Wednesday 12 February 2014

Handwork and 2014 Challenge (January)!

I put my sewing machine away for Christmas so we could eat at the kitchen table, and it hasn't been back out since. Therefore, any crafting I've been doing over the last couple of weeks has been hand sewn.


These two round purses are from a pattern in Craftseller magazine. The original purpose of the design was to be used as an ear-phone case but these could have any number of  uses from coin purse to travel jewellery case (any other ideas welcome). And they count towards my Challenge to make use of my books and magazines.


I made the felt by hot-washing woollen jumpers. You get quite varied results doing this, meaning that the pink felt above is much thicker than the grey below. I'm glad I made the pink one first because it was quite a struggle to attach to the zip. Incidentally, the zips come from the pockets of some jogging trousers of my son's.


The grey purse had it's own challenges. I'm finding I need my glasses more and more when I'm doing close work, and sewing dark colours like this is the worst. I lost my 'best' pair of glasses recently (bought from the local post office for a few pounds) so bought a new pair. I couldn't find the same magnification I used before so got the next stage up - and boy did I need them. When I.....ahem......found the old pair, I compared them and was astounded at the difference.


Finally,  I got around to cutting up the pile of t-shirts I'd sorted from my clothes, into yarn. Added to what I already have, there should be enough to make something now.

Bye for now
Teresa x

3 comments:

Scarlet said...

The purses are lovely - great recycling! Have you decided what you are going to make with the t-shirt yarn?

Linnhe Mara said...

What sweet little purses, and some brilliant recycling! I've felted a number of jumpers myself ( mainly on purpose ) and they are patiently waiting in a heap in the workroom for me to give them a new lease of life.

Your yarn stash looks very promising. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with it.

L x

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

These little purses are really nice! So cute :))
Great idea to recycle your t-shirts into yarn!