Buttons and Beeswax...... blog

This blog has now moved!!

2012-01-30T21:45:00.002Z

Please continue to follow me at www.buttonsandbeeswax.com, thanks!

Hand Knitted Glove Pattern testers wanted!

2011-11-11T18:37:00.002Z

Some might remember my knitted Photography Gloves, posted back in March. The idea is that a couple of the fingertips are missing, to keep hands toasty warm, and fingers free to use your phone or camera. I've sold a few knitting patterns, but not had any feedback yet, and it would be great to see other versions of the gloves! These work incredibly well with all smartphones and iPhones too :)

If anyone would like to have a go at knitting the gloves for free, get on over to the Ravelry Testers Group, post in the Photography Gloves thread and I'll send you over the pattern!

*edit - The Ravelry thread has now closed. You can purchase the pattern here, thanks!

Nordic Lace Mittens Pattern now available

2011-11-09T21:39:00.004Z

It's only taken me 6 months to get it tested and up on the patterns page, but FINALLY you can purchase the knitting pattern for the Nordic Lace Mittens, for a mere 99p! Once you've finished, you might fancy making the Nordic Lace Hat too! This simple stitch is a good one for knitters new to lace knitting. As it is only an 8 row repeat, the pattern is easy to memorise and quick to knit up using double knitting weight yarn.
Watch this space, I'm currently knitting a matching lace cowl pattern ;-)

Pumpkin Tea Cosy Pattern

2011-10-14T20:07:00.006+01:00

It's been soooo long since I posted anything, I apologise! After preparing for a big move to Bristol in August, actually moving, and then getting used to a new job, I've finally started to get the itch back to make things again.

It helps of course, that I was asked to design a teapot cosy for my friends over at Cosy Tea,
which soon got me picking my sticks back up and clicking away.

The result is this, a lovely seasonal pumpkin cosy, sure to keep your tea toastie. It makes me smile every time I look at it!

Bring on the leaves and the breeze, I say - hopefully that will keep my knitting juices flowing and I can produce some more patterns to share!

You can find the free pattern for the pumpkin tea cosy here or download a free printable PDF from my patterns page.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-06-28T09:59:00.001+01:00

It was Dad's 60th yesterday and I wanted to make something special. Plus he's really hard to buy things for! I thought it might be nice to treat him to a handmade shirt, and the only specification was that he wouldn't have to iron it.

I found this fabric round the corner, it's a school gingham so it's pretty durable and doesn't crease easily. Thankfully he likes it, he didn't want anything too dark and I wasn't sure about patterned, so I settled on this one.

I'm really loving the black on the inside of the collar, button band and cuffs. It fits great, and I've told him there will be a photo shoot, however I really wanted to get these pics up straight away! Keep an eye out for more to come.

Rockabilly Baby Trousers!

2011-06-15T16:41:00.002+01:00

After the Skull and Crossbones trousers I posted last week generated so much interest, I thought I'd put a few basic, more affordable ones together too! This is some fabric that I had left over from last year - I'm trying to use up a lot of my stash before the big move to Bristol in August.

Currently the trousers are available in the shop in newborn, 6 months and 12 months, but I'll get on the case to make toddler size ones too.

I think these will be a great summer thing for the little ones, they are 100% cotton and elasticated at the waist for comfort and ease of getting in and out!

Watch this space for different fabrics :-)

My New Frock!

2011-06-06T17:54:00.003+01:00

I thought it was about time I made something for myself! I don't think I've made a new dress since... January 2010? I've been so busy sewing things for the shop and putting ideas down that I've neglected myself a bit, so I spent all last week designing this dress, drafting out a pattern and putting it together.

The fabric is all 100% cotton from a shop next to Exeter Central called Inspirations, which until recently I didn't realise had a whole wall of lovely fabric! It could be something to do with the fact that I left for five years and in that time the shop is even more exciting than when I left :-)

Someone said once that I could pull this colour off so I thought I'd give it a go. The lining is a fantastic contrasting turquoise colour and the belt a lovely chocolatey brown. I wasn't sure at first about the pleated waistband but I think it works.. It just needs a slight alteration so the folds stay put!

Skull and Crossbones Trousers for a Little Pirate!

2011-06-06T17:18:00.001+01:00

I've had a lot of requests recently for clothes for boys. This is the first of a line of things that will be going into the etsy shop for your little rascal, think, pirates, robots and dinosaurs - I'm going on a fabric mission!

James' Shirt

2011-06-06T16:55:00.000+01:00

Ok firstly - whoops! I haven't blogged for ages as it seems I've been spending all my time sewing and not a lot else! Posts will follow with pictures of the things I have been distracted with!

However, I just thought I'd put these pictures up - I've just been sent them by photographer James Lewis, who I made a shirt for in February, and as a thank you he has provided me with some great photos of him in it for my gallery.

