My blog posts? I think I need to do some freeing up, stretching and shaking out. Possibly focus on my breathing too. My posts are too tense, too thought out.

Anyway. I remember a year or so ago discussion on Ravelry about “beastly” knits. Designers hating knit wear, making it look oversized, strangling, ugly. Since then, my eye has changed. My thinking too.

For me, this is a celebration of the stocking stitch. Its right side and, cleverly, a view of the wrong side as a simple collar. It’s huge stocking stitch, magnified. So you really look at it again with fresh eyes. In striking colour that you can’t ignore.

Oh, that giant cast on, and cast off! If you knit: how many times have you stared at those stitches, counting them? Now they’re plain for all to see, on the cuffs. And that slight sag, forming the peplum (restrained by a narrow belt, is it threaded through?)

Too bulky? Look, if you live in a really cold climate, I’m sure most of your Winter clothes are rather bulky. Makes you look too fat? … or doll like?

See, my eyes have changed.

Image used for review: style.com

It is lovely doing a class: being with other people excited to craft; discussing by pointing, touching and showing; hearing things you never thought to ask (machines can knit, but there are no machines that crochet, it’s always totally by hand). And it’s such a confidence boost to know most of my self-taught ways are actually the “proper” way!

I’ll be back at my desk, in my usual creative space next week. But I must say I’ve enjoyed being out and about.

1. From A. Because it’s a nice, smooth stone.

2. This sticky tape is too big. But very useful. So if it’s staying on my desk, it can hold all my post-its, used bus tickets and little bits of paper.

3. Notes from school, forms to fill out, things to remember …

4. Mess. It moves, it changes, it’s always there!

5.  My current book bag. The kids don’t go to the local school, I wanted Montessori. So I spend a lot of time in a café or at the library, waiting for them to finish. Reading, doing homework, thinking. Underneath there’s my pile of pattern-making books. I plan to read each one this year, slowly. And a Vogue Living from Mum (in turn, a gift from Nan).

6. I had to check for my post last night.

7. More library books. I might use some flowers in my tea towel swap. What will happen when libraries go digital? When books go digital? And we no longer visit libraries or book shops? We’ll still have the information, but is it the same? And what of the second-hand booksellers? I’ve found a lot of interesting things second-hand, books I never could/would have bought new. And I’ve become expert at browsing libraries for hidden treasures…

8. More crochet project. I’ll tell you about it once I’ve made more.

I know some of you only visit me on Thursdays, so: Have a great week everyone!

Yes, Germaine, Mum did actually ask for a handmade gift. I suspect she knows I have more fabric/time than money at the moment … And so I took the opportunity to try my first patchwork.

The fabrics are from a charm pack: Botany by Lauren and Jessi Jung for moda. You know, I haven’t really used craft fabrics before. Admired them, yes. Stroked them on the bolt in the shops, uh, yes. But actually sewn with them? No, I’ve basically used dress fabrics: cheap or better quality.

So this project gave me a couple of surprises. First, I’d always thought that not using craft fabrics for dressmaking was kinda snobby: it isn’t. Roll on all the designers (actually it’s not their fault), roll on all the manufacturers offering craft fabric designs on dressmaking and other types of fabric. And second, I’d thought that combining the fabrics contained in a charm pack would be kinda brainless. I mean, they’ve been specifically designed to go together, haven’t they? Well, they probably were designed to match. But I didn’t happen to like that particular fresh Spring green with that particular turquoise. Might be just me. Or might be unrealistic expectations. Any rate, I decided one side of the patchwork bags would use mainly the fresh greens; the other mixed the turquoises.

Look pretty and neat, don’t they? But they’re actually a bit wonky. I mean, I knew attaching the linings would be a problem: I’d sized them without factoring in any space needed for bulky seams, turn of cloth or any concepts like that. As a result, there’s a tuck just where the ribbons are joined. And I rather like that tuck, makes the bags a little more interesting. Next time, I’ll design in a tuck (on purpose).

My other issue was a bit more unexpected. I’d chosen what I thought was a really simple pattern for my first patchwork: just lots of squares. Arranged in a grid. No fancy hexagons, diamonds, nothing. Just a grid. About an hour into sewing (I’m slow: I sew and think, sew more, ponder..). Anyway, about an hour into sewing I realised a grid-based pattern requires you to line things up exactly. And I couldn’t. I did try, with lots of pins. Hence my question: am I mad to worry if my patchwork is about 2mm out in places? Lots of places?

Deep down, I know the answer. No, I should be more accurate. It’d look better. So, dear experienced patchworkers, some more questions: what should I have done? I’ll admit to treating a my fabric like paper: folding in half, scoring and cutting (with scissors). Was that my downfall? I’ll also admit my sewing may have veered from straight by about 1mm on occasion: did those slight errors multiply? Or is there some particular technique I should have known about and used?

