# 23 - 30

Well this is the end of the year, and I did make it.  Literally.  I made 26 + things during the 26 weeks in the second half of the year.

The finale was a run of Christmas aprons.  Well not Christmas themed, but these were Christmas gifts.  I enjoy a run of making the same item and this project used a little more of the curtain stash, which was a good thing.  There is still plenty of the fabric left to plan retro dresses, or oven mits or a cushion cover. . .

I did discover many things on this little making project, and I liked the ritual of posting my creations here.  Unfortunately all this effort did not make much of a dint in the volume of material in Finlay's wardrobe - well, there's always next year.  No big project plans for next year but I rather hope that this finishing lark has become a habit, because I still do have some half finished things about the place . . . and it would be good to also actually make up the fabric that I have here . . . wishful thinking perhaps . . .

Have a good Christmas.

# 22

I had in my mind that the final projects here would be Christmas gift making.  But it seems these squares keep coming off the needles.

This square is the second from the same ball of wool.  I really liked this stripe, and there was heaps of wool, and I wanted to knit while I watched TV, so there you go, there are going to be some repeats in this quilt.  Still a while to go, but I have nearly reached the half way point with 19 complete squares (out of 42).
It is very warm here now, and the inclination to knit, even small squares in sock wool is diminishing.  However during a day at home there are a few hours when it is literally too hot to be outside, so I have been on my sewing machine a little . . which has been fun.  Sewing projects next I think.

# 21

This week a mending job finally found traction, and lift off.   Two pairs of jeans, which still work around the top, but have sprouted skinny 13 year old ankles out the bottom, have found a new life as jean shorts.

Jeans short for Master 13

Of course I do agree, this does not qualify for the list here. In fact my craft group started life self titled No More Mending, to promote the idea of a making life that did not focus on mending and alterations for the family (although sometimes these are very satisfying none the less).  However the result of this project was a few tempting off cuts . . .

Well tempting for a girl with a bent for recycling denim!

Wee craft bag

So I finally used a picture that I printed and applied to fabric back in 2009, under the tuition of my creative friend Suzanne.  To be honest I am not sure how the picture will wear but for now I like it.

What to put in this little bag?  Well turns out it is a perfect size for a knitting project I might like to cart around!

And then there were 5 more projects waiting in the line . . . . 

# 20

Something a little different this time.  I suspect there are those who would argue that assembling a new light shade from Ikea might not fit the criteria here, but it works for me!
Our old lamp shade has wonderful history so I was reluctant to let it go.  My friend Karen gave me an IQ kit she had found at an op shop.  It had no instructions that were useful, so I tucked it away.  Then roll forward a year of so and my clever friend Maitland assembled it after dinner here one Saturday night.
But the plastic was discoloured and the top of the shade which was not over strong to begin with was beginning to sag!

So there was an element of history repeating last night when I got the next kit out of the laundry cupboard where it ad been for at least a year, and assembled it.  Far easier that the last one, and not in the company of wonderful friends, but it is up.

6 projects to go now before the end of the year. The main challenge now is the weather - it is so beautiful that the call to be outside is a strong one.  And being in the garden does answer the creative need too.  But Christmas approaches, and I am determined to keep up this momentum for a bit more until some more of the WIPs are finally complete.

#19

I am cherishing this whole project as it is opening up all sorts of possibilities for me.  Lots of ideas which previously remained just that, now seem to have more real potential, as though I can really expect to make these things, really.

This project was just that sort of thing.  For ages I have had these amber beads, bought my my mother on her OE in Aiden in 1960.  I do not recall seeing them as a necklace, they were always in her bead drawer.  I had an earlier attempt at a necklace incorporating them which did not work.  This week I achieved something I was happier with.  Also it has a nice re-cycling twist.  I incorporated beads from a necklace I bought recently, to good effect I think.   Plus, I made this surrounding by some crafting girlfriends, who were able to provide much valued input in the order of the colours!

