Tuesday 14 August 2012

Learning in Action

I have learnt several things recently. One was that ring cushions often have ribbon on them to tie the rings in place to make sure they don't fall off.
Ring Cushion Close Up 2
I made this last night using the waistcoat lining as the main fabric and a smidge of petrol blue organza as the overlay on the top.
Ring Cushion Close Up 1
I kind of swirled the organza and caught it down with a stitch or two and a bead or so. This project also taught me what this kind of needle is for.
Curved needle
I'd always wondered. It is for adding ribbon after you'd sewn it all up.
Ring Cushion Close Up 2
Ta da!


Sunday 12 August 2012

Shawl! Shawl! Shawl!

In WWE there is a finishing move called The Spear and when the wrestler does it (it used to be Edge but Christian inherited it when Edge retired) the commentator shouts "SPEAR! SPEAR! SPEAR!". So now you know.

In the same way when I finally unpinned the shawl from blocking and wrapped it around myself I could hear a voice in my head shouting "SHAWL! SHAWL! SHAWL!"
Gail Nightsong Shawl
Blocking it was quite a mammoth task because it is humungous.
Lace Shawl Blocking
It is the same width as my two person sofa and rocking chair in a line. Fortunately it dried overnight as it was taking up most of my floor space.
004
I do love the pattern though and it was pretty easy. Especially after my first abortive attempt. I'm very pleased I redid it.
005
The pattern is Gail or Nightsongs and is free. It is going to match my dress perfectly. And....ta da!
Shawl Sailing
I've also entered it for the Lace Longjump but haven't been to the podium for that yet.

Yesterday was pretty hectic - fabric shopping in the morning followed by 5 hours straight sewing - the results of which will be seen next weekend. During the shopping part I did find a few fairly odd things in the pound shops of Lewisham. I do adore those shops. You never know what craziness you'll see. The winner this time was undoubtedly the pet tombstone.
Pet Tombstone from a Poundstore
Yours for just £1 plus postage. Let me know if you want me to pick one up for you.