Recent makes and sewing plans for July

Hi!

So, as you all know by now, my blog posts can be a little sporadic. I'm not a fan of posting for the sake of it and prefer to wait until I have something to show you or have a specific topic I'd like to blog about. Today's post, as the title suggests, is all about what I've been making recently and my ever growing list of sewing plans.... becasue I'm kind, I've wittled this list down to just a couple of items :)

Here's what I've been making.........

Unfortunately, I totally forgot to take nicer photos before I posted this little critter to my niece, Nancy, but here is a little picture of the amigurumi I made a couple of weeks ago.


                                   

Believe me, he looks a lot better up close. My sister has sent a few messages telling me how many compliments this little fella has received and has been asked if I sell my handmade items. The answer to the question, for now at least, is no. It feels great to know that so many people have been impressed by my handmade gift. They genuinely thought it had been bought from a shop.... high praise indeed, I guess...? :)

Next up.......

My hand knit tunic. This was a pattern I made up myself. Well, I adapted it from a very basic pattern that was posted on Kollabora. The original pattern was for the same style top except that it had been knit in two pieces that were later sewn together. I'm not a big fan of sewing seams...at all! And why do it when you can just knit in the round..?!

This knit was pretty straight forward and would make a great first project for those venturing into the world of knitting in the round. I shall be typing up the pattern details and posting them here soon, for those of you that fancy having a go. In the meantime, here is my finished tunic.......

Boatneck neckline works really nicely on this simple tunic

Finishing the contrast panel with a crocheted edge to help stop the fabric rolling. Simple finishing touches can make all the difference to the overall look. 

Next.......

I finally got round to finishing off the Mossa stitch cushion cover I'd be working on. Buttons have been sewn on and the cushion is now on the sofa with my other crocheted creations. I do love a crocheted cushion cover! :)

Sewing, sewing and..... a bit more sewing!

So, as you might probably have guessed, I've been doing a bit of sewing recently :)

My grand plans have been a bit hampered by my migraine episodes but, being the stubborn woman that I am, I haven't let this stop me planning for the days when I feel up to a bit of making. I've spent many an hour scouring the internet for patterns and design inspiration and have purchased some beautiful books. My most prized purchase has to be the Tomoko Nakamichi pattern books I gifted myself - Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic Stretch Fabrics.

                                

I can't remember how I discovered these books but I'm so glad I did. The designs are absolutely stunning. I realise they may not be to everyone's taste but I am a HUGE fan. I am so enjoying reading these books and would love to make everything in them but think I will have to wait until I've developed my skills a bit more. Some of the designs look quite challenging but well worth the effort.

Here is the first pattern I've attempted.....

This pattern for this piece is fairly straight forward. It works on the principle of using two long pieces of fabric that are sewn together to create a long rectangle with two short side seams for the bottom and one seam at the top to create a loop that you can tie anyway you want. The book provides a few pictures for inspiration but I had fun making up my own alternatives :)

Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for pictures of me wearing the finished item. I didn't want to post a picture of myself posing in front of the mirror so I'm waiting until a friend can help me out :)

Until then, here's a sneak peek at the jersey fabric I used for the pattern. 

Sewing plans for July.....

I shall definitely be continuing to work my way through the Pattern magic books. I've also just bought myself the Madeleine skirt pattern from Victory Patterns. For this I need to buy some more denim fabric.

I also have to use this lovely lot of fabric.........

I'm thinking of using the floral fabric (a bargain find at a local fabric stash sale) for a pattern I found on the Kollabora website. It's called the Lobelia tee, which you can find here. 

The bumble bee fabric was purchased to make the Sophia top from Simple Sew's Sophia 2 in 1 pattern. I was going to make the whole outfit for a christening but unfortunately, due to feeling pants, I haven't been able to. 

                                      

Definitely going to have a go at this though. I had bought some denim fabric for the skirt but may end up making the whole thing in a totally different fabric altogether :) 

Right, I think it's time for a brew. Thanks for stopping by to read my blog :) 

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy week.

Until next time,

KnittyNora xx

Sewing, sewing and .....a bit more sewing

As you may have already guessed, I have spent most of this week sewing. Trying out something a little different this time and posting a quick review of two pattern kits I had in my 'stash'. Not something I've done before but thought it might come in handy if, like me, you've never bought a prepacked sewing kit before.

Here goes......

After being a very sensible girl and reading the user manual, I was eager to get sewing with my new machine - a Singer Confidence. Cue a mad half hour of trying out all 50 stitches on a scrap of fabric and filling my bobbins ready to sew.

