One of my goals for this year was to learn new skills. There are not many opportunities for an experienced sewer/knitter to upskill here in Perth, except through books and magazines – which are great, but sometimes it’s nice to feel that personal contact. This is where Craftsy has been a brilliant resource for me. I have signed up for a number of courses so far and have not been disappointed yet.


My first course was the (not so) Itty Bitty Giraffe by Susan B Anderson.

I have wanted to make a ‘softie’ after seeing the pattern for Rebecca Danger’s adorable hippo in the Fall 2011 Knit Simple. The only problem was I didn’t have the confidence to just go for it. I am something of a planner so I had to know the details going in. How does the stuffing not come out? What do you do about the eyes? If you substitute yarn, is the idea to knit at a tighter gauge? If so, how tight? How hard do you stuff the thing (given sewn items are normally stuffed rock hard)????? Argh, so many questions!

I thought doing the workshop would help me answer all these questions and more, and it did. As a bonus I ended up with a super cute toy for the baby, which I am really pleased with AND I feel like I expanded my skillset. Not only that, but the cream yarn I used for the body was from stash – another of my goals for the year!

This was not a difficult project and it was made easier by the video tutorials, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The only special skills needed are working with double pointed needles – but if you are a beginner it is explained well. For me it was about building my confidence in the more artistic aspects of the project – where to place the spots, how do you put the head on right and how do you stuff the toy? I worked it up over my Christmas/New Year holiday and it only took a few days, I would absolutely make this project again – much quicker than a blanket.

Susan Anderson also has a lovely manner and each video felt very personal.

If you are interested in the technical details of the project and the modifications I made then visit my Ravelry page.

So what other new skills am I learning? I am currently working through the knit original toe up socks class(very challenging but enjoyable – and more stash used). In the queue are the lace shawls course, Susan Anderson’s other course – Wee Ones, the free Block of the Month series, fit your knits and I am also keen to do the Couture Dress and reverse engineered jeans course. I’m not sure quite how I will get through all this but it will be fun trying.

A tale of two blankets

Crikey, where did a whole month go - again?

As soon as I saw the Spring 2005 edition of Interweave Knits I knew that if I was ever lucky enough to have a baby of my own I would make them the Bear Claw blanket. So as soon as I found out I was pregnant I went ahead and ordered the yarn. I chose 4ply Luxury from the Bendigo Woollen Mills. I love this yarn, it’s soft and even, a joy to knit with and as a bonus is machine washable. My only gripe is the colours aren’t particularly modern. The neutrals are nice but the other colours just don’t stack up against some of the boutique yarn companies (a bit 'old lady' if you like). I wanted soft relaxing colours for this blanket so I went with cream, wild barley, ghost and stone.

In due course the yarns arrived and the colours were as lovely as I imagined, soft, modern, gender neutral. I couldn’t wait to get started. I knew this was a major project but was unperturbed. This is how far I got…

It wasn’t the millions of ends to darn that put me off, I was prepared for them. What did me in was the tediousness of the knitting – which I didn’t expect. I thought this would be perfect for my process oriented mind but in fact it was just a bloody fiddle. And frankly, my lovely modern colour scheme just didn’t work for this project. Instead of clean and contemporary the look I was getting was a bit country cottage for my taste. Maybe it was because by this point morning sickness had struck me full force but I couldn’t bear to persevere and I abandoned ship.

I decided instead to go back to basics. Cerys is about as simple a blanket pattern as you can get, anyone with in-the-round experience could do it and, in fact, it would probably be the perfect project for someone wanting to learn how to work in the round (although the centre is a bit of a fiddle). I modified the design slightly so my round begins in the middle of one side rather than at the corner, and I made up my own stripe pattern. To minimise the ‘jog’ when changing colours I knit the first round with the new colour then on the second round I worked the first stitch into the round below. You get a slightly elongated stitch which smooths the join a bit. I searched around for ‘jogless’ techniques but this is by far the simplest in my mind.

This was the perfect morning sickness project, even when I couldn’t do anything much I could lounge in front of the TV and knit mindless rounds, only having to remember to change colours. The project grew quickly too and once I started to feel better it positively flew off the needles.

