Woolly Cuddles

I've switched my sewing machines over to ball point needles so am busy churning out knit garments.  I've found that if I use four threads on my overlocker for most of my seaming I get a good result.  For topstitching I use my sewing machine with a twin ball-point needle - it gives a finish like a coverstitch machine when worked over the overlocked edge.

I made these PJs from a merino blend - K has problems taking them off in the morning - so they must be good.  The top is Oliver + S 'Field Trip' raglan tee.  Super easy to make - much easier than having a shoulder seam and fitted sleeves.  The pants are from 'Growing Up Sew Liberated' by Meg McElwee - they are the 'Sleeping Johns'.  I made both in size 5, so a bit big yet.

 Yes - she really does love her teddy bear - but he's not for sale!

To continue the woolly theme we both went out to help H the other day sorting sheep and I took my camera to snap a pick of K with her homespun jersey's original owner.  In case it is not obvious - the jersey came from the black sheep poking her head up behind K.

The jersey has been made from a heavily adapted Debbie Bliss pattern - I'm still new enough to spinning that I can't spin to a required wpi (wraps per inch) yet.  I have to swatch and work out stitch numbers from there.  This jersey was made a year ago - but you can see that I'm going to have to start thinking about the next size up.  Luckily I've got one and a bit black fleeces from this ewe in my possession.

Clever Santa

Santa was very generous to the young lady in our family this year.  He and Mrs Claus had been busy using their scissors and sewing machines to make some pretty cool presents for K.
The biggest one was this tent:

Santa had used the pattern from Meg McElwee's ' Growing Up Sew Liberated'.

Santa had added a couple of extra features, including the clear plastic in the peeking out window.  He also added an extra piece of velcro to close the door.  Clever, clever Santa.

Santa also used the backpack pattern from 'Oliver + S Little Things to Sew' by Liesl Gibson to make a Babushka backpack.  The doll on the back is applique and pink piping was used between the front, gusset, and top and bottom backs.  Actual strapping was used but it does slip!  A great pattern - fantastic instructions and easy to make, though the denim did make it rather thick to sew at many parts.