Knitting & Stitching Show Haul | Chatty catch up, sewing works in progress and some knitting...

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Astrology print viscose - www.fabricgodm... (I couldn’t find this exact fabric)
Floral viscose - sewmesomething...
Coating fabric - www.lilifabric...
The Left Hookery - www.thelefthoo...
Black Sheep Wool - www.blacksheep...
Lyra Dress Pattern - tidd.ly/3uI0i1R
Palm print viscose challis - tidd.ly/3NkxJSs
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Thanks so much for watching and for your support! Sally xx
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[@emmapartanen6682]

I only buy 100cm circular needles and use those for everything! Magic loop is actually so useful technique and I really recommend it for everyone (:

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I think I need to have a better go at magic loop, tried it once and didn’t love it x

[@annsheldrake3554]

I hate it when companies quote prices per half metre. It is so deceptive especially when you are looking at different shops at a show or on the internet.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It can be confusing can't it! x

[@zephyraK]

I have a set of interchangable needles (KnitPro, not expensive and much cheaper than buying all needles seperately). I use 80 cm the most and for sleeves I use magic loop. I used a small circular needle for the neck, because it is easier at the start then magic loop, but I tend to knit much tighter with the small circumference. So I usually prefer magic loop on smaller circumferences. I knit socks on flexible needles (Addi Crasytrio). This way you only need 3 needles instead of the regular 5. I learned knitting socks on these and love it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for this, I think I need to invest in a better set xx

[@elainemakin8823]

That Lyra is just beautiful. You’ve definitely convinced me that I need a monochrome version too 😍 xxx

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I think you definitely do.

[@jammymommy]

Gorgeous Lyra❤ you’re so good at pattern/ fabric matching!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you x

[@hoppaheedahoe2581]

I love the basket kit. I don’t knit or crochet but want to try. I love your fabrics you bought. I like to buy the more expensive fabrics, but when on sale. I would spend $100 for a nice dress so to pay 16 pounds a meter for 3 meters is ok for me but I make sure I love the fabric and pattern. I buy the inexpensive fabric to make a pattern the first time. You deserve it and your makes are so beautiful.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I agree quality over quantity is so much better I think I was just a little taken back at the till 😂 Start simple with the knitting and crochet I’m sure you’d be fine xx

[@heathermaybury7087]

I love to use the magic loop method for knitting sleeves. Great for top down designs. Black sheep wools are a great small business fir yarn at great prices. Happy knitting 😊😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! They're great aren't they :) x

[@diutu]

Thank you for sharing your finds! I knit quite a lot but have mainly just 80 cm long circular needles. I use them to knit everything. They're long enough to knit a sweater in the round, just as good for knitting flat as long needles are, and for the rest (cuffs, socks, hats, mittens...) I use magic loop method, which is super easy once you get the hang of it.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for this! I've tried the magic loop once but didn't love it. I suppose I need to practice and get used to it though xx

[@aileenbaab6789]

My Ciao Goo interchangeable circular needles are simply the best! You can purchase extra wires too so you can use the tips on more than one project. Definitely worth the investment!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you this seems to be a popular brand. Maybe a Christmas list item 🤔 xx

[@eileentarrant9876]

I have a bunch of needles in a zip up pouch that are interchangeable needles with short and long wires I’ve also got some tiny sirculer for socks but they are too tight so I can’t use them but I get on fine with four needles ,for sweaters I find sircular needles great !not much purling and not so heavy on the arms ,I did a lot of knitting in lockdown and seeing I’m a hot blooded person they are lounging in my drawers so I’m hoping for a really cold winter .if you’ve only one long wire you can do magic loop don’t worry it’s easy so go for it this winter 🤷🥰🥰🥰

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for this, it's really interesting to see how others do it. I think I need to try the magic loop again I didn't like it when I first tried it :) x

[@sewcraftyjean3525]