I think about 75 – 80cm square is a pretty good sized baby blanket as it works in a pram or capsule and can also be used as a receiving blanket (is that what you call a blanket you carry a baby around in???). I just knit to a pleasing part of the stripe pattern at around that size and then worked the hem. I worked an eyelet round and then 6 rounds reversing the mitre for the hem. I think I could have worked the last stripe a little wider as it looks a bit stingy but it’s not too bad really.

The finishing took ages! I cast off the usual way but then thought it might be a pain to block it with a tight edge, so I undid the cast-off and worked a sewn cast off instead. Next I blocked it (rather informally by washing on a gentle cycle in the machine and spreading it flat and square to dry – no pins involved), then finally sewed down the hem. it is more square than it looks in the picture but I am okay with it not being perfect.

Project details are here if you are interested.

Overall I am super happy with the result. As to the baby bear claw? Yes I would try again maybe, but I think stronger colours are needed and I would possibly go for a thicker yarn and bigger needles to make a modified version!

Blogiversary the fourth

So it's my 4th Blogiversary today!


I admit I don't really feel entitled to celebrate too much since I took a six month break this year but it is a milestone and an opportunity to look both back and forwards nonetheless.

I have not been as productive as usual, but I have still made quite a lot. I focussed on knitting more than sewing and ended up completing 12 knitting/crochet projects (some of which are unblogged) and 13 sewing projects (again, some unblogged). this is compared with 21 sewing and 9 knitting/crochet projects last year. Still, I did my best and am reasonably happy with what I achieved.

As to my goals for the coming year, I don't think it will be possible to set specific targets as I have no way of knowing what is to come. However, I hate the thought of being completely undisciplined so here are my thoughts:

 

1. Destash. This is a common theme for both myself and many others every year. This year is different for me since what is currently my sewing room will become the nursery until we are able to move house. Therefore I HAVE to use as much as possible of my stash or else it will have to be got rid of or stored (not at home since there is no room). Fabric and yarn alike have to go before June!
2. Make more than I buy for myself. This is a no-brainer, I really only buy t-shirts, underwear and the occasional other garment anyway. For the past year I have been making do with old stuff and quick fixes but I can't wear any of that now so my need is great!
3. Focus on presentable casuals. Obviously my lifestyle is going to change a lot. I only have 15 weeks left of work and when you remove public holidays that comes down to only 70 working days (not that I am counting :) ). Much more of my time than ever before will be in 'at home' clothes and I want to be comfortable and washable but presentable. My current 'at home' uniform of pj's/sweats (not outside the house of course) will not cut it! Likewise, tailored suitings and silk tops are not going to be practical either.
4. Make more than I buy for the baby. Another relatively easy one, with time being the only issue. I have plenty of baby yarn in stash so no problem there. Thanks to my Mum and sister this child already has a wardrobe to rival Harper Beckham so there is no need for me to worry about clothes too much but I would like to make as many toys, blankets and soft furnishings as possible.
5. Learn some new things. I have started this by signing up for a couple of Craftsy workshops, and I may yet use the felting kit I bought several years ago to make a cover for my new Kindle.
6. Blog more regularly.

 

Even without targets I still have a to do list for the next few months:

 

For me:

• 1 skirt and 2 pairs of pants for work (fairly quick when you make them with a knit yoke!)
• 5 or so work tops (mainly knit so will accommodate the belly)
• wide leg pants for around the house (again, with a knit yoke so I can wear them before the baby and for the 10 days or so after the birth until I get my figure back - lol)
• 2 Warm cardigans

 

For the wee one:

• Lullaby blanket (already in progress)
• The Don't Look Now Animal Alphabet quilt (as a wall hanging)
• Star Wars quiet book (this one can probably wait a little while but I just love it!)
• Some cardigans
• A couple of hats (nice and easy)

So let's see how we go...

 

Thanks again to those who have stuck with me while my blogging has been so sporadic and for all the kind wishes on my pregnancy. 

Christmas dress 2011

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the congratulations on my news. My fella and I are so happy and excited, especially after the struggles we have had trying to accomplish what so many people manage to do by accident! The past 18 months have been incredibly challenging and when I look back to this time last year - we had just found out we would never conceive without intervention and I was trying to get my head around having to give myself injections (when I would have fillings at the dentist without anaesthetic just to avoid a needle!) - I can't believe how everything has worked out. I know we beat the odds big time and I will never stop being grateful for that. I dare say next year will be very different again, with a whole new set of challenges and I can't wait!

