winter knitting and sewing



Just a quick post this morning (in between emails at work). I am joining in with Jennifer over at Thistlebear for her winter project link party. I won't to focus more on my crafty adventures this winter and joining in with Jennifer is a good keeping a record of what I am doing. Thank you Jennifer!

My biggest project is of course my duffle coat. I have no photos to show you. but you can read about it here. I spent quite a lot of time tracing and cutting the pattern. I did have to make substantial adjustments to the coat pattern because I have a large behind. I also needed to make a bust adjustment. I could not have done it on my own and I am really glad I am sewing this coat in class! At the moment, I am working on a toile to see if the pattern adjustments are ok but also to practice some of the techniques. I have finally ordered the fabric. I showed you some samples before but I didn't go with any of them. Instead I decided to choose Harris Tweed. It is exquisitely beautiful, soft, warm and durable. I think I might like to wear Harris Tweed all day long, down to the underwear. Not very practical I know. Harris Tweed is expensive (it is handwoven) and I had to dig deep into my savings. Once I have the fabric, I'll show you it. I'll start showing photos once I am working with the real fabric. For now, I am working on the zipper band of the toile.

I do most of the sewing in class and use the remaining free evenings to knit. I am working on a Fair Isle hat for Annie at the moment. I think I'll make quite a few of those, and maybe some mittens, too. I really enjoy colour work, it is interesting but not too demanding and I can still watch the telly or listen to an audiobook. I am using Jamieson 2ply jumper weight yarn. It is quite scratchy, which I love. The texture also helps the overall shape of the colour work because the strands at the back of the work ever so slightly felt as you wear the hat. The pattern I am using is by Kate Davies, one of my favourite ever knit wear designers. The pattern is 'Snawheid' This is Snowhead for the uninitiated, we talk like this here in Scotland! You can find the pattern here.

I am looking forward to four hours of knitting on the train to London on Sunday! 

What are you working on? If you fancy sharing your own winter projects, head over to Jennifer's and add your link. Hope to see you all there. xx




Comments

  1. That's a lovely hat you're knitting. I love Harris tweed - so luxurious - so I'm sure your duffle coat is going to be fabulous.

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  2. I've never done colourwork, it scares me to death. I really should just bite the bullet and give it a go. Can't wait to see some photos of your duffle coat and the fabric you've chosen. I'm joining in with Jennifer's link party too, it should encourage us all to keep on with our winter makes.

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  3. Annie's hat does look warm and woolly and I really like the colours. Ooh Harris Tweed sounds a good choice for the duffle coat, I look forward to seeing some photos xx

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  4. Wow, Harris Tweed now that is a luxury that I am very excited to see. One of my favourite mediums I love the romance of it being woven in a little cottage on the Hebrides. Exciting times.

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  5. Aw Harris Tweed, I am swooning. I love the hat, I too love Kate Davies' designs I want to make them all! Jameson yarn is lovely to knit with, I am just debating buying a ball or two for a current project.

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  6. I'm knitting an Icelandic sweater in scratchy wool for my son and loving it!

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  7. Your duffle coat is going to be amazing, Christina! I recognized Snawheid the minute I saw your post. It's such a great pattern, as are al of Kate's. The J&S softens up considerably after it has a bath. :-)

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  8. Hi Christina, thank you for joining in! I'm so excited to have you along. I can't wait to see your coat, I'm really eager about it. I'm sure it will be beautiful. I love this knitting too, it looks wonderful already. I'm really looking forward to seeing your progress this winter. :)

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  9. I am so looking forward to seeing your coat, The Harris Tweed will make a lovely coat and will last for yeas and years :-)

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  10. Oh! I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures of your duffle coat. So exciting! Your sweater looks so cosy. Once I get finished my current crocheted afghan, I'm going to knit myself a sweater. Such a wonderful autumn past time.

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  11. What a pretty hat Christina - I love thick and wooly fibers too! I am working on my first cable pattern. Maybe after I get the hang of that I can try a Fair Isle pattern.

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  12. Gorgeous knitting, it's so pretty. The Harris Tweed will no doubt be divine, and how wonderful to have a coat especially tailored for you. I'm really looking forward to seeing your progress. CJ xx

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  13. Very envious that you're going to have a Harris Tweed duffel coat. I love Kate Davies designs and particularly enjoy knitting with Shetland wool - especially cutting steeks. I like the colours you've chosen for the hat.

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  14. I hope that you will enjoy all that you are getting up to this winter, especially the coat making, that will be fabulous! xx

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  15. This is such a pretty hat you are making. How I admire your knitting skills. As to your coat, I remember reading that post and it sounds like a wonderful project. I have a small scarf of Harris Tweed and it's such a lovely fabric. My best to you :)

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  16. I can't wait to see the Harris Tweed material you've chosen for your duffel coat. I'm sure it's fabulous. And I love this hat you're knitting for Annie. It looks very cosy, I'm sure she'll love wearing it. X

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  17. I really, really want to see your coat! Your hat knitting looks fabulous. I had a great nordic knit book last Christmas and only look at the pictures and stroke the pages! Jo x

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  18. Hey Christina,
    Clever, clever, clever. I cannot wait to read about the progress of your coat, and all the accompanying photos! I'm really excited! You made me giggle; you are beautifully curvy in all the right places. Loving Annie's hat too. Oh to be half as clever.
    Leanne xx

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  19. You deserve that Harris Tweed, the coat will last you for ages and ages, especially with great cloth. I can't wait to see the progress on it. I have joined in with Jennifer myself and am hoping to get three big knitting projects done, now if I could only find some time to actually knit.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  20. You're making a coat?! Wow! I think Harris tweed was a good choice because it won't go out of style for one thing, and all the time you spend making your coat you'll want it to last FOREVER! What a great choice for your sewing class. The hat for your daughter looks amazing too. I've only done a tiny bit of intarsia and found it enjoyable, but I had to really concentrate (which I lack).
    Wendy

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  21. I am very interested by the duffle coat as this is the clothe I prefer!!! i love duffle coat so I will follow your adventure!!
    I joined in the winter project party so we will see all the great project you are making!
    Have a great day!
    (And just for fun: I just discovered your blog and you from Scotland, and I am just making plan to redecorate my son's bedroom with scottish fabric!!! a great coincidence!!)
    Miss

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  22. The hat is looking lovely so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the Harris Tweed you have chosen, such a great idea.

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  23. Three cheers for Harris Tweed! It will be a gorgeous coat, and you'll love it, I'm sure. The hat is looking great - I also love Shetland wool.

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  24. ooh harris tweed. it will be gorgeous x

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  25. Harris tweed! An inspired choice! Your duffle will be stunning, and so cosy X

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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