2017: The Year of Play...

'You can't use up creativity; the more you use, the more you have.' Maya Angelou

Hello, dear readers! It's been a while, eh? The last quarter of 2016 was a very busy one indeed, and I had definitely burnt out by the end of the year. In fact, I'm still feeling the effects of the end-of-year creative burnout now, 20 days into the new year. So I've been trying to give myself fresh new impetus, and allow myself time to explore new ways of being creative, and see how that influences my writing, blogging, IG photography and crochet design. So, having been listening to a few podcasts and read a few blogs, I've decided to adopt a word for the year. I dare say some of you have been mulling this over too; it's a fabulous way to inspire oneself from within, don't you think? 

So, my word for the year is (drum roll please...)

PLAYFUL

I feel like all work and no play has brought me to a point where all crochet is work, and therefore after a period of time, this then becomes a chore. Which is not fair- on me, or the people who love my work and continue to use my skills and willingness to design. So I want to do is try lots of new things, and see how they influence my crochet design. This could be learning new skills entirely, or trying new stitches or techniques within the making I already practice.

So when it comes to crochet, I think it's important to make some more things for me, just experimenting. I've been lucky enough to work with the exciting folks at www.lovecrochet.com, who send me their lovely yarns to play with, and allow me to come up with some fresh new accessories ideas. I enjoy it so much, and some of my favourite quick-to-make and stylish designs have been with these guys. Hop over to the blog here to see my free patterns. 

I want to crochet with some of my more luxurious yarn stash, and part of that will be using these beautiful undyed, natural and British fibres to make a triangular shawl. Too many distractions are stopping my from hooking right now! I also want to try some more textural stitches, and my new job working with a new magazine series called Simple Stylish Crochet (only out in Germany right now) is allowing me to do this, and really explore and expand my crochet skills base. It's hard work but usually involves elements of creativity and playfulness, so will continue to inspire me throughout the year. Also- this gorgeous new book from Claire Mongomerie! I love Claire's palette, and I just know there's still so much for me to learn. I'm going to start with the simple phone cover- love it!

When it comes to knitting, there's so much I want to learn! I want to try more cables, sock knitting and colour work, and pretty much use some of my starting-to-become-epic stash. I've cleared most of my unused stash now, and kept my favourite acrylics (more on that later). Leaving a lovely selection of luxury yarns! I'm trying to stop myself stashing beautiful yarns and actually use them. So I'm joining a mystery knit-along! The Curious Handmade #snowmeltmkal begins next month and will reveal a pattern week-by-week over five weeks, which seems perfectly reasonable, time-scale wise. 

Here are me three chosen yarns, all fingering-weight and from deep stash:

I love how each skein is attached to a memory of where and when it was bought. The pale grey is a beautiful alpaca- Angel from The Chester Wool Co. - and was bought at Bridport Yarn last summer, when we went to stay at lovely Lilac Cottage. It was a blissful family holiday, and we really liked Bridport. The Slate grey in the centre is an incredible baby camel and silk blend, bought from a stand called Sparkleduck at the 2016 Waltham Abbey Wool Show. I went with my mum, as she lives in Waltham Abbey, and we went back to hers and I taught her to crochet afterwards. It was a lovely, freezing, sunny winter's day and I admit I have not yet used any of the yarn I bought. So now I should! The beautiful mustard yellow is very special to me- it's the ultimate mustard luxury yarn and I cannot wait to see how it knits up. It's DyeForYarn merino and silk, this colour way is Golden Beehive, dyed especially for Loop. I bought it on a trip to Loop on my birthday in 2015! So I'm getting really exciting about the mystery knit-along or 'MKAL'. I love Helen's Curious Handmade podcast, so do pop along and add it to your list if you're a knitter or general yarnivore like me. 

Finally, I've got this beautiful and very cool knitting kit from We Are Knitters, and already cast on! I'll show you more next time with a progress update. (ps have you noticed my current grey obsession?!)

