What I made, by Sharon

  I've been steadily working on by Bad Tie Patchwork cushion. It is undoubtedly, the most fun I have ever had with the sewing machine. I loved the paper template technique, it's really supportive of the fact that I struggle with seam allowances and can't usually cut or sew in a straight line. I have learnt so much doing this project, most of it probably glaringly obvious to everyone else. Learning highlights included: it's better not to hold the fabric in a death grip. That makes the threads in the back go funny. It's not a fault with the machine, but I guess I learnt a whole lot about it while investigating what I thought had to be  an issue with the machine, but turned out to be an issue with me. I also learnt to cut pieces bigger, something that will definitely improve the quality of future patched pillows. And on that note, I'm off to sort through the Bad Ties, I have the next two cushion designs chosen, printed and ready to go. That's Tarragon snea...

You may recall that last year I knitted Leon a tie , for Bad Tie Mondays . It was made out of predominantly orange Noro, and was rather hideous. I thought that was it. I had won bad tie Mondays and didn't have to think about it again. But no, a couple of Monday's ago Leon's boss Rob showed up in this: A monogrammed hand knit tie. At the same time I mentioned in passing to Leon that I had seen a pattern for a really huge, rather ugly knitted bow tie. Well, that was it, Leon had to have one. I made it out of left over sock wool, and I think it really encapsulates the spirit of Bad Tie Mondays.