Author Archives: Noile

Tips for Using the Addi Express

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Noile

Here are a few tips, summarized, for maximizing success while using your Addi Express circular knitting machine: Best tip of all:  There are nearly invisible numbers in front of each needle, all around the Addi. Take a marker, and make … Continue reading →

Posted in 2022, Addi Express | Leave a comment

Addi Express Circular Loom

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Noile

Years ago, Mr. Noile and I saw a demonstration of a vintage circular sock loom at a crafts exhibit, and we kind of fell in love with the idea of using an ancient device to make something at once so … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, Addi Express, Machines | Leave a comment

Cat Backpack

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Noile

So a really talented artist in Japan has made a bunch of incredible cat backpacks. Her name is Pico Miho, also known as nekoseisaku pico, and you can see her phenomenal work here, on Bored Panda. Her cats are handcrafted, … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, Accessories, Bags | 2 Comments

Tea

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Noile

We’re not interested in holidays, or anniversaries, and we don’t remember our own birthdays, much less anyone else’s, but we do celebrate one tradition: a new year tea. Or maybe it’s an end-of-year tea. In any case, it’s how we … Continue reading →

Posted in 2022 | 4 Comments

Waxed Canvas Totes

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Noile

Mr. Noile had a favorite waxed canvas coat for a long time, and I bought a more rarefied waxed canvas coat myself a few years ago. I’d never sewn with the fabric, though, so making these bags was a new … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, Bags, Gifts | Leave a comment

Weighted Dolls: Part Three

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Noile

Once I had proof-of-concept for the body pattern for my weighted dolls, and (possibly even more importantly) proof-of concept (and proof of execution) for the faces, it was time to make the actual dolls. The first step was to choose … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, Gifts | Leave a comment

Weighted Dolls: Part Two

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Noile

The path to my doll’s faces was not a simple one, but in the end I found some kind of resolution. The machine I intended to use to make them ended up in repair — specialist repair, far away — … Continue reading →

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Weighted Dolls: Part One

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Noile

For the past few years, I’ve donated goods, of one kind or another, to a county nursing home. Last year I made tactile/fidget quilts, but this year decided to do something different. Originally I thought I’d make bears, but soon … Continue reading →

Posted in 2021, Gifts, Other | Leave a comment

Nifty Threader

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Noile

I ran across this little gadget at Red Stone Glen. Annie, who helpfully watches the shop, enthused about it. Though Annie’s advice is always excellent, I had my doubts. My sewing room is littered with useless needle threaders.

Posted in 2021, Tools | 2 Comments

More Masks

Posted on August 26, 2021 by Noile

More masks, acknowledging the arrival of Covid Delta, and recognizing that we’ll be wearing them for quite a while yet. Both of these masks are Mr. Noile’s, and both are the Marfy free pattern.

Posted in 2021, Covid, DIY, Masks, Tools | 2 Comments