Anyway, if you want to explore your creativity and 'playfulness', I can't recommend enough Kate O'Sullivan's podcast 'A Playful Day', enough, where she explores creativity in all its forms- cookery, illustration, knitting, botany and everything in between. And while you're at it, I also love the PomPom Quarterly magazine's podcast- Pomcast! fun and giggles and of course knitting.  I don't have time to watch video ones sadly, but if you do try Potter and Bloom and Cherry Heart. Links in the sidebar I believe. Do you have a favourite podcast to recommend?

Stay in touch guys! I'll be back soon with more yarn talk.

xxx

The Cool Cottons Collection

Well, it's about time I blogged about crochet, eh? I've been so busy making things for all the magazines (and I do mean AALLLLLL the magazines) that I haven't had time to make anything for myself for a long time. So I've gathered together some of my favourite patterns from the past year or two, and I'm releasing them as PDFs for you to buy and download. 

I cannot tell you how excited about this! I recently met with www.lovecrochet.com and was so excited to be invited to be part of their movement. So I decided to release my downloads through these guys- and the great news is they sell just about EVERYTHING you need to make the projects. You can just add the pattern to your basket, and then add the materials listed below the pattern. Handy, eh?

 So if you search for me as a designer, you can see my first five patterns- the Cool Cottons Collection. Five crochet projects to take you through high summer, all in beautiful, crisp cottons. Some of you may have seen these patterns in magazines before, but for those that missed them first time around, they're now available to keep forever, in my newly-designed PDF format! Wanna meet the gang? Come on then...

 A lined watermelon clutch bag with a zip closure, crocheted in Rico Creative Cotton Aran- isn't it super cute and juicy!

 Is there an occasion when a pineapple bag isn't appropriate? I don't think so. 

 Sandy is a 70s-inspired fringed semi-circular shawl perfect for summer evenings and festivals 

This Woodstock messenger bag is one of my faves.

Delta Dawn is a pretty wrap which features an unusual Japanese floral trim.

To download any of these patterns to keep forever, search under my designer name Kath Webber or CLICK HERE to take you straight to my pattern page, you can also search for me on ravelry and click the links to the pattern. 

Happy hooking everyone!

xxx

Sewing summer...

Like many of you sewists, Me Made May was huge inspiration to me. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by since I pledged to wear my handmade wardrobe each day throughout May. The weather was largely fine, so I struggled little with my handmade choices, relying, as ever, on a uniform of floral, vintage-inspired dresses, cropped cardigans, leggings and clogs. Over the past few years it has become my uniform in the Spring and Summer, and if ain't broke, well...

So here are my favourites! 

Top row L-R: Made by Rae Washi dress in floral needlecord, with a sleeve pattern downloaded from Made By Rae's website; A free Ilsley skirt pattern by Marilla Walker (I wore this three times in the final week alone!) in Merchant and Mills chambray; my vintage barkcloth Dottie Angel Frock (Simplicity 1080) 

Middle row L-R: Mimi blouse pattern from Tilly and the Buttons' book, Love at First Stitch in a vintage floral cotton purchased for £3 at a boot sale; another Washi in spotty poplin and my tweed Miette Cardigan; *ULTIMATE FAVOURITE OUTFIT KLAXON* (my gingham polycotton Washi dress with an old primarni cardi, leggings and mint Sunjellies)

Bottom row L- R: Orange Needlecord Francoise dress by Tilly and the Buttons; Stripe ponte roma Coco dress by Tilly and the Buttons; another Dottie Angel frock in quilting cottons (LOVE this one)

For a daily headless mirror selfie of all my #memademay #mmmay16 outfits, check out the instagram yo. I really loved this challenge, and I wore almost everything in my handmade arsenal over the course of the month. Some things were not worn, either they were too 'dressy' for everyday wear or I just don't like them. So I think I fulfilled my first goal of the challenge- to identify the surplus items in my me-made wardrobe. Next up was analysing what I can make more of to enhance my handmade fashion. I rely heavily on stripes and denim on an almost daily basis outside of the challenge, so I think I need to sew some more there- I want to make a red stripe Coco tee, I have the Marilla Walker Robert Collection pattern (dungarees- I'm thinking more indigo chambray for a summer dress version)- and wear more of the Kath uniform. I'm considering sewing jeans one day- but to be honest that doesn't fit my pretty dress-and-cardi philosophy eh?! One of the best things I have found from the challenge is the connection to other sewists and dressmakers. I loved following my favourite famous stitchers, such as Juju Vail and Tilly of course. 

