I’ve started cutting the sashing strips for my quilt. I don’t want to cut too many strips in case I run out of fabric for the borders.
Alphabet Quilt – Sashing
Feb 16th, 2010 by SewWitty
The Knitting Olympics – Sock Progress
Feb 15th, 2010 by SewWitty
I’ve knitted the band of the sock – now I need to start on the cable pattern.
The Knitting Olympics
Feb 13th, 2010 by SewWitty
On my third attempt I managed to cast on 48 stitches and join it into a round without twisting. Yes that’s right – my third attempt – surely I would have been disqualified if I didn’t make it on my third attempt?
I think I’ve been overly ambitious with my plan. It suddenly occurred to me that I would need to make two socks!
Knitting Olympics – Tension Square
Feb 12th, 2010 by SewWitty
I finished my tension square. It works out at 8 stitches per inch, which according to my master pattern means I need to cast on 48 stitches.
This yarn seems quite tricky with which to knit; it’s very slippery and I keep putting the needle through the strand – I guess it’s meant to be a challenge.
2010 Knitting Olympics
Feb 12th, 2010 by SewWitty
I’ve decided to enter the 2010 Knitting Olympics.
I’m going to make a socks with a cable pattern. I’m using the master pattern in the Teach Yourself Visually Knitting Design.
I’ve never done anything with cables before, so I thought that would be a bit of a challenge and actually finishing something in 17 days will be a challenge.
The knitting above is my tension square (I’m training for the main event). The yarn is Happy by Wendy in shade Capricorn.
Scarf Knitting
Feb 8th, 2010 by SewWitty
As I needed a bit of a break from my spiral blanket, I’ve swapped back to my scarf knitting. It is a really easy pattern and being a scarf each row is finished quickly – perfect for knitting and watching a DVD.
New Embroidery Threads
Feb 5th, 2010 by SewWitty
I found an online supplier of the machine embroidery threads (Robison Anton Rayon) I like . I bought these ones from ozquilts.com.au. They were reasonably priced and although they did take a while to arrive they didn’t charge my credit card until they shipped the order (so I wasn’t worried about something going astray).
Selvedge Magazine
Feb 4th, 2010 by SewWitty
Selvedge is a beautiful magazine with fabulous photography. As it is also very expensive ($30 Aus), I don’t buy it very often. Maybe once a year when I’m in desperate need of a treat. Yesterday I picked up a copy.
I find it amazing (and lovely) that there can be an entire magazine on Textiles. I even find the adds interesting. Definitely worth a look if you are at all interested in textiles (quilting, knitting, embroidery etc.)
Spiral Knitting
Feb 2nd, 2010 by SewWitty
I’ve been working on my spiral baby blanket. It is very relaxing (almost meditative) knitting. The colour is beautiful and the yarn (surprisingly) lovely with which to work.
While knitting I’ve been watching Emily of New Moon. I don’t think this was ever shown in Australia (I bought it from DVD Scene and they were fabulous – very quick service). I’ve only watched two episodes and I have to say it is very different from the novels. I do, however, like it. It’s very dark with quite adult themes – where did the beating of the little Indian boy come from? The scenery is spectacular and I’m hoping for some good interior domestic scenes.
Material Obsession 2
Feb 1st, 2010 by SewWitty
The girls went back to school yesterday. We’ve had a lovely holiday, but I was keen for them to return to school.
After six weeks of very little child-free time I decided to treat myself with a trip to the Subiaco Book Store. This is a great store – independent with an eclectic mix of books and the most amazing embroidery, quilting and knitting section. It’s not particularly child-friendly hence the desire to go there on my first child-free day.
I bought a copy of Material Obsession 2by Kathy Doughtly and Sarah Fielke. I had a quick look at the first one, but the quilts in this one appealed to me more.
Here’s the description from Amazon…
Each of the pairs of quilts in this gorgeous new book by quilters Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty springs from a single idea or shared moment of inspiration. The results – like non-identical twins – are inextricably linked, yet intriguingly different. With their reinterpretation of traditional designs, as well as a characteristic bold use of colour and dazzling patterns, Sarah’s and Kathy’s quilts will appeal to quilters of all levels – from new quilt-makers looking for the next challenge, to experienced quilters ready to embrace some of the more complex projects. With practical step-by-step instructions, a comprehensive basics section and glorious photographs, this is a book to make your fingers tingle with sheer inspiration.
I’ve always liked their work – in particular their use of colour and applique. In this book they each write a brief essay on their inspiration and then include detailed instructions to replicate the quilts. It’s a beautiful book – well presented with fabulous photographs.