So, despite weighing exactly what I weighed 16 weeks ago I have gone up by 2 bra sizes and sprouted a pretty obvious belly already.  Something to do with my not exactly having abs of steel to start with I suppose. Regardless, I have found myself with an extreme shortage of clothes, including a party/Christmas dress. Enter Patrones Easy (7) model 31 - this magazine also has some maternity patterns so you may see more from this issue yet.

From the magazine

The fabric is china silk in white with a black, grey and bronze border print, from stash and lined in poplin (bodice) and lawn (skirt) also from stash.

Ugh, sorry for the squinty face

Back view, with breeze!

I made a few modifications to the pattern:

1. Moved the zip to centre back so I could somewhat centre the border design.
2. Cut a size 42 bodice and band, and 48 skirt, then just pleated the excess into the band.
3. Added about 1cm to the length of the front bodice.
4. Switched the front and back necklines - I think this could be an error on the pattern sheet, as the front is higher than the back, and much higher than the picture if you use the pattern as is.
5. Narrowed the band by about half or maybe more, and omitted the ribbon and casing. You can see the band still wrinkled with wear but I don't suppose there is much that can be done about that (it's not wonky in real life I promise).

If I was to make this again I would investigate the armhole shaping as it feels a bit wide in the front and narrow in the back - which is quite possibly caused by my arms rolling forward. It makes driving a little uncomfortable but a little scooping out of the curve should fix it. Also the skirt hem comes up a touch in the front, which I knew would happen but I didn't have time to get around compensating for it - I think it is passable.

As to construction I underlined the bodice and band pieces with silk organza (using the lining pattern for the front and mounting the gathered front bodice onto it) and pleated the skirt randomly instead of gathering.

Considering I had to pull this together quickly (I traced, toilled and cut on the previous Sunday, worked an hour or so most evenings the week before Christmas and finished it 10 minutes before I needed to put it on for lunch on Christmas Eve) I am happy with how it turned out and the minor fit niggles are not too bad considering. It was comfortable to eat a big meal on a fairly hot day and I think it flatters the bump without entirely obscuring it.

I am on holidays until the 9th of January and desperately need both work and casual clothes, so with luck I will be able to churn out a few basic before going back to work.  I also have a couple of knitting projects on the go and a backlog of a few garments still to post (waiting to photograph!) so while I have the free time I will attempt to update my blog a bit more regularly.

I hope everyone had a safe and merry Christmas and are looking forward to the new year as much as me!

A very special knitting project

This blanket is very special. If you are not interested in the knitting details then you can skip to the end to find out exactly what is so special about it.

The pattern is the Fertility blanket from Stitch n Bitch Superstar Knitting, but I have just discovered you can now get it for free. I have said it before and I will say it again, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to move beyond the basics, or even if you have been knitting for ages (like me) but want to increase your repertoire of techniques. For me, this book was worth every cent and I refer to it often. Plus a lot of the patterns are things I would make (when I get around to it!).

The pattern is tricky at first (as any lace pattern is), but once you do a couple of repeats you can look to your completed work to figure out where you are. I always keep a tally of my rows anyway, but I am a little obsessive like that. It grows remarkably quickly and it’s very rewarding to see it progress at a good rate. I liked that the bobbles are worked over multiple rows so they nestle in rather than single row bobbles, which I find tend to dangle off your work a bit.

This photo is pre-blocking, but you get the idea

The yarn is a mystery ‘organic wool’ that I got in a pack lot from Jo Sharp for $25. It’s probably a heavy double knit or light aran weight and I knit it on the size needles specified in the pattern, which resulted in a fairly light and drapey blanket, but not too loose. I think if I were knitting a jumper with it I would use a 4.5mm needle – but I haven’t tried that so don’t quote me. I used 5½ of the ten balls. I worried it might be a bit fluffy for a baby blanket but after blocking a lot of the loose fibres came away and now it is lovely and soft. The colour is a beautiful soft pistachio green.