My next three projects are another washi dress! This time straight up, with pleats and the notch in the neckline, in this gorgeous 'Sommar' painterly gingham from Michael Miller Fabrics. Then, a short-sleeve coco dress in this bold stripe viscose jersey for summer, then this beautiful addition- the new Tilly pattern- Marigold! I'll be using a navy polka dot crepe for the jumpsuit version. I'm considering adding a hot pink piped edge to the pockets and sweetheart neckline. I may well order the chambray for my dungaree dress shortly too. 

So anyway, that's my sewing head muddle out my head on here! Can't wait to get back behind my machine tomorrow to get stitching. Did you take part? What did you learn about your style? PS Do you like the simple update to my blog? Just the header really, I think it's fresh. 

xxx

Me Made May 2016

Over the past couple of years, I've quietly been building my handmade wardrobe. It was a challenge I set myself in April 2014, when I made my first garment- a Colette Sorbetto top. I made two more, then branched out to other patterns, mainly those that didn't involve any kind of fastening!

Since then, I've made several garments, enough that I've decided to take part in Me Made May 2016. The challenge, laid down by the So, Zo... blog, asks those taking part to make a pledge on what to do to take part, and think about how it will improve your sewing, inspire you through interacting via the #mmmay16 hashtag on social media, and think about your wardrobe demands and needs.

So, without further ado! I, Kath Webber, pledge to wear something handmade everyday throughout the month of May. I hope to identify the types of clothing I need from my everyday wardrobe, be inspired by other people's daily outfits and style up some of my beloved pieces in exciting, new, wearable ways.

Partly I want to challenge myself to wear those dresses and woven tops I have lovingly stitched, re-fashioned and crocheted or knitted, and see how well I can function with a pared-back wardrobe. It's day two of the challenge, and already I've been so inspired by the hashtag on Instagram that I've ordered a PDF of a French top pattern ready to be assembled! Another aspect of my pledge will be to try two new patterns in May. These will be a the Republique du Chiffon Marthe Blouse and the Christine Haynes Emery dress. I've been wanting to sew the Emery dress for the past two years, and with the aid of Miss Clarice (my new-to-me Singer Confidence machine) I can achieve it! I want more versatility from my handmade wardrobe so I think it will push me into looking into more patterns for knit fabrics, like Tilly's Agnes pattern. We'll see how I get on with my Cocos first! Of course I can pair my shop-bought jersey tops with hand-sewn skirts or layer them with my many Dottie Angel frocks. Follow me on Instagram to see how I get on!

Happy making folks xxx

91 Magazine

As you might remember, I recently joined the team at 91 Magazine- just in time for it's launch as a print magazine! I've been absolutely loving reading all the wonderful words and looking at the beautiful photography as I've been sub-editing and it's a real thrill seeing it all come together. For me, it's the perfect mix of creativity, style, interiors, craft and cooking- totally celebrating a slow, creative lifestyle. You'll love it, I promise.

We're in the process of arranging a very exclusive and exciting launch party for when the magazine is released in May, so watch this space! In the meantime you can now order the print copy here: http://91magazine.co.uk/buy/

And if you have't had enough of me yet, visit the blog here to 'meet' me all over again and see some of my latest photos and happenings. You can also get an idea of the mag's beautiful content and join in some of the projects and hastags we have going on right now.

Here's my current yarn obsession- Grey! Clockwise, from top left: Lang Kim (super chunky), Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift (4 ply), Drops Andes (super chunky); Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (light DK); Drops Lima (DK); Sparkleduck Baby Camel/Silk (4 ply), King Cole Bamboo Cotton (DK); LGC free yarn (aran); King Cole Vogue (light DK); Drops Paris cotton (aran). YUM.

