Sewing Circle

[Petrarch's Love]

Actually, it's the sewing/knitting/crocheting/tatting/embroidery/quilting/any other crafts and handiwork circle. Since some of us were chatting about our stitching projects on the photo album thread, I thought I'd start up a place where we can talk about our favorite type of handiwork (are you a knitter or a crocheter?), share pictures of finished projects, swap ideas, techniques and patterns, or have virtual stitching parties (which necessarily would include gossip :D ).

Here's the link (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showpost.php?p=235249&postcount=1137) to a post on the other thread with attached pics of a couple recent knitting projects of mine to start things off. :)

[thevintagepiper]

Yay! The sewing circle thread.

I'm primarily a knitter but I also enjoy sewing and a (very) little cross stitch.

The most interesting things I have made are a cloak (sewing), a lacy shawl (knitting) and magic scarf (knitting). Unfortunately it will be a few weeks before I can post pictures because they are all being shipped to my new home now.

[Petrarch's Love]

Hi Piper--We'll look forward to seeing pics of your projects whenever you get the chance sometime in the future. Good luck with the moving. Michigan to Dubai sounds like a BIG change, but it should also be neat to really get to know another part of the world.

[Virgil]

I bet you thought that I was going to say I crochet. No I don't. ;) Well, I've got nothing to add in this thread. :lol:

[Petrarch's Love]

Oh, come on Virg., stick around. We'll teach you how to crochet perfectly lovely lacy looking doilies and knit baby booties. :D

[mono]

I have always carried a very high respect for this slightly-more neglected artform; the practice looks almost meditative, tedious, yet requiring an immense attention to detail. I own no modesty in claiming that I have always done horribly in any kind of visual arts (even in simple drawing, I have reduced myself to stick figures); regardless, I absolutely love seeing people sew, knit, crochet, and embroider various things - their beginning, their intended plans, and the end result.
Even today (and I felt a lot like little Linus from Peanuts as a child, as I would carry it everywhere) I still have a quilt hand-made for me by my great-grandmother, given to me while a mere few days old. Over the many years, it has gotten somewhat worn and tattered, but I still have it on my bed, and consider it one of my most prized possessions. :)

[Nightshade]

Err still learning really. I made my grandmother a book cover With a bit of somerset patchwork in the middle.
I want to learn to crochet but I m from a family of knitters and no one can help me and I just dont understand the instructions.
I went to sewing clasees for 2 terms this year ( i think I already mentioned this a couple f times a while back) it was intresting . I want to make a quilt.

:D:D

[kathycf]

I would love to someday learn how to knit more than just long oblongs that turn into either shawls, throws or scarves. :)

[thevintagepiper]

Scarves do make lovely gifts though! It is easy to make a tube scarf as well though, for a more interesting piece, and in a way it is easier than a normal rectangular one. You just have to use circular needles and join the ends of the scarf (made with fun fur or some other such yarn, and about 50 stitches) as you are starting. Then you use a plastic marker ring to show you where the end is, and just knit around and around! All you have to do is keepy knitting I the same direction without switching sides, and move the ring over when you come to it.
Heh, I don't know if anyone could do it off of those instructions but that's the basic idea.

[kathycf]

That sounds like an interesting idea, vintagepiper. I am so terrible at following instructions, though. I am not a very good knitter, I am afraid. It can be very relaxing though.

[Logos]

I'm really good at making scarves! :lol: knittinghelp.com is a really helpful site, they've got short little videos so you can see exactly how to do specific techniques.

[Nightshade]

DO they do crochet too???

[Taliesin]

Well, we do not knit or sew or crotchet (whatever it is) but since we are not certain of the excact word in english, we have made ourselves a medieval-style linen shirt(you know, we are into LARP and medieval clothing and stuff like that). We began it in a workshop where a helpful lady cut out all those parts and taught me how to stitch them together and what to do with all those edges so that it wouldn't arborize off (or whatever the verb is for that;to embroid?). Although we didn't finish the shirt then, we finished it at home and it doesn't look very bad. It looks quite good actually.
We also have done a pair of medieval soft shoes with needle, wax, awl and thick thread from the cut-out leather but we think that it should be all our experience in this field.

Mind you, we think that we need a good warm cape that would protect from rain and cold quite well. However, the cloth costs quite a penny and we are afraid that we would probably ruin it somehow.

[AimusSage]

I recently read in the newspaper of some old retired guy who was really fantical about embroidering, having done it for 22 years. He got a pre-release version of a Pope John Paul II homage portrait embroidery thingy. He embroidered it, took a picture, and send it to the company as a gift. Apparantly the company used it for the cover of the release package because it was really good. The company's name is Wiehler Gobelin (http://www.wiehler-gobelin.com/) The funny thing was the guy was color blind, and the work consists of 33 colours. His wife sorts the colours and tagged it with a number.

http://www.wiehler-gobelin.com/catalog/images/3739-6.jpg

[thevintagepiper]

That's funny!
A friend of mine is in college and she said that it is the fashion at her school for everyone to knit, even the guys!
Imagine:
"So, Bill, how was the football game?"

*clickety clack*

"Oh, kinda sucked...."

*click click*

[kathycf]

That's funny!
A friend of mine is in college and she said that it is the fashion at her school for everyone to knit, even the guys!
Imagine:
"So, Bill, how was the football game?"

*clickety clack*

"Oh, kinda sucked...."

*click click*
That's funny... :lol:
Actually my dad learned to knit when he was in the military. He was very ill for a time and they taught him knitting as occupational therapy during his recovery. I learned how to sew with the needle and thread years ago, but I am very (oddly) afraid of sewing machines. I always think that I will run over my finger of something. Logos, I am going to have to check out that website you recommend, I need serious help with my knitting skills! :)

[AimusSage]

Well, even I knew how to knit once.


ages ago.

Haven't done it in years. I also used to embroider or cross stitch, or whatever it is called, simple illustrations, of birds and mushrooms and the like, when my mom used to do it. I doubt I'll take any of it up again, not really my thing.

I must say though, I wouldn't mind someone knitting me a nice warm scarf for the winter, the few scarfs I have do a poor job keeping my poor little neck warm. Even when I wear them all at once. :lol:

[RJbibliophil]

Is that saying you don't have any?

Well, I do a little knitting, though I prefer to stick to crocheting, have done a little embroidery, basically no cross stich, but am quite good with a sewing machine. I have no pictures to post at the moment, but when I do, I will.

[Nightshade]

Awww you poor thing Aimus, ever thought of wearing ALL the scarfs at once??

Not so odd kathy MY dad did get his finger run over by my grans sewing machine as a kid. Went right through his nail.

[Pensive]

If I will plan on knitting a flower, it will be a leaf. I think that this shows that how much good Pensive is in knitting. :D

[Madhuri]

I did embroider a bedsheet and pillow covers. I was pleased with the neat outcome, but, that was my first and the last attempt at embroidery; my eyes became sore and it took me 6 months to complete it.

[AimusSage]

Is that saying you don't have any?

Well no, I have four scarfs, a black one, a light blue one, and two multi colored ones. But they seem to be made for appearance rather than warmth. I should have gone for the warm fuzzy one. :nod:


Awww you poor thing Aimus, ever thought of wearing ALL the scarfs at once??
Yeah, I did, and I got a reall sweaty neck. It's not advisable, to say the least. :goof:

[ClaesGefvenberg]

any other crafts and handiwork circle.Any other? Ok, how about Origami (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origami)? :nod:

I have been an Origami freak since my tender years. The interest got a further boost when my daughter became interested. Anybody else out there? I enclose a picture of a couple of examples I just happened to have sitting in my window.