And yes, I did check my patchwork books, limited though my collection is. And I realised all my Japanese books are about hand patchworking. Not by machine. Even though one of them is specifically about different designs made from squares (and triangles). I also have Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson which doesn’t really have a lot of grid-based designs. Perhaps so you can make them last minute, eh? And they still look good as gifts? Yes, Germaine, there’s often quite a bit of truth to what you say, however offended we get. But nine patches are a traditional grid pattern, so there must be a way to align them?

1. Kid’s art. Still not on wall, but looking nice and colourful in the morning light.

2. New library books. I can never borrow just one. Also, I’ve been trying to dig out all the Bendigo Woollen Mills shade cards I have – I don’t think the website does the colours any justice. And, to be honest, Bendigo’s prices are really reasonable, particularly if you have ideas involving a lot of yarn…

3. Yes, I drew that background! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself!)

4. Kid’s heights and other measurements, in case the sewing urge strikes. The littlest is nearly a metre tall! (She’s just turned 3.)

5.  Chinese dictionaries, balloons, pencil case. I think this weekly showing-my-desk-thing might be good for me: I actually tidied the Christmas pudding into the storage cupboard

6. Ideas.

7. Went to IKEA on the weekend. You’ll be pleased to hear I bought a little bin (see 9 last week). And I bought a random orange tin I’m not sure what I’ll do with, some more kid’s bowls, some finger puppets … as well as the drawers we really went to buy.

8. Crochet project. I’m really enjoying it.

9. Sewing machine, still untouched.

10. Yes, dear patient library, I will return it on time! (Hate it how the length of time you can borrow changes if someone else requests the book. Even though it’s totally fair enough, I’ve requested books too)

11. The books mentioned yesterday.

12. Stain on the table, although I try to be careful. Argh! (I did later manage to scrape it off)

I decided I’d learn to crochet. Systematically, properly, mindfully. The right way once and for all, so that I won’t forget or get confused ever again.

Anyway. I was following along with a pamphlet from the American School of Needlework (subtitle: “excellence in instruction”), when something just didn’t seem right … the first row (if I understood correctly) was different to all the subsequent rows. Why? I decided I’d just check with a couple more books.

Now, I’ve always known that there are differences between US and UK crochet terminology. Doesn’t worry me. (Although it’s a little disconcerting the library has 2 basic crochet books published by Reader’s Digest, one with US and one with UK terminology, and no indication on the books which is which …)

It wasn’t until I read Debbie Stoller’s The Happy Hooker (ISBN 978-0-7611-3985-0) that I understood what was going on. She explains crochet is a newer craft, so there really isn’t a proper, once-and-for-all-correct way to do some things. Like single (UK: double) crochet. She calls the method I was learning “not-so-technically correct”:

“There are a good number of books that show it this way, and there are plenty of crocheters who do it this way, too-many of whom have taught themselves using these books. To crochet into the chain using the cheater’s method, simply insert your hook under only one strand of the V. It’s certainly easier to do than the other methods I’ve described, but also less aesthetically pleasing, as it can leave large loose loops…”

I agree about the aesthetics bit. Stoller then conciliates, saying do what you like. I went back and noticed one of the Reader’s Digest books views crocheting only into the front, or only into the back of the Vs running along the top of your fabric as “variations”. I decided to try the variations. Not just for the first row, but for all rows.

And wow, doesn’t a little change in technique make a big difference to how it looks?

Left:

Single (UK:double) crochet only into the back of the V. Result: distinct ridges, very stretchy, would make nice ribbing turned on the side.

Centre:

Single (UK:double) crochet only into the front of the V. Result: alternating rows of ridges and knots. Flatish. And not very aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion.

Right:

Single (UK:double) crochet the Stoller way, hooked under both parts of the V. Flat, knotty, a bit lacy looking.

I’m glad I experimented. I’m planning to go further, see the effect of changing techniques in the middle of a row, or between rows. I’ll let you know ;-P

As promised, here’s the free February wallpaper for download by clicking HERE (1024 x 768; 371 KB)* or HERE (1280 x 1024; 628 KB)*.

This time I was inspired by Mardi Gras (the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, obviously); Fasching/Fastnacht (which I learnt about in German class) and the Rio Carnaval (because I had photos of costumes beside my bed when I was a child).

I first went to Mardi Gras (Sydney version), when I was about 13, with Mum and Dad. Ages ago. At that stage I didn’t realise there were other, more religious, versions of Mardi Gras.

Whatever, this image is still February for me. Note the milk crate. Shame fluoro pens are so hard to scan.

*The wallpaper is for you to use on your computer desktop; I’m keeping all other rights/copyrights.

1. Kid’s art. Should find the blu-tack to stick it on the wall.

2. Ideas.

3. Computer. Yes, with Twitter.

4. Bills. Fun.

5.  Pencil case.

6. Sewing and tracing tools. For a burda skirt I meant to make. before Christmas.

7. Chinese books. I was going to study intensively over the holidays. But, like all students, I actually did other stuff. Also, balloons for a kid’s birthday.

