Fibre Art Goals for 2014

Andi’s post about her 2014 knitting goals has gotten me thinking about some projects I’d like to tackle in the new year. 2013 was a year of small projects that could be completed in a few hours to a single weekend.  It helped to keep me engaged and made sure that I always had something new on my needles.  This year, I want to take on a couple of bigger projects.  I want to make sweaters for myself and the kids.  I haven’t made a sweater since 2008, and it took over a year to finish.  Hopefully, I will be able to complete them quicker this time around.

For myself and my daughter, I am in love with the matching patterns Ease and Abate by Alicia Plummer.  For the cuddle baby, the cozy cardigan, Mossy Jacket by Fawn Pea.

I also want to take a bash at improving my skills with a few pairs of grown-up socks; maybe work on a couple crochet critters.  And who can resist bunny slippers?

Aside from knitting, I mean to learn needle felting.  I want to make little soft sculptures.  Of what, I’m not sure yet, but I will come up with something.

I’m going to stop there before I get ahead of myself.  If I plan too much, then it gets daunting and nothing gets done.  I was informed that my camera is back and waiting for me to get out and pick it up, so I should have some lovely progress photos for you all throughout the coming year.

Happy 2014, all!

A Handmade Wardrobe

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This post was inspired by Christine Chitnis, though, though it has been something that has been on my mind for a good long time.

I used to sew a lot of my own clothes when I was a teen.  It was a way for me to build a wardrobe of more stylish, well constructed clothes without having to pay the inflated price tag that those clothes often come with.  Now that “artisan” and “handmade” are all the rage, making your own clothes doesn’t save you a dime, and often the materials cost considerably more than a finished garment would.

And yet there is still a part of me that longs for a wardrobe of mostly handmade items.  I envision sweaters, shawls, dresses, tops, mitts, shoes, slippers, etc – all with memories of construction and a beloved, timeless design to them.

I’ve begun collecting patterns on Ravelry for knitted items I want to make – someday when I have the time to knit for myself.  That’s what long winters are for, right?

A few of my favourites are listed below:

First up is one I have loved for years, Shipwrecked by Knitting Harpy.  Then Ease by Alicia Plummer, Greenwood by Ann-Marie Jackson, Shallows by Bonnie Sennott, Atwater by Sara Gresbach, and the cuddly looking Woodsy Cardigan by Jennifer Wood.  They’re very simple, classic designs with a bit of colour work and/or lace thrown in for pretties.

These will definitely be good for a start.  It will probably take me a good year or so to get this lot knit up.  Though, at some point, I would like to get to sewing my own clothes again as well.  I have a lovely piece of linen that is begging to be made into something.

 

Pagan Fashion Part II: Winter Wear

Since I began writing posts for the Pagan Blog Project, the most popular article on my blog (with nearly 1000 views) has been my piece on Pagan Fashion.  With so many witchy ‘W’ options, I decided to use this post to expand upon my most popular topic and add some Witchy Winter Wear.

When the weather turns colder, my wardrobe changes from light flirty blouses and long skirts to sweaters, cords, jeans and jewel tones.  The accessories I reach for tend towards unique knitwear and wrapped fabrics.

Thick wool coats sporting wide hoods can give the feel of an old world cloak while still allowing for free movement through the darkening day-to-day grind. Another piece that can add a bit of modern witchy flair to your winter wardrobe is the classic maxi cardigan.