is it cheating?

I did an op-shop (opportunity shop/thrift etc etc...) hunt this time, and found this beauty for $4.99.  Yes it is handknitted, but in China, so I didn't feel too guilty about undoing the seams.

I wanted to make some footed, knitted pants for Tara's bub-to-be and knew I wouldn't knit them in time -

So I used a legging pattern from one of my Ottobre magazines and the sleeves from the jumper, cutting them long enough for me to sew the cuffs shut and make feet.  I didn't line them because they'll be worn over a growsuit, but did make a casing for the elastic waistband out of some light weight jersey rib so it wouldn't be too bulky.

I was really pleased with how these turned out, and couldn't wait till Tara's baby shower so gave them to her the other day.  She was pretty happy with them too. 

I'm still trying to come up with ideas for the body of the jumper...

Oh and the foot?  I had my six week follow up appointment with the surgeon on Monday.  He's happy with the way it's healed so no more daggy boot.  The challenge now is to get my walking fitness back, doggy is pleased.

meanwhile, back at the sewing machine.....

My foot is letting me sit at the machine for a bit, which has cheered me up no end.

Tamsyn needs some new cooler weather pants so I made these from red cord with some Kokka (I think) print lining.  I've also cut out a pair in green cord at the same time, and are literally sewn up in a jiffy.  :)

I've also made some more bibs, using some of my stash of discontinued upholstery samples in linen/cotton blends and backed with an old bath towel I've cut up which makes them ultra absorbent for one spewy dribbly little girl.

Ant likes his black shirts, and this one was getting really ratty on the collar and cuffs.  So the other day I mentioned to him how I'd like to cover said collar and cuffs with some contrasting fabric.  He straight away grabbed my little stash of more groovy fabrics (with me hovering beside him telling him which fabrics were just too precious to cut up yet!) and pounced on this loud orange Prints Charming fabric.  I knew it would be best not to tackle this sort of thing on the machine, and I really enjoyed spending the afternoon and evening sewing these on by hand, while Tamsyn played or slept.  Too easy.

This is the Pod Swaddler, which I've made for Tamsyn's cousin who's due to enter the world in June.  Tara chose the fabric (Amy Butler) and I lined it with flannel.  I wish I'd known about these before Tamsyn was born, I probably would've made a couple for her.  At least I know what to make for future babies, and would be the perfect baby shower gift too.

in my invalid state

I laid aside my knitting....

..... and picked up my hand quilting....

Some of you may remember this quilt, and I'm ashamed to say that it had been neglected for a looooong time.  But hey, I've done a truck load of other stuff in the mean time!  I may get this quilt done in time for Tamsyn's birthday which is in 2 months time, can you believe it?  My girl is nearly one year old!!!  (and not far from walking either....)

My foot is mending nicely.  I went back to the surgeon on Wednesday and he took the plaster 'splint' off the side of my foot, which was wonderful as the thing was really starting to annoy me.  Each day it's getting better and better, although I still have to wear that daggy boot and have to walk on the heal of my foot.

Have a great weekend everyone.

no pain no gain

At least that's what I keep telling myself...

Thank you all so very much for your well wishes, it really means a lot to me.  Now I have to take it easy and mend, and accept the help of others (I hate being a burden!!).

I might even pick up the knitting needles tomorrow....

bunions

Yep, that's my foot and yes, they're sporting a healthy pair of bunions (just below the big toe joint).

They've been coming on steadily since Tamsyn was born and I finally got to see the surgeon last Tuesday.  I'm booked in for surgery this Monday, apparently it's more complicated than just removing the lump, a pin needs to be inserted and other stuff played with.
 
So I'll be wearing a special shoe for six weeks and won't be able to walk very far (doggy won't be impressed!), but if in the long run it means that I'll have a lot more energy, less lethargy and won't walk with a slight limp then I'll be happy.

take one big old jumper....

Cut it up.  Put it back together with a zip across the bottom...

 

 ... and you get a sleeping bag for a girl who sees bedclothes as a challenge..

I lined the sleeping bag with some cotton jersey knit as well, and used some rib knit to finish the neck and arm holes.  In hindsight it would've been good to put a zip down the front as well so there's less bulk to get over her head, but I didn't want to spoil the look of that lovely cable pattern.

Think I'll have to make some more of these.  Especially as the nights are starting to get cooler.  :-)

more knitting and sewing for my girl

This girlie is growing well, which also means new clothes.  Cheap clothes don't seem to me as an option, and to be honest I'd rather make them anyway.  Therefore I've been finding some lovely original patterns on Etsy, namely these Monkey Pants, made with some dark khaki cotton jersey also found at the same shop.  Unfortunately I didn't pre-wash the fabric and it's shrunk ....  :(  So I made another pair in black jersey which I had bought locally and knew didn't shrink (the spotty fabric is some Nani Iro which I just love).

I may put them aside for the next baby due - Tamsyn's cousin.  :)

The Whirligig Shrug was an absolute joy to knit.  I was in my favourite newsagents flicking through the latest Interweave Knits (Weekender edition), noticed this pattern and knew I had to make it.  It's one of these knit from the top down on a circular needle type jobbies and I'd been wanting to try it.  Being the type that doesn't enjoy sewing up knitted pieces, the additional fact that this method is seamless made it even more attractive.  I decided on the 9-12 months size, so it's a bit big at the moment but should be perfect for the cooler autumn evenings which I hope aren't too far away.

She seems happy ...