I find it very relaxing, and have but one problem with it: To find suitable paper. If anybody could help me out there, I would be most grateful.

/Claes

[Petrarch's Love]

Glad to see the sewing/handicrafts circle off to a good start. I never knew we had so many talented crafters in our midst. Scarves, blankets, embroidery, medieval linen shirts, and now oragami.

I like your frog and crane, Claes. I've always liked being able to do something with my hands while I read, and before I discovered knitting I used to do oragami while reading. In my undergrad years I once made twenty strings of one thousand cranes each in different colors (the individual cranes had about a 1/2" wing span) and hung them in the doorway of my closet like an oragami version of a beaded curtain. I think everyone's glad I've channeled my energies to knitting and making slightly more practical objects. :lol:

If you like oragami, you might enjoy looking at photos on this site (http://www.langorigami.com/). It's some really amazing artwork.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

If you like oragami, you might enjoy looking at photos on this site (http://www.langorigami.com/). It's some really amazing artwork.Thank you :nod: Yes, I do like it. Good link :thumbs_up

/Claes

[Idril]

I used to do a lot of sewing, for myself and also halloween costumes for my boys. I made some truly awesome costumes in my time but they've kind of outgrown the costume thing so my sewing machine has been dormant for awhile. I'm trying to talk them and a friend into dressing up as the Spanish Inquisition for halloween this year but they don't think anyone would know who they're supposed to be...so, answer me this, if you saw 3 people wearing long red cardinal robes with huge gold crosses and funny hats, would you know who they were?

[thevintagepiper]

yes, of course. Remember, we are all intelligent people here....;)

[Idril]

yes, of course. Remember, we are all intelligent people here....;)

So I'll just tell them that the smart people will know who they are and if people don't know, they're obviously not smart and therefore, don't count. :lol: :p He said he didn't think anyone under the age of 25 would know the Spanish Inquisition but I think he underestimates the Python's reach.

[Nightshade]

hey Idril Any costume ideas and patterns ( as long as they ae pretty idiot proof) Greatfully recived here. I can never have too many costumes.

:D

Edit: What nobody expects the spanish inqusion ??? ( and Im 18!)
:brow:

[Shea]

I also sew though I haven't for a while. I made my wedding dress and several other costumes that I like to wear when I play harp. When I get batteries for my camera, I'll take some pics and post them.

Okay... Here we go... This camera is the pits.

Here are some of my cross-stitch. The last three are Sunbonnet Sue pieces. There's one for each month and when I've done them all, I'll make them into a hanging quilt.

The first is another of mine,
the second is one my mom in Ohio made me (birth mom),
the third Ohio mom and my Grannie made together,
the fourth my North Carolina mom painted for me (I had a big thing for flamingos when I was a kid),
the fifth is an afghan my Grannie made us as a wedding gift.

First is the blanket for my friend.
Second is a doll my NC mom made for me
Third, obviously same thing, just close
Fourth, a costume I made
Fifth, my most frustrating sewing project!

Here's a good tip for our sewers, Butterick patterns, though more elegant, require tons of patience. Also, 'measure twice, cut once'. I never finished that last dress because once I got that far, I realized it was too small! Sizes are different in a different brand. I figure one day (probably more in my dreams) I'll get skinny enough to fit into this. To add insult to injury, the day I realized it wouldn't fit, I happened to turn on the TV and who was on the screen, but twiggy Audrey Hepburn wearing the same style dress! :rage:

And here's my wedding dress. Yes those are beads on the sleeves. I had to sew them on individually. It took forever.

I really want to see your projects! Can you guys post some pics?

[Nightshade]

My godness shea you are patient!

I cant deal with cross stich it makes me crosseyed.

[Petrarch's Love]

Shea--You're really talented. Your wedding dress is beautiful and you looked beautiful in it. How special to have made your dress yourself. The baby blanket turned out really well, and I love all your cross-stitch pieces.

I wish I had more to post. Most of my finished stuff's in Chicago I think.

[thevintagepiper]

Those are all beautiful Shea! I love the style of the wedding dress.

[Shea]

Thanks! We had a Scottish renaissance wedding. Our little ring bearer never smiled. He was mad because we made him wear a kilt and all his cousins were teasing him for wearing a dress! He was so cute!

I hope our future daughter will want to wear that dress for her wedding. That's half the reason why I made it.

Can't wait to see pics of your stuff guys!

[Pensive]

Oh my goodness, these are great Shea! You are brilliant! My auntie also gave me a doll and flowers out of paper but I am afraid that I have not got digital camera so I can't post their pictures.

[thevintagepiper]

That's an amazing theme for a wedding! I am hoping that God will grant me a Scottish husband, who won't be afraid to wear a kilt for the wedding.

[Shea]

That's an amazing theme for a wedding! I am hoping that God will grant me a Scottish husband, who won't be afraid to wear a kilt for the wedding.

If he's a true Scott, he'll do it gladly! :nod: My mother-in-law got a kick out of it because he's the only son with 5 older sisters. She thought it funny that all her kids were married in skirts! :lol:

[Idril]

hey Idril Any costume ideas and patterns ( as long as they ae pretty idiot proof) Greatfully recived here. I can never have too many costumes.


Well, all the costumes I've made have been made for little boys, so I don't know how helpful I could be. ;) I made a cute little panda outfit, and then there was the tiger and that was it for animals, then came the fantasy characters, Robin Hood and a Knight and lastly, the cartoon/video game characters, Dark Wing Duck, Link (from the Zelda series), Luigi (from Mario bros) and Ash (from Pokemon). I know there were others but those are the only one springing to mind right away and most of those weren't made from patterns, the panda and tiger were but the rest of them were kind of pieced together from various patterns, the sleeves from this pattern, the bodice from that one and some of the items were just completely ad-libbed, Luigi's hat I just put together by looking at a hat my dad had that was similar, actually, I didn't even look at the hat, I remembered my dad had one that was along the same lines so I called my mom and asked her, how many pieces were in the hat, was there a band, how high was the top, that sort of thing and just made my own pattern. I was quite proud of that hat because I really had no idea what I was doing but it turned out pretty good.

[Shea]

some of the items were just completely ad-libbed,

:lol: When I was a kid my dad's idea of ad-lib was to cut a couple of holes in a sheet and let me go as a ghost like Charlie Brown. When I was 5, I went to a haunted house and wasn't scared at all. People kept pulling my sheet off kilter and I could never see anything! :lol: The rest of the year that sheet was our ironing board cover. I remember seeing those two holes under the board. :p

That takes a lot of talent Idril! I can't ad-lib anything when it comes to sewing, let alone a hat! I must have a pattern or I don't know where to begin.

[thevintagepiper]

I tend not to use patterns....I'm too impatient. However, things don't always turn out that way ^_^

[Idril]

That takes a lot of talent Idril! I can't ad-lib anything when it comes to sewing, let alone a hat! I must have a pattern or I don't know where to begin.

