Sewchet

Sewing, crochet, crafts, accessories, baking, tutorials,


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#stitchingsanta Sewing Update

I’ve been making steady progress with the handmade items that I’m including in the parcel to my #stitchingsanta recipient and it’s about time I showed you.

I’m taking part in the knitting/crochet swap as well and have already given you a glimpse of the things I’ve made for that – you can have a look here.

As soon as the latest issue of Love Sewing dropped through the letterbox, I knew I was going to make this cute tree decoration, so that’s going into the parcel – although I’m going to have to make another one for our tree ‘cos I’ve rather fallen in love with it myself:)

tree decoration

Having bought these colourful stork embroidery scissors, I added a needle-keeper to one of its handles.

needle keeper

I embroidered an image of a sewing machine on one side together with the word ‘needles’. The other side is kept plain with a tiny floral print cotton.

needle keeper back

Not a very Christmassy make, I know, but this daisy print ‘Ikea’ bag can be used all year round. I wrote a tutorial on this which you can find here.

Flowery Ikea Bag

I had a few hours fun covering some buttons with tiny cross stitched motifs. My eyes could barely see to sew such minute stitches!

Stag head cross stitch button

covered button4

covered button6

I had a small amount of leftover Rose & Hubble fabric in my stash which was just enough to make a coin purse and matching tissue holder, both handbag size.

Coin Purse tissue holder

These bright orange gloves are made from the softest cashmere sweater and, although I’ve never seen her wear orange, I think they suit her bubbly personality.

P1060605

I snapped up this unused Simplicity pattern from a charity shop for just a pound – I can see her looking good in all of these!

sewing pattern

There are a few other bought bits and pieces to go in and the main handmade gift – if I can finish it in time!

 

 

 

 


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#stitchingsanta Update

Just a quick post to show you what I’ve been putting together for my #stitchingsanta swap. This is the knitting/crochet category, although I have more to show you from the sewing swap, too, in a later post.

This blog was new to me and I spent a lot of time reading through the archives, researching all about her likes and hobbies. She is a very skilled knitter and I’m hoping I haven’t embarrassed myself with my comparatively amateur offerings!

I spent my budget on something I am pretty certain she will appreciate – two skeins of utterly gorgeous 100% Superfine Alpaca 4ply yarn, perfect for socks, in a lovely shade of blue that reminds me of the sea.

Artesano yarn

Artesano yarn detail

I found a free sock pattern and printed it out as a suggestion of what to make with it.

Artesano free Tiffanie sock pattern

I knitted this berry-red cowl in a chenille yarn which is so cosy and soft to wear that I will find it hard to part with!

Knitted Rib Cowl

This fair isle headband was fun to make and the reverse side is very neat, I am proud to say, with all the yarn carried across the back tidily. It coordinates nicely with the cowl, picking out the red.

fairisle headband

I will probably add an appliquéd something to these tweedy fingerless gloves, just to liven them up a bit. Maybe in red to tie in with the cowl and headband.

gloves

I am hoping to find some bits and pieces to add to the parcel as I have a pound or two left in the budget. It will have to be clever shopping though, or more homemade things at that budget!

How are you getting on with yours?


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Sunday Sevens #61

Sunday Sevens is a diary of your week in seven photos to show people what you’ve been up to outside of your blog. Perhaps you don’t have enough to make a full blog post? #sundaysevens is a great way to keep you blogging. Visit Nat’s post at Threads & Bobbins to find out more.

  1. No.2 Son turned ten this week – he wanted a sewing machine for his birthday. Boy, he really needs a haircut!

IMG_2956

2. By candlelight even my homemade birthday cake looks OK. My cakes always taste good but invariably look awful! Covered with lemon icing and smarties – who cares?

Birthday Candles

3. Another week, another garden centre, this time our local one in Wincanton. The Boys could spend hours there which makes for a cheap day out – all it costs is a pot of tea and a cake!

Christmas at the garden centre

4. Mr H-L has started to let his ‘tache grow for this year’s Movember.

Movember

5. More kitchen-table sewing lessons. The official Kids Can Sew® curriculum has started!

Sewing classes for kids

6. The Sloe Port has been bottled and taste-tested against the commercial stuff (glass on the right) – ours tastes better!

Sloe Port

7. Yesterday was foul weather-wise in the the morning. The afternoon cleared up but it made for a very soggy riding lesson.

Horseriding

8. Made in just an evening, my first homemade gift for #stitchingsanta! Part of the ‘free’ element, this was made from leftover bits of yarn so cost nothing except my time meaning I still have £10 to enjoy spending. All will be revealed later in the week.

Fair Isle gift for stitching santa

How are you getting on with your #stitchingsanta? If you’re stuck for ideas or want to ask a question, drop me a line.