2026 May summary, Bee fabric Freya 2026 v1

May has been generally dingy, so I've mostly worn my mid weight trousers and long sleeved tees, combined as necessary with scarves and wristwarmers. Met up with a relative in Hexham, and, rebel that I am, wore the silk Viking hood in the wind at the beautiful Vindolanda Roman site on Hadrian's Wall. It proved to be a very flexible garment, used as sun protection a fortnight later when our area was just on the edge of the UK heat dome.

Sewing:

Freya 2026 v1 in bee fabric. 

My tees are wearing out, most of them are 3 or 4 years old. The comfiest are the soft blue with white flowers, which correspond to 2023 v3 and v3a, ancestor pattern Freya by Tilly and the Buttons. I still had tracings of v3a and v7, the monet-esque. I prefer v3a neckline and shoulder width. 

Made lots of small pattern changes...

Starting with 2023 v3a back: 

 Widen by ½“ from most protruding point of blades, scye notch height;  

 Take a dart at shoulder notch to compensate. Odd in a knit, however I'll get away with it in my intended single jersey;

 Raise high shoulder point by ¼“, taking a smidge more into the shoulder dart to compensate; 

 Restore the scye to a more conventional shape.

Starting with 2023 v3a front: 

 Narrow the sideseams above hip height; 

 Scoop the front scye below yoke level.

Starting with 2023 v3a sleeve: 

 This had a smaller cap than the new scye. Added ⅛" height; 

 Lengthened by ¼".

The slightly metallic finish on this fabric looked gorgeous on the roll, but it bruises easily when folded or stitched. Think this version will be wearable but not for best. We will see how it washes and wears.

EDIT: did a wear test on 1st June. Provionally pleased with silhouette and comfort. I've pinned a couple of ⅛" changes to the front scye, but haven't machined yet.

Knitting. 

Blue and purple merino legwarmers, with Lucas number stripes. Both legs are at 11" by 31 May. Blue yarn is almost used up on the stocking stitch, there should be enough purple left for the top ribbing.

A new experiment, trying to adapt S6614 cardi pattern for knits, rotating some darts to short rows. Testing as a bolero on big needles. I have notes, however it's a travel piece, too, so it'll be a while before blogged.

Repairs:

Replaced button on DH's trousers 

Moved in sleeve buttons on blue corduroy dress.

Tidied up waistband on refitted sand-coloured trousers - however there still isn't quite enough sitting ease.

Debating whether to do: Replace lower band on Hermia teal cardi which is slightly flared compared to the stocking stitch above it. I'd chosen to do that rather than rib because I dislike the slight gather which emphasises my lower tum. This band is better, however I need to lose something like one in ten stitches. Whether it's worth it given the merino superwash is already showing wear at hips and elbows... It'd involve removing and reknitting the button band. The smaller thing is to add a couple of rows to the button band, filling in the wide V a bit ‐ for warmth and better proportions on my short frame.

Possibles for June 

A light wrap from an old scarf?

Use damaged silk scarf for a cami?  

Another Freya to pattern test latest changes in plain colour?

Red event men's polo, add pocket, experiment with refitting?

Chicken-print top, can I replace yoke for better fit at front shoulders. A round neck to de-emphasise my asymmetry there? 

Skirt yoke to fit. Use for grey pleated fabric?