The hat was a little itimidating and it wasn't my first choice to ad-lib it, I looked and looked for something I could buy and when that wasn't happening, I looked and looked for a pattern but I couldn't find anything even remotely similar to what I wanted. Most of the things I've done without a pattern weren't very comlicated, various tunics and capes or whatnot but that hat was a challenge and it took more than one try, believe me! :p

I forgot to mention one...or two...other costumes and I can't believe I forgot them because of all the ones my kids have worn, these were my favorites...Batman and Robin (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/IdrilCelebrindal/BatmanandRobin.jpg). There wasn't actually all that much sewing involved, the capes, the emblems and the cowl, which my mom helped me with, the rest was just creative choices in clothing. They were so dang cute and so enthusiastic about their roles...and please ignore the dirty couch in the background because it's really quite horrifying and embarrassing. :rolleyes:

[Shea]

:nod: Now that's what I call cute! :D

Look what I found.

This is what my Welcome cross-stitch (http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/egw_l.html) will look like when it is finished.

Here's another (http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/millennium_l.html) one that I'm in the middle of. I've got quite a lot done on the angel on the right and the sky. It's been put away because Leo would rather me do a Welcome sign saying that it's more practical. Men...

[thevintagepiper]

Both are beautiful!

[kathycf]

Wow, shea, those will look beautiful when you are done. You will have to post pictures when you finish.

[Nightshade]

It turns ou I have no pictures of the only work Ive done thats remotly showable..(it was a book cover case thing with a piece of somerset patchwork set in it) I made it for my grandmother and she lives in egypt o Im not going to see it again for a while.
But I got some dress patterns from my (other) grandmother and bought some matrial and IM goping to try my hand at making one of my sisters a sun dress.
But talking of adlibbing my Egyptian grandmother was amazing she'dmake these beautiful dresses straight from her head with no pattern at all shed just look at the material and decide what she wanted it to be.

[Idril]

:nod: Now that's what I call cute! :D

Thank you, they are cute, aren't they? ;) They got a lot of comments that year but they never dressed in tandem again despite my begging.

I used to do a fair amount of cross stitch once upon a time, I did blankets for each boy when they were born but my youngest's blanket was the last thing I did. I should try a small piece and see if I still have the patience for it.

I really like that Angel one, Shea and that's saying something because I'm not usually that interested in angels. I think it may have something to do with it's simularity to the Argonath from LOTR. ;)

[Shea]

I think it may have something to do with it's simularity to the Argonath from LOTR. ;)

Yeah, that's what I thought! What really compelled me to do this one was the Earth. It looks like a photo! I'm at the point where I can start it, but I'm almost afraid to :eek:

I spent this last week doing another baby blanket for a friend. I just finished it this morning. Here's a shot of it. It looks kind of green but it's really blue and yellow crocheted at the same time. I never did that before. It makes it rather heavy and I wouldn't recommend doing something like that in July. I had planned on finishing my welcome sign now, but I just found out yesterday that yet another friend is expecting! Time to go out and get more yarn. At least I have plenty of time since I can't seem to get an interview. :rolleyes:

[Nightshade]

Is that knitted shea??It looks great!
:D :nod:

[Shea]

Is that knitted shea??It looks great!
:D :nod:

Thanks! Nah, can't quite get the hang of knitting this is crochet with a shell stitch.

[Nightshade]

Oh wow ! I want to learn to crochet *sigh* I dont suppose its possible to teach me over the internet is it??

[Shea]

If you run a search on crochet, you'll actually find tons of sites with tutorials. They all have a different way of presenting the techniques, none of which begin the way I do. Their's is all very complicated. Maybe I can get Leo to take pictures of my hands as I start a chain.

I have no idea where I got this old book, but judging by the fashions in it, it's from somewhere in the twenties or early thirties (didn't even have color photos yet!). I decided to finally make something for myself, so I'm going to make my first sweater. It's actually called a morning jacket. I just love this stitch and I'm making my sweater out of the yellow, and I'm also doing that baby afghan in the same stitch, but with blue.

[Nightshade]

nice :nod:

[Petrarch's Love]

I like the old style pattern, Shea. It's a nice looking stitch too. I should really try to improve my crochet talents, because you really can't do that type of pattern with knitting needles.

[Shea]

I should really try to improve my crochet talents, because you really can't do that type of pattern with knitting needles.

It's actually a really easy stitch. I'll post it if you want it. I have no idea how it ends yet. The top row isn't level across.

One of these days I'll try knitting again. I've always wanted to make cables.

[RJbibliophil]

Oh Wow Shea! Very amazing! It all looks nice.

I am a 4-Her, and the county fair is this week, entry day was yesterday, and all my projects did really well, I am short on time right now, but I will post pictures soon! I am quite satisfied.

[Shea]

Can't wait to see them!! :)

[Nightshade]

I finally got a picture of the book cover I made.

[kathycf]

Looking good, Nightshade.

[Petrarch's Love]

That's really pretty, Nightshade. I like the idea of the quilt square on a book cover.

[miss tenderness]

I have my preparation book which needs a nice cover,nightshade.would u volunteer?

[Virgil]

I finally got a picture of the book cover I made.

Very nice, Night. Something to be proud of.

[Pensive]

I finally got a picture of the book cover I made.
It's really cool. :)

[Nightshade]

I have my preparation book which needs a nice cover,nightshade.would u volunteer?
Sure;)! mind you its actually a mus'hoff cover miss T.

I like the idea of the quilt square on a book cover.
Its a lovley pattern to make and real fun but sadly pretty useless on actual quilts becasue it ahs sticky out bits. actually its an example of combining homework with desprate present hunting:D

Very nice, Night. Something to be proud of.

It's really cool. :)

Thanks:D

[RJbibliophil]

Yay!! Nice looking bookcover Night!!

I know I promised photos, so here goes:

This is my grannysquare afghan, made from yarn remnants. I had washed it after stiching it together, and dried it on an old blanket, and naturally my cat decided to sleep on it.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i258/m-ari-a/3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i258/m-ari-a/GrannySquares.jpg

[Idril]

That's very nice, Piglet! I have one that my grandmother made for me that looks very similar. Will you enter that in a 4-H competition?

[RJbibliophil]

I already did. :D I got a purple, although I feel I didn't quite deserve it. ;) But I suppose it was the best in my age group.

[Idril]

I already did. :D I got a purple, although I feel I didn't quite deserve it. ;) But I suppose it was the best in my age group.

Well, I'm no expert on knitting but from the picture, it looks like you did a wonderful job! I have no doubt you certainly did deserve the ribbon. :nod:

[Virgil]

I think that's gorgeous, Piglet.:thumbs_up

[subterranean]

Any other? Ok, how about Origami (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origami)? :nod:

I have been an Origami freak since my tender years. The interest got a further boost when my daughter became interested. Anybody else out there? I enclose a picture of a couple of examples I just happened to have sitting in my window.

I find it very relaxing, and have but one problem with it: To find suitable paper. If anybody could help me out there, I would be most grateful.

/Claes


I had this lesson when I was a kid, and yes it's a very interesting folding-paper activities. I only managed to make simple ones though, like bird or house.


Yay!! Nice looking bookcover Night!!

I know I promised photos, so here goes:

This is my grannysquare afghan, made from yarn remnants. I had washed it after stiching it together, and dried it on an old blanket, and naturally my cat decided to sleep on it.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i258/m-ari-a/3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i258/m-ari-a/GrannySquares.jpg


What a LUCKY cat!

