tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62085218784594013332024-03-14T01:06:02.867+00:00Nessa's PlaceNessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-53794827436669171722019-11-26T15:44:00.000+00:002019-11-26T15:44:28.860+00:00A skirt!I made a super easy, simple skirt to attend a wedding. Only three steps: measure some 2" wide elastic for my waist and sew it together to create an elastic circle. Sew a side seam up the fabric to create a tube of fabric. And to finish, stretch the elastic as I sew it onto the fabric. No hem required. One elastic-waisted skirt all finished. <div>
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But it is the fantastic, hand-printed fabric that makes this skirt anything but simple. Look at this sumptuous, hand-printed gold leaf border!</div>
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I loved wearing it to the winter wedding.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The person who took this photo was tall, so<br />puts the gold border in the shadows, but it's<br />the only photo I have of the skirt on the day!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I bought the fabric panel from. I have been googling it, going through old receipts, but I can't find it. I do remember seeing it on instagram stories well over a year ago, and I bought it immediately. The panel of fabric was £60 at the time.</div>
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-39249860999194815682019-02-23T14:20:00.004+00:002019-02-23T14:20:46.758+00:00My Year of Jumper knitting2018 was a year of jumper knitting for me! I have knit 4 jumpers this year, and looking at them, they represent the four seasons.<br />
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SPRING</h3>
"Birkin" from Laine magazine issue 2, designed by Caitlin Hunter.<br />
I loved choosing the colours for the flowers on this yoke, they remind me of violets and pansies and wearing this jumper cheers me up and makes me feel fresh.<br />
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SUMMER</h3>
"Zweig" designed by Caitlin Hunter. This jumper has a pretty lace section that I really enjoyed knitting. I chose the colours to coordinate with my brown hair and blue jeans, so this is really easy to wear, and I feel a bit special wearing it. It's quite light and easy to layer if the weather is a bit cooler.<br />
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<br />AUTUMN</h3>
"Afterparty" from Laine magazine issue 6, designed by Astrid Troland. I knit this as a favour to the magazine, by knitting it from a draft of the pattern I was able to send in any errors I encountered. It felt good to be helpful, but it was a lot of work and not a lot of reward. The original wool to be used was expensive and not a lot available to purchase, so I knit it in a lower priced wool and I do love it.<br />
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WINTER</h3>
"Ninian" from Marie Wallin's pattern book called "Shetland." Now this took a long time! I saw someone wearing this at 2018 Edinburgh Yarn Festival, and was really impressed with the colours and repeating patterns. I started knitting my own version whilst on holiday in Orkney and Shetland. This took a lot of work, but I did enjoy it. It is my first ever time to make something so intricate. I overestimated my size and knit it too big. But I will leave it as it is and use it as a coat for outdoor activities.<br />
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So how will my 2019 look? I have already completed one jumper, and am planning a few more, but I definitely want to sew a few garments and make a few quilts. Thanks for reading! x</div>
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-74378767645135474992018-12-31T14:38:00.000+00:002018-12-31T14:38:28.543+00:00Glam Clam QuiltAt the beginning of 2017 I made a very definite plan to complete the Glam Clam Quilt within the year. It is designed by <a href="https://www.latifahsaafirstudios.com/">Latifah Saafir</a>. At the time I downloaded the pattern it was free, but now it is a paid for pattern, with the addition of plastic rulers to help cut out all those pieces! The fabric is by <a href="https://www.annamariahorner.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a> and the collection of prints is called Pretty Potent, all plants that have healing or medicinal properties.<br />
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However, I didn't buy the rulers, I did it the old-fashioned way, individually cutting out each piece by hand with scissors, one at a time. I used and reused and reused freezer paper. By tracing the shapes onto freezer paper I was able to cut the paper out, place it on the fat quarters, press with an iron to temporarily stick the paper to the fabric, cut out the shapes, then peel of the paper ready to be used again and again and again.<br />
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Then the pattern came with cut out labels so that you could lay them out in the order you want them and then stack them into bundles - each row from left to right.<br />
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Sewing them together was tricky but I soon got into the swing of it. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76PoDJl7vDw">This video tutorial</a> helped to begin with.<br />
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I then had it professionally quilted by Trudi Wood.<br />
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-71601538161080391942018-03-31T13:17:00.000+01:002018-03-31T13:17:47.589+01:00Birkin sweaterWhen I saw a picture of this sweater (which I shall call a jumper from now on) in the 2nd edition of Laine magazine, I knew I had to buy the magazine and make this jumper! Those flowers! Firstly I scrolled through the hashtag and the ravelry projects to get ideas from the colours and yarns chosen by other knitters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF3gobDQDOoQqKHiH1A9VRM-GyfbRYtNph4tpT4b6XqpZ6YnUmzb_vgeAmrwVdm95VIH8ivs8GYGIFSp09c5tnaMyefh8L6oKoXtKibmI441MmiSo80ctLvrCX8bm3py7zMP_uToxeHw/s1600/Birkin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF3gobDQDOoQqKHiH1A9VRM-GyfbRYtNph4tpT4b6XqpZ6YnUmzb_vgeAmrwVdm95VIH8ivs8GYGIFSp09c5tnaMyefh8L6oKoXtKibmI441MmiSo80ctLvrCX8bm3py7zMP_uToxeHw/s640/Birkin+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Violets are my favourite flower, and as soon as I saw someone's Birkin jumper with purple flowers in the middle row I knew immediately that I had made a start on my colour choices!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEDk_6L26Fk6NAwMpnqrlGyPDDzhBLkuu-Utvai5xHliGEYRQ9swz0qU8R4mKPOF2qpEZEqR1ZagPxNCzyES5Va74Hf9OEzjC9kag4s2TybZWvYAL0xiwYBN5IIyYPOYxU46nrUm7UaQ/s1600/Birkin+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEDk_6L26Fk6NAwMpnqrlGyPDDzhBLkuu-Utvai5xHliGEYRQ9swz0qU8R4mKPOF2qpEZEqR1ZagPxNCzyES5Va74Hf9OEzjC9kag4s2TybZWvYAL0xiwYBN5IIyYPOYxU46nrUm7UaQ/s320/Birkin+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I used the Knit Picks yarn called "Palette" with the main colour called "Oregon Coast Heather." I bought 3 shades of each of the other colours so that I could swatch and decide. I ended up knitting all the way into the purple flower when I decided it was too yellow and so had to unravel it back and added in an orange flower instead of two rows of yellow flowers. I also added another purple to give the big flowers a bit of extra depth. </span></div>
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This is the only other alteration I made. I added a row of the green leaves to each sleeve, as well as kept knitting the arm decreases until I got to a full length sleeve.</div>
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LOVE this jumper! I really enjoyed knitting it and am very happy with the end result! I wore it to the Edinburgh Yarn Festival and had a few kind ladies compliment me on it. My first ever yoked, top down jumper and I am already planning another yoked top down !</div>
<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-46232774901634861342018-03-31T13:03:00.002+01:002018-03-31T13:03:55.462+01:00Hap for HarrietI finished my green shawl back in August but haven't written about it until now. Mostly because it took soooooooooo long and was so boring to knit. (also because my photos are a bit awful) This is probably the most boring thing I have ever knit.<br />
It is beautiful in its simplicity though, and the colour is my absolute favourite colour. Emerald green. So I shouldn't complain too much. Perhaps I have just become so used to ever-changing patterns of cables, lace or colourwork to be completely satisfied with a more simple design feature.<br />
But here it is, the simply classic design "Hap for Harriet".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjbWcgZiOcKj8b9RV4LLcq5oIOzwFisUV2brvAaKCP3_-Hq5m_8J0YJi_2Ki8b0iK3A1Pvemhc64myyIvuMDZeVwkNB42V0IavNJX6aH0BI3ZjNutuMKhnXjmca4y-jJR6AongMMrN1s/s1600/harriet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjbWcgZiOcKj8b9RV4LLcq5oIOzwFisUV2brvAaKCP3_-Hq5m_8J0YJi_2Ki8b0iK3A1Pvemhc64myyIvuMDZeVwkNB42V0IavNJX6aH0BI3ZjNutuMKhnXjmca4y-jJR6AongMMrN1s/s320/harriet+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-77476893730441116792017-09-04T12:17:00.001+01:002017-09-04T12:17:39.971+01:00Holiday knittingThis summer we had a 2 week holiday on the Islands of Lewis and Harris, off the west coast of Scotland. Of course it was wonderful. We booked a cottage that had two rooms and so invited some friends to join us.<br />
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I taught Steph how to sew and got her started on her sewing hobby a few years ago and we planned to bring our sewing machines on this holiday for some evening craftiness, but I ended up not having the space to bring mine so decided to knit instead.<br />
Steph was willing to be taught how to knit too so we got her started on some of my 2ply fair isle knitting, but it was too small for her. So we went to the knitting shop in Lerwick and got some bulky yarn for her to knit a small baby cardi for her expectant sister.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncnk9pmCOO6dSydv8CaxBSq_bX1hx6ww6PdKcoWK0lcVtPKY4tGV7LhDYqG5yxt1odcEjUM3fItzbS7WE9sGVUB6JVzpY_lQhNvEe3dLkFAe5fZQEdX7wWaEa6Y0VgpwqPLHYqsG3mHw/s1600/20170709_204229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncnk9pmCOO6dSydv8CaxBSq_bX1hx6ww6PdKcoWK0lcVtPKY4tGV7LhDYqG5yxt1odcEjUM3fItzbS7WE9sGVUB6JVzpY_lQhNvEe3dLkFAe5fZQEdX7wWaEa6Y0VgpwqPLHYqsG3mHw/s640/20170709_204229.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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This is Steph learning to knit whilst our husbands are fishing off the rocks down below. We were waiting for the beautiful sunset, which I included a photo of at the top of this post.<br />
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Steph finished it a couple of days later, whilst knitting in front of a fire in the cottage. She is so proud of her knitting! The pattern is called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wee-fast">Wee Fast.</a><br />
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I was knitting a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Nessahux/bousta-beanie">Bousta Beannie</a> for my husband but unfortunately I had run out of yarn so I had to buy a new project to do on holiday.<br />
