2022 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

ChainikCrafts

Ahh, Wraithlady, I've also fallen prey to the free delivery! So I also have a few purchases to declare from the last two months. 

Sandals - 5 coupons
600g wool - 12 coupons 
2m cotton fabric - 4 coupons

So think that leaves me with 45 for the rest of the year. The sandals were second-hand from Vinted, so I reserve the right to add the coupons back if I run out! But I also just want to have less stuff, so for the time being, I am including any second-hand items to discourage me from buying things unnecessarily. Our home just always feels like its bursting with stuff, so I just want to feel more on top of what we have. Also, I'm very guilty of over-buying - just want to wear out the stuff I already own!

Some of the wool was for a present (shawl for one of my fairy-godmothers- will try and add a photo later), but coming from my coupons. But then I needed one more ball... and fell down the free postage trap and got two more balls!

Then the fabric was for protests given recent events. The Ukrainian flag lends itself to DIY versions so we rustled one up quickly in solidarity. Got a bit more than necessary so think I will try and make up some small ones - as time goes on, it will be really important to maintain attention and focus on the situation.

maryb

I think blackout fabric was coupon free and I think you could count the blue and yellow as something similar

PipneyJane

maryb said:

I think blackout fabric was coupon free and I think you could count the blue and yellow as something similar

I agree @maryb.  I’m sure everyone else on this thread will agree, too.

@ChainikCrafts - congratulations on buying yellow and blue blackout fabric.  It will go perfectly with the exterior of the hall and nobody will be able to see a chink of light through it.  (Put your coupons back in your purse.)

- Pip

Laura_Elsewhere

Excellent work on the yellow and blue blackout fabric indeed, @ChainikCrafts, and yes, @PipneyJane and @maryb, I agree fully - no coupons for those!

ChainikCrafts

That's very kind, thank you all!

thriftwizard

Aaargh - 90 unread posts to catch up on! In my defence I have been a) dead busy and b) suffering from an abscess in my jaw - very painful! But now resolved - hope all is well with all the lovely inhabitants of Much Mending, the Base and all the satellite villages! Off to skim through now...

PipneyJane

thriftwizard said:

Aaargh - 90 unread posts to catch up on! In my defence I have been a) dead busy and b) suffering from an abscess in my jaw - very painful! But now resolved - hope all is well with all the lovely inhabitants of Much Mending, the Base and all the satellite villages! Off to skim through now...

Ouch!  Hope you feel much better now, @thriftwizard.  

DH is off helping his best mate with something so I have the house to myself today.  Since I’ve finally finished the grey jumper - will get photographed in it tomorrow - I’ve been working out what to do with my next project.  I’m sure I’ve mentioned that it will be an Owls Sweater.  The pattern calls for 6.5mm needles.  The problem is that, even on 8mm needles, I can’t get the designer’s gauge of 13st and 20 rows over 10cm. I got 14.5!  When I knitted it last time, I did it on 7mm and did get gauge, but that was a different yarn.  (I re-measured that jumper a few minutes ago.).  

When I did my first swatch this time, on 7mm needles, I got 15st and 24 rows to 10cm. It gave a better fabric than the 8mm needles. I have a vague memory of Kate Davies commenting that the owls worked better with denser fabric but can’t now find the reference.  My plan is to knit it on 7mm needles, following the 7th size on the pattern.  (Last time, I did the 4th.). As written, this size uses 840m, but of course, the big worry is that I may not have enough yarn, since I only have 10 balls (960m) and it is no longer manufactured.  My brainwave this morning is to knit the sleeves first, then do Judy’s Magic Cast On and knit the yoke, before knitting the body top down until I run out of yarn.   It may turn out a couple of inches shorter than the first jumper or I may end up with balls left over, but there won’t be any horrible shocks.

- Pip

CapricornLass

I would like to nominate myself for the Dipstick of the Month award.  I'm knitting a jumper in the round neck down, and have to do increases along the side.  I realised too late that I was only doing the increases on one side, not both - duh!!!!

PipneyJane

CapricornLass said:

I would like to nominate myself for the Dipstick of the Month award.  I'm knitting a jumper in the round neck down, and have to do increases along the side.  I realised too late that I was only doing the increases on one side, not both - duh!!!!

Oh, Hun!  Here, @CapricornLass, have a cup of tea and a piece of flapjack, then I’ll help you rip it out and start again.

Hugs,

- Pip

PollyWollyDoodle

I made the Owls jumper for my niece a few years ago, it’s a brilliant pattern. Sorry I can’t remember what I did with regards to tension. It’s quite a close fit as I recall, with negative ease.