Stripey knits for boys :: Knitting ::

Today my baby is one, and instead of having a family celebration, Mr MiH and I have to leave Baby MiH with his grandparents for the weekend, because today we cannot pretend that everything is normal. I knitted a jumper for Little Baby MiH - and yes it is too small for him (I checked against his other jumpers, definitely too small). But I had to finish this jumper. I started it when we left for the hospital, not because I wanted to keep him with me, but just because I never thought he would leave us. And of course he has not left us as I explained to Baby MiH, he would always be there, but not with us. So we say goodnight to him every night. 

I am not going to talk too much about the jumper. It was inspired by this jumper construction. I wanted stripes (and finish some ethical yarn I had) and some texture. This jumper has both. I love the results, I hate the way I knitted it. Thankfully it is not an adult size jumper, otherwise I would not have finished it.   

I do hope one day this will turn into a pattern, it would be nice to think that something concrete was inspired by Little Baby MiH. For the time being, I am going to leave this jumper for a bit, and come back to it once I learn a bit more about raglan shaping and probably also about writing proper patterns.. 

I am not sure how much to share about our story, but through knitting and sewing stories I am able to share a bit and celebrate that he was with us and inspired me. 

Geometrics | A Finish {Quilting}

Last week I talked about my inspiration for new cushion covers, and also the colour schemes I was considerng. In the end I could not choose, and made two covers in each of the colour scheme - a bit his and hers, but hopefully not too much. I managed to clear some fabric, and I love them! Also it was an opportunity to use some paper piecing - a technique I don't use that much but should because I really like the result you get.

Of course, one is cover is very close to the inspiration colour scheme, so I knew I would like it, but to see it for real is even better. It is really my style, but also really summery and I don't have so many things that bring summer instantly in the house. 

I am not sure whether this is the easiest way to do it, but I used the paper piecing method - I think the result is quite neat, especially for the middle colour.

It took me an hour to make one cover, because this method saved me some time by not having to cut the pieces to size and pattern. To make the cover, I added another background layer of cream fabric, because of the destash the quality of the fabrics were not consistent and I wanted to make sure that it did not show at the back.

 

The fabrics in block colours are probably from Kona Solids (or you can find equivalent in the Kona range), the blue stripey one is Leah Duncan that I had already used here and here (I don't think you can find her Maya range anymore, so I am using my remaining bit of fabrics carefully!).

In the second cushion cover, the stripey fabric is from a shirt I used to wear (well in fact it used to be my Mum's) - so I also managed some upcycling.

I am happy with both colour schemes, not sure which one I like best, the covers are so different. If you would like the measurements I used, get in touch I can send you the file I made. 

If all my destashing projects go like this one, this is going to be really fun!

Happy 4th July to the American bloggers, I hope you are all having a great day!

Linking up to TGIFF over at Quokka Quilts and Crazy Mom Quilts! 

More of Stripes {In Search of Inspiration}

Maybe the inspiration for your Nettie? Picture link

Stripey stripes... Oh I love them and hate them (because of the idea deep into my conscious that stripes make you look fat - and well at the moment, this is the last thing I want to do!). I have ventured in wearing stripes recently - but not that much. However I am attracted by them, no doubt - they are so versatile.

Picture here

Stripes can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal - and then you can mixed it up all together. Such a simple shape, so many possibilities. 

DIY from Paper & Stitch

Picture

And let's talk about stripes and neon - I do love that idea... 

scarf from here and jumper from here

Or to add a vintage feel to your projects...

Painted staircase

Knitting pattern for these dishtowels

blanket

I now know I need more stripes in my life...

Nautical Scrappy Stripes | Le Challenge {Quilting}

Oh! I am so excited about my stripes entry! Let me tell you it was hard to part with it, because this is a birthday present given at the beginning of the month. 

I did not want to knit another beanie hat for this birthday, so each present made is different. I had not seen the birthday boy for a while, but his Dad is much taller than Mr MiH (who is already 6'2) so I was not going to venture into making clothes. However I thought it would be nice to make something for his room, that hopefully he would keep for a while - not unlike the presents Lucy makes for birthdays. The theme I was given was nautical - with light blue, red and white accents. 

