Thursday, 23 April 2009

green upcycling

Marvelous! look at this! A successful upcycling project.

Take 1 wool sweater and put in washing machine on 60 degree wash.
Cut off neck line, sleeves and rib band.

How to make mitts:

Make a hem at the elbow end.
Cut a hole for the thumb and blanket stitch as before.
Yummy cosy mitts!









And the rest of the jumper?
Blanket stitch edges for non fray and decorative detail.

Finished item is a skimpy t-shirt!














Very satisfying. Have a go yourself!




Monday, 13 April 2009

Zuzu's cardigan


A lightning knit!

Hand knitted in new Rowan Classic Cash cotton 4ply, pale yellow
Eyelet detailing, raglan sleeves, picot edging, vintage buttons.
Mum Abi and Zuzu herself both seemed very pleased. Zuzu admiring herself in the mirror.
The first thing I've made for her is a success. Want to do more now.
Something very pleasing about knitting for little ones. They are so quick to do and parents are usually impressed. It's just a shame they grow out of them so quickly!

Tuesday, 17 March 2009

Spring Fling!

Mostly thinking about selling work today.
As opposed to making it which I seem to do most of the time.


This is the next opportunity...









Please do bring along friends and family.

As well as my work there will be lovely things by talented designer/maker/crafters from sheffield and the surrounding area.

Hopefully this will be the first of many organised by Craft Candy. Look forward to seeing you all there









Friday, 6 March 2009

obsessive colour categorisation

After looking at Hen house organisation I felt inspired to do the same.
A hint of sunshine made me feel like looking at more spring and summer colours.


so... pinks!
...yellows!

...blues!
these three main colours are the ones I will be working with for a more summery range of things.
Now i've organised my fabric, I notice a few gaps, so must pay my mum a visit, her stash is even larger than mine.
I think I must go over my yarns too.....
Does this feel familiar? mmm, just a bit!


Monday, 2 March 2009

second use projects

i used to be a t-shirt!

this was a fabulous idea! very much a prototype but its great and works!
i cut around the body of the t shirt continuously all the way over any seams.


  • balled up it weighed 100gms



    lets start knitting!
    i used 9mm and 12mm needles.







    hey presto! a hat!



    analysis:
  • a very exciting second use project, very satisfying on the eco feel good factor.
  • quite time consuming to cut the t shirt up, 2 hours approx.
  • very quick to knit up as using large needles.
  • i thought it would feel very soft, like a t shirt. not as much as you would think.

projection

  • must do more! in different fabrics.




Monday, 23 February 2009

needle cases

inside the needle case

so these are what i've made today.
six needle cases. i love them.

all are made from the same piece of upcycled fabric of a floral print in 100% cotton.
hand crocheted fastener and vintage button detail.

very cute AND stylish and a bit retro too.

i have put a few images here. to see the full range look on flickr.
soon to be available for sale!


button detail







i made six!


if you like these please comment. has anyone else made any recently?

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

upcycled projects

brown/teal small shoulder bag



green/pink jewellery wrap


buff/cream jewellery wrap (detail)


upcycled projects

All these projects and more are available to view on flickr. some similar things available on Etsy.
All individually hand made from upcycled curtain fabrics, hand crocheted/ knitted details and sometimes vintage buttons. I'm really pleased with them. What do you think? Please comment.