2024 roundup

 Happy New Year 2025

It's been a busy 2024 for family, for work and for non-crafty projects. For instance, I refreshed my schoolgirl Spanish to accompany DH to an event in November. And to be honest, when I look at my clothing, it generally serves it's purpose better than when I "retired" six years ago.

I have about 50 indoor items of clothing now, that is tops, bottoms, dresses and cardigans, mostly me-made or altered to fit better. I like all the colours and most of the styles. However there are a few gaps, some are getting ready for replacement, and the jury is still out on whether to keep, say, more than two skirts or short sleeved tops. Overall, though, it's about the right amount for my lifestyle.

And how did I do with 2024 plan?

Cycle shorts in bright yellow as an underlayer and a cami in Monet jersey finished, a constellation-print shirt S9210 for H. Adapted a charity shop denim skirt to fit me, however I find the walking slit cold so it may not stay long in my wardrobe. The woven shirt/top has had a couple of attempts, but still nothing finished that I'm happy with. Formal dress, woven shirt, office trousers, summer joggers and my mouse-fabric waistcoat didn't get to the top of the list. I've started dreaming of a coat, however a sewn cardi and/or jacket would be good practice.

As well as the planned items, in 2024 I sewed one pair of stretchy trousers in antique gold ponte, one tee in  Monet jersey, and two rectangle skirts one in mustard and one burgundy. Knit one Hermia cardigan in Mallard merino, a Manx loaghtan yarn hat, and brown merino wrist warmers all for me.  Some extra knitting for  presents: merino legwarmers for H, a beanie for K, a mustard aran hat for E.  Community arts contributions: poppies, granny squares, and cafe decorations. Plus the usual hats and booties to give away. Fails? The chicken-print Betty neckline was not a success, nor the L shaped scarf due to fabric choice. The usual ongoing repairs have been done, and some rarely worn garments brought back into use, mostly be letting out at the waist and high hip. DH's old work wear fleece was delogo-ed and is in use again. Some small knit items were reknit or extended and are better now.

I've bought a number of charity shop items to try, of which a couple have been altered, the white floral shirt significantly refitted. Several garments were donated back as too far from my own shape or other needs, but that's ok occasionally - it's been interesting to try. Unfortunately I've had to part with some old favourites, either worn out or because they've become too tight at lower shoulder blade height.

The fitting programme inches forward. I have trouser and tee patterns, cami and cycle shorts, however the joggers still need a better waist treatment.  I'm  actively working on the woven top again, having abandoned B8957 for the Betty, then found S6144 is better (tighter scyes so more movement ease) at the shoulders. Over the last week, I've unpicked the 2021 Talvi jumper ready to reknit up from the underarms.  

What else crafty? Reading blogs. Watching historical and fitting videos. Clothing and stash sifts. Two lots of inherited stuff sorted and absorbed or rehomed. 

FFFF directions: A long essay in my diary about Function and Fit by garment type is in my November/December diary. I think my Finishing is improving - certainly my cutting and marking have*. Not so much Fun added to the clothing because the chicken print failed. And because I need more plains to balance the prints I have. Does it count that I've had fun trying or rediscovering techniques?

* I'm starting to be confident to use decent yarn for myself, but need to do the same with decent fabric now that Fit and Finishing are better.

Overall, I can definitely count myself a Crafty Little Mouselet for 2024. 

Wonder what will happen in 2025? 

2024 November and December

The main activity while away at the beginning of November was planning. I wanted to think (again) about what needs I am meeting. Geeks know this as collecting functional requirements. My sewing diary now lists how many of what kinds of garments I think I need, then goes into a bit more detail. Obviously my choices are personal, depending on things like local climate (mild, damp and changeable), physique (petite, proportions far from standard, sensitive to cold and sun) and residence (little drying or storage space). Chattered about which patterns I started with, all fairly ordinary since I'm only an improver as far as fitting is concerned. Many of them are now out-of-print. However similar basic ones are easily found. I've been better in the last few years about taking photos of makes and acquisitions (analysis of existing system), so I hope that will inform my next specific sewing goals. 

Knitting 

Finished H's new legwarmers, made from the overbought Mallard merino. Two balls make a pair about 10". She wore them moments after they were given, and I've seen her in them several times since :) 

The Mallard Hermia cardigan was very slowly completed. Decided to do a folded hem since a rib emphasises my overhang. Finished grafting the hems just into December. Buttons had been chosen (on holiday in Spain) and the band, with all those stitches to pick up, just in time to wear on Christmas day. 

