A Year of Projects Update - week 48

Hey, I didn't miss a week this time!
I got through quite a bit this week.
I have a finished object, but first there is a backstory.  I love creating my own clothes (you may have noticed!)  I do sew a number of garments and I  have a number of dresses, particularly that I like to wear.  But... I  do not enjoy making them.  Ivd known this for a while, but have never really thought about it.  This week I was watching some new podcasts to me - Bernadette Banner and Rachel Maksy (they both sew their own vintage clothing).  It suddenly dawned on me that the reason I  love knitting is because yes I love the product, but I also love the process of doing it, whereas I  don't get that with sewing and therefore am not excited by new projects.  Whilst watching I was struck with a sudden desire to do some hand sewing - abandoning the machine and doing it by hand.  As a result I am loving it, I  have finished a project (yes it took longer than doing it by machine,  but I enjoyed it).  I am currently in the middle of another project and planning the next few outfits.   Its brilliant, I can take everything outside and stitch in the garden  - it's been beautiful this week.  So, here is my fo!

A pair of knickers! Loved doing this and learned so much.
I actually have a second fo that is not knitting.   Last Sunday, I took part in my first portrait artist of the week- live on Facebook.  I drew Will Young and loved doing it but I'm not sure it looks completely like  him.

This week it is Noel Fielding and I'm going to take part again.
My Breathing space is coming on in that I have split for the sleeves and have started the short rows where there would be striping.

I have also put some rows on from way back  but I  shall update on that one next week.
And that is that,  I  will get round after this week's  portrait!  Have a good week.

A Year of Projects Update - week 47

Um... missed another week.  They are just fusing together, I'm not sure whether I am coming or going!
Anyway, I've got it this week and I have progress.
First, a finished object.  I finished Stonecrop.   I love it, it is my first cropped sweater for a while.

Yarn is John Arbon (who happens to be having a virtual open weekend in a couple of weeks) Devonia.
Then I have a number of new cast ons.
I cast on my skirt that I  was swatching for.  I'm making it up as I go so am just going to do miles of stockinette for a mo then finish off with some colour work.

I also cast on a second Breathing Space by Veera Valimaki.  I knot one of these several years ago and it is one of my best worn sweaters.  So now I am going to do a non-stripey version in yarn from the wool kitchen.

Then I decided I wanted a faster knit to go with sewing I want to do this week.  So I used some De Rerum Natura Gilliat from stash and cast on a From Way Back. 

Another sweater I have knitted before,  but this time I am going to make a  cropped version in a heavier weight yarn.

In other news I am doing more drawing again.  Today Sky Arts are running a live portrait drawing of Will Young and I intend to sketch along.  It could take all day and right now I have all day (give or take!)
I am also going to try to do some sewing during this next week.
My school has said we will not be opening in the week beginning 1st June  so we have some more weeks yet - I  doubt Thomas will go back at all.  Daniel may get a couple of weeks but we will see.
Anyway hope you all stay safe, I  will try to remember next week!

A Year of Projects Update - Week 45

Wow - another week has gone by.   This week seems to have been more organised, but still not sure I have much to show for it.
My Stonecrop is coming along nicely and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't finished next week.   No photos as it looks very similar to last week.
I have swatched...
I know - I never swatch.  But I want a skirt, and I want it to fit.  I'm going to make up a pattern, so a swatch was necessary.

The yarn is BFL from Travelknitter in the uluru colourway.
And that is that.  I am going to get back on track with me made May this week.
I did make a dress today but I'm intending to wear it tomorrow so will photograph then.
I have another dress and a couple of dodgy bags I would like to get done this week.
I also spent a good deal of time in the garden this week clearing and tidying the patio.  We finally had our first bbq on Saturday.
It is Daniel's birthday in the week so we will work on making it nice for him, even though we can't see his friends or go out. 
Our lockdown is continuing in much the same vein.  Although we can go out and go to work, both have to be done only if it is safe.  There is talk that the little ones may go back to school in June, it is not Daniel.  They want to see if they can get some of the students at my school back before we break for summer, but we will have to see what the numbers look like.
Anyhow, I hope you are all staying safe.  Have a great week.

A Year of Projects Update - week 44

How can it be May already?
This week has flown by but I have done a fair bit.
I started and completed another soap Mitt.

It's knit in a stash cotton and is a pattern by Jooles at Sew Sweet Violet.
I have made lots of progress on Stonecrop. 

I have bound off the body and am now making my way down the sleeves.  I try to knit my sleeves two at a time so it is difficult to photo at the moment.
I have also would the first ball of yarn for a skirt that I want to start.  I will have to swatch for this!  I never swatch but I want this to fit my waist so swatching  it will have to be it.
I had fully intended to do some sewing this week but I  have not done this
 However,  I have got myself ready! I may try to get some done after 'school' one day this week.
I have been out in the garden - I  planted more potatoes, beetroot and carrots today.  I also want to tidy up the patio this week.
We go on a walk every day.  We do have a lovely sized garden, but it is really nice to get out and walk properly.  So we go down the road every day where there is a nature reserve and  nice wide paths so we can stay 2 meters away from anyone.  Today we went for a different walk and it was lovely.
I have also started Me Made May.  I often wear something me made most days but I shall try to document it again this year.  Here are the first three days!

I hope everyone has a good and safe week.