Recent makings....

 

 

Using up my Noro stash. Originally I had started a feather and fan knitted Shawl, but was struggling to keep the pattern straight in my head and so I decided to frog it and made this crochet half moon instead. This shawl is going to be a gift as I've found the semi circle shape doesn't sit very well on me. This also means that the Moonlight Garden Shawl I had already started will go in the frog pile. I really do prefer the classic triangle Shawl shape. Regardless of all this, I think this Shawl turned out beautifully and I hope it will be well received. 

 

 

Leo was invited to his first birthday party! One of the girls from his class was turning 5 last weekend and had an awesome pool party with all her classmates. It was so much fun and I was so glad to go along with Leo while the three other boys stayed home with Dad. I wasn't totally sure what to buy for a little girl, and in the end I decided to make her this special little doll and necklace pouch. She really loved it and I discovered later that she is definitely a doll/baby kinda kid. I didn't use a pattern but I was heavily inspired by 

these dolls.

 

 

Last but not least, I finished sewing the buttons on Atti's Cardigan. This was his first time trying it on and I was a bit disappointed that the sleeves are a tad short. Being top down, it will be possible for me to undo the cast off and add some more, but I think shorter will be better this winter for my toddler boy. I'll definitely add extra for the following winter. 

** My Ravelry Page **

I have a few more finished objects that are awaiting buttons to be sewn on, I'll share them once there all completed. I've got a few works in progress but I'm taking my time now, I've had some RSI in my elbow and have found that since I've been knitting less this week it had really eased up. 

~~ Shara ~~

Knitting (and reading!)

 

I'm back to monogamous knitting and am powering through all the projects I had recently cast on. It helps that they're mostly kid sized. I made a pair of these overalls in size 18-24 months for Caspian and they're still in good condition, so now Atticus will have 2 pairs for upcoming Autumn/Winter. They're perfect for outdoor play, especially as we can get quite the cold wind up on our mountain. 

It may seem a little silly, but I definitely feel less precious about the handknits for Atticus now that I don't have to "save" them for the next child. I really should never have worried about that type of thing anyway, as I can (and do) always knit more.

Pattern:

High Waisted Baby Overalls

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Chocolate Brown (Thankyou Victoria xx)

Size: 18-24 months

I tried to make a seemingly simple modification, but I miscalculated the leg length and they'll need to be worn with a rolled cuff. No big deal, though. 

----

Miracle of miracles, I've started reading a book! And I've made it through to chapter 4 already.

 

It's no secret that I have struggled with mothering/parenting these last 12 months. Pretty much all of 2016 has been a write off. I must have bought this book in amongst all of that, knowing I needed some help. 

I'm not sure what I expected the book to be about, but it's all about Buddhism (ya think, Shara!!), and how those principles can be applied in your everyday life as a Mum. Now, I'm not Buddhist and I really know nothing about it, but I definitely have been able to glean a lot from the small amount I've already read. In particular, being present in the moment. That's something I'm focussing on for February. 

I'm making up some little cards I can put strategically around the house to give me little visual reminders.

I found this list:

 

So many of these things are hard to say out loud. But I know each and every one of them are true and important. 

Here's to a new year of looking after myself so I can look after them....

~~ Shara ~~

Work in Progress: Kotori Jackets

 

One of my very favourite patterns for kids is the Kotori Jacket. A top down crochet garment that is super quick and easily customisable. You can have short or long sleeves, solid or striped, pockets or not. It's really cute on and works for boys and girls. 

I decided to have a striped yoke and solid body with short sleeves, perfect for our mild winters. I'm making one for Caspian (black) and one for Atticus (natural). I'll add wooden buttons once I'm done. 

Pattern: Kotori Jacket by Shara Lambeth 

Yarn: mixed colours and Bendigo Rustic (Cinder & Linen)

Size: 18 months & 3 years

They are so quick, I took this photo this morning and I'm already finished the light coloured one (except for buttons and sewing in ends!)

~~ Shara ~~

Create: Pinwheels

It seems pinwheels are having a moment in my creative life! 

 

 

 

For the knitted versions, I'm using a free pattern from Knitpicks called Pinwheel Dishcloth.

I cast on 28 st on a 4.5mm needle. I'm using DK and worsted as well as fingering weight held double. 

One blanket will be all neutrals and the other, all colourful. I'm not purchasing any wool for these blankets, using up scraps and stash. It takes around 12g per triangle wedge. 

~~

For quilting tutorials, I really love the Missouri Star Quilt Co on YouTube. I'm using a layer cake by Moda. It's Momo Flying Colours. And my neutral fabric is an off white with metallic gold stars from the Spotlight Christmas line. I'm going to quilt each square individually and then join them together. I'll be using the instructions from the book Quilt As You Go Made Modern. 