So I am on the home straight to my 26 completed works - only 6 to go.  And I anticipate this will be an easy half dozen with a few Christmas gift ideas, as well as the materials to make them already in the stash!!

#18

Two weeks away, and much to stimulate the senses in terms of new experiences, new countries to visit, precious time away from everyday routines, and children  . . .  and accordingly, little time or inclination to craft.  However forward planning with wooden needles - in case I should knit on the long plane flight, which in the end I did not - and a couple of train trips and I did complete another square.  So entwined in this one will be the memories of knitting on the TGV going from Paris to Reims.

This project of completed works is an exercise in observing how I work.  I understand that my own creative practice needs space away from other stimulation, like cathedrals, crowds and castles, parks, galleries and museums.  Yet those outside events, away from everyday life, inspire and seed new ideas.  So there should ideally be a balance of both - makes sense.

#17 - Something a little larger

Quilt inspired by Gee's Bend

Finishing a big project like this is always fun.  There is also the moment of reckoning when you get to see how what you made actually measures up to the idea you started with.  Sometime the idea evolves so much that I am pleased to see it took on a new direction.  Other-times I am accepting the work I produced, and happy with my novice skills on that project.
This is my first quilt.  And what fun.  I have felt I was on the edge of the quilt vortex, and any day would be sucked in and before long have a huge stash.  Instead though this project carried through the recycled denim jeans theme which has been with me for a while, and incorporated some red felt left over from a blanket last year.

Text detail

I think I am officially a quilter with this one though.  I notice that I first dreamt up the project.  Then I needed to find someone to give it too.  I think lots of quilters clothe their family with their work don't they?  So there is a 13th birthday here soon and this is the gift.

The words are spoken daily by Garrison Keillor on the Writer's Almanac.  He closes with them at the end of his daily post.

So, as I head off for a couple of weeks, be well, do good work and keep in touch.

#16

Another striped Barn Square, 17th one completed

What happens when you announce a plan out loud is people witness it, and keep you on track.  My little brother passed a comment a couple of weeks ago that things had gone quiet here - how's that!!  He is right . . . though as I am slightly ahead of schedule and working on a large project I remained relaxed.

And I had the 17th Barn Square on the needles at the time, lovely an striped one.  Slightly more blue than I expected, but fun anyway.

And I was on holiday so plans of crafting were put aside for a bit!  This weekend I fly to London, first time ever!  And in preparation I have managed to find the correct size of DPN to knit on the plane - yet to see if that actually happens.  This week has been full of lists of things to do, lists which seem to keep growing.  However Saturday night looms and once that plane lifts off, well anything not done is forgotten isn't it!

# 15

Barn Square # 16

Yes, yes another square!!
This one with some odd and sods sort of wool - the brown was slightly finer than required so I combined it with the end of something else - created the yellow stripe.

WIP Barn Raising Quilt

The pile is growing - 16 complete squares now.  Not that I want my life to be about counting off lists, but it is useful to have a measure of progress!
I am going to investigate plastic knitting needles which can be taken on aeroplanes as I do have a long flight soon and reckon I could knit en route.

Knitted Squares so far - Barn Raising Quilt

I received a message this week was a quote; go into your studio to find something rather than make something and chance us your friend.  Isn't that lovely, and for me, finding lots of bits and bobs, it is very apt.

The mystery of blocking barn squares.

Q I have been asked 'what is the round thing I use to block the squares?'
A Garden kneeling pad

Handy use for the reverse side of garden kneeler

I have marked out a square to make life easier - there are 42 of these in the quilt!
(Previously we had a supply of the foam pads from the trampoline - which once they all came off the trampoline have re-appeared in our life in many guises, many craft related uses . . .)

# 14

Tee Shirt Top

Tee short top detail

This tee shirt top has languished without it's hem for a while!  And what do you know? A half hour task to complete it.  Worn twice since finished - love it.