When I finished the blanket I wasn’t sure if I would block it as I loved the texture of the stitch, but I figured that is would have to be washed anyway so I did block it in the end. Boy, am I glad I did! The stitch really opened up and, as much as I loved it before, I think it is better now.

Unblocked

Blocked

I cast this on when I started my first round of IVF back in February, to keep my mind off things and to give me something productive to focus on instead of going crazy with the stress. I thought the name of it might hold some influence and I only worked on it when I was feeling positive so that the whole blanket holds pleasant memories for me. Sadly that round didn’t work ... nor did the next one ... or the one after that. However I am happy to report that the next one did and I am now 15 weeks pregnant. So this very special blanket will be the very first thing I ever made for my own baby, before she was even conceived.

And we just found out we are having a girl, so I get to keep the wildly impractical Jo Sharp granny blanket too! Happy days!

Colette Ginger in denim

Well I jumped on the ginger bandwagon.  There are so many wonderful versions out there, and A-line is my go to skirt shape, so how could I not.  My version is in a fairly heavy indigo denim with topstitching in a sort-of parchment colour. I used standard thread for the topstitching but used the forward-back-forward stitch (triple stitch?) to give it some oomph. I went for the shaped waistband which appealed to me as it looks like a heart. The waistband is lined in quilting cotton.

I made no alterations to the pattern and cut a straight size 12 (I think).  During construction I realised my ridiculously high waist would make the waistband hit the bottom of my bra so I reduced the height by about 1.5cm. I think in future iterations I would lower the top of the skirt and cut a longer waistband so it sits lower on me, not at my natural waist (basically at the bottom of my ribcage) but closer to where I would like my natural waist to be!

Because the denim is very stiff I went with a metal zip instead of the recommended invisible zip which worked great IMO (except you can't see it in this picture so will have to take my word for it).

I love how this skirt came out, it is very simple to make and a lovely shape that seems to be pretty flattering on everyone (and would be on me if I altered it as discussed above).

Unfortunately some medication I have been taking has caused me to lay down some extra weight on my tummy and waist.  This is new for me since ordinarily any weight I gained would go straight to my behind and from the waist up would remain more or less the same.  So that means I can't even wear this skirt right now.  But rather than donate it I am going to hang it in the wardrobe for the day when I can get into it again.  Then I bet I will wear it all the time!

Jo Sharp granny square baby blanket

Wow, two posts in a week. What's with the burst of energy?

This is a demonstration of how I am a sucker for a kit. I bought this blanket kit from the Jo Sharp shop because I fell in love with the colours. I paid no mind to the fact that I had no recipient in mind let alone to whom I could give such an extravagant (and high maintenance) gift. Even at 40% off or something it was still pretty exxy as Jo Sharp yarn tends to be (although her pack sales can be good value if you can find a colour you like). In addition, this is not the sort of thing you can just bung in the washer! I can't even remember when I made this it was so long ago - probably March or April, and I didn't put it on Ravelry so it will remain a mystery.

The design is super easy, just granny squares with a white centre and solid squares in 2 coordinating colours - mine are mareschino and arizona (hmmm, seems to be discontinued) in Jo Sharp Desert Aran cotton. I think I used a 6mm hook from memory. I crocheted the squares together as I went since I hate sewing together and I have found cotton doesn't always stay sewn either! This would look better if the final round of each square was the same colour but it's not too bad.

The kit was supposed to make a blanket 5 X 7 squares but it became obvious pretty early on that there was not enough yarn for this so I modified the design to make a square blanket with a wide double crochet (single crochet in the US) border, finished with a simple scalloped edge. The pattern provided skipped the usual chain space between blocks of trebles (US dcs) but with the fat yarn and fat hook that wasn't working for me.

As an aside, usually when I knit I have quite a lot of leftover yarn but the two Jo Sharp kits I have used have both run out before the end. Not sure what is with that - I guess Jo Sharp's tester must be even more frugal than me!

Anyway, impracticalities aside I think this is a seriously cute blanket, it didn't take long to whip up and for such a simple design it has great impact. Fortunately there is now a potential recipient on the horizon. The prospective parents will find out at Christmas whether or not they are having a boy or a girl so there is a 50:50 chance of this blanket finding a home in the next few months.