Glad you enjoyed the Knitting and Stitching show. I went today with my best friend. I use the really small circular needles to knit socks. They're great when you get used to them.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's great isn't it, lovely to see all the businesses 'in person'. Thank you for sharing about the knitting needles too x

[@houseinnorthcarolina9439]

Sally, I invested in a set of Chiaogoo interchangeable needles. Don't let the price scare you. I bought the set on Amazon. It comes in a black print case. If you knit a lot you will be so glad you bought them. Chiaogoo needles are considered one of the best brand names. Suzanne

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah thank you I'll have a look at those, maybe a Christmas list item haha x

[@janeybeasley9525]

Loved this video, when you said, do you remember this fabric from the summer? It felt like we were all friends and just chatting in your sewing space! On the circular needles question, I do have a set of interchangeable needles but I also have fixed circulars, I do a lot of knitting so I do have duplicates of sizes. I tend not to buy shorter length ones as I use the magic loop method, so I can use a longer cable even for small circumferences like sleeves/socks. I do find my tension is very slightly different than if I use dpns but as long as you pick your needles and use the same for both sleeve/socks then it seems to workout fine!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah I 'm so pleased you feel that way :) Thank you for that advice too, I guess like straight needles you end up building a collection eventually x

[@create_something_pretty]

Hi Sally. You were asking about knitting needles. I buy a kit of the sizes. I find it's cheaper. I like the knit pro needles but I've heard chiaogoo needles are quite popular too but out of my price range. I like the interchangeable needles. I saw another vlogger using the interchangeable needles. Oh a set that comes with something to store them with is awesome. I really need a case to keep mine all neat. I hope that helps. Your knitting is amazing ❤❤

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for the recommendation I have a cheap set but they aren’t the best I think I might have to invest or ask for some for Christmas 😊 xx

[@twosticksandstring]

You could invest in a set of good quality interchangeable needles - it can be a considered purchase but is such a neat way to have lots of knitting needle sizes.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I do have a cheap set from Amazon but I think it might be time to invest in a better quality one as the cords twist and drive me mad lol x

[@mnoeliarc]

That fabric is beautiful but I agree with you that it’s pricey and it would have put me off. I suppose it’s the silver lining about it 😅 That brown yarn is beautiful and it would be lovely as a Rosery Jumper by Rosery Apparel. To answer your question about the needles, I buy interchangeable needles so that’s how I get around not having a huge amount of needles and wires. I bought a kit from Amazon by Knitpro and am really happy with it. I love your Lyra dress by the way 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ooh yes I’ve seen that jumper it’s lovely. Thank you for sharing about the knitting needles I think I need to add a better set to my Christmas list 😊 xx

[@susanjackson1616]

Love circular needles , I do socks / sleeves with them , actually always use circulars, I bought a kit interchangeable x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for that :) x

[@buzzi2k]

A maxi length Pleiades1 would be beautiful for that black starry fabric!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oooh yes x

[@sewbecsews9549]

Yeh, Lili’s is my local fabric store in Romford, Essex. It’s actually quite a small store and has been there for many years. Their prices are brilliant.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh how nice to have them so near :) x

[@skejsisk-jz6kh]

❤👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

💕

[@karenminet9275]

I REALLY like the creamy coat fabric. I bet you really will wear it a lot. It is warm and beautiful. And so pretty on your skin tone

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I hope so, got to successfully make it into a coat first haha x

[@patternpouchnest9529]

Gday Sally. Lovely video as always. Wonderful makes & those in progress as well, your sweater looks incredibly snuggly & I adore the color 🥰 I went to the K & S show again this year, I only picked up 1 pattern, 1 from Viki Sews 😀I hope your little dog is on the mend now (I realize I am behind on your videos ☺)Thanku 'sew' much for sharing. Ana. xx 🪡✂🧵🙂

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thanks so much for watching! I love the shows so lovely to go and see things in person isn’t it. I hope you enjoy your new pattern xx

