2023 Fashion on the Ration Challenge

skogar

Laura - great skirt - love those pockets and completely agree with you about the length thing. Also great to see the new hat out in the wild. :-)

Many thanks to everyone for all the hints about boot tops and the reminder about that stretchy bindoff. I have only used it once but it was very good. I think with the combination of all that advice I am well equipped. :-) For the first attempt it will be one of the simpler options as I haven't learnt to cable yet but am thinking this would be a good type of project to practice cabling on.

The reason for the navy wool as it would mean that they could be worn with everything I wear, everything has been selected to go with navy so not everything might go with another colour however it is good advice that I should also look in the stash to see what else is available. The obvious thing I have thought of is the 1 solitary ball of cream which would also go with everything so I think I will use that for the first pair and see how I get on. There may of course be others that might be suitable but I think that will be a good starting point.

Liverpool_Anne

Hi all, fab pics Laura, very cosy outfit
@skogar I think lots of colours go with navy for accessories so if you have enough you could do a hat, scarf, wrist warmers and boot cuffs in cream or grey for example or if you are feeling brave red I think it can be hard to knit in dark colours at this time of year when working in artificial light and it can be hard to exactly match navy so a contrasting colour might be easier
I have finally finished the fingerless gloves. I would have had them done last night but I couldn't remember how to do the stretchy bind off and I was watching the football so couldn't google it . I started another pair instead
Take care everyone

MrsCD

Laura, your outfit shows perfectly how wool and layers can make you look great and be so cozy and warm, even in the coldest weather. I just love your shawl over the top!

I've had a frustrating day or two not being able to comment because of a grey box where I deleted a quote after changing my mind on what I wanted to write....

Finally figured out if I click in the empty grey box, as if I was going to write, but click the back/delete button, it goes away!

PipneyJane

Lovely outfit, @Laura_Elsewhere.  Hope you are coping well with the snow!  Also, thank you for the detailed explanation setting out how you did the pockets.  Once I looked at the photos, it all made sense.

Cherryfudge said:

Thanks @Laura_Elsewhere, that's a great description and the finished effect is enviable - except that if I ever learn to use my sewing machine and follow a pattern (both on the bucket list) I would be copying it not envying it.   Who doesn't love a decent-sized, interesting pocket?!

@Cherryfudge, I’d recommend doing an evening course in sewing.  It makes things so much clearer when you can watch a demonstration and then have someone talk you through the steps.  

- Pip

Cherryfudge

PipneyJane said:

@Cherryfudge, I’d recommend doing an evening course in sewing.  It makes things so much clearer when you can watch a demonstration and then have someone talk you through the steps.  

- Pip

Thanks Pip, I must admit it's something I'd enjoy. I used to be able to use a sewing machine - nothing fancy, but the basics. Then I got a modern basic one and it proved to have several subtle differences - so for instance when I thought I was putting the presser foot down, the whole needle end of the machine fell off.

Disconcerting, but at least easily remedied.

Threading it was a nightmare - the instructions didn't give me the bit of info I needed. I found out how, after meticulous examination of a video - pull the thread through at an angle. Even the video commentary didn't say that. Maybe it's my machine but it was the only way the whole thing would come together. I hope a tutor could troubleshoot this in an instant, and in fact there is one in reach. My other difficulty is lack of evenings as I usually work late, but I need to look into it.

It's still on the bucket list.  

skogar

Liverpool Anne - Some good suggestions on the colours. The stash is a bit sparse to be honest in terms of balls of wool of suitable colours as quite a few things were bought 1) before the navy based colour scheme 2) some ideas for presents 3) for small projects so generally I am looking at odd balls as I am reluctant to break into my chunky navy wool (enough for a jumper) which I am still dithering about what pattern to pick (and whether it should be a jumper at all!). However on my excursions so far I have found - a ball of lopi wool (very dark but not black - perhaps a charcol or very dark brown) which I had forgotten about. I was given it as a very small scarf (too small to be practical) and the wool although lovely I think would be a bit itchy as a scarf. I think it would make very nice boot cuffs. You have also reminded me that I think somewhere I have some grey wool (I think only a part ball) left over from doing a toddler's jumper - will have to have a rummage and see if I can find it and see if there is enough left. The search continues....

PipneyJane

Cherryfudge said:

PipneyJane said:

@Cherryfudge, I’d recommend doing an evening course in sewing.  It makes things so much clearer when you can watch a demonstration and then have someone talk you through the steps.  

- Pip

Thanks Pip, I must admit it's something I'd enjoy. I used to be able to use a sewing machine - nothing fancy, but the basics. Then I got a modern basic one and it proved to have several subtle differences - so for instance when I thought I was putting the presser foot down, the whole needle end of the machine fell off.

Disconcerting, but at least easily remedied.

Threading it was a nightmare - the instructions didn't give me the bit of info I needed. I found out how, after meticulous examination of a video - pull the thread through at an angle. Even the video commentary didn't say that. Maybe it's my machine but it was the only way the whole thing would come together. I hope a tutor could troubleshoot this in an instant, and in fact there is one in reach. My other difficulty is lack of evenings as I usually work late, but I need to look into it.

It's still on the bucket list.  

What about a week-long summer school?  Do they offer them in your area?  It would mean spending a week’s annual leave, but think how rewarding it would be.

- Pip

Cherryfudge

PipneyJane said:

Cherryfudge said:

What about a week-long summer school?  Do they offer them in your area?  It would mean spending a week’s annual leave, but think how rewarding it would be.

- Pip

It does sound like enormous fun! I've not heard of anything like this round here - not since I left the city for the town, in fact. I had a quick search online which hasn't come up with anything in reach, it would have to be residential I guess.

I think the local shop that does classes is probably my best bet. I must have a look and see if there's anything coming up as I know they do quite a lot.

LLM2018

I've bought some new ankle welly boots so I think that's 5 coupons.

Total 7/66 so far 

LLM

TwibbleDee

skogar said:

Twibble-dee - Sounds like you are loving those dresses. I assume you must have sufficient different ones now that your Mum will not be making comments. ;-) What colours do you have now? I'm very much a sleeve girl whereas you clearly prefer sleeveless, sleeveless gives you much more layering options though. 

I think my mother has finally given up on my fashion choices unless there's an actual event. If it tells you anything about why I prefer sleeveless, I was overheating after getting groceries when it was only about 15C out the other day! I almost always have a wrap with me that I can put on without getting too warm.

In the Sierra:

• Dark Olive Green (currently wearing it with a green and black plaid men's fuzzy shirt lined with fake fur and it's oh so soft)
• Dark Purple
• Blue (not sky blue or baby blue, but a nice soft blue)
• Teal (very close to the blue, but came out after - deeper color, bit more green to it)
• Canyon Red (terracotta-ish)

In the Camellia:

• Sage Green
• Apricot
• Lavender (this one is a tencel-blend that's now discontinued)

Others (not really in my general rotation, but worn for specific things)

• Aubrey in light green
• Ellie in a good dark teal (this is what I wear for funerals at the church I work at)