Happy hooking friends

xxx

The Goldberry Shawl

Slow living, crafting and blogging seems to be my way of life at the moment, and do you know what? It suits me just fine. After a busy year of constant deadlines, pushing crochet boundaries and never saying 'no', I've been taking it easy the first quarter of 2016. Self-care is so important and sometimes just doing something you like, or really want to is the best thing of all. Those of you who follow me on Instagram will know that I recently took a fairisle knitting class at Loop, and it was so inspiring. The fabulous Juju Vail taught me so many new techniques, and she continues to inspire me with her beautiful dressmaking and prolific knitting output. While I was at Loop I bought her book, Juju's Loops, and can't wait to get started on the Cinnamon Girl cardigan and Brown Eyed Susan Shawl. However, I had another Loop-related project to complete first.

The wonderful Tif (aka Dottie Angel) recommended this shawl pattern to me way back in December (possibly November?) and began a small crochet-a-long group on Ravelry. It took me a while to select which kind of yarn I wanted to use, as some of the fellow CAL-ers had used aran, worsted and even chunkier yarns for a cosy, winter wrap. When I last visited Loop around the time of my birthday I purchased some limited-edition yarn called 'Speckled Mist'- a fingering/4ply merino by Viola yarns. It's exclusive to Loop to celebrate the shop's tenth birthday. I bought another skein online and began making the shawl after Christmas once my deadlines were done for the year.

I picked it up when I could, after leaving it as an abandoned WIP after the first 20 or so rows- I just wasn't sure this was the best use of my beautiful, expensive yarn. However, I don't like to leave a project unfinished and picked it up again in march and went for the finish line. I found the pattern slightly challenging- not the stitches, you understand, but the wordiness and addition of a poem and plenty of Tolkein. I don't like Tolkein. So if, like me, you prefer your patterns simple, then just follow the charts- they're much easier to read and understand.

As I only had two skeins of the Viola yarn (and at £24 a skein I wasn't prepared to buy a third!) I decided just to see how far the yarn would take me. In addition, I was using 4ply yarn so realising it would come up smaller than a DK or worsted weight shawl, I decided to go for the full 59 rows. I managed to reach around row 56 before my yarn ran out, then spent unnecessary time deciding whether to add a contrast border using stash yarn. I decided not too, actually rather loving the lacy edge, and wondering how it would turn out after a soak with some eucalan and a good block. And here it is...

Isn'tit beautiful? I love how the hand-dyed yarn looks with the pattern...lavender, grey, specks of gold and crimson in there too.

It's drape and lacy-ness have improved immeasurably after blocking, of course, and it's a delight to touch and wear. It's almost a shame the weather has been so mild to wear shawls! But I think it will make the perfect addition to my wedding outfit for a friend's wedding next month.

My next luxury shawl is already on the needles- a knitted shawl called French Cancan in Madelinetosh Merino Light in a stunning indigo blue. Yum!

Happy hooking y'all 

xxx

A crochet designer? A crochet designer!

So it would appear I'm not exactly getting back into the swing of this blogging lark. And here's why. I'm just so busy! And it's all thanks to YOU. All of you. for your endless support and encouragement, for connecting with me here, on Instagram, Facebook and 'IRL'. Thanks to you, I'm able to find crochet solutions, find creative spirit and come up with ideas that people think are worth paying for.

Over the past year or so I've become a pretty much full-time crochet designer. Of course I'm still working hard on my features writing, too, and really excited to be subediting at 91 Magazine, but the bulk of my time (as you can well understand) is dedicated to crochet. Designing, making and writing up the patterns is really time-consuming but in my mind, time well spent indeed.

Since my book came out THREE YEARS AGO (?!) I've been writing patterns for Inside Crochet, Mollie Makes, Simply Crochet and my blog even featured in Homemaker magazine. More recently I've added some more magazines to my repertoire- The Art of Crochet, Love Crochet and Let's Get Crafting! Knitting and Crochet, and I'm loving the different briefs and design challenges I come up against. I've finally nailed hats! Wahoo! Next up, garments. 

