In my last post, I shared some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my crafting journey. This week, I thought I’d open the door to my studio and give you a glimpse of what’s currently keeping my hands busy.
If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know that I rarely have just one project on the go. When I first learned to knit and crochet as a child, my Mum insisted that I finish one project before starting another. It was a sensible rule… but one that didn’t survive into adulthood!
These days, I have works in progress strategically dotted around the house so that, whatever the mood or the weather, there’s always something waiting for me.
On my loom this week
Recently I’ve been weaving with a lot of aran and DK handspun, so I fancied a change. This project uses commercial fingering-weight sock yarn, and I decided to challenge myself by warping my loom with the finest heddle I own.
I’ll admit, the warp took far longer than I’d expected. Setting it up became a project in itself, completed over several sessions with plenty of tea breaks in between.
I’ve used two solid colours for the warp, paired with a long-gradient yarn for the weft. Because it’s a cotton and acrylic blend rather than wool, the threads behave very differently—they don’t have that slight “stickiness” that wool naturally provides, so the weaving feels quite different.
My only regret is that I didn’t make the warp a little wider. I suspect I’ll have far more of the beautiful gradient yarn left over than I’d planned. Still, every project teaches me something, and that’s all part of the fun.
On my wheel this week
I’m nearing the end of spinning 200g of one of my favourite fibre blends in a colourway I’ve never tried before.
The combed tops came from Velvet Sixpence, and I picked them up at Wonderwool Wales earlier this year. Watching the colours blend together has been an absolute joy, and I’m especially pleased with how consistent the yarn has become as my spinning continues to improve.
I’m already wondering what it might become. A scarf? A waistcoat? Something else entirely? For now, I’ll just enjoy finishing the spin before making any decisions.
On my hook this week
This is where my inability to stick to just one project really becomes obvious.
Each crochet project lives in its own storage crate, making it easy to pick up whichever one suits the moment.
The largest is a cosy winter throw worked in beautiful undyed yarn from World of Wool. Unsurprisingly, it’s not getting as much attention as it deserves during the current heatwave—having a growing blanket spread across your lap isn’t the most appealing way to spend a warm afternoon!
Alongside that, I’m crocheting a lightweight crop top using a gorgeous indie-dyed sock yarn, which feels much more appropriate for the season.
I also have outlines prepared for two future designs, although I’m doing my best to resist starting them just yet.
Then there’s the project sitting firmly in the “naughty corner”: a Fair Isle knitted waistcoat that I started for myself last winter. The yarn is beautiful, but Fair Isle needs concentration, and somehow it doesn’t feel like a summer activity. I’m fairly sure it’ll find its way back into my hands once the evenings start drawing in again.
Other creative projects
It almost feels like a confession at this point, but yes, there are even more creative projects quietly waiting their turn.
Every now and then I enjoy beading, and thanks to my Mum I inherited enough beads to keep me occupied for several lifetimes. On those days when it’s simply too hot to work with wool, sitting outside in the shade with a tray of beads is a wonderfully relaxing alternative.
I also have a growing collection of smooth stones waiting to be wrapped and woven with the shorter lengths of yarn from my stash—a perfect way to use up leftovers while creating something completely different.
And finally, there’s my long-planned freeform crochet project. The yarn scraps are sorted, the sample motifs are ready, and the hessian bag they’re destined for is waiting patiently.
All I need now is the one thing every crafter wishes they had a little more of: time.
If you’d like to follow these projects as they evolve, I share regular updates every Work in Progress Wednesday on Facebook and Instagram. I’d love for you to join me there and see what I’ve been making each week.
Until next time, happy crafting!
Sue
Pearson Handmade 