Cosy

Will wonders never cease? I've actually finished two projects that I was desperate to complete before Winter set in! The first is a crochet blanket that I started last Winter. I made a small lap size version of a pattern from this book. I went off plan and added a couple of rounds of double and treble crochet around the edge to finish it off. I definitely didn't have the stamina to make the queen size version!  

It's currently looking pretty on the back of the sofa :)

The second, probably more important finish is Jess' cardigan! This is another project that I started last Winter when I miraculously grasped the knack of knitting after many years of abject failure. Of course I had to go for a full on fancy, dancy cable cardigan for my first ever full size garment! The pattern is in this book by Anna Wilkinson. I used a lovely denim blue yarn by UK Alpaca which is really soft and should keep Jess nice and snuggly.

Here's a view of the back. Not too shabby :)

This close-up of the sleeve pattern shows what I was up against as a knitting rookie.

All-in-all I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out and it fits Jess which is a definite bonus! I'm going to attempt a cardigan for myself next...With all this lovely yarn I have hanging around I figured I ought to make some pretty storage for projects in progress. Until now they've been sitting in the ugly plastic mail bags that they arrived in and that's a bit daft. I couldn't wait to sneak some Priory Square in to a new project...

...and it was about time I used some precious Anna Maria Horner.

I'm sure you'll agree that it's considerably prettier than grey plastic! I'm in the process of making an alternative version of this bag and a pattern might be in the works ;) Catch you soon x

Easily distracted - Reene's FAL Q1 round up

I'm just scraping in with my round up, I almost completely forgot (sorry, Katy). I've been really productive this quarter but unfortunately a lot of my productivity has been on secret sewing. I may also have thrown in a few other projects that weren't on my FAL list...so easily distracted! On to the list...

1. The Not-so-Lonestar quilt - as you know I started this one in 2011, it has since been unpicked and started again so it's almost as though I only it started in 2013 ;) I am utterly determined to finish it this year!

I managed to finish this one with the help of Trudi's awesome quilting skills! The post for this one is here.

2. Diamonds, kites and stars EPP - I started this one in September when I was recovering from my op. I feel a bit of cheat adding this one to the list as I've just finished it but as I'd already mentioned it as a WIP here I'm kidding myself that I can get away with it ;)

So I might have cheated with this one as I've already said but I did finish it ;) The post is here.

3. Quilt and Stitch Village competition quilts - I think I'm safe adding this as I have the ideas firmly in my stitching journal and have just sent off the entry forms. Last year Susan and I dared each other to have a go this year, so we have both filled out the forms with trepidation and sent them on their way. In my infinite wisdom I've decided to enter 2 quilts that haven't yet been made. One low volume improv quilt and one bright and fun medallion. These must be done this quarter without fail!

I'm hanging my head in shame for this one as I've still got to finish them! I've almost finished the improv quilt but I've got loads to do on the medallion! They need to be finished and posted by the end of this week so I foresee no sleep for the next few days!

Finally, 4. Crochet blanket - I couldn't find any pictures of this on my computer but there are quite a few over on instagram. I started this when the cold weather set in and would really like to get it finished before Spring other wise it will be relegated to the back of cupboard somewhere :) So far I have 9 rows completed of a total of 16.

I made zero progress on this one as I've learnt to knit instead! I never thought it would happen but it kind of has. I'm part way through making a cardigan for Jess.... you can see where this is heading can't you...another WIP!

So a 50% success rate...definite room for improvement! At least it's not long before I can share with you some of my secret sewing that put a spanner in the works for my FAL success ;) 

Catch you soon x