tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59046635158119435242024-03-05T00:12:44.694-08:00knit sanctuaryMeredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-75347216283425411302013-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:002013-09-25T08:00:00.413-07:00That skein: HitchhikerSometimes you plan out the perfect yarn for the perfect pattern, and the whole thing comes out as inspiring as a Hefty bag. Other times, an amazing project seams to materialize in your lap without any thanks to planning or forethought. This is a story of one of the latter experiences. <br />
<br />
When I was buying yarn from Webs for several baby projects last Spring, I was just a few dollars away from getting their big discount, so I bought a single skein of sock yarn to put me over the top. This is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/pagewood-farm-chugiak-hand-dyed-sock-yarn">Pagewood Farms Chugiak</a> in the Prism colorway. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbxdklaYzOOqjNk4DoCxUF8uCUxV3v_ITTJgloF8et-_TkFM4CISjeAV2fh8B95QzQLffqCqzO9gYlyryDjjym09fmIm5m44UWcKob6jWHH1DY7jOHLbfNXnxfxA-BIwX1r00titOVEjn/s1600/DSC03358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbxdklaYzOOqjNk4DoCxUF8uCUxV3v_ITTJgloF8et-_TkFM4CISjeAV2fh8B95QzQLffqCqzO9gYlyryDjjym09fmIm5m44UWcKob6jWHH1DY7jOHLbfNXnxfxA-BIwX1r00titOVEjn/s640/DSC03358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When it arrived, I regretted it. I had no idea what I was going to do with this highly variegated yarn. I really don't like pooling, which is when the colors that are so nicely mixed up in the skein clump together in splotches in your project. So I stuck it in my stash expecting it to stay there forever. <br />
<br />
Then the <a href="http://yarniacs.blogspot.com/">Yarniacs</a>, a fantastic podcast, hosted a brilliant KAL: knit something using one of the Pantone fall colors. I searched through my stash and discovered that this skein had about three or four of the colors. It would be perfect for fall. But what to knit? I did not want to take these pretty colors and splotch them all up in poorly planned pooling.<br />
<br />
On Ravelry, I like to browse patterns by what's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=knitting&view=captioned_thumbs&sort=recently-popular">Hot Right Now</a>, or what is getting the most page views. For basically years, the Hitchhiker pattern has floated around the Hot Right Now page, which is hard to do for a pattern that's been around for a while. In all those months, though, I never clicked on it. Something about the cover picture left me as uninspired as that skein of yarn up there. <br />
<br />
When I was looking for a pattern for this yarn, I decided it should be garter stitch to break up the colors. I wanted to make a shawl for fall. I searched patterns with these criteria, and Hitchhiker kept coming up near the top. So I finally clicked around to have a look. I began to think it might have potential. In an uncharacteristic move, I didn't over think it; I just cast on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7X-z-eC2QqrA2zZNMKa9m2N_mi46cps_gsCCD8aTIKo51MtLAPhqDjLSdX4Tc0iTmNKwSqrJ78y2X6SUmprztqOjnuRodDtG3S6krtbV1z8jxwaR0qGU0ytYtpNUqHhoCXMrBwEHU_u7/s1600/DSC04006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7X-z-eC2QqrA2zZNMKa9m2N_mi46cps_gsCCD8aTIKo51MtLAPhqDjLSdX4Tc0iTmNKwSqrJ78y2X6SUmprztqOjnuRodDtG3S6krtbV1z8jxwaR0qGU0ytYtpNUqHhoCXMrBwEHU_u7/s640/DSC04006.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a breeze to knit. It was fun and simple, but not boring. The colors turned out to be amazing, so they kept things interesting, and seeing the shawl instantly take shape was pretty motivational. The yarn has a very tight twist, which I think would make it good for socks. It means it's not very cozy for a shawl or scarf, but it's worked out okay. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIuGuwOt6hwi-iW1iW_hb2EXgcQmzqMBTUHnefe6yiPMubvozSkpgOYF4YsoA9ioerK4QKnTpymzQxk4eATDjn3ic1XHBmH0zXPFSaevMlLaX6iR0wdQVpuLmt7JuFWK0rEv-WbpIfk45/s1600/DSC04004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIuGuwOt6hwi-iW1iW_hb2EXgcQmzqMBTUHnefe6yiPMubvozSkpgOYF4YsoA9ioerK4QKnTpymzQxk4eATDjn3ic1XHBmH0zXPFSaevMlLaX6iR0wdQVpuLmt7JuFWK0rEv-WbpIfk45/s400/DSC04004.