Lots of finished objects

I have been busy knitting the last couple of weeks, and with Christmas finished and Christmas presents of knitting items, and sale bargains, the last few days have been very busy indeed.

First some finished items.

Pattern: Vine washcloth http://cf.geocities.com/knitdishclothcorner/
This is a washcloth knit as part of a present for my mum. It only took a few hours, and I really like the pattern, which is very similar to the embossed leaves sock pattern.


Next is the U Necked Vest from Fitted Knits. This is the first item I've knitted from this book. I knit it in Matchmaker Merino DK knitting and had to change the size I knitted to make up for the fact that the pattern is for an aran weight. I like that the substitution worked well and it fits me, but I am not sure about the way it looks on me. From the side it looks fine, from the front I feel I look very boxy, and I think I'd have liked the straps to be a bit narrower. But overall fairly successful.


This Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle is a pattern I've liked for a long time. I found some Rowan wool cotton on sale this week, and this took just over 5 balls. This was knitted using Denise Interchangable needles I got for christmas, and I've been really pleased knitting with them so far. I really like how this has turned out. The sleeves really don't puff out on me like they do on the pattern notes, but I have wide shoulders and I'm not very surprised, and I like the way they have worked out.

Another Zephyrstyle pattern, this is Juliet. I was inspired by the Sexy Knitters Knitalong, and some lovely examples of this on Ravelry. It is knit out of Jaeger Merino Chunky. I love the colour, and knitting in chunky was so quick. I think it looks good on the duck tape dress form, but not convinced on me. I'm reserving judgement until I've got some nice buttons.

I own a knitting machine!

I've been given a knitting machine!
My boss was in his loft to get the christmas decorations down, and decided clear out some of the junk. One thing he noticed was his mums old knitting machine, not used since she moved abroad. And he thought I might be interested or know someone at my knitting group who might be. Otherwise he was going to throw it away. It seemed too good to say no, so today he brought it into work for me, and now it's sitting in my kitchen and I'm wondering where on earth to start.

I have been wondering about knitting machines ever since i first noticed the price one was going for on ebay, when i could have bought a kntting machine and wool winder for less than a wool winder on it's own. But with the possibility a second hand one might need a lot of work to get it running, I've never quite persuaded myself into it. But this knitting machine seems to have all the parts mentioned in the instruction book, including unused punch cards, and a wool winder! And I seem to have about 4 years worth of "The Modern Knitter" including some amazing old patterns, and recipes.





Now I just need to decide where to start.

Shopping

This weekend I have mostly been shopping. Not the christmas shopping I should be doing. I lasted two hours of pouring rain, queueing car parks, crowded shops and lack of idea for what to actually buy, before giving up on Saturday morning. I have finally made some decisions on what yarn to buy for a queue of knitting projects I have been wanting to start. Part of the reason for posting here is to document my decisions, before I forget them, and lose track of all the internet orders.

1. Yaeger Merino Chunky in Red Ink from Cucumber Patch to knit a Juliet
2. Debbie Bliss merino silk DK from Janette's Rare Yarns, because I love the colour and the yarn felt nice in the shop! I'm not entirely decided what to make, one possibility is Roam from Knitty, and another is the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, but I am also wondering if I can modify the Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits to work with double knitting. Needless to say the yarn was too good a price not to buy, and I loved the colour!
3. I have bought one ball of Aran in Blue John from Lanarkshire wool mill, and one of their shade cards. I am seriously considering this to knit the Tilted Duster from Interweave Knits but I would like to see what the wool is like first.

With the miserable weather this weekend, I plan to carry on shopping a little. I currently have no ongoing knitting projects, an almost empty credit card, an upcoming Christmas break and unlimited access to Ravelry, it's a dangerous combination.

Back to School U Neck Vest

Hoping to get a good photo soon


Pattern: Back to School U Neck Vest from Fitted Knits

Yarn: Matchmaker merino DK, Jaeger

Needles:



Although I am pleased that this has finished, and that it fits well despite me subbing the yarn for double knitting, and so knitting the largest size whilst having to adjust some things along the way. However, I can't quite decide my feelings about this one for a few reasons....



1. I think I am still upset with this wool since it didn't look good when it was a "Wicked" , before the great frogging event of 2007. That sounded daft in my head and is no less daft now I've written it down.

