Purl and Seam - Page 2 of 57 - handmade in Lancashire

New Year

January 5, 2021

There seems nothing to be said about 2020 that hasn’t already been said. But I really want to start the year acknowledging what has passed in the last months.

Personally, 2020 was really hard. On top of the pandemic there were numerous challenges at home. By December I was on the ropes.

We took time over the holidays to make some changes. We head into this New Year hopeful for better times all round. Although at the time of writing, here in England we sit, as do our national neighbours, in full lockdown yet again, with schools closed, we remain positive.

Luna and Reynard – DIY Felt Friends

November 20, 2020

It’s been a while since Miss Luna Lapin made an appearance on this blog. This time she’s in company with a foxy friend.

So whilst the last Luna I made was for a friend of Summer’s, this one is for her to keep. The Reynard is for Dylan. We’re teetering on the edge of softies not being cool, but for the moment these were received with glee and are treasured.

DIY Print Sweater – Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater V3.0

November 10, 2020

Please excuse slightly grainy pictures. Lancashire is gloomy at the moment. We need some crisp bright days, please!

My love affair with the Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater continues.

My blue and black striped sweaters are in almost constant rotation as the weather is so much cooler here. So when I saw this beautiful printed ponte di roma on the Patterns and Plains website, it was a given that it would be another Elliot Sweater.

DIY Hand Knit Socks

November 6, 2020

It seems a while since I put a pair of hand knit socks up here. I’ve just checked back through the blog and find that it was actually August of last year! Don’t tell Dave. He’s been bemoaning the lack of new socks this year. It seems he has a point!

This pair run true to form for stripes and boldness. And they are probably the only pair he’ll get this year!

DIY Cocoon T-shirt – Hot Patterns Blouse-Back Tee

November 3, 2020

I’ve had the Blouse-Back Tee from Hot Patterns in my stash for sooooooo long and never got around to making it. When I made the Blackwood Cardigans for Beth and myself, I had some of the lovely jersey left over. It seemed a good idea to use that up to trial this pattern.

I’ve spoken recently about trying new styles, and this definitely falls into that category. I have never in my life worn a cocoon style but the financial investment here was so low, again it felt like nothing to lose.

DIY Striped Baby Cardigan from a Vintage Pattern

October 21, 2020

A baby cardigan is always a lovely thing to knit. A striped baby cardigan is particularly adorable. In these gloomy and sad times, the joy of a new baby makes a teeny cardigan a particularly hopeful garment!

DIY Black Striped Sweater – Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater V2.0

October 15, 2020

My love for the Helen’s Closet Blackwood cardigan is being extended to her Elliot Sweater pattern too.

DIY Sweater and Shorts : Confetti and Vogue V9008

September 23, 2020

Before I start talking about Confetti and V9008, I just wanted to have a bit of a ramble about style and sewing and shopping. If that’s of no interest, then please just scroll down to the pictures and the reviews. I won’t be offended.

Sometimes I find it really useful to park thoughts and ideas here. Mainly for me, but also because you never know who might be having the same stuff rattling around in their noggin.

My sewing is so hit and miss at the moment. The difference between the Crystal Cove and Ogden Camis in recent posts only serves to highlight that.

I’ve been pondering on this topic this week. I think there are a couple of factors at play. Grab a cuppa, I have thoughts!

DIY Cardigan and Cami : Helen’s Closet Blackwood and True Bias Ogden

September 20, 2020

The Helen’s Closet Blackwood cardigan is a staple in my wardrobe, and paired with a new Ogden Cami, I’ve got the perfect outfit for coffee dates with friends….although we’re back in local lockdown next week which isn’t encouraging.

Style Arc Fifi Woven Pant

September 9, 2020

2020 is the year that just keeps on giving!

Not long after my last post I slipped on a wet floor and took a nasty fall. I broke a big toe and have done something quite unpleasant to my knee. I was in bed for several days, followed by time on crutches. It’s only this week that I’ve been able to get an actual shoe onto my foot. The toe is still buddy taped and the knee is still strapped, and I may need surgery.

But today…..I can wear a shoe and take blog photos. And the sun is shining. So let’s go for it!