Well, somebody hand made it (even if it wasn't me!)

Yesterday I wore a beautiful hand-knitted cardigan to the Tuesday group. I wore it because it is very warm and very comfortable.

But here is the confession: I did not make it.

However, I did rescue it from the charity shop, where it was languishing, crushed up in the rails, filthy and smelly, and very much unloved.

I don't want to think about why it ended up in the charity shop, as I am quite sure that the person who made it with so much skill and love would not have parted with it lightly, and if it had been made as a gift then I am equally sure the recipient would have wanted to keep it forever. So that leaves the likely explanation that the owner no longer walks this earth.

I am surprisingly alright with the idea of wearing a dead woman's jumper (ha, things you never think you will hear yourself say!). Should there be a big stigma about the possessions of the dead? What a waste it would be if everything you owned was destroyed when you passed away?

As I mentioned, the jumper was filthy, and I asked advice on ravelry about how to wash it. I had heard of no-rinse hand washing formulas, but it was reassuring to have them recommended to me by those in the know.

The jumper took two washes, during which the not unpleasant smell of wet sheep pervaded the house, and indeed continued to do so until the jumper dried, the best part of a week later.

Coincidentally, my friend was wearing a jumper in a similar style, and she mentioned that the knit stitches used have a meaning and a symbolism... if you know how to read them. Alas I do not, but that is just another mystery which the wonderful art of knitting will have to reveal to me in the fulness of time.

The Canterbury Trot

My poor neglected blog!

It's sometimes difficult to find a good level of intimacy with my lovely readers: if things are going well I don't wish to prattle on about them and seem smug, and if things are more difficult I don't wish to moan.

But here is a little adventure I can share with you: last Wednesday I went to the new Yarn Club Social Knit, Stitch & Crochet, in its gorgeous rural location.

I extracted my bike from the cobwebs and saddled up. The way was further than I remembered, but I did not mind, as it was so refreshing to be out in the countryside. I had wonderful encounters with ducks, herons, magpies, and cattle, and despite it being a grey day I arrived feeling uplifted.

I must remember to wear two pairs of socks next time, as it is the sort of building where the cold seeps through the floor, but I have found a great pattern for some aptly-named leg warmers on Ravelry and this seems like as good an excuse as any to make them.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/some-cloudy-day

J. told me a while ago that I looked like an apache when I was riding my bike, with my hair streaming behind me as I crossed a grassy field. This is just how I felt as I made my way back to the city. I am not a horsewoman, but I image that a good cycle feels a little like an invigorating canter. I didn't even mind when mud splashed up onto my face... although I did get a few strange looks!

Disappointments and Social Crafting

Strange things have happened this week, nothing world-rocking, but things that have left me feeling underwhelmed with my fellow human beings: a let down, a theft, a few more let downs, a bad cheque that someone wrote me... you get the idea I'm sure. 

Yet, I have been consoled as ever by my wonderful nearest and dearest, and my lovely cat. I have also really enjoyed the company of other women at the 'Knit & Natter' and the 'Stitch & Knit', where we have bonded over our crafts and vented our frustrations. Or maybe it was just me venting my frustrations! They are both such lovely groups of women which is a real blessing.  

When the sun showed up for five minutes this evening I wandered into the garden, braving the still Arctic winds, and had a look at these three faces. They're a diverse bunch from around the globe, and yet they seem at home in each other's company. Yet, they are all masculine, and in honour of the feminine creative spirit I think I need to find a mermaid or something to sit out there with them. 

I decided to run some craft classes from my garden over the summer, which was a really positive and exciting step.

Another Beautiful Day, & Handmade Me #2

Once again today I thanked whatever it is that gave me the fortune to have been born and raised in this beautiful part of the world, not to mention having the senses to be able to drink it all in, and the mobility to wander through this landscape in a reverie. We visited another favourite haunt, with wonderful wild fowl and luxurious gardens. I was excited to meet this little chap pictured above amongst the blossoms. A brush with a curry plant inspired us to come home and get cooking. 

