Going Natural.

You have made me so happy this past week. Your comments, tweets and emails were so kind and thoughtful and they've cheered me up no end. It reminded me of what I love about blogging and this lovely knitting/sewing/crafting community that we're a part of. Thanks! XXX

My urge to sew has been bubbling up, much like the sour dough starter on my bench. Another week and I might have something useful for my first gluten free, dairy free loaf. It looks like I'm intolerant to a bunch of food; gluten and dairy protein mostly. It's quite a bit to take in.

Anyway, although I am finally thinking about sewing and thought I might do some on Saturday, I ended up spending the best part of the day experimenting in the kitchen. I enjoy baking and keeping the tins full, and am keen to find recipes that Mr Myrtle and the kids will like, and that I can eat. All and any suggestions very welcome! (I've started a Pinterest board to collect ideas).

In the meantime I've had an idea about sewing. It all starts with this very lovely, old linen sheet that I bought in France a couple of years ago.

I thought it would be perfect to use for a practice run for my Kelly skirt for Outfit 5. It's a similar weight to my proper fabric and I want to fiddle about with the fit for my waist and hips before I cut into the good stuff.

But it's white. And, a white skirt won't work for five minutes with kids and their grubby hands (or my inability to keep food from spilling down my front ...). So, I thought I'd dye it.

What do you think? Tea? Red onion? White onion? Coffee? Something else?

I have been hankering to play around with natural dyes and rather fancy a natural shade of something. But I'm not certain what. Have you got any suggestions? 

Because I have so much fabric, I thought I'd make the skirt first and dye it when it's sewn. And, so I don't end up with white stitches, I'll use 100% cotton thread for my seams so they dye too. I'm anticipating that it'll all look a bit rustic, but with the right buttons, some lovely sandals and a top (as yet un-made), hopefully I'll be able to pull it off.

I'll start as soon as I can drag myself out of the kitchen :)

Getting Back To It.

I'm back. Maybe you didn't notice I was gone. That's ok ;)

Without wanting to sound overly dramatic, I've been pretty ill over the last couple of weeks. It all started with what seems to have been an allergic reaction and spiralled into something nasty that knocked me for six and left me feeling totally wiped out. I didn't knit for days. That says it all really doesn't it?

Today, I'm feeling much more me. Still a bit slow and jittery, but much better. So I thought I'd pop in and show you my cardy.

It was basically finished before the craziness happened. I just had to knit the last bit of one sleeve, block it and sew on the buttons.

Remember I was making up the pattern myself? It's a top down raglan with 3/4 length sleeves and a shortish body in Rowan wool/cotton 4ply yarn. I'm digging the sand/ pistachio combination for summer, but am already wanting it in other combinations too. 

I can't wait to show it to you on me, because I'm pleased with the fit. I designed it with a fair bit of negative ease (which means that its measurements at the bust, waist and hips are smaller than my measurements, so it's fitted) and it sits open beautifully which is just what I was after. Although I can do it up, I intend to wear it open and this way it doesn't flap about at the front.

I've included lots of little design features, so the waist shaping is cute, the raglan increases mean the stripes aren't lost and the ribbing flows neatly from the body, without any jogging of colour. I also fiddled and fiddled with the sleeves to get as little jog in the stripes as possible, and neat decreases. Although it means a bunch of knitting, ripping, knitting, ripping and so on, it's working out the special extra details that makes designing hand-knits so exciting for me.

Finally, I've used the same neck finish as I used on my modern tank. They are meant to go together after all. And, because I'm not a fan of totally matchy-matchy, while they work together, they're not inseparable.

See my skirt fabric? No skirt yet. Unfortunately I have zero motivation to sew right now. Hopefully it will return soon... sometimes just saying it makes it so.

In light of my bothersome health stuff and my motivation issues, I've decided to forgo deadlines for the time being. So, Outfit 5 will get done when it's done. Ditto Outfits 6 and so on. Clearly I've already missed the deadline of the end of May! 

