2025 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

Laura_Elsewhere

Cherryfudge said:

Are they Witney blankets, @Gem-gem? I inherited some and they are very useful. They are even perfect when it's too hot for other bedding, as they somehow keep you at a comfortable temperature.

The ‘somehow’ is probably the fact that good-quality wool, processed with long fibres intact, has a thermoregulatory property. 

The Victorian gents’ suit for the tropics was made of fine wool, for a reason! 

The more I research how we used to use wool, over centuries, the more I realise that much of what we now call ‘wool’ is not really related to real wool cloth or yarn or knitting! 

PurpleAndGreen

@Laura_Elsewhere
I love your skirt fabric and the lining pattern.  You should enjoy wearing that.  A picture would be good when you've finished it.

@Cherryfudge
I've got some wooden cotton reels also, very reluctant to use the threads in case they run out - rather defeats the object really!

PAG

PurpleAndGreen

Hello again

Just wanted to post two links I've been reading about the knitting programme that Channel 4 are broadcasting later this year - sort of another Great British Sewing Bee, although without Patrick unfortunately!

Tom Daley (the diver) is hosting it - an interview with him is below:

https://www.gathered.how/news/tom-daley-reveals-his-travel-hacks?utm_campaign=Gathered_multicraft%20newsletter%2031%2F01%2F25%20-%20with%20ads&utm_content=READ%20THE%20STORY&utm_term=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra

There is some information about the programme on this link:

https://www.gathered.how/news/tom-daley-new-knitting-show

I'm not sure how interesting this will be as it takes a long time to produce anything knitted (well, it takes me a long time!), but I'll definitely be watching it.

PAG

PurpleAndGreen

@Liverpool_Anne

Where are the T-shirts fraying, on the inside or on the neck edge?  If on the inside, a length of seam binding sewn over the seam should work.  If on the outside, somewhere I've got a link on how to fix that - I'll have a look today and hopefully post it later - if I can find it, of course!

PAG

PollyWollyDoodle

I’m interested in the programme, but like you, I wonder how they’re going to frame it - even an experienced knitter can’t create a whole garment in a few hours.  One of the things that frustrates me about Sewing Bee is the time limits, when you can see that they could’ve produced something much better with more time.

A useful tip from Tom Daley about using a dental floss case instead of scissors!  I have wondered about taking knitting needles on a flight, I’d be too scared of them being confiscated. 

Sarahspangles

PollyWollyDoodle said:

I’m interested in the programme, but like you, I wonder how they’re going to frame it - even an experienced knitter can’t create a whole garment in a few hours.  One of the things that frustrates me about Sewing Bee is the time limits, when you can see that they could’ve produced something much better with more time.

A useful tip from Tom Daley about using a dental floss case instead of scissors!  I have wondered about taking knitting needles on a flight, I’d be too scared of them being confiscated. 

That’s a good idea! I’ve taken hardwood DPNs in my hand luggage, in a pencil case with pens and brushes. But knowing they could be confiscated.

I’m not sure how knitting-on-the-tv will work, knitting in front of it is more like it! It’s one reason you don’t see classes for beginners, it would be frustrating to pay to do an hour a week to create the first few inches of a scarf.

PurpleAndGreen

@Liverpool_Anne

Re your T-shirt:

This link is what I was thinking about:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Visiblemending/comments/1efhltm/advice_for_fraying_tshirt_collar/?rdt=34930

This might help also:

Fabric glue

Read the directions and cautions on the labelling before using fabric glue, and make sure it is right for your fabric. Glue straight on to the edge of your fabric  or use the glue to fold the fabric over and create a hem.  You could sew over the new neckband to keep it in place.

Otherwise, a contrasting scarf worn over the t-shirt might disguise the fraying, or you could do some visible mending on the collar to disguise the fraying.

This link guides you along steps to making a neckband in non-stretch fabric, this would involve removing the original neckband and making another.  

Hope one of these helps.

PAG

PurpleAndGreen

@PollyWollyDoodle and @Sarahspangles

I agree with both of your comments.  This could an interesting programme or as dull as ditchwater.  Hopefully the former!

PAG

Laura_Elsewhere

Sarahspangles said:

I’m not sure how knitting-on-the-tv will work, knitting in front of it is more like it! It’s one reason you don’t see classes for beginners, it would be frustrating to pay to do an hour a week to create the first few inches of a scarf.

That’s why I always teach beginners to knit wrist-warmers in the round in a k2p2 rib as their very first project. They can complete a pair in a few evenings with minimal help after the first session, and get to wear something that is useful and looks great  

I have been baffled all my knitting-life by the concept of a ruddy scarf as a beginner’s project- unbelievably boring and tedious, every tiny error shows up really glaringly, and either they lose interest before completion or else they finish it too early and have a scarf they don’t wear because it looks awful…

Sarahspangles

Laura_Elsewhere said:

I have been baffled all my knitting-life by the concept of a ruddy scarf as a beginner’s project- unbelievably boring and tedious, every tiny error shows up really glaringly, and either they lose interest before completion or else they finish it too early and have a scarf they don’t wear because it looks awful…

Scarf? You were lucky! [I’m doing the Four Yorkshiremen sketch]. We had to knit cotton dishcloths!

What baffles me is that there is a whole US movement about knitting potholder squares. Which I think are positively dangerous!