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I ordered some new yarn and was able to finish the hat on the ferry ride home from holidays. Not in time for Colin to make use of it whilst on holiday unfortunately.</div>
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This is the new project I started, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Nessahux/falling-leaves">Falling Leaves</a> cowl in a dk weight alpaca yarn, whilst knitting in front of a cosy fire, drinking Harris gin. mmm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1elGR_FFQ7AMcoAKAJ0g-apBzdBvs-CQnHpMqXMow9W2HtJrDhYji7JEVY_-SDdIrZCUyd1WKX-06NRmQ5JSSzrOB6NMv78fuSMsc0LehLRLnLd9_ISNyObyV05g83tc7wjWrx-MTN9A/s1600/20170714_181914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1elGR_FFQ7AMcoAKAJ0g-apBzdBvs-CQnHpMqXMow9W2HtJrDhYji7JEVY_-SDdIrZCUyd1WKX-06NRmQ5JSSzrOB6NMv78fuSMsc0LehLRLnLd9_ISNyObyV05g83tc7wjWrx-MTN9A/s640/20170714_181914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This cowl is now finished and I am quite happy with it too.</div>
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Knits in the wild</h3>
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I was able to wear some of my hand knits whilst on holiday too. </div>
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Here are some of my hand knits out in the wild:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb0LJYRlqpLVimyT4qFDUmSkKkU1ngJ_PPp7r7DsB2qYSyEWtnVaNXY0hZ8OnT6vJrtP8feGDkJkCIVBbmcdjWF4EVFt1XZiR0oz7AOnTxHWPtdwuLevN38qKIQi0eGxX4CU84_U1-CA/s1600/20170721_155940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb0LJYRlqpLVimyT4qFDUmSkKkU1ngJ_PPp7r7DsB2qYSyEWtnVaNXY0hZ8OnT6vJrtP8feGDkJkCIVBbmcdjWF4EVFt1XZiR0oz7AOnTxHWPtdwuLevN38qKIQi0eGxX4CU84_U1-CA/s320/20170721_155940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/knitting-all-things.html?m=1">Scatness tam </a>whilst on a sea trek tour looking for sea eagles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yCAfUXSQlnoJlxKrYK1vyzBqmErWTCo2N5vGxQzRaJG54HZo6RHHCHGmmvldVonMJ4aSVaSfLdKOlq_lSy2YbWOZTkVg9MteywkSslHYj1bXSt72ytAwpPmANtjdE2gDoNtHPmzSRE8/s1600/20170717_150040-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yCAfUXSQlnoJlxKrYK1vyzBqmErWTCo2N5vGxQzRaJG54HZo6RHHCHGmmvldVonMJ4aSVaSfLdKOlq_lSy2YbWOZTkVg9MteywkSslHYj1bXSt72ytAwpPmANtjdE2gDoNtHPmzSRE8/s320/20170717_150040-1-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/cosy-cable-cardi.html">Rowe cardigan</a> and <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/baa-ble-hat.html">Baable hat</a> whilst pretending <br />to be Claire & Jamie from Outlander at the<br />Callanish Standing stones.</td></tr>
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-56119062237087518892017-07-04T12:04:00.001+01:002017-07-25T09:58:55.859+01:00Crofthoose hat version 2I <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/crofthoose-hat.html">made this sweet hat last year</a> but it came out too small, so I have made it all over again and now it fits! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBn8FGVL_elyLqOMUccd4wuTBn9ZiFmaIv0-YrLoXSwab9LAViSVbMZOkjrA4_vk4OAmCibnpaf1DP-beIjiElSwA8AiNTHOzWPxRfREpCUZI1qHBrKoTQ9JJKYioNoWNw4X1kNQRzQ/s1600/20170205_133352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplBn8FGVL_elyLqOMUccd4wuTBn9ZiFmaIv0-YrLoXSwab9LAViSVbMZOkjrA4_vk4OAmCibnpaf1DP-beIjiElSwA8AiNTHOzWPxRfREpCUZI1qHBrKoTQ9JJKYioNoWNw4X1kNQRzQ/s400/20170205_133352.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm40N4MnEcOrJeCiLqEJK7tftI3OFEYOqX6_Eq7pK4dd4e9RopBTU1TRz7F2BxtF88M7Ih9zPh1teuUnqfM7serorL191Tr38p78iGXjSU7LqADl3tLDNxS8uEjMZFh2QO641t2_J8Tg/s1600/20170205_133342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm40N4MnEcOrJeCiLqEJK7tftI3OFEYOqX6_Eq7pK4dd4e9RopBTU1TRz7F2BxtF88M7Ih9zPh1teuUnqfM7serorL191Tr38p78iGXjSU7LqADl3tLDNxS8uEjMZFh2QO641t2_J8Tg/s400/20170205_133342.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I only had to change three things to get the hat to fit.<br />
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1) I went up half a needle size.<br />
2) I put away the circular needle that was the exact length required and instead used a longer cord on the circular needle and used the magic loop technique.<br />
3) After every few stitches I would stretch out the knitting on my right needle, give each stitch a bit of space inbetween one another.<br />
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-51227656175625318062017-07-04T10:27:00.000+01:002017-07-04T10:27:18.895+01:00Cosy Cable CardiI am so proud of this cardigan! It was both a joy and a challenge to knit. <br />
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Every step of the way it was interesting and I always had a sense of accomplishment as I watched the cables intertwine.<br />
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This is such a beautiful pattern. It is called <a href="https://www.brooklyntweed.com/shop/rowe/">"Rowe" and was written by Michele Wang</a> when she worked with Brooklyn Tweed. <br />
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<h3>
<br />Here is the story of how I chose my yarn and colour.</h3>
I had read a number of reviews on the specified Brooklyn Tweed yarn called Shelter. Many praised it heavily for the sumptuous colour range (40 colours) and of course it has a "coolness" factor because of the minimalist style of photography and the company is headed by a male knitter. But it also has many negative reviews that say the yarn breaks easily under normal tensioning whilst knitting. But my main reason for not using the specified yarn was the inhibiting price. £12.50 for 50g. For my size I would have needed 19 of these = £237 for the jumper!!!! Yikes!<br />
So instead I found <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Wool_of_the_Andes_Worsted_Yarn__D5420103.html">Knit Picks Wool of the Andes</a>. It is also a worsted weight yarn but is only £1.79 for a 50g ball. Which means the total price of the jumper would be £34 !!! (plus free postage to the UK) Plus there were only positive reviews on the yarn strength and the best part was 101 colour choices.<br />
So I spent hours pouring over the sample colours and decided to order a few of my favourite colours. I needed to see them up close and swatch them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My top 8 favourite colours</td></tr>
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In the end I narrowed it down to these two - Dove Heather and Mineral Heather. So I knit up a sample swatch and carried them around with me for a few days, looking at them in different lights.<br />
Mineral Heather was the winner!<br />
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My guage matched the pattern and so I started on the sleeves, then the fronts and finally the intricate back piece. </div>
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The collar took a very long time but I stuck with it and enjoyed a few TV box sets whilst knitting the ribbed collar.</div>
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I am really impressed by the yarn and the pattern. I would even go so far as to say that I would happily knit this up again.Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-88161257771403496992017-06-25T10:32:00.000+01:002017-06-25T10:32:07.237+01:00Evening dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A niece was getting married and as soon as the invitation arrived I knew exactly what fabric I wanted to use!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyAw2-cdK9OWXLXcaOdpgdMulkhlCWZGk5gFs8M760duZU2yaN8xNOZPDVM6LgL1pdFc1vMAr7JW5Oma0aMRu9juk5L2atpHAYa7-9zgQ6kH3B0DsKkNCqlDmGcTxdFh_PCcqSP1Cfsg/s1600/20170625_101854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyAw2-cdK9OWXLXcaOdpgdMulkhlCWZGk5gFs8M760duZU2yaN8xNOZPDVM6LgL1pdFc1vMAr7JW5Oma0aMRu9juk5L2atpHAYa7-9zgQ6kH3B0DsKkNCqlDmGcTxdFh_PCcqSP1Cfsg/s400/20170625_101854.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her theme colours were navy blue and hot pink.</td></tr>
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I had purchased this floaty, diaphanous fabric from a small shop on Sydney Road in Melbourne for under AU$5 a metre.<br />
I was planning to combine two different patterns, one for the bodice and one for the skirt until I saw this pattern on McCall's instagram account: <a href="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7537">M7537</a>. Of course the model photo is very difficult to make out the pattern lines but at least the illustrated dresses explain what the final dress will look like.<br />
<img src="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/sites/default/files/products/m7537/M7537.gif" /><br />
I was going to lengthen the skirt but instead ended up using a different skirt pattern: the maxi skirt from <a href="https://butterick.mccall.com/b5987">B5987</a>.<br />
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A few other reviews of this McCall's pattern have commented that the bodice is very low. IT IS. I really wasn't comfortable exposing cleavage at a wedding so I attempted to cut the fabric out with the curve of the neckline a bit higher and I raised the stitch line higher but I do feel that it is still a bit too low. I will be making this dress again and I think I will redraft the curve of the neckline and facing to join one another much higher, at least 4".<br />
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Due to the floatiness of the fabric, the waistband that is supposed to rouche naturally just flopped down. So once the dress was finished I stitched lines across the middle to allow the folds to fall in smaller strands. This definitely worked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXQSS7jBn1-rM3XZwuuYD5L8LT8pNlrhZeAGmiq7RqSJjy0vKci67wrPhjgN-rVCcNuNhgelmkNIDDdFc4c7BD78_LEdjYZkx_duPBE-6SG_yjn-gzYXStuBUKhQTQvzIagvOolA2CAQ/s1600/20170625_101816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXQSS7jBn1-rM3XZwuuYD5L8LT8pNlrhZeAGmiq7RqSJjy0vKci67wrPhjgN-rVCcNuNhgelmkNIDDdFc4c7BD78_LEdjYZkx_duPBE-6SG_yjn-gzYXStuBUKhQTQvzIagvOolA2CAQ/s400/20170625_101816.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did have to wear a slip under this dress but it was only a knee-length slip. I plan to make a full length slip that also wraps around each boob so that I am completely covered. But that's a plan for the future. All in all, I did love wearing this dress and the floatiness was a dream to swan about in!<br />
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-34326346937511707642017-01-17T18:28:00.000+00:002017-01-17T18:28:35.929+00:00Bonnie's QuiltI feel this sewing project has been my nemesis these past few years but at last I have defeated it and completed it. May I introduce "Bonnie's Quilt."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcU64Ru7oBA-KdTB3Ni3bkfiggzM2mnBUkB7ECa39FJKSHoZ-yUFDVmKHVuKnu9tyhEiOrnqGseY_iFlB9xtHYebAvqJM1MdqVlK5zv2dzAgXFF_Rf2EVPv1FXtUKLDUemue9yU5ZPh0/s1600/20161104_143419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcU64Ru7oBA-KdTB3Ni3bkfiggzM2mnBUkB7ECa39FJKSHoZ-yUFDVmKHVuKnu9tyhEiOrnqGseY_iFlB9xtHYebAvqJM1MdqVlK5zv2dzAgXFF_Rf2EVPv1FXtUKLDUemue9yU5ZPh0/s640/20161104_143419.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I began thinking about this quilt in 2013 and then started working on it in 2014. At last it is finished and gifted in 2016!<br />