That's not to say I'm doing nothing, I've actually picked up a crochet hook and started something for my next outfit already. But everything is going very very slowly. Partly because I know absolutely nothing about following a crochet pattern or indeed, many crochet stitches, and partly because I'm not feeling the ability nor desire to speed up right now.

My current plan, although of course nothing is set in stone, is to plod along, make stuff, eventually finish an outfit, show it to you, have a lovely couple of giveaways and interviews that I've already scheduled, and get back to normal just as soon as I can. Things might be a bit sporadic and muddled for a bit, but I'm sure you lovely people won't mind.

My Ravelry project page for my cardigan is here.

Oh Silver, Let Me Count The Ways

What can I say? I absolutely love working with Silver. And, I desperately want to do it again.

My friend Alison very kindly gave up the best part of her kitchen, several of her hours and a bucket load of patience to help me make my silver bangles. Several of you had very helpful comments about silversmithing (I am amazed how many people have had a go), but it was just fantastic to be able to try it out alongside someone enthusiastic and knowledgable ... and with all the tools :)

I did feel pretty lucky to be able to swan into Alison's house, learn a bunch of new skills and walk out with some lovely things. Especially because it's not the first time she's helped me. I was also lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her trying glass fusing in January and then popping back for help with my earrings and ring for Outfit 1.  She called me "the poor man's Kirstie Allsopp" the other day, and it did feel a bit like that, except for the cameras and pretty dresses.

We had a few issues with the blow torch and the joins are far from perfect, but I love my little rustic bangles. I hammered two of them so they have lots of texture, and left the other two smooth. A bit of a spit and polish and they've come up a dream. 

And, they have just the right amount of jingle. 

It was impossible to know how to photograph my bangles. Twenty minutes of prancing around the garden and I found a dozen different backdrops but no one perfect shot. So, you've got a bunch to look at.

My kids are fond of the bird, I rather like the apple tree ones. Do you have a favourite?

The Skirt That Isn't

You know that little voice inside your head? The one that says things like "this isn't going to work", or "it's really not going to work", or "why are you still doing this? It isn't going to work..." 

You know that voice?

Why don't we listen to it straight away? Why do we push on and on, until the little voice becomes louder and louder, and then shouts "STOP! IT'S NOT WORKING!"?

I don't know.

So, the skirt is a disaster and I've abandoned it. Finally. But not before much shouting from the little voice and not before this:

Daughter (9): "Mum, everyone is going to see your skirt and think: she's got no taste, then never read your blog again."

Ah, kids. They're a humbling experience.

Of course, the fabric was beautiful and the pattern is a goodie. So what went wrong?

First, I didn't appreciate just how fragile this second-hand sari was. It had a big repair that I noticed immediately, but it wasn't until I laid it out and started cutting into it that I saw several small repairs and a bunch of tiny tears. Oh dear. I carefully tried to cut around them but that meant I couldn't cut it as full as I'd have liked. And, after cutting one piece out, I picked it up and it pretty much ripped to pieces in my hands.

So, in the end I didn't have enough for the skirt and the lining, and I had to use some green lining instead.

Second, I made the mistake of trying to change the pattern so that it was gathered instead of pleated at the front, without thinking it through properly. I should have thought about how the fabric was going (or not going) to fall, and about the shape of my body. My waist, or lack thereof, particularly. 

It was around about then that my dear daughter made her not very complimentary comment. To be fair, she was absolutely right. The gathers stuck out from the waist rather like a 360 degree bustle and gave me the appearance of someone who dresses wholly for comfort. Not quite the look I was going for.

You can imagine how loudly the little voice in my head was shouting by now. But did I listen? No, of course not. Instead, I thought I'd tackle my skirt in the morning and spent the night having bad dreams about it. I woke, almost decided to pack it in, but then rather irrationally changed my mind, deluded that it was salvageable and ploughed on.

The crunch came after I'd carefully joined the lining and the outer fabric together along the front panels and sewed on the waist band. I held it around myself in front of the mirror. It didn't meet at the front ...  The little voice in my head said "told you so" and I pulled it tighter. Nope, there was no way it was going to reach around my waist, not if I wanted to breathe at the same time. No way.

