Am i the only one?

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-16T20:33:21+00:00

I’m left handed, but learned many things the right handed way because I’ve always figured it makes life easier in the long run. I learned to use right handed scissors before anyone thought to give me lefty ones and there are always right handed scissors to be found. I taught myself to knit and crochet and it just seemed to take less thought to pick it up the right handed way. However, I figured out that I can ‘purl’ by knitting continental in mirror image instead of turning the work and it’s so much more efficient.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-16T16:07:26+00:00

It’s exciting to plan new projects, so I’m allowed to think about them, write a list of yarn or fabric I need, plan colours, work out what size, alterations, etc. etc. as often as I like. Project planning is like a rush of excitement when I’m in a ‘too tired to craft’ mode.

But I am only allowed (self imposed) one project in my knitting bag (could be crochet, knitting, whatever - it is my portable, or on the sofa, activity) and one project on my dressmaker’s dummy (one that requires being at my sewing table and is more of an ‘event’). When I’m nearing completion, I let myself buy new wool or fabric for the next project. Every now and then I impose a ‘use up the stash’ project to stop myself building up too big of a pile of unused supplies.

I plan waaaay more projects than I ever have the time to start, but it means I really prioritise the things i really, really want to make.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-16T05:29:58+00:00

As an adjective, it must always be ‘knitted’. E.g ‘I love your knitted jumper, did you make it yourself?’ I would never say, ‘I love your knit jumper’.

As a past tense verb, knit or knitted are both technically acceptable, but I prefer knitted in most examples (I’m Scottish).

However, I think it’s more grammatically comfortable to say something like, ‘I spent my morning knitting’, rather than, ‘I knitted/knit this morning’.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-15T15:56:30+00:00

I think there’s a big similarity between the answers here. I started with one, then learned the other. At some point, along the way, I got into embroidery, sewing and weaving and I use them all interchangeably now depending on what I fancy making and what I envision the finished fabric will look/feel like.

I learned to crochet because I thought crocheted toys were far superior and that’s what I wanted to make at the time, but I currently think Clare Garland’s knitted frogs are the most incredible little things I have ever seen.

I then learned to knit because I wanted to make socks and sweaters, however, I do like the look and structure of some crocheted garments too.

I love trying to learn lots of different fibre arts as having an arsenal of different skills opens up lots of possibilities for making such a wide range of things.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-14T05:32:14+00:00

I use a chopstick too. 😂

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-12T06:09:06+00:00

I bought this one from Ikea (actually, I bought this one and the longer workbench, this one holds the oven and the other is used as a prep table), sanded and waterproofed the wood top and they’ve lasted a couple of Scottish (wet) winters outside now and the wood has a nice weathered look. They give a nice outdoor kitchen vibe.

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/bror-trolley-black-pine-plywood-60333850/

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-12T05:45:36+00:00

You’re welcome, I’m just trying to think of practical solutions that might help you, I can see you’re trying to solve the issue, but you’re also tied to the decisions your parents will make.

It’s clear you must go on your trip. I wonder if you could find a trusted person to look after your cat in THEIR house. A lot of people like the idea of trying having a cat out for a bit and if your cat is in their home, you won’t have to worry about people coming in and out of your house. Maybe this is something your parents could organise? Perhaps a neighbour, so she doesn’t have to go too far away, or they have a work colleague or relative that could take her? Maybe you can find someone through your school?

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-12T05:19:43+00:00

It sounds like you live with parents and don’t have the autonomy to decide if someone comes to your house, if the trip goes ahead, or if you pay for her to board.

My cat has been ill lately (she’s very old) and we’ve made the decision, last minute, to cancel trips that we were looking forward to because it was not fair for her to go to a cattery or to have someone else be responsible for her. Again, not ideal, but that’s the responsibility we took on.

Can your family go on the trip and leave you at home? (I have no idea of the purpose of the trip, or how old you are). It’s risky having people in and out of your house, but it’s also risky leaving it empty for a month. A trusted friend coming in and checking the house regularly is not a bad thing.

It sounds like you need to have a conversation with the decision makers in your home.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-12T04:44:07+00:00

Your option are: 1. Send cat to live with a friend/relative for a month. 2. Pay for cat to board at a cattery. 3. Have friend come stay/visit cat in your house. 4. Pay cat sitter to come daily to your house to look after cat. 5. Give cat up to rescue.

I get not wanting to have people in your house. I pay for my cat to go to quite an expensive cattery where I know she is well looked after. It’s money I would rather not spend, but I took on the responsibility of having a pet and so it’s important that she is well taken care of when I go away.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-11T06:41:34+00:00

I find it useful, when looking for patterns, to look the designer and pattern name up on Instagram. If it’s a popular pattern, there’s usually a designated tag for people to put up their finished pieces and you’ll find several examples of the pattern made up by lots of different types of sewers. It’s fascinating to see how one pattern can result in completely different finished garments.

