Thursday, April 21, 2016

FO ... Fressia wrap

Finally finished.  

I started knitting this wrap before my Cruise in 2014 so that I would have a project to take with me.  I did knit it on the cruise, then I did more knitting on my 2015 camping/kayaking holiday up North and recently I had a day of sitting home with no power while solar panels were being installed so I finished it... yay!


The pattern is called Freesia and this is the description 

"Freesia is an asymmetric shawl designed for DK weight yarns. It is knit diagonally using yarn overs, decreases and lots and lots of garter stitch. You start at one end and continue knitting until you run out of yarn or sooner if you reach the desired length."

A great holiday knit.  



The yarn I used is Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed and is a blend of 85% Wool, 10% Silk, and 5% Cashmere. This is a lovely squishy yarn to work with and easy to join using the felted join (or spit splice), which I found out when I accidentally cut through a number of strands in one ball when cutting the paper tag off a new ball... *roll eyes* , well I was on a cruise!

I have finished this just in time for the change in season and can't wait to wear it out.


Ciao kittens... hopefully sewing post soon.
 

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Nope still not sewing clothes... wristlet bags

As you can tell from my recent posts I am on a bit of a hiatus from sewing clothes.  I really don't need any more summer clothes and am trying very hard to use the clothes I have and wear them out!  But it doesn't mean I haven't been sewing.  

I needed a birthday gift for my Mum so continuing on the theme of bag making, decided to make the Dog Under My Desk Essential Wristlet pattern.  I am not totally selfless sewing though as I made one for myself too.  I made the smaller boxed corner option with two pockets inside.  The pockets fit my credit card, drivers licence and phone and then I have room for some tissues, chap sticks and keys.  Very handy for quick trips where you don't want to take your handbag.

My Mum's bag using stash fabrics

A friend recommended using a YKK zipper with a long pull and I ordered some from Zipperstop.  Luckily Alison has a colour chart so I was able to match my zipper to my fabric. I ordered the cream zipper I used in my Mum's bag at the same time.  I wasn't sure what fabric I was using for my Mum but figured cream was a safe pick.  I also ordered the d-rings and swivel hooks from Voodoo Rabbit.  I am not sure this new obsession is helping me reduce my stash!
I have a thing for batik fabrics at the moment.
Well I am loving my little bag and I think my Mum liked hers.  I would highly recommend this pattern if you are looking to get into bag making.  The pattern is very detailed.  My only comments are to read all parts carefully and be accurate with your seams.  The pattern comes with bonus features of the boxed corners and outside zipped pockets and they are separate at the end of the pattern, and it did mean there was a bit of flipping back and forth, but it all worked out in the end.

Now I am going back to clothes sewing as I do need clothes for cooler days.  So hope to blog soon about a new dress.  Ciao kittens...