The original blog post for the shirt with more photos can be seen here

Nordic Lace Mittens

2011-05-07T11:45:00.001+01:00

Ok so here are the matching mittens to go with the Nordic Hat I posted last week. These are based on a 12 stitch lace pattern that goes all the way around the mitten, increasing at the thumb. I made the hat to go camping with last week and thought some matching mittens would be nice - I'll admit maybe they're a bit unnecessary in april but I was enjoying the pattern and playing with the wool.. And the best thing is, one skein will make both mittens and the hat!

I'm in the process of writing up the pattern so those of you who fancy having a go can download it here :-)

Tedward

2011-04-29T12:56:00.002+01:00

Just a quick blog to introduce Tedward!

Tedward is around 9 inches tall and is made from Regia Color 4-ply / 4-fädig on 2mm needles. I made him for baby Harvey about two weeks ago. The pattern for Tedward is a vintage Weldons one I have used a few times now and can be downloaded for free on my patterns page

Happy knitting!

Nordic Lace Hat

2011-04-26T15:17:00.006+01:00

I've had this yarn knocking around for ages, I bought two skeins of it in St Ives for £12.99 each, and it is sooo lovely I haven't been able to work out what to do with it! The yarn itself is Manos Del Uruguay 30% Silk, 70% Merino, Kettled Dyed. It's LUSH

So inspired by a recent camping trip I decided on making a hat. I knew the yarn would be warm, being merino, but I wanted something thin that wouldn't take up much space.

The idea for the Nordic Lace Hat was born, after finding myself longing to knit something interesting that wasn't cable, and the thought that this lovely yarn would lend itself well to the pattern.

You can purchase the pattern on my patterns page for a mere 99p! Any feedback very welcome :-)

More Summer Dresses

2011-04-17T15:08:00.000+01:00

Yes the sun is shining and it's finally warming up! To celebrate I've made this little selection of cute summer dresses for the little ones. Watch this space and you'll see pants to match!

All of the dresses are now up and available in the shop, just in time for summer :-)

Dad's Photographers Gloves Pattern!

2011-04-01T16:30:00.006+01:00

Ok so this is the first pattern I've written so I apologise if there are any mistakes! I made 5 pairs of these gloves over Christmas (all complete with fingers) before writing it up from memory so I haven't had a chance to knit from the pattern to make sure it's all correct.

I'd also like some feedback as I'm not sure if the way I've written it is all that easy to understand, and if it isn't maybe I could have some pointers for things to include in it for beginners?

I've never been so great at teaching people how to knit as I feel like whatever I'm saying must sound to them like I'm trying to teach them to suck eggs, however mostly I'm just met with blank looks whilst I try to explain again, too fast. Teaching isn't my strong point.

However people do seem to be interested in the things I am making so why not reward them with a some patterns, I thought!

Let me know what you think :-)

Cute Baby's Summer Dress

2011-03-28T15:32:00.000+01:00

Just an update what I've been up to recently! This dress is the second in a group I will be making.
It was requested by Auntie Mim for her great-grandaughter, who is 4 months old.

I'll be making more of these dresses and putting them in the shop, as I think they make really cute dresses for summer! And now the sun is out, I think everyone is starting to feel a bit summery... :-)

The dress is made from cotton fabric and I can make any size from newborn to 12 months in any fabric required! I have a selection of cute girly ones but I've also made one in rockabilly skull and crossbone fabric, which was fun :-)

The dress fastens at the back with poppers, though I think I will change the poppers I put on this one before sending it to Mim as they seem to come undone really easily! Is there any issue with putting metal poppers on baby clothing if it's secured well? I can only see plastic ones wearing down over time but I'll have a good look in the fabric shop tomorrow and see what else they have.

I've also made matching knickers! These were fun to make and I'd like to make lots more in funky fabrics. Not having children myself, I wonder how the mum's out there rate these. For example, if your baby girl is dressed in a plain dress, would you dress it up by putting her in polka dot baby bloomers? Or safari print? I think I would but I wouldn't mind hearing what everyone else thinks!

The casing for the elastic around the leg is binding I have made from pink ribbon. I might try making a pair with this on the outside too as it's hidden away, and might make quite a sweet feature I think.

Amazing Portraiture Art...

2011-03-26T18:21:00.000Z

I just wanted to bring attention to the amazing art of my friend Mel Evans. Mel is a self employed artist who has exhibited in Cardiff and Brighton and is currently taking very reasonably priced commissions.

All of Mel's portraits are painted from photographs, which makes things simple if you aren't in the same area or you have children or pets that won't keep still! She uses a medium of predominantly oil on canvas and works from her studio in Brighton.

You can contact Mel through her website or become a fan on facebook

Angry Birds Plushies by Obsessively Stitching

2011-03-21T23:24:00.002Z

I'm loving these Angry Birds toys by Obsessively Stitching!

Not that I've been at all addicted to the game (ahem)! These cute creatures are so spot on I couldn't help but smile :)

There are a whole crew of angry bird tutorials to be found for free on Obsessively Stitching's blog, and the original red bird is available on Etsy for the less creative of you.

Recycling old for new

2011-03-19T18:44:00.006Z

I just found this awesome tutorial to turn a man's shirt into a child's dress on www.dana-made-it.com.

