A few finished projects

Well it really was the week for finishing off projects as I had 3 projects all finished and ready to be used. First up is this very sweet baby blanket for my sister and my new nieces, Indigo and Willow. The pattern is from 60 More Quick Baby Blankets and wasn’t really a quick knit for me but was an easy pattern. There were a couple of errors in the pattern which are always annoying when you have to work out why the pattern isn’t working and I will share them in ravelry. I used Caron Simply Soft so it could be machine washable and I did have good intentions to make 2 blankets but that is just not going to happen as I lose motivation with blankets so I’m working on 2 pink baby cardigans instead.

Next up was my first smocked dress which is another not so quick project but a very enjoyable one. I decided this year was the year I would learn smocking. I have done 3 classes at Bustle and Bows in Warrandyte which is a gorgeous store with old fashioned service. My teacher Ann has been so patient and I started with a pre-pleated kit which meant I could learn the smocking stitches during class time and put the dress together faster. Although there is nothing fast about putting this dress together as there is a lot of hand stitching and basting before you take it to the machine. But it turned out beautifully. A few boo boos but I love it and I learnt a lot in the process.

And while I was on a roll finishing off projects I finally got a little cardigan for Lottie finished. This is from ‘Knitting for Little Sweethearts’ a Norwegian book translated into English. I love the patterns in the book but the instructions were not as straightforward as they could have been. I had to make a few guesses of what I needed to do but it all worked out in the end. I used Bendigo Classic in 8 ply and the colour was just what I was looking for although Melbourne is cold and I probably should have gone for a warmer wool. Lottie loves it and I’m glad I finished it time so that it would fit her this winter.

And now I need to get back to crafting and make more things as its so satisfying getting things finished and worn! I also have some beautiful new fabrics from Japan perfect for sewing and quilting and all with free shipping so I hope you enjoy having a look at them here. The florals are so beautiful and I’m looking forward to making some smocked dresses with some of them. I’m also waiting for delivery of Flower Sugar by Lecien and some fun glow in the dark Christmas fabrics too.