Craft Haul: Summer 2019
I’ve acquired quite a bit of fabric over the last few months as well as some patterns so I thought I would log them here and share my initial ideas.
Making your own beach towel poncho from two towels
I’m excited to share with you something I made with my mum a few months ago – the beach towel poncho!
Pictured above is my mum showcasing our efforts on the beach!
If you fancy making a similar poncho, you will need two towels measuring 100cm by 150cm and a small amount of bias binding.
Crafting with a chronic illness: my experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Crafting with a chronic illness can be a bit of a roller coaster for some. One day, your hobby is a lifeline, providing you with a focus and keeping your mind in the present, the next it is exacerbating your symptoms.
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Non-Radiographic Ankylosing Spondylitis (which I will refer to as AS from now on). At the time, it was almost a triumph because it had been a long year of visit various health professionals and being able to put a name to the symptoms provides a grounding in a way. That is, of course, until you have to acknowledge that it is something that is not going to go away and will affect you for the rest of you life.
I thought it might be useful to share what I have found helpful for my circumstance in case it is also useful for someone else. Everyone is different though, so you must keep problem solving until you find your own strategies.
The Graduation Sloth
It’s been a year but I have finally decided to chronicle how I made a graduation sloth mascot for my partner last year. Better than never, eh?
Pattern Review: Kinder Cardigan
Having made two of these cardigans, I felt it was time to write a review on this pattern.
I got Wendy Ward’s Beginner’s Guide to Sewing with Stretch Fabrics as a gift about a year ago, and while a few designs appealed to me, I didn’t get round to tracing any patterns until around Christmas time.
The Kinder Cardigan is definitely the one which stands out for me in the book – especially the long, almost coatigan, version. However, the first make was for my nan for Christmas. It didn’t begin well as I accidentally cut it out in the wrong fabric (a sure sign that you need to use up some of your stash if you have two similar ones…) and I had issues as I was using my mum’s machine (which was my nan’s machine incidentally) which was not too happy and was demonstrating this with unbalanced tension and tight stitches. Still, I got there in the end and the end result inspired me to make one for myself.
Pattern Review: Jarrah
This year I was fortunate enough to be a pattern tester for one of Megan Nielsen’s new patterns which came out on 1 November 2018. Here is my pattern review of Jarrah.
Details
- Pattern name: Jarrah
- Variation/Style: A
- Design House: Megan Nielsen
- Size I made: 10
Fabric
I used a grey medium-thickness knit fabric – a bit like a ponte? I found it in a charity shop in Helston and it was just what I was looking for! The lighter grey is ribbing which was also from a charity shop (but has been in my stash for years…)
Difficulty
I would say that this pattern is a nice easy one for beginners. The only real challenge was the neckband for me.
Clarity
I found that the instructions were clear. I did go on auto pilot at one point (the neckband) and almost do it wrong, but when I actually read it, it was clear!! The pattern provides markers for attaching the neckband rather than advising you to ‘quarter’ the neckband and neck opening yourself, which is great, you just need to read it!
Design and Fit
I made a straight size 10 – it’s a loose fit design and I’m a fan of baggy jumpers!
The design has grown on me – especially now that it’s cold enough to wear it here in the UK! However, if I made another, I’d go for the funnel neck version.
Time Taken
I completed this make in a day. The hems were easy as I was attaching the ribbing and the fabrics were stable knit fabrics which helped. Also, I didn’t need to adjust the fit.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s a great classic staple for your wardrobe, with some lovely variations to try out. Due to the different variations which come with the pattern (high-low hem, tie knot, funnel neck, as well as this one I’ve done), you get a lot of value for money out of the pattern.
Play Video
Pattern Review: The Frankie tshirt
Another #2018makenine is ticked off my list! This time, I used t-shirting from my stash to try out the new Tilly and the Buttons book Stretch!
Wild Things dresses – the A line dress
I’ve scaled down my makes recently for an upcoming birthday. Having found Kirsty Hartley’s second book (Wild Things To Make) in a local shop, I decided to begin with a simple A line girl’s dress to begin with.
#sewmystyle – June – Briar Tee
I can’t believe it’s nearly the end of June! I cut out the fabric for June’s make at the very beginning but found myself actually constructing it towards the end of the month, assuming I still had loads of time. This month, it was back to knits.
