Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Crafting Pursuits

After a bit of a crafting hiatus in 2012, I’ve burst out of the blocks in 2013.
  
During the Christmas – New Year period I finally got my lacery socks completed (photo's to come soon).
 
And since the beginning of 2013, 2 projects have come off the needles already – my luxury cowl and mojo returned shawl (which has been getting a good workout at the office which the aircon set to freezing temperatures).
  
And now added to the mix is sewing.
  
In my early teenage years, the thought of making my own things appealed to me, but at the time I had no passion for the process, so after a couple of attempts, never gave sewing another thought.
  
Over the past two years though, I’ve had endless trouble finding things to fit properly. So late last year I decided to bite the bullet and buy a sewing machine, with the thought that I could hem or take in store bought items.
  
I’ve actually managed to fit a fair bit of sewing into the past few weeks, but have yet to hem a single item!
  
I spent my first day practicing stitches, and then moved on to making a few project bags and pouches, which turned out surprisingly well, considering I’ve never constructed anything before. And then I jumped into making a couple of skirts based on some great tutorials which take you through taking your own measurements and creating your own patterns. My first couple attempts are technically wearable, but not the best fit.
 
A third attempt was a circle skirt, which turned out to be really cute and I’ve had quite a few compliments when wearing it.
 
And my most recent creation over the weekend was this skirt (from Ottobre Spring/Summer 2009).
 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013 Aims

In 2012 I had set myself the goal to knit more, blog more, and to find more balance in my life.

Unfortunately 2012 did not go to plan. I had trouble finding projects that I loved, so I struggled to finish things, blogging just didn't happen, I allowed work to take over my life again, and amongst other things, two family members passed away, all in all making 2012 a year that left me wondering when things would start going my way.

On a more positive note, 2013 has started in a much more promising way. 

I'm teaching myself to sew, which I'm enjoying immensely, I have sewing and knitting projects lined up which I can't wait to start, and I've already completed my first knitting project for the year.

My luxury cowl, made from Prism Symphony was a pleasure to knit.  With a fibre content of 80% merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon, the cowl feels beautiful against the skin, and the pattern Riverton Cowl was easy to follow and a super quick knit.

 
I've also been making more time for family and friends, and feel so much better for it.  So here's to 2013 being a year of creativity, balance and blogging!