Sunday, 17 September 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 11

 Well I don't really have much to show for my two weeks away from the blog!

I do have a few pictures from my travels so I will include those at the end.

I have made a tiny bit of progress on Pineberry.

I am busy attaching the belt to the body and then just have to finish the other side of the belt.  I hope to finish this week!  I am knitting this from Eden Cottage yarn and the pattern is in the last Pompom magazine. 

With that in mind there are some gorgeous patterns in the most recent Pompom magazine which I am dying to cast on (hopefully this week).

That is all I have done on the craft front. 

Last weekend we were at the Goodwood Revival which was brilliant. 


And this weekend we have been for a walk and saw all the things!

And that is all for this week.  I have less going on after school this week so hopefully more progress will be made.  Hope everyone has a great week. 

Sunday, 3 September 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 9

 I'm back again - for a moment!  It is back to school next week (I'm not thinking about it!)

Next Sunday it is the Revival at Goodwood, which we are attending and really looking forward to.  It is a chance to get really dressed up and watch some excellent motor sport as well!  Whether I will be able to post is another matter, we shall see.

We returned from Cornwall last week and I tried to make the most of my last few days before work starts up.

I made some jewellery with some pebbles I found on ghe beach.

I also photographed the jacket I completed a couple of weeks ago. 

At the moment I am mainly working on my Pineberry from Pompom magazine. 

I have finished the body and am now on the belt, so hopefully by the time I get to properly post again it will be done. 
I have done a bit of baking and made jam this past week - no pics unfortunately!
Anyway, I will leave you with pictures of our holiday and hopefully have a quick post next week.  Have a lovely week.



Sunday, 20 August 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 7

 I cannot believe it is nearly the end of our holiday!  We are off to Cornwall today so am posting now before we lose internet for a week.

It is going to be a quick update this week as we are finishing packing in a moment. 

I finished my jacket but have not taken photos so will post that when I am back.  I have made progress on my wrap top, although it doesn't look like it!  I got to the end of the right side and realised I had made a mistake.  Now usually I live with mistakes and make them a design feature, but this time I couldn't, so had to rip back.  Anyway,  I started the front again, but this time both sides at once.

It's coming along nicely now - I am not taking it with me, just taking my socks as I hope to catch up on some reading.

And that really is it - we have been visiting places this last week but I will catch you up on that in a couple of weeks.

Hope everyone has a great week.


Sunday, 6 August 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 5

 We have had a nice relaxing week.  Our internet has been down so the boys have had to find other things to do  but the weather has not been kind this week - so we have spent most of it inside.  As a result, I have done lots of crafting!

I have made progress on my Pineberry from Pompom magazine.

I am knitting this in Eden Cottage yarn.   I have nearly finished the front and the back is done  so just the left front and the ties to go.

I have also made a pair of trousers.  I am going to progress to a suit jacket that goes with them but these are the trousers.  I have a bit of finishing to do but otherwise they are done!

And that is it for this week.   I hope to do a few more activities this week!  We are hoping to get swimming and at the end of the week we are flying to Scotland to watch some touring cars!

Anyway,  I hope everyone has a good week and hopefully I will be able to post next week from Knock Hill.

Sunday, 30 July 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 5

 Our internet is playing ball at the moment,  so I am taking advantage!

We spent much of the week with mum and dad.  We didn't do much there, but lots of knitting was done!

I also went out this morning with a couple of friends for coffee, a walk and lunch.  It was really lovely to catch up even if it was a tad windy!

The main thing I have worked on is my Pineberry from the most recent Pompom magazine. 

This is using some Eden Cottage yarn. 

I have also put in an order for some fabric and got a couple of patterns  for my next sewing projects.

And I think that is it for today.  I have lots planned around the house this week so hopefully next Sunday, I should have some progress to report.

I hope everyone has a great week 💓 

Monday, 24 July 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 4

 I'm posting a day late this week.  But since I am now on holiday I've decided it is fine!  

We went to see some rally cross yesterday so yesterday was out!  

I have been quite productive in this last week of school.  I finished Tegna.  I also started sewing and finished my denim repurposed jeans, skirt.

Here they are together although both need a press I think you get the idea!

I have yet to wear this combo but will be doing so soon!
I have now made a start on Pineberry.
I am knitting this in some Eden Cottage yarn.
I have also turned the heel on my socks but I will show you those when more progress has been made. 