[Pensive]

It is really wonderful, RJ! It's a pity, I know not how to knit. I guess, it must be fun. My grandmother had promissed me to teach me knitting but then she passed away. I miss her and her promises too.

[RJbibliophil]

You will all be pleased to know that Granny Squares are crocheted. I doubt it is possible to knit them. :lol:

Thank you all for your wonderful comments! :D Yes, my cat is indeed lucky. For some strange reason, he seems to get in a lot of pictures! :lol: But he can be quite cute when he is sleeping. Right now he is curled up on a sofa he likes.

[thevintagepiper]

That is lovely, Piglet!! You cat is adorable as well. I miss mine :bawling:

Since we are settled here I have finally dug out my old projects.

Here is the best knitting project I have ever done. It was a lot of fun!

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9979/shawl1qc9.jpg

http://img315.imageshack.us/img315/6876/shawl2zd3.jpg

http://img303.imageshack.us/img303/7137/shawlwholeko2.jpg


I'll try to get pics of my cloak, and a skirt I just did. The skirt is a black one that I made a few years ago and grew tired of...so yesterday I cut six long slits in the bottom and sewed different peices of material in. It's all swirly and random and colorful now :p

[Pensive]

Wow, it seems like that, we have lots of talented craftswoman over here in the forum. :)

[Petrarch's Love]

I just finished a cardigan for my mom and thought I'd post pics to share.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/sweater2.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/sweater.jpg

[Pensive]

Hey, it's amazing!

[Petrarch's Love]

Thanks Pensive. :)

[Lily Adams]

I sew, however I am only a beginner. I am currently working on a Regency era dress complete with a bonnet, reticule, etc. It's my first sewing project, I'm so proud of myself.

This reminds me of a time I was chatting with my friends at school-I was talking to my two female friends and one male friend, and I was specifcally talking to one of the girls who knows how to knit, and we chatted, and I said to my male friend, "You're probably thinking 'Bah! Woman's work!'" and he said, "No, I actually tried knitting once, but I kept making holes. Then after trying to fix it I just gave up and tried to make a pattern out of the holes instead." :lol: Men!

That cardigan and those afgans look so warm! Great job!

[Petrarch's Love]

Hi Lily--Welcome to the forums, since I haven't really had a chance to say hi to you. Always glad to welcome a fellow sticher to this thread too. A regency era dress sounds like a real challenge. You must be a good seamstress. I think we'd all like to see a picture when it's done. :)

[Lily Adams]

Thank you for the welcome! Oh, it's nothing really extravagant...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/_kit_/fancyregencygown.jpg

Like that only not quite as fancy. (But I'm also making a chemise and corset!) I think I've gotten entangled into something I can't do all that well, but I'll try! I'll post a picture, too. Don't worry.

[Petrarch's Love]

Wow, that should be very pretty when done, but a lot of work when it's done. I've always thought a corset sounded like a difficult thing to make. What are you using for the ribbing? Are the sleeves in your pattern puffed like the ones in the picture. That would be very pretty, but also looks like a bit of a challenge. Why are you making a regency gown? Just for the fun of it or are you going to be in a play or something? Anyway, good luck with the project.

[Lily Adams]

Erm, I should have said that I might make the corset. i don't have the pattern yet, but it's not one of those full torso corsets, and it doesn't have stiff whalebone-it's just laced up.

Like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/_kit_/corsetandchemise.jpg

And yes, the sleeves will be puffed out.

I'm doing this because

1. I'm an ardent history geek.
2. It will serve as my birthday dress. (I'm going to the Huntington museum and its tea room, so I wanted to dress up!)

And I will need that luck! Thanks!

[dramasnot6]

Wow...what a task ahead of you Lily! But if it's succesful itll make for quite the keepsake. Very creative! :D

I am terrible with my hands but still have a fondness for arts and crafts. Im a big fan of making string bracelets, and often make them for my friends.They look a bit like:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p231/dramasnot6/braceletfriend.jpg

[Lily Adams]

Ah yes, those make nice accesories, Miss Drama!

[Nightshade]

I was thinking last night about how my quilting has sort been abandoned recently and I think the 2007 project will be a story quilt. A 24 block deal maybe but 12 blocks will feature the patches that summ up the moode of my reading for one month.

Course in that case itll take a year to fifish and Im not sure I have that patcince.

Maybe Ill do the border binding with somthing with dragons or some other fairytale thing anyway what do you think??

[Shea]

I finished it! I don't start my new job till Monday, so I've had a good two weeks to get projects done. I can't find the cord that attaches the camera to the computer, so I'll ask Leo where it is when he gets home and post a pic then.

I'm also pleased to see the beautiful projects that have been posted since I was gone.

Okay, off to finish my Welcome sign.


I was thinking last night about how my quilting has sort been abandoned recently and I think the 2007 project will be a story quilt. A 24 block deal maybe but 12 blocks will feature the patches that summ up the moode of my reading for one month.

Course in that case itll take a year to fifish and Im not sure I have that patcince.

Maybe Ill do the border binding with somthing with dragons or some other fairytale thing anyway what do you think??

I think that's a fantastic idea! I loved your book cover, by the way.

[Nightshade]

Im getting myself album book thing to keepo my postcards in and I want to make it a quilted book cover abit like this one but with alot more smaller patches.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m235/Night-D/bkcover.jpg


What Im after is fabric with an 'international theme'...I dont know one of those ones with travel stamps or famous building or something on it.
Anyone ever seen anything like that and any ideas on what words I should use to look for it?

[Granny5]

Gosh I just found this thead. You guys are great crafters. Everything looks so beautiful. I know how to crochet, the stitches and how to read the patterns, but I can not keep my tension right. Everything starts off the right size, but ends up about 1/4 the size it started. I knit and I cross stitch but I can't sew hardly at all. I made my oldest daughter (motherhubbard) a skirt when she was 4 and she refused to wear it!! It did look pretty bad. My Mother would look at something and make her own pattern and sew it. She made all my "good" clothes. But I'm pretty hopeless. I'd love to quilt, but I just give up after a block or two.

[Petrarch's Love]

Baki's recent bid for a thread dedicated to non-drawing art forms made me think it may be time to resurrect this one. Here are some pics of a few of my recent knitting projects to get things started:

A Sweater I made for a family friend:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/DianesSweater.jpg
Details of the design:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/DianesSweater--Detail.jpg

A scarf I made as a gift for a pianist friend (the notes play one of his favorite songs):
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/PianoScarf.jpg

A pair of knee socks that are replicas of the stockings found in the 16th century tomb of Eleanora de Toledo, who was married to Cosimo de Medici. The originals are reputedly the earliest example of lace knitting in Europe:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/RenaissanceSocks.jpg
One of the socks modeled by yours truly:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e386/LeonardoD/RenaissanceSocksmodeled.jpg

[applepie]

Thanks for sharing Petrarch. I'll post some pictures here soon. I've a baby blanket I'm almost finished crocheting that I'll post soon. If you read my blog you know this already, but it is a black and red BABY blanket. I can't stand the thing, but only because it is meant for a baby. If you take that out of the equation, I think it is rather pretty:) I should finishe tonight and I'll post that and a few others.

[Petrarch's Love]

Thanks, Meg. I'm curious to see this black and red baby blanket now. (Is there some reason your friend wanted those colours, since you obviously didn't?)

