Big picture update ...

When i look back over my creative journal from 2011 i realise i've achieved more than i thought and actually finished a few things despite feeling like i was "running in high heels through a river of mud" as Karine Polwart so eloquently puts it). Here follows some of Purplejen's creative exploits from 2011, finished and still in-progress.

1. Quilted fabric bag made as a gift (finished)

2. Reverse applique stained glass wall hanging (in progress). Most of the fabric for this was hand dyed. Will post pictures as it develops into the complete picture.

3. Purple/rainbow quilt (in-progress, as its a gift can't show whole thing until its finished).

There are 9 paper pieced purple ribbons representing the colour of the womens movement (was the colour representing the suffragettes) and it is worn by women worldwide to raise awareness about violence against women (printable pattern from Carol Doak), 4 fusible bias tape designs and some words made from fusible bias tape in silver. The binding is dark purple. The top is finished, its layered and needs quilted which is going to be quite a challenge to my poor concentration. The designs in fusible bias tape were drawn onto paper and the paper placed under the white fabric and it was easy enough to follow.

4. Modern mix flowers quilt made as a gift.

This was based on a kit designed by Esther at Purely Patchwork. The flowers were appliqued onto the background before assembling the top. The centre of the flowers was stitched using flower stitch sewing machine foot which is a fun to use once you get the hang of it. The main body of the quilt was quilted in the ditch and finished with freehand loops and vermicelli.

5. My dragonfly pin cushion

6. Top down set-in sleeve top ala Barbara Walker (finished but needs blocked and the ends woven in.

The purple sparkly yarn is a Old Maiden Aunt sock yarn (two strands held together) which has lovely subtle colour variation and the rest is Noro Kureyon sock yarn. The yellow wedge halfway down is the bust dart modification ala Ysolda Teague (Little Red in the City), i was a bit worried about the yellow wedge emphasizing a large bust but it works just fine. It was modelled by a friend but i failed to get a picture (to follow once its properly blocked and finished).

7. Twist and Shout Cardigan

Free Knitty pattern in unbranded pure wool coned tweed yarn. Quick to knit but sadly turn out too big so will either get a new owner or might try a controlled felting experiment (Note to self (!) - need to find the remaining yarn to test on first!)

8. Sandra's Mitts - P/hop Cranford Pattern in Old Maiden Aunt Sparkly sock yarn (no picture as gifted)

9. Geraldine's Odd socks (picture to follow).

Deliberately odd socks knitted in Ripples Yarn high twist Falkland merino/nylon blend in lipstick red. More about this later)

10. Preemie socks/mitts in Old Maiden Aunt Sparkly sock yarn (no picture as gifted)

Simple pattern i designed for a 6 week premature baby which fit as a tube sock just now and can be worn as mitts as the baby grows.

11. Williams Scarf (gifted so no photo but it was truly unique).

This was a pattern i made up to reflect a journey from one not so good place to a much better place. Might try and get a photo when i next see the recipient.

12. Nicole's Pixie hat (picture to follow)