You see, the fabric at the waist had seemed to stretch and stretch. I measured regularly and after worrying that it was going to be too big, I sliced a strip off each side before I sewed the side panels down. That turned out to be a mistake - I needed those inches of fabric.

The beautiful sari skirt is not going to happen. I'll try to figure out another use for it because I can't just throw it away. Who knows, it might end up as a cape in the dressing-up box. It'll likely rip to bits in the first battle.

And, because it's boring showing you pictures of a not quite finished, disaster of a skirt, I've given you a peek at my "corner".  I'm fond of tins and they're useful for holding zips and elastic and other bits and bobs, but I hope you're not disappointed that my space isn't stylishly adorned or terribly pretty. This is the real McCoy, a working corner.

Actually, it's not normally so orderly. I usually get into quite a pickle when working on a project. But, I was overcome with an urgent need to tidy it last weekend after I had to relinquish my big table (it's our outside dining table over the summer) and after Mr Myrtle finished my cotton reel holder. See it at the back? I love it. It's not on the wall yet, just propped up and it'll probably stay that way for ages to be honest. 

My little space is in one corner of our playroom. That's why there's a blackboard (made by my clever Dad) beside me. There's also a sofa, baskets of toys, a bookcase and a little chair in there. Not to mention dolls, pushchairs and a dressing-up basket ... and usually at least a couple of kids ...

But, back to business. After my skirt disaster and some huffing and puffing, I was feeling a little weird. Not to mention a little freaked that I still had no skirt and only a week till the end of the month.

I rummaged under my bed, looked through all the tubs of fabric hiding under there, but unfortunately nothing said "good skirt fabric". So, I hopped online. I knew I wanted a totally different look. Something heavier for a start. This coffee pot fabric leapt out at me.  It's a cotton/linen (so it has some substance) and the colours would work. Coffee pots and psychedelic flowers I thought - hey, why not? And, it was on sale ...

Gracious. You won't miss me coming.

Introducing: Megan Nielsen

Want to meet someone really inspiring? Someone who is building an exciting business, producing fashionable patterns that make you drool, and is taking the world by storm? Well, read on. Today's interview has me grinning from ear to ear.

May I introduce: Megan Nielsen!

Megan is one of my sewing heroes. She is a self-taught sewing designer and has single-handedly created a wonderful range of extremely stylish sewing patterns, designed with the sewer in mind. In her words: "we're changing the way people think about sewing, we believe sewing should be fun!"

I first came across Megan's patterns about a year ago, and they looked so polished and professional I didn't realise that Megan's business was still very young. After a period of selling collections of lovely clothing that she'd designed and sewn herself, Megan launched Megan Nielsen Patterns in November 2011 as something of an experiment. Her first patterns; four maternity and one from her clothing line, were such a success that within a year she had a collection of 10 patterns, bags, sewing kits and more. Plus, her patterns were selling all over the world. I found them in a very stylish fabric shop in London about six months after she launched and Megan was then based in the US!

Fast forward to May 2013 and Megan's business has gone from strength to strength. Her Blog is one of my favourite reads, full of helpful tutorials, style ideas and sewing tips. She has an incredible following, 15 patterns for sale and has just released a new collection of four patterns, her beautiful Breakwater Collection.

And, guess what? Megan is a mum to two lovely wee kids, and during this past year made the monumental international move from the US to her hometown in Perth, Australia. Whirlwind! And, she's friendly and still smiling.

But, I bet you're dying to hear from the lady herself. So, I've asked her a few questions and here's what she told me:

You recently moved from the US to Perth. It's so much hotter there - has your wardrobe totally changed? And, has it affected your designing?

My wardrobe really has changed – a lot!

One of the things I struggled with the most when I moved to the US was the fact that I didn’t own any warm clothing. Beyond jeans and a few sweaters. It took me quite a while to build up an appropriate arsenal of warm clothing, and learn to dress for my new climate. So now that I’ve moved back home, I have a rather insane collection of warm gear that I really can’t use again. It’s pretty funny actually! But since I grew up here I’ve adapted pretty quickly, and fallen back into my old rhythm.

