I love the story of Howl’s Moving Castle – I first saw the film when I was in primary school, then rediscovered it in my teens and it’s been my favourite film ever since. I also really love the original book by Diana Wynne Jones. So, when I came across ‘Magic Wizard Cardigan’ by NathalieContinue reading “Making a Howl’s Moving Castle-inspired cardigan: my first crocheted garment”
Author Archives: Rachel
Making a vintage style vest: Sirdar 9248
Last year, a friend from work gave me a huge bag of yarn – in it was a partially complete Sirdar 9248 vest. I’d wanted to knit a vintage style vest for a while, so I decided to finish the vest myself! It was made of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK Petrol, it’s a gorgeous blueContinue reading “Making a vintage style vest: Sirdar 9248”
Marble Hill Cardigan pattern review
As the summer evenings started to get a touch cooler, and the sun started to set just a little earlier, I was working on a cosy cardigan for the Autumn. I was drawn to the Marble Hill Cardigan by Jennie Atkinson for two reasons: I loved the beautiful texture yoke which is the main featureContinue reading “Marble Hill Cardigan pattern review”
Jennifer Lauren Afternoon Blouse: a 2-4-1 review!
In the last year, I have made my Mum two versions of the Afternoon Blouse by Jennifer Lauren Handmade – one as a birthday present and another because the first one was such a success! This is a fab pattern – really easy to follow and I was able to whip up both in aContinue reading “Jennifer Lauren Afternoon Blouse: a 2-4-1 review!”
Making pyjama trousers: a birthday present for my brother
Recently, I realised that I had made at least one thing for all my immediate family members – except my brother. I felt incredibly guilty for leaving him out and decided I would rectify this oversight by making him a birthday present this year. I asked him what he would like and he asked forContinue reading “Making pyjama trousers: a birthday present for my brother”
Trousers for Eve: By Hand London Jackie trousers
Back in September 2021, my friend Eve asked me if I ever did commissions – I never had (beyond making clothes for my family) but it was something I’ve been open to for a while! I’ve gained more confidence in the professional finish of my work since I got my overlocker which has made meContinue reading “Trousers for Eve: By Hand London Jackie trousers”
Making a 1940s -inspired twinset: Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset
When I first received my copy of Knit Vintage (by Madeline Weston and Rita Taylor) from my Mum, the first pattern that jumepd out to me was the Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset. I loved the elegant style and delicate lacework on the top and front edges of the cardigan. I knew it would be aContinue reading “Making a 1940s -inspired twinset: Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset”
A secret birthday project: Paintbox Yarns Bubble Stitch Cardigan
At the beginning of April, I embarked on a most top secret project: a cardigan for my sister for their birthday. Normally when I make things for other people, I like to include them in the process – partly because it’s fun to share the creative journey but also because it means I know thatContinue reading “A secret birthday project: Paintbox Yarns Bubble Stitch Cardigan”
Making my perfect vintage shirt dress: McCall’s M6891
One of my favourite staples of a vintage-inspired wardrobe is a shirt dress: they are versatile and effortless. I have one of the classic Collectif Caterina dresses but I have been wanting to make my own for a very long time. So, when I saw this cotton check in Fabricland maybe a year ago, IContinue reading “Making my perfect vintage shirt dress: McCall’s M6891”
Paintbox Yarns Zig-Zag Set: pattern review
Like many knitters, I love knitting baby clothes – one of my last projects before I took a break from knitting was a baby cardigan for one of my teachers at school. They’re really quick to make because they’re so small and they’re always adorable! So, when my friend Jessica told me she was expectingContinue reading “Paintbox Yarns Zig-Zag Set: pattern review”
Rachel makes 