Never Not Stitching!

In August I learnt that Belle and Bright offer a monthly sewing kit, so I signed up and received my first kit through the post at the beginning of September.  I'm impressed with the quality of these kits and love their aesthetic.

Part of my idea about these kits, is for me to get acquainted with my new sewing machine by doing little projects.

I decided to adapt the bunting by making the flags smaller and by stitching around them with the embroidery floss provided.

I then added some buttons from my Nana's button tin.

It's been a while since I have done any crochet, but as I love bats I couldn't resist this little one that was with a magazine recently.

I finally finished my Asana Shawl by Helen Stewart.  I had played yarn chicken and lost, but luckily I was able to purchase more of the grey yarn.  In the end I only needed an extra 4g!

I think this is my most favourite shawl yet and have worn it lots already.

Recently I have also been working on a Madewell Cardigan by Joji Locatelli.

A friend had the idea that a group of us, who had signed up for the next Curious Handmade Country House Retreat, could all knit the same item and wear it at the retreat.

It's been some time since I have knitted a garment for myself and although this is comfortable to wear, I would have preferred it to be a little bigger.  Overall I am very happy with how it has turned out and will make another one as it was an enjoyable knit.

Also during October I received the next Belle and Bright sewing kit.

It was another well thought out kit and contained the materials for these cute pumpkins.  I added the crocheted tendrils and they are now sitting in our living-room.

The next shawl design in The Shawl Society by Helen Stewart was the Quill Shawl.  As I planned to knit all of these shawls from stash (failed with the next one!) my shawl edging is different from the design because I started with less yardage.  I like the way it has turned out.  This one is in DK weight and will be warm to wear when it gets cold.

Next my sewing machine was back out again.  We are getting on well and I am beginning to remember what all the buttons and programs are for! :)

This time I was making some little gifts for friends

and some lavender sachets for everyone at the upcoming retreat.  These are stuffed full of my homegrown lavender.

I also decided that I wanted to make a new project bag to take to the retreat.

I had bought the cat material from the Knitting and Stitching Show and the pink material is a remnant from a fancy dress costume I made years ago for my daughter.  I embroidered some cat paw prints on one side and a mouse on the other.  It was finished with a mouse-shaped bell that each time I moved my bag at the retreat had my friends looking for a cat! :)

My final project before going away was this rabbit brooch from a Jessie Chorley kit.

I didn't use the main material provided in this kit as I wanted to use some of the vintage linen that I had recently purchased at Thread.  I stem stitched my bunny and the carrot and the rest of the brooch is a mixture of running, back and seed stitch with some French knots.

I finished it with a bow and a patch at one side.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy embroidery and plan to make a cat brooch next.

So I was all ready for the retreat which will be my next post.