Sewing. Thought I might make progress towards a woven top, even in winter, by rough fitting  over a long sleeved tee. Vintage Simplicity 6614 size 14½ was the plainest woven dress in my pattern collection, A half size (37" bust) dress with a back zip, two long back darts, and a French dart at the front. Wasn't expecting much from the first version. Would you believe it? It's an improvement on my hard-won Betty in the shoulder and armscye area. V1 was fitted downwards, pretty good to empire line, not too bad to waist, not enough fabric from previous toile to go over my high hip. V2 continued down to top of leg, adapted to hang a bit straighter at low hip since I intend a top. and was tweaked by 1/8" here and there higher up  Like the V1 sheeting, the V2 gingham was third-use fabric. After an hour's V2 test wear, I'd like a smidge more movement ease in biceps and lower shoulder blades. But I am really pleased with how it drapes on me, and that the grain lines are right. I've started tracing the adjusted pattern ready for v3. 

Repairs done. 

De-velcro-ed a baseball cap after it ate my sunscreen scarf. Well,  the said cap will be donated to DH who tans, since the side of my own face burnt anyway. 

Tightened up plaid pj sleeve and leg hems. Not sure I like the look of the now lantern legs, but they can be unpicked if need be. Warmer and less of a trip/spill hazard now. 

Ancient V-neck white tee, added sideseam darts to help shoulder fit.  Same change to an old Freya, which rubs less than it did at front scye. 

Tighten up grey pj sleeves, they were letting the draughts in. 

The pink fleece pj trousers had their elastic snipped, Happened to be wearing them when taking a fitting photo of Simplicity 6614. No wonder I rarely choose them when the cb was so hungry. They needed an elastic scrap, about 3", inserting for an even waist.

Chose not to do:

Another Betty pattern test, because Simplicity 6614 feels better in shoulder area, and is more fitted. I'll continue with that for now. 

Replace oldest cycle shorts, because I realised I can use some of my pieced or cropped trouser toiles as loose linings for trousers. 

New arrivals: 

A purple (charity shop) quilted coat. It keeps cold and rain out well enough, but swamps me above high hip. I really do need to work up towards coat construction. Oh no! Realised I wore this, when rushing for a train on a wet day, with a red hat that doesn't go. Not that I dressed soberly in my youth. 

Denim skirt. For a western themed event. Well, I can't run for a bus in it, but it's OK for mild weather. Let out half an inch at each front high hip, and hangs much better, and no longer creeps up my waist throughout the day. . 

Cowboy hat, was definitely for this event only. Returned to the charity shop soon after. 

    

2024 mid-and and late- October

Between too many treats (concert tickets, walks and lunches out) and peak demand from my non-crafty project, there were just a few days mid-month where I had sewing-sized gaps in the schedule. 

Knitting can be done in shorter sessions. Although the Mallard cardi just needs split hem completing, and a button band on, it's been kicked down the list by a request from H for legwarmers - she is down to her last pair. She is fitter than me, and needs 5 extra 4 stitch ribs around her calves compared with her ankles. I, who only run for trains and buses, need only 3 extra. She has chosen the Mallard merino leftovers. The first is done up to the last few rows at the top, and the second cast on ready to take on a journey later this month. 

As the warmer weather clothes get put away, I notice the older long sleeve tees are looking less than pristine. Not quite ready for recycling, however I dug out my best pattern, a much modified Tilly and the Buttons Freya tee. Used more of the Monet-esque blue floral poly to make 2024 v1, tweaked another 1/4" at armscye and neckline. I really like the fit now. It works with navy trousers, and also with the thin dragonfly-print royal blue trousers, made 2017 ish. Wouldn't usually wear two prints together, but think I can get away with these. 

Repairs done. 

Green seeds-print tank, 2018 ish, had been altered to fit, but some discomfort from squared off binding enclosed in the sideseam. I had just enough to butt up the binding slightly offset. Not the prettiest join, but now much softer and flatter. Comfy enough now to sleep in or wear all day.