It was also the first outing for the jumper I made a few weeks ago, although I have to admit I needed my duffle coat over it in the arctic wind! I am pleased though, as it was comfortable and takes me on another step towards operation 'Handmade Me'

Life Lines and Learning

Although my background is in mainly in sewing, I have become very excited by knitting and crochet in recent times. Today I took advantage of the quiet house and indulged in these passions. 

Part of the appeal of these newer skills is that I feel like I am learning all of the time that I do them, especially so with knitting. I have a little lacy project in alpaca on the go at the moment (amongst my many, many current projects), but I can only do it when I am feeling fresh and focussed as I make mistakes so easily. Happily a lovely friend recently introduced me to the concept of 'lifelines' in knitting, and I have begun to make use of them. What I once regarded as almost the dark art of making something stunning from two sticks and a ball of string still foxes me from time to time!

This is another of my ongoing projects. It started life as just some samples to accompany my teaching, but it seemed pointless just to make squares to no end, and so eventually it will be a throw. This is barely a quarter of the squares I need. The colours and patterns look unbalanced and disparate as yet, but I think it will come together. And if not it will just be a ramshackle throw, reflecting my journey, each stitch a little part of my life.

But, it was against this background today that I received some sad, and yet not unexpected news. Immediately a recently viewed clip of George Harrison (one of my heroes) remarking how "life carries on within you and without you" came to mind.

It seemed an appropriate day to be musing on lifelines and learning. 

Holiday Week

This week has been exceptionally enjoyable: from the Kaffe Fassett exhibition in the big city, to some time at our favourite local seaside town, to a spot of kite flying, to bonding over a dvd... let me try to take you through some highlights

On our day in London the first stop was the Fashion & Textiles Museum in Bermondsey to see this bijou exhibition of the work of Kaffe Fassett. Packed into the small galleries was a riot of colour, from his drawings, through mosaic-ed pottery, to tapestries, quilts, and of course fabulous knitwear. It was a real holiday for the senses, and an uplifting experience which refreshed our lust for life. 

I have a real love of blue, and blue and white ceramics especially, and so the pottery-inspired elements were of particular interest to me, as was the touchy-feely sensory wall.

After the rich experience of the exhibition we were refreshed by lovely Bermondsey, followed by a long walk across Tower Bridge and all the way to the National Gallery where we hoped to take one of the free tours they offer. Unfortunately so many other people had the same idea that we decided to wander around the Impressionist works, and then to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Native American Indian portraits. They were very vivid and had a real immediacy to them, perhaps because the artist knew he was documenting a culture which was sadly on the wain.

Later in the week we visited the seaside, and the highlight of that day is definitely summed up by this glorious image. How lucky we are! We had to top that day off with fish and chips, surely it would have been some sort of crime not to? 

Hand Made Me

I am gradually trying to phase out elements of my wardrobe (the mass-produced, bargain basement, cheaply made elements), and switch to a capsule wardrobe of clothes which fulfil strict criteria: they have to be things I just love and cannot bear to part with, vintage clothes, or things I have made for myself.

This is part of my one-woman rebellion against the exploitation and tyranny of fast, cheap fashion. We have seen a swing towards 'slow food' over the last few years, why not 'slow fashion'? Sadly, the regular stream of unhappy news from the factories of the developing world just reinforces my beliefs that there is a price for clothing, and if we are not paying that price here in our stores, then it is likely that somebody else is paying in another way.

I will have to make exceptions I suppose: I don't sew jersey, so if I ever run out of T-shirts I may have problems. Having said that, I have a collection of rock T-shirts, both from gigs I have been to and vintage finds. Some musicians even make sure their merchandise is organic and ethical- kudos to them!- so I suppose I could buy those ones guilt free. I also don't make certain undergarments, but on the other hand I have a drawer full so it is unlikely I will run out of them soon. Swimwear and gym stuff could also pose problems,  as could tights...

