Saturday 30 June 2012

New toy and slightly bodged heart

I have a new sewing machine! A colleague kindly sold me hers and it's fabulous! My first attempt at stitching is the lavender filled heart hanging from it, it's bodged beyond belief but I know how to make the next one better by a long shot!

Tomorrow is the long awaited crochet course, so excited.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Cable knitting and cross stitching

I started the cable knit part of my chunky scarf today, I'm getting on well with it and despite being a little skinnier than I intended I am so far impressed and loving how quickly it is growing because of the chunky wool and massive needles.

As for my cross stitching... This has taken a back seat lately as I am finding knitting is completely taking over, I love it! There I go again, letting knitting take the limelight so back to my cross stitch. I have done quite a bit and think it is coming along rather nicely, whether I will ever do a second one for the other side if the bed though I cannot say?!

Saturday 16 June 2012

Chunky scarf

I have started my scarf with my very chunky wool and giant needles. The plan is to cable knit down the middle of it, I have never knitted a cable before so goodness knows how it will turn out but fingers crossed!

Wednesday 13 June 2012

It's finished!

I have finished my glass panel and I am so pleased with it! The processes are very long and now I entirely understand why they cost so much to have made.
Step 1: draw out the pattern very carefully on paper and number each section.
Step 2: cut the glass (after carefully selecting it) to match the pattern. These pieces need to be numbered and a dot put in the paper section once cut out.
Step 3: cut the lead to fit the window together, this takes ages!
Step 4: solder the joints of the window on both sides to hold the glass within the lead.
Step 5: cement the glass into the lead with a special lead cement. This is very messy.
Step 6: sprinkle with talcum powder and remove any excess lead cement from the glass.
Step 7: clean the glass to remove the pen and excess cement from on the glass.
Step 8: leave the panel face down for the glass to set into the cement.
Step 9: after leaving the panel for 24hrs clean the rest of the cement from around the lead.
Step 10: display!

I am sure to have missed something out.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Nearly there

The glass panel is so nearly complete. After I finished leading the window and eating my tea I soldered the joints to make the window stronger and of course to stop it from falling apart. This morning I had to cement it in lace with some wonderful gloppy lead cement, I enjoyed that part, it was really messy. Then I had to clean off the excess cement and polish the glass before blackening the lead. It's looking really good and all I have to do now is leave it laying face down to let the cement set, give it one last clean and then hang it.

Monday 11 June 2012

Coming along nicely

The stained glass panel is looking good, I have cut the lead to fit and the next step is soldering and cementing so it doesn't fall apart which shall be done later this evening.

Sunday 10 June 2012

Stained glass

Today it was suggested that I should try to make a stained glass panel. Of course I said yes! I have cut all the glass I need, only cutting my finger once and tomorrow I will lead it. It's all very exciting. To see some more advanced pieces than the one I am making then check out www.susicoxglass.co.uk

Friday 8 June 2012

Knitted kitten

I have just finished my knitted kitten and I have to say I am rather chuffed. It was a very simple pattern but for someone who has only ever knitted scarves and dish cloths I think I did well! She doesn't have a name yet though so suggestions on a postcard please.

Monday 4 June 2012

Jubilee

Loving the jubilee. Knitting and stitching on hold for cakes and parties.