[Pensive]

Splendid work, Petratch! :)

[applepie]

Thanks, Meg. I'm curious to see this black and red baby blanket now. (Is there some reason your friend wanted those colours, since you obviously didn't?)

They live in California, and they're into the whole Rockabilly(sp?) culture. They are all about the red and black color scheme with skulls and roses and such. I'm not surprised it was requested, but still would have preferred something a little more baby like. Anyway, here are some pictures. Considering, I think it is really pretty. I would LOVE it if I didn't know it were for a baby.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x18/mkhockenberry/DSCF1581.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x18/mkhockenberry/DSCF1580.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x18/mkhockenberry/DSCF1579.jpg

[Granny5]

Beautiful stitchery, Meg.

[Petrarch's Love]

Splendid work, Petratch!

Thanks Pensive!

Meg--The blanket looks beautiful. I see what you mean about the colours not seeming baby-like, but since your friends do like the colours, I bet they'll love it.

[applepie]

Thanks Pensive!

Meg--The blanket looks beautiful. I see what you mean about the colours not seeming baby-like, but since your friends do like the colours, I bet they'll love it.

I'm sure they are going to love it. They should be glad that I love them as much as I do:lol: Otherwise I may have never finished it in time. I should have it in the mail this week, and that should put it there before the baby is born. I think he is due to arrive at the start of December, so there should be time.

[Lily Adams]

:eek2: WHOAH Those are AMAZING! Petrarch, I loved that scarf! So creative! And that blanket is gorgeous, mkhockenberry. I can tell you right now I would suck at crocheting and knitting. Amazing. Such gift.

I've been really wanting to make a 1950s style dress lately. I was thinking a pale green one. I really, really am not a good seamstress at all. I butchered that last dress. And sewing is so expensive. And all the accessories for the dress...ahhhh too much. Plus where would I wear it? I don't go to many special occassion things and I would look ridiculous walking around in a 1950s dress. *sigh* May I could just try anyways...go slow. I was thinking:

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/shesoutofsync/1950sdresses.jpg

One like the lady's in the blue dress.

Or

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/shesoutofsync/1950sdresses2.jpg

Like the lady's in the red dress.

And maybe, just maybe, it would be really nice if I actually had a swimsuit I wouldn't mind wearing i.e. the one on the bottom left, here:

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa144/shesoutofsync/1950sswimsuits.jpg

And darn Simplicity doesn't carry these anymore because those are original patterns, so I'd have to order them off this website. :flare:

[1n50mn14]

Hey all,
Wondering if anybody else sews, knits, designs clothing and fashion, etc.

Anywho, thought that if this actually catches on it would be a good place to share our work, patterns, etc.

Currently, I'm looking for a good free corset pattern, and I'd be SOOOO appreciative if anybody could send me a good pattern.

Merci!
Bec

[LadyWentworth]

Have you ever made a corset before? I am asking as you requested a pattern. Those things are brutal to put together!

[1n50mn14]

I've made six, actually. The first one was utter ****e, but they keep getting better every try. Now that I've made enough, I'm feeling alright about actually going whole hog and getting nice fabric (silk brocade, anyone?) and making a NICE corset. I want a GOOD pattern though- I've had problems with all the others, as they haven't fit me very well. And they are a PAIN to put together lol! I had to use about 6 wheels of pins to keep each one together as I sewed it.

[LadyWentworth]

Where were your patterns from? Meaning, were they name brand patterns, or did you use other ones?

I actually prefer using patterns that are based on "old" ones. For some reason, I get more confused using ones like Simplicity (which is funny because I have difficulty with patterns with the name Simplicity!:p ).

I am using silk brocade on a dress that I am currently making (it is going to be more of an accent to the dress). I tend to go to places like JoAnn Fabrics when I am in doubt with finding anything anywhere else.

So, if you plan on being a little more "authentic" (I guess I could use that word, right? :) ), are you going to try to use steel boning, too?

I am lazy. I just use whatever I can get from a material store. I need some steel for an 18th century hoop, and I really don't want to pay the money for it.

By the way, I have this ridiculously expensive hobby of making "period" clothing. I don't know why I do it! But I do. So that is why I have a little bit of knowledge in corsets. :)

[1n50mn14]

I've found various patterns online, but I'm also cheap and my partner's mum is in the SCA so I've obtained patterns from her. None have been my favourite (grumpy*

^^I live in a small city with a Fabricland and a Lens Mill, so my access to good fabric is limited. I need to find steel boning somewhere, as well as a busk and grommets.

What sort of things have you made? And it IS an expensive hobby.

I also make synthetic dreads in various colors, out of yarn, synth hair, ribbon, etc. It's a lot cheaper and easier. =] Fun hobby, and profitable =O

[Lily Adams]

Those things are brutal to put together!

All sewing is brutal. D: Not one of my strong "talents". I tried.

[Niamh]

By the way, I have this ridiculously expensive hobby of making "period" clothing. I don't know why I do it! But I do. So that is why I have a little bit of knowledge in corsets. :)

A rediculously expensive hobby that could be a potential money bringer! Have you thought of making costumes for sale?:)

[Nightshade]

Where were your patterns from? Meaning, were they name brand patterns, or did you use other ones?

I actually prefer using patterns that are based on "old" ones. For some reason, I get more confused using ones like Simplicity (which is funny because I have difficulty with patterns with the name Simplicity!:p ).

I am using silk brocade on a dress that I am currently making (it is going to be more of an accent to the dress). I tend to go to places like JoAnn Fabrics when I am in doubt with finding anything anywhere else.

So, if you plan on being a little more "authentic" (I guess I could use that word, right? :) ), are you going to try to use steel boning, too?

I am lazy. I just use whatever I can get from a material store. I need some steel for an 18th century hoop, and I really don't want to pay the money for it.

By the way, I have this ridiculously expensive hobby of making "period" clothing. I don't know why I do it! But I do. So that is why I have a little bit of knowledge in corsets. :)

My mum hates simplicity too, I have tried one of their patterns yet, still a beginner really have tried any real clothing although I bought to rip up and remake a year ago and havent got round to it yet.. what era clothes?
And as for the hoop I seem to rember that you can although its not great as it does bend fairly easilly use metal wire and basically 'twist lots together to make it sturdier... are you going for a full hoop thing thats built all the way from the hips ( including hinges if you are going for skirts in the fashion of Pompadore? or for the kind that just has a hoop at the bottom of the skirt?
And the thing wth hoops if your not used to walking in themm is they can very easily trip you up if you dont calculate for their swing.


A rediculously expensive hobby that could be a potential money bringer! Have you thought of making costumes for sale?:)

:nod: yes...renissence especially custom made dresses cost an arm and a leg...

humm I should definetly try some of these things...

[LadyWentworth]

^^I live in a small city with a Fabricland and a Lens Mill, so my access to good fabric is limited. I need to find steel boning somewhere, as well as a busk and grommets.
I generally just go to WalMart or JoAnn Fabrics because it is cheaper. The higher end fabric stores are just too much. The only time I go there is when I am in desperate need for material that I can't find anywhere else.
I always enjoy how they tell people to go to a medical supply store to find the metal boning for the corsets. I am not too sure what I will do with this hoop that I want to make. Whenever I make something like a corset, even though they don't suggest it, I just use the plastic boning. It works FINE!
What is really frustrating is how I might need a VERY BIG amount of material and the stores NEVER have it! So then you have to HOPE the website does because that is the ONLY way that it is obtainable!