I love seeing anything that supports making and recycling old clothes rather than throwing them away and buying new, cheap disposable clothes and this is a fantastic idea!

Dana-made-it.com is a fantastic blog packed with ideas for refashioning new items from old clothes and lots of fab photos.

Take note!

Knitted Nativity!

2011-03-17T09:41:00.004Z

How cute are these guys? My friend Steph donated them to me at the weekend thinking I might be able to give them a better home than her. It seems a shame to keep them hidden away until Christmas!

Ethos...

2011-03-16T10:09:00.003Z

When people ask "What do you do?" how many of you are excited by your answer? I mean, really passionate about it?

This is just a little thing I've been thinking lately and I thought as it's so relevant to what I'm trying to do, I would share it with anyone reading. I'm talking about sewing, dressmaking.. Buttons and Beeswax.

I love the feeling of making something for somebody and playing a part in their excitement of having something new, that was put together just for them. I like the idea that something as simple as an item of clothing can make you feel really good about yourself. It can change your confidence, the way you stand and how you see yourself in the mirror.

Being a seamstress, creating things for people to wear is exciting because it makes them feel special. It is a personal and indulgent thing to spend money on hand made clothing and I want people to feel like they are getting a treat. That's what gives me a buzz.

Dressmaking started for me as a hobby, but I know that isn't enough. It's what interests me, and if I have to do something to live then I want it to be that. To give people that feeling I just described. And if we have to spend most of hours working, why not spend it working on something we love?

James' Shirt

2011-03-15T10:24:00.001Z

I've never been a massive fan of denim, but there's something about it. I like the way it presses and how the stitches look when they are holding pieces of it together. There's something very satisfying about creating garments out of it. So when I was asked to make a shirt I was quite excited to get going on it.

The fabric itself is quite thin, for denim, however as it's a shirt and not a jacket this was important. I chose the lightest weight I could find knowing that the yoke and the pockets would all weigh it down.

Here is the result :-)

Dad's Photographers Gloves

2011-03-15T10:14:00.005Z

Prompted by something my dad had mentioned, I decided to go on and make him some gloves for christmas with a couple of bits missing... He'd said how gloves should have the tip of the right finger free, for pressing the shutter on the camera. Thinking about this, I realised how generally it's quite useful to have a thumb free also, but without all of the missing fingers of fingerless gloves which frankly don't keep you warm in the winter! (Yes I realise it's now March, but I've been terrible at keeping this blog up to date recently (possibly something to do with the excitement of moving from the south east back to the south west. ))

I digress..

Here are the gloves.. now tried and tested, they proved very useful! The pattern for the gloves can now be downloaded from here

Shop

2011-01-20T20:36:00.004Z

Have you checked out the shop recently?? Lots of lovely lovely things to get your hands on :-)

Ebay

2011-01-12T17:31:00.002Z

Hola! So I've been away from the blog for ages again, mostly making christmas presents and all those aprons last year, but my excuse this time is the shop I have been setting up on ebay. I thought I'd have a go with these fun skull and crossbones/rockabilly type fabrics and see what I came up with.

Here's a baby dress to give you an idea of the sort of things I want to do - you'll have to excuse the rubbish photo I was in a bit of a hurry to get it all listed yesterday so it won't be permanant!

Check out my ebay shop here

Aprons.. lots and lots of them!

2010-12-03T15:36:00.002Z

I realise I haven't posted anything for ages again - but I have a good excuse! I've not had a lot of time to myself recently as I've been crazily preparing for Christmas, making these lovely aprons which I will (hopefully) be selling at the Craft Fayre at the Komedia on Sunday in Brighton.

If you'd like one then they will be available in the shop soon, or if you can't wait then email me and I'll send you one. These aprons are reversible and made from cotton and viscose suiting fabric, so as well as looking stylish they are also fully washable (on a low temperature) so you don't need to worry about getting covered in cake, or steak, or whatever floats your boat.

I thought after all the cute girly aprons that I'd make something for the boys too, so these are available at £25 each.

Black with White Stripe with grey/white stripe:

Black with white stripe / Mottled black and white

Brown/Blue tweed stripe / mottled black/white:

Brown/blue tweed stripe / Grey/white stripe:

And more for the ladies! I've now got this lovely apples and flowers fabric with hot pink polk dot, cupcakes with chocolate and turquoise and a little tailored skirt apron made with the black and white stripe fabric and the grey and white material.

Tommy's Booties

2010-10-30T13:00:00.004+01:00

These booties were made for a small person called Tommy.... They were knitted in Rowan Handknit Cotton and Rico Baby DK and the pattern can be found here

The buttons are made of coconuts :-)

Broad Street Mittens part 2

2010-10-28T14:54:00.004+01:00

Gosh, I just realised I last blogged about these in January too, what have I been doing? I suppose the need to knit gloves in the summer isn't great really. Now finished, the mittens are no longer mittens, but proper gloves, and they fit and are soooo warm! I'll be glad of this in the winter.