A general check for popped seams. Causes? Forgetting to switch to zigzag on stretch fabrics. Older tees need more front armscye scoop and less at back (pattern now corrected) Laundry issue - arm or leg stitching can pop when extracting a too tightly packed load from washing machine,  remember to use a net bag. 

Household: Deep cleaned inside tumble dryer - including new-to-me lint hiding place. Deep cleaned sewing machine. 

 

For next month? I'm enjoying wearing the Manx loaghtan hat, but it would look even better with an oak leaf attached. 

Reknit two year old Talvi teal jumper with stretched out neckline?

One more Freya tee? A sewn fleece or French terry cardi? 

Revisit waist treatment on joggers, make another pair? 

The pillowcase Betty from last month is really comfortable. Can I find a better match for the yoke pieces, and get at least some wear from it? 

We'll see how much time I actually get! 

    

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2024 September and early October

 

Sewing Camisole in blue floral Monet-esque poly jersey. The pattern is a distant descendant of a SoZo download, now cropped to waistband height, raised at front for extra coverage, and slightly ruched back and front at sideseam for fit. Stayed nicely in place during a full day test wear. I added 1/4" length at cb to flat pattern, but can claim my version as a T&T now. 

Fitting. Played with draping with paper tablecloth, but got nowhere better than the Betty. Cut another Betty from an old pillowcase and some scraps. Various quarter inch tweaks, notably at yoke and lower shoulder blade height. Have adjusted the flat pattern, and worn this round the flat and as a pj top. Think this is my minimum ease woven top, now. Very comfy. There'll be another Betty from decent material in the spring. 

Knitting. Mostly finishing off or redoing stuff that was nearly right last time. 

Mallard cardigan extended below waist. With new yarn, have substituted the old contrast yarn with new main yarn but different dyelot. Sleeves are better length, hips better width, and now longer than before. Currently working on split hem just above sitting length, then only have button band to redo. 

E's hat, Mustard Aran. (delivered, explained to his mum that the seam can be adjusted to fit him) 

Poppies, all delivered. 

Unpicked wristwarmers (too loose) and reknit 4 St's narrower. That's better. 

Unpicked most of Manx yarn hat, have reknit stand wider and a little higher, and crown with extra yarn (it was a bit thicker and maybe stiffer than 4-ply usually is). Just need to close off last couple of dozen stitches now.. 

Christmas stocking decoration for knit'n'natter cafe. 

Repairs done. 

New swimsuit top taken in along band (I'm between L and medium size) 

DH's trouser button replaced, one restitched for safety. 

Overall (1980's!) let out

Rainbow legwarmers extended, but left the red pair for now. 

Take in red fleece trousers (yellow ponte pair can wait till spring) 

Let out mouse-print pj trouser elastic (my standard cf adjustment for Rtw) 

Strap fixed on mouse and poppies bag.  

Removed letters from black men's volunteering fleece (they didn't want it back) and put on a fabric patch to conceal the non-unpick-able logo. 

Tightened binding on chicken-print Betty 

New arrivals:

Thick soled trainers. 

Discards:

Ethnic print cardi, too small across back now. 

Pieced rugby shirt - scorched area still shows

    

2024 August summary

Not much sewing, but am happier with the chicken-print fabric Betty top. Problem with the shoulder area. Added length across back including scyes. Dropped the V another inch for better proportions. Even nicer now it has visible binding.

Knitting: the Newborn size pink hat is finished.

More poppies - they are an easy handbag size project. 

Unpicked the baby merino wristwarmers (too loose) and started to reknit 4 St's narrower. They are both about 6" long and I hope to get another inch on each. 

Repairs done. 

Shortened garden bird print tee for H. Unpicked top stitching at front neck and lowered the scoop 1/8" to compensate for stretching.

More popped seams restitched and two stretched neck lines elasticated (a more solid jersey than usual) 

Restitched press stud on brown jacket. This time it's the second down - the one I fasten when I want part open. 

Button restitched on navy canvas pants. 

Patched paisley cycle shorts (as temporary bikini bottoms, I'm going to see how I feel about swimming again)  

Retouched paintwork (a regular summer household task) 

Discards. The tan petite overshirt, new-to-me about 2015, now too tight across shoulders. Shame. 

Beige L-shaped scarf, can't get clean. But will use that shape again. 

Hoarded small fabric scraps. I've kept enough to do repairs on garments I still have, and a few child friendly pieces. Just in case. 

