2020!

Yes, I have brought my Arboreal sweater out of hibernation, I did much of it in January, then for some reason, I think because I had ripped back yarn then re-knitted it straight away, it was looking a bit shabby, I still wasn’t convinced it was going to fit either, the idea of starting again made me put it back in hibernation….until that weird time between Christmas and New year. I got it back out, which was only about 10 days ago as I write this and I just decided to get it done – I tied it on (basically the yoke and about 2’’ below the arm holes were complete) I decided it was a good enough fit and a really good soak and block would hopefully sort out the uneven stitches when it’s complete – I now only have the last third of each sleeve to complete – yey!

9.Herbert Cardigan for my boyfriend & his Christmas present for 2019 which he knew he’d get at some point in 2020.

Yes! This has been an odd sort of project – it should have been straight forward but I made so many silly mistakes, I had to have several pauses for other project while knitting it. However the cardigan was complete and worn on Christmas day 2020. The sleeves are a little long so I will be doing a little post production editing – but that’s the joy of handmade!

All in all, I’m impressed with my productivity (even if I do say so myself) in part because I know I made loads more items on top of these 9 too. Which I will write a blog post about… even if it’s just for prosperity of an unprecedented time.

I’ve really been deliberation over my make nine for 2021, the short list it long, and I want to try and focus on items that I already have the yarn/fabric and pattern for. As well as address gaps on my wardrobe that I know I’d get a lot of use from. However I also want to make sure what I set myself is achievable but also with exciting and challenging elements….

Thanks for reading… keep you eye out for my make 9 plans for 2021 in the next week or so 🙂

Inspired by Tutankhamun

I visited the Tutankhamun (treasures of the golden pharoh) back in January. It’s a fascinating exhibition as you would expect however I was particularly blown away by all the intricate jewellery and trinkets on display.

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What I was interested in and could help wondering the whole way around then exhibition was how the Egyptians made all these items over 3000 years ago. What tools did they use, how did they gather all the materials. And how do all these pieces made over 3000 year and found almost 100 years ago still look like they could have been made yesterday. How much restoration was required, how would someone go about cleaning and caring for such intricate precious items. I feel there could be a whole other exhibition on that topic.

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I remember learning about the Egyptians at school, one part that I remembered well was all the talk of curses and how everyone who was present at the opening of the tomb died in quick succession. I was pleased to see the exhibition dispelled the theories, though it is understandable where the superstitions came from as there were certainly a few odd coincidences.

As much as I loved looking at all the artefacts, I found the timeline of the discovery also fascinating, and how this dig almost didn’t happen. What I also found compelling was how the world was so taken by the discovery, understandably, this tomb was the cream of the crop in Egyptian discoveries. It captured the imaginations of many and went on to influence art and design of the following eras.

When I was looking at many of the jewellery pieces on display I felt like I could have been looking at jewellery from the 1930’s. The geometric shapes, clean lines and repetitive patterns feel very modern, but then these influences have been around longer than even the Egyptians as these shapes and pattern occur throughout nature. It is clear that the Art Deco movement took influences from the ancient Egyptians which is why it feel so familiar to me, having grown up with parents very much interested in this era.

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It was the jewellery from the exhibition that was a personal highlight. The vibrate colours of the semi-precious stone used in contrast with gold made the pieces so striking. I can’t help but imagine the tools used to carve the small shapes and tiny beads. What also impressed me by the exhibition was the way items were displayed. Most exhibits were visible from front and back. A lot of the jewellery was displayed on clear perspex so the back of the items were just as visible as the front, which is quite unique and much appreciate by inquisitive minds like mine. Though it still didn’t reveal any secrets of their processes, just that the Egyptians had an incredible eye for details with the reverse often as ornate as the front.

As I came away from the exhibition I couldn’t help but have colours and ideas for jewellery rolling around my head. The following day when I returned home from my trip to London, I scribbled down an idea that kept fight it’s way to the front. Inspired in part by a pattern on a large vessel I saw, and by the colours and shapes that appeared in much of the jewellery. I have to get ideas down when they’re still fresh especially if I don’t have time to implement them straight away.

Initial ideas

Fortunately I didn’t have to wait long before I had time to delve into my bead stash, find some appropriate colours and see if my idea would work. It did, even if it was a little fiddly. I wanted to incorporate interlocking triangles in the centre with a chequer board edging. I created a string of triangles (I’m not sure what you’d call that stitch) then secured them in place with a herringbone edge.