Late last year I was lucky enough to be invited to Simply Crochet's offices for a pattern writing workshop, and the help and support given was amazing. Editor Sara really made me and my fellow designers Hannah Cross, Anne Egan, Louise Smith and the wonderful Fran feel part of the team, and I felt so proud of all the work I've done for them. I hope you don't think this post is a total boast-fest. But it's nice to celebrate one's achievements, yes? and also good for the soul to say 'yes, look what I've done, look at all the things I've made.' 

I'm also really excited that soon you'll be able to download some of my Simply Crochet patterns from Ravelry! For less than the price of a cup of coffee. Amazing. Including this beauty! And my neon doily rug, basket weave trio and super chunky striped and spotty hats. 

Also I met up with the wonderful Steel and Stitch in November (with gorgeous Claire Montgomerie- I was a bit star struck!) and I'm really thrilled to say that I'll be teaching alongside Emma Friedlander-Collins at the British Library (!!!) this Saturday, 20th Feb as part of the Alice and Wonderland Exhibition. It's all free and we'll be making some Alice-themed crochet goodies- come join us!

So anyway, with another four or five project to finish by the end of next week, I'd better get back to it! Visit my Ravelry page for updates on patterns, maybe one day I'll even get around to producing some of my other favourites for you to download. Thanks again guys, you're awesome. 

xxx

Françoise!

Hello friends! Thank you all for your lovely comments welcoming me back to blogland. I have lots to write, but don't want to put undue pressure on myself, I'll just pop in and blog when I feel like it, or if I feel like it.

During my absence I have been busy building up my sewing skills. Some projects have gone well, and others have not gone so well. But in the interests of sharing my successes I thought I'd show you my latest make! Readers that have been visiting here for a while will know my love of Tilly and the Buttons, a fabulous blogger and pattern designer who was made famous by appearing as a contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee! In November 2014 I bought her Françoise dress pattern, and it has sat rather forlornly on my shelves ever since. Frankly I was slightly intimidated by it- there was a fantastic sewalong at the time with all sorts of fitting instructions which all looks a bit scary to me. Not to mention the invisible zip. I have been struggling to find an invisible zipper foot for my old machine for some time, and have avoided patterns with invisible zips, or attempted to use my adjustable zip foot. I had some success with that, but really liked the neat look of the real deal.

So....meet Number 9! This is a second hand machine that I bought when Make, Do & Mend sadly closed its doors in December. It's a Singer Confidence, and couldn't be more different to Miss Betsy. It's all so easy! Too easy, I'm not sure I trust it yet, that's why it's still called Number 9. It has a toploading bobbin, automatic needle threader, LOADS of stitch options, a buttonhole foot, storage and removable arm thingy and lots of other features I will probably never use.

And this is the first thing I've made with it!

It was great fun to make, and as you can see, easy to wear! I cut a size 5 in Tilly sizes, and am thrilled with the fit. I have large hips but decided against sizing up on the hips as I didn't want the A-line to turn into a big bell shape skirt. I think it hugs the hips nicely! Obviously I've made the sleeveless version, it had to be really in this gorgeous rust needlecord (purchased from Plush Addict). The skirt is short, but cheeky rather than provocative, and I'll always be wearing it with thick woolly tights anyway.

I think next time I will be a version with sleeves and a collar, this is my inspiration (as ever):

I *Heart* Suzy Bishop, the leading lady in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. I will need to draft some cuffs though. And source the perfect textured peachy-pink or mustard fabric.

Today I'm wearing my Françoise with a long sleeve jersey top and woolly tights and my black knee-high boots. I was hoping to wear it with my aubergine t-bat clogs but there was a freak snow flurry on the school run this morning so I opted for warmth! Hence my beehive got flattened by my beret. FML, amirite? Or something equally nonsensical and teenage. Also WHOA look at that double chin! Cripes! I did lose half a stone in January, hoping to continue to lose a little more weight this month so my clothes fit a little better.