I decided to keep going with the fingers as fingerless gloves are never really warm enough for me, even with the mitten flap. But having finished them I remember the reason I wanted fingerless ones was so I could knit in the winter so maybe I'll have to make another pair.

The yarn is a regia 4ply nylon/wool mix and the pattern is from knitty and can be found here I have changed the size (as I have small hands) so if you use this yarn I can't guarantee they'll fit you!

Business Cards!!

2010-10-28T14:49:00.005+01:00

In the middle of making everything I managed to finally get some business cards printed! The design was inspired by my trademark photos on the floorboards, though sadly there will be no more of these as I've moved, and will therefore have to get more creative with my photography!

The cards were printed on 450gsm recycled card and I love them :0)

Emma's bridesmaid dress.

2010-10-28T14:39:00.004+01:00

I made this dress for my friend Emma in September for a wedding. She was a bridesmaid and had just been told to buy a burgundy dress and that was it. I really wanted a bit of practice at making something for someone else, so I offered to make it for her as an excuse :-)

I did have more photos of this dress but I seem to have lost a memory card! The fabric and lining are both silk and it took about a week to complete.

It's actually the same pattern as one I made for myself (as a brithday present) Emma and I are a similar size so I was lucky that I could try it on when she wasn't around.

The pattern is Burda 7488 for anyone wishing to make one, I just omitted the contrast fabric from the bottom and instead used one piece.

Mat's Hat

2010-10-28T14:16:00.007+01:00

Hello again! I've been a tad behind with the blogging due to an increased addiction to making, it seems. So here is the first of a few long overdue posts and photographs..

Back in January I agreed to make a hat for Matt Carver, a local electrician, with his business logo on it. Here is the original post. The logo for Lucas Electrics is a kangaroo and I was looking forward to getting stuck into a bit of fair isle knitting. This isn't something I'm massively accomplished at and I really wanted to give it a go.

However it didn't really work in the round, as I realised I'd be using up far too much wool carrying the yarn around when I wasn't using it, and it would make the hat unnecessarily thick. Also I was messing up the tension and spending far too long on it!

In the end I settled for knitting the beanie in the round and then swiss darning the logo on afterwards. This gave a lot more scope for detail and the end result I think is great. I haven't got a photo of Mat in it yet but he does seem to wear it a lot, which can only be a good thing! It's also 100% Merino so it should keep him warm in the winter months.

It also managed to grab the attention of Aussie comedian Adam Hills and played a part in his show! He mentions it in his blog here

Aprons

2010-08-31T15:36:00.005+01:00

I thought I'd try my hand at making a few cute aprons for Etsy and Christmas markets. Here's the first one :-)

Chris's Shirt

2010-07-20T13:03:00.003+01:00

I've been wanting to write about this one for a while but I've had to wait until I gave it to a certain someone for his birthday before I could make it public!

I loved making this shirt, the fabric is beautiful and it felt like a proper challenge to get all the checks to match up. I changed a few of the design features - omitted the pocket flaps after deciding the fabric was too heavy for them, changed the shape of the front yokes and added small darts from the pocket down for extra shaping.

Making this has made me seriously think about going into menswear as it was so nice to put together. I've taken an order for one more in plain fabric, which should be a lot quicker, so watch this space :-)

It fitted it's recipient perfectly (phew!) though I still need to get a photo of him in it to prove this (when he'll let me..)

"Childhood" cardigan by Natalie Wilson

2010-07-09T10:37:00.008+01:00

I just realised I never wrote anything about this when I made it, and it's so lovely it deserves a mention!

I made this for baby Charlie (who is now 2) out of Rowan Soft Baby Yarn. It served him well for about a year and will hopefully be passed down to the next one! :-)

The pattern is from knitty and can be found here and sizes go up to age 6.

Etsy

2010-07-09T09:45:00.004+01:00

So I've started setting up shops on Etsy, Misi and Folksy! I don't have any stock yet as so far I've just been making things for myself, but watch this space :-)

I'd really like to make some one-off's for people, so the idea of the shops I suppose is so people could make orders through them, so if you want anything give me a shout and we'll work out a price.

4ply Beanie Hat

2010-06-22T10:26:00.007+01:00

As the weather started to warm up a bit I went decided that what I really needed on Brighton beach one evening was a new hat, not of the huge chunky variety I made over the winter, but something I could scrunch up in my bag and have handy in case it got chilly. Being one that feels the cold easily (and how boring my knitting habit would be if I didn't) a warm but thin hat was calling my needles to get twitching.

And so this was born - a 4 ply hat made with Regia sock wool and a few random remnants, it took a few attempts to get the size right but now it's just right. It's unfortunately a tad too warm to wear it now though!

Que sera sera..

2010-04-30T12:50:00.004+01:00

I know I've got tons of other things to finish - a hat, (sorry matt!) another cardigan, some gloves and a dinosaur to name a few, but this is what I want to make next! It is a free pattern on knitty.com by Kirsten Kapur who blogs here. I think I'll have to force myself to wait a bit though. At least until it gets warm enough to wear something with holes in...