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I think this will be easy to wear, wrapped around my neck like a scarf. I think I can tuck the ends in if I want it to look more like a cowl. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB7NJ_YBHCXyNHkwOFPA0Tw5epG9G7PBtEpf6-cGPYBKsRxeTC8G18fx0Zy8bB1V-Sha7LLHbhWfeiVdN_XIIjKZhvr8WIOA-3UR-V54RJ4Af1ui6vG-M_Ph05vdXzQ6WcVJ_k2MBaFcq/s1600/DSC03647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB7NJ_YBHCXyNHkwOFPA0Tw5epG9G7PBtEpf6-cGPYBKsRxeTC8G18fx0Zy8bB1V-Sha7LLHbhWfeiVdN_XIIjKZhvr8WIOA-3UR-V54RJ4Af1ui6vG-M_Ph05vdXzQ6WcVJ_k2MBaFcq/s640/DSC03647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm pretty pleased with this successful project that came out of nowhere. Instead of regretting that skein purchase, I wish I'd bought more! I think I'll be knitting another of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/martina-behm">Martina Behm</a>'s garter stitch shawls in the weeks ahead! Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-84896382533792202102013-09-22T17:59:00.000-07:002013-09-22T17:59:59.509-07:00Hat trickThat's from a sport. Is it soccer or hockey? I can't remember, but it's when you do three of something, right? Three goals? Ooh, in bowling, three strikes is called a turkey. But "Hat turkey" is not as appealing a name for a blog post.<br />
<br />
So I spent most of August knitting on this ridiculous sweater that I didn't like very much, and didn't think would look good on me. Oddly enough, this really compelled me to finish it so that I could just move beyond it. It doesn't look terrible. I mean, it fits really well. But the style is only so-so, and I think the color is not that great. If you really want to see it, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/sweet-cicely">here's the Ravelry project page</a>. <br />
<br />
Once I got that out of the way, I needed a bunch of instant gratification projects to get the bad taste of that sweater out of my mouth. (Eeew, eating a sweater!) Hats to the rescue! <br />
<br />
<b>Rosebud</b> <br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rosebud-17">Rosebud</a> by Jared Flood in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/malabrigo-yarn-rios">Malabrigo Rios</a>. This yarn is so ideal for hats. It's superwash, and I don't have much experience with superwash, but can't it get kind of heavy and saggy in sweaters? I've only ever used it for hats and baby clothes. This superwash is incredibly soft and squishy, and the tonal colorway is dreamy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvnNDI9ob4VczaiqSd4M87Ik4OVRyyFjtr9ZyGx3xasl_jyOajY_lkfM80SJOMJmLsriPJb1D8mahKBAzDnGMfdRL3AW0bCwW67sQYTkBG3Q-WrUHrQCHJ__SN4p9T4jRx_9t60QEfl5p/s1600/DSC04023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvnNDI9ob4VczaiqSd4M87Ik4OVRyyFjtr9ZyGx3xasl_jyOajY_lkfM80SJOMJmLsriPJb1D8mahKBAzDnGMfdRL3AW0bCwW67sQYTkBG3Q-WrUHrQCHJ__SN4p9T4jRx_9t60QEfl5p/s640/DSC04023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I knit this hat exactly per the slouchy pattern, and I love it. I blocked it very lightly, not stretching it at all really, but just to get the cable to relax and pop. I'd love to knit this one again. I think it looks great in this bright tonal colorway, but it would obviously be great in the tweedy <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/brooklyn-tweed-shelter">Shelter </a>for which it was designed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/rosebud">Rav page</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyVqyt6zvV3SrLCsqkvG5ObBZYkV4yTCIeos2A79WqM3wUwAfgHbQETTJOtZ9MjDmR6ExC1IUlV-O69lF9b7SOdVwRlmapLfbEH068rJd9GZT_hG-xyPn4np6dqFugI-cDxvAsBFottMC/s1600/DSC04016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyVqyt6zvV3SrLCsqkvG5ObBZYkV4yTCIeos2A79WqM3wUwAfgHbQETTJOtZ9MjDmR6ExC1IUlV-O69lF9b7SOdVwRlmapLfbEH068rJd9GZT_hG-xyPn4np6dqFugI-cDxvAsBFottMC/s400/DSC04016.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Pasha</b> <br />