Anyway, until next time, happy hooking, stitching and bitching.

xxx

Yarn Talk

Throughout January, I had an epiphany. It's not unusual to have this kind of epiphany at this time of year; the start of a new year usually prompts such changes, but I realised I was weighed down with STUFF. So I sheeped out and bought Marie Kondo's best-selling The Life Changing Magic of Tidying. I haven't even got through to the part of how to tidy, but the idea of having objects that 'spark joy' only really struck a chord with me, and so I started with the place that I find is supposed to 'spark joy', and that's my yarn. I've seen bigger stashes than mine, but I felt I just had too much yarn that had no intention of using, that I had gone off, or that was left over from work projects. So I had a big clear out, swapping and selling what I didn't want, or donating it.

Here's what's left of my acrylic:

And I've kept a small stash of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in this basket too. It was overflowing with Stylecraft Special DK before, so I kept these few colours (2 x Parchment, Forest, Gold, Old Rose and walnut) either for a shawl (possibly My Rose Valley's Nordic Shawl, or Joanne Scrace's Acer) or a granny square blanket. I've also kept the mint, cream and blue from my Annell Rapido collection as I do love these colours. This basket now sparks joy!

I also organised my cotton stash, only keeping my very favourites (some Rowan Handknit Cotton, and a collection of Drops Paris) so they fit snugly into a birdcage that my friend gave me some years ago. I've invested in a cheapo yarn winder, and I wound my super chunky collection nicely, and used up the few balls of chunky that I had, making some mittens and using the chunky Natura XL for a work project. My aran collection now consists of just a few balls of leftovers from personal projects, in case repairs or alterations are needed. I organised all my Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino into one of those big organza bags that Wool Warehouse sends, and have another of my favourite DK yarns. My 'Luxury' yarns all got kept,l of course.

I mean, why wouldn't I? NO FILTER! These yarns really are this gorgeous! I have here (clockwise from top left) some precious The Fibre Company Terra, The Uncommon Thread Lush Worsted, Eden Cottage Yarns Titus 4ply, Collinette Jitterbug, Eden Cottage Oakworth DK (a very generous gift from instagram friend @penelopemakes), DyeForYarn Silk Fingering in a colour exclusive to Loop called Golden Beehive, and that lovely SparkleDuck Baby Camel/Silk. To be fair, virtually all of these skeins will be assigned to knitting projects.

Really what has prompted this yarn stash management drive is the wonderful knitting designer, blogger and podcaster Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade. I've been devoted to her podcasts this month on how she's tackling stash management, and how she's learning to love what she's got. So I'm using up some stash- some baby knits (ssshhh! they're a secret for a friend!) and a shawl for me- some selfish, enjoyable makes to make me appreciate what I've got.

Go have a listen to Helen's podcast and see if you can't get inspired to organise your stash, and join in the #uknewyearstashswap over on Instagram to see if you can get the yarn you've been dreaming of. And join me on Ravelry to see what projects I have queued up and the knit- and crochet-alongs I'm joining.
xxx

The Year in Books:: January 2016

Last year (or possibly the year before?), Laura over at Circle of Pine Trees (and the deputy ed of 91 Magazine- yay!) started a thread and hashtag called #theyearinbooks, taking time to share our reads over the year, and offer a short review. I've decided to start documenting my reading in 2016, and will be using the hashtag and sharing over on Instagram, too. There's even a group twitter chat, and for February, a good reads reading group! I promise you won't be disappointed by Laura's blog, it's a beautiful document of slow living and finding magic in the every day...two things I hope to pursue this year, too.

My first book of 2016 is arguably the most famous of Agatha Christie's Poirot mysteries, 'Murder on the Orient Express'. I've been hearing a lot about Agatha Christie recently over on BBC Radio 4 (my favourite station), and knowing my interest in 1920s and 1930s fiction, my husband gave me this copy for Christmas. And I devoured it. The writing was full of nuanced characters, a rollicking plot line and of course the absolutely essential 'whodunnit' thread. I genuinely had no idea who had indeed done it, and my modern 'Nordic Noir' (and slightly cynical, I admit) stance had me guessing at completely the wrong person.

