As promised

A few pics of what I've been doing knitting and sewing wise...

Haven scarf from Kim Hargreaves' Heartfelt book. I used this one skein of cashmere I got when we were in Denmark a couple of years ago. It's so soft. More pics on flickr.

A stack of cushions using fabric from our last Japan trip. More pics on flickr.

I'm also making this jumper modified from a pattern in an old Rebecca magazine. Except I kind of ran out of yarn when I got to the sleeves and will probably have to make it a short-sleeve top (which is pretty impractical). Anyone with random balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in colour 300604 please contact me. Although since it's long discontinued I don't have high hopes.

There's something about the DB Cashmerino range that I find really appealing in a ball, but when it's made into a garment I just don't love it. And it pills.

I did really enjoy the stitch pattern, which is probably why I stubbornly ploughed on even though I knew I didn't have enough yarn.

Fabric Love

Here's something to brighten your day...

Fabrics from our Japan trip.

I'm thinking a few tops, dresses, cushions and lots and lots of bags.

I just need to learn to sew.

Scary Softies

Another diversion from my Dad's v-neck...

I used a pattern from this Japanese craft book but didn't have white felt for the bear's eyes. So for now it's just Scary Faceless Bear.

A New Hobby?

I have some Liberty fabric in my stash that I've been meaning to make into a simple skirt. Then I found this book at Kinokuniya (ISBN 978-4-579-11149-7).

It contains 28 simple patterns for floaty tops, smocks and dresses. Even though it's in Japanese, the instructions are largely pictorial and I think coupled my Chinese (many of the characters are the same), I should be able to figure most of it out.

As with so many Japanese craft books, the photography and layout is simple but oh so pretty. All the projects are for loosely fitted garments, which is a plus for covering up my fairly basic sewing skills, since I've never been able to make anything that's meant to be fitted actually fit.

My first project is going to be the top on the cover, although there are quite a few things I like. Here's a small selection to whet your appetite.

And finally, I've just finished my first sock in 2008.

This was mainly a distraction (oh no, not another one) from my Dad's v-neck. Pattern is Child's First Sock from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. More pics on my Ravelry.