2. Although the 2x2 ribbing sounded like a good vertical stripey effect which might not highlight my stomach, the fact that there are such prominent horizontal features in this vest do not look like a good idea in hindsight.

3. I love the pictures in the FItted Knits Book, and this is the first item I have knitted from the book. I really want to like it!

4. A vest would be a good thing to wear to our over-air-conditioned office. Though fingerless gloves might be the stage I have got to.

Alphabet Blanket and knitting bag

I think I will have to accept that I am rubbish at posting in this blog consistently. Whilst I haven't been blogging, I have been knitting, and sewing, and DIY has been getting in the way.

Pattern: Debbie Bliss Alphabet Blanket

Yarn: Wendy Peter Pan Double Knitting, White

Needles: Can't remember!?

I had admired versions of this blanket for a while, and now one of my good friends is pregnant it seemed a very good excuse to knit this. Completed in less than 14 days, it is another knitted item that i knit slightly obsessively on. I also made annoying mistakes that meant approximately 30% of this blanket was knit twice. The edging, though pretty, was incredibly annoying to knit, and I eventually resorted to learning to knit backward in order to stop turning the blanket repeatedly.

The knitting bag came about partly as it seemed so wrong to be carrying a lovely half knitted blanket in a grotty plastic carrier bag. Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, the blanket was finished the day after the bag was, but the bag has still been very useful for storing books, needles and other WIPs and looks a lot better than the selection of knitting paraphenalia which had previously sprawled accross my coffee table.

More sewing, more trousers

Pattern: Simplicity/Built by Wendy
Fabric: Corduroy

These corduroy trousers were from the same patterna s the previous black trousers. I rememebred to make the waist a little smaller, and they feel in less dnager of falling down than the others. I had wanted a pair of short trousers to show off my boots for a while, and inspired by the photos for this hoodie (which is another thing I would love to knit if I can find the right yarn) I decided the easiest way might just be to make some.

After spending ages with one design of the pockets last time, I was dissapointed to realise that the other front pockets in the pattern weren't pockets at all, and have added a single patch pocket of my own design. I don't think this is such a flattering look for me, but it hasn't turned out too badly. I am very pleased with the back pocket flaps, and pleased and surprised that I seem to be getting over my fear of making button holes!

Coat

Since buying my new sewing machine I have used it less than I would like, and then mostly for fixing things. Last weekend I finally found time to make something.


WAITING TO GET A GOOD PHOTO!

Pattern: Simplicity/Built by Wendy

Fabric:

This took me a lot of the weekend to make, but was relatively straightforward. I had admired this coat which used the same pattern, and I am quite pleased with the result. I think I may almost be over my fear of button holes:) The coat material is maybe not as thick as I would have liked, and I might add some further fabric between the outer and lining for a bit more warmth. I like the style of the coat and I have work it every day to work this week.

A Twirly Scarf

I've thought about trying crochet for a while, and I've also seen a few twirly type scarves around, and wondered how easy they'd be to knit. Someone on the Angel Yarns Knitting Forum was looking for a pattern and was pointed to this knitalong site. Browsing through the patterns suggested, I saw a crochet one that looked fairly easy. I bought a crochet hook and a ball of wool yesterday and I finished the scarf just now. I am wondering if it would be nicer a bit wider, maybe with a more lacey pattern. However, it's finished for now, and actually seems to be quite warm.

WAITING TO GET A GOOD PHOTO!

Pattern: Ruffle Scarf

Yarn: Rowan Pure Wool Aran in Raspberry

Crochet Hook size 4.5mm

BF's SIsters Christmas Socks

Pattern: This pattern was based on this pattern for Brigit socks, with the cable changed substantially. The ribbing, heels and toes were unchanged.

Yarn: Regia sock yarn hand dyed with acid dyes

Needles: 2.5mm

Time taken: 6 days, interupted by knitting a quick hat!

Finished, just in time to cosy up in front of the fire now the clocks have changed and the dark nights are drawing in.... Excedpt these aren't knitted for me. These were probably my quickest socks so far, mostly wide ribbing with a 6 stitch cable every 10 rows. I wanted to knit these without the recipient having to try them on, so a stretchy ribbed pattern seemed a good idea. They are a little large on my size 5 feet so hopefully will be okay for size 8 feet. I am pleasantly surprised how the hand dyed wool turned out, and looking forward to playing with sock yarn and dye again.