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I wrote about my original plans for this quilt in <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/bonnies-quilt.html">March 2014 here.</a> That post includes her answers to my questions that provided the inspiration and direction for this quilt. It is mostly done using a fabric line called "Color Me Happy" by V&Co.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSAC0N2BmvzTWTpAhJTDddjL9fwaIdcEahIJZH7D9yIKluZ8SeL-qoe6JoLNRbKd_rpjVBZJf1Zo8YCY7KZEgfNOySxs5MlvtNE7499-irBbSDaW3D4m052UBFBiYuBUbK9eYGjbzHIE/s1600/20161104_180704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSAC0N2BmvzTWTpAhJTDddjL9fwaIdcEahIJZH7D9yIKluZ8SeL-qoe6JoLNRbKd_rpjVBZJf1Zo8YCY7KZEgfNOySxs5MlvtNE7499-irBbSDaW3D4m052UBFBiYuBUbK9eYGjbzHIE/s400/20161104_180704.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The hardest part for me was to keep the work random. I struggled a lot with fitting blocks together and there was A LOT of unpicking involved! I took lots of photos during the process, thinking that I would want to write a "how to" blog post, but now that it is finally finished I would rather just leave it as it is. An entire random quilt.<br />
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AND NOW my brother has requested a quilt !!!!<br />
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-16697570815281600762016-10-12T21:52:00.001+01:002016-10-12T21:52:51.901+01:00Knitting all the ThingsLately I have been getting a lot of joy and relaxation from knitting.<br />
Here are 4 things recently off my needles:<br />
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<u>Scatness Tam.</u><br />
This is a <a href="https://katedaviesdesigns.com/2012/11/26/scatness-tam/">design by Kate Davies</a> and is inspired by the Viking and Pictish shapes of Scatness, an ancient site on Shetland.<br />
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And the inside floats:<br />
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<u>Dunedin scarf</u><br />
Next is a <a href="https://lucyintheskywithstitches.wordpress.com/">Celtic knotwork shawl</a> by Lucy Hague. I made this using a hand dyed yarn by Kate Selene. I chose it because it reminds me of the bright green grassy fields with black cows grazing in the summer.<br />
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<u>Aran Tweed cardi</u></div>
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Made this using a Patons pattern and varigated yarn. Really love wearing this as a jacket if it's just cold. </div>
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<u>Theme and Variation hap</u></div>
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This is a <a href="https://katedaviesdesigns.com/2016/05/24/theme-and-variation/">fun and easy shawl</a> from Kate Davies book "The Book of Haps"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgF5TmmcZFGtxVPaOPlRbu_3tXBpCkHSa_Y6wWahyphenhyphen0TU1QhYXhYizQQwUvgzkBNx9-IlUFVjXeq_l1201XUvROm4z1I9-rF_T4KfUK2Wsf4Y8eRhvEffavKscIwJ1PQhyphenhyphenXMYqSXl2IGQ/s1600/20161008_083502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgF5TmmcZFGtxVPaOPlRbu_3tXBpCkHSa_Y6wWahyphenhyphen0TU1QhYXhYizQQwUvgzkBNx9-IlUFVjXeq_l1201XUvROm4z1I9-rF_T4KfUK2Wsf4Y8eRhvEffavKscIwJ1PQhyphenhyphenXMYqSXl2IGQ/s640/20161008_083502.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I think I am ready for Autumn!</div>
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If you want any further details, please ask!</div>
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-31440900478957170982016-07-25T18:37:00.002+01:002016-07-25T18:37:41.651+01:00Upton DressCashmerette patterns have released a pattern for woven fabrics called the <a href="https://shop.cashmerette.com/products/upton-dress-printed-pattern">Upton dress</a>. As soon as I saw it on <a href="http://www.cashmerette.com/">Jenny's blog</a> I knew it would be a style that would suit my figure and that I already had the perfect cotton fabric for too. So here it is: my Upton Volumes dress!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsYpDwejx2RYMkYkxqwuV99z6oPQB4WbQAbLs8pWgIWT95DF7Ar8UHCbUfwjNOjWbZPLJfJA5Ad63YdB5ZBMTidC7azYzRkVnOjrjyyptHpI3VT52VU0wH2FDcwJLxbXDLu5d_efwkx4/s1600/Upton+dress+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsYpDwejx2RYMkYkxqwuV99z6oPQB4WbQAbLs8pWgIWT95DF7Ar8UHCbUfwjNOjWbZPLJfJA5Ad63YdB5ZBMTidC7azYzRkVnOjrjyyptHpI3VT52VU0wH2FDcwJLxbXDLu5d_efwkx4/s400/Upton+dress+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The pattern has three different front bodice pattern pieces to choose from, each with different types of bust darts, depending on the difference between your bust and waist measurements. The tricky bit for me was that my measurements suited two different sizes, so I took the suggestion in the pattern and used the bodice size that was closest to my waist measurement. I used the waistband to slope between the two differently sized parts of the dress, to bridge the gap from the size 20 bodice to the size 18 skirt.<br />
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Now that I have worn it for a day out, and that I have looked at photos of me in the dress, I can see a few changes that I will make when I make this dress again. It looks a bit like there isn't quite enough room in the bust but too much room above the bust, so I will use a bigger front bodice piece next time. Also, I think I might size up the waist and skirt too. When I was sitting down, the tightness of the waist and under-bust bodice pushed my breasts up quite a bit higher than I am used too, and caused a cleavage crease, which I personally try to avoid! So a bit more room will let everything stay where it is supposed to!<br />
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Posing with pockets!<br />
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I have had this printed cotton fabric called "Volumes" in the colourway called "Degas" by <a href="http://annamariahorner.squarespace.com/">Anna Maria Horner</a> stored away for over a year now, just waiting for the right pattern. I really didn't want pleats or gathers to interfere with the vertical pattern of this print, and I wanted skirt panels wide enough to make the best use of this pattern. I made the front a priority with the skirt print and would have loved the back to have the strip of colour to be in the centre but there just wasn't enough fabric in my stash. I compromised and at least made the back symmetrical.<br />
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I didn't have an invisible zip so used a normal one and inserted it fairly badly. Oh well. I could do it again but I am too lazy really, and will just leave it as is.<br />
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Here is a side view to show the fit and the shape. Sometimes with a full figure a normal dress pattern will end up having the waist band rise up slightly in the front. But look at the excellent pattern drafting and bust accommodation here: no rising of the front waist band! I am very pleased overall and will be making this pattern again.<br />
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Before putting in the zip I had made the waistband out of the coloured striped fabric but decided it was too busy and then opted for the grey waistband instead. Here's the two photos that helped me be certain about my choice.<br />
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I already have ideas for a second Upton dress!Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-26869155736198208042016-04-08T17:51:00.002+01:002016-04-08T17:51:26.649+01:00Knitsonik Icelandic hatI have finished another hat! This one has been in the making basket for a while now. My sister had planned a holiday to Iceland, a place I am keen to visit too, but so far haven't been able to go. I asked her to bring me back 4 balls of Icelandic wool in any colours she thinks go well together. She chose these four as they were all represented in this amazing ice landscape. And so I have surprised her by knitting up a warm, cosy and waterproof hat in this beautiful lettlopi yarn.<br />
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I have a book by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitsonik-stranded-colourwork-sourcebook/patterns">Felicity Ford called Knitsonik</a>, it helps you to develop your own colour work pattern using your own environment as inspiration to come up with colourwork ideas that would work in knit wear. I went through about 5 sheets of graph paper and different designs to come up with my idea, and even now that it is finished, I am eager to try another version. There are just no wrong answers when it comes to designing your own colourwork pattern! I didn't know which one was my best one, and even now I am keen to give it another go!<br />
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I used the lines of the ice formation behind my sister in the above photograph as my inspiration. All jagged and triangular lines. Here is Mr Bingley keeping a close eye on it whilst it dries on a balloon.<br />
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I would definitely change a few things for my next incarnation, but this one will suffice for an Aussie winter. Below are pictures showing the front, side and above:<br />
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I am very relieved and quite pleased that my crown design worked out as well as it did. I am sure she will like this, especially as I STILL haven't finished the quilt I promised to finish 3 winters ago!</div>
<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-77124502430035618972016-04-05T15:35:00.001+01:002016-04-05T15:35:28.016+01:00Crofthoose HatWe love visiting the Scottish Islands and have taken MANY photos of the small cottages dotted amongst the beautiful landscapes. When I saw this year's free pattern promoting Shetland Wool Week I just had to knit it up!<br />
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<a href="https://ellagordon.wordpress.com/">Ella Gordon</a> is the designer of this free pattern available from the Shetland Wool Week <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/free-knitting-pattern/">website</a>.<br />
She has suggested four different yarn colourways, but so many people are coming up with their own! It's such an inspiring hashtag to browse <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/crofthoosehat/">#crofthoosehat</a> I chose to stick with mostly natural yarn colours, but added red roofs to some for a pop of colour, and to remind me of our holidays.<br />
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The intricately patterned crown above. And below it is inside-out to show my yarn floats.<br />
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I kept two rows of the more traditional coloured cottages, as I really like the natural brown colours, and also because we once stayed in a thatched cottage for two weeks on the Island of Benbecula.<br />
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And I added in a row of red-roofed cottages, as we have taken many photos of these whilst journeying through the Hebridean Islands of Scotland.<br />