What sort of things have you made? And it IS an expensive hobby.
I am really into the US Civil War. So I have made different dresses from that period. I am begining a Colonial era dress. I am also thinking about starting a riding outfit (one from the 1870's-1880's). I recently tried to make this dinner dress, circa 1910. It looked terrible, though. The woman suggested that I use this other material (I honestly forget what kind it was - If I could remember it I would tell people to NOT use it!) instead of chiffon because it would be easier to use (this was suggested because I cut the chiffon wrong - it IS hard to use!). Oh, it looked TERRIBLE!! It looked so cheap. So, now, I am putting finishing touches on a Civil War ballgown and I want to begin my colonial dress.


I also make synthetic dreads in various colors, out of yarn, synth hair, ribbon, etc. It's a lot cheaper and easier. =] Fun hobby, and profitable =O
So you sell these then? Where?


A rediculously expensive hobby that could be a potential money bringer! Have you thought of making costumes for sale?:)
I have honestly considered this, but then reality sinks in. I can go through lazy periods with this. I don't touch any of what I am making for weeks. Besides, I really wouldn't know how to go about it. I am used to making outfits for myself. I have no idea about how to make them for other people (considering different measurements and heights).


My mum hates simplicity too
Simplicity is just hideous! Although now they have a Civil War dress pattern from the Wisconsin (where I am from) Historical Society. I would like to make that. Has she ever used McCall's or Butterick patterns? What does she think of those?


And as for the hoop I seem to rember that you can although its not great as it does bend fairly easilly use metal wire and basically 'twist lots together to make it sturdier... are you going for a full hoop thing thats built all the way from the hips ( including hinges if you are going for skirts in the fashion of Pompadore? or for the kind that just has a hoop at the bottom of the skirt?
I am going very much for a stereotypical Marie Antoinette style. :D I am hoping to go all-out with it! Something extravagant! I am considering using the widest plastic boning that I can find for the hoop. If it doesn't work, I will have to give in to the other.


And the thing wth hoops if your not used to walking in themm is they can very easily trip you up if you dont calculate for their swing.
I remember the first time I put on one of those hoops, I couldn't get through the doorway! I had to mess my dress up by lifting it up and sideways to make it through! :p

The frustrating thing about making clothing from a different period in time is that you basically need the appropriate undergarments for the outfits. If you buy a pattern that is supposed to be a little more accurate to a dress from a specific time, it won't fit right if you aren't wearing undergarments from that time, also. An example was when I made an Empire gown. It is patterned after one from the Regency period. I am thinking that it would fit me until I tried it on! So, I had to make the stay (which was NOT easy - but still easier than a corset because it calls for less boning and material). Once I did that, it fit perfectly!

I have honestly never made a hoopskirt. I just go to the Civil War reenactments and buy one if I need one. Unfortunately they never seem to sell corsets there. I would always just buy one at one of those places. I don't mind making the petticoats or chemises. It is just frustrating with the boning for a corset.

[Nightshade]

Humm the english civil war ... well it wasnt really a corset but they had fun trying to get one that would fit me.. :brows: :eek: ah got to lovethe puritans !

Actualy I think I meant antoinette.. itll have to ait a few days but Ill dig out the book and scan the bit about hinges in the hoops...

SO Q, how do you sit down in a bustle(sp??) ?

[LadyWentworth]

SO Q, how do you sit down in a bustle(sp??) ?
I just sit down! :p Seriously, I just sit down. I do the same with a dress like that as I would with a modern dress or skirt. I tend to smooth out the skirt before I sit down. It has never given me any trouble.

Even though I have no trouble with bustles, I do with crinolines (hoopskirts). I see all these women who sit down with no trouble at all. None whatsoever! Then when I sit down my hoop seems to flatten in the front and then it lifts up a little bit. You can see my ankles, which shouldn't happen. Am I making sense? Well, it is very strange. I have no idea why I can't get the concept of sitting down while wearing one of those. So either I sit on the very edge of the chair or bench (so I can lean forward a little bit so that the skirt doesn't lift up), or I commit to standing!

[Shea]

Lady W, I love making period clothing too! I get to wear them out occasionally because of playing harp. I tried making a corset once though. The grommets drove me nuts and the plastic boning didn't make it fit right. I think Fredrick's of Hollywood sells corsets, so after the baby comes I'll buy one from there.

Funny I never seem to have trouble with Simplicity patterns. Everytime I try Butterick's or Vogue, I wind up throwing fits. My wedding dress, I believe, was Simplicity. It was from the Renaissance costume section.

[Annamariah]

I love knitting! I get so much done when I knit during lectures here at the university :lol: (I'm not a one to take much notes, I learn best when I just listen, and for some reason I can concentrate better on listening if I do something with my hands at the same time, so knitting is just the thing for me)

Wrist-warmers are something I've knitted a lot. They're fast, simple and I need them to keep my hands warm and to hide the horrible rash I have on my hands.

Here's the pair I wear most often (most of my clothes are blue, so they go fine with almost everything :D) I knitted them during two lectures about phonetics :)

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/kaislaneito/Taide/Picture0034.jpg

I also like to crochet (I've often wonderd what it might be in English, never heard that word before. In Finnish it's called "virkkaus" or "virkkaaminen").

I can sew, too, though I don't do that very often. I like knitting and crocheting because it's easy to do it almost anywhere.

[Shea]

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z284/kaislaneito/Taide/Picture0034.jpg

I also like to crochet (I've often wonderd what it might be in English, never heard that word before. In Finnish it's called "virkkaus" or "virkkaaminen").

I can sew, too, though I don't do that very often. I like knitting and crocheting because it's easy to do it almost anywhere.

Cool wrist warmers! I've never been very good at knitting. I'm all thumbs everytime I try. I like to crochet though (and yes, it's 'crochet' in English). I've been working on a lot of baby clothes (obviously). I have a lot of down time at work, since I work on an IT helpdesk, so I can usually finish an afghan in about 3 weeks (provided there are no stupid tours going through). I'll post pics of the baby clothes I've made later.

[Annamariah]

The most difficult and time-taking thing I've ever sewed was my dress for Vanhojen tanssit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanhojen_tanssit)

I found the basic pattern from a magazine, but I made a lot of alterations to it, because I had a clear image of how I wanted my dress to look like. I added the decorations to the top and the skirt was pretty much my own design. I also sewed the hoop-skirt myself :)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/nymffunkie/wanhat/PICT0021.jpg

(I'm the one on the left. All of the three of us sewed our dresses instead of buying them. The girl standing in the middle started out with the same pattern as I did, and just look how different the outcome was! :D)

[Shea]

Those dresses look great! I love the rose gathers on your skirt Anna!

[Annamariah]

Thanks :) I also made two blue roses - one for my hair and one which I pinned on my partner's tuxedo so that he would match my dress :D

[LadyWentworth]

Lady W, I love making period clothing too! I get to wear them out occasionally because of playing harp. I tried making a corset once though. The grommets drove me nuts and the plastic boning didn't make it fit right. I think Fredrick's of Hollywood sells corsets, so after the baby comes I'll buy one from there.