So this week me and the boys are going to see my mum and dad for a few days and then we have a couple of weeks of doing very little, which will be lovely before our couple of trips away.
Hopefully, I will be able to get a good amount of knitting done whilst away and maybe some reading.
Hope everyone has a great week






Sunday, 16 July 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 3

 It doesn't feel as though I have achieved much this week, as I have only worked on one thing!  But there is only one week till the summer holidays and I simply can't wait!

The one thing I have worked on is my Tegna.   I am so close to the finish - I now just have 1 (short) sleeve to finish.

This is my second Tegna - this one is out of Third Vault Yarn.   I can't wait to wear it.

When I'm done, I'm going to cast on my shrug/wrap top from Pompom magazine and get sewing on my denim skirt.  Exciting times!

And that is that  - next time I will be a lady of leisure!  I hope everyone has a great week. 

Sunday, 9 July 2023

A Year of Projects Update - Week 2

 I can smell the end of term!  Just 2 weeks to go.

We have had quite a busy week - Thomas had a school trip, Daniel had his congratulations trip, we had 2 strike days and I went to visit a friend whose birthday is today and caught up with a friend that lives in Scotland that was visiting.  All nice things but it has meant very few crafts this week.

Luckily I have had a bit of time over the past 3 weeks!

I finished Rosa - I actually had finished her before I published my list, but I didn't show you so I didn't count it!

I have worn her several times and love it.  This is a Tilly and the Buttons pattern all sewn by hand which is my preference. 

Otherwise, I am still wading through Tegna  - I have split for the back and front now so should be done soon. 

I also pinned up my upcycled denim skirt (it was a pair of jeans).


Sorry the picture is blown out - I will have a better one as I start sewing.  This won't be for a couple of weeks as I want to finish Tegna first.

I do have a sock on the needles,  I am at the heel of sock one and I hope to get further with that as well over the next 2 weeks.

This coming week is still fairly busy, with a trip and a congratulations trip for Thomas  but I should be able to squeeze some in!

Hope you all have a great week. 

Sunday, 2 July 2023

A Year of Projects - List

 And so, July is here again.  My Year Of Projects runs from July to June - so it is list time for me.

I will be organising my list as I have done the past few years, and that is predominantly centred around a handmade wardrobe.

Knitting

  • Tegna - this is my second and is nearly completed
  • A light coloured tank/vest top - pattern not chosen yet
  • Pineberry - pattern from Pompom magazine and yarn from Eden Cottage yarn has been purchased
  • Open fronted waterfall cardi - pattern to be decided
  • Socks - a mix of long and short
  • More washcloths/dishcloths
Crochet
  • I really want to pick my Battenberg blanket up this year!
Sewing
  • Finish Rosa by Tilly and the Buttons 
  • Sew another Simple sew wrap dress
  • Decide on suit pattern snd sew it
  • Cream trousers - ? The Lander Pant
  • Make handkerchiefs and cut cloths
Other
  • Embroidery and cross stitch - I would really like to do some more of these
  • Painting - again would like to do more of this

And there I will stop.  I will almost certainly add to the list as I go but this is a good base!

So that is my list - next week I shall update on my progress over the last few weeks!

Sunday, 25 June 2023

A Year of Projects Update - Round up post

 I feel like I have been quite productive thus year!  Although not necessarily all from my list.

Knitting

  • Sweaters - I have knit a few, Tegna was one and the garter marler and Takumi were others.

  • Soorik - Rav link started last YOP year - I finished this one!
  • Festive Sweater KAL - Rav link - started at Christmas - again finished this one as a dress.

  • socks - I  haven't knit as many of these but I have knit a few, including some Christmas socks made with a Stranded Dyeworks sock set

  • Mitts as part of the advent project and other items - finished and gifted this - I really ought to think about one for this year!
  • Continued progress through the Stephen West brioche course - I haven't done this so really need to go back to this
  • Progress on Battenburg - crochet but have put it here anyway as it is my only crochet project - again I haven't touched this but will make an effort next YOP year.
Sewing
  • More pants! - didn't make any more but I do have the scraps to do some.
  • Summer dress - make a couple - including a floaty one perfect for right now in the heat and a Keilo dress.
  • Two more Esma's - Esma - didn't make Esma but have made my ice dancing mouse dress so am likely to make that rather than esma from now on 

  • Basic tees
  • Saguaro  - Saguaro - made this but didn't like the top - have made a keilo jumpsuit that I love and will perhaps make another Saguaro from different material
  • Placemats - didn't make these - but I did make 5 large cushion covers!  