What else crafty? 

Spent way too much time watching historical /archaeological textile and garment videos. 

Started yet another fabric /yarn sift. We're not going to get trying-on weather this year. Only a couple of days over 20°C. So the next projects will need to be either already fitted patterns, or cardigans/top layers to be tried on over long sleeve tees. Which get scruffy quickly cos they fluffy and cosy,  so I run short of them quickly. 

 

    

2024 July summary

Mustard Aran hat, pre-teen size. I don't have measurements yet for this, so knitted flat from age suggestion and will choose seam style to adjust when his mum gets back to me. Length just touches tops of my ears, so ribbing  likely to turn up for him. 

Summer wrist warmers in light brown baby merino. An odd ball that's a really good match for my skin tone has been my travel project. Top down, 60 St's rib on 3.25mm dpns, thumbless, worked gusset down to 52 St's (though 48 would have been better). Both warmers worked down to the forearm so far.  I'm hoping for 8" to 10" length. Why for summer? So I can wear some of my nice short sleeve shirts and tees without scratching at my eczema. 

(EDIT Next time, on 3.25mm dpns, c/o 56St,, rib half an inch. Leaving a 4 st bridge, make thumb hole 1.5" deep. Reduce to 48st at wrist, and increase at forearm to 52 or 56 before edging below elbow. If I choose garter stitch edges for historical reasons, cast on 52 with fewer decreases below thumb.)

Only enough of the pink yarn left for a newborn hat. It's progressing slowly top down, but I've started the rib now. 

Test wears. Our part of the UK has been just outside the warmer air stream. On the couple of days above 20°C, the altered silk top was very comfy. The L shaped scarves worked as a extra layer as well as for sun protection. The white floral top and the new-to-me split sleeve tops are still waiting for a suitable occasion. 

The Mallard raglan cardigan made last year only works with a dress. Tracked down more yarn - and unfortunately it is less muted in colour. I need to knit up a sample to see if it will do for cuffs and bands - and if so can use the existing cuffs and bands to add an inch or so and bring it down to cover my skirt and trouser waistbands. 

No sewing. The Chicken-print fabric Betty top has been neglected in the hope of a warm and quiet day. (Edit. Fixed in early August) 

Possibles  -  same as last month

Repairs done. 

Only household e.g. tightened screws on frying pan. 

    

2024 June summary

Not a particularly crafty month, but some projects finished or moved forward. 

Knitting /crochet:

Delivered granny squares for the community arts project, then decided to make one more plain in flecked grey, then squeezed in a second from mixed leftovers (the octagon centre worked better than a square start). A couple more poppies added to the bag, too. These two projects are refreshing my crochet skills, and using up yarn unsuitable for baby clothes donations. 

One toddler size pink hat knitted, and started another. 

Sewing: Worked with chicken -print fabric for Betty top. It's the best fit yet for sleeves and mid-back. Ready for a test wear when summer arrives.  However I've cut the neckline too wide to stay in place and suspect it will soon be on the repair pile for a yoke to replace the neck area. 

Repairs:

Poppers on brown raglan cardi restitched - again. 

Rainbow legwarmers. Cut off shrunken wool extension (about 1") and added a burgundy acrylic stripe (about 1.5") to the top rib. 

Two long scarves made L-shaped for sun protection.  From a two-fabric charity shop find, one half beige gauze, the other ivory lace. 

Other crafty activities:

Sorted some inherited knitting needles, decided which to add to my own collection. Duplicates donated, well most of them :)  

Test wears - only the mustard brocade skirt which was fine for about town. We only have had one hot day here (in mid-twenties)  White floral shirt still awaits the sun. 

Chose not to do:

Sew what you need in June - already covered by existing plans. 

And what's are the probable projects for July? 

Make sure the tweaks to the Betty top are transferred to the flat pattern. 

Play with raising or narrowing the back neck so it doesn't slide down in wear. 

Handbag sized projects. I've done a load of crochet poppies, can I do some knit ones as well? Use the part ball of cotton yarn for (sun protection) gloves? 

Once happy with the Betty pattern, can I use what I've learned to reknit the top 6" or so of the Talvi 2022 or Finchdale 2023 jumpers? Or am I better making a fleece or brocade cardi first? I'm short of decent cardigans. 

Neither of my summer raincoats have hoods, can I do something about that? 

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