Final note - Desmo did her best to 'help' me with blocking this project too but I was watching her closely this time. This is her acting all innocent.

A knit for me - Estelle cardigan

Here is another knitting project, this time for me.  It's the Estelle cardigan from Quince and Co.  As you can see I pretty much copied the exact colour as modelled, but I did use a different brand of yarn.  The details are on my Ravelry page if you are interested. Of course I finished this right before the spring started so I have only had a couple of opportunities to wear it, but can't wait for next autumn/winter as I am sure I'll get loads of wear from it.

Estelle is a top-down raglan, which I find works really well for my narrow shoulders. If I knit anything with set in sleeves I have to fasten it at the front or it falls off, but this stays on nicely without my having to tug at it all the time.

I knit the small until and including the rib section.  Immediately below that I needed to increase the size to accommodate my hips.  Rather than work increases down the sides (which can accentuate my pear shape) I worked increases equally all around.  I went up 2 sizes in all.

Next I worked short rows so the centre back was about an inch shorter than the body to account for my sway back.  On me the hem hangs level and there isn't a 'pooch' in my lower back. You can vaguely see the shaping in the close-up below, but it's not that obvious.

Sorry, more headless dummy shots. I am working on it and you will see my smiling mug back again soon I promise! Although I can't promise exotic locations and arty poses - my crappy courtyard and point-and-shoot camera will have to suffice.

Colette Patterns Crepe (modified)

So there has been a little sewing going on....

I thought this fabric would be perfect for a Crepe but as per usual I had bought it with a different project in mind and didn't have enough.  I modified the pattern so it doesn't wrap-around and managed to squeeze it out of the length I had.

Here's the front:

I didn't need to make an FBA, although it is currently a little snug across the bust.  If you are a B-cup like my dummy you will probably need to alter the front bodice.

The back required some fiddling as there is no centre back marked on the pattern (my one small complaint), but with some measuring and guesstimating it turned out fine.  I inserted an invisible zip in the back and added a full lining but other than that made the dress as instructed.

The only other alteration was a 1" sway back adjustment. 

My dummy is a pretty poor model as the dress really needs to be filled out to show off how pretty the silhouette is. The shape is flattering and is retro without being costume-y.

I love how this dress turned out and will definitely make it again, probably with the wrap next time.

Summer Affair - Disaster or Silver Lining?

I had planned to post on the weekend but decided a work-in-progress post wouldn't be interesting enough. My beloved 15-year old Burmese Desmo (who has her own special way of helping - which is a lot like not helping) had other ideas and has obligingly given me a story to tell. Happy or sad? I haven't decided yet.

So here is what I was going to show you. I have a bunch of finished projects but no good photos so a very boring image of my 'Summer Affair' blocking on the sewing room floor was the best I have to offer. I have been working on this for ages, it's not an enjoyable knit requiring far more brain power than I can access on a typical evening so it has been slow going.

I finally finished it, pinned to size and spray blocked. Excellent, just the back flounce and edging to do. I had been ignoring a mild niggle about the colour. I do love it and wanted to make something a bit different than the usual neutral/teal/green palette I tend to work from, but I am not sure it's exactly 'me'. I worried I would look sunburned if I wore it. Furthermore, I am not convinced that it would actually be as versatile as what I had promised myself when I started making it. It would be great for a spring/summer wedding but my visions of tossing it on with jeans and a camisole not so much - it's way too fragile.

However, I was committed and I am nothing if not loyal. I invested a lot and intended to finish it.

Enter Desmo (literally).

I inadvertantly left the door to the sewing room open for about 10 minutes and unbeknownst to me, Desmo went in, had a look and decided that after all I shouldn't finish this project. To save me from making the decision she helped me along by hooking the yarn and pulling a giant run across one full row of the lace, right near the beginning. The thread isn't broken but there is no way I would be able to work it back into its proper pattern.

All there is for it is to unpick the whole thing. I'll probably make a scarf or shawl instead, which will probably look nicer anyway.

Thanks Desmo!

(note: this photo is easily 4 years old, I couldn't find a more recent one!)

Chevron baby blanket

I made this blanket for my Step-brother and his wife who welcomed their second son a few months ago.  According to my Ravelry page I finished it in June, but I think that is just when I updated my project - I believe I actually finished it some time in April.