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<b><u>Overall</u></b>, I feel this hat is too snug and too small for my head unfortunately. My guage is really quite off too. The pattern calls for a guage of 26 stitches per 10cm square, and mine was 30x36 stitches. I think I knit this too tightly. I will be knitting this again, but on bigger needles. I do love it and really want to be able to wear the wee crofthooses to remind me of so many happy times.Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-30623550590165245752016-03-25T15:17:00.000+00:002016-03-25T15:17:03.232+00:00Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2016I am so lucky to be living in the beautiful country of Scotland. Fresh air, wild scenery, atmospheric weather and so much History. I just love all of it! And within a reasonable distance is the beautiful city of Edinburgh. This month was the <a href="http://www.edinyarnfest.com/">Edinburgh Yarn Festival</a>, a full weekend schedule of classes as well as a high-quality market full of beautiful stalls from all around Britain and the world.<br />
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As I had enrolled in a class I was able to arrive at 9am to wander around all the beautiful stalls in the marketplace. But thankfully, even if you weren't enrolled in a class, you could still come along and enjoy the stalls and the fabulous hand-knits worn by all the attending public from 10am til 6pm. <br />
<h3>
The Event</h3>
Here are a few photos that I took, hopefully it gives you a flavour of the event.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vB_Z_aDHJIMfsJRKG7Meh0uMlqRDyWh5qFykTgz5c0MUggA05fxkLE_8ezbl30KBZY5TIGEa-Q_pXVOPdE-0jNAPxpExbbtc7hMVMSfpnT1BQ3TqyWU9kWo9rT_oDdMUQuRuUQIeAwA/s1600/20160319_123849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vB_Z_aDHJIMfsJRKG7Meh0uMlqRDyWh5qFykTgz5c0MUggA05fxkLE_8ezbl30KBZY5TIGEa-Q_pXVOPdE-0jNAPxpExbbtc7hMVMSfpnT1BQ3TqyWU9kWo9rT_oDdMUQuRuUQIeAwA/s200/20160319_123849.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">purlescence</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF-6os50lq_Jri9_LAUFUb4wE0v0oLlVgeUV6Ms81j65qQUgpY4q3JW3JvE25SK-tJ_OjqA9NlF0M-aRI1NdBcFdggSIsyX0YjOzfExHp4DpvMyLFZAA-BASMnKY9TbwE3frCRxFVyY8/s1600/20160319_124148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF-6os50lq_Jri9_LAUFUb4wE0v0oLlVgeUV6Ms81j65qQUgpY4q3JW3JvE25SK-tJ_OjqA9NlF0M-aRI1NdBcFdggSIsyX0YjOzfExHp4DpvMyLFZAA-BASMnKY9TbwE3frCRxFVyY8/s200/20160319_124148.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wee county yarns</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4bBn5d990c25g1RSClte8d5ZaKN_arN4Oq0RzBmFcVBxHrBBSe_uJgSTnXHu_MdA2AHUC27ftw_fuPDrYrCkJ3vOr9uI1g0nO-aXTQF0GR36XxO0cQmR7Yh8hCo7Wd2PVnuf7DOOkho/s1600/20160319_124001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4bBn5d990c25g1RSClte8d5ZaKN_arN4Oq0RzBmFcVBxHrBBSe_uJgSTnXHu_MdA2AHUC27ftw_fuPDrYrCkJ3vOr9uI1g0nO-aXTQF0GR36XxO0cQmR7Yh8hCo7Wd2PVnuf7DOOkho/s200/20160319_124001.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lucyhague.co.uk/">Lucy Hague</a> - beautiful<br />Celtic Cable designs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2_5SvXvnvDpHz7B70Uhq_zcMuxHoHKtEVzLg8yRj0JRL2dnjHA1BPfwh4DTn8jLehN3lf908f4GcUGiysKR25zdlri-BwQvO0pBNTlo_vNW5q0ERuJqJrdCW8wkP0zWQQRXOstF9Wbs/s1600/20160319_124033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2_5SvXvnvDpHz7B70Uhq_zcMuxHoHKtEVzLg8yRj0JRL2dnjHA1BPfwh4DTn8jLehN3lf908f4GcUGiysKR25zdlri-BwQvO0pBNTlo_vNW5q0ERuJqJrdCW8wkP0zWQQRXOstF9Wbs/s200/20160319_124033.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purl Alpaca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygxEOBFvOQvR8eeHWRM1YpOp0qkdHLZmwX-V9mdwWQWFbwylduylkTmxCEc29Vky31_1PQ6y7oO8VgOiHRlz8LNfSOOBpuxcbCSEJGzX9kk1KCw312nQVgq9vtsTW8yiv1EqxRHkmyyM/s1600/20160319_123910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygxEOBFvOQvR8eeHWRM1YpOp0qkdHLZmwX-V9mdwWQWFbwylduylkTmxCEc29Vky31_1PQ6y7oO8VgOiHRlz8LNfSOOBpuxcbCSEJGzX9kk1KCw312nQVgq9vtsTW8yiv1EqxRHkmyyM/s200/20160319_123910.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen West</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQKVI96DPi7n2uRyVDFZ2aQkgyf9EG3qOMa3jNg4hFBYM5tYdgKV_wkvKTfPq6IUv9OaCevG73MiHVtJWb2L8_gnAULAkNcXhsJ9B7BDZ7lKQNfL9L75D1cZ8evUXNmKmdlIFfV7P6iE/s1600/20160319_123607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQKVI96DPi7n2uRyVDFZ2aQkgyf9EG3qOMa3jNg4hFBYM5tYdgKV_wkvKTfPq6IUv9OaCevG73MiHVtJWb2L8_gnAULAkNcXhsJ9B7BDZ7lKQNfL9L75D1cZ8evUXNmKmdlIFfV7P6iE/s200/20160319_123607.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.emmallamb.com/">Emma Lamb</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJisz63bmmDGg8squx-RZsIcnwoLtwmYnFwQUDFnNFe987NiidU_eNsknURVEhT30XQV0PBbPlqVWgd6FYazBXSxsTECjSEGIWJFspEXzs0z0CSo_TnHonbh9Op_fvO0aZ4fuvZEXuLQ/s1600/20160319_124047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJisz63bmmDGg8squx-RZsIcnwoLtwmYnFwQUDFnNFe987NiidU_eNsknURVEhT30XQV0PBbPlqVWgd6FYazBXSxsTECjSEGIWJFspEXzs0z0CSo_TnHonbh9Op_fvO0aZ4fuvZEXuLQ/s200/20160319_124047.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwd5E7wgJl_lV9rGXxnDnhFydPBGjY-TNRGaUmuD_lsMa4N9NJb6ofSqB8WXilHgXl0jWPFu-nzpEMBVh5puw_-36bPoQ6-2OMoRf4XY7B_F9cURqBuY4U9BsuHkNathWAz4Z3xoZRpc/s1600/20160319_124106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwd5E7wgJl_lV9rGXxnDnhFydPBGjY-TNRGaUmuD_lsMa4N9NJb6ofSqB8WXilHgXl0jWPFu-nzpEMBVh5puw_-36bPoQ6-2OMoRf4XY7B_F9cURqBuY4U9BsuHkNathWAz4Z3xoZRpc/s200/20160319_124106.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kate Davies Designs booth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you like the look of this festival, and would like to see more, here are a few links to other blogs about the event. From some much better photographers too!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2016/03/22/eyf-snapshots/">Kate Davies</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blog.tincanknits.com/2016/03/22/edinburgh-yarn-festival-2016/">Tin Can Knits</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.kariebookish.net/?p=11332">Karie Bookish</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://kikithings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/edinburgh.html">Kikithings</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://juliahedges.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/edinburgh-yarn-festival-recap-just.html">Julia Hedges</a> (and a <a href="http://juliahedges.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/edinburgh-yarn-festival-recap-part-2.html">second</a> post)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://handdrawnyarn.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/edinburgh-yarn-festival-2016/">Hand Drawn Yarn</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://babycocktails.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/edinburgh-part-1.html">Baby Cocktails</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.oranges-and-apples.com/2016/03/edinburgh-yarn-festival-2016.html">Oranges and Apples</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.knitsonik.com/2016/03/25/thank-you-eyf/">Knitsonik</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<h3>
My Purchases</h3>
Here are the bits and pieces that I bought, along with links to the stall holders:<br />
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<br />
I love this Kate Davies pattern book, and especially fell in love with the hat on the cover. The autumn colours and the curves are just perfect together. So this was my first purchase, all the wool to make this hat. The wool is <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/">Jamieson & Smith</a> DK but I bought it from <a href="http://www.purlescence.co.uk/">purlescence</a>, as they had a gorgeous wall of wool on display.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlXk3ocOujlkCjQbSmqvs5CMDFOp9bIi0iYh0TUAFBFuMXVW5TFQpLv7YldQIwZxb5AlhiYVJYuelJ528cxT5-qvlPplij9dn5trzK1joVIMlmpi-PbTnVO-WBzDWVcmibaT4yo3cZiA/s1600/Yarn+Fest+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlXk3ocOujlkCjQbSmqvs5CMDFOp9bIi0iYh0TUAFBFuMXVW5TFQpLv7YldQIwZxb5AlhiYVJYuelJ528cxT5-qvlPplij9dn5trzK1joVIMlmpi-PbTnVO-WBzDWVcmibaT4yo3cZiA/s320/Yarn+Fest+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am planning to make another Baa-ble hat, but this time turn the sheep into Alpacas, and use undyed alpaca wool for it. I already had some dark shades and was able to add these two lovely shades to my collection from <a href="https://www.jarbon.com/">John Arbon</a>.<br />
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Next I met some very kind and friendly ladies in the <a href="http://www.purlalpacadesigns.com/">Purl Alpaca</a> booth, and bought this waistcoat knitting pattern called Balboa. They had so many of the garments knitted up already so that you could try them on, which really helped in choosing a pattern.<br />
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I returned to <a href="http://www.purlescence.co.uk/">purlescence </a>to purchase colours for the new <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/free-knitting-pattern/">free pattern</a> promoting <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/">Shetland Wool Week</a> as designed by <a href="https://ellagordon.wordpress.com/">Ella Gordon</a>. It is gorgeous little croft hooses! Can't wait to make this one.<br />
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Look at these sweet little mini balls of yarn from <a href="http://www.wee-county-yarns.co.uk/">wee county yarns</a>! Think I will just have to make another hat!<br />
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A beautiful pattern from <a href="http://www.blackbat.co.uk/">Black Bat</a> that looks just like Lily of the Valley, my Mum's favourite flower, so I will make this as a gift for her. You could choose any British Rare breed wool to make this in, so I chose North Ronaldsay, as it is my favourite sheep. They live on a remote Orkney island and only eat seaweed!!! We went there for our honeymoon and they've had a special place in my heart ever since.<br />
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I absolutely love <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/">Kate Davies Designs</a>, and really wanted to buy the full kit for her new pattern called <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2016/02/28/miss-rachels-yoke-and-gauntlets-a-closer-look/">Miss Rachel</a>, but I had to take myself outside and have a long hard think about it. I finally decided that I wouldn't get it for myself at the moment, as really my skills aren't quite good enough to invest that amount of time and money into such a beautiful garment, only for it to come out anything less than perfect. So instead I bought a small project bag, and I will use this with dreams of Miss Rachel for one day in the future.<br />
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Lastly, I bought some bits and bobs from other stalls including some needles, some wool wash, a beautiful ceramic button from <a href="http://shopbeyondmeasure.co.uk/">Beyond Measure</a> and some sweet sheep felted earrings from <a href="http://www.aileenclarkecrafts.com/">Aileen Clarke</a>. <br />
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After my class I went back to the market stalls and chose some wool from <a href="https://www.rohrspatzundwollmeise.de/en/">Wollmeise </a>so that I could make this pretty shawl called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jasminde">Jasminde </a>that was given to us in class.<br />
<h3>
My Class</h3>
I took a class with Martina Behm from <a href="http://strickmich.frischetexte.de/en/">Strickmich </a>to learn lace knitting skills.<br />
We first started with chart reading and made a swatch, here is mine.<br />