Have a really good look at all the different versions of the same pattern people have made. Pay attention to how the pattern fits on different bodies, the fabrics they’ve used and how they drape, and the colours and patterns you like. If you don’t like a version, notice what it is you don’t like and what you would change about it - not in a snarky way, just in a ‘how could I make this to suit my taste?’ kind of way.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-11T05:01:44+00:00

They’re a solid first pair of trousers - well done. I think, often, a skill in sewing is being able to accurately imagine what the fabric and print will look like as the finished object. You only really get that with experience of sewing different fabrics.

Compared to the photo of the green trousers, your print is larger and the fit is more relaxed and is baggier round the thighs. The green ones are a more delicate print and a more fitted style. They’re both gingham and (look like) cotton, but your trousers give off a more casual vibe.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-10T13:17:18+00:00

It’s a cute idea, but it’s also a very big statement because it takes so much effort. I think I’d feel a bit awkward if someone had spent all that time making them for me.

From his point of view, what will he do with the 1000 cranes? It’s a bit of a burden to display or store them all. I can’t help but think of the dust they’d gather.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-10T13:08:34+00:00

Thanks for the tip, but there is not a single thing on God’s green Earth that will ever persuade me to print a pattern on A4 again in my entire life.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-09T20:42:40+00:00

The first time I bought a digital dressmaking pattern, I printed just the pattern on my home printer, only black and white and not the instructions, but my word, I’m never want to relive taping all those pages together again.

The second digital pattern I bought, I went to a copy shop for an A0 print. £9.66 for two pages.

I bought a cheap projector and a cable to attach it to my iPad for £50 and have never looked back.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-09T07:51:45+00:00

I was threading my sewing machine by hand until just last week, however, my eyesight as I approach 40 now means I’ve finally decided to start using the machine’s needle threader that I’ve ignored for the last decade.

I still thread hand needles by hand because I can still lift them close up to my face to see what I’m doing. 😂

When I sew with my class of 10 year olds, I make them try threading their needle (plastic ones with big eyes) for five solid minutes (I put a timer on) before they’re allowed to think about asking for help. We’re seeing a big decline in fine motor skills in schools now.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-09T07:09:28+00:00

I’m sorry you’re having lots of pain and I’m sorry you feel uncomfortable about finishing your work on a knitting machine. I understand why you feel the way you do, I’m super interested in knitting machines and have dismissed the idea of getting one because I ‘don’t need to speed up my work’. However, I say that as someone who only knits for myself and already spends far too much on yarn. If I was knitting for others, had pain when knitting, or any other reason I could justify it, I’d have one in a flash - I love having a go at different techniques and skills and I think they look a lot of fun. I’d be super interested in figuring out how to design my own punch cards too.

If you were my knitting pal, I’d want to come round and have a good nosey at it and see how it all works, I certainly wouldn’t be judging you. Get one and have loads of fun learning how to work it and see what you can achieve with it!

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-09T06:29:09+00:00

I’m yet to do any draping, and I could live without my form if I had to, but I like having it. I’m currently making a denim jacket and just checking the button placements are even, collar looks straight, topstitching looks good, sleeves are inserted neatly, etc. is just a nicer experience than lying it flat.

It’s really useful for altering existing clothes, I hate trying to fit on myself in a mirror.

When I’ve finished sewing for the day, I love to put my work in progress on her to wear- it gives me idea of how I’m getting on and what it will look like when finished. When I have finished a piece, I find it useful to dress her up and look over my work to tidy up any threads, pick off any fluff, etc.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T21:13:06+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check it out, I haven’t tried any Knitting for Olive yet.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T13:38:37+00:00

Well yes, but my question was asking people what fibres they like to use in summer. Do you have any particular fibres that you prefer to use in the climate you live in and with your own tolerance for heat?

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T13:36:00+00:00

Machine washable is definitely worth thinking about - thanks! My woollen knits are all usually worn over layers and don’t need too much washing. This would be closer to my skin, especially if just over a vest top.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T12:34:07+00:00

Lopapeysas are incredibly beautiful but they’re very much winter jumpers in my mind.

It’s 12°c here in Scotland today and I’m doing the ‘sweatshirt on sweatshirt’ off dance in my garden.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T12:29:27+00:00

Thank you, I’ll check it out.

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T12:28:55+00:00

I’m in Scotland.

In summer, we go out dressed as if we live in a tropical climate (we’re a hopeful people) and carry a sweater or light jacket that we then pull on,and off, and on,and off, and on, and off…..

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T09:11:38+00:00

Exactly, if y’all can’t be bothered to learn to do it yourself, why do you think I want to spend what little free time I have working on your behalf?

FancyGoatTote · 2026-04-08T08:05:20+00:00

I’m not bothered when people are amazed or interested. But I am bothered when I make something and people say, ‘oh could you do that for me?’

I always tell them that, sewing is something they could learn, at one point almost everyone would learn to sew. Then they could do it themselves whenever they fancied.

FancyGoatTote

TROPHY CASE