Back to knitting

The festivities are over, the visitors have left, the fridge has been cleared out and the washing has been done. It was such fun.

Some knitting has been done over the past few weeks. Mostly little gifts.

Lacey garter stitch washcloths.

One skein scarf (I didn't block it as I like its bobbly-ness).
Socks.

And lace. Oh, that's right, I can't put up a photo because I have FROGGED it for the sixty zillionth time. Now that I no longer have loved ones inviting me to eat lots of scrumptious food and drink Margaret River wine, I might just have another go at Gail.

It's beginning to look a lot like xmas...

Season's greeting. Stay safe and happy.

Festive sewing

Some festive bibs for a little girl for xmas day (yes, she'll need more than one - I've seen her try to feed herself!).

And some festive aprons for some big girls. For years, I used to make my girls xmas skirts. Even as grownups, travelling Europe, they wanted xmas skirts for their northern hemisphere xmas. But I sort of thought they had outgrown that wish for their mama to make them xmas skirts. And I have been away from the sewing machine for quite a few years now. So when Daughter1 asked if they were getting xmas skirts this year, I poohooed the idea. But...I came up with a better one.

So, these aprons are for Australia's two most beautiful women, and me, to add a touch of fun to our xmas morning.

Yes, I know there's an overdose of cherries this year, but I couldn't go past the lovely Vintage Cherries from the Farmers Market range by Sandi Henderson.

Some summer sewing

So... I've started a little sewing for summer (love my Pfaff). After being seduced into parting with lots of dollars at A2F I planned to try a couple of outfits for ma minette. Her mama suggested that cherries are a nice xmassy print. I stayed up all night, having a perfectly lovely time, making this summery top and pants. Erk. Really don't like it. Too lairy. Isn't it? Too gaudy for a little one? Looks like jammies?
So tonight I've spent more time at the sewing machine, and produced this...

Better?

Sassy Apron Swap

For a bit of fun, I've again taken part in Lucy's Sassy Apron Swap. I received this festive delight from Jessica this week, along with a starry biscuit cutter and a xmassy biscuit recipe. So cute. Thanks, Jessica!

I sent off this little number to my swap partner in the other hemisphere - a sort of Australian xmas theme, with grevillia providing the seasonal look.

So much to do...

...so little time.

I fear that I might be trying to spread myself a little too thinly. It's not enough that I love to knit. Nor even that I am having a go at embroidery again. No, I just had to let the A2F sale inspire me to play with my lovely newish Pfaff. Plans are for a little xmas sewing.

Oops, there might also be a few Anna Maria Horner prints up the back there - very reasonably priced, they were.

But before the xmas sewing starts, there was a UFO to tackle. I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with this one. It's the All Day Tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. I've tried it once before, but a construction fault led to its untimely demise. This one should be sturdier.

I also need to do a little sewing for ma minette. Sadly when she comes to visit, there are no spare clothes at Nettie's for her. What sort of a nettie am I? This prototype is just for size, and will be duplicated in many snazzy fabrics once the sizing is right.

You see, she has started visiting a little more frequently - for some doses of culture.

Book group...

...and music appreciation.I have to admit, though, that I would appreciate some hints on how to get the Watermelon, watermelon, I like, you like, watermelon song out of my head. Justine Clarke has a lot to answer for.

Sharp needles

All year my friend Beverley and I have been conniving to escape for a mid-week getaway to go to an embroidery workshop run by Lyn Piper from Highlands Country Stitches and held at luxurious Mildenhall. Work, work, work always got in the way. But yesterday we were both able to escape the shackles of the office and head up the highway to Bundanoon. Luckily for me, I was a passenger, so some knitting was done.

We spent most of Wednesday stitching with very pointy needles - interrupted only by coffee and passionfruit shortbread for morning tea, and souffle and pear and parmesan salad for lunch, hosted by the lovely Karen who runs Mildenhall.

I rediscovered a love of pointy needles and shiny thread and I embroidered a little handtowel with irises (no photo, as it's not really that good).

Some knitting was also done on the trip home, even while sitting on the roadside waiting for the NRMA to rescue us.

But...

This little trip has actually helped me rediscover a delight for using small, very sharp needles. I'm joining others in Meet me at Mikes xmas stocking stitchalong. It's cute. And it's a work in progress.

First, we trace a stocking outline and sweet little xmas pattern, using the window as a light box...

Then, we start stitching...

I'm having fun.