Monday 25 November 2013

Grey Beanie

image by Crafty Bagsimage by Crafty Bags



Here is the grey beanie with a rolled brim I just finished though it's actually a parchment colour, it looks like grey to me. I used a double knit acrylic by Stylecraft and I knitted this on circular needles, it is the first time I have knitted with them. I tried a longer pair I had first, but of course far too long for the amount of stitches. I then bought a smaller pair which were very easy to use and as the stitches decreased I switched to double pointed needles. I had not used them before and I found them awkward I will buy smaller lengths for next time!
 I am pleased with this hat, now on to the next one!


image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.


Friday 22 November 2013

Beanie

image by Crafty Bags
I bought acrylic yarn by Stylecraft in various colours to make hats for Christmas gifts. I chose pink and blue for the first hat. I think it came out okay. I used single crochet throughout then picking up alternately the front and back stitches to make the rib. I will make a grey hat next. I don't usually use greys and browns then I saw the various colour shades and thought I'd like to try them together, a rich tonal effect!
image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

I made quilt block today and wrote a guest blog post

image by Crafty Bags



image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.
This is another block I made today to add to my new quilt.


I was asked by Angel Andrew whom I met on LinkedIn to write a guest blog post this is it.
  Why I enjoy working from home. 







Crafty Bags' photostream

imageimageimageQuilting ProjectWeaving ProjectCushion Floral Pattern
Flower Fabric Coin PurseFlower Fabric Shoulder Bag ToteHessian cotton flower fabric tote shoulder bag.iPad CasePink flower CushionFlower Kindle Case
Striped Fabric Shoulder BagGranny Squares Rainbow ThrowRag Rug Shabby ChicLap Top iPad Gadget BagKnitted Jazzy Bag ToteFlowery Shoulder Bag
Red Leather PurseCrochet ThrowRag Rug Knitted.Crochet Throw.Bath Mat Knitted.Striped Shoulder Bag

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Quilt Blocks

image by Crafty Bags






 I am making my first quilt with nine patch blocks.
 I have made four corners blocks in pink and green and a middle with yellows and patterns.   

I have Aunty Eliza's star blocks of four for the middle.  
I will probably do a nine patch and Shoo Fly for the top, bottom and sides with more colours that match.  

I am waiting to for the quilting foot I ordered then I will start practicing quilting. I have wadding I just need to get material for the back.

I chose pink for the quilting thread as I have pinks and other bright colours, now I wonder if I should have chosen white, cream or grey as that is it seems the preferred colour for quilters? There are a lot of colours to choose from too!

image, a photo by Crafty Bags on Flickr.  




Sunday 3 November 2013

How I learnt to sew and a short bio




I first started to use a sewing machine when I left school at the age of 15.

I thought, I'd like to go to college learn typing work, in an office and become a secretary. Then I met a friend, she said enthusiastically "You should work in the bra factory they are looking for workers get a job there I have" So as I had nothing planned at that time I did!

 It was a big factory with rows of machines each with their own table big cotton reels and a big treadle which you put both feet on to machine. I did find that a challenge at first but soon it became second nature. There was one week of training to use the machine and there a switch to turn the machine on and off.

I was taught to make bra cups with bundles of linings top and bottom pieces. I learnt to pick these up quickly and stitch around carefully. They'd fall into a crate I'd pull them back and stitch across the middle. I made maternity cups the bottom cup slightly padded, the top a stiffer material and pretty cotton cups. It was interesting seeing other machinists one with a twin needle machine adding bias along the bras edges. I tried the overlocker which was quite fast this was used for making bathing suits.

After 3 years I went to work in another sewing factory, making track suits. I learnt to make the whole jacket first making the collar, adding the zip then stitching down the fronts, attaching the collar and a  label then stitching that down. I made two types of jacket one cotton with a short round collar in colours green and red and bri-nylon with a wider collar in colours red and blue with a white stripe. I  met some interesting people and at tea break we would buy snacks and beverages from the food trolley turn our chairs around to chat.

After another 3 years I decided to see more of the world. I went on a two week holiday to Greece in a Ford Transit with people my age. It took three days, stopping for short breaks along the way. After that as jobs were plentiful I took other work as it came - in Woolworths on various counters - helping to make televisions - a spell as a chamber maid living in and a seasonal job a chalet maid at Butlins in Filey Yorkshire, that was good fun with lots to see and entertainments there.

I married at 30 and had two daughters right away with 16 months between them. The first daughter has become a doctor and the second a beautician with office skills she is making a website. I am proud of them both.

I didn't learn typing but I did learn computing, taking exams and other evening classes such as art and  art and design. I put my sewing skills to good use as now I make bags and other crafty things  including home wares, cushions, rugs and  throws which I sell in my Folksy Shop Crafty Bags

 I like learning new skills such as quilting and weaving, adding more crafts to my shop, so hopefully there will always be something new to see and buy!