These are currently blocking on my new cardboard sock blockers, so there may be more photos to follow.

5 hour hat

Pattern: Kind of made up as I went along

Wool: Jaeger Baby Merino, was quite nice to knit with, should be soft once washed and machine washable on a wool cycle

Needles: 4mm circular, using the magic loop technique

The next time one of my colleagues asks, "could you knit a hat?" I might realise they are not asking if I would be able to knit a hat if i so wished, but might be asking me to actually knit a hat, for them... It was a good friend from work whose small daughter had grown out of her previous had, a handkit from her grandma, and apparently much nicer than the mass produced hats in shops. She had discussed knitting at lunchtimes when I'd knitted at my desk, and wondered if I could knit a hat to replace her daughters! I am kind of chuffed to be asked, but I have so many projects I really want to get on with at the moment, that I wanted this to be a fast knit. I started this yesterday evening, and finished it this morning. Just a quick wash and a bit of blocking and I can take it into work Monday.

FO - Bayerische Socks

These were finished far too quickly! With the tiny crossing stitches I really liked the way these grew and you gradually got to see the pattern emerging. When "just one more round" takes a few minutes it's amazing that these were finished in about 11 days, and I still found time to eat, sleep and go to work...

Pattern: Bayerische socks from Eunny Jang

Yarn: Opal

Modifications: One or two errors in the cabling I think, but other than that knitted as pattern

My second Eunny Jang pattern in a row! It was well written and no problem to follow. I am not so sure about the Opal yarn. It is the first time i have used it and it feels a little rough at present. I'm hoping it will feel better after washing. I also seemed to keep finding thinner and thicker lengths which got quite annoying. As I am so chuffed, there are a couple of gratuitous close up shots!

Spotted - Juliet

I have no knitting to show, the bayerische sock is ongoing, but I have found time to surf t'interweb, and I keep seeing versions of Juliet from the Zephyr Girls that I really like.

It is also one of the knits for the Sexy Knitter's Club this month.

I'm not entirely sure how well the boxy, chunky knit will suit my shape, and if October is really the right time of year to knit a short sleeved cardigan, but I like the details such as the assymetric buttons and the lacey pattern. Having never knitted anything in bulky wool I would be interested to see how it goes. I bought a new jacket a couple of months ago which is a similar style, and I still love the jacket.

I think this version from a mingled yarn looks great.

Long, long, long white socks

The long white socks are finished. BF joined his ship today, so this was a little late. I did get a modelled shot before he left, and they are blocking now. Following on from the previous post these have knitting-in elastic throughout the turnover, which is 2*2 rib rather than the garter rib used through the rest of them.

We were concerned they wouldn't stay up, so they also have shaping after the calf with the number of stitches reduced to. ............ by reducing two stitches every ..... rows. He now thinks they might be a bit too tight, but i'm sure they'll change with washing and wearing, though I guess they could get tighter. Time will tell.

With those finished, and my last weeks project of gloves to match my Shedir hat going badly wrong, I have cast on for these Bayerische Socks. Going well so far, but with 98 stitches criss-crossing in such an intricate pattern I think this could be a slow project. I have wanted to knit these for a long time, and feel like I want to get them out of the way! I also started these once previously, only to find they were too big, so these are on tiny 2mm needles.

Tilted Duster?

I really like this pattern, and I have bought a copy of the pattern. There are some lovely examples of finished sweaters already. There is even a knitalong here.

I am having trouble deciding which yarn to use. The pattern uses Berrocco Peruvian in the colour Purpura. I quite like the colour, but I also like several of the others. But I'm not sure how easy it will be to get, and there are some reports of it not washing or wearing too well.

The guage called for is 17sts and 21 rows to 4" in stocking stitch. Apparently I'll need 700g, or 7 balls of 174 yd each.

This Peruvian Highland Wool is about the right guage and it looks like I could order it direct from the site, but I would pay about $43 in postage and packing, which makes this no cheaper than buying yarn here.

This Tess Dawson Merino Aran from Angel Yarns looks nice, but I'm not sure about any of the colours. The black or brown might be nice, but I think I'd really like something bluer or red.