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Then we started the Jasminde pattern and Martina helped a few of us with close up demonstrations as well as tips on how to undo our work when we make a mistake, because we know that we will!<br />
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Overall, I had an excellent day and would love to go again. I was glad I went by myself so that I could look at the things that interested me the most. I wasn't lonely either, as so many friendly ladies began conversations with me, both stall holders and fellow shoppers. There were so many people from other countries visiting too! Maybe you could plan a visit next year?!<br />
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-90497515385282718102016-03-25T13:03:00.002+00:002016-03-25T13:06:46.349+00:00Knitting Needle RollI was planning to attend a knitting class at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival in March this year, so I wanted to make a small knitting needle holder to take along with me, as the only instructions were to bring along needles that are bigger than the size recommended on the yarn's label. I didn't know just how many sizes bigger, so I wanted to take a small selection. (I will write more about the Yarn Festival in my next post)<br />
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I have this 5006 Butterick pattern in my stash so put it to good use to make a new roll for my needles.<br />
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It also has a pocket for crochet hooks, which I can do a bit of, but I would never really need them both at the same time. But I included it anyway, as it is a sweet addition to the roll.<br />
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You lift up the crochet pocket to get access to the knitting needles.<br />
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A friend recently showed an interest in learning to knit, after seeing <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/baa-ble-hat.html">my Baable hat</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shetland Wool Week Baa-ble hat</td></tr>
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Of course I said that I would, if she bought some needles and 4 balls of wool. And for only the second time in my life, a person who wanted to learn something crafty from me actually went out and bought the materials! With most people it's just talk, but this time she demonstrated true desire and commitment! She has proved to be a very good learner and has made an amazing start to knitting, I am so proud!<br />
And so I thought I would make her a needle holder too, as a gift.<br />
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It's a quick make, about 2 or 3 hours. I used fabrics from my stash, all fat quarters. I think I will also make the larger crafty bag from this pattern, at some stage.<br />
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Next post: Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2016Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-14851509520370257082015-12-03T12:13:00.002+00:002015-12-03T12:13:45.662+00:00Star Wars The Force Awakens : The SkirtI have made a gift for a Star Wars fan!<br />
The lines and style of this skirt reminded me of Boba Fett's helmet so I knew I couldn't go wrong with <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9132-products-50458.php?page_id=174">Vogue pattern 9132</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcqvUfUgiefRiHhD8ErAYh04UWp276KlwEzredb-8wZRpaFVPUiEysfdA-aOIgJGyMvQxoWYKtvB8EBCajJfCSxyMFbJkRjl70OHEKthLh0EXnB2Q9yneBA7ZjMmqj7Oje4V2eABx0Uk/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcqvUfUgiefRiHhD8ErAYh04UWp276KlwEzredb-8wZRpaFVPUiEysfdA-aOIgJGyMvQxoWYKtvB8EBCajJfCSxyMFbJkRjl70OHEKthLh0EXnB2Q9yneBA7ZjMmqj7Oje4V2eABx0Uk/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<h3>
Some changes I made</h3>
It is a very short skirt, so I added two centimetres to make it 50cm in length, but even then it was still a bit short so I used bias tape along the hem and just turned it up 1/4" instead.<br />
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I didn't use the recommended fabric, which is "Gaberdine, crepe, linen, lightweight woolens" I used cotton instead. I really like that it looks a bit like a check pattern from a distance and you only see the logo close up. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Star Wars fabric is a fully licensed product from Camelot Fabrics</i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1kxNP-uM71E_S22f1TPy1vML4V83qBhwK5v5rozh5EbX35O5mTSxsvhM_GwheHY03D2Rk92RPfVze_QS-T-zQdhc4Ki0KknzBqxPZ17vAoGVn9W0XnejBBHC3FQq36Yha5Q7RmAMnHk/s1600/StarWarsTheForceAwakensLogoonBlackforCamelotFabrics73610108_3.1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1kxNP-uM71E_S22f1TPy1vML4V83qBhwK5v5rozh5EbX35O5mTSxsvhM_GwheHY03D2Rk92RPfVze_QS-T-zQdhc4Ki0KknzBqxPZ17vAoGVn9W0XnejBBHC3FQq36Yha5Q7RmAMnHk/s320/StarWarsTheForceAwakensLogoonBlackforCamelotFabrics73610108_3.1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The skirt pattern is for a fully lined skirt. But I couldn't believe there was no separate lining pattern piece! The instructions ask you to use the same pieces for the skirt! Can you imagine doing four more of those curves in lining fabric?! No thank you! So I made the skirt pieces up, front and back(including the zip), then before sewing the side seams I just lay the skirt front on top of my lining fabric and cut out a piece exactly the same size. I did the same with the back. It fit perfectly when I sewed the lining to the skirt at the waist band.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3kyrcnMNVuK3L31VbMekB_gdMiAK5VBmXP9l36U9hZsA6cke5TYf7U8vr_bMfrNsvDO_Jn1Yd5Jmp0Aqpzxa3mElJVkUNN8D271wF9UUmTB8hvSRvVCMCNv8OL143qHUXmnpcg-Tevw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3kyrcnMNVuK3L31VbMekB_gdMiAK5VBmXP9l36U9hZsA6cke5TYf7U8vr_bMfrNsvDO_Jn1Yd5Jmp0Aqpzxa3mElJVkUNN8D271wF9UUmTB8hvSRvVCMCNv8OL143qHUXmnpcg-Tevw/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<h3>
Some tips if you are going to sew this pattern</h3>
Sewing these curves was a bit of a pain, I had to undo all four of them and try again. If you make this skirt I would recommend after stay-stitching and then snipping the curve on the T-shaped or L-shaped fabric piece, have it underneath when stitching together. Stitch slowly, hold each fabric and slowly bring them together under the foot. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NrbCGTFGdklD4VJTwHN8vl5Shr3rbNbPnEfCgiTgay742PeHUXp3XMxqC07AgZAoqfxkGHCxrZ2mcqmrPKz76BhLLCXxUsEuGXNAGCimgWi2-pQTF5uVpOGQ8vZyyq2uDITKeKzAD2g/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NrbCGTFGdklD4VJTwHN8vl5Shr3rbNbPnEfCgiTgay742PeHUXp3XMxqC07AgZAoqfxkGHCxrZ2mcqmrPKz76BhLLCXxUsEuGXNAGCimgWi2-pQTF5uVpOGQ8vZyyq2uDITKeKzAD2g/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not perfect</td></tr>
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Also, the little triangle pieces that are supposed to line up - they didn't. Whichever end I started at, the first two little triangles matched up but after sewing the curve the second ones never did. But by the time I stitched all the way to the ends of the fabric it matched up just fine at the ends.<br />
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I also thought it was quite an exaggerated A-line, so once I got my friends waist and hip measurements I just drew a straight line down to the hem instead of sticking to the wider hem line for her size. I think I brought it in 3 sizes at the hem.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaAeDKme14zK7Rd-w3L7qxwwi_glW2FI5tse3bfY2uIuD8FAl23qskFFodUknS372s-awbzE6nZJg0BKK3kRlKBh-7RByeTbeF16MSOu5n-TnXTOOLxFuTxgcZqNRhIoKll56uMso-rs/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaAeDKme14zK7Rd-w3L7qxwwi_glW2FI5tse3bfY2uIuD8FAl23qskFFodUknS372s-awbzE6nZJg0BKK3kRlKBh-7RByeTbeF16MSOu5n-TnXTOOLxFuTxgcZqNRhIoKll56uMso-rs/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I do hope she wears it to the premiere of the new movie, as she has reserved tickets for a VIP theatre on the night of it's release! Fingers crossed it fits!Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-68563774358162109292015-08-30T16:07:00.002+01:002015-08-30T16:07:48.844+01:00Metro Rings QuiltI have finished my nephew's wedding ring quilt, just in time for their <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/an-aussie-at-scottish-polish-wedding.html">first year</a> anniversary!<br />
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I have written about the construction details of this quilt in a <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/sew-kind-of-wonderful.html">previous post</a> if you are interested. For today's post I am just sharing photos and close up details, as I am very proud of this make - can you tell?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYBF1mgCUqXdp8aU3Q18BLoxBIOO9QLNAwMqKgpB1nrOnNrRR-g7pJ9O6GobMMSUhq8Ka33MgPrh1rrYk9rnNNbttmxLPeMUvmoJq2Z66WnxUyJ4xtyenySE17mAiEkBdd9NtgYVvhJc/s1600/wedding+ring+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYBF1mgCUqXdp8aU3Q18BLoxBIOO9QLNAwMqKgpB1nrOnNrRR-g7pJ9O6GobMMSUhq8Ka33MgPrh1rrYk9rnNNbttmxLPeMUvmoJq2Z66WnxUyJ4xtyenySE17mAiEkBdd9NtgYVvhJc/s400/wedding+ring+021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The backing I chose for this quilt is the same Terra Australis design and is in coordinating colours.</div>
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I chose a trailing love heart design for the quilting, and had it done for me by a long arm quilter. I know there are so many other intricate designs that compliment the wedding ring quilt that are so much better, but they do take more time and therefore cost more money. Quilts are already very expensive to create, so I chose something romantic and swirly and I am very pleased with it as it is.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sorry about the poor, yellow lighting in these two photos, <br />
but they do allow a close up of the quilting</td></tr>
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Ta Da!</div>
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Now off to write a card and wrap it up!</div>
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<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-30665949230896471632015-08-06T14:58:00.000+01:002015-08-06T14:58:29.840+01:00Cross Stitch~The handy sewing project for those days/weeks that you don't feel like sewing!<br />
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This summer I have found that I don't want to sew anything on my sewing machine. I don't even want to sit at the desk or even play with my fabric collection! But hobbies can be a bit like that, they seem to have moods and preferences all of their own. So instead of doing nothing at all, I decided to see if there was a cross stitch pattern that I might like to try.<br />
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And then down the rabbit hole I went! Have you ever seen the world of Floss Tube? (It's a # term you can search for on You Tube - go on, I dare you) It's full of people sharing their cross stitching WIPs, stash, plans and having sew-alongs together. Most videos are a crafty woman looking at the camera and holding things up to show you something every now and then. Some of them are really pleasant to listen to whilst stitching, a bit like listening to a podcast, but I can just look up when they say they're about to show you their piece of work. Some of the videos I have to skip due to the large amount of "Ums", (it's something that jumps out into my ears and I just can't bear) but most of them are enjoyable, some are informative and some could even enable more spending!<br />