Sometimes making a tried an true pattern over again is rhythmic and easy - this is once of these patterns.  I have followed 100 Acts of Sewing where the essential base pattern stays the same, yet all the dresses are unique.

Another up side to doing more craft and sewing is the mending jobs flow across the work space very quickly at the moment, which is good for all the family.  Everyone is getting used to sharing their dining space with my small sewing studio set up more or less permanently!

# 13 (Half way there)

Butterick 6247

Texture weave to knit fabric - in green!

Last weekend I took and pile of fabric around to my friend Suzanne's house for a bit of pinning and planning.  She is a sewer extraordinaire, very productive in her output of finished ready to wear projects - perfect person for this task.  Home I returned with a plan for all the pieces of fabric in the bag, and the work began.

A couple of alterations have seen garments move back into the working wardrobe!  Two previously made, but never really worn garments have been unpicked ready for adjustments.

This top is a Butterick Pattern 6247 which I bought second hand once.  It makes a raglan sleeve knit top which is very easy.  I have rouched the sleeves a little.  The knit fabric is quite fine, handy extra (under) layer - in my favourite colour too!  (Actually I am  little alarmed to discover how many green clothes I own!!)

This project hits the half way mark so I'm feeling quite chuffed with how it is all going.  Unfortunately the reality is one piece of knit fabric does not an empty wardrobe make!  I have one 10 year old who is rather hoping his mother will one day clear out all her 'stuff' from his room!  But from little things big things grow . . .

# 12

Comfy Yoga pants

A change of direction here when I got out my overlocker.

Studio end of the family dining table

Actually found the half made pants in the cupboard and as it turned out I had a selection rib materials for the band. Once again these half finished pants have probably sat for at least 4 years!!
So, fired into action, I had another look in the cupboard and found a few bits and pieces.  All knit fabrics.

Bag of goodies

A beginning

So the overlocker is staying put for the moment. . . watch this space.

# 11

I have been trying to recall when I purchased this kit and began the tapestry, at least 10 years ago!!  It is a Jennifer Pudney design.   It has languished in a roll awaiting, first for the right fabric for the cushion back, and then once that was sorted, it had another (long) wait.  Heavens the gestation period for some of these projects is very drawn out!! Anyway, after finishing the pheasants cushion one seems easy peasy!  Even the zip was OK too.

I must say this high energy for making things is fun!  I suspect this level of enthusiasm, and the easy appeal of picking something up and working on it might not be sustained!  But I am nearly at the half was mark for my 26 finished projects so that feels good!

# 10

Another Barn Square - number 15

Off the needles and blocked up.  Tail end of some mustard wool, but not quite enough, so I added some stripes.  I liked the stripes although I am still to deal with the tails ends which need to be woven in.  This one I bound off twice - the first time I discovered the square was too big!  But with practice I am getting efficient at undoing and re-doing!

Here is a quote I found in my pile of craft papers.

'There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through action.  And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable, nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it your clearly and directly, to keep the channel open . . .whether you choose to take ab art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story or live each day from your own creative source.
Above all else keep it open!'

by Martha Graham,  from 'A Creative companion by SPARK.

# 9

Pheasant tapestry cushion - complete at last

OK here is something which is not a knitted square!  These beautiful birds have been waiting patiently for a long time!!    Here is the story.

Slightly irregular shape required

Tapestry rescued from the Hospice garage sale a while back.  Then my friend Karen loving filled in some holes.  This girl is an experienced stitcher, with a collection of beautiful cushions she has created, and a sharp eye - I confess I did not even know you held the tapestry up to the light to see the missed stitches.  Then it rested in the pile for a while.  Backed with a piece of stretch cotton velvet, left over from a top a decade back!

The shape of this cushion is a parallelogram I guess.  And as often happens it was not my best ever zip.  I must say that usually the best cushions covers I make are the 2nd or 3rd in the row.  By then I can remember the steps for inserting the zip.  Anyway as with many things I make it is an exercise in self acceptance, and relish that although it was not my best sewing ever it is done and already much admired!