[@patternpouchnest9529]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Thanku. xx

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

The coating is really pretty and it looks like good quality fabric even with the synthetic content. I have built up my collection of circular needles over many years but I usually buy the longest ones because I knit using the magic loop technique. There were times that I bought a new needle just because I had a wip that stalled and I needed the same size needle for a new project or I wanted to work on both sleeves at the same time. I have quite a few duplicates but I've been knitting for over 25 years 😁

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I suppose the collection just builds in the end doesn't it. The coat fabric is really lovely I can't wait to get going with it xx

[@2siameezers]

When I see this sweet dress pattern I think of you. It is the Ikatee anna dress. #ikateeanna I hope your adorable dog feels better soon.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you I'll look at it :) xx

[@paularoberts2129]

Hi Sally Hope you feel better soon Pricing on fabric is so annoying now it should be priced per meter its to make the fabric look cheaper than it is such a con Xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! Yes it’s tricky isn’t it xx

[@paularoberts2129]

❤️

[@annettecowburn-sz8cq]

Love your fabrics Sally. Black sheep wools is based not far from me so its my local yarn shop. That sirdar yarn looks lovely, so im interested to see that knitted up. Your Lyra is really lovely, im sure you will wear that a lot. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

How nice to have a lovely yarn shop near by! Thank you for watching x

[@mairead5891]

I have a set of interchangeable needles. The tips screw onto the cords. My kit came with needles from 2.75mm to 5mm needle tips and three cords. If you knit a lot you'll need to supplement the amount of tips and cords you have, but at least you're only buying one element! My advice would be to buy a fixed needle and cable set from each brand and type (metal or wood) to try them out before buying a set. One word of advice - Addi Click sets have a nasty reputation of unclicking and coming apart all by themselves! Not what you need right in the middle of a row!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you that’s a great idea! I do have an interchangeable set but it’s not the best quality. Might have to invest x

[@mairead5891]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress a decent set is an investment, but if you do your research you'll only have to buy them once. Good brands are Chiagoo, HiyaHiya, and Lykke. Me personal favourites are Chiagoo - the cable has a metal core that springs straight from being curled up in storage. I find the ones with plastic curly cables so irritating!

[@caitlinmewton5184]

I have an interchangeable set of knitting needles, the tips screw on to the different cord lengths. It usually ends up alot cheaper than buying them all separately.

[@buzzi2k]

Cool!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! I do have a set like that but it's not the best quality, I think I need to maybe put a better one on my Christmas list x

[@brenholmes4894]

I have built up a stock of circular needles over the years but never seemed to have the size and length I needed. So, I invested in a set of different lengths together with interchangeable needles that screw on the ends. I don't recommend the sets, however, as I find the needles come unscrewed while I'm knitting, so that every round I need to screw them up tight, which is a real nuisance, especially if they come apart before the end of the round so I am having to pick up stitches! The sets were quite expensive, so I am rather disappointed with them.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that's a shame. That's what is happening with mine now so I was hoping to buy a better set x

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Make covered button, it’s to elegant

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

They are lovely aren't they x

[@celestebrown6170]

I love that coating fabric, could you give me the description or code again so I can contact the company? Really enjoy your videos thank you so much!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Unfortunately I can't seem to find it on their website at the moment. I wonder if it was new in and they took it to the show but haven't listed it yet. You could give them a ring but I don't actually have a code for you sorry x

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

Love your dress that you ‘re wearing!xXX👍👍👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you :) x

[@ilariagarbati9412]

Hi Sally, I'm Ilaria and it was such a pleasure meeting you at the Show! Sorry if I bothered you anyhow... Now I'm in Gatwick Airport flying back to Italy and see... you are keeping me company while waiting 4 my flight. I totally agree with your choice of purchasing and splashing on good quality fabric and yarns unless it is 4 toiles: you are not going to regret and you me-made will last and stay with you. I bought the other starry FG fabric, the pink and mustard on a black background. I think I'll make a Davenport but if I'm not wrong you don't like that pattern on you...

