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

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.

New year, New blog

Oh, hi. Is anyone there? I decided to have a spontaneous re-design today! Do you like it? I am IN LOVE. I was neglecting my blog. It had become a tired space, no room for growth or improvement. Just drab photos of sporadic makes. It wasn't a place that inspired me anymore, just an obligation that had no worth to me. I've not felt like picking up my hook for myself, and left several knitting projects abandoned. Unfinished books, dusty sewing machine and a busy life built around a growing school boy and difficult toddler have all left me and my blog in the doldrums. 

I once read that comparison is the thief of joy. Ain't that the truth! I don't need my blog to look Scandinavian- because I'm not. And I don't need it to have detailed tutorials and glossy, styled images. All I need is a personal space, cultivated to my tastes and loves; a place that I can escape from real life. Therefore I need somewhere tidy, clean and colourful, reflecting my loves, passions and memories. So I made it happen. I deleted the expensive Etsy-bought template; beautiful though it was it didn't feel like 'me'. 

And on this sunshine-filled winter morning I gathered my very bestest craft supplies: Liberty 'Betsy' tana lawn in my favourite-ever (discontinued) colour way, my very favourite knitting needles (bamboo, 4mm), this stunning Rowan Alpaca yarn (what shall I knit with it? I need it near my face, or my hands, it's the softest thing I've ever known), the best-ever mustard yarn (Rowan Handknit Cotton, FYI), this beautiful blue silk thread on a wooden spool- a relic from my grandparent's sewing box- and a couple of jaunty coloured hooks. I tend to use these plastic hooks for decoration, really I prefer the Clover Amour crochet hooks. I also added my favourite vintage brooch- I'd like to write a little about my favourite outfits too. 

All of this inspired me. Lately, crocheting for work and making things for others has turned me off. It's hard when you also have been recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome to get motivated! However, it only takes a look around Pinterest, a flick through some favourite magazines (see right) and a pile of books to get me on the right and proper hooky path. I'm finishing off a 'Hook a Stitch' feature for Simply Crochet at the moment, and a huge baby blanket for a friend that I put off for ages...the headache of working with black yarn was too much for me to contemplate! Then I have a list of things to make- including two of Kat Goldin's designs. 

I also have some knitting projects I want to try- a few hats (perhaps for next winter), perhaps a cardigan or two, and some socks of course. My sewing is improving a lot, I'll share a couple of recent makes soon I hope. I want to make dresses, dresses and lots more DRESSES! And blouses, I have recently discovered love of blouses. With pretty handmade skirts and clogs, what can go wrong? I hope this will inspire some style posts, too. 

I have recently got a new camera phone so I hope when the winter light gives way to Spring I'll take some better photos! And perhaps even finish off so projects that have been lying abandoned in my box for so long- remember that Wes Anderson-inspired blanket? Well that's half complete. And I'm having major second-sleeve syndrome with my Quince & Co. Annabel cardigan. I will finish it! So there we are, my creative intentions for 2015. And as you as my witnesses, I know I'll be motivated enough to finish them!

Thanks for staying me with me all these years. I think it's my fourth bloggiversary! See you soon for more stitchy chit chat. 

xxx

Back in the fold

It's taken me a while to get back on the 'blogging horse'. To be honest I wasn't sure if I wanted to blog again. I just sat and waited patiently for the muse to return, and finally, returned it has. I try to capture the beautiful moments in a busy, creative life. But my camera lens on my iPhone has scratched and really I need a new phone but can't afford it. so I'll soldier on with blurry photos instead ;-)

Life has changed so much lately, and sometimes it's hard to adapt, isn't it? My eldest started school in September, and his new routine has set a new routine for the rest of the family. George and I have our own 'home' routine, which involves: coffee, play, nap, work, lunch, play and then the school run again. It leaves little time for much else, and I've so been craving the downtime we spent together on weekdays. I've been very busy with work, too busy lately really. But it's exciting to be involved with more crochet work! 

I've made time for some creative projects, so here's a little picture diary of the last few months. I have so much more to share this week, but I thought I'd share this first, so I don't forget!