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It was particularly tricky getting the triangles to behave while adding the edging; however I persevered and made it work. I’m really pleased with the result, it is pretty much exactly what I had in mind which is great as many ideas don’t work out quite right and have to go through several tweaks first.

If you get a chance to see the Tutankhamun exhibition on its final world tour before it is returned to Egypt for good I would highly recommend going.

Thanks for reading!
Steph

Moneta Dress & Sewing Confidence

I wrote the following blog post back in March, just before full on lockdown. It seemed so trivial at the time to post it… so it’s sat in my drafts until now. I’m on holiday, it’s peeing down outside & I’m feeling a little reflective of what I’ve achieved over the year project wise & how lockdown has effected my creativity (I’ll probably write another post about that). I wore my Moneta dress for the first time today, now the weather has turned, so it seemed appropriate to share my post now.

I’ve finished the first of my Make 9 projects for 2020 (beginning of March). Definitely off to a slow start, given we’re almost a quarter of the way through the year, however I’m still feeling confident. I have many of the projects in progress so maybe, just maybe I’ll get some complete by the end of the year!

I bought the fabric to make my first Moneta dress, by Colette patterns, in the middle of last year, it’s been washed and ready to go for a while, however I had just started the Zadie dress, pieces are cut and stay stitching complete and I thought I should complete that first. However I was feeling overwhelmed by how many pieces there are to the Zadie dress that I thought starting something slightly simpler was a better way forward, and help build some much needed confidence.

This project was probably one of the easiest I’ve done, in that I’ve already had a little experience working with knit fabrics so that wasn’t so daunting and even with a completely new technique involved; sewing in elastic, I had a wobbly start, but second time was a charm. I was excited rather than daunted by the task and really enjoyed it and because I was working with knit fabric I did not have the same sense of dread when it came to trying on the finished garment that I get with items made with woven fabric as I knew it’d be forgiving if the fit wasn’t quite right.

I was right not to worry about the fit; I have learnt to not only go by the sizing guide on the pattern but also measure the paper pieces and hold them up to my actual body to gauge the appropriate size. I usually have to take at least 2 cm out of the body length (short torso) which I did and I tapered the sizing out from the arm hole to the waist by one size (to accommodate narrow shoulders, small busy and wide hips). I didn’t do my usual tapering out to the next size on the hips as the skirt just flares out anyway. Having done that initial sizing work (and now getting into the habit of doing it) definitely saved me some heart ache and wasted fabric, unlike like many past projects (I’m still learning)!

This project also proved to me that I could definitely make use of my own over locker. So I bought one!!! I was so excited buying it. I bought it from Coles sewing centre in Nottingham, on the last day of their February sale (just by coincidence) and you also get a free workshop included – a day of getting to know your over locker! I can’t wait! I shall still be visiting Sew at 174 for my cover stitching though – definitely can’t justify getting my own….yet!

I used to be scared of working with jersey fabric and its unpredictable stretching and curling up, but now I’ve had several, slightly more involved, successful projects I will definitely be using it more, especially since it’s so wearable and fills some gaps in my wardrobe.

Thanks for reading, Steph

Make 9 – Reflection and Planning

Roughly this time last year I set out my intentions for my 9 makes of 2019 & wondered how much I’d deviate from my plan….

Well as you can see a deviated quite a bit (a year always seems like such a long time, but it flies past)…

1. I still intend to crochet a granny rocks jumper (I do at least have that pattern now, thanks to Jem Weston gifting it for my birthday – thanks Jem)

2. Socks ✅ I’ve completed 2 pairs & have a 3rd on the go!

3. Maan ✅ I love this & would now like to knit a garment with some mosaic colour work.

4. Monetta dress, not much progress, but I have printed the pattern & washed the fabric (even small steps are progress, right?)

5. Arboreal sweater has been in hibernation for the best part of the year after realising I’d have to rip back the body.

6. Zadie dress, I’ve cut out all the pieces but then felt a little overwhelmed my how many pieces there were & so I’ve worked on other things since.

