Thursday 24 January 2013

Winter warmers. By Stephanie.

I still seem to be taking a sabbatical from stitching, but I've been enjoying knitting - and browsing in the wool shop in town. I bought some lovely 4-ply last week for a pair of gloves. It's such a long time since I made anything in this delicate yarn but I have fallen in love with it all over again - I adore the neatness and fineness it produces. I chose a gorgeous teal colour which goes nicely with my favourite boots!

 The knitting pattern is one of many vintage ones I've collected over the years - I really like the picot edging on this pair - it makes them seem quite lady-like and elegant.


I've just made my thumb on the first glove, so here's my progress.


 Previous to these I'd made some Aran mitts with a cute owl motif worked into the cabling. These are nice and thick and slip over gloves for extra warmth.





Posted by Stephanie.



Sunday 20 January 2013

Christmas baubles

So prior to Christmas I made a handful of cards for friends and family.
I was planning to make some matching baubles to give as presents aswell but somehow the time ran away from me and I only managed to finish the cards.


 I started by drawing out a circle.


I cut out lots of little fabric squares.


And I stuck them to the cards creating a patchwork effect.


I made quite a few of them, in different colour schemes.


Then to finish them off I hand stiched around the bauble in matching colours and added a cute little bow.
I love making my own gifts and cards, and I hope people love receiving them!

Harriet


Thursday 3 January 2013

Post - Christmas post. By Stephanie

With Christmas now out of the way and gifts unveiled, I thought that I could now safely share a couple of the things I made without giving away any secrets!
For my friend Rosie I made a cushion cover - a simple envelope opening at the rear and made using lovely ditsy-print cottons. I made up a hexagon pattern and stitched it onto the cover with invisible thread. I've never made a cushion cover before but it is definitely something I will make again.











For my friend Kath I ran with the Leeds Rhinos theme, which never fails with such an ardent fan! I made up a large tote bag and embellished it with a blue and yellow block called the Patchwork of the Crosses, which was new to me. It is an extremely effective block and I would love to make a quilt consisting entirely of the pattern but it was fairly time-consuming, so I doubt that a larger-scale piece will ever materialise.










Just as a daft gift, I also knit this hot water bottle cover. I like the challenge of thinking up gifts I can create in blue and yellow!

Posted by Stephanie.