It was a great break from Christmas makes - and an opportunity to make the most of my stash!

Stripes really suited the nautical theme. And suddenly scrappy stripes came into my mind - and I just knew I was on the right path. It was easier to adjust the white and red accents - I am definitely an 'organised scrap' convert. It is also a great way to use my Creative Thursday fabrics (how cute is those little rabbits!). 

I wanted also to add something more specific for this birthday. I considered adding the name of the birthday boy, but I did not think it was really 'nautical' - not as much as a number is. 

I printed the 1 in the circle on golden threads quilting paper and machine quilted around the 1 and the circle and added some embroidery to make it pop.

I did not really quilt the cushion cover. I only stitched in the ditch between the white fabric section and the scrappy section. 

I bought the back fabric for this project as I like to have matching fabric for cushion covers (like for the Happy Feet! cushion). I used the Sew Mama Sew tutorial for the zipper. 

And here we are a birthday present for a super cute little boy!

And my first entry to le challenge that was made AGES before the actual deadline - oh, it feels good to be organised!

For all the other stripes entry, go over to le challenge. Do join the fun for a chance to win a $25 at the Fat Quarter Shop (open until November 16 at 11am UK time). 

Cooters End Lane

Mixing (my) handmade and high street... 

Wearing: Top, Made in Home (blogged here); Bag, Made in Home (not blogged yet); Scarf: Accessorize; Jeans: New Look: Sunglasses bought in France 

Breton butterfly top {Le Challenge #3}

Here is my take on this month's theme - maritime - a feminine version of the Breton top. The pattern is from a Japanese book in French. Although as with other Japanese sewing books, the information is minimal, and relies on very good diagrams. I managed to make one so I am sure you can too. 

I did make a quick muslin first - to understand the construction, but also check the length of it. It seemed to be on the short side in the pictures. I am glad I made a muslin, I found out that the sleeves were a bit large, and that I wanted a bit more room in the body of the top.  

Pattern: C-Top from Exclusivement Feminin

Fabric: lightweight jersey (from my local John Lewis in Welwyn Garden City)

I did not change much. I made the size L (I am a size 12/14 in the UK, EU42). I added 1 cm to the seam allowance, I added 2 cm to the length seam allowance, and I did not use any seam allowance for the sleeves (to make them slightly shorter). However I reduced the 'larger' size at the end after trying the top a few times.  The neckline is therefore a bit deeper than it would have been. 

The neckline is made according to the pattern, but it was really fiddly. Next time I will change the way I do it. 

The seams are red, adding a bit of fun. You also see the seams of the butterfly sleeves when you wear it so it was worth thinking about the seams. 

It took no time at all in the end - which I am still surprised at considering it looks quite complicated. It is a great top for the summer - and is that little bit more dressy than my usual Tshirts. 

Next time, I will probably not go for stripes, the matching is quite complicated - especially if you keep decreasing the size. At least these were small stripes and to a certain extent I think it matters less (or so I am telling myself)... 

TIB Review {Knitting}

I have started knitting for Baby MiH - of course I knitted the Lutin hat - but now we are talking proper clothes knitting. I had to take the plunge after seeing him in his Debbie Bliss duffel coat. It was also the opportunity to review some of the baby knitting books I bought. And I think I found my favourite - Tricots intemporels pour bebes, by Astrid Le Provost - who is also the talented woman behind Citronille patterns (the website is in both French and English). 

I started by the brassiere raglan (I have some cute teddy bear buttons arriving soon!). It was also an opportunity to de-stash some sock yarn (as I don't actually knit any socks, I had to use it for something else). 

  

I am knitting in 3mm, which is rather small for me but I think I can handle it considering Baby MiH size. I have made a couple of modifications already - ribbing edge and stripes (inspired by this one). There are some other projects in the book that are just too cute - classy and timeless (well intemporels, like the name of the book suggests)

My first ever jumper for Baby MiH, so far so good. 

But I am dreading the construction already - some serious internet research will have to happen!