I used the stitch from the Colorplay scarf pattern and used 4 colours of 100% wool from Spotlight (I think the brand was Moda Vera or something - very inexpensive for wool). The stripe pattern repeat is ABCDDCBA, which I think is very effective. The pattern is quite straightforward and grows nice and quickly once you get going.

The one down side from using inexpensive wool (or this particular brand anyway) is it shrank when I blocked it so it's probably more like a stroller blanket than a cot blanket.  I think they liked it anyway!

I'm baaaack!

Hi everyone (anyone????),

Wow I certainly didn't mean to be gone 6 months, life really got in the way of a good time there for a while!

I haven't got very much sewing to show for myself so I hope you will forgive me if I indulge in my many recent knitting adventures while I get caught up on the seamstressing side.

Just in case you were a bit cross with me, I'll start by showing you some altruistic knitting I did - that way you have to realise I really am a nice person and didn't mean to ignore you for so long!

Each year I promise myself I will make something for the Guardian Angel Project.  And pretty much every year I fail to do so.  This year I would accept no excuses and went on a charity knitting binge.  I am pretty proud of the results and I hope a little cold child somewhere is a bit warmer because of my efforts...

First a little matinee jacket.  I knit the first size in the book but (knowing nothing about baby sizes) it turned out to be preemie size.  Sadly this means my target market is a bit smaller than it needs to be but I hope there is a little preemie out there somewhere who can get some use from it. The yarn is leftover from a blanket I knit as a gift (yet to blog).

Next a hat, knit in the same yarn.  NOT preemie size so the garments will have to find separate homes.

Another hat, this time knit in leftover 'magic' sock yarn.  I sort of made the pattern up.  The fair isle doesn't materialise as it should because it's not a sock, but it looks cute anyway.

The final garment, and the only one I bought yarn for, is a simple stocking stitch jumper (sweater).  The pattern said the buttons on the shoulder were optional but I reckon there is no way you could do without them.  I don't know much about babies but I do know their heads are huge!!!

So that's it for now.  I promise it won't be six months before my next update.

Hi all,
Sorry for my long absence.  I have some boring life/health stuff going on that is taking all of my energy right now.  Don't worry everyone is fine, I just need a rest.

I hope I will back up and running in a couple of weeks.

See you all soon.
Josie

An award

Well I have failed miserably at achieving the goals I set myself for my time off. It wasn't entirely my fault as I was a bit under the weather so pretty much couch-surfed my way through the break. I did manage to finish my blanket project and buy the buttons and mostly finish the flutter sleeve cardigan - which will probably be the next thing I show you. The dress is still without a zip, facings and hem and the jacket is still not lined.

I often find the change of seasons a difficult time for mustering my mojo. Far from being all inspired and enthusiastic I am usually crippled by indecision. There is so much I need that I don't know where to start and I haven't yet got a feel for the type of look I want to go for (it may be hard to believe but I do actually try to have some kind of a look!).

Fortunately, Melissa has saved me from having to come up with something useful to post about by awarding me the Versatile Blogger award. Not that I think I deserve it at the present time but thanks for having faith in me Melissa!

The task is to come up with 7 things about me you don't already know. I am pretty much an open book so I will struggle to surprise you I think, but I'll try:

1. I have been terrified of peacocks for most of my life - I would freak out if one came near me. One day I commented to my Mum that I didn't know why they scared me so much since no one else seems to be afraid of them. She told me that, when I was about 3, we were on a picnic and I was messing around with my sandwich instead of eating it. A peacock came right up and took it out of my hand. I had no memory of this ever happening but it was obviously traumatic! Since Mum told me this story I haven't been afraid of peacocks any more.
2. Of all the sounds in the world I hate whistling the most. It just goes right through me! When I am out and about and someone starts whistling I get really tense and just want to leave.
3. I cry all the time. Seriously, I would at least well up on most days. I have to carefully restrict what I watch on TV - sci fi and horror is fine, Secret Millionaire no way! On last week's Grand Designs, the husband died before the house could be built and I cried so much watching the ad for it I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through the actual episode!
4. I would love to write a book. Part of my job is preparing reports and I enjoy technical writing but I think it would be satisfying to find a story and tell it in your own way. Problem is I haven't found my story yet. Although I am seriously considering taking on a PhD in the near future so maybe that will scratch my writing itch.
5. I took six years off between the third and fourth years of my degree. During that time I spent 4 1/2 years working as a casino croupier. I learned a lot about people doing that job!
6. I am a terrible sleeper. The conditions have to be exactly right for me to get a good night's sleep - and they rarely are. Add to that an extremely cranky 16 year old cat demanding breakfast at anywhere between 4.30 and 5.30am and, perhaps that explains why I often look haggard in my photos!
7. My hair used to be really curly, like a red Afro. When I was 4 I got the nits and they couldn't work the comb through my hair as it was so thick and there was loads of it. So they had to shave my head. When it grew back the colour was still the same and it was still super thick and plentiful (not bragging - it's a nightmare!) but just wavy instead of curly - weird!