Rowan "Lichen" Aran

2010-04-29T12:11:00.005+01:00

There's nothing like a few long train journeys down to Devon to get on with a lot of knitting! Finally, after what must be about 8 or 9 months (on and off) I've finished my new cardigan. This one was a chore so I'll admit there were a few breaks, but once I got stuck in again I found I couldn't motivate myself to do much else!
.

Rowan Big Wool Cardigan

2010-03-16T18:40:00.005Z

This pattern is from one of the Rowan Studio books. I wanted to make a cardigan thick enough to be worn as a jacket, and this is definately warm enough. It was supposed to be the other way round (seams on the inside) but the way the pattern was meant that the collar wanted to turn in. After trying it on inside out I much prefer it with the seams showing, so that's how it is now. I can't decide on where the buttons are going though, I keep moving them around, I'm sure they'll find a home sooner or later!

Owl Jumper (Kate Davies)

2010-03-16T18:34:00.005Z

I came across this gorgeous pattern for a jumper knitted in the round with a cabled yoke by Kate Davies. The pattern is for sale on her blog http://needled.wordpress.com/designs/
The cables are knitted to look like owls and I'm sooo loving it!
The wool is Rowan Cocoon and is very very soft, very fluffy and very warm :-)

I think it might just be the best thing I've made yet!

All night knit in the Argus!

2010-02-02T12:29:00.004Z

justgiving.com/deborah-smith0

LESS YAWNS MORE YARNS

2010-01-29T12:39:00.006Z

ALL NIGHT KNIT FOR BLISS BABY CHARITY

Purl wool shop, near Seven Dials, Brighton, will be hosting an ‘All Night Knit’ on Saturday 6th February in support of Bliss – the national charity for babies born too soon, too small, too sick.

Casting on at 11pm and casting off at 7am on Sunday morning, up to 15 knitters of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, from Brighton and Hove will be purling round the clock, to make a blanket which will then be entered as a prize in a raffle.

Knitters are hoping to raise up to £1,000 in sponsorship from family, friends, work colleagues and work matching schemes. Anyone wishing to support the event can make a donation HERE

The ‘All Night Knit’ looks set to become a community event; a local choir has offered to serenade the knitters in the early hours and they have been inundated with offers of hot food and drinks from local residents in Upper Hamilton Road.

Debbie Smith, owner of Purl, who has organised the event said: “One of the mums at our Thursday evening knitting group came up with the initial idea. We wanted to find a fun way to raise money for Bliss which does such great work.

“We might need to be counting balls of wool, rather than sheep, to keep us awake through the early hours. Knitting is a very relaxing process, so the key to staying awake all night will be to knit a pattern that requires a certain amount of concentration but isn’t overly complicated” said Debbie.

Purl hosts regular knitting and felting classes, craft days and ‘make do and mend’ workshops for adults and after school art and craft classes for children. For more information about activities at Purl visit www.purl-brighton.co.uk or call Debbie on 01273 248642.

For more information please contact:

Debbie Smith
16 Upper Hamilton Road
Brighton
BN1 5DF
Tel: 01273 248642
E mail: purl.brighton@gmail.com
Website:www.purl-brighton.co.uk

You can sponsor Debbie on the knit by clicking here

Cocoon...

2010-01-29T12:33:00.004Z

I just bought this wool for a third jumper I feel the urge to make. Its so soft and lovely I can't wait to get started on it, I'm sure it'll knit up pretty quickly as well as its quite chunky...

Hat Update

2010-01-29T12:27:00.003Z

So the hat seems to be going well.. However I've not designed any intarsia before so I'm hoping the pattern is going to fit on the hat! I might have to fiddle with it slightly as I think its going to be too tall. It's really good fun to see it coming together though!

Birthday Frock

2010-01-29T12:20:00.004Z

I decided on Fri (22nd) that as I was going out that night I had better make myself a new dress! I found this lovely Paul Smith fabric and some yellow silk and spent the whole day up in my room throwing around pieces of fabric and paper.

By 6.15pm on Friday I finally gave up and realised it wasn't going to happen that night. So Saturday, complete with monster hangover, I put the rest of the dress together. This is the result, a classic style dress (that looks lovely on, but unfortunately no professional photographer was around today to take a picture of me in it!) with a silk lining and big bow at the front.

I think I actually love it.

Rowan "Lichen" Aran

2010-01-20T13:37:00.005Z

I love this cardigan. Its fun to knit and looks really impressive, but its really time consuming and I just want it now!

I've discovered that knitting on circulars is definately the way forward for big stuff like this. It makes it 10 times easier to carry around and it means the weight is in the middle and not on each arm when it starts getting big. Also, my tip for cable - use a hairgrip rather than a cable needle - it stays there easier without slipping out and you're much less likely to drop a stitch :-)

This pattern is from Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine Issue 40

Broad Street Mittens

2010-01-20T13:21:00.004Z

I thought I'd have a go at making these. I've made gloves before and swore never to do it again, but that was before I'd discovered 4" double points needles, which makes knitting in the round less like handling a porcupine and more like fun :-)

I'm loving making these as I can take them anywhere, and the wool is exciting as you never know what colour it's going to come out next!

