A Crack At Making A Knitting Belt

Finished Object. 20 x 9 cm plus loops. For info regarding their use, go here.

After questioning everyone for information (thanks everyone) regarding the use of knitting belts, I have had a go at making one. Much to my disappointment, I had neither horse hair nor coconut fibre at hand, to stuff it. Unusual that I don't have everything I need in my room!

(I've used other stuff now. Pictured below).

I contemplated using a heavy, raw silk fabric (cut into strips and shoved in tightly). Silk was used in ancient armour because it has the ability to slow arrows and swords and such like. I haven't tested the theory so don't try it at home, but it is a gritty, fine and dense fibre. 

Mozzie's won't bite you through the finest silk cloth.

But, I thought, the needle may need to be held somewhat, by the stuffing. So I'll wait (I didn't wait). I looked inside our vintage 1950's lounge suite (it has a massive tear in it) but they've used cotton rag stuffing so I couldn't raid that either. (I later wondered if it might work after all, but too late).

Oh, that's right! I can use sisal and will go immediately to cut a piece off some rope! (I did).

I thought I'd share the process:

I've left the stitching open here, waiting for stuffing. You can see the silver studs or rivets at the ends, through the four thicknesses of leather. Tuck the loops in the ends and bang a stud/rivet through all 4 layers. I did this first, before stitching, so I could stitch right up to the gaps.

The template is 20cm long and 9cm wide. The holes are roughly 2.5cm apart down the centre, then the outside rows of holes are in between (staggered) and roughly down a line that runs between the side and centre lines. Push a chalky pencil (or poke an awl) through these points to mark the leather, then punch the holes for your needles. Mine are small holes, maybe 3mm at the most... even a little less... because the leather isn't stiff (as it probably should be) so they will stretch soon enough.

I decided to put loops at the ends. I might have had one end with a long strap and a loop at the other, but I don't have a long strap's worth of leather. I'll find something, a cord, some bale-twine. I figure if I have a loop, I can pull the long end through and tuck it anyway so whilst I have plenty of little buckles, I didn't intend to use one. (Update: I purchased a belt strap from a leather worker at the Vic Market for $11 AU, my only cost).

This stitch I know as Glove stitch. I pulled 3 strands of strong linen, together, through a bees wax candle. I left enough at the beginning to secure later (so I could stitch it to itself). 

Bring your needle up through the first hole, now wind around and back and up through the same hole. Next, go around again but up into the next hole. Hold it in place as you go and be firm. Repeat. 

It might have been sensible to run a bead of glue down, inside, before I stitched it... but I didn't want to have a sticky mess.

My pictures are working backwards...sorry about that... 

I punched the edge holes on the smallest setting, then marked the other piece through them, to be sure they lined up. I didn't bother measuring these edge holes, just so long as they are the same top and bottom (wrong sides facing).

My father was a fireman so I never burn candles in the house. Maybe it was our housefire when I was little that put me off? But this little beauty is very handy for things like this or to strengthen thread for quilting  (if I did quilting anymore that is, and I might yet).

Careful not to mark them one way and then try and put them together the other way, like I did. The holes didn't line up!

I've ordered long double pointed needles in a couple of brands (ok, three brands. 40cm and 35cm. It's my birthday next month so I crumble willingly over the Paypal button). 

I'm looking forward to trialling the method. I've been noticing that when I use dpn's, I 'prop' the right needle a bit already, so it seems a natural next step.

EDIT: Here we are, I found some stuff! Jute from a coffee sack, nylon tulle cut into 5x5cm bits, heavy linen (heavy rug hooking open-weave), strands of jute from a coffee sack and some ancient (possibly) mariners (or fireman's) rope from my (fireman) Dad. 

Ready to go, after I pulled the rope bits. Yay!

Next, obviously, stuff it. Poke the filling down with a blunt object. Do a little at a time and compress it firmly as you go (don't wait until it's all in before shoving it down).

Now finish off the stitching or binding and secure your ends well.

I have made a template in pdf but have to figure out how to add it.... in the meantime, here’s a pic. 

The Evolution Of Hanky Boxes Into Yarn Bowls And Beyond

This time, after shoving my yarn baskets into dilly bags (because it’s handier to work from a bowl than a bag, but you can’t carry them about....) I thought I could combine forces and turn a bowl into a bag.

So, this bowl is fairly big, 17 cm high and 30 wide, and I’m making some granny squares to sew around the lip. Not quite sure after that. I’ll do some crocheted rows maybe before and after then a strap or two. I’m sure it will become obvious.

This was a calendar and is lined with old wallpaper. I’ve also used a heavier card to make it quite sturdy. 