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So, here is what I am working on this summer: <b>Mermaid of the Pearls by Mirabilia Designs</b><br />
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I took a photo after each day of stitching, some days I did none, some days not much and some days a whole lot was accomplished.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfKO2KWhF5GahJ4jMePq6pN3AWeXa3imriGIKrjv9Pr_5WJFhDkxXsGx79la-kVEKmaM_u9AYouF3ZRG-8m0ktpI4Ntng-iu95ygGqtkgaaF9WeADXxcAfMCiW2VzYyRrpvoG901CySY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfKO2KWhF5GahJ4jMePq6pN3AWeXa3imriGIKrjv9Pr_5WJFhDkxXsGx79la-kVEKmaM_u9AYouF3ZRG-8m0ktpI4Ntng-iu95ygGqtkgaaF9WeADXxcAfMCiW2VzYyRrpvoG901CySY/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sessions 1 - 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlwPo7KzI5jhZrGAe5zMg74zhgky8iOq6AvVjgUgNRTuvWQxlGf4S-Kp00xTwFLxI1jm9rbK7QOl1X-L7jlzxtkXYufqjoIxU8ltxOoUgc9Nx8VSTukB9HnUCzkKV-L7lGgef2GBtRa4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlwPo7KzI5jhZrGAe5zMg74zhgky8iOq6AvVjgUgNRTuvWQxlGf4S-Kp00xTwFLxI1jm9rbK7QOl1X-L7jlzxtkXYufqjoIxU8ltxOoUgc9Nx8VSTukB9HnUCzkKV-L7lGgef2GBtRa4/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sessions 6 - 10</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQ-HnMa3hHq8Z28_Y60j8MQJzHJ4Yr7uXqdbdLIlTggsqYiaNMsfHcOD3SJt-gZ2wh8kIMO4nxONdmveeM58cFvLzzMfHF7ivtuBMGx_1bn8wnyL1z6dc1E91gpJqyGzJLPZwTAjhVt4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQ-HnMa3hHq8Z28_Y60j8MQJzHJ4Yr7uXqdbdLIlTggsqYiaNMsfHcOD3SJt-gZ2wh8kIMO4nxONdmveeM58cFvLzzMfHF7ivtuBMGx_1bn8wnyL1z6dc1E91gpJqyGzJLPZwTAjhVt4/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sessions 11 - 15</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAEFe00HsxSvVsqsATgxjS5DUCPfP8k5ISfv7zCKudQlI-SeLs8YngJFW7yekTHud2EBYkHFObrS0TSIdpIKU5c2vrOxz3tQEshhQoPGu6KPqKQD1o6PzSVgqVbaSot6LdhxBGmktZgI/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAEFe00HsxSvVsqsATgxjS5DUCPfP8k5ISfv7zCKudQlI-SeLs8YngJFW7yekTHud2EBYkHFObrS0TSIdpIKU5c2vrOxz3tQEshhQoPGu6KPqKQD1o6PzSVgqVbaSot6LdhxBGmktZgI/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sessions 16 - 20</td></tr>
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The original design's face just didn't appeal to me so I changed it slightly and much prefer my changes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq-wkzgRfwlL8_9a9W6vV7gapItgtk09Y9Cso7XsDSbzPm_TREbdvI1dsylp-dKpBD3Uq7_Rw_mWMODi-g95kBvYm0iSR8qd9NLdGBQ0NUvI43iktvj2qo_YozOqWQ2hgYmml_mT7afE/s1600/20150803_204910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq-wkzgRfwlL8_9a9W6vV7gapItgtk09Y9Cso7XsDSbzPm_TREbdvI1dsylp-dKpBD3Uq7_Rw_mWMODi-g95kBvYm0iSR8qd9NLdGBQ0NUvI43iktvj2qo_YozOqWQ2hgYmml_mT7afE/s320/20150803_204910.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I drew the original design on the graph paper to the right,<br />then kept the chin and lips on my drawing on the left<br />and drew my own nose, forehead and eye.</td></tr>
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Now I am up to working on the armful of treasure. It's slow going but I am really enjoying it. Cross stitch is very relaxing and the slow growth and unveiling of the finished piece brings me a lot of joy and satisfaction.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxflZUi0BQty-puthNuGy4rKmYMiJxS90sdruPaOIuUel_GRYCr4_Gns0vAGGc-ed_VZmDhsuEA0MKKjYc5iHbXWschw2zaypAmecWmPbkWx6fmu-elHmVnKemubCz3VIldeHwNSQvCA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxflZUi0BQty-puthNuGy4rKmYMiJxS90sdruPaOIuUel_GRYCr4_Gns0vAGGc-ed_VZmDhsuEA0MKKjYc5iHbXWschw2zaypAmecWmPbkWx6fmu-elHmVnKemubCz3VIldeHwNSQvCA/s400/PicMonkey+Collage+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
P.S. For my own records:</h3>
I have done a Mirabilia Design before (2002) and it is hanging proudly above my bed. She is called <b>The Dreamer</b> (this chart is now out of print).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVhUmpKWI6BcSG1Ee5I0K_Wquc29HfIxsdexPzKOrXd23w9ZXElIBMfgvT9MtNbgVipkqlDjP_0nZ6ilIgjcrEvThbFhTiXAJVp7HESXKqZMOD_dfPq95CXSW5ujrbs_aAx7kI0I-0L4/s1600/crossstitch+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVhUmpKWI6BcSG1Ee5I0K_Wquc29HfIxsdexPzKOrXd23w9ZXElIBMfgvT9MtNbgVipkqlDjP_0nZ6ilIgjcrEvThbFhTiXAJVp7HESXKqZMOD_dfPq95CXSW5ujrbs_aAx7kI0I-0L4/s320/crossstitch+%25281%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
She's very peaceful looking and I love all the rich colours used.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZD6PguGf1xkiyECgZyMdX7COSzyq3trfg2nFXVFc5yr3dPgPmAodnFIcY-I5wgkIIYp8VP2FT5NuPgMRwMKUl7q9bflPK7bcEWYR_hM-43ozl-P2V_6rdRWoxdc4D5mYZPUUhHKnifQ/s1600/20150802_142217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZD6PguGf1xkiyECgZyMdX7COSzyq3trfg2nFXVFc5yr3dPgPmAodnFIcY-I5wgkIIYp8VP2FT5NuPgMRwMKUl7q9bflPK7bcEWYR_hM-43ozl-P2V_6rdRWoxdc4D5mYZPUUhHKnifQ/s320/20150802_142217.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">apologies for the glass glare</td></tr>
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-8942328320211182292015-05-29T18:05:00.000+01:002015-05-29T18:05:15.158+01:00Jacobite Shirt dressI really love the McCall's shirt dress pattern 6696. I have <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/perfect-shirt-dress-with-birds-on-it.html">made it once before</a> but that was in a floaty cotton lawn. This time I have made it in a gorgeous chambray. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2gCdfA_jj_LW66Gpx_2Xdr8dZksKP2hmGUCoN8YDso-KjZbmu6bjJO0sYys0XRA3_puxOiPvf_dFNvcyZDkVAFxZWpwDs6VRtFohbe4QzPNcQzBfpVklmniOnGn1GjA-dfJyxqnVRuE/s1600/DSCF4235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2gCdfA_jj_LW66Gpx_2Xdr8dZksKP2hmGUCoN8YDso-KjZbmu6bjJO0sYys0XRA3_puxOiPvf_dFNvcyZDkVAFxZWpwDs6VRtFohbe4QzPNcQzBfpVklmniOnGn1GjA-dfJyxqnVRuE/s400/DSCF4235.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Pattern</h3>
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I have always loved Scotland and now that I am fortunate enough to actually live here I don't feel the slightest bit silly to still want to wear thistles or tartan in some way! This fabric is called Botany and I love the swirling leaves, stems and thistles travelling every which way all over the fabric.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBCaLjLJDU2BS7_OcHAiPoiVfTF70lh245N_ftxKtSiebiybvFw5izFxAu_MiuyXfAy6foldwwDt6YmUSfO6AsqAUWs9QORYmQkIHtAYaiHzYU6NAtt4fdwQUBqc7ABBX5RtcrdZrUxw/s1600/20150529_161401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBCaLjLJDU2BS7_OcHAiPoiVfTF70lh245N_ftxKtSiebiybvFw5izFxAu_MiuyXfAy6foldwwDt6YmUSfO6AsqAUWs9QORYmQkIHtAYaiHzYU6NAtt4fdwQUBqc7ABBX5RtcrdZrUxw/s320/20150529_161401.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How great is this photo angle?! No idea how this<br />happened, but I like it!</td></tr>
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The pattern calls for the waistband, button band and collar stand to be hand stitched down on the inside but I decided to topstitch these instead and am quite happy with the way it looks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWHNh_hmR4SNY8HcC4o_tMX12MCE6SEsWEJmxmBrHfSlcVqBXyShurYENM11sjBulStzngKJjp98ib19DoyTzb5lneSUzeNE6EYNB22MN0s3Ly4AFkWq1NpWQZiT7UKKBNz7FSER-GXA/s1600/20150529_161431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWHNh_hmR4SNY8HcC4o_tMX12MCE6SEsWEJmxmBrHfSlcVqBXyShurYENM11sjBulStzngKJjp98ib19DoyTzb5lneSUzeNE6EYNB22MN0s3Ly4AFkWq1NpWQZiT7UKKBNz7FSER-GXA/s320/20150529_161431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeNHKr5ZbZcPSJdnXpB245W36h0zbY7UiRW7_ML-y3JvmNZMpiL_A8akSJ-VP_fDaWP8inzYtLTyNrINOrsLHD6FPlM7dhx4JbSukyg7XTpHcthug_IfaYXwFB2YGSE8L9i5E8NdlohU/s1600/DSCF4239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeNHKr5ZbZcPSJdnXpB245W36h0zbY7UiRW7_ML-y3JvmNZMpiL_A8akSJ-VP_fDaWP8inzYtLTyNrINOrsLHD6FPlM7dhx4JbSukyg7XTpHcthug_IfaYXwFB2YGSE8L9i5E8NdlohU/s400/DSCF4239.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The back has a yoke across the shoulders and a gathered billowing section that appeals to me for both the ease of movement and for the appearance of a narrower waist!</div>
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Here it is from the front without the belt. I probably won't wear it with a belt myself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRODE4XK6f-u_bUj-mcIWPiXL8xdu5hVfL2FN0_rUSmZvspIzOWAllE2Y1K-3O9Pc_oWiKjHDEu_Jx85_FoDndUdVmXFBOclXPQGOw9O1x3dyjqKUeabKJHZ6uu-vDUo7eZOUeYRFEo4U/s1600/DSCF4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRODE4XK6f-u_bUj-mcIWPiXL8xdu5hVfL2FN0_rUSmZvspIzOWAllE2Y1K-3O9Pc_oWiKjHDEu_Jx85_FoDndUdVmXFBOclXPQGOw9O1x3dyjqKUeabKJHZ6uu-vDUo7eZOUeYRFEo4U/s400/DSCF4241.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Fit</h3>
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When making clothes for myself I often just go for the largest size and hope for the best. I think really I could have made this a bit smaller. I can easily pinch out 2 inches at the waist with my hand and the shoulder looks like it is slipping down my arm. Also, there seems to be too much fabric from my underarm to my bust which could be removed using larger darts. I did loose a stone (14 pounds) between planning, cutting and sewing this dress whilst trying the whole30 eating plan, and I made absolutely no attempts to fit this dress to myself at all. I just made it straight from the envelope.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ3ySym7RtTfnEZLpE6clHrVH17HGnaNgRxoVX_mxUUkcyZ28RSNNUJJCnJBLFg-S8NbyTPye1zQoqJEAJ_TdBYEb8QHqwFFS5nkpW2WYcqcxnP-C55uURpB8Vbx25Ga6-rEh5B4YWbc/s1600/DSCF4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ3ySym7RtTfnEZLpE6clHrVH17HGnaNgRxoVX_mxUUkcyZ28RSNNUJJCnJBLFg-S8NbyTPye1zQoqJEAJ_TdBYEb8QHqwFFS5nkpW2WYcqcxnP-C55uURpB8Vbx25Ga6-rEh5B4YWbc/s400/DSCF4252.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Next time I make this dress I shall try a size smaller and really make sure I am happy with the bodice and bust before continuing.</div>
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But I will most definitely still wear this dress, flaws and all!</div>
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<h3>
The Fabric</h3>
The fabric is a fawn, light khaki colour with a solid black print on top. It washed really well and didn't fade at all! It is a design by <a href="http://alisonglass.com/agd/">Alison Glass</a> as part of her Ex Libris fabric collection. As soon as I saw it I <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/alison_glass/ex_libris/botany_chambray_in_taupe">ordered it </a>straight away! It comes in a choice of three colourways too. I saw a beautiful table runner made on Instagram by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EastandRory">Jamie Naughton</a> using the blue colourway but she had embellished it with a rainbow of moths, also from an Alison Glass Ex Libris print. I am seriously tempted to add some of these to my dress too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N7tx2YXjBmayNHFjt3ytYRaWI3f4zJMuSzw9BIFi2V7AqHU4l6g9KXyhKC4HCvl04B4ZdPS-JbdSbSBT6EygCCUWQrnjnJv6h69t0iQ5M1VdQZO-yYA_T1nwPWjYX9CRsS-NZZXv_OQ/s1600/Screenshots_2015-05-15-16-32-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N7tx2YXjBmayNHFjt3ytYRaWI3f4zJMuSzw9BIFi2V7AqHU4l6g9KXyhKC4HCvl04B4ZdPS-JbdSbSBT6EygCCUWQrnjnJv6h69t0iQ5M1VdQZO-yYA_T1nwPWjYX9CRsS-NZZXv_OQ/s400/Screenshots_2015-05-15-16-32-10.png" width="250" /></a></div>