One does have to be aware of some of the rather old-fashioned opinions of a few of the characters- I don't think it was Christie's intention to offend anyone, it was just the prejudices of the time of writing, I suppose. I found some of the characters a little irritating, but that's probably the point. And at times I felt that Poirot's 'johnny foreigner' routine a little weary, but all in all it was a good fun read, and my first foray into crime fiction. I'd love to get to know Miss Marple next!

Also this month I've started two other books. 'Reasons to Stay Alive' by Matt Haig is one man's journey into depression, and the lessons he has learnt from his particular manifestations of the Black Dog, and how he has learnt to both live with it and manage it without drugs. It's fascinating, and I've found it a complete antidote to the kind of stigmatising depression usually invites. Reading it, I feel normal, and have found a way to verbalise my particular feelings and how depression manifests in me. I recommend it to everyone if you're struggling to understand your feelings and not sure how to approach your GP or loved ones about it.

I've also read the first chapter or so of 'The Tenant of Wildefell Hall'- my first Anne Bronte. 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' by Anne's sisters Charlotte and Emily respectively are my two favourite novels so I have high hopes for this. I'm struggling with a wintery exhaustion at the moment. but it's important to make time for my first love- books.

Here's the pile of books I intend to read this year. If you want further reading inspiration, visit the Year in Books Pinterest board, or drop in on my chum Georgina's blog, Miss Chapter's Reviews, for a more in depth blog about books.

A Confession.

Forgive me, reader, for I have sinned. It has been almost nine months since my last blog.

Is a blog like a confession? Almost. A document of time passing, those small obsessions that take hold over the course of a few days, weeks or months. I confess to having lost my mojo. Blogging, crochet, parenting...all of it. In truth, I have been suffering from depression, and keeping myself busy with work and regular contact with my (wonderful) GP have helped me through a black time.

But on the bright side, my creative juices have been flowing- straight into work! I'm loving my writing work, and have been working with the same publishers on my features job for five years now. Each week I talk to interesting people, learn about new ways of doing things, and I'm inspired by those who teach, create, travel and just want to make the world a prettier, more productive and sustainable place to live in. And so I'm pleased that my ten-year career as a journalist has brought me to a happy place. And now, an even more productive, creative place in the shape of my new role as sub-editor of 91 Magazine! I've long been a fan of Caroline's blog, Patchwork Harmony, and I'm delighted to be involved in such a cool magazine, celebrating my favourite things: interiors and creative lifestyles. We're working towards bringing a new print version to you in late Spring/early Summer, and I can tell you know it's going to be BEAUTIFUL.

Speaking of beautiful, isn't the above image lovely? This is my stash from the Waltham Abbey Wool Show, which I visited last weekend with my mum. I chatted to the lovely Fiona Alice, author of Take Heart above, and I can't wait to cast on some of these projects. The yarn is gorgeous too- the slate grey is Baby Camel/Silk and is the softest thing EVER. I had to stop myself buying more, but at £23.50, one 400m skein of 4-ply is plenty! I'm thinking of knitting a shawl- my current obsession, actually. That West Yorkshire Spinners Fleece is a beautifully soft Blue Faced Leicester, and will be a cowl I think.

Over the past few months I've been acquainting myself with less 'mainstream' yarns and delving more in to the world of small dye-houses and indie yarn spinners. Yes, folks, I have become a yarn snob. Of course I still love my Drops yarns, my bright Rico cottons and my growing stash of Debbie Bliss yarns, but there's something magical about the combinations of fibres and colours that indie dyers and spinners are using. So to celebrate my birthday in November I went to Loop and spent an obscene amount of cash on some truly special yarns- limited editions and exclusive to Loop! My most favouritest yarn shop in all the world.  I'll share that stash soon!

I can't wait to update you on my Handmade Wardrobe situation and show you all the work I've been doing for pretty much all the crochet magazines. I'm also becoming a proper Ravelry user! Be my friend! And does anyone know how to get a little 'r' button so you can link directly to my Ravelry page? Evidently the break from blogging did not include learning how to be more technically-minded.

