Sewing Scrappy Shorts, Spinning Yarn, & New Knitted Sock Pattern!
Hello, sweet friends! If you’ve been feeling the pull of a quiet, creative day filled with cozy clothes, good fiber, and a little company—you’re in the right place. Today I’m diving into all sorts of projects: a bit of sewing, some knitting, spinning, and even chatting about a new book I started. It’s one of those days where I’ve got time to slow down and really enjoy making, and I’d love for you to come along.
Settling In for a Day of Fiber and Fabric
I’ve got the day off, and I’m soaking it up in my comfiest outfit: linen pants, a favorite TS tee, and my beloved Birch Creek bandana, which I knit several years ago with Foxy Lady yarn from Farmer’s Daughter Fibers.
That bandana has a little bit of everything—brioche, garter, stockinette—and it’s knit in a lovely wool and silk singles base that shines beautifully and takes dye like a dream. It’s a small gauge project, but so worth it. It’s cozy, warm, and gets worn all the time.
With the outfit and vibe set, let’s jump into the projects.
Scrappy Sewing Plans: Weekend Chore Shorts
Spring is officially here, and I’ve got linen on the brain. One sewing project I’ve been excited about is the Weekend Chore Shorts from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club.
I love the idea of making these scrappy-style using leftover linen from past projects. I dove into my bin of fabric scraps and pulled out a mix:
- Railroad stripe linen left over from a Nadine skirt
- Blackbird Fabrics’ Everyday Linen in ochre
- Merchant & Mills gingham linen from a past Hinterland dress
Together, they feel very quilt-inspired and cheerful. I think they’ll make the cutest patchwork-style shorts. Shorts are such a beginner-friendly sewing project too—they don’t need much fabric or time, and they’re a great way to dip your toes into garment sewing without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re just getting started, don’t forget that some public libraries offer sewing machines to borrow or use on-site, which is such a great low-pressure way to get going.
Knitting Projects on the Needles
Alright, let’s talk knitting. I’ve got a few projects in motion that I’m hoping to make progress on today.
Finishing a New Sock Pattern
First up: socks! I shared in my last video that I’ve written up a new sock pattern and I’m getting ready to call for testers. Before that, though, I want to finish this pair so I can get some good photos.
I’m working with Ovis Sock Yarn from Wool & Twine, and it’s been an absolute dream. It’s plastic-free, nylon-free, high-twist wool with a slightly rustic halo that I just love. It has such a charming handmade feel and knits up beautifully.
I’ve already turned the heel, so today’s task is finishing the foot and getting that toe knit up.
Lavender Tank Progress
Another project I want to get prepped is my lavender tank.
I’ve already finished the back piece, and now I need to pick up stitches for the front. Even if I don’t get much actual knitting done today, I’d love to get it back on the needles so it’s ready to go when I have more time to sit and stitch. Having projects prepped and ready is such a good feeling.
Spinning with the Starling
Now let’s talk spinning. I’m still working on spinning the contrast color for my Pressed Flowers cardigan, and I’m about halfway through. That means it’s time to prep my fiber into little nests and get ready to spin up my second bobbin.
I’m using my Daedalus Starling and y’all—I cannot rave enough about this wheel. It’s lightweight, portable, sturdy, and I can spin outside on my porch (which is honestly my favorite place in the world). https://www.daedalusspinningwheels.com I’m convinced I could live on the porch if someone let me.
Plus, the bobbins hold so much fiber. I’ve got nearly 200 grams packed on one bobbin right now, and it still has room. It’s efficient and fun, and it makes spinning such a joy.
New Yarn and New Project Plans
One of my favorite dyers, Red Stag Fibre, recently sent over some of their updated Manor Collection yarns, which now come in fingering and DK weights (I had previously bought the sport weight in “French Waistcoat” for my Pressed Flowers cardi).
They sent me two fingering weight skeins—“Gilded” and a beautiful natural shade—both in a luxurious blend of 75% Polwarth and 25% Masham. If you’ve never spun with Polwarth before, it’s like a soft, fluffy cloud. Absolute heaven. The new weights are releasing March 28!
I’m planning to use the natural color in an Andrea Mowry pattern I’ve been eyeing: the Montana Mountain Cowl. I want to hand-spin the contrast color for it using some fiber from my Hello Yarn monthly club. The colorway I’ve chosen is Wood Smoke, a super fine Merino wool top with rich darks and lights that’ll contrast beautifully with the natural base. I’ve canceled my subscription for now (I have way too much unspun fiber!), but I’m excited to work through the stash and get spinning again.
A New Audiobook for the Day
While I’m crafting today, I’ve started listening to Daisy Jones & The Six on Libby. I had borrowed it a while back but never listened, so I’m giving it a real go now. It’s a fictional story about a 1970s rock band—supposedly inspired by Fleetwood Mac—and the audiobook cast is incredible. Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer… so many good voices bringing the story to life. (Linked below with Amazon affiliate link which I earn a small commission on)
It’s already giving me Fleetwood Mac vibes, and as a longtime Stevie Nicks fan (I mean, Silver Springs live in 1997? Goosebumps), I’m hooked.
Video
Wrapping Up
So that’s where I’m at today—bouncing between scrappy sewing, sock knitting, spinning yarn, and soaking up the sounds of the ‘70s in audiobook form. Thank you so much for spending time with me while I made a little progress on these projects.
If you love cozy creative days like this, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future videos. Until next time—happy making, and happy knitting, y’all!
-1 Comment-
I would love to test! Adele Nikkel