Simplicity 7032 progress.

Do you sometimes have sewing projects that you over think and put of making? It might be that you have some expensive fabric that you're too scared to cut into. A project that feels insurmountable. Or a pattern that calls for a technique you have not yet tried. 

I have been procrastinating this jacket and skirt pattern for well over six months now and it needed to stop. Months ago I had overcome the hurdle that was the interfaced scallop collar and edges, with pleasing results. Now it was time to sew on the fitted sleeves and begin on the lining.

I am almost finished the sleeves and lining. Stay tuned for photos of this jacket finished in the coming week!

By the way... does anyone have any tips on lining a garment???

Sam xox

February beret complete.

To match my Lemon Myrtle scarf, I knitted up this beret in the same Rooster Almerino DK yarn. The pattern is called February Beret and can be found at Sock Pixie for free.

The pattern is knitted initially on DPN's, as you need to make an icord. Then a circular needle is used, changing to DPN's when needed.

I would not recommend this pattern for the beginning knitter, as the process of grafting well over 100 stitches onto the icord I found really tricky (this was only my second knitting project). Once the stitches are on and a few rows have been stitched, the whole process becomes much more enjoyable, especially when the beautiful pattern begins to emerge.

And, just to show you what a cozy hat this is to wear in winter, here is a terribly grainy pic from my phone...

Details can be found at my Ravelry account.

Sam xox

Lemon myrtle scarf.

This scarf was made using the pattern The Cream of Spinach Scarf by Larissa Brown's. In keeping with the food-themed name, I will call my version the Lemon Myrtle Scarf.

The yarn I used was Rooster AlmerinoDK in Custard. I purchased mine from The Yarn Cafe and it was shipped to Australia quickly. The pattern is brilliantly easy and stitches up a dream. I especially love the scalloped ends that the pattern creates. 

I would recommend this pattern to all knitting levels, as the pattern is disbelievingly simple to knit.

Details can be found at my Ravelry account.

Sam xox

What's on my needles - Fair Isle Yoke.

I cast on this project back in April, but it was set aside as I had a few other projects I needed to finish. 

My dear friend Mill gifted me A Stitch in Time Volume 1, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw this pattern. I hastily ordered the yarn this pattern called for, some beautiful Shetland Wool from Jamieson & Smith, which is perfect for fair isle work.

The fair isle motif looks simple to follow, and as it is only the yoke that has the design, it is a project that is achievable for me.

While it may not be finished in time for this winter, it will be a joy to make!

Sam xox

Fast baby cardigan #2.

This little blog has been neglected of late. Real life some how got in the way. The weeks have rolled by, winter has arrived, and somehow it is almost the middle of the year (can you believe it?). I have been very busy at work lately, with my roster a bit all over the place knocking me out of routine. I made an effort this weekend to get back to my sewing machine, and with very pleasing results, but more about that another time.

For now I will show you something that has been a WIP for too long! This is the second Fast Baby Cardigan I have made. You might remember I made one of these some months back? Well this latest version, Cardigan 2.0, is for some dear friends of mine in The Neatherlands who have a baby due to arrive early July. While it will be a summer bub, it won't be too long before the cooler months arrive in the North, and the little one will need a warm woollen cardigan to keep it cozy.

I was really satisfied with Cardigan 2.0, as I managed to knit in button holes! I know, sounds obvious but the first time I knitted this pattern it was my first knitted object ever and I just assumed that button holes would be explicitly included in the pattern (they are not). Snaps covered up this error with the first cardigan, but second time round I was determined to do it properly, and I am very pleased with the result...

 I am trying to improve how I sew up my raglan sleeves, and think this one turned out ok.

 A close-up of the button holes.

If you're on Ravelry, feel free to friend me, I would love to see what you're knitting!

Sam xox