All this because my knitting requires concentration to fix a mistake. Good old procrastination huh?

Everything is from my stash. Using up embroidery threads, Australian Tapestry Workshop wool, crochet cottons bought years back for face washers. Oh, plus some new Frangipani gansey wool, which is sturdy and a gorgeous dusty pink and will be great as the handles etc.

Two Would Have Done It But Bad Luck, I Made Three

These are very handy. One bowl for the bundle of colours (fair isle cardigan with 9 ish colours) and another for what I’m using, sitting on my lap or table. Stack them together out of the way later. 

I’ve taken to making new boxes and bowl as holiday projects, ignoring my huge list of things I have started, want to do and plan and just cutting loose. Ignoring the fact that I have more boxes than hankies. 

Follow labels below to tutorials, materials lists and patterns.

Or go HERE.

Just Did It.

 Following on from the last post...

It’s quite a good size, maybe could be a little lower? I might cut a nest of them to fit inside each other. They’re good have on your lap with the knitting. Better than a bag like when you go somewhere.

Once again, follow the label Crochet or Tutorial to find patterns, instructions and other ideas for your crocheted card experience.

Relaxing Indulgence Crafts. My New Knitting Bowl.

I found a book of fancy repro etchings, for $6 or something (ages ago) just for this sort of purpose. But you can use anything... photos, book covers, musical scores, art books, kids drawings...

This set of yarn bowls is different than the last one I made, or the last couple. No lid for starters. The lid is annoying on the last one. I never ever use it as intended (for yarn to come through). Ever.

For a tutorial to make these in any shape or form, go HERE and for lots of other crocheted card thingy's I have made and drawn patterns for, go HERE.

If you print out the diagram at A4 it should be right. I don't think a bit different will matter much. Then, slice 3-4mm off the sides and lower edge of the side and off each side of the hexagon. This makes the medium sized bowl. Repeat for the smaller one. I decided the big bowl’s sides we’re quite high so took 10mm off the rim for the medium and a further 4-5mm for the smaller.

Go to the next link for more pictures of the three sizes in a subsequent post:

http://robynefmelia.blogspot.com/2021/01/two-would-have-done-it-but-bad-luck-i.html

 

Crocheted Card Yarn Bowl With Lid

 Here is the pattern for my Yarn Bowl. I have made a tutorial which also gives links to where I bought my hole punch and the plastic sheets I use to cover the cards.

With this one, the vintage Mills &Boon romance penny dreadful covers (plus a fantastic 60’s book) make the outside and I’ve used the back covers on the inside. The names of these books are as crazy as the covers, along with the synopses. I’ve used the pages from the stories on the sides or backs too, the naughty bits. But I’m getting too old to even find it ironically funny. Now it’s a bit ew! Not is a prudish way, just in a for goodness sakes, that’s ridiculous way. 

If you follow the tags below (boxes, crochet, tutorials, etc.) you’ll find the tutorial, other patterns and ideas. Here is one directly: http://robynefmelia.blogspot.com/2010/01/box-tutorial-sort-of-thing.html

New Handles On The Crazy Carpet Bag

 At last I fixed the handles! It’s only been an hundred years. I used some from a bag my mum had been making, sentimentally. Mind, she’s in all the sewing I do, she and Grandma.

Look to this post for the details of construction, if you want to make one yourself. I had a class where we did all of the various stitches. These and more. It was heaps of fun and I miss those times with the gals. Maybe after I retire...

I made this to demonstrate a thicker style of stitching to my big crazy quilt, which juxtaposes heavy and very fine work. Contrary to what you might think, it whipped up fairly quickly.

I've carried around these tan velvets since I was 17 or so.

'A fair little girl sat under a tree

Sewing as long as her eyes could see

Then smoothed her work

and folded it right

and said Goodnight dear work

Goodnight, Goodnight.

(by Richard Monckton Miles)

Leather Rug Hooking Gauntlet Pattern

Make sure to do a backstitch section at the edges. Notice I have left the unseamed edges raw, being leather. Just noted in case you want to hem.

To protect my hand, wrist and forearm from the nastiness of Gripper Strip rug frame injury, I made a single gauntlet using soft leather. I find it easier than using the cover and I can see the whole of the area I'm working on.

I have (or am about to) put the pdf  files on The Victorian Rug Makers,Yarra Valley Group Facebook, so you can download the actual size. If you search 'gauntlet' you'll find them.
I have broadish hands but thinnish wrists. I suggest you adjust the pattern with paper and sticky tape before cutting into any leather. Or run it up in calico.

Garden Tissue-Box Cover for Garden Kitchen

Go here for the pattern and here for others.