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah of course you weren't bothering me it was so lovely to meet you! Did you come over just for the show? You are correct about the lovely fabric. I love the Davenport pattern so it wasn't that one that I didn't like - I'm sure you'll love it too and it'll look amazing in that fabric :) x

[@ilariagarbati9412]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress I was missing England since Covid so I decided to combine my holiday of a few days with the show because believe it or not, although most fabrics in England are imported from Italy, you cannot buy them here!

[@rc4162]

Did you make any adjustments to the Lyra dress pattern. Great choice of fabric.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

No I didn’t it’s a straight size 2 😊 x

[@mikebevallen5420]

Love the black and white fabric of your lyra, where was it from?

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's from Minerva, it should be linked :) x

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Ale th the Nicks dress from the star fabric

[@nathaliepalladino4128]

Sorry about the misspelling

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

That pattern did cross my mind actually haha x

[@ann-mariesews5172]

I think that is the same coating I looked at. It definitely has some wool as I am allergic so get a tingle when it is against my arm. It did take a while to feel it though. It is gorgeous and so soft, I look forward to seeing your make with it

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah yes I think you can feel the wool content can't you. Thank you I'm excited to get on with it x

[@jojackson2763]

Hi ... advice on needles and cords... Best way to start is to buy an interchangeable set, these have the needles that screw into the cords so you can vary the length of cord to number of stitches. You can go wooden or metal, very pointy for lace and rounder for sweaters. My preference is Chiagoo which have cords with no memory so they don't snake around when knitting. Hiyahiya have pointy needles and thin cords great for lace knitting. Then Lykke sets for wooden needles that are less slippy and great foe jumpers. It's personal preference. However, I have never managed with the very small length circular needles as you showed us because they are too fiddly. Magic loop is how I tackle small cuffs etc. Love the crochet kit!!

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much for that advice. I have a cheap set of interchangeable needles from Amazon but they aren’t great quality. They were good test though and now I know I use them so much I might invest in some better ones. Thank you so much for watching xx

[@beccarooney1812]

For knitting I have a set of interchangeable circular knitting needles + I've bought a few additional cables of varying length. I also have DPN but if in doubt you could try magic loop using a larger length cable.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you. I have tried the magic loop but I didn't love knitting that way so I've been buying the correct length needles or four points since then. I think I need to invest in a better interchangeable set :) x

[@nanahelensews]

Love your content. Circular needles - I bought interchangeable ones - knit pro deluxe set. I got them from Amazon and they have been good- comes with different cable length’s and needle tips from 3.5mm to 8mm. I’ve also got some from the ChiaoGoo range. I’m going to the Harrogate K&S show in November but don’t think some of the bigger names will be there. X

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much I think I need to invest in better ones! Yes I think it's the October one that's bigger isn't it, I've never been to Harrogate x

[@justletmesew]

Some great buys from the show, the coat fabric sounds so cosy. I couldn't get close to the FG stall, it was so busy. What size do you make for the lyra? I've just finished mine and it's a bit tight across the chest. I hope you and your dog feel better soon 😊

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh that’s a shame! I definitely find things get quieter from about 3.30pm and we were much more able to look properly. We went on Thursday though so probably not as busy as a weekend. I make a size 2 in the Lyra I hope that helps x

[@jeaninecoe5012]

I have a collection of circular needles and I use the magic loop method for my cuffs. I have used 9” circular needles in the past for my socks and found that it hurts my thumbs. I use both fixed and changeable needles from knit pro. I also have Addi fixed needles that are nice to use and I use hya hya sharps for my socks.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you for this, it's good to know the different needles people use and like :) x

[@angiebolton8635]

