Hat and glove and I sold a bag!

I have knitted a multi coloured hat using acrylic Stylecraft yarn. I used my new circular needles and for a few rows from the end I changed to smaller lengths dpns which were much easier to use. For this hat I used two strands as I thought the last hat was a little too flimsy looking. I also made one right hand fingerless glove using a free pattern from the web. I find sometimes knitting is a trial and error and the more I progress with a pattern the better I get. I would like to knit matching sets, hats gloves and scarves if I have the time. I sold my knitted tote bag from my Etsy shop this week! It will soon be making its way to Tucson AZ USA

Grey Beanie

Here is the grey beanie with a rolled brim I just finished though it's actually a parchment colour, it looks like grey to me. I used a double knit acrylic by Stylecraft and I knitted this on circular needles, it is the first time I have knitted with them. I tried a longer pair I had first, but of course far too long for the amount of stitches. I then bought a smaller pair which were very easy to use and as the stitches decreased I switched to double pointed needles. I had not used them before and I found them awkward I will buy smaller lengths for next time!

 I am pleased with this hat, now on to the next one!

image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.

Beanie

I bought acrylic yarn by Stylecraft in various colours to make hats for Christmas gifts. I chose pink and blue for the first hat. I think it came out okay. I used single crochet throughout then picking up alternately the front and back stitches to make the rib. I will make a grey hat next. I don't usually use greys and browns then I saw the various colour shades and thought I'd like to try them together, a rich tonal effect!

image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.

I made quilt block today and wrote a guest blog post

image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.

This is another block I made today to add to my new quilt.


I was asked by Angel Andrew whom I met on LinkedIn to write a guest blog post this is it.
  Why I enjoy working from home. 

Crafty Bags' photostream

Crafty Bags' photostream on Flickr.

Quilt Blocks

 I am making my first quilt with nine patch blocks.
 I have made four corners blocks in pink and green and a middle with yellows and patterns.   

I have Aunty Eliza's star blocks of four for the middle.  

I will probably do a nine patch and Shoo Fly for the top, bottom and sides with more colours that match.  

I am waiting to for the quilting foot I ordered then I will start practicing quilting. I have wadding I just need to get material for the back.

I chose pink for the quilting thread as I have pinks and other bright colours, now I wonder if I should have chosen white, cream or grey as that is it seems the preferred colour for quilters? There are a lot of colours to choose from too!

image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.  

How I learnt to sew and a short bio

I first started to use a sewing machine when I left school at the age of 15.

I thought, I'd like to go to college learn typing work, in an office and become a secretary. Then I met a friend, she said enthusiastically "You should work in the bra factory they are looking for workers get a job there I have" So as I had nothing planned at that time I did!

 It was a big factory with rows of machines each with their own table big cotton reels and a big treadle which you put both feet on to machine. I did find that a challenge at first but soon it became second nature. There was one week of training to use the machine and there a switch to turn the machine on and off.

I was taught to make bra cups with bundles of linings top and bottom pieces. I learnt to pick these up quickly and stitch around carefully. They'd fall into a crate I'd pull them back and stitch across the middle. I made maternity cups the bottom cup slightly padded, the top a stiffer material and pretty cotton cups. It was interesting seeing other machinists one with a twin needle machine adding bias along the bras edges. I tried the overlocker which was quite fast this was used for making bathing suits.

After 3 years I went to work in another sewing factory, making track suits. I learnt to make the whole jacket first making the collar, adding the zip then stitching down the fronts, attaching the collar and a  label then stitching that down. I made two types of jacket one cotton with a short round collar in colours green and red and bri-nylon with a wider collar in colours red and blue with a white stripe. I  met some interesting people and at tea break we would buy snacks and beverages from the food trolley turn our chairs around to chat.

After another 3 years I decided to see more of the world. I went on a two week holiday to Greece in a Ford Transit with people my age. It took three days, stopping for short breaks along the way. After that as jobs were plentiful I took other work as it came - in Woolworths on various counters - helping to make televisions - a spell as a chamber maid living in and a seasonal job a chalet maid at Butlins in Filey Yorkshire, that was good fun with lots to see and entertainments there.

I married at 30 and had two daughters right away with 16 months between them. The first daughter has become a doctor and the second a beautician with office skills she is making a website. I am proud of them both.

I didn't learn typing but I did learn computing, taking exams and other evening classes such as art and  art and design. I put my sewing skills to good use as now I make bags and other crafty things  including home wares, cushions, rugs and  throws which I sell in my Folksy Shop Crafty Bags

 I like learning new skills such as quilting and weaving, adding more crafts to my shop, so hopefully there will always be something new to see and buy!