Monday, January 25, 2010

Projects that are inspiring me at the moment

I’m really interested in trying a few new projects that I have seen around lately. I’ve bought an electronic copy of Interweave Knits Fall 2009 (mostly because Borders wanted to sell it to me for $22 when I can get it electronically for US$9.99). Rosamund’s Cardigan is tweaking my creative urges and so is the Every Way Wrap, it doesn’t look much in the photo on the website, but after perusing the pattern I can see so many possibilities with this simple rectangle design. I’m even contemplating breaking out the knitting machine for a last hurrah. (Before I sell it off… give it away)

I’ve also just picked up a copy of One more skein which I have had a quick flick through. I wish I had picked it up 11 months ago, as the baby projects are now a little too young for my boy. There is an interesting clutch purse knitted with fabric and chenille called Silk Gelato Clutch. I see some interesting possibilities with using up some of my fabric stash along with the yarn. I’ve seen a lot of denim knitted up but now I am thinking that some pink silk that I have in my stash may be best used on something like this. 

Of course I will have to finish the socks that are on the needles first and I have still to work on my sister’s 30th birthday present from last year.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Re-fashion: singlet top

I’ve been seeing a lot of cute embellished singlet tops around and each time I think to myself that they are so simple and I should try my hand at doing one. I have tons of notions: ribbon, braids, beads, etc., that I can try out. So the other night I got inspired and pulled a few singlets from my wardrobe cull. I was going to send them to the charity shop so I would lose nothing by trying to be creative with these tops.

Here is the first refashion.

Laying up the design Testing out the design

I was really happy with the way the ribbon pleated over the shoulder and the addition of the lace trim to the neckline. I’ve since removed the lace on the bottom of the singlet as it was giving me too much tutu attitude and flaring the hips.

Here is the second style attempt. In the end I didn’t add so many ribbons down the right hand side, but I did throw in some vintage buttons.

Before - plain singlet top  WIP - embellishments laid on 

I’m really happy with way the lace corsage ended up on the shoulder but disappointed with the ribbon stripes.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Re-fashion: jeans

I’ve done another cull of my wardrobe and found 2 pair of jeans that I really like but they don’t suit my figure so I decided to make them into some skirts.

Re-fashion in progress

Here is a beaded pair of jeans that I have turned into a below the knee skirt, it is A-line and asymmetrical. I have a half leg leftover with some nice embroidery that I think that I will turn into a bag of some kind.

These jeans have only been worn once. They are stretch and way to long and baggy in the crotch. There is nothing worse than a pair of jeans that sag in the crotch and you are forever having to hitch up. So problem solved – take out the crotch! I’ve worn it three times in the last 2 weeks. It is now my favourite summer skirt.

Thursday, January 14, 2010