You know, I never thought of getting a corset from Frederick's before! I get catalogs from them, too, and I SEE them in there, but I never thought about it! There is an idea! Thanks! :D


Funny I never seem to have trouble with Simplicity patterns. Everytime I try Butterick's or Vogue, I wind up throwing fits. My wedding dress, I believe, was Simplicity. It was from the Renaissance costume section.

Your dress is SO PRETTY!! I have thought about doing the same thing if I EVER get married, to make my dress after one of those type of patterns. But then there is this dress that I am actually partial to!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/110678/wedding.jpg
I really think this is so pretty. It is described as a Victorian gown, but I think it has an "Old West" touch to it.



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/nymffunkie/wanhat/PICT0021.jpg
Your dress is so pretty, too! I like the gathering, too. That is such a pretty color of blue. It is fascinating how the 2 dresses did end up looking that different! :)

[Shea]

I think that would make a gorgeous wedding gown LadyW! I had my gown picked out before I even met my husband. It's never too early! :D

[LadyWentworth]

I think that would make a gorgeous wedding gown LadyW! I had my gown picked out before I even met my husband. It's never too early! :D

Well, I would most definitely dye the dress to a darker cream color, I think. I never wanted a white dress. You see, you had your dress picked out before you met your husband. I have gone so far as to have the colors picked out for my wedding! :p That cream would work very well with a winter wedding. I wanted a winter wedding for the colors! I always wanted to use very dark colors like cream, burgundy and something along the lines of almost a hunter green. Well, maybe someday! :D

[Annamariah]

That is such a pretty color of blue. :)
The best part is that at first I couldn't find the exact colour I wanted ANYWHERE, and when I finally found it, it was actually the CHEAPEST part of the dress :D All the other fabrics were much more expensive :lol:


Well, I would most definitely dye the dress to a darker cream color, I think. I never wanted a white dress. You see, you had your dress picked out before you met your husband. I have gone so far as to have the colors picked out for my wedding! :p That cream would work very well with a winter wedding. I wanted a winter wedding for the colors! I always wanted to use very dark colors like cream, burgundy and something along the lines of almost a hunter green. Well, maybe someday! :D

That's nothing, I just planned my whole wedding with my friend (I mean I planned mine and she planned hers and we sent each other pictures of our rings, wedding dresses, bouquets, wedding cakes, bridesmaid's dresses and everything via messenger) :D And of course neither of us even have a boyfriend, not to talk about a fiancé :lol:

[1n50mn14]

I've never been one of those people who planned my own wedding :p. But I was involved in a relationship for two years once and when we hit the two year mark, my best friend planned my entire wedding and sent me the plans. It was actually pretty cool, and themed Rock n Roll Reception (it's funny if you've seen Rock n Roll Highschool featuring the Ranomes.)

Just started a new sewing project- I got some super cheap fabric at Lens Mill that's puzzle piece patterned and started making a vest with these long tails and lapels.

[Petrarch's Love]

Shea--Your wedding dress is beautiful! That looks like it was complicated to make but well worth the effort.

Annamariah--You look like Cinderella in your gown. Lovely!

[LadyWentworth]

That's nothing, I just planned my whole wedding with my friend (I mean I planned mine and she planned hers and we sent each other pictures of our rings, wedding dresses, bouquets, wedding cakes, bridesmaid's dresses and everything via messenger) :D And of course neither of us even have a boyfriend, not to talk about a fiancé :lol:
I guess you have me beat with the planning then! :p


Just started a new sewing project- I got some super cheap fabric at Lens Mill that's puzzle piece patterned and started making a vest with these long tails and lapels.
Post a picture when you're finished. I am very curious to see how it'll look. :) What is the color?

I got such a kick out of this dress when I saw it that I just had to take a picture:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd52/110678/7406oww7.jpg
It is so patriotic in a silly way. Yet, I really liked it! :p I wish I could figure out how to make something like that. :) By the way, this was taken at this Independence Day event back in 2006. It was the 230th anniversary and this place here went "back in time" and acted like it was the centennial. So it was 1876 all over the place! :)

[Nightshade]

All things cconcidered

BUMP

[Madhuri]

My first attempt at crochet

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/General%20pics/DSC03650.jpg

[papayahed]

Very Cute Mad!

[Madhuri]

Thanks :D

[JuniperWoolf]

I like cross stitching. I also want to learn how to knit, seems like a practical thing to do.

[OrphanPip]

Ha, I use to do cross stitching when I was like 10.

The second most embarrassing thing I will admit to. The most being male figure skating. I won a second place ribbon at a competition once.

[papayahed]

Ha, I use to do cross stitching when I was like 10.

The second most embarrassing thing I will admit to. The most being male figure skating. I won a second place ribbon at a competition once.

A friend of mine figure skates and he's done a few competitions. He loves it.

[kiki1982]

That is really cute, Mad!

Anyone tips for wanting to knit, but finding it HORRIBLY boring and stopping short in the middle?

Anyway, so I could knit before, but didn't know the inside-out sort of things... So I bought Knitting for Dummies. Great, great, great. Only, I get bored...

I just sewed a curtain for my door this winter, to keep the warmth in. And I was making a cover for the potato-onion basket, but my black thread is nearly finished. (why don't I actually use other colour instead?)

I like cross-stitching. really pretty. I did actually finish something my mother gave me when I was about 13 (we had to stay in the exam room for two hours, even if we had finished and reading I didn't like (too much of it, studying and doing exams :rolleyes:) and so I did embroidery). Anyway, so I am now 28, that makes 13 years!! :eek2: On a shoe with little mice in it... I guess it's for the children's room now (in the near future) :D.

[OrphanPip]

A friend of mine figure skates and he's done a few competitions. He loves it.

Ya, but now I'm old and fat.

I was never crazy about it either, my mother forced me into it.

[Virgil]

Petrarch, I have to say you are a fabulous at crochet. :) :)

[Scheherazade]

Madhuri, that is superb for a first-attempt! Looks like a mobile phone cover; what's it for?

[papayahed]

Ya, but now I'm old and fat.

I was never crazy about it either, my mother forced me into it.

Not hockey?

[Madhuri]

That is really cute, Mad!



Madhuri, that is superb for a first-attempt! Looks like a mobile phone cover; what's it for?

Thanks :)

Scher, you guessed it right, it is a mobile phone cover.

[OrphanPip]

Not hockey?

I played hockey too. I also did speed skating for a brief period.

[Pensive]

My first attempt at crochet

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/General%20pics/DSC03650.jpg

Too beautiful for a first attempt, Madhuri! :)

[Madhuri]

Thanks, Pensy :D

[Madhuri]

Another attempt at crochet.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/DSC05189_1.jpg

[Annamariah]

I've been crocheting some granny squares for a quilt, just how basic is that? :D I did knit quite a lot last winter though, several scarves, mittens and wristwarmers.

[Madhuri]

I tried with thread this time. It's didn't turn out as neat as I would have liked...

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/DSC06268_1.jpg

[LadyLuck]

You've reminded me that I have scarves to finish up :( I probably need to get to work on those since it is starting to turn cold.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I can knit, but I never do. I tried crochet once and sadly failed horribly. I do love cross stitching though. I'm on my second big project. The first is unfinished...I just didn't like the design so much and I feel that, if I am going to invest that kind of time in completing a project it should be something I really like.

