Crafting 2020 – A Cardi for me (and something for a friend)

I have made myself a new Cardi. I brought the wool ages ago (buy 3 for the price of two deal) and it has been sitting in the stash for a while. I decided to make me a cardi from it and used a pattern from Tin Can Knits (http://tincanknits.com/pattern-SC-harvest.html).

I am pleased with the body but the sleeves are not brilliant. It was the first time I used Double Pointed Needles and you can see where I switched from one needle to another. I mentioned this on a knitting facebook page and some contributors thought the ladders (that is the technical term apparently) will disappear with wear and washing. Others suggested transferring one stitch a needle each row to stop the ladder.

The yarn is by the Women’s Institute; an acrylic Aran in Teal.

I have also made another poncho for a friend from a pattern on http://www.sewchat.com using Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn in Storm Blue and Raspberry (two colours which go together really well).

Crafting 2020 – Restoration Project

My first finished lockdown project.

Last autumn one of the churches I attend was having a deep clean. They unearthed two banners. One that wasn’t quite finished and one that needed a new backing as the old one had discoloured over time.

I finished the unfinished one in time for it to be put up at Christmas (it was the Angel visiting Mary).

The second took a bit longer. I cut out the three wise men and unpicked the lettering. As the original star and chest of gold were stuck on with glue I made new ones. Then sewed everything on. I can’t take credit for the design but I have enjoyed restoring it.

I look forward to next Christmas when it can be hung at church.