~~ 

These three projects are on the long term list and I'm just doing a bit here and there, almost as a palette cleanser between other finished projects. 

~~ Shara ~~

Create: Classic Stripes

I cannot believe I've started and finished another Shawl this month! I'm enjoying being a monogamous knitter so much. I'm able to concentrate more and instead of trying to figure out what I'll work on (and wasting valuable knitting time), I can just pick up my project bag and get going. 

I cast on this Shawl on the 10th, so I could take it away on holidays (we spent a week at the beach in northern New South Wales). I was able to work on it a bit each day and the simple knits and purls with colour changes was perfect for my relaxed holiday mode.

Here are the details:

Name: Roo Shawl

Designer: Nina Machlin Dayton

Yarn: Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4 ply in Black & Cream

Available: for purchase on Ravelry.

 

 

 

 

 

Again, I used the line blocking method with great success.  

 

I can definitely see this getting a lot of use, as it will go well with almost any outfit.

~~ Shara ~~

 

Create: Strata Shawl

 

 

 

 

Strata Shawl designed by SharaDesigns (Ravelry)

O-Wool Legacy DK (now discontinued) in Saffron

A newly released pattern by a very talented woman, also named Shara. I joined in with the Knit-a-Long for October and surprised myself by completing the Shawl in 6 days! I can't remember the last time I knit on one project only until it was done. 

I'd had this yarn in stash for so long and knew as soon as I saw the pattern on Shara's YouTube podcast (What Shara Made), that they would be well suited to each other. 

I also tried a new blocking technique that I heard about on the Little Yellow Uke Crafts podcast (also on YouTube). After soaking the Shawl, and then squeezing some of the water out, I used a lot of pegs to hang it carefully on the clothes line. I put about 6 pegs on the point and along with the weight of the water left in the Shawl, meant that it blocked out beautifully. It also dried super fast out in the spring sunshine. Much easier and more efficient then trying to keep my kids away from it for days when I flat block downstairs.

~~ Shara~~ 

Create: Comfy Jumper

 

 

 

I'm not sure if any of you have come across a knitwear brand called Babaa, but I follow their feed on Instagram, purely for the inspiration. All of their designs are so simple and dare I say "basic", but they really appeal to my ideas of "simplicity" for our family wardrobe. 

The price tag doesn't match my ideas though! Lucky for me I can spin my own interpretations and come up with something similar. 

I had already purchased this Beige Dk Pure Wool for the purpose of making a basic pullover for Caspian, when I saw one of my "inspiration" pieces on Instagram. A light coloured marled yarn with vibrant neck, cuffs and band. I decided to omit the coloured sections and found a 2 ply cotton thread in cream in my stash. 

Holding the Beige and Cream double I cast on for a basic top down pullover, with the intention of 3/4 sleeves for ease of toddler play. The knitting itself zoomed by and before I knew it I had only one sleeve to go. Something didn't seem quite right though, and even though I had wanted a "roomy" fit, it seemed much bigger than I had intended.

So I let it sit for a while and then I realised that for some reason I had cast on an extra 15 stitches in the underarm section when I separated the sleeves. Now, the body had an extra 30! stitches and each sleeve had an extra 15. Hmmmm. 

I let it sit for a while longer, thinking I would just pull it all back to where the sleeves had been put on scraps and go again. It had been a quick knit after all. 

Eventually I decided to get Caspian to try it on for size. Funnily enough, even though it looked as if it might swamp him, it actually fit pretty well, keeping in mind we are entering our hottest months and he won't actually wear it till around May 2017. 

I kept going, finishing the sleeve and weaving in all the ends in an evening. 

Now it's folded up and tucked away in our woolies box for next year. I love knowing I'm a teensy bit more organised!

Happy Knitting! 

~~ Shara ~~

Create: Nordic Wind

 

 

 

Nordic Wind by CabinFour (Ravelry)

I used:

Bendigo Woollen Mills Rustic 8ply Cinder Fleck

Knitpicks City Tweed DK Reindeer

Knitpicks City Tweed DK Orca

Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Linen Fleck

I followed the pattern as written but added 2 inches to each section (adding 8 inches in total to the finished depth)

Some time ago, in my plans to simplify (everything!), I decided to come up with a colour palette of sorts to help me when choosing clothes/fabrics/yarns. I was spending too much time trying to get an outfit that somewhat went together. To do this I set myself up a board on Pinterest and collated images and colour stories that felt cohesive. Think greys, navy blue, creams, olive green, black etc. 

