Wednesday 16 January 2013

In your own words.


Today is my day on the 'In your own words' blog hop. Many thanks to Madame Samm for organising the hop and to Linda from Buzzing and Bumbling for doing a really great job as our cheer leader. For this hop we were asked to tell you something about ourself using words in any way we liked. I spent a lot of time thinking about my project for the hop. I wanted to make something I needed, that would be useful and that I would enjoy making. Oh and time was a very important factor as I have only limited time for sewing and several big projects started or planned.

So from my stash I pulled these fabrics.

Seeing that lovely fabric with the knitting needles and yarn you have probably guessed that I decided to make a knitting tote. My old knitting bag had to be retired a few years ago due to old age and a lot of holes. Since then I have used recycled plastic bags to keep my projects together and clean. However this isn't very safe with pets around that like to nose into bags to see what's going on and also isn't environmentally friendly. 

The knitting fabric already has several knitting terms on it such as 'slip one', 'knit one' and 'check gauge   but I wanted to add some words of my own. Using the embroidery stitches on my Elna 6600 I embroidered Stay calm and knit around the maroon band. I hadn't used the alphabet on this machine before and it took a little time to remember how to enter the letters into the memory so it would embroider as a phrase. Once I'd remembered it stitched up very quickly. Just as I finished it I remembered I had a digital copy of the manual on my computer!


I practised my FMQ doing a loopy pattern over the bag but not on the band with the lettering. I have finally managed to master getting the stitches an equal length and moving the fabric smoothly. I've decided that FMQ is a bit like learning to drive (especially a car with a gear shift). When you first start learning there seems to be too many things to concentrate on - while you work on one thing another goes slightly awry. So I've now reached the point of being a very early novice with FMQ rather than a total disaster area. Unfortunately my loops and squiggles don't really show up in the photo.



For the lining I used some polka dots - they seem appropriate for any project.


It felt good to be putting my latest knitting project - a jumper for my older daughter - into my new knitting tote. It's very roomy and all the items for the project including the completed pieces fitted in with ease.



Everything now looks neat and tidy and the tote doesn't look out of place next to my favourite chair in the living room all ready for me when I want to relax and knit while I watch a programme on TV.

So does this project tell you anything about me. Yes it tells you that as well as quilting I also knit.   The words I have machine embroidered on the band form a continuous sentence with no full stops between each phrase. This is because if I am calm I knit but also if I knit I stay calm.  

Let me show you some things I've knitted in the last year. First there were 15 baby blankets that I knitted for Project Linus. I also knitted several prem baby hats.


Then there was a little knitted rabbit for Isabel, the daughter of a friend of my son's, who was born in May 2012


There was a baby blanket for Isabel. This was fun to do because the pattern was slightly more intricate but still relaxing to knit.


Squares for blankets to be given to Battersea Dog and Cats Home. I love the paw print.


I helped Lucy, my younger daughter, knit an elephant as a birthday present for a friend


I'm currently knitting a jumper for my older daughter. The back and front is finished and I've started the first sleeve. It's in chunky wool so knits up quickly.


and finally, I still have to finish this jacket for me. Unfortunately I have been having too much fun quilting to finish this before. I have also agreed to knit some more blankets for Project Linus.



There you have it, a little more information about me. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and now go and visit the rest of the ladies posting today. Since the hop started there have been lots of lovely and creative items made so relax and enjoy.

Wednesday, January 16
Sew Many Yarns You are here.

Planning ahead here are 2 fun events coming up later this month.

1. Grow your Blog Party on the 19th January. This is being organised by Vikki at 2 Bags Full. It isn't too late to sign up. No sewing needed to join in. The link here will take you to the information about it.


2. Dare to Dresden Blog hop organised by Madame Samm and with Christine from Quilt monster in my closet as our cheerleader. The hop runs from January 24th to the 31st ( not over the weekend). My day is January 25th.

Happy Sewing 

80 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding me about my UFO stash.
    I do have a half-finished knitting bag made of this fabric in it :-)

    I really should finish it, now that I started knitting again.

