You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June 2007.
I’m trying to use up as much of my yarn stash as possible before I head to the U.S. next week. I’ve been working on larger projects recently but have so many single balls of plain and novelty yarn, so I’ve started to make gifts for up-coming birthdays and holidays.
I used ball of Rowan plaid that was given to me, and size 6 knitting needles. I said awhile ago that I wouldn’t knit a scarf if I could just crochet one, but I realised I wouldn’t have enough yard-age to crochet this one. I really should’ve used size 8, or maybe even 10 needles, but I refuse to buy new ones at £4 if I can possibly buy them for $4 in a week. Anyway, I made this ribbed scarf for my uncle for Christmas (I’m making the U.S. gifts this summer since I won’t be there in December). It ended up as a short scarf, but since its merino, cashmere and acrylic, it will be very warm. I’m really happy to have finally done something with this large ball sitting in my stash.
I used a tiny bit of some yarn with bobbles on it that I’ve been envisioning as cake icing to make a cupcake for a friend’s birthday this week and I’m happy with the cute little creature.
Today, I planned on working through a stack of clothes to be refashioned, but instead have ended up ichatting (voicing) with my family and crocheting.
I’m finally done the cardigan! Well, I still have to weave in all the ends, but I am already reaping the benefits of excitement. I wasn’t happy with the button band on its second row around the neck - and so I put it aside for a few days before unravelling it…And I’m so glad I did. I’m finally learning that if its not exactly how I want it, I should undo it and I’ll wear it much more often…This was DK weight yarn, mostly Sirdar Denim Tweed for the body, Sirdar Country style in dark blue and Paton’s diploma gold in light blue…size 4.5 hook, the crochetme sweet template! Excitingly, it used up every last drop (besides about an inch) of the light blue, and only the tiniest ball of dark blue remains. Not only do I really like the yoke and the colour it brings to the overall garment, I enjoyed seeing random balls of yarn disappear! I see many more in my future. Now, if I could only figure out how to make a round neck sweater from this template.
The photo is a bit dark because its pouring outside so when the weather clears, I’ll try and take a sharper one.
is apparently a bit too hard for me at the moment! While sewing the trousers (4023) for the first time, I happily – and securely – sewed both “front” halves together at the side and did the same with the back. I evidently can’t handle TWO legs and tried to make it for one leg/a skirt…
Ah, the joys of being too distracted to do academic work…Off I go to unpick the very sturdy seams…
I managed to unpick and quickly sew the front to the back as intended…and then two seams later, realised I had goofed again!…Is this the result of 7 years in the social sciences!? Clearly, there are some days when completed sewing isn’t in the forecast.
As you can see from the photo, the tubes and open areas are in the opposite locations!
On a happier note, I recently photographed my yarn stash for cataloging and inspiration, and I found some great things at the charity shop the other day. I have never found any sort of interesting notions at nearby shops, but in Edinburgh the other day, I came across some exciting things. Of course the haul is not as impressive as I see from U.S. thrift shops, but its the best I’ve found in the UK (besides on the Isle of Arran where I got a bagfull of knitting needles for 10p a pair)!
I’m still working on the cardigan and dreaming up other fabric projects, but my major project of the moment is to de-clutter and re-organise the house. For the sake of posting, I thought I’d share three compliments I’ve received in the past few weeks that have inspired me.
*After explaining the concept of wardrobe refashion to my father (both of my parents are old hippies and environmentalists), he said “That’s probably one of the most hippie things you can do now-a-days”
*As I stood at my closet picking out clothing and remarking that I was a bit bored of my clothes, my partner said “Then make new clothes”!
*After hearing of my latest sewing/cooking/crocheting/knitting/rug-making endeavour, a co-worker said that I was “full of skills from a century ago”.
June has swept in and left me yearning for warmth, sunshine and summer. We’ve had one and a half days of sunshine so far this month, and it has left me, once again, following each whim. I am going to post a sort of “tossed salad” of project photos- the majority of them remaining incomplete as I type. Since I will be going on a month’s holiday at the end of the month, it is my goal to complete all major crochet and knitting projects and deplete my stash as much as possible.
The filet crochet is a challah cover I designed for my best friend for her ordination- my first thread work, and my largest crochet endeavour. The orange sweater vest, using a Sirdar pattern, is an attempt at a knit garment. I have been working on it since March, and am hoping it will be done in time for autumn wear- I must be the slowest knitter in the world. The problem, is that I find crocheting endlessly more enjoyable- to engage my creativity when necessary and for a fiddling activity when sitting around talking with friends. Thus, the knitting is often abandoned after a few rows.
I finally cut up those pajama bottoms and shirts which were in the “for rags only” pile, and began this rag rug. I decided that a navy blue shirt would change the mood of this rug, so I put it aside for another rug, and let this one end for the moment. I plan on letting it grow organically, only adding when a new (actually, ancient) garment orfabric comes along, which would fit with the current colours. It worked up very quickly with a 15 mm hook, and was very satisfying to know that the only waste from an entire pair of pajamas, was the beyond salvageable waistband elastic. From a pile of cloth sitting around taking up space, to a rug warming my space- this project gave such a feeling of positive reign over waste management and home improvement! I have a shot of the previously mentioned felted sweater- bag to finish, awaiting inspiration for the handles and more time with the sewing machine.
The cardigan I posted about the other week should be done in a few days, although it may take a while to weave in the ends. I am still fascinated by how much more slowly a DK weight yarn takes than an Aran. I am getting adventurous and pondering a garment in 4-ply one day- though obviously crochet, since knitting takes me too long in any weight. Finally, I have a child’s baseball t-shirt I picked up at the charity shop the other day for 49p! It was hanging up on the wall as part of a display, and when I saw the design and then the price, I knew I had to have it. I never thought I’d willingly don a large flag, but the baseball player hit at my soft-spot for real summers, and my current need for warm and sunny days filled with fun. I am going to applique (or merely attach) the design onto an adult sized t-shirt. It will be perfect to bring and wear for the Fourth of July.