And so, despite some fit issues, I really love this dress and am so pleased to finally be able to wear it! It will get it's debut next weekend for our wedding anniversary. And maybe with the belt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-r20lSw46fczkt4CwSAimWKFBaMS2xB6CaQT8Pgy1R3M0M3tntUhVi7_RIeTJ4EjmzBIuSxzLeQP6MKptweInvp7CBP9pLaEVee6yVr-CDz09cP4p-DtTABNbMcQz5DduZxi88jShhc/s1600/DSCF4256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-r20lSw46fczkt4CwSAimWKFBaMS2xB6CaQT8Pgy1R3M0M3tntUhVi7_RIeTJ4EjmzBIuSxzLeQP6MKptweInvp7CBP9pLaEVee6yVr-CDz09cP4p-DtTABNbMcQz5DduZxi88jShhc/s400/DSCF4256.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-33165402150374854752015-05-17T16:03:00.001+01:002015-05-17T16:03:42.074+01:00The Results of my Own little Craft It Forward projectAt the end of last year I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful handmade bag from Fiona at <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/paying-it-forward.html">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> because she was doing a little Craft-It-Forward project and I happened to be one of the first commenters. So recently <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/pay-it-forward.html">I also offered to make three crafty things</a> for the first three people to comment on my blog post, and now that Fiona and Jen have received their gifts from me, <em>(hopefully Kirstin receives hers soon?)</em> I want to share what I made!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwxUiNJILCHgXGDHM8qhOhIhl2oyLlQFyHjS5BeoXwpSpeJ3oj0OiVEyj1ekSu0JubrQ1zmn0x-x_pp_tDIC-j7aAofHihTE8ieU2kvA00sKKZd9YvO3GY8HKViON7U_oCY46QqEJdWk/s1600/crafty+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwxUiNJILCHgXGDHM8qhOhIhl2oyLlQFyHjS5BeoXwpSpeJ3oj0OiVEyj1ekSu0JubrQ1zmn0x-x_pp_tDIC-j7aAofHihTE8ieU2kvA00sKKZd9YvO3GY8HKViON7U_oCY46QqEJdWk/s320/crafty+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are pincushions with hanging pockets and a loop to hold onto a bucket for collecting threads and trimmings. I got the idea from <a href="http://domesticlightandmagic.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/there-are-no-problems.html">Lynz </a>when she made a very snazzy one for her own craft room, and I'm so grateful that she linked to the instructions - a great tutorial from <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2009/03/elizabeths-fabric-focus-3/">Elizabeth Hartman</a>. The pin cushion is weighted down with rice and has a felt strip down the middle for sewing needles. It is attached to a hanging pocket that can sit next to your sewing machine or on your armchair. There is a loop to attach the threads bucket, but if you aren't using it then the loop tucks in to one of the pockets.</div>
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Fiona loves Tula Pink fabric as well as lime green, so this will be hers:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNSDG_zQsio67hoXMMabKWc49yS6wlaYmte3QbDTShoRSflatM0TmxlPpM39SRbwLV4RheVqqgHCLqrwrrLwRntJ7riNhFfECldvq9saMxmMUAA0Meu2Q6EygRpcSCIy4xv0GMogux7A/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNSDG_zQsio67hoXMMabKWc49yS6wlaYmte3QbDTShoRSflatM0TmxlPpM39SRbwLV4RheVqqgHCLqrwrrLwRntJ7riNhFfECldvq9saMxmMUAA0Meu2Q6EygRpcSCIy4xv0GMogux7A/s640/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric: Tula Pink, V&Co.</td></tr>
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Kirstin loves bold colours, feminine Ulyana and knitting, so this will be hers:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS7J75HM0Wy3zAoAPlqiMNVhwjdHP0K7B33Bv9imqmxab_mPvKw19QWn1PMCeZKbpUFtK2ey_eZlbMtpH8GI2whcUa-m_6LQFssqBwI6fmn_mBcd2bbJ5gIvJtiTbQ_a5c3TDDK4wmq0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjS7J75HM0Wy3zAoAPlqiMNVhwjdHP0K7B33Bv9imqmxab_mPvKw19QWn1PMCeZKbpUFtK2ey_eZlbMtpH8GI2whcUa-m_6LQFssqBwI6fmn_mBcd2bbJ5gIvJtiTbQ_a5c3TDDK4wmq0/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric: Katarina Roccella</td></tr>
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Jen lives by the beach and looking at her blog seems to favour aqua colours, so this is hers:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MTkENsq7a0XLfceuVREtiv2BhuPIAuM3QcxC2XnfmFe-GEW8iyw9qnR6nI0_oScRSKpvjJCn4QvvSTvXtNqctopmJuFQOFwZD3HiSVyBgYgdyVPRtMBUxugDBYephFtfXTHzawqsjo8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MTkENsq7a0XLfceuVREtiv2BhuPIAuM3QcxC2XnfmFe-GEW8iyw9qnR6nI0_oScRSKpvjJCn4QvvSTvXtNqctopmJuFQOFwZD3HiSVyBgYgdyVPRtMBUxugDBYephFtfXTHzawqsjo8/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric: Katerina Roccella</td></tr>
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It was really nice to look at these creative lady's blogs and decide what colours and fabrics they might like. I enjoyed thinking about something crafty and useful that people who sew may like to have too.<br />
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Now I can't wait to see each of these blogger's Craft-It-Forward projects! <br />
Feel free to follow them and sign up when they post their own C-I-F!<br />
Fiona blogs at <a href="http://bendigolioness.blogspot.co.uk/">Bendigo Lioness</a><br />
Kirstin blogs at <a href="http://sewclassic.blogspot.co.uk/">Sew Classic</a><br />
Jen blogs at <a href="http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.co.uk/">Quilter in the Closet</a><br />
<br />Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-48337189974283697612015-05-04T17:17:00.000+01:002015-05-04T17:17:44.492+01:00Baa-ble HatTo promote <a href="http://www.shetlandwoolweek.com/">Shetland Wool week</a> Donna Smith has designed a free knitting pattern for download. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to give this a go, as I love sheep and especially these little <a href="http://www.scottish-blackface.co.uk/">black faced sheep</a> which I get to see quite a lot where I live in Perthshire, Scotland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zsiks1KCVsLiED3A6hOS7l7bJNGGyhXY11OMKviLSRzD-3pD5JxyC0gQSZuKhJtSVEYvx0BpHYri55rgKSU6Y_xju7wRgxSNAJKcZffAZ7s3D9eMfzdNVnIf4rOJ6Iy431gENK1kGtQ/s1600/sheep+hat+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zsiks1KCVsLiED3A6hOS7l7bJNGGyhXY11OMKviLSRzD-3pD5JxyC0gQSZuKhJtSVEYvx0BpHYri55rgKSU6Y_xju7wRgxSNAJKcZffAZ7s3D9eMfzdNVnIf4rOJ6Iy431gENK1kGtQ/s320/sheep+hat+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have only ever knit <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/peerie-floors-fair-isle-finish.html">one other hat</a> using this stranded colour work technique, and I am happily surprised that once I had the needles in my hand it all came back to me and I hadn't forgotten anything!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm-TQR7k2bgZfaPbwhpUuLbceA-2zJUmRM7xYGAQKEAm0cgFMngpiEHO-vNs5eSs_mIRvAvc_iJmoe7hiOQ3xmM_rGHZMOHh1qutU52UmJlA9IUMarTdzvhJe74-cknZpSfnnX3rTJzQ/s1600/sheep+hat+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmm-TQR7k2bgZfaPbwhpUuLbceA-2zJUmRM7xYGAQKEAm0cgFMngpiEHO-vNs5eSs_mIRvAvc_iJmoe7hiOQ3xmM_rGHZMOHh1qutU52UmJlA9IUMarTdzvhJe74-cknZpSfnnX3rTJzQ/s320/sheep+hat+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Technique</h3>
I used a short length circular needle for the entire hat, but when I got close to the crown and there weren't many stitches left I used the 'magic loop' technique where I just pull some of the needle cord through any gap in the stitches to make the knitting into a triangle shape.<br />
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I also keep the main colour I am using for each row in my right hand and knit as normal, and the additional feature colour I keep on the left side. When I enter my right needle into the left to start a stitch I simply loop the yarn over from the strand on my left. When it comes to a gap of more than 5 or 6 sttiches all I did was pick up the ball of yarn from my left side and take it under and over the looping strand on my right side. <i>(I should have taken a video I guess)</i>.<br />
Here is what the inside ends up looking like:<br />
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Perfect for Scottish weather, as it almost acts as two layers! I used the recommended yarn and colours, and bought it directly from <a href="http://www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk/">Jamieson's of Shetland</a>. But there are already so many other gorgeous Baa-ble hats to be seen in an array of colours using the hashtag #baable on social media.<br />
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This will be the first pom pom I have ever worn! And I don't feel one bit silly, instead wearing it makes me feel proud of my ability to make such a fun pattern with such beautiful wool.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN5Ns1pC4Z9eLP25knIhALPjqGeibjs-NdTDmQZlWa-vxJpUXSegO9Y_ZF92bIHEM5xBQTyRDAxnKbBvJHTFyR_Y8onEDo7rspXYd8kqab2l3WPg4wPhAXJDZmEyulDt9-hg_ul3N9DA/s1600/sheep+hat+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN5Ns1pC4Z9eLP25knIhALPjqGeibjs-NdTDmQZlWa-vxJpUXSegO9Y_ZF92bIHEM5xBQTyRDAxnKbBvJHTFyR_Y8onEDo7rspXYd8kqab2l3WPg4wPhAXJDZmEyulDt9-hg_ul3N9DA/s320/sheep+hat+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird's eye view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwRKR-jtcefw51XplEaAuCkVSJaD6rTnsJHs6lqwew2Y-3PnJ4EwGh-YVTPuwPLHEwuuZFUIRZunnEAOxP6KFBJRhXa7WvRZL2nh3OBm6mDjleEGtJI1laXkdDKRDM-5cUWTpURW4Pgw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwRKR-jtcefw51XplEaAuCkVSJaD6rTnsJHs6lqwew2Y-3PnJ4EwGh-YVTPuwPLHEwuuZFUIRZunnEAOxP6KFBJRhXa7WvRZL2nh3OBm6mDjleEGtJI1laXkdDKRDM-5cUWTpURW4Pgw/s320/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gamboling sheep in all their glory, front and back.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN5Ns1pC4Z9eLP25knIhALPjqGeibjs-NdTDmQZlWa-vxJpUXSegO9Y_ZF92bIHEM5xBQTyRDAxnKbBvJHTFyR_Y8onEDo7rspXYd8kqab2l3WPg4wPhAXJDZmEyulDt9-hg_ul3N9DA/s1600/sheep+hat+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-82165380046325877442015-04-15T17:13:00.002+01:002015-04-15T17:13:48.742+01:00Sew Kind of WonderfulI have been working on this lovely quilt off and on for quite a while now. It was supposed to be a wedding gift but will now be a First Anniversary gift and should be quilted and bound by August, hopefully. I just finished the top today! With the sun shining through the window you can see the seam allowance is creating a stained-glass-window effect.<br />
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<h3>
About the Quilt</h3>
I was generously gifted the specialist ruler called the "Quick Curve Ruler" by a sewing-bee friend named Raquel in America, which was especially nice as I had tried to get one sent to me here in Scotland and just couldn't source one at all.<br />
The ruler as well as the pattern are from Helen and Jenny at <a href="http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.co.uk/">Sew Kind of Wonderful</a>. The pattern I have used looks a lot like a traditional wedding ring quilt and is called Metro Rings. <br />
I chose to use a fat quarter (FQ) bundle of fabrics called Terra Australis designed by <a href="https://www.emmajeanjansen.com.au/">Emma Jean Jansen</a> and purchased from the only UK stockist <a href="http://www.craftyquilter.co.uk/">The Crafty Quilter</a>.<br />
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<h3>
