Tuesday, July 15, 2008

25 years of Vogue


I found this in the library and have spent many hours happily dipping in and out of its pages. I was disappointed at first that there weren't any patterns in it, but then the articles were so interesting and I learnt a few things. I should have read the article on gauge before I made Ophelia, hehehe. I really enjoyed the articles on The History of Knitting and Nasty Knitters, A literary mix of knitting and mayhem. by Margaret Bruzelius. Well worth a browse if you come across it.



I wanted to read this a while ago but it was never in the library and then other books jumped in the queue. I was quite shocked to read that the author had died aged only 34 shortly before it was published. She died from complications following surgery. From what I've read she was a very unique person.

Knitting update for those who might think this is a knitting and reading blog. I have enjoyed being at home for some of the school holidays but I don't really get much knitting done.
I have just the hood and borders to finish on the baby sleeping bag and the capped sleeves on Eldest daughter's T-shirt from the Knit1 magazine eco edition. She's loving how it looks, but I can only see the imperfections that are caused by using bamboo and cotton. The yarn feels soft and yet is very keen to split and tension is a pain. I have to knit continental or it looks twisted, and then in places it is very loose. Hopefully once it's washed and blocked it will look better and as I'm more of a process knitter I don't really mind if the final piece isn't worn all that often.I am almost up to the armholes on Ophelia. It was very quick to knit a second time and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time round.
Thanks for all the suggestions for my fabric. I am going to attempt the crochet roll but need a day when the youngest is out so I can focus. If I try while she's home no doubt it will end up as a session for her and I will end up with an item that more closely resembles a dog's dinner. I also plan to have a dummy run with some fabric that is only headed for the bin anyway. That way if I muck it up I will learn from my mistakes but I won't have wasted my material.
I also plan to have a go at a book cover, but slowly does it.

13 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Have fun with the sewing projects!Can't wait to see the results.

Liz Harrell said...

Thanks for the book rec, I'm needing a new one. How sad the author died at such a young age!

dottycookie said...

Nasty Knitters? I didn't know there were any!

Thimbleanna said...

Hehe, that Nasty Knitters article sure sounds intriguing. You're sure a fast knitter to be to the armholes on the ophelia redo already! I can't seem to get any knitting time this summer!

Kitty said...

Good luck with the sewing project - I'm sure it'll be fab. I tried some felt book covers - I'm still not sure whether I liked them or not??? x

Willow said...

The Vogue book looks interesting. I'll have a look in my library for it.

I missed logging in on the fabric ideas. I would vote for a quilt because it's mostly straight sewing. If you do a simple nine patch pattern there is very little 'thought' that needs to go in to the sewing part.

I used to sew all my clothes and things for my kids. But sewing machines being what they are, I became dis enchanted with technical difficulties. And then my sewing machine DISAPPEARED when we moved. Now I have another handmedown machine that may or may not actually work. You see how it is, sewing requires a lot of prep for me and I can just pick up my needles and cast on. What's to choose?

LizzieJane said...

You really come across the most interesting books, I look so forward to your recomendations.
I know that your sewing project will be great, I am looking forward to seeing the finished results.

periwinkle said...

ggod luck - I always try new things with scrap fabric too
lisa x

Down on the Farm said...

What is a process knitter? The only thing I can think of is that it is simply fun to knit and the outcome doesn't matter too much anyway????

I enjoy reading your blogs and thanks for remembering to check on mine occasionally.

Write me at my e-mail address so that I will be sure to understand what a process knitter is.
maranamama@triconet.org

Thanks.............Connie

Leanne said...

I am not really a knitter so please tell me what is "knit continental" it sounds very exotic. Well done on the sewing front waiting to see the finished article.

Ragged Roses said...

Those books look great reads - have fun with them. I am trying to stay calm when I hear that my eldest daughter wants to do lots of sewing this holiday and stares lovingly at my favourite fabric stash!
Kimx

Ann said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love reading too & it's nice to read a knitting book for some history rather than patterns. I do that sometimes. Happy reading.

Jennie said...

OOh good luck with the sewing. You may surprise yourself!! :D

I love the cover of the second book!