I do like any of the Rowan tweed yarns, but the price is not good. However, I have just seen this Rowan pure wool aran, which looks like a possibility.

I love this reddish tweedy colour yarn, but the rowan yarn is no longer available, and I haven't managed to find anything similar at a decent price.

I also like this version in Plymouth Encore Worsted

Endpaper knits - done

These were a quick knit taking just less than a week of knitting time. The plan is that these are a christmas present, but I like these and might well have to knit myself a pair too.

Pattern: Endpaper Mitts from Eunny Jang

Yarn: Rowan 4-ply soft, Less than 100g in each colour

Needles: 2mm for the ribbing, 3.25mm for the main part

I loved the Italian tubular cast on suggested for these mittens, and used this tubular cast off too. The two colour knitting went a lot better than i thought it might, and I enjoyed knitting these.

FIsh Afghan - A small start

I'm not sure how big I am really planning this to be, but bigger than it is at the moment! Still, five fish is a good start. These were completed in a couple of days, and have made a small dent in the bag of wool I received from a kind freecycler. They are also an easy project to do as and when I am between main projects.

Eeek, it's steeking!

I joined in the steek-along at the Angel Yarns Knitting forum, and have completed my first ever steeking. It's only a swatch, but I like the way the crocheted edge worked, and I have a few patterns this is required for.

I knit the sample in one day in between band practises and an evening concert, including the coach trip on the way there. I did the steeking on Monday evening, and I'm quite pleased with the result. Below is a view of the swatch before cutting. Unfortunately this shows my inability to concentrate during fairisle knitting, but i think i would have concentrated more if I knew it was going to really matter.

I knitted this using the magic loop method, and one colour in each hand. I felt like i was doing something really clever! Two views of the swatch before and after cutting. I tried both the crocheted edge and the blanket stitch but i think i needed a sharper, smaller needle for the blanket stitch and much prefer the crocheted edge. I also added some ribbing to the crocheted edge (not shown) just to show myself that i could.

Dying using acid dyes

Dying was Ashford acid dyes turned out to be almost as easy as the KoolAid dying I tried previously. Completed in a couple of hours one evening, I used a skein of sock yarn that I bought ages ago (which unexpectedly turned out to be horrible), a skein I dyed using KoolAid which turned out far too pale, and an undyed skein.


They look a bit prettier now they are in balls.

Pomatomus Socks - Finished

I have been busy, I have been on holiday, I guess I am never going to be a good, regular blogger, but I have been knitting (and dying) and have some finished objects to blog about...


Pattern: Pomatumus socks, started and finished on holiday.
Modifications: The lacey pattern of the second sock was adapted to be a mirror image of the first. I twisted the stitches picked up along the heel flap edge, which i think looks quite pretty and suits the twisted rib stitches used throughout the lacey pattern.
Yarn: I used some hand dyed wool, dyed using Ashford dyes

I spent a lot of time sat on a canal boat knitting these last week. They are a bit loose on me so i might try a smaller size needle (these were 2.75mm) if I do this again. Also, the second is a lot neater than the first, which is slightly annoying, but not so noticeable in the photos I think. However, I do like this pattern, I love the way the twisted rib at the top and heelp flap flows into the fish scale pattern, and I would definately consider knitting these again.

Sockkkkkkkkks

I seem to have been knitting these socks for quite some time. My BF is in the merchant navy and wears knee high white socks as part of his tropical uniform. When he asked me if i could knit him a pair, it seemed nice thing to do. The size 13 feet and the fact that the socks needed to ne knee high, which very high on a 6foot 4 man, was a little daunting, but it means i don't have to think what to knit next for a while. After just over 2 weeks of knitting, they look like this. I am knitting 2 at a time to avoid second sock syndrome, but also so that i don't have to remember every detail of this made-up-as-i go-along pattern. The sock next to them is one of mine, for scale.

Just in case i ever decide it would be nice to knit him another pair of socks, these are knitted on 2.5mm needles. There are 72 stitches and this pattern is a 2*2 garter rib pattern. The heels were short row heels from the cafe curtains socks pattern and the toes, though originally knitted from the toe up have since been modified to my more normal top down pattern. The toe up heel flaps i tried from Cookie's Baudelaire sock pattern looked okay, but not as good as this alternative, simpler heel. I've decided to knit some elastic into the turnover so these are presently on hold.