About the Process</h3>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am leaving out any specific measurements and amounts as the pattern has very specific details and instructions, is a good price, is well written and extremely easy to follow. I highly recommend it!</span></i><br />
First I set aside two pink and two green FQs for the corner squares, the rest I cut into strips and stitched together in rows of 5.<br />
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The pattern is full of excellent cutting instructions and diagrams, but as I am left handed I do need to concentrate on the diagrams and reverse them in my head so that I can cut with my left hand and hold the ruler with my right. Next was cutting the arch shapes.<br />
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Cutting all of the background fabric into squares, rectangles and triangles and then using the curved ruler on one edge of those shapes took a very long time, but finally, all my pretty piles were ready for assembling.<br />
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First job was to sew each colourful arch together with a triangular arch above and a rectangular arch below to get the new pointy blocks you see here on the right of the photo. Then lots of trimming!<br />
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Next job was to pair them up and sew them together along the straight edge of the small blue arch piece. I laid them out to try and make sure I had them randomly paired up. This is not even half of them!<br />
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Here they all are, paired and ready to be sewn!<br />
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Once they are paired up and pressed open it was time to add on the triangle corners. <br />
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Then at last I had a great collection of square blocks! - my eye blocks. And of course lots more trimming to be done too.</div>
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Then sewing these eye blocks into pairs, then into sets of fours was fairly straight forward. I concentrated on getting the triangles to match up and didn't worry about the blue background fabric matching up in the middle.<br />
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And finally today they are now in rows!<br />
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Next step will be to prepare the backing and then quilt it ready for gifting in August! <br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
I am really pleased with how this has come together. Fortunately I quite enjoy the cutting and trimming process, as there is a LOT of cutting and trimming in this pattern. Though it is very helpful that after sewing each step you can relax a little about your accuracy as there is always pressing and trimming to make it all measure up correctly. <br />
I would recommend this pattern to people only if you enjoy/don't mind cutting and trimming and are happy to spend an entire 'crafty session' not even touching your sewing machine. Also just loving the idea of this pattern really motivated me to keep going with the process as I really wanted to see how it would all turn out. I love the idea of this looking like the traditional wedding ring quilt, with lots of interlocking rings made up of many small pieces.<br />
The curved sewing is no trouble at all. It is a very gentle curve and can easily be maneuvered by holding the top piece in your left hand and the bottom piece in your right hand. Just help the two edges to line up with one another just before they head under your sewing foot, and stitch at a medium pace. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvoDnEVjqs">Jenny has a video</a> to help right handed people <i>(it's practically the same, but actually easier for left handed people, as the dominant hand needs to be holding the top fabric which is on the left! easy for lefties)</i> Don't worry too much about accuracy at either end, as they get trimmed anyway!<br />
Let me know if you have been tempted by this pattern, and feel free to ask any questions, I'd love to help if I can.Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-4351086001972450422015-03-22T14:48:00.001+00:002015-03-22T14:48:22.712+00:00It's all over - the Little Bloggers Quilting BeeLast April eleven other UK blog writers and I decided to make one another patchwork blocks. I have already shared the first <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/its-october-and-i-am-queen-bee.html">seven here</a>, and today I want to share with you the final 4 blocks as well as the ones that I received in October when I was the Queen Bee.<br />
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In November we made a pair of feathers for <a href="http://notafloralgirl.blogspot.co.uk/">Rosanne </a>using <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/Feather.Bed.Quilt.pdf">this free tutorial</a> by Anna Maria Horner.<br />
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In December we made a block called "trip around the world" using blues and purples for <a href="http://occasionalquilter.blogspot.co.uk/">Gina</a>.<br />
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In January we made a scrappy 5x5 block for <a href="http://mindfulquilter.blogspot.co.uk/">Sheila </a>who is planning on making a few Irish Chain quilts for charity.<br />
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And our final block was for the ever-patient <a href="http://patchworkalley.blogspot.co.uk/">Alison</a>, who asked us to sign up to a newsletter that sent out free block instructions for a country style choice of blocks. This is the one I chose to make for her:<br />
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<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
I have enjoyed making these patchwork blocks in colours and styles that I may never have tried if left to my own choices and preferences. I have had to purchase new fabrics and colours that I may never have been drawn towards previously and I have learnt about contrasting fabrics that will sit next to each other. I've even mastered a new skill - foundation paper piecing! And committing to only one block per month has been fairly easy to manage too. But best of all, I was the recipient of eleven lovely parcels full of beautiful blocks all for me during the month of October! Here are the lovely blocks I received:<br />
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I am planning to combine these 12 blocks with another block-swap that I am participating in, and will sew them altogether to make one big garden quilt.<br />
So that's the end of the quilting bee swap! If you ever get a chance to join one I would highly recommend it!Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208521878459401333.post-18640744015044472032015-02-08T14:43:00.001+00:002015-02-08T14:43:19.003+00:00There's a Bug on my Skirt!Aaarrgh!<br />
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I loved this curtain fabric from Ikea when I first saw it but I just couldn't imagine what I could do with it and so I passed it by. But the lovely seed heads and beetles didn't leave my mind and I would sometimes find myself thinking about them. So I mulled it over and came up with the idea that it could so easily be a very wearable skirt!<br />
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After making and then wearing my <a href="http://nessahux.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/waltzing-matilda-skirt.html">Roald Dahl Matilda skirt</a>, I knew I didn't want a flared, pleated skirt again, as despite the thicker, upholstery-style cotton, it often blew up in the wind, and a bit too much thigh was exposed when I bent over. <br />
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So this time I have gone for a straight skirt. I had been kindly given a collection of patterns from <a href="http://moonthirty.com/">moonthirty </a>last year, and this OOP pattern had a perfect, plain straight skirt. <i>(mind you, when I opened the pattern up there were no instructions - I may have misplaced them! But I think I've managed fine without them) </i>Simplicity 4950 is out of print now but can still be purchased on ebay, etsy, etc. It has a buttonless jacket in two lengths, a darted sleeveless top, trousers and a straight skirt. I have enough fabric left over that I may make the sleevless top too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1RfC3VvGlyFPajy8grAA-KMW1_pb0QeBxP3Yd-fSxmqbPuEg_lmdDcjGj3qgtOlmbNJ_uCW6iNwCekrsmXUiu8iZPZh63pmf6nb2Sp3_jm08BIIFV1gDgwNEc5Tepd2Xt1Y5q3dlKGs/s1600/skirt+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1RfC3VvGlyFPajy8grAA-KMW1_pb0QeBxP3Yd-fSxmqbPuEg_lmdDcjGj3qgtOlmbNJ_uCW6iNwCekrsmXUiu8iZPZh63pmf6nb2Sp3_jm08BIIFV1gDgwNEc5Tepd2Xt1Y5q3dlKGs/s1600/skirt+009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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There was a freezing wind today, but the sun was shining so we thought we'd better make the most of the blue skies and take a few photos of the skirt.<br />
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I really love the leafy fronds and the animals on this skirt, but I had to be very careful with the pattern placement of some of the seed-head illustrations.<br />
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<h3>
My Alterations</h3>
I didn't put in the side split as I couldn't find the instructions but I also didn't think it needed one. <br />
I added 4" to the length when cutting out, but still turned the hem up the recommended 1 1/4".<br />
I cut out the size 24 but added 1" to all side seams. This helped to make the skirt gently skim over my tummy, but I wish I had only added the extra width starting at the hips and not from the waist. <br />
Either the skirt is meant to be low slung and sit lower than the natural waist, or I have now made the skirt too big around the waist.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjEYxsIHlMp7NABIMsGx5wUtZie1mamb0vw72B9QHyjG5RkTs3lRnIVvnF8Su9dmXoE8BGAwIpEvzwZSmmdVnOc5ST7MXHHjHipOY8PPLogKWQhQlWNx9ITjAoIxvrCLYD5uQCy2U30/s1600/skirt+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxjEYxsIHlMp7NABIMsGx5wUtZie1mamb0vw72B9QHyjG5RkTs3lRnIVvnF8Su9dmXoE8BGAwIpEvzwZSmmdVnOc5ST7MXHHjHipOY8PPLogKWQhQlWNx9ITjAoIxvrCLYD5uQCy2U30/s1600/skirt+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the amount of room I have in the waist at the back.</td></tr>
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I will unpick the facing at the back and take those two waist darts in another inch, then readjust the facing and reattach it. That should make it more fitted across the back, and hopefully it will then sit on my natural waist instead of dropping down below the waist.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
This skirt has two darts at the front and two at the back, a facing waistband, an invisible side zip and overlocked edges. It was fairly quick to put together and once I have perfected the fit of the darts in the back to account for the difference between my bottom and my waist, I think I will have a very easy-to-use skirt pattern!<br />One last picture; I couldn't wait to get my coat back on! But the scenery up the Glen is just lovely!<br />
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Nessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029381870073249449noreply@blogger.com13