Love the ditsy print fabric, I think the price per half metre is a ploy of that particular seller! I got stung at that stall too I'd even asked how much it was and she said £12.50 which I thought was per meter, when I came to pay she said £25😮 I got it to save face but I wasn't happy, I won't be buying from there again! X

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Ah it's tricky isn't it. I'll definitely know for next time! x

[@Leierkastenfraeulein]

I am in love with the viscose fro Fabric Godmother and kinda am tempted to travel to the UK just to attend the show next year :S Thank you for showing you lovely finds. When starting my knitting journey I just splurged and bought one big set of interchangable needles from Knitpro and now I am just adding missing sizes and maybe will get another shorter cable; for cuffs I am using the magic loop method, it is kinda a pain, but it works.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

It's lovely isn't it! Knit Pro seems to be a popular make x

[@Leierkastenfraeulein]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress I can't talk about quality, because I do not knit that long yet, but one main reason was easy availability, several shops near me stock their products, so I can add to my collection when passing by :) (very dangerous)

[@seeit.sewit.sorted6255]

Great minds think alike..... I bought the exact same coating fabric, but in Khaki (what a bargain!!!!) I nearly bought 2 lots as the colours were so good. I think I'll be making The Avid Seamstress 'The Blazer'. Can't wait to hear what you'll be making 🤗

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oooh that will be lovely, I really liked the khaki too but I'm a khaki addict lol! I thought the same, I almost bought two, hopefully they will list it on their website eventually x

[@seeit.sewit.sorted6255]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress me too !

[@eileentarrant9876]

Hy Sally lovely fabrics ,ime going to the show inNovember can’t wait ,do they allow small wheeled bags as I find it hard to carry heavy bags or can you leave your purchases somewhere ? Thanks

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Yes I’m sure I’ve seen people with wheelie bags. You’ll love the show I’m sure xx

[@eileentarrant9876]

Try the ILHA sweater it turns out lovely and not difficult .I’ve also made the fairy bouquet sweater by Joanne Eng which is very romantic and gorgeous .I paired it with a mohair but I had to give it away because I found it to itchy round my neck but it was oh so beautiful I did knit the ILHA in a similar colour to yours and I love it the side stitches make it a bit different ,good luck sounds like you had a lovely time maybe I’ll get to go sometime 🤞

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Oh thank you I'll have a look. Where can I find that pattern? Your knitting sounds beautiful x

[@eileentarrant9876]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress I got it on Ravelry

[@maureencullen1008]

This vlog was lovely,just relaxed and friendly .Is there a website for the bag of wool you bought?It was a real bargain for the quality composition of the wool. Everything you make is so beautiful

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Aw thank you! I've linked Black Sheep Wool in the video description but let me know if there's a problem x

[@theoccasionalstitcher]

I bought my Knitpro interchangeable set on amazon, they're lovely quality and easy on my hands. I also love short circular needles but have only used them for socks. If I can find the link for the Amazon set I'll send it to you 😊

[@susankidd9963]

Sounds like you had a great time with your mum love all the things you have bought, hope you feel better soon. X

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you! x

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Thank you so much! I have a cheap set from Amazon but the cords twist so I think I need to buy a better quality one x

[@graceinwood-nan-that-sews-9852]

I am looking for coat pattern as i brought 4 metres of blended wool fabric.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

What type of coat do you want to make? X

[@graceinwood-nan-that-sews-9852]

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Not sure yet, but nice winter coat. either button or wrapped with belt.

[@jeaninecoe5012]

Did you use a stretchy bind off for your cardigan as it seems a little tight. I don’t decrease on the whitmoor and I also just use the same needles for all of the cardigan.

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

No I didn't, I just used my usual method. I think I need to practice a stretchy one. Really wish I hadn't decreased now, oh well! x

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

xxx

[@buzzi2k]

Can you get your dog a little pushchair to go out in? 😅

[@SecretLifeOfASeamstress]

Possibly but I'm hoping he'll be walking again soon (fingers crossed) x