The only problem is I started them at the same time as a my new cardigan, and I want to finish that first.. which means these might be on hold til next year :-(

Summer Dresses

2010-01-19T12:12:00.007Z

Remember back in May I posted a photo of a model in a magazine and said I was going to copy the dress? Looky here to recap. Well here's the dress, I finally got around to posting up the photograph (courtesy of Helen Tinner Photography)

Also Helen shot a better photo of me in the floral dress I blogged about last May

And the tulip dress I was in the middle of making in June

Wrap around skirt

2010-01-19T12:08:00.003Z

I designed this skirt for my pattern cutting class last year. It was loosely based on a few pictures I'd seen in vogue (which I should upload but they're in the attic). I think I mainly designed it because I wanted this skirt, rather than challenging myself by making something more difficult! None the less, I love it, wear it all the time, and often get compliments on it. It looks great with cowboy boots!

Kangaroo Beanie

2010-01-19T12:00:00.004Z

So this is what I'm doing right now, amongst other things. I've been asked to make a beanie hat for an electrician with his logo on the front, so I'm quite excited about designing this.

This is what I've been given to work with

And this is the chart I've made so far. (I don't have the right colour pens but I know where I'm at!) I've changed the pattern around the kangaroo slightly as it's going to be a wiggly stripe that goes right around the hat.

I gotta go out now and buy some new needles!

Hot Pants for Winter

2010-01-19T11:54:00.004Z

I made these in September? October? 2009. I've given up trying to post in chronological order now. These were from a burda pattern for my dressmaking class. I'm really pleased with them, they're so comfortable I'm making another pair in corderoy.

Last Year's Other Aran Cardigan

2010-01-19T11:35:00.005Z

I must have finished this in February as it practically saved my life in Poland, yet I also never gor around to uploading photos of this cardigan either. The wool is Rowan, I bought it cheap about 5 years ago as it was discontinued (I don't even remember what it was called). This cardi I based on the shape of the first aran I made, but basically made it up as I went along (and no, I didn't think to write any of it down.) I wanted a high neck so I could wear it under a coat and avoid having to wear a scarf, but I also wanted something that would look slightly like a jacket top when it was half open. So this neckine design was born, buttoned up to the top it is snuggly and warm, or half open is smart and a little bit different. I looked everywhere for the chunky buttons, and eventually found them at the Stitches and Crafts show at the Brighton Centre.

Last Years Aran Cardigan

2010-01-19T11:23:00.007Z

So.. It was October 2008 when I blogged about the aran hoodie I was making, out of the old dress I found in a charity shop and unravelled. I actually finished it within 3 months and was wearing it at christmas (2008), yet failed to post any pictures of the finished result. Its a shame as I've had so many compliments on it (though unfortunately my photography is never that great when I'm taking pictures of myself, hence the reason I've cropped out my gormless face.)

My New Year's Resolution....

2010-01-19T10:47:00.004Z

Is to actually update this blog more often! Its been ages since I wrote anything.. and I've made so much stuff! So now I have a huge backlog of things I want to put up. Which is nice in a way as I didn't realise I'd been so busy!

Jessy Lou's Halloween Cobweb Jumper

2009-11-20T17:23:00.003Z

This is another top designed by jessylou. It was actually a lot harder to make than I anticipated and took forever! Basically I knitted the neckband, wrist, armbands and waistband, and then joined the plaited strips onto them with crochet.

I decided it would be a lot easier to make if it were on a mannequin, and finally (after hours of work) decided to bite the bullet and let Jess finish it off. It looks awesome in these pictures though! (Courtesy of Tim Richardson)

Tulips

2009-06-09T15:35:00.005+01:00

Just thought I'd give a quick update on what I've been making as its been a while! I got out of the creative zone and into the work zone for a bit, but I'm back now and this is coming along nicely. It's the bodice part of a dress I'm making for my NCFE course, and will be exhibited at the Connaught Centre in Hove on the 27th and 28th June.

This last week I've been sewing like a little pixie attempting to get my shirt dress design finished (the one described in an earlier post). It's pretty much there, I've made the calico version but there are a few changes I need to make before starting on the final piece.

Tomorrow I'll be back on the knitting as I'm taking a little solo break to St Ives to get the creative juices flowing properly again. So expect more pictures soon!

*Edit* See completed dress picture here

Catwalk Debut

2009-05-26T10:59:00.011+01:00

Ok, I can't really call it my catwalk debut as it isn't my design, but anyway here's a couple of pics of the jumper I knitted for JessyLou's collection at the Brighton Frocks Theatrical Catwalk Show last weekend. As I mentioned in a previous post I just did the knitting part, so I can't take the credit for the rest!

Unfortunately I couldn't stay long as I was working elsewhere in the building (coincidence or what?) So I snuck in for 20mins armed with a camera and got these pics. Its a shame I couldn't have stayed because the whole event looked fab, I'd have loved to have sat in there and eyed up all the outfits!

