The Middles’ Christmas Jackets

Thank goodness they both fit, with ease to get through winter time, since I'd promised to make a replacement if they didn't. Jet (left) endured scathing temperatures to wear his for some time so I take that as a hit. When I decided to make them these denim-style jackets, the rest presented itself. The boys have such distinct styles and personalities it was fun to explore with that.

Jet's jacket is made from cotton duck in his mode-of-the-moment, cammo. He's completely (utterly) car mad so I glammed it up (in a manly way) with reflector tape, cut and folded to make piping. Also, for my interests sake and why not, I added a grey soft vinyl panel in the arms. Both the leather-look and the reflector tape don't stand out, then flash in the light. Noice! Subtle.

Leif's is pin-whale cord, very soft and a bit stretchy so won't have that stiffness cord can have. He's a softie-lover-extraordinaire (and a softie himself) and so fur fabric was a must for the collar. I hunted far and wide. I might make a bag with the leftovers, 70's style (shh, no promises, don't tell him yet). The cord and fur made piping a no-go. Too much. So I blinged it out on the lining. I also added a zip instead of studs for the front opening, avaitor style. This entailed adding a placket like you would for a fly opening. No small amount of thinking to do that as it's been a while since I made dacks!

You can't see the linings absolute fabulousness here at all. It's like a tarnished silver (as in, has a gold cast) wild satin, bought from an African dressmaking and fabric shop in Footscray. When I saw it I immediately thought it must be mine and would be brilliant. It's mixed with the (almost) last of an orange satin I made my own children clothes with (Leif's aunty Ruby). The inside back yoke is brown velvet. There's a blue stripe in the sleeve and a sliver at the bottom of the left front too. That fabric came from a swap I did with some people in Powelltown, when Rob (Leif's Dad) was a baby.

Jet's jackets lining is from an old 80's dress I found at the op shop. It was one of those awful strapless numbers with rucching at the bust. Ew! Really, really the worst of the 80's (I know, there were a lot of contenders). Way to glam it up, understated style though. It's a quality taffeta.

Both linings are backed with cotton wadding so they are very soft and will be really warm and cosy. Confirmed by Jet without prompting.

How gorgeous are these boys! Cousins. It was nice to immerse myself into their personalities all the while I was making their jackets. I can cuddle them from afar.
Kids clothes are great to make. You can be really playful, although you can anyway, for grown-ups I guess. I loved making these and think I might try and imagine something for myself.

New Bag From Old Canvas Work

Renegade Bag pattern by Sew Sweetness on Etsy.

Made using an old canvas work and one lining I bought at the Op Shop. Lined with an old silk dress (op shop again), over time. Zips, same.

It’s a good size and will fit milk and bread or my knitting, purse and shawl...

I’ve ordered D-rings and lobster clips and will make an over-body strap for it too. Then it’ll be perfect.

However, it’s still not the bag I need for everyday, so...

This is made without any pattern alterations.

I wasn’t fond of the image here, so cut it upside down.

 Fantastic old zip from the vaults. same with the yellow one below, which is gorgeous on the fleshy pink silk. Before you congratulate me on my thrift, I must confess that I’ve spent a lot on some heavy metal zips for the bags I want to make next.

Bobby's Fair Isle Tam o'Shanter Pattern

Just published the pattern on Ravelry and Etsy. Thanks Jen Next Door and Anna for modelling the tams for me! xxx

Garden Tissue-Box Cover for Garden Kitchen

Go here for the pattern and here for others.

The Garden Kitchen Has Arrived!

And now we will bar-b-que until we are as fat as pigs (unless we deflect current trending).

How beautiful is this! Clever boy. Xxxxx

Melbourne Show 2019w

We did it. The Melbourne Show for one day. It sounds simple, pack a case, go to show, demonstrate rug making...
There is always a lot of interest in rug making. We didn’t have our big proddy frames and it’s these proggy/clippy/peggy/proddy rugs that the children like to try. However Anne had a standing hoop frame for quilting so managed to let folk have a bit of a go... and lots of people watched or tried hooking too. Plus I got along with my Uzbekistan style rug #2.

It still surprises me that Rug Hooking is so little known in Australia, considering how it parallels quilting in the USA and always has.
But, we did meet Lee, who plans to come on Sunday, so slowly the group is expanding! And we have Veronica as well so that’s two more.

On the way in I bought a coffee at Belgrave’s Blacksmith Cafe and the lovely Alex was wearing this amazing cowl. Her grandfather had spun the wool and she had crocheted it herself. It is done in Crocodile stitch. It was so gorgeous and unusual I asked if I could photograph and post it. Thanks Alex.

I keep meaning to say that another old friend Jennifer Walton, who lives in Far North Queensland, is now a long distance member of our group. Jennie went crazy on tugging after a visit down to mine a little while back. I gave her Miriam’s excellent book and that’s the end of her!

Jen is onto her second rug, this time a hooked rug. She has a good eye as you will see. Pics to follow.

(Too lazy to come and bring a plate, obviously).

Knitting In The Wilds Of Emerald