Big Stowe Bag

Another Stowe bag but bigger! This fella was hard earned; right before sewing the final bias tape binding I realized I (literally) sewed the wrong sides together. Took it all apart. Got to the final binding a second time and was short on bias tape. While shopping for new bias tape I found a color that better matched the fabric, so I took it all apart again. Sewing it the 3rd time was the charm (thaaaank goodness).

Pattern: Stowe Bag by Grainline Studio; 100% linen from Joann Fabric

New skills: Piecing & matching patterned fabrics

Lessons: Check yer dang right/wrong sides before sewing them! :)

If thread doesn't exactly match the color of fabric, thread that's darker than the fabric will be less visible than one that's lighter.

Measuring bias tape is more accurate if it's pinned to the fabric rather than eyeballed (I ended up with a difference of >1/2" between the two techniques), and on the final circle of bias tape you can take out just enough pins to sew and press the ends, then quickly re-pin to attach it to the bag

What I'd do differently: Pay more attention earlier to save more time & effort later on. I'm glad I swapped the bias tape color though, the final product makes me happy

Chunky Slipper Socks

Whipped up some slippers for my wide duckling feet. Next up will be adding leather soles for extended wearability & a little more grip.

Pattern: Chunky Slipper Socks by Churchmouse Yarns; Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Narwhal

Heel: Knit 22 rows to get 3.5 inches (23 counting the pick up and knit row)

Foot: Knit 23 rows until 6.75 inches long

New skills: Practicing sock construction

Lessons: Holding two strands of worsted yarn (BT Shelter) creates a reasonable approximation of bulky yarn.

How to finally pick up and knit on a heel flap; the key being picking up stitches from the knit stitches and not the turned edge stitches.

If the pattern specifies lengths (e.g. knit until 2"), keeping track of rows makes sure both slippers are identical. They'll stretch, so when the instructions say to make them a 1/2" shorter than your actual foot length, pay attention. :)

What I'd do differently: This is a bit of a cheat because I actually frogged my first slipper which used the instructions for wide feet (too wide). I'm glad I did, because the the fit on attempt #2 is pretty perfect.