I've applied it to almost every aspect of our life and finally I feel like the vision I've always had in my head is starting to become the reality. Instead of being overwhelmed at a fabric stash full of colours I'd never use or knitted accessories that I love but are way to "out there",  I can shop more thoughtfully and not waste anymore time or money. Of course there'll still be pops of colour, to keep things interesting!

I feel this shawl is a step in the right direction. Classicly designed with simple colours that will suit at any time. 

~ Shara ~

Create: Handknit Cardigan

As much as I am committed to making what I can of my children's clothes as possible, I've really had to reevaluate the amount of time it takes me each year to produce enough for 4 boys. Especially as they grow bigger and knitted items begin to take a considerable amount of time. 

I had purchased this cardigan pattern some time ago and while perusing patterns earlier this year, with the intention of finding something that would give a classic look along with many years of wearability, I decided that the School Cardigan by Georgie Nicholson would definitely fit my requirements. 

Knit entirely in rib, it has an enormous amount of stretch. A top down construction means I could definitely add some length if necessary, particularly for Roman who is shooting upwards at an alarming rate! The pattern also goes right up to 14 years, which is such a bonus and great value for money. 

Before I had even decided on a pattern, Roman had pointed out this red wool in my stash as his pick for a jumper (Sweater/Pullover). It's my favourite "Brick" red from Bendigo Woolen Mill in their DK/8ply Luxury range. 

I've decided to knit one for each of my boys before next Winter (I've got a whole year!) which will hopefully mean I'll get a couple of years break before needing to knit any more jumpers. Sounds like a good plan to me. 

I'm so glad I started with the biggest one first, because golly, all. that. ribbing! Not to mention raglan shaping within the ribbing.... But I suppose it's all going to get quicker from here.

 

 

 

I'm absolutely happy to recommend this pattern. A large range of sizes, very clear instructions and perfect for girls and boys. 

Happy knitting! 

~ Shara ~

Making, recently...

High Waisted Baby Overalls by Abby Belnap

Milo Vest & some fabric for pants.

Wet felted eggs.

The beginnings of Leo's birthday vest.

Watercolour painting by me. I'm really loving the book Nature Anatomy.

Roman is enjoying it too!

---

As we gently move into Autumn, I'm spending much time preparing our nest. Lots of clearing out and re-evaluating less used items. Moving things to different parts of our home to create different flows of activity. 

Wondering if I'm brave enough to start moving on baby clothes that are taking up storage space!?

I've been to a Shamanic Drum making weekend and the big boys have been attending a 2 week mosaic class. It's been wonderful to ease back into activities now that Atticus is not so little. 

I've got plans for some simple quilts and winter clothes for the kids. Must clean off my sewing table!

Romans 8th birthday is in 10 days, I'm feeling prepared already which is nice. He wants to meet up with friends at the park and have a Pokemon cake! 

February 1st

Pattern: Prim by Andrea Mowry

Yarn: O-Wool Local in Fringetree

I think next I'll make the Quadri hat and then Sodermalm. Knitting hats is so fun and quickly gratifying.

xx

January 26th

A crochet jumper how-to!

I'm assuming a general knowledge of crochet terms, including a basic granny square. YouTube is a great resource if you want to learn! 

Start by crocheting two granny squares. You'll want these to be large enough that they'll go past the shoulders when you hold it up against the child. 

This will ensure that it will be roomy once you've seamed the side up. Do an extra round just to be sure!

Next, crochet another two granny squares, slightly smaller than your front and back pieces. These will be the sleeves.

Now, we'll attach the shoulders using either single crochet, slip stitches or sew them up with wool & a tapestry needle.

Make sure you leave a decent hole for a head. You can always sew up more if it's too gapey, or even attach buttons to fasten once it's on.

When your done, lay the piece out with the seams down. Right side up.

Take one of your sleeve squares, and find the centre of one side. Line it up with the centre shoulder seam. Keeping it lined up, lay it right side to right side.

Again using your chosen method of seaming, and keeping the centre points lined up (you could pin if you want), go ahead and seam the sleeve to the body. 

Do the same for the other side.

You should now have a piece that looks like this.

Yay! Almost done!

Next, single crochet around the sleeve cuff, joining with a slip stitch in the beginning single crochet. Holding the sleeve seam together, single crochet along through both sides (joining them) towards the underarm. Continue down the side of the body. Fasten off and cut your wool.

Repeat for the other side.

Weave in all your ends and voila! A super thick & warm jumper with a 70's vibe! 

It's summer right now, so I made mine quite generous, it will fit perfectly in around 3 months!! 

I used worsted weight wool scraps and a 4mm hook. I think a single crochet is a double crochet in the US! 

Here's one I made last year for Caspian.

If you've got any questions leave them in the comments!

xx Shara