 New clogs

 Christmas (!) inspiration

 Parklife

 George's first Tunnock's teacake

 Styling up my clogs for the changing seasons

 We went up here...Anish Kapoor's Orbit at the the Olympic Park

 More stripes, more clogs

 RHS Hyde Hall- the most beautiful spot in Essex (and Monty Don was there filming for the BBC)

 I took my clogs out with my handmade skirt for a special friend's birthday

 Brotherly love; they miss each other's company now the big one is at school

 I became obsessed with knitting these bracelets from Mollie Makes

 Finishing old projects...

 ...and starting new ones

 A proud day as he set off for a big, new adventure

 and a proud day for me as my design is published in Simply Crochet

 My friend Hannah and I visited Hampton Court Palace for the Handmade Fair

 World Pomination!

 The beautiful festival site at the Handmade Fair

 An accidental green gathering...all my favourite shades

 A Frank and Olive dress I made for Flo

 Some knitting progress at last!

 These boys <3 p="">

 Autumn colour is so pure and lovely

 a scarf for my sister; never again will I crochet with black yarn! (I say that every time- but doesn't it look amazing?!)

So that's it. Not much crochet, and no sewing as my machine is broken. But I have borrowed my Nan's beautiful old Bernina which is dated 1964 on the guarantee! I have a basket full of promise and some really exciting projects to work on for Simply Crochet coming up. I can't wait to catch up with you all!

xxx

EASY PEASY chunky snood tutorial

Hello! Welcome to my new followers! I've gained many new faces here and over on Facebook and Instagram- thank you everyone for stopping by to take a peek into my little hooky world. Once again I find myself apologising for the lengthy gap between blogposts, but you guys don't mind, right? After all, it's quality you're after, not quantity. And today I have a little quality post for you all. Another FREE crochet snood pattern! This one is crafted in chunky yarn, with a nice bright border. And guess what? it takes hardly any time at all! If you liked the Wool and the Gang bright knitted cowl in Mollie Makes, you will LOVE this.

So here she is! 

 

Crocheted in lattice stitch with an extra chunky edge, this is quick, simple and so so pretty! Her name is Sarah, after the person who now has this lovely gift. 

FREE chunky crochet snood pattern:- 

I have used UK crochet terminology throughout.

Ch= Chain

Sl St= Slip stitch

htr= Half treble crochet

dc= double crochet

ch sp= Chain Space

2 x 50g balls of Chunky yarn (I have used Sirdar Click Chunky)

6mm Hook

Small amount of super chunky yarn in contrasting colours (I used Rowan Big Wool in grey and Patons Big Fab in neon pink)

8mm hook

To begin make 100ch, join with a sl st to form a large ring. 

Round 1: Working in rounds, 3 ch, miss 1 ch, *1 htr into next st, 1 ch, miss 1 ch. Repeat from * to end, miss last ch, sl st to second of 3 ch to join. 

Round 2 onwards: Sl st into first ch sp. 3 ch, 1 htr into next ch sp. *1 ch, 1 htr into next ch sp. Repeat from * to end. 

Repeat row 2 for pattern! I worked around 25 rounds of the pattern for a lovely thick band, that sits snugly around your neck, and can be pulled up over your ears to rest atop your hair. Fasten off and carefully weave in any ends.

To finish: Using 8mm hook and super chunky yarn, join in the yarn in any ch sp. 1 ch, dc into each ch sp around. Repeat using second contrasting colour. fasten off and weave in any ends. 

You should have something like this:

(OMG, it's so hard to photograph neon! Especially when I am using an iPhone on a dull grey day)

I hope you like it! It makes an ideal gift for Christmas, but there will be more about perfect homemade pressies next week right here. Enjoy your weekend crafting all. 

xxx

It may be winter outside...