7. Wardrobe gap of a berry cardigan; my purply yarndale uniform definitely qualifies ✅

8. The deliberation over the diesis jumper ended in me not wanting to knit it for now, however I did knit the woodwardia jumper from Pompom instead, so that’s sort of another tick…

9.Glenfiddich cardigan by Annamária Ötvös still fully intend to knit this, but other projects took over 😃 at least I already have the pattern and yarn!

I knew I’d change my plans, I always do, but what I’ve found interesting is that I’m usually fairly monogamous with my knitting, which for me means having just 1 garment, 1 pair of socks and maybe a larger blanket type project on the go. However this past year I’ve thrown caution to the wind and just knitted (& sewn) what I felt like & I’ve been quite productive and not really looked back at my make 9 plans, just kept them in the back of my mine. I’ve also not really felt like blogging so much, so I haven’t & that’s fine, no need to add that pressure on myself, I used to feel a weird sense of guild not writing up every project I completed and just suddenly thought – why! There’s no need!

As well as the 3 (or 4) completed projects from my 2019 make nine I have made several other items;

Sewing wise; an Agnes top, Coco top, a patchwork quilt for a friends baby, 2 Kew dresses, stevie top, 3 Cleo Pinafore dresses & a Christmas skirt. I tend to document these on Instagram more than anything these days.

Knitting wise; blue raglan jumper, woodwardia sweater, a baby Cardi for another friends offspring, another Vianne Cardigan, various wash/dish cloths, fingerless gloves, headband and a few small Christmas gifts.

I have also made a lot of jewellery and beadwork which has been a nice change from sewing and knitting and I’ve really enjoy it.

My make 9 plans for 2020 is a little more realistic and also a bit vague. I have also thought about it a little more this time…

1. Sewing some more practical tops (like my Agnes top), I’m lacking these in my wardrobe, maybe a blouse/shirt.

2. Zadie dress, I will conquer this project!

3. I intend to do some form of creative patchwork with all my fabric scraps.

4. This year I will crochet my Granny Rocks jumper.

5. I will complete a crocheted blanket that was given to me particularly complete years ago, I made good progress at one point, but then got very distracted!

6. I’ll finish my monetta dress (first sewing project of 2020 maybe…?)

7. I’d like to have made a start, at least, on my Glenfiddich Cardigan by the end of 2020.

8. I will bring my Arboreal sweater out of hibernation & get it finished at some point in 2020!

9.Herbert Cardigan for my boyfriend & his Christmas present for 2019 which he knew he’d get at some point in 2020.

So mostly a list of WIPS, with good intentions & few a new project thrown in too, we’ll see how this year goes! I can guarantee I’ll get distracted by other projects, but I’m making a conscious effort to not just make, for makings sake and trying to fill gaps in my wardrobe that I know I’ll find practical and wearable. Currently I’m feeling inspired by my list, I want to be production; I might even print out my plan and stick it up in my craft room in an attempt to keep me on track…

My Yarndale Uniform

Reflecting back on my Make 9 for 2019 made me realise I hadn’t shared any photos of my finished yarndale uniform*. Which is actually one of the few projects I intended to do & actually did, allowing me to tick “Berry cardigan” off my list!

I have always enjoyed seeing everyone’s Yarndale uniform projects collected together in previous years, however this was the first year I joined in.

I liked the knitting pattern selected, the feather and fan texture on the bottom did it for me, but the cardigan as a whole wasn’t my cup of tea so I decided to adapt it quite a bit.

My initial plan was to make it shorter, fitted on the waist and continue the feather and fan pattern up the whole body and have plain sleeves. Which I did to a certain extent…

I knitted the whole cardigan in one piece and incorporate the shaping into the sides; I cast on the size that would fit my hips and planned to decrease enough stitches by the time I got to the waist to go down a couple of sizes. This took a little bit of thinking, ripping back and head scratching/discussion at Knit group, (the latter is always useful). Helping me decided to just decrease the width of one pattern repeat over the hips and not try and keep it in pattern as that was causing me too much of a headache – I really liked the result.

Once I’d knitted past the waist and split for the fronts and back, I discovered I didn’t have enough stitches to do the v-neck and arm hole decreasing as I’d planned, but then had a mini light bulb moment and moved the neckline decreases to the side of one pattern repeat allowing me to continue the pattern up the front. I kept the garter stitch row of the feather and fan pattern to kind of keep it in pattern and I think it worked.