    (And I made a similar attempt for a baby blanket like you did - only yours is much more complicated and better made than mine - look: http://naehtina.blogspot.com/2010/09/gestrickt-nicht-genaht.html)

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  2. Beautiful knitting bag! Love all you projects. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. That is a lovely knitting bag and seems very roomy! Well done!

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  4. What a lovely knitting bag and knitting projects. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Beautiful work, Lyndsey. I feel the same way about embroidery.

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  6. A lovely bag for your knitting - thank you for sharing with us.

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  7. What a cute idea, I don't have a purposes bag for my knitting and it always end up IƱaki supermarket or shop one! Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Its very nice - I love all of the things you have knitted too, how lovely to do some for the dogs home, I usually send old quilt covers or towels but have knitted something for them!

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  9. Wow - I wish I could knit! I love the embroidery for the bag - perfect!

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  10. Thanks for sharing your project - I loved seeing your knitting, especially the elephant! I wish I could knit!

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  11. Great tote for your knitting. Love it!

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  12. What a cute tote/knitting bag! Thanks for sharing about the Grow Your Blog Event too!! Looking forward to spending the day with you when we Dare to Dresden on the same day!! :)

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  13. I just starting knitting and I am hooked. There isn't enough time in the day to knit, quilt and cross stitch. I will make time.

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  14. I love this knitting bag...it looks like it will get used a lot...that is something I need....I have my wool
    in a hope chest and my knitting in a stainless steel bowl lol
    YOURs is far more appealing..

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  15. Love your bag...I don't knit, but I love bags. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  16. What a cute bag! I love that fabric even though I don't really knit.

    Your knitting projects are so beautiful! I love the white one especially, and the adorable little animals. I wonder if I could manage one?

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  17. I love your bag and it is a lovely knitting bag. I knit also, so maybe to sew a knitting bag would be a good idea. Thanks for sharing

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  18. the bag is great and so are your knitted projects.

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  19. Your knitting bag is wonderful! Love it, thank you for sharing.

    Happy quilting,
    cindy at quiltdoodledesigns dot com

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    1. Thanks for your comment Cindy. Unfortunately although you have left your email address it wouldn't work so I couldn't reply directly to you.

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  20. Love your knitting bag and seeing all of your wonderful knitted projects! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. How cute and what fantastic knitting projects you are working on!

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  22. That is an excellent and personal knitting bag. Your projects are very lovingly made.

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  23. What a wonderful knitting bag! I love the wordy border on it! I wish I knew how to quilt, but I can't start anything new right now! Maybe some day, though.....
    Great job!

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  24. I love what you did with this project....great bag..and the stitching is wonderful

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  25. Thank you for shareing your project with us.. WHat a wonderful & useful bag yo have made. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. Wonderful!!! Yarn is so fun! This has been great fun to be on the hop with everyone.

    My day is also today!

    Pat Sloan
    "The Voice of Quilting"
    http://blog.PatSloan.com

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  27. Rosemary B here: GORGEOUS bag, oh my. I love it!
    Your knitting is so nice too. I love the things you have made. Just lovely, so nice with the textures.
    Thank you so much for sharing today

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  28. Yarn is another addiction - so many pretty colors, like fabric, and thread - :) Love the bag.

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  29. I love your knitting bag and it inspires me to make one for my work. I love your white blanket. Thanks for sharing.

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  30. Love the bag, oh so love the green jumper and the purple project too! Gorgeous colours :)

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  31. Wonderful knitting bag, and what fabulous things you have knit! I am in awe!

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  32. I only dabble in TV knitting to keep my hands busy. Yours is wonderful and thank you so much for sharing. Judy C

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  33. Stay calm and knit - love it! Your knitting is so creative.

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  34. What a wonderful bag Lyndsey! I don't knit but I always enjoy seeing your projects!

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  35. Hi!!! Very cute bag!!! Love the little bunny too!!! Thank You

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  36. What a great idea. Your bag for your knitting is gorgeous. I love everything about it, down to the fabric that you used. Thank you for sharing.

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  37. What a great way to use that fun fabric. Your tote turned out very nice!