8.I love this light. It used to be in a train carriage. Bought in a weird little shop in Enmore, ages ago, the shop doesn’t exist anymore …

9. Used tissues stuffed into an old tissue box. Not sure if this counts as reuse, recycle or unhygienic?

10. Christmas pudding, unopened. My favourite Christmas treat, so I’m still looking forward to it.

11. Tissues.

12. Presents from the kids, their drawings.

13. Diagrams of indoor clothes drying racks, for husband.

14. Sewing machine. At least it’s where I can see it.

15. Crap, various.

16. Crochet project.

17. Fashion illustration project (haven’t decided whether I’ll show you or not).

18. Tea towel to keep my desk clean, when I eat here.

19. Hair clips, Christmas gift from Mum.

20. Quilt project. Fabric washed, but that’s as far as I’ve got.

No, it’s not a play for sympathy, I honestly thought it was funny and ironic: I had to share. I’m planning to make an Amigurumi, but unlike the other times I’ve made one, I’m following someone else’s pattern. Meaning I need to learn crochet terminology properly. I was going to follow Pip’s calm, step by step video course; got derailed by the how to hold your yarn (realising I usually did something totally different); thought I’ll just follow the instructions in the book; switched to trying a tension gauge ’cause I’m a little worried my yarn is too thin and … yes! ended up with a mess!

I’m totally not worried, I know I can crochet. Or learn to. In fact, when I think about it, that’s my totally normal settling-in-to-a-new-project routine. I used to work in community TV, and had to write the current affairs script each week. I got used to the fact that I’d have to throw the first 5 or so away (lucky my boss was a mad paper-recycler, even way back then, when not everyone had a computer on their desk). It’s the way I work: muck around; muck it up; then start again and get it right.

If you follow me on Twitter, you might have gathered I’m thinking of starting a craft or fashion-based business one day. Sooner rather than later, actually. And I’ve been reading a lot of how-to-blog blogs, you know, like Problogger. And Copyblogger. Even started looking at IttyBiz. And other ones I’m less sure I like. (Actually, this reading about blogging only happened because Twitter started by suggesting “social media gurus” to follow … interesting). Anyway, I’m pretty sure I’m meant to sound like an authority, sound like I know what I’m doing. Because, one day, this could be a business-related blog. But that doesn’t feel honest to me, and I think it might be doing other crafters a disservice, not to admit everyone makes mistakes and has bad days.

In the photo background, there’s part of my daughter A’s picture. Kids play to learn. Me too.

And why the effort to craft daily? I’m still feeling the effects of New Year’s resolutions, I think. Yes, I do know it’s nearly February. But it’s rather freeing to think it’s actually better to start your resolutions any time, work on them little by little. And I’m still thinking over a few of Sooz’ posts, they’re inspiring me. But I don’t want another meant-to-do. As you may already gathered, things I’m meant-to-do tend to bring out the rebel in me, particularly where craft or art are concerned. Particularly if there’s no good reason for the meant-to-do. So you may or may not hear about my daily crafting again. Indeed, I mightn’t do it. If you want, look on my Flickr to see.

Because it’s Twelfth Night tonight (at least the way I count it). Time to take down the tree. And you (or I) might want to make these decorations next year.

Christmas trees and kids

You see, if you have young children, say aged 2 & 4, Christmas decorations are always a dilemma. Do you:

1. use the decorations from before-you-had-kids, but insist you are  THE ONLY ONE ALLOWED TO TOUCH THEM, rather dampening the Christmas spirit; or
2. use those gorgeous decorations from before-you-had-kids, screaming silently each time your helpers shatter them; or
3. decide that all decorations have to be kid-friendly, preferably cheaply homemade?

This year, my kids were both old enough to ask. As you might guess, they voted number 3. They put the decorations on the tree themselves, the tree didn’t need a barrier and I didn’t even freak when they went to play jumping on the bed with various new “bracelets” … although I did insist all decorations be returned later.

How to make

They’re so simple, I’m sure you know how to make them just by looking. But, well, Christmas can be a little stressful, making even the easiest tasks seem hard …

1. buy some foiled card from, like, Kmart (scrap-booking section), or find any stiff paper really;
2. use a clean mug to trace circles, a ruler to trace sets of 6 strips, and cut;
3. fold circles in half and staple each one to the next in groups of 3 (husband’s preference), 4 (kids’ preference, I think?) or 5 (mine);
4. arrange 3 strips in a star-like shape, turn over, and wrong sides facing wrong sides, arrange 3 more strips in the same star shape. Staple in the centre;
5. staple folded curling ribbon to hang.

Actually, I love how they turned out: they feel so Christmassy to me. I’ve since realised that my absolute favourite decorations as a child were foiled paper, in the exact same colours: gold, silver, red, blue, purple and green … ah, so nostalgic.