June 9, 2016 · 2:34 pm

Journal Cover – Machine Embroidery

Journal Cover - Front

Journal Cover – Front

Journal Cover - Open

Journal Cover – Open

Journal Cover - Inside

Journal Cover – Inside

This is my first attempt at constructing a book cover in the hoop. There were three hoopings; front, back and then joining them together. It works quite well – I am happy with the size – it could do with a bit of top stitching around the edges (but that would have to happen afterwards and not in the hoop). I have joined the two halves using a wide zig-zag and then hidden that under a grosgrain ribbon. This bit doesn’t work so well, so I am thinking of other options – bias binding or an embroidered strip – plus I think the cover of the zig-zag needs to be a bit wider.

I put a silk dupion to use with my canvas work. I am still thinking about the best way of inserting the canvas work – I don’t want any raw edges showing.

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May 30, 2016 · 1:46 pm

How We Spend Our Time

A Work in Progress

A Work in Progress

It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do

Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen

I have been thinking a lot about what I say (and buy) as opposed to what I do.  I read a lot of blogs, buy a lot of craft materials and look at a lot of pretty things on pinterest, but my out put is minimal. I think about craft, but there always seems to be something more pressing to be done. Craft feels like an indulgence that has to be done in the margins, which makes no real sense because the amount of money I spend on craft suggests it is extremely important to me. However, I know the way I spend my time says something about my priorities and what is important to me.  It is time to think about my time and how to best spend it. Sometimes you just have to get on with it – there is never going to be a perfect time and there is always going to be something that needs to be done at home.

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May 26, 2016 · 4:09 pm

New Sewing Machine

Janome MC500e

Janome MC500e

I bought myself a new sewing machine (that’s the photo from the Janome site…). It’s a Janome MC 500e. I had hoop envy – the biggest hoop on my MC 350e was 200mm by 140mm now I have 230mm by 280mm!

I want to explore two things – making an all over embroidered fabric that I can then use to make other things and constructing things in the hoop.

Zip Pouch - Made completely in the hoop

Zip Pouch – Made completely in the hoop

I made the above zip pouch thing, but it had strange construction techniques – I think I have a better way of doing it. And I think the zip needs to be a bit lower, so the top can have crisper corners.

I upgraded my Embird Studio and started digitising again.

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May 17, 2016 · 12:22 pm

So many projects so little time

Just some of the current projects

Just some of the current projects

There are too many good things to do and not enough time! I have my bird cushion – I mostly work on this at my embroidery class with Ann-Marie (although I have done a bit at home while watching Murdoch Mysteries – neither requires much concentration). I have my February jumper, which after many false starts is going well, but it does require concentration. Which is why I have a third project – I wanted something small (unlike the bird cushion) and easy to do. I decided on a scarf (Favourite Scarf Ever), which uses a ball of misti alpaca sock yarn (I have a lot of misti alpaca sock yarn and it seems a shame to hide it away in my shoes). This is a deceptively easy pattern – I’m getting lots of compliments on my high level of knitting skill!

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May 10, 2016 · 10:22 am

Knitlandia – Clara Parkes

Knitlandia - Clara Parkes

Knitlandia – Clara Parkes

I do like a book of essays about knitting – things like Sweater Quest and Yarn and Yarn Whisperer (also by Clara Parkes), so I was super-keen to read this one.

Here is the blurb …

Knitting aficionado and notable artisan Clara Parkes delves into her storied travels with this inspiring and witty memoir on a creative life enriched by her adventures around the world.

Building on the success of The Yarn Whisperer, Parkes’s rich personal essays invite readers and devoted crafters on excursions to be savored, from a guide who quickly comes to feel like a trusted confidante. In Knitlandia, she takes readers along on 17 of her most memorable journeys across the globe over the last 15 years, with stories spanning from the fjords of Iceland to a cozy yarn shop in Paris’s 13th arrondissement.

Also known for her PBS television appearances and hugely popular line of small-batch handcrafted yarns, Parkes weaves her personal blend of wisdom and humor into this eloquently down-to-earth guide that is part personal travel narrative and part cultural history, touching the heart of what it means to live creatively. Join Parkes as she ventures to locales both foreign and familiar in chapters like:

Chasing a Legend in Taos
Glass, Grass, and the Power of Place: Tacoma, Washington
A Thing for Socks and a Very Big Plan: Portland, Oregon
Autumn on the Hudson: The New York Sheep & Wool Festival
Cashmere Dreams and British Breeds: A Last-Minute Visit to Edinburgh, Scotland

Fans of travel writing, as well as knitters, crocheters, designers, and fiber artists alike, will enjoy the masterful narrative in these intimate tales from a life well crafted. Whether you’ve committed to exploring your own wanderlust or are an armchair traveler curled up in your coziest slippers, Knitlandia is sure to inspire laughter, tears, and maybe some travel plans of your own.

This gave me an insight into ‘knitting tourism’ or all of the knitting festivals that now take place. It was definitely interesting, but I think I prefer more emotional or personal life stories – plus all of the places she visits are so far away from me that I am unlikely to ever visit them (not that that is a fault in the book).

Another review …

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/knitlandia-a-knitter-sees-the-world-review/2016/02/08/2b163de0-ce63-11e5-88cd-753e80cd29ad_story.html

 

 

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May 2, 2016 · 10:43 am

Journal Cover

Embroidery for Journal Cover

Embroidery for Journal Cover

I have started to construct the journal cover – it shouldn’t be that difficult, but I have managed to measure wrong once (luckily I found out before cutting the fabric).

My girls have gone back to school, so I have put my sewing machine away, which will, of course, delay sewing this thing – although I still have a bit of cutting to do so I don’t really have an excuse.

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April 19, 2016 · 3:36 pm

Finally – a bit of sucess

Still going well ...

Still going well …

I’ve made it past the waist decreases and the increases back to the original number of stitches – yay!

When the waist decreases are finished the round marker is after the fourth stitch in the lace pattern, but did I pay any attention to that? No … I am such an idiot – hence it all went pear-shaped.

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April 11, 2016 · 5:55 pm

I think I have been here before

February Sweater Progress

February Sweater Progress

I have just finished the first lace repeat, so far so good … five more rounds and then onto the waist decreases (this is where it went pear-shaped last time).

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April 4, 2016 · 3:42 pm

Oh Dear!

Back to the start

Back to the start – again!

Yes that does mean I am completely back to the start. I twisted it when I joined the round – so frustrating. I’m having to dig deep to stop myself from quitting.

On a lighter note I am enjoying this bird needlepoint (canvas work) – it is super easy to do – doesn’t require any great concentration or eye power (I can easily do it while watching T.V)

Fine Cell Bird Cushion

Fine Cell Bird Cushion

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March 28, 2016 · 5:58 pm

Aahhhh!

Back to the start!

Back to the start!

There was a mistake in the lace before my first lifeline. Why can’t I do this? Anyway, I knew it would bother me and consequently I would never wear it, so I ripped it back. Above is the cast on and one round of knit.

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