Still, there are plenty of things which I can make: skirts, dresses & blouses for example. And it is these to which I am turning my attention now. Pictured are some of the gorgeous fabrics from my stash which I have begun to use. I love the summer, so light skirts are an absolute pleasure to make. Pictures coming soon I hope...

A Journey

Many apologies, lovely blog readers, for the gap between posts! I won't bore you with a complete resumé of what I have been up to, but I will tell you briefly that I have been busy designing and sewing things, as well as working on my knitting and crochet projects, devising and delivering my teaching, planning some events, and even managed to squeeze in a rarer few days away: I was pleased to be invited to attend a wedding at the other end of the country. I jumped at the chance to visit relatives there, and see that beautiful part of the world. I travelled by train which was also a rare treat. 

There is something about a desolate coastline... I plan to get myself a tiny cottage, in which to be crafty, on a windswept cliff when I am old and decrepit.

I came across this fabulous installation on my travels. Books are magical things by themselves, but to see so many sculpted into this beautiful curve, piled high in this tantalising way and dramatically lit was really stunning.

Wheels Turning

A Sleepy Cat, to make you go 'aw!'

Well, miraculously after just two days of spring, summer is here. 

This week I have been cycling quite a bit and I just love it. My trusty two-wheeled steed has been with me for many years, and doesn't fail to make me feel good when I am zooming along.

I have spent a lot of time today achieving not very much, so just a short blog today. I am hoping the urge to make beautiful summery skirts will motivate me to get on with the jobs... I am just loving this 50's trend! 

Cloth Memories

In honour of the spring-like weather, today I dug out this unfinished project.

It is still unfinished, I have to admit, but it now just needs a quick hem whizzed round it, and some interesting buttons on the contrasting panel.

I have a favourite holiday top, or at least I did have until it died after one trip. I can tell you so much about that top: I bought it in Whistles in Covent Garden (I don't even shop there, it was just a coincidence); I took it on this holiday; I wore it on the day that funny thing happened and on the walk to that special place... It's amazing how many memories were wrapped up with just one item of clothing. So, when it died I felt compelled to re-create it.

That was two years ago, and because I haven't been anywhere really hot in that period completing the top just did not seem a priority.

Well, today big strides were taken towards having it ready to wear. Could this signify that it's time for a sunny holiday...?

Turn Again

A photo today of a gorgeous artefact which has been dwelling here in the town where I live without me  ever knowing about it. It's so surprising (not to mention pleasing) to me sometimes when things crop up when they are good and ready! This is Elizabethan, no less, and I half wonder why treasures like this don't get shouted about and advertised properly. 

I am also posting it here in honour of the sunshine we have seen this weekend- that has taken it's own sweet time to crop up too, let me tell you! But seeing as it is wonderful flowers and foliage depicted here I felt it was appropriate for Spring. Fresh laundry has been offered up to the sun at the end of my garden, ice creams have been eaten, thermals have been tentatively removed, and we have stoically ignored the nagging chilly wind. So long as the sun is shining we are uplifted!

Ebb & Flow

Sometimes when I am at a low ebb and things don't seem to be working, I look around at other people, who already appear to have a great big slice of good fortune and success, and wonder why they want more than their already considerable achievements, and how things are working so well for them... and not for me.

Fear not, this is not going to be a long, self-indulgent ramble! Because when this happens (which I assume it does to everyone at times), I check myself and evaluate what I do have and what I have achieved, and am forced to admit I am a very lucky girl. I have health, I have love, I have healthy loved ones, I am valued, I have skills, I have a home, and a cat, I live in a beautiful place, I am my own boss... I have to put a dot-dot-dot because the list is very long and I don't want to get too self-congratulatory on you.

My point is, sometimes days can be a bit crummy, but they can also turn themselves around. Yesterday was one such day: I had completely forgotten that I was destined for a rare night out at a gig, which turned into an excuse to go to Pizza Express, which turned into the chance to support somebody dear to me in visiting their sick relative with them, which all combined to chase away my introspective gloom.