I much prefer knitting sleeves top down, as it’s much easier to adapt as you go, so I used Knitionary’s very useful tutorial, particularly for me on this occasion it was a sensible approach as it was looking like I’d not get my full sleeves knitted in time for Yarndale so I just cast off, wore it to the show and then later ripped back the cuff and re-knitted the sleeves longer.

It looks ok with 3/4 length sleeves however as someone who permanently has cold hands I like my cardigan sleeves full length especially in a dk weigh one that I’ll be wearing though the winter.

Looking a little tired, coming to the end of Yarndale. Thanks for the photo Jem Weston

I was really surprised by how many people complimented me on my cardigan at yarndale and asked for the pattern where I had to accompany my response with “though it bares very little resemblance to the actual pattern now”.

The finished garment isn’t perfect (the fit around the top of my arms isn’t the best), however I don’t mind, I learnt stuff & enjoyed having to flex some brain cells to make my adaptions and since finishing the sleeves (again) in November I’ve worn it a lot, which is always a good sign!

Yarn is Sirdar No.1, pattern is King Cole 5365 both bought from Knit Nottingham I have also listing the project on my Ravelry page here.

Isn’t this a happy bunch, all wearing their own version of the Yarndale uniform!

*Where customers from Knit Nottingham vote on a knitting & Crochet pattern to create and wear to Yarndale.

Finding time for sewing – reflecting on Me Made May – my Nina Lee Kew dress

I really enjoyed Me Made May 2019. I didn’t put load of pressure on myself to share a photo every day, because let’s face it, some days you really don’t feel like it, can’t be bothered, or on the odd occasion, I totally forgot. That said I DID wear handmade items every day in May and on a few occasional I was able to wear 2 if not 3 handmade garments in one outfit (& that’s not taking into account my handmade jewellery)! Until I started the challenge this year I hadn’t quite realised I’d be able to wear handmade everyday day, so easily.

This is me, wearing 3 handmade garments in one outfit, with my almost finished coco top made from the leftover fabric from my Agnes top, at the sewing belle.

The whole challenge has made me think about my handmade garments more, what works well together, what I didn’t wear, what did I wished I had in my wardrobe. As I went through the month I kept note in my phone to help me form a bit of a plan for my future makes to fill gaps in my wardrobe. I also got back into sewing (not that I ever got out of sewing) but it’s sometimes hard to find the time and space for it (both mentally and physically). However a friend of mine, Natalie, took up sewing in March this year and has already make more garments in the last few months than I have in the past few years. She’s a full time teacher, but makes time for her sewing, mainly by attending classes and drop in sessions. It was chatting to Natalie (and my desire to conquer using an over locker) that made me attend a workshop at the Sewing Belle, to make my Agnes top back in April and since then I have done another workshop to make a Nina Lee Kew Dress and popped along to their sewing clinics, to finish my dress and start another! I’ve also been working on my Zadie dress.

I think by doing the occasional workshop and attending regular drop in sessions I’m being for more productive. I’m not spending huge amounts more time sewing than I would at home, but it is much more absorbing with far less distractions in a dedicated space with help on hand. Elaine who runs the workshops and sewing sessions is the ideal level of help, she checks in on everyone, so you feel supported without being bombarded, but equally if you’re happy in your own little world of sewing she’ll leave you to get on, though never far away it you do need a little help.

I finished my Kew dress, last Sunday while watching the Wimbledon men’s final (double excitement) it had just been waiting for me to adjust a strap & add some poppers! This has ended up as a very wearable toile, I realised in the making that I’d gone for a size too small on the bodice so I let out the side seams and lengthen the straps slightly, though it has resulted in the bust darts being too high. I made the bodice part have a faux button band, sewing buttons on the front but the closure is actually poppers, as I didn’t want the button holes too close to the edge of the fabric, where I’d had to make adjustments, which I think has worked well and you can’t really tell when the dress in on.

I learnt how to sew buttons on with a sewing machine, something I’d never attempted before!

I also had fun and added a few contrasting fabric, on the button band facing and I added pockets (obviously)! I didn’t add the cold shoulders as I thought I’d find them annoying. All in all it’s not perfect, however it is wearable, it was really straight forward to construct & I’ve learnt a few things along the way!

I have already cut out another Kew dress, the tea dress version, in some stash fabric and if this one goes well I’ll make another in lightweight denim.