Chunky Lace

2009-05-19T11:56:00.005+01:00

I've been at a loss this week as to what exactly I want to make.. I picked up this wool which I'd previously been knitting into a shawl, but it was a bit too thick and seemed a waste of good yarn. This is the beginnings of a biker waistcoat pattern by Twinkle , a business set up by knitwear designer Wenlan Chia in 2000, consisting mainly of gorgeous chunky knit jumpers and cardigans, knitted in the round. She has since launched a range of jewellery, along with home furnishings, pattern books and yarn (yum..) I bought Twinkle's Big City Knits which is amazing and I think I want to make everything in it.

Also this week I've not been able to put down my guitar which is a first in years, I even played at an open mic night on Sunday which was a tad scary!

Watch this space!

Ideas....

2009-05-12T15:32:00.002+01:00

Ok so I got up today with the intention of making something new and getting some coursework done, which has sort of happened, but I seem to be more content writing about said things I want to get done rather than actually doing them. Here's some pics of what's in my head right now.. The fabric I want to use, a sketch of what I was thinking of making and a photograph of what I think it might transform into.. and some random drawings of other things in my sketchbook that one day I might get around to making.

*Edit* See completed dress picture here

Free Knitted Teddy Bear Pattern!!

2009-05-12T12:32:00.008+01:00

Download a free PDF with photos!
(Thank you Danielle! )

I've been inundated with requests from some fellow knitting peeps on Ravelry for the pattern for this knitted teddy bear. I originally found it on a website called Cabbage Patch Treasures but it seems to have been taken down, so I'm going to post it up again.

I did originally print off a copy but never saved the scans to my computer, which is a shame as the pattern is ancient and has some really cute photos in it.

My copy unfortunately faded and I had to throw it away, but I managed to copy it out first. If there are any mistakes I'm really sorry - I haven't had a chance to knit another one from this yet to check if it's ok!

The original pattern is in garter stitch but I made mine in stocking stitch as it seemed a bit tighter and you couldn't see the stuffing. Here goes...

Free Knitted Teddy Bear Pattern

Head Cast on 16st and k 2 rows. Cont. in stst inc. 1 st each end of next and every following 3rd row until there are 24 sts. Work 17 rows straight.

Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: K2tog, k to last 2 sts. K2tog. Work 2 rows straight.
Repeat last 3 rows once, then work the last of these 3 rows again.
Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end, inc in last st. Work 2 rows straight.
Next Row: Inc in 1st st, k to 1 st from end. Inc in last st. Work 9 rows straight.
Next Row: k17, turn, sl remaining 7 sts onto a thread.
Next Row: k10, sl remaining 7 sts onto a thread.
Next Row: Sl 1, k9, then pick up and k8 along left side of centre section and k the 7 sts from thread.
Next Row: k these 25 sts, then pick up and k8 sts along other side of centre section and k the 7 sts from other thread. Work 8 rows on these 40 sts.
Next Row: k2tog, k16, k2tog, k2tog, k16, k2tog
Next Row: k16, k2tog, k2tog, k16
Next Row: k15, k2tog, k2tog, k15
Next Row: k2tog, k12, k2tog, k2tog, k12, k2tog
Next Row: k12, k2tog, k2tog, k12
Next Row: k11, k2tog, k2tog, k11
Next Row: k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8, k2tog
Next Row: k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8
Next Row: k7, k2tog, k2tog, k7

Cast off.

Body (make 2)

Cast on 4 sts. Working in garter st, inc 1 st at each end of every alternate row until there are 26 sts. Work 5 rows straight, then inc 1 st each side of next row. Rep last 6 rows once.

Work 10 rows straight. Now dec 1 st each end next row and every following 6th row until 24 sts remain, after which dec 1 st each end of next 5 alternate rows. Work 1 row, then cast off.

Arms (make 2)

Cast on 22sts. Work 33 rows.
Next Row: k2tog, k7, k2tog, k2tog, k7, k2tog
Next Row: k2tog, k5, k2tog, k2tog, k5, k2tog
Next Row: k2tog, k3, k2tog, k2tog, k3, k2tog

k 1 row, cast off.

Legs (make 2)

Cast on 24 sts and k 40 rows.
Next Row: *k1, k2tog* rep from * to end. k 1 row.
Next Row: k11, turn, slipping rem. 5 sts onto thread.
Next Row: k6, turn, slip rem. 5 sts onto another thread.
Next Row: *sl1, k5, turn* rep 9 times
Next Row: sl1, k5, pick up and k 6 sts along left side and k5 sts from thread.
Next Row: k17, pick up and k 6 sts from centre, k5 from thread.
Work 6 rows.
Next Row: k2tog, k10, k2tog, k2tog, k10, k2tog
Next Row: k2tog, k8, k2tog, k2tog, k8, k2tog.
k 1 row. Cast off.

Ears (make 2)

Cast on 8 sts, k 1 row, work 5 rows AT THE SAME TIME inc 1 st both ends each row.
Work 4 rows.
Next Row: k2tog, rep along, cast off.

To make up

Fold head piece in half, sew up seams and stuff. Sew up side seams of arms and legs and sew body pieces together. Stuff and attach limbs and head to body. Add ears, embroider a face and say hello to your new friend!

