Knitting Fall and Winter projects Winter 2023/24

[Melodi]

I put this under knitting because this zombie computer won't let me scroll to see all the options, and my other one is in the shop (it is fixed now but needs to be picked up), but any project would be welcome here. I figured now that the harvest is winding down, more of us will be inside doing our various knitting and sewing, crocheting, quilting, and other skills to create things. My focus (starting with last months UFO's of which I will have a few more) is on getting warm things to wear in the house (and outside) during our damp, wet winters that fit. My beloved wore a lot of my stuff and was rather hard on clothing. Much of it isn't repairable (as in the months ate over half of it, or it is so badly stained it can't be cleaned), so I am making more—especially sweaters.

So here is my second sweater in this project, Cottage Creation's Wonderful Wallaby - aka the Hoodie. The designer is celebrating 40 years of knitting patterns and offering a high discount on Ravelry for both her online and printed designs. I use them so much that I bought everything in electronic format because I am constantly misplacing my paper patterns. I've made so many of these sweaters in miniature for babies I decided it was time to knit another one for myself. I have an old one somewhere, but I'm unsure if it will still be usable when I find it. As it is, I may knit another one as I wear this nearly every day.

Photo to be added when my repaired computer is back. This Zombie that can not be fixed (dead lap top walking) won't copy the link to the photo!

 

[SousJo]

This will be a fun thread. My textile arts are like my singing - what I lack in talent, I make up for with enthusiasm.

I've been picking up my last project over this past week. It was just too hot over the summer. I hate crocheting when my hands are sweaty.

I'm making an oversized square shawl using a net stitch, so it will be open and airy, while also substantial enough for what cool weather south Texas gets. Haven't decided on edging, perhaps a picot stitch but I'd like some fringe. I'm no good at fringe though.

I'm using I Love This Yarn in forest green. I already have a shawl in this stitch, only longer and narrower, in 'aegean sea' that is meant to be trimmed with black, but again, haven't decided how to finish it.

I can't just crochet. It's not enough to occupy me. So I tend to play Rimworld while I crochet in the evenings. That's a big part of how I got 13000 hours in Rimworld, lol.

It's going to be fun to see what everyone here is working on. Bet I learn a thing or three! Great thread, Melodi.

 

[summerthyme]

I haven't even looked at my machines in months... in fact, I think that blasted (but gorgeous) white silk with silk chiffon overlay flower girl's dress in May was the last thing I sewed... it was such a PITA, I didn't want to even *think* about sewing anything!

But now the gardens are almost done, both hubby and I need new, warm nightspots. I did manage to make us each a lightweight summer one in the Spring... I sure wish I could figure out exactly what that fabric was, because it's the most buttery soft knit I've ever seen. It literally feels like you are wearing nothing, and it stretches so well, it almost never binds up even on a restless night. OTOH, it stretches so well, I need to restitch the hem on mine, because the stitching didn't stretch nearly well enough! I'll have to use some wooly nylon thread and a stretch stitch this time.

Hubby needs a couple heavy sweatshirts, so those are at the top of my list. I saw Reebok sweatshirts at WalMart the other day (decent quality, but not top quality by any means... probably 9 or 10 oz weight... for $27! I've got some super sturdy 14 oz sweatshirt fleece, and some softer 12 oz... probably make one of each.

He also needs a new pair of fleece lounge pants, for wearing on chilly winter evenings. He's been wearing the same pair for close to 20 years, and they're pilled enough they must be uncomfortable!

Then I'll have to start thinking about Christmas. I think the women will get some patchwork, hand quilted potholders, and maybe a table topper... but I've got to find my quilt fabric! It's in "suitcase" style bags with clear plastic sides, but they must have been out into the storage containers first, because I haven't seen more than a couple of them. Frustrating!

And it looks like we've got about 10 days left of our wonderful weather, before temps fall off a cliff, so any partial emptying, sorting and reloading needs to be done damned soon. Hubby is hauling in firewood, and I've been working on finishing the harvest. But the potatoes are in the root cellar, and the Brussels sprouts and cabbage need a frost, so I can take a couple days to find stuff, if I get some help.

Hubby's new chiropractor confirmed what I've been telling him for several years... both shoulders are trashed, with the rotator cuffs "probably completely torn", plus bone spurs causing muscle and ligament damage. No wonder he finds it difficult to lift things above his head! And working in the storage containers is mostly working above shoulder level. Damn!

Then, of course, the girls can use new school dresses and a couple pairs of leggings each for school. I love that dresses and other feminine styles are "in" for girls again! Jeans are fine on the farm, but for years, it seemed girls wore pants as much as the boys. Leggings and a pretty tunic are a nice compromise for the cold days we have.

I wish I could get busy on my knitting machine again, but there is simply no place to put it. Super frustrating, now that I have girls who would love fluffy sweaters... and I have many, many pounds of yarn in storage. :-(

But for now, we're looking at low to mid 70s, bright sun and zero chance of rain for the next 8 days... I'm going to spend as much time outside with my horses, and gathering seeds for next year, before I'm forced indoors for good.

Summerthyme

 

[Chicory]

I’ve been sewing up a storm, making clothes for me and my granddaughter… good thread!

 

[Broken Arrow]

Got my circular sock machine fixed and now trying to figure out how to make the damn things. Made a scarf from an indy dyer friends colorway and then sold it back to her so she can use it as a demo for fiber fairs she goes to and sells at. Scored more fiber so I can make another. Started a lace shawl but am struggling with the charts on it. I'm not a chart knitter, so I have to write them out. So that is slow going. Got a pile of sheep coats calling my name to fix at the moment and feeling guilty that I have not gotten them taken care of.

 

[Sacajawea]

I've got 3-4 projects to work on this winter. First up will be a long cardigan style sweatshirt. Quick & easy pattern. Then, starting to work on a victorian chemise; my first historical item - in lawn. I may handsew a good bit of this. Idea in my head to design & make a wraparound denim jumper with big pockets; almost like an apron. And get my moccasins ready to lace together.

But FIRST, I must get drywall up, taped & sanded. And the whole studio is going through a major makeover, so I don't know how much sewing I'll get done. Sweetie keeps bringing me repair & alteration projects, too.

 

[IRoberge]

Melodi I am also working on a wonderful wallaby as a Christmas gift! As well as a car seat blanket for a November baby shower. This my second wallaby. I made one last year and gave it to my DIL.

 

[kyrsyan]

I have to get garden beds cleaned up, and then I can focus on sewing. And I really need to get started on some things. I don't want to be panic sewing in December.

 

[MissionBend]

Wow, thus thread hits so close to home. I have sooo many UFO's and now I have daughter bring in the new grandson so I want to have something made for him when they get here! (Save on mailing prices) he is now 16months (14 adjusted?) so I was thinking of maybe a knitted teddy bear and some crocheted fidget toys maybe? Still debating.

But have to majorly clean house first, being in a wheelchair a lot when I am able to get up I tend to focus on dish's, folding laundry more than any other cleaning so it is truly a MESS! LOL (Then need to address the 6 to 10 other UFO's that lay waiting)