Multiple Makings

The long weekend just past afforded me time, wonderful unhurried time, to work on some small craft projects that have been waiting...and waiting...for me to pick them up and finish them off! 

Topping my list of crafty goodness was a new top. As part of my plan to make any new clothes I want this year, I decided back in January to sew this top. Now, it is the end of March and it's finally finished. It's the first garment I've sewn for myself in a very long while and, although I experienced much frustration (especially with the sleeves) I am a very happy almost-beginner. I really love the lightweight cotton fabric and the little triangles of colour sprinkled across it like geometric gems. Given how warm it's been, I expect I'll be able to wear it well into Autumn before I need to throw a cardigan on over the top of it.

 My new top:  a Grainline Studio Scout Tee.

On my knitting needles, I cast off one washcloth and began another. I'm using the same cotton but different patterns with the second one being knitted on the diagonal. I love the flecks of blue, yellow and green in the otherwise crisp, white cotton. These are for replenishing my stash of little gifts that I like to have on hand throughout the year. Having such a stash saves money especially because it minimises last minute gift buying.

Two washcloths. One finished and another on the needles.

Another repurposed flour bag was a quick sew. I have never grown hollyhocks but from this embroidery I can see what a majestic flowering spike they have. The flowery backing fabric is from an old vintage top that I picked up at an op-shop for next to nothing. Too small for me to wear but I couldn't go past its sprays of cottagy flowers. This will go into my gift stash too and I can imagine putting a washcloth and some lovely scented soap inside for a birthday recipient. No wrapping paper required!

A sweet gift bag.

The ends of a simple seed stitch scarf were finally sewn in too so it is ready now for a friend's birthday when that rolls around. The beautiful and subtle blue, called Mercy, is from the now discontinued Ecoyarns organic cotton Virtues range. I think its light weight and colour are perfect for the mild Winters we experience here in my sub-tropical part of the world.

Simple seed stitch scarf and our last Summer sunflower bloom.

After so much making, one would think I would feel somewhat tired. But, I feel quite energised at having completed a few projects and grateful for the time and space I had to spend knitting and sewing. So much so that I've decided on my next project...a skirt!

Pattern and fabric for my next sewing project.

I hope you had time for projects of your own over the long weekend.

Meg

p.s. The pattern for the the completed washcloth is from here and the pattern for the washcloth knitted on the diagonal is here.