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.

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

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.