With my machine fully set up, I made a start on a pattern kit I bought for myself in the sales last year - the Sewing Bee sewing apron.

The pattern

The pattern is graded at intermediate level. On the whole, I thought the pattern was pretty straight forward. There was no need for any fancy stitches (everything was sewn in a straight line) and the pattern pieces were printed on one large piece of fabric that you had to cut out (again, in straight lines). So, if you can sew and cut in a straight line, you're OK 😃

The instruction booklet was very user friendly. The instructions were easy to read and follow and I was able to sew the whole thing up fairly quickly. This was a really nice project to do over an hour or so. I started one evening by ironing and cutting out my pattern pieces whilst I had a bit of time to spare. I came back to the project the next day and did all of the sewing in about an hour (although I probably took a bit longer when I factor in my tea break :) ) 

The only fiddly bit was threading the waist tie through the small channel at the top of the apron. I used a large safety pin that is fitted with a safety cap so that it wouldn't come open and stab me in the finger and/or get caught halfway (I initially used a normal safety pin.....which resulted in both of the above happening......oops!)

Pictures

                       

Final thoughts

This pattern kit was really easy to follow and I actually found it quite relaxing. The fabric pieces are nicely printed and the contemporary colour palette and pattern used are fun yet grown up. 

I really enjoyed this pattern and am really happy with the finished article. I would definitely recommend it (if they can still be purchased!) and would happily buy another Sewing Bee pattern kit again.

Pattern review...  2

The second pattern kit I tried out this week was from the people at The Makery. This kit, for a oversized purse, was given to me as a birthday present. The packaging, as you might expect from The Makery, was very contemporary, brightly coloured and made you want to open it immediately. The contents were beautifully wrapped and included everything I needed to make the purse, apart from a pair of scissors, some fabric glue, a pair of pliers (needed right at the end) and, of course, a sewing machine (although this wasn't really needed since everything could be hand sewn). 

Thoughts on the kit....

This pattern kit was...... well, a bit fiddly. The instructions weren't always the clearest and, if like me you like to think outside the box and try and be clever, you could easily find yourself having to back track and undo some of your hard work. There were one or two points in the pattern where I had to reread it several times to make sure I had got it right. Occasionally, you find that the written instructions don't give you all the detail you need and therefore you have to work out what to do next by looking at the drawings and hoping you haven't missed anything. Now, it may just have been me being a bit slow on this particular day but... I do think the instructions could do with a rethink.

The final few steps require a bit of patience, some glue and something pointy to squish (yes, that's a technical term!) the fabric into the purse clasp. Be careful not to put too much glue in the clasp channel. Even if you think you've only used a small amount, it soon spreads and can leave a bit of a sticky mess on the clasp. Nothing you can't clean up with a baby wipe....provided you've used the recommended fabric glue. 

The finished article....

The purse actually came out really well. Apparently, it looks 'really professional'...!! (Thanks husband, dearest). Obviously, I was quite chuffed with such a review. 

I must admit that I prefer a purse with places to put things like bank cards and somewhere to keep my clubcard safe (other store cards available!) but this purse would be great for a night out. It looks great, has plenty of room for your lippy and some loose change and, I'm sure, will get you lots of compliments.

Would I recommend it as a gift idea....? Yes, i think I would. Just make sure the person you're buying it for is good at following instructions, has plenty of patience and a few hours to spare :)

Final thoughts on sewing kits....

If you know someone who likes sewing, I would definitely recommend a sewing kit as a gift idea. I received two this year and both are for items that I will use and have fun making. So, be brave and try something new. And, whilst you're at it, why not buy one for yourself?! :) 

So, that's my first pattern review post done. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as a possible future feature. 

I'm still busy with knitting and crocheting but looking to expand my sewing repertoire as I continue on my quest to be able to make all of my own clothes. It has long been an ambition of mine to be totally self sufficient where fashion is concerned and, with regards to knitwear, have stuck to this over the last few years. My improving sewing skills give me the oppurtunity to branch out into much fancier and ambitious outfits and is a new avenue for creative development which I am very excited to pursue.

Well, that's all from me for now. I am already plotting and planning my next blog post and looking forward to showing you what I'm making right now.

Come back soon to see what I've been up to!

Much love,

KnittyNora xx

Well, hello there!

Over the last few weeks I've been trying to keep myself busy with lots of crafty projects. Since I'm not able to climb or go out walking I've had to find lots of other things to keep me busy..........

Project one: Cable knit cushion

Here is a little look at the cable knit cushion I've been working on....

