February 3, 2014 · 11:42 am

Embroidery

Images from 'Royal School of Needlework - Embroidery Techniques'

Images from ‘Royal School of Needlework – Embroidery Techniques’

I really like textiles and embroidery. I like the look of embroidery and the stories behind the creation of embroidery, but I am too lazy/impatient to do hand embroidery. I do like machine embroidery – both free motion and the digitised version – what I would really like to do is create embroidery that looks like it has been done by hand using my embroidery machine. To this end, I have been trying to improve my digitising. I made this blackwork sampler and now I am trying to learn silk shading. I am discovering a few tips and tricks with my software (which is Embird) and like anything I just need to practise.

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January 28, 2014 · 1:42 pm

I Have Turned the Corner

Turning the heel

Turning the heel

I have been knitting away (while watching Once – fudging a bit of the lace as required) and I have turned the heel and am onto the gusset.

As I wanted to try different techniques with this sock, I have attempted a Band Heel. So far everything seems to be going to plan. I wrote myself instructions following this Knitty article.

I’m really enjoying my signature arts needles.

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January 22, 2014 · 10:17 am

Progress

Progress Being Made on my Rose Rib Socks

Progress Being Made on my Rose Rib Socks

I like stories of all different kinds – novels, plays, movies, TV series – I suspect it is because I am nosy and like to know how people live. This means I usually watch something while knitting, which sometimes means my lace pattern can go a bit awry. At the moment I’m watching the second series of Once Upon the Time. I do like this show mostly because it is so beautiful to look at the costumes are spectacular ….

Collage

 

and I could quite happily move into Mary Margaret’s apartment.

The show itself is an interesting mix of fairy tales, swashbuckling adventure and good versus evil – and the villains are a bit conflicted, so I find it quite compelling.

All this means I look for excuses to watch it and therefore to knit. I should really be cleaning the house/buying food, but I will just watch one more episode! Besides some of the knits on the show are quite inspirational.

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January 17, 2014 · 9:01 am

A Finished Object!

SewWitty's Finished Object

SewWitty’s Finished Object

I finished something! Technically it was pretty much finished last year I just had to block it and add buttons.

Finished_2

I cast off around the neck too tightly and it is a bit gathered (and it looks a bit odd when it is on and buttoned).

I did find a nice stretchy cast off for the arms (although I did a purl version). The pattern is from here and the yarn is Jo Sharp Desert Aran cotton (in parakeet). I can’t say I liked the yarn the ends kept fraying and ball kept tangling and falling apart.

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January 13, 2014 · 3:55 pm

Sock Knitting

SewWitty's Sock

SewWitty’s Sock

I have written a sock pattern. I wanted to try something different. It has an interesting cuff (not my normal k2p2 rib), I am going to attempt a band heel and I am trying a different toe style.

Check out my new signature art double points – they are fabulous – there is no going back.

The yarn is from Bendigo part of the sock yarn range. I’m in love and it is only $10 a ball!

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January 11, 2014 · 9:24 am

Sampler Quilt – Courthouse Steps

Sewwitty's Courthouse Steps

Sewwitty’s Courthouse Steps

Well, true to my last post, I have been working on the sampler quilt. The above is my second courthouse steps sub-block – each block requires 4 and sometimes 8 sub-blocks. The blocks with rectangular pieces, like above, a much quicker to sew (not like the Bachelor’s Puzzle block). It is much easier to cut the right shape when it is a rectangle particularly when you stitch it down and then flip it into place. The number of times I flip it into place only to find the finished piece is too small!

 

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January 8, 2014 · 9:55 am

2013 in Review

SewWitty's 2013

SewWitty’s 2013

I was quite disappointed when I look back on 2013 not much finished. I was away for July, but still very little was done.

My sampler quilt has proven to be quite a road block. I either need to knuckle down and finish it or give it up.

Last year’s goals

  • Miss A’s Plus Quilt – No progress made at all
  • Baby Clothes Quilt – No progress made at all
  • Master knitting socks using the magic loop method. – Done although I think I am happier with double points.
  • Master knitting socks two at a time – Done although I think I enjoy knitting one at a time.
  • Attempt colour knitting – No progress made at all
  • Finish digitising my foundation quilt blocks and release the set – I have finished the digitising, but not the quilt.
  • Start working on a new embroidery set – something modern without too much fill – I started working on blackwork and will continue with this.

2014 Goals

  • Finish the Sampler Quilt and release the designs.
  • Design and knit 4 pairs of socks.
  • Continue digitising.
  • Baby Clothes quilt.
  • Miss A’s plus quilt.

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December 21, 2013 · 12:58 pm

More Knitterly Progress

Almost Finished

Almost Finished

I just have to cast off the bottom edge of the cardigan and knit the sleeves (the sleeves are going to be cap sleeves). I don’t have the right needles for the sleeves, but I have ordered some from here.

My next plan is socks – with this yarn – I am just trying to come up with a stitch pattern.

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December 3, 2013 · 2:32 pm

Knitterly Progress

Progress_02

Cardigan Progress

Progress is being made on this cardigan. I just have to finish of the bottom edging  (I have decided on lace) and knit the sleeves (which will be cap sleeves).

The plastic bag in the image is what I am using to stop the yarn from tangling – very hi tech!

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November 30, 2013 · 2:20 pm

Bears Paw Block is Finished

Finished Bears Paw Block

Finished Bears Paw Block

This is the third of my foundation pieced blocks.

I can’t say I am that thrilled with my fabric choice, but I am determined to get this quilt finished.

Next up is Courthouse Steps.

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