Sweetheart Socks - WIP

I've not long finished the first sock of a new pair I'm knitting. They are Cairi's Sweetheart socks, modified to add a tabi toe from here so i can wear them with sandals, and in the yarn I hand died with Koolaid. I love the pattern, and I really like the colour this one has turned out. The lovely pattern and colour aren't so clear in this photo, sneakily taken under my desk at lunch time.

Last Minute Purled Beret

Pattern: Last Minute Purled Beret
Modifications: I like the knitted side, so this won't be a "purled" beret! Also added some shearing elastic to help make the width correct
Yarn: Angel Yarns Luxury Seraph Yarn, less than 1 skein

I didn't swatch for this as I wanted a quick beret for an Allo Allo themed fancy dress costume. The yarn is gorgeous and the pattern was very easy. I didn't swatch so it's lucky it turned out so well, and not surprising it needed a little elastic. This took probably less than 3 evenings to knit.

And it does look better on me than the bear!

Urban Aran - So close to finishing

(Photo to follow)

Pattern: Urban Aran
Modifications: Lots! See below
Yarn: Yaeger Extra Fine Merino Aran in colour 554, Peacock (13 balls)

After languishing on the end of my bannister waiting for weeks to have a zip installed, I finally got round to it yesterday... However, i should have know not to attempt zip installation when tired, and the sides don't match. I also had very limited colours of zips available in the shop, and didn't think it would matter as noone sees when it is zipped, but of course i am unlikley to often completely zip it up, and a green zip would look better. Furthermore, my choice of a double ended zip means that one of the zip pulls permanently hangs out the bottom of cardigan, looking very blue.


However, apart from the zip, and the length, which would ideally have been a bit longer, i really like this cardigan. It is a great colour for me, and warm and cozy, and I still love the way the cables overlap at the waist. The modifications to the pattern are very similar to those described on Streets and Yo's and i think they've worked well.

Refashioned Messenger Bag

Before...
After

I forgot to post about my recent wardobe refashion, though I'm not sure that phrase applies to accessories, anyway....

I finally got round to changing one of the conference issue messenger bags I rescued from being thrown out at work. The ugly CIBSE logo and text is now hidden beind a giant , colourful pocket, which has a velcro fastening at the top. It was much easier than I thought to unpick the existing bias tape, and resew it over the new fabric. The existing hardware to fasten the bags flap down was easy to remove and re-install. The whole thing took less than an hour to change.

This was finished and started one Wednesday evening, after band practise. I have used it every day since!

Elfine socks, from hand dyed yarn

I love this pattern, I love the softness of the yarn. They've been quick to knit too, and i do like having a sock to knit to carry around for whenever the occasion arises.

I don't like the way the heels turned out, but i think this is an issue with my knitting rather than the pattern. The first short row heel i ever did was my favourite and somehow it's never gone quite so well ever since. I didn't really mind the striping issues on either sock, but i'm not so keen on how they look together. I am seriously wondering whether I should try to overdye them, and then the lace might be more prominent. However, I am worried that I will mess them up. The pattern called for some rows of garter stitch at the top. I completed the first one in this way, but it rolls at the top and i don't like it. The second was finished with a 1 x 1 rib, which I much prefer. I am currently reknitting the top of the first sock.

Forest Canopy Shawl - Finished

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. It seemed quick, and it looked so pretty in all the other examples I've seen. I love the colour too.

As others have said, it doesn't look much before blocking...But much better after...

I love the detail of the lace, which looks much harder than it actually was.
I use one ball of Collinette Jitterbug sock yarn, colour Jay. I added an extra repeat or two, and had to leave out 2 lines of the edging, after realising i didn't quite have enough yarn to cast off the first time i tried it. After frogging, and re-knitting, I had less than 2g of yarn left....

I do think it would be nicer ever so slightly bigger, and I'm wondering if i could block it a bit harder. It already didn't quite fit on my dining room table, so I'll have to find somewhere else if i do decide to do this. I'll have to see if i can get an action shot sometime.

Slip Up Socks

Ooops, B is back from sea, my dad is not so well and scheduled for more surgery, so real life has got in the way of things lately. I can't believe how long it has taken me to post here.

I have been knitting, not a lot to show for it though.