Nice things...

2009-05-12T11:04:00.001+01:00

Where do I start??

Brighton Frocks

2009-05-06T11:26:00.003+01:00

Just thought I'd post up what I've been up to in Cyprus - it seems ridiculous making such a chunky woolly jumper in such heat, I've been sat outside in my spangly new bikini knitting like a mad thing to give this to JessyLou at the weekend. It's a jumper she's designed and employed me to make for her collection at the Brighton Frocks Theatrical Catwalk show, she's going to sew pom pom's and a ruffle onto it, I'll post up her illustration later.

Full Flared Floral Frock

2009-05-05T19:56:00.003+01:00

I had this lovely fabric from my pattern cutting tutor and thought I'd attempt the party dress again but with much more flare. I also lengthened the original design and made the middle panel slightly wider - this was actually a mistake because I thought the fabric could do with more ease, but it turned out that it was just right if I rouched it.

*Edit* See here for a better pic!

Sunshine.. A strapless dress, and a matching bikini

2009-05-05T15:22:00.002+01:00

Its been ages since I wrote anything on here - I was about to embark on my aran cardigan, which I assumed would be a massive project yet in fact took only 3 months! I don't have a picture handy right now yet I still feel compelled to write this, so I'll carry on and add it later.

Recently it's been hotting up and I've had an overwhelming urge to create all things floaty and floral. The dressmaking and pattern cutting courses I've been doing since September have got me totally hooked and now I'm in there I can't get out!

A few weeks ago I found this pic online and thought I'd try and make something similar...

So I ended up with this :-)

I'm pretty chuffed with it, it's the first thing I've made without a pattern, and it fits just perfect! I just need to sort out the net petticoat underneath so it flares out a bit more.

So then I got carried away with the scraps left over and made an itsy bitsy bikini ready for my trip to Cyprus - its done quite well! Here it is catching a few rays on my Mum's balcony:

Probably the best fitting bikini I've ever had! Though the fabric isn't really stretchy enough for swimming. I'm scared to attempt anything with jersey fabric at the moment so I think that'll be something to get to grips with when I get home.

Cardi

2008-10-16T09:47:00.002+01:00

Ok so apparently wool dissolves in bleach, maybe I'm the last to find out, and it turns out the dress is infact acrylic. But it looks like wool so I'm not sure I care. Anyway after I'm done with it its going to look like this:

Looky here!!

October brings aran...

2008-10-14T12:42:00.001+01:00

I'm not sure if its wool or not. I tried agitating it in some soapy water and it didn't do much, but it doesn't feel like acrylic. I'm talking about this hideous dress I bought in a charity shop at the weekend.

I'm really excited about this new project, I'm planning to make this cardigan which was in a back issue of knit1 magazine which they sent me for free when i asked where i could buy it in the uk! And it turned up today. I told myself i have to make another bear first and that I'm going to unravel the wool properly, put it into skeins and wash it. Tiresome, but I think it'll be worth it.

Watch this space :-)

Ribbon Knits....

2008-04-21T16:36:00.001+01:00

I recently picked up an old top that I'd knitted with this gorgeous pink ribbon yarn (I can't remember what make it was, it'll come to me...) Plain stocking stitch just didn't seem to do the yarn justice, it was thick and too bulky for a summer top and just looked scruffy. It's been sat in my box of "tricks" for ages, and I finally decided in February to just frog it and turn it into something else.

The result is this, a light, spring/autumn shawl where the yarn can show itself off and keep me warm at the same time!

The stitch is just a variation on garter stitch - knit the first 3 rows, and then wrap the yarn around each stitch of every fourth row around the needle twice. On every fifth row these "extra" stitches are then dropped to create the ladder effect.

Mumbles

2008-04-21T15:22:00.002+01:00

The bear is finished! He's now with his rightful owner, baby Archie, who seems to appreciate him (and even mumbles to him in his own language, hence the name Mumbles!) Here's some pics of him relaxing in the garden before being taken to his new home...

Bears and blogs

2008-04-14T22:47:00.001+01:00

Recently all my friends seem to be having babies! I'm sure there comes a point in every knitter's life when this becomes the case, and as enjoyable as it is i don't seem to have any time to sleep!

So starting a blog may not be the best of ideas. But if I'm not going to knit then why not write about knitting?

Project no. 1 was for Archie, he was born last month and this was supposed to be finished before then. Its from this lovely little pattern i found here:

* Edit - this link no longer works - I will post up the pattern when I get a moment!

I wasn't sure about the garter stitch in the pattern. I've never really been a big fan, yet whenever I do it I'm pleasantly suprised! So I went with stocking stitch in the end and decided to use sock wool and downsize the pattern (which is for a 17" bear, enough to frighten any baby!)

Here's the result :)

I've grown quite attached to him! It's been really nice to gradually see him come to life, i think there might be a few more to come!

Just need to give him some paws now and sew in a few loose ends.. and then i have to bring myself to give him away... i feel like a surrogate mother!