Sunday 26 February 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 36

 This week seems to have lasted several months!

That said, I do not have much to show for it.

I have done some more on my shorts, but still not nearly enough for a picture, so I shall say again, maybe next week!

I did sew a hat!


I used the free bucket hat pattern I used last year  but I  halved the brim.  It is a nice thick fabric so it is quite cosy.

Yesterday  I went to Unravel which was lovely.   I haven't been since before Covid and it was so nice to return and be able to squish yarn.  I didn't go too crazy. 
I did purchase some buttons from two different porcelain button stalls and some stationary from Katie Green Bean - who I also had the pleasure of being served by!

I did buy some yarn - to make 2 sweaters and some self striping sock yarn - I will show you those when I start knitting with them.

The day was lovely and punctuated with two stops in a coffee shop which was just lovely and I can't remember the last time I did that alone - it was nice.

And that is it for this week, I hope everyone has a lovely week - take care.

Sunday 19 February 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 35

 And so draws the end of a lovely crafty week!  I have knitted, sewn, swam, cooked and sketched.

I began the week with a swim in the sea.  Daniel decided not to in the end, but he did take the photos and joined me for a sausage bap and hot chocolate!

I did lots of sewing this week - I finished my summer tiered dress - sewn by hand which is my preference!

And the second make is a Simple Sew - Lena wrap dress which I made with the Sewing machine which isn't my preference but I do love this dress.

I set up my drawing space this week and started work on  couple of test pieces.


I made a little progress on my shorts and I will post my progress on those next week.

I made a risotto for school lunches and some squash pastry rolls from the Ainsley Harriott book.  The risotto was lovely and I have the remainder fir the week.  I am going to have the squash rolls for lunch today!

And I think that is it for this week - it's back to work next week and I'm visiting Unravel next Saturday so I expect less to be accomplished but we will see.

Sunday 12 February 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 34

 Happily,  today marks the first day of our half term break.  We don't have too many plans bar going to the beach tomorrow and potentially having a swim!  The sea is apparently 6 or 7 degrees C so we will see if we get past our toes and it won't be for long but it would be good to get in.

In terms of Projects I have put a few more rows in on my shorts (Reduplicate from Pompom magazine).

I am now about one and a half legs in.  I know some were thinking knitted shorts may never be useful  but I think they will be perfect for those warm spring and autumn days on the beach especially if we have been swimming when I want something to warm me up but not overheat. It's not something I would wear tomorrow,  but later in spring when it is warm but with a bit of a chilly breeze  they should be just the job!  Hopefully I should be able to report back soon!
I have been putting in a bit of time on my dress.  I have done most of the bodice apart from the sleeves and have done the skirt (that is what is draped over the chair in the following picture) - I now only have to attach the skirt to the bodice and add sleeves.  I am hoping to get it pinned and basted today  so should be easily finished by next week. 
Otherwise, I have been keeping up my photo a day  I made a trio of cakes yesterday and I am hoping to get in some drawing this next week.  I will leave you with my cakes!  I hope you all have a great week. 



Sunday 5 February 2023

A Year of Projects Update - week 33

 I write this on a beautiful Sunday morning in the South of England.   In all honesty it's been a bit dull of late, but I will take that over storms so I can't complain. 

I have been working fairly exclusively on my Reduplicate shorts and currently have one and a bit legs!

I really like this pattern so far - there is a bit of cable and a bit of lace and it is easy to memorise.   I may be tempted into a matching  top but we will see!  I am using some frogged yarn from a very old project, and can't remember what it is but it is very nice!

Otherwise, I have cut the fabric for a new dress that I intend to hand sew.  I got a couple of pieces from Minerva in their VIP craft sale this past weekend and I am hoping to get to them next week.

I am hoping to start this today and get the bodice completed this week.. well  again - let's see!

Otherwise, this should be a fairly lazy day - I want to make some date and walnut bread and roast some lamb, but that is it.

I hope everyone has a great week.