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Mostly Knitting Blog

Want to find the new stuff on Knitting-and.com, or read about my latest projects and discoveries? This is the place.

Sew and Embroider a Vintage Look Sewing Kit

I’m very excited about this week’s “And So To” bulletins. Regular readers will know I’ve gone on a bit of a pincushion bender lately, and to be honest, it’s set to continue for a while yet 😉

Because of this slight (haha) obsession, “And So To Embroider” leaflet 7b is making me very happy.

And So To Embroider bulletin 7b

“And So To Embroider” leaflet 7b contains the full patterns and instructions for a work bag with exterior pocket, pincushions, scissors holder, and needle book. I’ve also included modern video tutorials for sewing tailor’s buttonhole stitch, and sewing those really cool scalloped edges that you can see on the work bag pocket.

“And So To Sew” bulletin 7 introduces us to sewing with wool (one of my favourite fabrics), a pattern and instructions for a girl’s jerking/tabard, and all of the techniques used to sew a simple pinafore dress from a commercial pattern.

And So To Sew leaflet 7a

Again, I have included modern videos or photo tutorials for every technique so these leaflets will be of use to as many people as possible. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and raid the stash for some polka dot cotton…

Sarah

A Surprise Pincushion

Today I’m posting a surprise knitting pattern for a pincushion I found in the Trove newspaper archives! I was fascinated by the technique used to make up the Hassock Pincushion from 1911. Since I couldn’t figure out how it could possibly work, I had to knit it. And since I knit it, I made a photo and video tutorial so it will never confuse anyone ever again!

Hand knit pincushion in the shape of an Edwardian hassock with handles

Enjoy knitting the Hassock Pincushion. Updated with step by step photos and a video of the bit I couldn’t get my brain around.

Sarah

Knit a Strawberry Pincushion!

Knit a strawberry pincushion.

Today’s knitting pattern is a sweet Victorian style pin cushion for your sewing box or embroidery bag.

Knit from scraps of size 5 crochet cotton or lace weight wool, this pin cushion will keep your pins and needles nice and sharp for years of use! You can choose to fill it with wool or toy filling for a light, fun pincushion, or use crushed walnut shells or emery powder to keep your pins forever razor sharp.

I have adapted the pattern slightly, making it easier to sew together when finished, and supplying a lot more detailed instructions for making up.

I hope you enjoy the Strawberry pincushion knitting pattern.

Sarah

Vintage Accessories and New Embroidery Stitches with the NDS!

This week’s embroidery and sewing instructions feature full patterns for plaid hats and accessories in “And So To Sew” bulletin 6a

Leaflet 6a includes patterns and instructions for sewing two bags, two hats, a scarf and cuffs for your gloves.

Tartan hats, bags, scarf and cuffs from And So To Sew leaflet 6a
Sew these vintage style accessories with instructions from the NDS
And Sew to Embroider leaflet 6b
Learn 8 new embroidery stitches and add learn to add motifs and borders

“And So To Embroider” bulletin 6b teaches you eight new embroidery stitches, with ideas for placing motifs and borders on waistcoats and boleros.

As always, I have included video or photo tutorials for every stitch and technique used, because I wanted to make the techniques and patterns in these leaflets accessible to as many people as possible!

I hope you’re enjoying the Needlework Development Scheme leaflets. If you’d like news of new downloads and patterns, including embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet, please sign up for updates (in the left hand menu on desktop, or underneath this article on mobile and tablet).

I have a fascinating little knitting pattern coming up this week, so keep an eye out!

Sarah