I am now supposed to nominate a huge number of blogs to pass the award on to. I hope you don't think it's a cop out if I don't nominate anyone. I am a bit late getting to this and loads of people have already had this and another similar award. So if you haven't already done this exercise then I nominate you!

Is it really Autumn?

Hi everyone,
Well there is not much to report in chez Josie lately.  Perth is still suffering through the hottest summer on record or some such rubbish.  It's not the hot days that are so difficult but it hasn't dropped below 20C at night for over a month.  Long story short, no one is getting any sleep, everyone is cranky and it is way too hot to venture into my sewing room.  The good news is I now have a week and a half off work, the forecast looks bearable and I have several UFOs and USOs (Un Started Objects) calling my name.

1. Another version of the Garden State dress - this time work appropriate and with a good fit at the bust.  It is about half done so one good session should knock it on the head
2. A cropped jacket I started before Christmas - I haven't been able to think about sleeves, even 3/4 length ones since then!  I only have the lining and finishing to do
3. I have knitted and blocked the flutter sleeve cardigan and just need to sew it together, knit the sleeve bands and find buttons. This is another one that has been too hot to contemplate.
4. I am also knitting another blanket but that is a relaxing/TV project so no hurry on that one - it is over half done.
5. And finally a crocheted cardigan which is also about half done.

A couple of Saturdays ago I was invited to meet up with the ladies from the Burdastyle Perth club (I didn't even know they existed but was so glad they found me!) and shop at the Potter's outlet shop.  It was great to meet so many people with a common interest and even a couple of local bloggers (I met Jacquie, Sewanista and the Curious Kiwi).  I was very restrained and only bought one piece of fabric, it was pricey but only because I needed a lot.  It's a knit print poly-rayon blend and yes, I am aware that every time I sew with knits I swear I never will again! I refuse to let them beat me.  No photos yet, hopefully this is one of the USOs I'll get to while on holidays.  Their next meet-up is next weekend so I am hoping to go along to that - maybe I'll take that pesky jacket lining!

Because I still have a back log of projects from my Christmas/New Year flurry of projects I can actually show you something finished.  This is a baby blanket I made for Jess (now can you guess why the wedding has been postponed?).  I made the pattern up myself but was inspired by several similar patterns I've seen over the years.  The yarn is a mystery, bought in bulk from Jo Sharp's shop but it is similar to her Alpaca Silk Georgette.  I am really pleased with how it came out, the yarn is lovely and light but warm with no fibres that will upset delicate baby skin.

Here is the first square in progress:

I picked up and knit each square onto the previous one so I only had ends to darn in on the end of each row:

Since making this blanket I have learned a better decrease that would have a single ridge through each square (a S2KP if you are wondering - it's in the new Stitch and Bitch book - 'Superstar Knitting' which I highly recommend if you want to learn a bunch of clever new tricks) but I used SSK and K2tog (I can't remember which order, I have it written down somewhere!) on this blanket which gives you the double ridge shown here.

I cannot wait to get on with my sew/knitcation.  My fella is going to Soundwave on Monday (it's a public holiday) and quite possibly Future Music tomorrow so that will give me plenty of time to get started!  Oh, and I just remembered I have a hen's do at the races in April so I will need something to wear to that...Maybe it's finally time to try out one of the Patrones cocktail dresses I've been ogling.

Right, well that's enough from me - off to the sewing room!