Tuesday 28 October 2008

From Little Acorns.

From little acorns, I have been meaning to do this for some time, since I first heard that pure wool sweaters could be felted in a washing machine. So I have machine felted 4 sweaters. These are all plain colours so I decided to add some colour with some multicoloured merino wool that I've had for some time. This is not going to be finished that quickly, as I have set myself a labour of love.

This will eventually become a large patchwork blanket. In the past I have knitted and crocheted blankets but this time I just get to join the pieces and decorate, I call this fun. I have sort of invented my own method of joining. I have done this by making a simple chain stitch around each square. Then I weave in and out of the sides of each chain stitch and this becomes a decorative stitch in itself but is also very strong. It also means that you don't have to turn the edges or worry about it fraying because the weaving stitch covers it all nicely. I am doing this weaving on the back too. When I have finished I will show the final piece on here and then I will wrap my self in it because it looks as though this year, we might be in for a bad winter! It's got oh so cold this week.

On that note, I have also been busy making my grand daughter a scarf. She did ask if I could make her a baby blue one. It's lately become her most favourite colour. I've done some blending of merino and some of my own dyed fleece from local sheep and it has worked really well. I wet felted it and then I realised that the shape of it didn't quite work because it was a too wide for such a little neck. Then I considered cutting it in half length ways and I didn't like the idea of having a join.

The final design then came to me. I did cut it up the middle but I left a section at the end which acts like a collar and sits flat on the back of the wearer, similar to a sailors collar. It worked better than I had imagined.


I tried to keep the designs simple as she is growing up, she doesn't want it to be over the top. The stitching around the edge is made up of blanket stitch, running stitch with a weaving stitch between the two. This is becoming a feature of my sewing, and although time consuming I do enjoy the rhythm of this kind of sewing. To finish it off I made some simple braids from thin rovings and slipped them under the embellisher to secure them. It's in the post to her and I do hope it will help to keep her warm because it is a lot colder up the North East of England.

Just before I go, I must share this next picture with you. This was the view this morning down one of our nearby Kentish lanes. The colour is still on the trees, and hedgerows, it was bitterly cold, the frost can be seen on the grass to the left. The sky was a beautiful clear blue. A picture worth recording, even from the car window. Snow is forecast, so here comes winter...

10 comments:

t said...

Tricia, your blanket is wonderful. What a great idea to recycle old jumpers, and dye them and sew them together. They look fantastic, and will be so warm being machine felted. I might do that next winter.

Your wet felted scarf is pretty. The blue is very beautiful, and the stitching and the way you cut it is so creative. I bet she loves it. Very clear photo of the road, nice light, but I dont want to hear about he snow. Just send me some rain.
xt

Tricks said...

Thanks Teresa for such lovely comments. Yes, I am working on the blanket when ever I get a spare moment, that is the great thing about making this sort of thing, it can be picked up and put down in an instant.
Isn't it funny, my
grand daughter loves this colour and when I was little it was always my favourite too.
Sorry I can't send you any rain. Hope it does rain for you soon. BW Triciax

Helen said...

ah I see the stitch now. it's very effective in the bright colours. The scarf looks very snug too :D I'm sure she'll be delighted.

Tricks said...

Thanks Helen,
Yes, I am waiting to hear from my Grand daughter to see if she likes it. I know that she will love the colour.
I am really enjoying making this blanket, I fear it could become addictive, anyone want a blanket, lol. BW Tricia

Genie said...

Lovely work Tricia,
There is a surprise waiting for you on my blog.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Tricia, The wool felted scraf for your grand daughter is super wonderful. Love the design and the braiding for tassels. Hugs Judy

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Tricia, I also LOVE your wool sweater blanket. Very neat idea and of course your stitching is wonderful. Hugs Judy

Tricks said...

Thanks Judy for your lovely comments, I have been told that my grand daughter loves her scarf so that's the main thing.
I am really enjoying the wool sweater blanket, I have a feeling that this will be the first one of many, Thanks for dropping by. BW Triciax

Ann Christy said...

Hi Tricia
The scarf is lovely - I spent yesterday at a felting class taight by Sheila Smith and Joanne Eddon. Joanne did some silk painting with us. The felting was great - isn't it just such a great feeling when you see the finished product?
I am intrigued to know more about Tricia's challenges - please explain.

Tricks said...

Hi Chyadesign,
Thanks for dropping by, yes, my Grand daughter loves the scarf.
Tricia's Textile Challenges is just what it says, It is a site for anyone who is interested in any form of textile work and who wants a challenge. You can join us if you are interested. We have some very talented people on board. Thanks for the lovely comment. Cheers Tricia