Triple cable 

Up close

I've made this from a pattern I designed myself. This can be tricky but it also allows you to amend and tailor the pattern as you go along, which is great.

If anyone would like the pattern details once I've finished please get in touch......

I've made up quite a few of my own patterns and would love to know if people would like me to share them.

Project two: Make do and mend.....continued.

And so, another pair of cords get a make over.

Here they are before:

Plain old cords

and here they are after I went a bit crazy with them :)

My (almost finished) dungarees

What do you think? 

Project three: What to do with all this fabric?

A selection of my new fabrics

A nice little close up

And so.....what does a girl do with all this fabric (and a few more pieces stashed away!)?!

I'm thinking a couple of new skirts and possibly a dress....... what do you think?


I'm off to play with my sewing machine......pop back soon for a peek at my complete cushion and perhaps a peek at something new :)

Best wishes,
KnittyNora xx

A birthday, some new toys and a little inspiration.

Goodness me, it's been over two weeks since my last post.......... Ooops!

As many of you may already know, I have been rather poorly over the last few months and still have to juggle the good days (when pain is low) and the bad days (when all I can do is sleep). Since I'm unable to work at the moment I have been making the most of my time by reading craft blogs and seeking out inspiration from other makers and some beautiful new books I have recently acquired.


Yesterday was my birthday - happy birthday me!

I'm absolutely rubbish at asking for things so this year my husband got me to save weblinks to anything I liked in a special folder on the computer so that he knew what to get and could help friends and family decide what to get me too - GREAT idea! I don't feel awkward for asking and I know that people will be able to get me something that means a lot to me - in my case that's knitting books!

This year I also added a sewing machine to the list and a fantastic sewing book that I came across thanks to Kollabora (I LOVE that site). I didn't want anything too fancy since I am basically a beginner.

My tick list consisted of these main points:

• Cheap
• Suitable for a beginner - easy to use!
• Fairly lightweight so that I can move it on my own. 
• Basic range of stitches covered.

Thanks to my husband and Beldray, we found just that.......................

As a little treat on my birthday my husband took me to a fabric shop so that I could find some delicious fabric for my first official make on the new sewing machine. I found some beautiful material on sale - £5 a metre!

To start though, I thought I'd start with some fabric my husband's great aunt (Auntie Pat) gave me to play with.........so that I could practice my stitches and measuring skills :)

Pinning my seams

Beautiful floral fabric from Auntie Pat

Neat little side seam

Here is a link to the skirt I'm going to make:


http://www.kollabora.com/community/sewing/projects/one-hour-skirt

I'm so glad to have my hobby to keep me company whilst I'm at home. I'd love to hear if any of you have a new projects on the go.....??


I'll be back soon with some updates on the skirt :)

Love and best,
KnittyNora xx

Cosy days at home

It's cold outside. It's windy and it's wet. I've decided to hid way in my own little crafty habitat. Surrounded by fabric and yarn and books. And not forgetting the first in the series of Cath Kidston make and sew booklets..... a little treat to myself :)


And here are some pictures of the beautiful fabric I've just purchased to create my own labels for my knitted goods.

Ready to be opened.....

Layers of Japanese cotton

Unravelled and ready for some print practice

Feeling poorly and a little bit sorry for myself, I'm glad to have lots of lovely fabric and creative ideas to keep me company.

I've nearly finished my brand new glove design.....stayed tuned for some pictures of the finished article :)


Much love,

KnittyNora xx

Still searching for treasure....

Hi all! Just a quick update......


I've been busy climbing, crafting and attending a wedding over the past week....keep posted for photographic evidence!

My little craft room is full of fabric, yarn and buttons. So many ideas for creations but just never enough hours in the day :) I'm busy creating some more jewellery for my Etsy store at the moment. Knitted jewellery has become a bit of an obsession of late. It's so cosy and comfy to wear and has gained many admirers (always nice).


The sun is shining (at the mo) so I'm getting ready to do some more climbing..... pics of which will follow.

Here's where I went scrambling on Tuesday....anyone know where this is?! :)

KnittyNora xxx

Going on a creative journey......

It's officially the Summer holidays (although the sun seems to have forgotten me).....

I'm off to my spare room to explore my crafty treasures. I've been collecting all manner of creative items over the past few weeks and months and now that the holidays are here I have some time to go and make stuff - hooray!

With so much fabric and so many crafty plans, where is a girl to begin...?!

Please stop by again soon....I shall be leaving some clues and a little treasure map for you to follow.


Much love,

KnittyNora xxxx

Dreaming of the sunshine so that I can go out and play again....