  • I have been really enjoying my hand sewing this year do going some of these plans will be on next year's YOP 
Other crafts
I would like to do some embroidery this year and some more of the cross stitch that I started this year.   I would also like to do some more needle felting - in the first instance for mum's advent.  And throughout it all, I would love to make my crafting as sustainable as I can alongside doing the same in other areas of my life.  - I did the bits for mum's advent but didn’t continue. 
I also started a 50 things on my 50th year which included lots of crafting ideas so did some of these.  I did do some painting this year.
Next week I shall construct my next year of projects list - bug gor now I shall leave you with a posy of flowers I picked from the garden this morning.



Sunday, 18 June 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 52

 It's just going to be a really quick one today.  This week has been OK but I haven't felt the best and yesterday developed a rash and dizziness.   A 4 hour wait in urgent care later means that I have accomplished very little this week!

Anyway all is well - we think it is just a viral rash and the light headedness is likely to be down to that or my high blood pressure that the doctor was more worried about.

I have done very little crafting - a bit of knitting on both my socks and Tegna  and I have started sewing a Rosa dress by Tilly and the Buttons.

I have had this pattern for ages but only now have got round to sewing it.

I have also finished Because of You by Dawn French - an actual book from the library!  It was brilliant and, of course, absolutely cried my eyes out at the end - didn't see it coming at all - will say no more!

So that is it for this week- hopefully, this week will be uneventful and I will be able to round up my year next week!

Have a great week!

Sunday, 11 June 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 51

 Well it has been an odd two weeks.  We had half term break, which saw me doing very little as I didn't feel that well.  At the end of the week,  I still didn't feel great despite resting so Monday saw me at the doctors, and so with antibiotics and steroids in hand saw me taking most of the next week off sick!  

So although I have not felt up to much  I have got into a few Netflix series and done a bit of crafting.

I love the Sewing Bee which returned the other week, and on the advice of members of a Sewing Bee group I found a series called Next in Fashion.  I really loved that and binge watch both series that have been made.  So then I went onto Making the Cut and Queer Eye.  I have loved it all - very feel good telly which was exactly what was needed!

Whilst watching these things I finished 4 cushion cases.

I also made myself the Kielo jumpsuit.

Now I love this, and I have been wearing it all day.  My only issue is the fact it has ties and is a jumpsuit.   Now on their own I have no issue with either and and happy to wear clothes which take some getting out of - but if there is a possibility of needing a public toilet - I will not be wearing this as you cannot stop the ties trailing!  But otherwise love it and I can see it definitely becoming my go to change into when home from work outfit or weekend hairdresser etc outfit.

I have also made more progress on Tegna 

I am making this from Third Vault Yarns who this week sent the third skein to make sure I definitely have enough yarn to finish this. 

I have also started a pair of socks from an unknown sock blank but will show those when I have more progress on them.

I returned to work on Friday which was a bit tiring but I made it so I am hoping next week will be better and will build up my strength.  Although having said that we went to a place called Cuckmere Haven on Saturday with Daniel which was lovely but was a bit of a walk that I also survived!

I hope everyone has a great week.  😊

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 49

 I am a bit late this week!  I considered leaving it for this week, but we at at Thruxton this coming Sunday and then I am back to work so thought I might not manage one next time.

We were at Brands Hatch this last weekend and I've been feeling under the weather, so they are my excuses for the tardiness!

I can't even say that I have been particularly productive.  I have 2 projects that I have been beavering away on and otherwise, it has been a bit of Netflix!  The Sewing Bee is back on television but with it only being once a week, I was feeling a bit lost after the series opener.  Somebody recommended Next in Fashion - a series on Netflix - it wouldn't normally be my cup of tea, as I am not up or really interested in fashion  but it has got me hooked!  I now want to make everything!  I am currently really wanting to hand sew a suit - I'm thinking a future project coming on.

At present I have been working on 2 projects - the first is finished.

This is the Kielo dress, which needs a good press, but is otherwise done.

I have also been working away on my Tegna. 

This is my second Tegna, so although I don't really like bottom up,  this one is now fine as the first is perfect and I'm using it as a guide!

I am going to cast on some socks later and I have started making some panels for another cushion cover, so hopefully, by the time I am back with a post, I should have made some nice progress.

I hope everyone has a good week - hopefully I will have cleared this infection by the next post!