Tricky fraction to simplify but this is 9/26 on my project target.  Already I can say that making things has been re-prioritized in an easy way.  And even when I needed to undo the cushion and add more stuffing today it really was not a big deal!

Helps that Monday is a home day - nothing like a little time on the sewing machine to motivate me through the household chores!

# 8

Divine Sock Wool! Love the stripes.

Yes, yes another Barn Square.  But I tell you these squares are a delight, and so portable.  It is amazing what can happen with a row, well in the case a round, here and there.  That spell in the car waiting for soccer practice to start has become an opportunity.

My eldest son asked if I would finish this rug by Christmas - hell no.  But at the moment this project has good momentum.  I am also discovering how my knitting develops as I repeat this square, around and around.  Plus there is the fun of using up bits and pieces of wool

There is other work happening, but some things require more time.  And such projects are helped by a wet weekend when everyone here has colds. . . .

Something in the make . . . 

# 7

The newest square: centre left

Yes another square!!  This one is knitted out of some wool from my stash.  Curiously the origins of this wool is a bit vague.  I do have a modest stash and can only recall purchasing wool new on a handful of occasions. So, that my stash can produce enough bits and pieces to keep this pile of bard squares growing is quite something!

I found three balls which I deemed too fine to knit by themselves.  The fun was the three different squares produced from the possible colour combinations.  (My craft mate Lisa appropriately called it camo.)

The brought the count to 13 out of 42 squares needed.  The resident 10 year old is practising fractions, unfortunately 13/42 was impossible to simplify!

# 6

Today's count is 12 complete Barn Squares, all trimmed and blocked up.  30 squares to go.
This is sock wool from the local wool shop closing down sale.  Emerged as stripes which were not so defined as I like.  I bought two more balls, which once home I realise are very similar colours!! Watch out for these in  a while.
If I was to look at patterns which appeal to my creative self, squares and linear projects emerge, stripes too.
Also it seems I love to number things, and there is nothing like a good list.
Which is what this is about after all.

# 5

Wrist Pincushion - with well padded base

What I discovered is that there are some things so close to being complete a project like this is a joy.  A pincushion for the wrist, started for my friend Wendy 2+ years ago.  And this month is her birthday - perfect.

Made from two squares offset, such a fun project.

CM

# 4

Well this is not actually what I made, and finished.  Because item 4, well although it was finished, the original measurements were wrong, so it is back in the fabric drawer!!!!  

But that happens, and I still figure it counts!  So instead here is a photo of the pile of already completed bard squares - fun.

CM

# 3

The original cover

New cover - recycled curtain (there is going to be more of this pattern in my life courtesy of large curtains)

This one needed a before and after photo.  The before looks better in the photos than real life; but in fact was an old faded sofa cushion which I kept back from the dump, in order to re-cover.  Always need something comfy to lie on for board games on the lounge floor. Roll forward a year or 4 and voila, it’s done.  

Felt so good!!!

# 2

#2

Another Barn Square - there are more of these to come, easy it turns out to churn along on a portable project like this one, you can even do a little knitting at lunch time.

Wool for this one bought on holiday recently, loved the colours, and the surprise stripes which appeared.

# 1

A beginning,  Well actually just a point at which to begin.

The goal is to re-prioritze creative time; and also to actually finish some things.. Believe it or not there are a few projects around the place which have been started . ..ahem!

So there is the audacious goal - put one of those projects out each week til the end of the year. Hmmm, a tough call perhaps.  However with something on the needles when the starting gun sounded it seems manageable enough, so I rounded the count of the number of weeks between now and Christmas out to 26 - half a year.

So here goes.

#1  This is a barn square.  The pattern is for a barn-raising quilt, and the author of the pattern author solicited many helpers via the net.  There are 42 squares, I have already had some squares gifted to me. This is the 10th square completed.