The gig itself was tremendous, and if I can ever work out how to add a 'Musical Moments' tab to my blog I will share a little revue with you.

And if you're having a crummy day, here is a photo I took a couple of years ago on a trip to the coast. I find it a peaceful and calming image, hopefully you will like it too:

Love at First Sip

I took my little trip today on the bus. I haven't needed to use the bus for a while, and I had forgotten the sequence of thoughts that seem to crop up when it is passed due: have I got the time wrong? Have I missed it? Did it drive past me without me noticing? Is it cancelled? How am I going to get there if it never comes? Why is it 90 minutes until the next one...? etc, until: There it is! 

I took the opportunity to have a little look around after my class, and although I did venture into many a charity shop I told myself (as I habitually tell myself) that I was not going to buy anything. Usually I am pretty well disciplined: my house is small, my wool stash is growing, and my fabric stash is huge. This is partly because I both work with fabric and trade in it. And partly, of course, because I am hopelessly, unashamedly and gloriously hooked. 

However, in one of the first shops I went in I spied these beauties and it was love at first sight. I don't even tend to drink tea from posh cups, and I certainly don't have anywhere to keep them, and I knew all this as I took them to the till... but somehow I could not leave my set of four new folky cups in the shop! 

Love at first sight, just like in the picture!

Tuesdays I go to 'Knit & Natter'. It's turning into a really thriving group with a great diversity of women knitters. We have yet to attract a man-knitter, but I am confident that we will in time. I have started some easy knitting so that I can do it when I want to 'Natter', or for when I am tired at home and cannot face getting anything large scale out of its home.

I was also given a lovely little gift by one of our ladies. This is her shop: 

http://www.therovingyarn.co.uk

& she gave me a beautiful little set of cable needles. I can't wait to try them when I pick up my difficult knitting again.

I am looking forward to tomorrow as I am travelling to another town by bus to teach some crochet. It is a course I have taught before, so except for refreshing my memory and fine-tuning the concept to my new students it is lovely to know all the preparation is basically done. I am packing my resources and notes into my canvas bag, which is a skills-builder bag I teach on another workshop. I am pleased it is proving so useful!

Stitches old and new

This sad sight got my attention today: a sewing machine in a skip. I was half tempted to climb in and haul it out, but the skip was very deep and well sealed behind fences, and there were small children present so I didn't think it would be a great example to set. I stood, captivated, though for quite a while, wondering... what make was it? How old was it? Did it still work? What had it quietly achieved in it's useful life, what dreams and ideas had it converted to reality? I am not a very habitual picture snapper, but I did get a photo of it- after all I could do little else. But I suppose although I couldn't save the machine at least I have tried to give it a little epitaph.

And on a diametrically opposite subject, I learnt this crochet stitch today. I am following instructions to make a jumper, and I'm so happy that I started it as I just love these Art Nouveau-type loops and I can't wait to finish it and wear it. It's an unusual colour choice for me, so I hope I will like the end result! But it's made from linen, so it should be lovely in the summer or with jeans for in-between days.

Life gives you lemons...

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to visit Mallorca for just a couple of days. 

We were very naughty and scrumped these lemons (saving them from perishing unloved in the grass, we told ourselves). And managed to bring them home in our hand luggage along with some of the beautiful round courgettes they have on the continent. 

There was only one thing for it: today we made our favourite courgette, lemon and poppy-seed cake. 

The Little Jobs

This week, since returning home from a few days away, has been about trying to finish up a lot of little jobs, like sorting out the pockets on my old duffle coat- an ebay purchase which needed quite a bit of love.

I like to work on several ideas at the same time, but I had reached saturation point and felt the need to clear my head (and my workspace!).

Hence, the blog: tadah, another job busted! I have tried to blog in the past, but never been very successful. I am always caught between the desire to keep my life very private and the urge to share my thoughts.

I am going to visit a friend in her new home later. She is super-creative and also a blogger, I may have to ask advice...