Courthouse Steps Version 1
This is the first attempt at the Courthouse Steps block. One of the seams isn’t quite right and I think I can fit another step in on the flowery steps.
It came together easily, so easily I might try a Pineapple Quilt Block next (like one of the ones below) …
Pineapple Quilt Block from quilting.about.com
Filed under Digitizing, Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery, Patchwork, Quilting
One Finished Sock
I finished one sock! I do like the magic loop method. Now to get the second sock finished!
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting
Courthouse Steps – Stitched out view in Embird
I spent a bit of time today working on a new design – it looks a bit like a dog’s breakfast, but it should stitch out like this …
Nicer fabrics obviously.
Digitising things with straight lines is very easy in Embird Studio – there is a tool for it and things snap to the grid.
We went to the WA Museum today to see this ..
Well worth seeing if you’re in Perth – photography wasn’t allowed so I have no images to show you.
Filed under Digitizing, Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery
Four Snail Trail Blocks
Surprisingly I finished my two blocks. It did take to 5:30pm, but we visited our neighbours and had a swim – perfect day.
Next up Courthouse Steps!
I’ve been watching The Buccaneers (it was a Christmas present). I’m enjoying it – it’s beautiful, lots of people behaving badly (very aristocratic) with not much to do, but have love affairs. Definitely worth watching if you like ‘bonnet dramas’.
The Buccaneers
Filed under Digitizing, Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery
Snail Trail in Progress – Pieced in the hoop using an embroidery machine
I’m back onto foundation piecing using my embroidery machine, but it is progressing very slowly. It usually takes about half an hour to make one block, but today I started at 9:30 am and it is now 1pm and I’m only half way through – we did walk to the library (and booked into some school holiday activities) and buy groceries. My plan of getting two blocks finished today might be unreachable.
My aim is to make 12 traditional blocks (each one consisting of 4 smaller blocks) and then to make a sampler quilt. So far I have Hour Glass, Flying Geese and Snail Trail. I have also made a log cabin block, but it might not be the standard size (must remember to check that). Next up is Courthouse steps (just a fancy Log Cabin).
Filed under Digitizing, Foundation Blocks, Machine Embroidery, Quilting
Another Attempt At Asymmetric Cables
Once again an astute observer would notice that the above is a plain sock and not an asymmetric sock – this pattern kicked my bottom!
I kept getting in a muddle – cable needle at the front (oh no it should have been at the back!) you know how it goes. I really couldn’t focus and as it is school holidays I’m not sure quite what I was thinking. This plain sock is coming together nicely and I think I could probably knit it in my sleep. The heel flap is in heel stitch, but otherwise it is just a plain vanilla sock.
We’ve been away on holiday – here – it was hot and some of the beaches were closed because of sharks (you can read about it here), but I feel like I’ve had a break.
I took this photo on my run …
Dunsborough 2013
It was lovely to run along the coast and along bush tracks.
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting
Second Attempt at Asymmetric Cables
Astute observers among you would notice that although my sock doesn’t seem to have progressed, I have changed the method of construction. It all went pear shaped – because I didn’t read the pattern properly. I decided that given that I needed to start again I should try the magic loop method (I found great instructions here). I really like it. No more almost taking my eye out with one of the needles or having one of the double pointed needles falling out because I was knitting loosely.
It might also help that I’ve switched to a very nice Addi circular needle rather than the dodgy cheap metals ones from before (you can see them in the image on this page).
While knitting I’ve been watching Parade’s End.
Cover of Parade’s End
It is beautiful to watch (always good in a period drama), the acting is brilliant and it has a more cynical (or perhaps honest) view of Edwardian England – definitely worth watching.
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting
Start of Asymmetric Cables
I’ve started a new sock project eventually they should look like this …
How they Look in the Book
The pattern is Asymmetric Cables from The Sock Knitting Master Class. So far I have impressed myself by having the right number of stitches whenever there is an increase of decrease!
I can’t say where the wool is from (I’ve lost the label!).
Filed under Knitting, Sock Knitting
SewWitty’s 2012
Well another year is ending. When I look back I’m a bit disappointed by my output. Only two quilts were finished and four knitted items. I did try a few things which went no where (February jumper) and I have improved my digitising skills (with little to show for it).
Next year I want to finish
Filed under miscellaneous
Jane Cardigan
I finished the Jane cardigan! I am pleased with how it turned out – and the construction was intriguing.
The pattern is from here (You might need to be a member of Ravelry to see the pattern). I bought the yarn from Spotlight – it is Patons Zhivago (Charcoal colour).
It fits Miss A perfectly, which means that it won’t fit for long, next time I will make a size bigger than I think I need.
Filed under Knitting