Thanks for calling in again, I wasn't sure if I wanted to blog. But thankfully the words have flowed, and a little break from the work schedule can do the world of good. cheerio old beans xxx

A Gingham Washi Dress

It's been a year since my dressmaking odyssey began, and it all started with some red spotty poplin and a Colette Sorbetto. Since then I've made a few skirts, some cardis and even some dresses. I still haven't made anything with a zip in it. I'm definitely going to get myself an invisible zipper foot for my sewing machine and give it a whirl. I have the fabric, zips and thread for three projects, I just need to grow some balls and get on with it.

But I've been having plenty of fun making dresses WITHOUT zips. This is by far, my greatest dressmaking achievement. I've been wanting to make Made By Rae's 'Washi' Dress since I started sewing, and now I've finally made one. 

I spent many happy hours this week in my sewing space, taking my time to perfect each technique. I learned facings, a rather tricky set-in sleeve technique and shirring! I love that this pattern uses the bust dart and binding skills I learnt during my very first 'sew'. 

Here are my happy pics of me wearing my washi the other day...

Can I just say? I LOVED making this dress! And I LOVE the dress. It's perfect. Pockets? Check. Roomy to disguise great big tummy? Check. Flattering neckline? Check. I will DEFINITELY make another of these...perhaps even two or three? I'm thinking a chambray version with sleeves and a sleeveless mustard version with green bias bound armholes and neckline!

Things to note:-

• The fabric is cheap as hell and as a result it frays like hell. Meaning this will probably fall apart. But it cost £3.99 a metre. I think it might be a poly cotton as it doesn't crease very much and I felt a bit scared pressing it in case it melted. I got it from one of those fabric shops where everything is piled up in a precarious fashion. But it's GINGHAM. Consider this a very wearable toile.
• Yes, my pattern matching is shocking. But who cares? Not me.
• I decided to gather the fabric at the front instead of pleating. I prefer the gathered look and also it cut about 4 days off the time spent making it... 
• I liked shirring, and I think I will do two extra rows on my next version and it's slightly loose around my underbust. 
• The sleeves were quite tricky, due to the curved edges. I also did not enjoy binding the raw edges and seam allowances. I really hated that. 
• The facings flap about a bit. I did understitch them to the seam allowance but they still flap. I've also stitched them down to the shoulder seam allowance. But hey ho. 
• The seam allowances for this dress are really quite tiny so go slowly and take your time. 

I wore my smashing new dress with my teal tights and my handmade crochet cardi. I'm pretty chuffed and proud with how far my handmade wardrobe has come in the last year. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Thank you ALL for your lovely comments on my sewing room. It's a lovely sacred space and I've cherished every moment I've spent in there so far. Yippeeeeee!

xxx

A cardi for Bea

I've been enjoying making small things for small people- it's easy to make something quickly and really concentrate on colours and techniques. My good friend Hannah's daughter Beatrice turned two earlier this month, and again I turned to the same Nicki Trench Flower Power cardigan pattern from Cute and Easy Crocheted Baby Clothes. I have to say, I really must watch my tension as I find Nicki Trench patterns come up very small. However, Lily-Beatrice is small so it worked out fine. Again I omitted the flowers and opted for a striped yoke-I rather love this. I also shorted the sleeves, making it perfect for Spring.

The yarn is Stylecraft Special DK in Forest, gold, old rose, walnut and parchment and the buttons were from my LYS. LOVE IT! Can I make one for me? We shall see!

Happy Hooking!

xxx

Southwold...again. And always.

On Sunday we drove to Southwold. We'd had a rough couple of weeks with my husband having a fall and nasty head injury, a school boy with a chest infection and sickness, and me dealing with too many deadlines. All of which overlapped on Mother's Day. So this was a belated treat for me- for all of us to be together in a place we know and love. 

We had a mini holiday- lunch in The Red Lion, a walk along the beach, a bimble around the shops (I always buy a book in Southwold) and a stroll along the pier. Perfect.