...but in my heart it's Spring! After the longest month EVER (janurary), February has flown by. Thank goodness. I'm sick of winter, absolutely had enough. It's been soooooo cold in my little corner, snow flurries and biting winds and grey, dull days. But there is something about the light that is changing. It even smells different outside. I know many have said it, but spring is on the way. I've been out of action for a week or so, with a poorly finger (that ended me up in a&e on saturday- meh). So knitting has stopped, and crochet has slowed WAY down. 

i've been making the most of the changing seasons, enjoying the heady scent of the hyacinths and the light that now fills the living room most of the day. i've been polishing my crafty soul and picking up my hook when the whim takes me, rather than committing myself to too much. i'm making a couple of baby bits for friends who are popping sprogs out all over the place. when i've finished these little projects i can get on with making stuff for my own bump, which is due to make its debut in only 12 weeks time. we've been busy trying to have a massive clear out and furniture shuffle before we start on the nursery. then basically it's a matter of the application of lots of Annie Sloan chalk paint and some vintage wallpapers from the Little Teawagon shop. And of course some handmade goods by moi! 

I've been completely overwhelmed by the response the book has got over on Instagram, thank you all so much for all your lovely comments and encouragement. I still very nervous about it- nothing in this world is perfect and there is bound to be some mistakes despite the hard work of our pattern consultant Carol Meldrum. Out of 500 blocks there is bound to be something wrong! So if you get stuck with anything or there are any glaring errors please let me know then Hannah and I can check it out and make sure any future editions are improved. The competition to win a signed copy is still open tonight until midnight so there is still a chance to win!

Hope you're all enjoying the changing seasons- hope March brings some sunshine and happiness. 

Happy hooking 

xxx

Chunky Rib Cowl tutorial

Brrrrrrrrr it sure is cold outside! But it's warm inside. And that's because I've been making lots of these fantastic cowls! This pattern is super simple, even a beginner could do it. It's also perfect for making last-minute gifts as it only takes a couple of hours to whip one up! Wanna see what I'm talking about? Ok then...

Isn't it luuuurrrverly? So toasty and soft too. So here's how you make one. 

You will need:-
8mm Hook
Around 150g Super Chunky yarn, such as Rowan Big Wool (shown above in Burnt Orange) or Stylecraft Life Super Chunky (shown below in Sage)
Scissors and Darning needle

Crochet is in UK terminology. You'll need to know how to chain (Ch), slip stitch (ss) and treble crochet (tr).

Foundation: Make a slip knot on your chunky hook, and chain 24 to begin

Row 1: work 1tr in to the fourth ch from your hook, as shown:

Work 1 tr into each ch to the end. You should have 22 stitches, as the ch 3 at the beginning counts as your first treble crochet. Turn your work so that you're working from right to left.

Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as 1tr). Skip the very first st of the row. Work 1tr into the BACK LOOP of the next stitch below. If you look at the work from above, you'll see a series of 'V's. Just insert the hook into back loop, rather than both at once. See below, where my finger is pointing is the correct place to insert the hook, and you can see that I've begun working my treble into the back loop:

work 1tr into each stitch (back loops only) all the way across.

Once you get to the end, work the last stitch into the top of the ch3 of the row below. This is your turning chain. Again, work the stitch into the back loop as below:

 Turn your work.

Row 3- 36: Work as row 2! Skipping the first stitch and working the last tr into the turning chain will ensure you have very straight, neat edge. Work the pattern for 36 rows.

Row 37: To join the two short ends together seamlessly, you'll work your final row slightly differently. Line up the two short ends so the stitches match. There should be 22 stitches at the beginning, and 22 stitches in the 36th row. Ch 3, then insert the hook into the bottom of the first stitch of the first row you made. Remember you'll have started with a chain, so you'll be working the stitches into the ch sts. Pull a loop through- slip stitch made! Work 1tr into next st. Insert hook into next stitch of first row- as below:

Continue along to the end. You should have a ridged join that vaguely resembles a pretty plait, which doesn't look too different to the other ribs! Et voila...

Take your darning needle and weave in the ends on the reverse, pulling the ends in tightly to neaten the edges and make sure they don't work loose.

Now slip on over your head and feel the cosiness! Or, wrap it up and give it a present, up to you. I have made three for presents and can't help wearing them...

Happy hooking!