Currently I am busy with this: (28cm x 41cm)
http://www.aladdinscave.co.za/ecommerce/product-file/83/sacr783/product.jpg

I expect to finish in about 5 years...at least :lol:

[LadyLuck]

I always loose steam when I am working on cross stitch. I just can't finish one, which is strange since I can make quilts and crochet. I've never tried knitting thought I have all the stuff for it and I keep saying I'm going to learn.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I really want to try my hand at quilting, but at the moment it looks like my next projects will be curtains and cushions.

[JuniperWoolf]

I'm cross stitching a cat in a hammock right now. I suck though, his ear's all wonky.

[kiki1982]

Haha, I've been doing some mice in a shoe for... let's see, 15 years now :eek:. My mother bought it for me when I was in school as we had to stay until time was up during the exams. Reading was too much letters for one day and I embroidered all through all those exams. Didn't really do a lot apart from then. And now my turquoise and beige is finished and I always forget to take my work when I go to Trier... I don't have the numbers so I need to take it to the shop to compare... So it is now ready with a bald patch... :D

I am knitting a sock now. After some struggling with five needles I've got the hang of it. Let's see whether the heel and the toe come along...

And why are your ears wonky? You have a pattern on paper, right?

[JuniperWoolf]

And why are your ears wonky? You have a pattern on paper, right?

Haha yeah, I'm just bad at following it. "Let's see, that's... five little pink X's up and three across, got it." Ten minutes later: "Oh no wait, it was four pink X's up and two across. I won't have room for the white, now."

[kasie]

Juniper - unpick it! it will always shout 'Mistake!' at you!

You could try outlining sections of the pattern in pencil if they are really complex or photocopy the pattern and enlarge it - either make it easier to follow.

Do you have the fabric in a frame? That makes it easier to keep the tension even.

[kiki1982]

ooh, good advice. I used to work in squares after my mother told me to count in rows, rinkling my work as a consequence and then losing count into the bargain. And work with a ruler so you can't mistake the row.

Indeed, always unpick. For years to come, you'll get people who see it on your wall or cushion and say, 'Wow, that looks nice' and you saying or thinking, 'Well, don't be fooled, because the ears are wrong.'

So, take the thread out of your needle and unpick with the top end (not with the pointy end because you stick into your thread and that's not nice).

[TurquoiseSunset]

When I start a new design I usually mark out the 10 by 10 squares with a contrasting colour (normal sewing thread). So it's a ten under, ten over kind of checkerboard design. It's a pain when you really just want to get started, but it saves a lot of trouble in the end.

[Bluehound]

Oh no , I would leave it and then I would always know that it's unique, no one else has ears quite like that :)

[kasie]

When I start a new design I usually mark out the 10 by 10 squares with a contrasting colour (normal sewing thread). So it's a ten under, ten over kind of checkerboard design. It's a pain when you really just want to get started, but it saves a lot of trouble in the end.

I usually have the pattern marked in 10 x 10 squares but on the fabric itself I usually just mark the centre and work from there - you do work from the centre, don't you, ladies?? It keeps the tension more even.

TS - I've seen those Native American designs - they look so fine when they are finished but I've never plucked up enough courage to start one. (Small is Beautiful is my working principle with cross stitch!) That blue sky in the background - is it the colour of the base fabric or is it all stitched in?

[kiki1982]

Oh, neither my mother nor my grandmother told me to work from the centre! Makes sense, though. I'll remember when I ever start anything like that again. I can imagine it's better for the consistency of the work.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I usually have the pattern marked in 10 x 10 squares but on the fabric itself I usually just mark the centre and work from there - you do work from the centre, don't you, ladies?? It keeps the tension more even.

TS - I've seen those Native American designs - they look so fine when they are finished but I've never plucked up enough courage to start one. (Small is Beautiful is my working principle with cross stitch!) That blue sky in the background - is it the colour of the base fabric or is it all stitched in?

I don't work from the centre although I was aware of the practice. Usually, I start with all the bigger chunks of colour first so that when I do smaller patches of only a few stitches, there are other stitches already to end off with, if need be. I don't make knots to end with, just to start with.

Tension has never really been an issue on my projects and I'm very gentle with the fabric so that can stay very taut for as long as possible (not sure if 'taut' is the correct word). And because I don't work from the center it's useful for me to mark out all the squares beforehand.

I was also nervous about one that size. The key was finding a design I liked a lot. It's a joy to work on this one, where the previous one (of half the size) felt like a chore. Smaller ones are nice though, because they allow for more variation; you can do two or three a year, for example, instead of one every few years.

The base fabric is navy, so luckily I don't have to cover the whole piece with stitches. I might not have done it otherwise :D

[kasie]

How do you find working with a dark fabric, TS? I had great difficulty until a friend suggested placing a white towel across my lap to make it easier to see the holes - try it, it works!

[TurquoiseSunset]

How do you find working with a dark fabric, TS? I had great difficulty until a friend suggested placing a white towel across my lap to make it easier to see the holes - try it, it works!

That is a really good tip and I do something like that myself. I keep the design on my lap, so it's easy to see the next stitches, but, like you said, also helps with seeing the little holes. Although it helps a lot it's still difficult at times, depending on the lighting conditions. I find daylight is the best, but not always possible. The colour of the thread is also a factor. I'm currently working on the dark blue and blue purple threads and they are killing my eyes :p

[Madhuri]

Bookmark:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/DSC06570-001.jpg

[Buh4Bee]

Lovely bookmark, Madhuri! I'd love to make something like that.

[Madhuri]

Thank you.

It's very easy. I followed a tutorial on youtube: http://youtu.be/bvkHI_Spw0Q (for the flower) and http://youtu.be/iIyeBpgZZ7Y (to make the stem).

For the crochet projects that I want to create, I check for the tutorial on youtube because I find it easier to follow a demo than written instructions.

[TurquoiseSunset]

Bookmark:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/Madhuri05/DSC06570-001.jpg


Thank you.

It's very easy. I followed a tutorial on youtube: http://youtu.be/bvkHI_Spw0Q (for the flower) and http://youtu.be/iIyeBpgZZ7Y (to make the stem).

For the crochet projects that I want to create, I check for the tutorial on youtube because I find it easier to follow a demo than written instructions.

Oooo! I'm so trying this! It's very nice Madhuri, and thanks for the links.

[LadyLuck]

See, I knew there was a thread about thread :D

I'm looking to either find, or develop, a filet crochet pattern that will make maybe a 12 inch afghan square with a celtic knot. Any suggestions, or know of any charts that might work?

Edited to add:

Madi, I love that book mark. It's so bright and cheery.

[TurquoiseSunset]

Does anyone know what size the crouchet needle needs to be, if I want to make that bookmark?

[Annamariah]

I would say quite small, and would recommend a thin thread too, because no one wants a thick bookmark.

[TurquoiseSunset]

I got a 2mm with some wool...the women at the store said something about the thickness of the wool, which I missed, but I decided to practice the technique first on the wool and then try something thinner.

[kiki1982]

Yes, the crochet needle should fit the wool. If your needle is too big for the wool, your work will have holes in the stitches (the wool doesn't cover the whole stitch). If the needle is too small, the hook is too small and you only pull part of the thread through, so it creates a mess.

You can play with it, of course, it's not that one milimeter will be a disaster, but if it's too extreme, then it won't give nice results.

[TurquoiseSunset]

Aaaargh! I've tried...and will try again some more tomorrow... I have to work on holding the needle and not making the stitches to tight.

For now though...bed. :)