Just Plain Sewing

Some weeks ago one of my girls asked me to make fresh loose covers for her verandah chairs [folding directors' chairs].  She simply could not buy anything suitable.  I managed to cut an old one apart, then promptly forgot how it all went together.......  Thankfully, I was allowed to have one chair to use as a 'model', and that certainly helped make the jigsaw a little easier to put together.  I purchased the fabric from Spotlight while we were away shopping a few weeks ago.  It is heavy cotton duck/canvas, so I hope it wears well.  The chairs are on the north eastern corner, and get sun almost all year round.  There were some interesting colours to choose from, but I often find really bright colours fade much quicker than neutrals.  So, whatever you care to call this, be it, donkey, camel or ecru, I just call it good old common garden variety BEIGE!!!  

I did try to find a pattern for this type of loose cover, ie via Google, but everything that was available seemed to be frilly, or tied with a bow at the back - just the thing for catching dust and attracting spiders to make webs!  This more sober styling is much easier to care for in the long run.

I decided to cut the pattern pieces from some spare calico, with written measurements on them.  I can now store these in a safe place, and have them to hand when this set bites the dust [yeah, sure.........].  As these were copied from a manufactured cover, there were no instructions on how or where to stitch first, and so on.  There are some interesting 'extensions' for accommodating the armrests, but it all goes together properly, and easily.  There are only three pieces - the long centre piece, from the floor at the back to the floor in the front, and two sides pieces, quite nifty in my opinion, but then, I'm not an expert where soft furnishings are involved.

Thank you as always for your responses to my last post.  It is heartwarming to know people take an interest in each other.

De-stashing Projects

I'm still in a mind to reduce the various materials I have 'acquired' over the years, and have managed to make a few small things to keep in the cupboard as gifts for whenever.  The little cardigan above was done with the remaining few balls of white baby wool I bought from Pick-Up Stitches earlier in the year.

This close-up should show the little cables that are worked into the pattern.  I had never done this before, and really like the look, and will be trying more patterns like this in the future.  I feel the little rectangular MOP buttons look quite alright for this.  The pattern was one I found and purchased via Ravelry.  The designer has a website too:-  http://www.creativecrochet.co.uk/

Of course, I am still working on the 10+ kilos of yarn sent to me by my sister.  Another knee rug is in progress, but some of the yarns are quite thick.  I decided to make a few coathangers with some of these bulkier yarns.  I am always in need of these myself, so they've gone into use already.  They are nothing special, but feel really quite soft.  One is done in crochet, the other knitted.

And, continuing along the ever present baby theme I seem to have going at the moment, this fabric has become a double sided summer wrap.  Easy, peasy, two lengths right sides out, bind with the last little bit of fabric.  I've been carting this length around with me for years and years.  When I had babies, I always carried these with me.  You never know when you need to put your baby down 'somewhere', and that 'somewhere' might be a surface that is a little bit suss in my opinion.  Not that I'm any sort of clean freak I have to say, but at least the wrap gives you some peace of mind.  I have to add that my babies hardly ever had illness of any kind.

I am still quite busy with the watering duties, but as I type, I can hear a slight drizzle, and can smell that wonderful smell of rain on dry earth!!  We have been told to expect some rain this week, so bring it on I say.

Sugar & Spice

Things have been rather crazy here lately, but I've managed to finish another knitting project, as well as a little pair of pants to go with my latest little cardigan.  I am not sure if the photograph is showing the colour correctly, but these little pants are made from very fine hot pink corduroy [everything of course was in my stash].  Oh, I do wish I had a sweet little baby to use to model this.  It would look so much nicer actually on a child the right size!!

I am quite happy with the little cardigan.  It's a rather more boxy and roomy design than the red one, and is a pattern I purchased online as an instant download - http://www.patternfish.com/  If you are at all interested in lovely patterns, that don't cost the earth, then I can recommend this site to you.  This pattern comes in about six sizes, and cost just under $6.00!!

I knew I wanted a little pair of pants with a contrast turn up to go with the cardigan.  I found this pattern in one of my Top Kids magazines, but I am not sure if this magazine is still going.  I always found it had rather spunky little fashions for kids.  I found a partly finished brushed moleskin skirt that I can use to make pants to go with the little red cardigan.  It's the traditional creamy beige coloured moleskin, and very soft - watch this space!!  It's so much fun making little clothes again.

 I hope the close-up will show you the lovely double moss stitch and cable design that is worked into the little cardigan.  I liked the idea of the collar, which I think makes it a little more dressy.   Of course, I again used my favourite twisted rib in the bands, etc.  The wool was some more that I purchased from that lovely store in Kyneton, Victoria -  http://www.pickupstitches.com.au/




Thank you all again so much for persisting with comments.  I am not at all sure what happens.  I have honestly never had a problem leaving a comment on other blogs.

I need to catch up on some bookwork now.  It's BAS time again, and today I finally received the Cash Book back from our accountant, so it will be clerical duties for me for a few days.