Plenty of sewing time

but nothing is completed as I seem to be working on a number of complicated garments at the one time

The trench and pants muslins are still progressing, and there is another project or two that I haven't yet disclosed, hopefully they will surface soon.

In the meantime, I thought I would share a stringing project that I have been meaning to share for a while. I purchased the smokey Quartz faceted beads from Bead Them Up at one of the Craft Shows in 2008 and they have been taunting me ever since.

One of my last classes with my beading teacher was to work on this project, and I used inspiration from a design by Lynne Soto from "Beading with Gemstones" a Beadstyle Special Issue magazine dated 2007.

and it was completed just in time for me to wear with my SWAP outfits

Fingers crossed that the next time you see me it is to share a completed garment!

Please meet Cleo

she is a delicate little necklace that I have used needle and thread to create with some very pretty apricot and cream seed beads.

and looks lovely with my navy linen dress.

Slouchy beret

During May whilst trying to find a hat to wear, I tried on a few slouchy berets and quite liked the style but couldn't find any in a colour that I liked, so I headed over to Ravelry to see what patterns were available.

This pattern is a free download and has been designed by Natalie Larson and it is called "Star Crossed Slouchy Beret".

This was a pretty quick knit as I cast on last Thursday night and finished it at lunchtime on Sunday.

I used Morris Empire Superwash Merino 8ply wool, Clove and it took just over 1 skein.

I'm very happy with this beret and can see it getting quite a bit of wear now the days are getting quite cool.

Don't you just love being able to see something in the shops or on the internet and be able to go home and make it yourself, in the colour you like and even the fit - it really does make me smile!