I finished these socks a couple of weeks ago and just managed to get me, my camera, the lead for the camera, and the computer in the same place at the same time I liked the pattern a lot, though I did modify it a little to knit toe up with a short row heel, and i love the colour of the yarn. It's trekking xxl, colour 128.

The short row heels weren't quite right as i didn't have my usual instructions with me. They have a row of holes along them, which i am trying to consider a decorative feature.

These took less than a week, and most of the knitting was done whilst travelling to and from a band weekend in France, so i had lots of spectators. I had intended the stripes not to match, but actually they are very close to matching, but they don't quite, which is more annoying to me than if they had been very different, but i guess noone else will ever notice!I have just over a 1/3rd of the wool left, and I'm wondering if I have enough for some trainer sock types socks...

I did start knitting a bayerische sock, but i didn't have the right size needles, and it is far too big for my foot and needs frogging. It just seems a shame when all the cabling was going so well, and looking okay.

I love bank holidays

This 3 day weekend has seen me quite busy. Not with any of the things that I really should have been doing, cleaning, tidying, washing clothes, finishing DIY.... but I have found time for knitting, sewing and dying.

I finished a pair of Monkey socks.




Pattern: Monkey socks from Knitty
Yarn: Trekking XXL, colour 188
Needles: 2.5mm dpns

I love the pattern, and these were a quick knit. I wish i'd chosen some more colourful yarn though, so i might well knit another pair at some point.

Koolaid dying!

I used some undyed trekking sock yarn from .... and some koolaid from ....
The dyed skeins look very bright at the moment, but maybe will be less so when wound into balls, and eventually knitted. The colour combinations tried are:

Kool-Aid Mad Scientwists - Wild Watermelon Kiwi
Kool-Aid - Lemonade
FlavourAid Lemon and Lime

Kool-Aid - Orange
Kool-Aid - Cherry

Kool-Aid - Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Kool-Aid - Magic Twists Changin' Cherry

Kool-Aid - Black Cherry
Kool-Aid - Strawberry
Kool-Aid - Magic Twists Grape Illusion

I already have plans for most of these skeins, Potomus socks, Elfine Socks, Cairi's Sweetheart Socks

http://www.kool-aid.co.uk/ http://www.knitty.com/issuefall02/FEATdyedwool.html http://www.koolaiduk.com/

Sewing- I made a pair of trousers, no photo as yet

Pattern: Built by Wendy, Simplicity no.

Fabric: Cottom Twill bought for about £4 a metre, 2.2 metres, but I have loads left over.

Finished objects

I had a busy weekend with both sewing and knitting featuring. I thought i'd finished Wicked, but some small mistakes i made and thought wouldn't be noticable, are noticable, and annoying. I am also not convinced about the sizing, and am wishing i hadn't added the extra increases before dividing the sleeves off. I also wish I had knitted the sleeves a little longer, say nearer elbow length. I also managed to miss the fact that the pocket edgeing is moss stitch, and mine is single ribbing! All in all I think I would be happier if I frogged this a lot, and sorted it out. The thought of undoing all that knitting is a bit daunting, so this has gone nowhere fast for the last few days.

Some happier finished, or nearly finished objects follow.
Pattern: Arisaig from Knitty

Modifications: I knitted the rib with the same size needles as the rest, I added rib at the bottom of the arms, I added an extra inch of ribbing to the body (and it is still very short, especially considering i have a short body to start with)

Yarn: Sirdar Countrystyle 4-ply.

I only used 262g of the 450g of wool specified and have almost 2.5 of the 5 balls i bought left over. I wish i'd bought less of a nicer yarn with a higher wool content and a nicer drape, but I love this colour. I knitted the 36 inch chest size, and the arm and sleeve geometry worked fine as written, despite me worrying a fair amount that it wouldn't, and mesuring half the jumpers I own to check dimensions!

I've finished (almost, just the grafting of the toe to do) a Monkey sock. I really like this pattern, and I'm looking forward to being able to wear the finished pair.

And I finally made myself a little bag for carrying round a small knitting project. Made mostly from a pair of cords I loved but had got too faded at the edges to wear any more. Lined and with a small internal pocket, this is just big enough for a ball of wool, needles and a pattern. This has been planned for a while and I'm so glad I finally made it! It was also a good reason for a play with my new sewing machine, which was great.