Sunday, 21 May 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 48

 Blimey,  time is going on!

We have one more week of school before the mid term break and it has calmed down a little, so should be manageable. 

I have a cough and probable throat infection, so rather than stay upstairs and wake everyone,  I am down enjoying a coffee and the morning birdsong!

My Tegna is coming along nicely,  except that I have decided that I do not have enough yarn.  I wrote a quick email to Lola of Third Vault Yarns late last night to see when she might be dying another batch and by 3 o'clock this morning she had put a skein in the shop and I was able to purchase it.  Amazing!

This is my second Tegna and I am loving it again.  It is bottom up which isn't usually my choice, but the first one was perfect so I can use that as a guide!

I have not been working on anything else, but did visit Craft in Focus at Hever Castle yesterday which was fabulous.  The weather was great, setting wonderful and, of course,  I managed to pick up a couple of things whilst there!




I hope you all have a great week.

Sunday, 14 May 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 47

 I completely missed last week!  No real excuse apart from last weekend being fairly stressful for one reason or another, and we spent Sunday at the touring car meet.

I have been making limited progress but have started and got some way with my second Tegna. 

This is being knit from yarn bought at Unravel this year.  This is a superwash merino 4ply from Third Vault Yarn and is beautiful.   I am nearly through the lace section then it is lots of stockinette up to the shoulders. 

I have done nothing else.  Our year 11 and 13 students are about to start their exams so it has been busy, but it should start to ease now.

It was Daniel's birthday yesterday and we went to see The Lion King in London.   While we were there we walked down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace where it was all winding down from the Coronation last weekend. 

We had a brilliant  day but it was quite tiring!

I hope you all have a great week and I will try to string two consecutive weeks together!

Monday, 1 May 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 45

Oh dear!
I don't know what happened last week, I even started a post but only got to the first sentence.   Then I had great intentions yesterday,  but a post did not transpire!
So, I'm writing this on Monday as better late than never. 
It is a bank holiday weekend here in the UK and we have a strike day tomorrow so it is quite relaxed at the moment.  I have filled the time with gardening,  baking and knitting. 
As I haven't posted for a couple of weeks,  I do have progress to report!
I finished Takumi. 
I will get a blocked and modelled shot soon.  I am very happy with this - it is knit in yarn from Skein Queen and is a pattern by East London Knits.
I also finished my Christmas socks in yarn from Stranded Dyeworks. 
And now I am knitting on another pair of socks which is Knees up that I am knitting as some walking socks. 
These are knit in stash yarn - I am not sure what the fingering weight is but the DK is Mellifera yarn who no longer dyes.
Today I am hoping to work more on these and start my second Tegna. 
Anyway, better go and get going!  I hope everyone has a great week and I will leave you with progress of the ducklings!



Sunday, 16 April 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 43

 We have come to the end of the Easter holidays.  The second week has gone by so quickly.   I have made a certain amount of progress.

I have made one cushion cover and the cushion is now being used by Daniel.

I am onto the bottom ribbing on Takumi which I hope to finish by the end of the day.  Then I only have the ties and sleeves. 

I also finished Saguaro and although I think I have used the wrong fabric I am going to make some tweaks and I think I will like it!

I have been listening to audio books this last week.  I have managed to finish Lessons in Chemistry and then skipped through The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.  Both books were brilliant and so I am now listening to The Man Who Died Twice.

We went out in the week for a meal for my birthday which was lovely.   

And we went to London zoo which was a trip on a whim - Thomas wanted to go so we took advantage!

I hope everyone has a great week- we will be looking forward to the next Bank Holiday!

Sunday, 9 April 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 42

 It has been a good week. Me and Daniel spent the best part of the week with mum and dad.   It was birthday in the week, so I  took the opportunity to have a couple of afternoon teas - yes a couple.  One of my 50 things this year was to have an afternoon tea with my school friend that lives near mum and dad.   And another was to get 50 pictures with friends. 

So I was able to tick off a couple of things!

Project wise I am still making my way through Takumi. 

I am now making my way down to the ribbing.

I have also bought 6 large cushion pads with the aim of making 6 covers from my scraps which I have cut into many squares!

I have also dug out a pair of Christmas socks that I am now coming on well with - now past the heel. 

I have been making progress on Saguaro and hopefully should be finished by next week. 

We have one more week at home and have a few plans but we will see what happens over the week.

Anyhow let's see how the week pans out!  Have a good week everyone 😊