To be honest, Perth has really amazing weather. The summers are ridiculously hot – but the winters are lovely and mild, much like the Autumns we had in Virginia, except it lasts 5 months. I find myself filling my wardrobe with more light layers, and I’m going through pairs and pairs of sandals.

And funnily enough, it really has affected my designing. I find most of my inspiration outdoors, and Perth has always been my greatest inspiration. When we lived far away I would get my doses of inspiration in short bursts when we came on holiday, but now I feel like I’m constantly surrounded by the things that inspire me – and it’s really helped me latch onto a fresh feeling, and hone my aesthetic. I suppose that makes sense though, since this is the place where I first discovered my love of designing, and found my look.

You've got some fantastic tutorials on your blog, especially about adapting your patterns. Do you design with adaptations in mind or do they come to you later?

I really really love variations. In my opinion, a pattern is a waste unless you can use it multiple times – which is why I’m so passionate about sharing lots of ideas with my customers for how they can get more value from their patterns.

But I don’t begin the design process that way. In fact, I don’t begin thinking about the final sewing pattern – I always begin with a focus on fashion. I design a collection as if it were a ready to wear collection. Then I begin working on the individual designs as patterns. As I’m working on them I start to weed out the designs that won’t making particularly good patterns, and I adapt and change designs keeping in mind what will work well as a sewing pattern, and what will result in more variations. Often my idea will change a lot through the process as I brainstorm and test more variations.

I like this method, because I think it maintains the heart and soul of my brand.

Sewing seems to be coming back into vogue. I bet that's pretty exciting for you! Do you have a particular pattern from your line that you'd recommend for a brand new sewer?

It’s REALLY exciting to me!

I adore sewing – since I was a child I’ve loved it – but at that time it certainly wasn’t cool. For many years I hid my sewing from friends, and my goal was to reach a level where no one could guess I had made my outfit. Isn’t that silly? As the years went on I matured and lost that shyness about my designs. But I have to say, I’m incredibly thrilled to see some momentum behind the hobby these days. It excites me more than I can say to see more people taking up the hobby I adore so much!

When it comes to recommending a pattern for beginners – honestly, I care a lot about beginners, and I’m very serious about making beginner patterns for real beginners. I think the Eucalypt or Cascade from my new collection are a wonderful starting point as they don’t require any difficult techniques like buttonholes or zippers – the Kelly is always a favourite, and was created with a simple shape specifically for beginners.

For those wanting to try knits, the Briar is also perfect – not only simple, but a really quick sew!

I recently read on your blog that you're learning to knit? Do you have anything on the needles right now?

Eeeeek yes!

I really want to get better at knitting. It’s a lovely relaxing hobby, and one I wished I’d learnt when my granny was still with us, and so very keen to teach me.

Right now I’m actually working on some washcloths. It sounds mundane, but for some reason I’ve developed a really serious obsession with knitted washcloths recently. I’m driving my family crazy!!! But they’re just so soft and unique… it’s a strange obsession I know!

(Don't worry Megan, we totally understand. Been there, done that ... and have the very useful washcloths to prove it.)

And finally, for me: I'm making your lovely Kelly Skirt with a million buttons down the front. Do you have any top tips for sewing buttonholes and buttons?

Oooo I love Kelly!

I definitely have some tips for sewing buttons etc!! Holly and I just did a post about how to sew buttons with your machine – and in a couple of weeks I'll show you my special trick for sewing button holes without a special function on your machine.

Thank you so much Megan! 

Inspired? Rushing to get out your sewing machine? I hope so! In fact, I'm hoping I've tempted some of you die hard knitters over to the sewing side. Go on, here are the perfect patterns to start with!

If you want to find out more about Megan and her lovely range of sewing patterns you can find her website here. Her blog is worth a read too - it is jam packed with great, useful stuff. And, you can find all of her patterns here.

See you soon - my skirt is underway ...

(All the photos are used with the permission of Megan.)