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  38. Lovely! I would love to learn how to knit. =)

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  39. I love all the baby quilts and your new knitting bag, I have been cross-stitching for 30 yrs, I should and say I will make me one one day, it feels good to sew for yourself, by gift giving is better. I have been carrying a wicker basket with me for 20 yrs I got in Germany when I lived there for awhile. enjoyed !

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  40. I love that fabric with the knit words on it because I too am a knitter. I have never seen any fabric with knitting on it before. Your bag is great and so very useful too. Love all your knitting projects, they are beautiful. I'll tell you what I do with all those little bits of fabric scraps and yarn pieces that you would normally throw away, I save them until I have enough to stuff a pet bed pillow that I make using any fabric that I find like home dec or polar fleece, whatever will be sturdy enough for pets and all washing those beds will take too. I donate them to a no-kill cat shelter. Thought you might want to make some of those too, since you knit a square blanket for pets. If you ask your knitting and sewing friends to save those bits of scraps for you, well you might end up with more than you can imagine!

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  41. Your knitting bag is sew sweet! Love it and all your projects. Thanks for sharing...Judith, Texas

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  42. This is really a cute and very useful bag. Sweet. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  43. wow, you sure knit a lot. for some reason i could never figure out purling =).

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  44. Beautiful knitting. Love your knitting tote.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  45. Your tote is great and that baby blanket...phenomenal!

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  46. what a lovely knitting bag, I love the alphabet stitch!

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  47. Such a cute tote and all those knitted projects, just beautiful.

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  48. What a great place to put your yarn in and you have made some wonderful projects.

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  49. Wow , your knitting bag is great and you are an accomplished knitter , great work!!

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  50. great bag. I've some of that same fabric put away , great idea that can be put to some good use.

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  51. I love the bag and fabric you used. Your knitting is amazing (I don't knit) and love that baby blanket for Isabel. It's beautiful!

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  52. I love your yarn tote - fabulous fabric that you used.

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  53. Wow...I am impressed with your knitting and am intrigued with English Paper Piecing, so I have given you a follow and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work!

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  54. I love your new knitting bag. the rabbit and elephant are so cute and all the blankets. You stay busy I would say. Thank you for sharing.

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  55. Your bag looks great! I love those wooden handles and the knitting fabric. You are a very talented knitter too. Your projects are all so cool!

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  56. LOve your knitting bad. It's always nice to have a cute place to store your knitting wip's too.
    thanks sew much for sharing with us today
    in stitches

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  57. You painted such a lovely picture of your knitting bag beside your favorite chair - it looks much nicer than the recycled plastic bag I also saw! :) You are a fabulous knitter and those baby blankets are awesome.

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  58. Your work is beautiful. Knitting can be such fun!

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  59. You have been one busy lady! Wow! Your work is lovely. I have just gotten back into knitting after several years, and I am having fun doing it.

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  60. Very nice! I enjoyed seeing all your knitting too. Thanks for being part of the hop.

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  61. such a fun knitting bag! Thanks for sharing!

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  62. Love the knitting bag! Your knitted projects are all wonderful! Knitting is fun and relaxing and more portable than most quilting.

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  63. You are soooo talented! An amazing knitter!
    And I'm on the 25th for the Dresden hop, too - see you then!
    x

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  64. What a great knitting bag. I used to knit, but put it aside to quilt.

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  65. I love that knitting fabric. I too find knitting (and crochet) to be calming but only when doing afghans and such. Anything too intricate, like sleeves, are stressful. You are very talented. I love that elephant. That I would give a try.

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  66. What a great knitting bag, so cute.

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  67. Love your knitting tote bag. Very cute. Also like all your knitting projects. Thanks you for sharing with us.
    blessings, denise :D

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  68. Love the knitting bag and the gorgeous projects. Thanks for sharing.

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  69. Very nice knitting bag. I like your words and your choice of fabrics. Well done.

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  70. I like your description of FMQ,I am at the disaster stage myself! Your wordy knitting tote turned out nicely :)

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  71. Love your knitting bag. Your knitting is very pretty. Thank for sharing.

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