Jane Richmond, this designer, has 501 hat patterns that I'd love to knit. I'd be happy to knit this one again, too. This one is a good fall hat, since I don't think it will be quite as warm as the Rosebud in Rios. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUPEFUWJqxTQmpo-b0l_eAhCYShOp3ffDsPvPZLC_y36mZ9JvFgAq32kXexxMO3_nTz0qv2UJCsJVSNdcrB-QY7gcV_mn7hwd-V6Hz8Sh2wZXaxZKrb2u6l7kWAaxAjELZYAKQJM1slnm/s1600/DSC03932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUPEFUWJqxTQmpo-b0l_eAhCYShOp3ffDsPvPZLC_y36mZ9JvFgAq32kXexxMO3_nTz0qv2UJCsJVSNdcrB-QY7gcV_mn7hwd-V6Hz8Sh2wZXaxZKrb2u6l7kWAaxAjELZYAKQJM1slnm/s640/DSC03932.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/valley-yarns-northfield">Valley Yarn Northfield</a>, a blend of merino, alpaca and silk. I'd love to use this yarn again, as I think it has excellent stitch definition and is nice and drapey. It's not as squishy as the Rios, but it works great in this lacy hat. It would be amazing in a refined, tailored sweater. That's on my list!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/pasha">Rav page</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4DwuRVlJxh3A9sxWL-ETXQVnbYff94Ee5L9QMRCDKv66VcXpvHHgMe04xlIBOS8w6Qkg-YpzZ6KNQWZFHbb1paLXYKMALU7gklN3VPco0tcJDYLVkZHbvOFkUchQj2x2RHDAkev8UFOf/s1600/DSC03919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4DwuRVlJxh3A9sxWL-ETXQVnbYff94Ee5L9QMRCDKv66VcXpvHHgMe04xlIBOS8w6Qkg-YpzZ6KNQWZFHbb1paLXYKMALU7gklN3VPco0tcJDYLVkZHbvOFkUchQj2x2RHDAkev8UFOf/s400/DSC03919.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Super Cupcake</b><br />
I am super delighted with this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/super-cupcake">super cupcake</a>. This has been in my queue for over two years. I actually started it about two years ago with some Berroco Ultra Alpaca, but it just wasn't the right yarn for the job. This pattern really needs something squishy that will bloom and fill up all those spaces between the rib stitches. I lamented that I didn't have any Malabrigo worsted, and although I've been on the look out, I haven't come across any in the right colorway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6-jbAZ7MiLa1oRnS4N9eWBgNqA1AgiOKrIvtMzamPre7iPq0eBYgEHj5PI08gOgCMFf-goxx-xiChDbMXXyvPwLtLBHqLn9mg0E-J5_xYhVMHmaAaldpq5STEbDH-H2f2vLBMWnu4am/s1600/DSC04031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6-jbAZ7MiLa1oRnS4N9eWBgNqA1AgiOKrIvtMzamPre7iPq0eBYgEHj5PI08gOgCMFf-goxx-xiChDbMXXyvPwLtLBHqLn9mg0E-J5_xYhVMHmaAaldpq5STEbDH-H2f2vLBMWnu4am/s400/DSC04031.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I participated in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarniacs-podcast/2632346/1-25">Yarniacs' Podcast Fall KAL</a>, and discovered that I had an ancient UFO that was in Malabrigo Rios in a colorway that was close to the Acai colorway. So I frogged it, washed and reskeined the wool, and then cast on for the Super Cupcake. This yarn is just perfect for this pattern, and the colorway is exactly what I wanted. And it's been sitting in my house all along! How amazing is that! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/super-cupcake">Rav page</a> I have two more skeins of this, so I'll have to make the cowl sometime soon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfznHYjFmW4zbaQmVetEhxmXV1_LKxejQiAUfjZdcUH7ca98ZChh_kCYZBjnGX8yWE7NCOO83VOQQFSfOHYlkPsOw1dR1p9dWldDV6pyRUMlvrsdovKBcLy2xfeB2Y9MXgmC21IucNpqqy/s1600/DSC04036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfznHYjFmW4zbaQmVetEhxmXV1_LKxejQiAUfjZdcUH7ca98ZChh_kCYZBjnGX8yWE7NCOO83VOQQFSfOHYlkPsOw1dR1p9dWldDV6pyRUMlvrsdovKBcLy2xfeB2Y9MXgmC21IucNpqqy/s640/DSC04036.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there's my hat trick! Come on, Fall!<br />
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-785724588425568872013-09-09T17:31:00.000-07:002013-09-09T17:31:06.930-07:00Late summer round up: Antrho knock-off, Carthamus shawl, M6744<br />
While it feels like I get no. thing. done. all day long, my FO pictures tell me I've at least been plodding along in the sewing and knitting departments. I really want to stick these up on the blog so I can move on to some WIPs. I'm very chronological like that. So first up:<br />
<br />
<b>Carthamus Shawl</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoPAkMMVTHfpnMIozGwc_JPC3vZOgfKzxUK0wkGyUEkAaeIWc5I0O-hGESMW-wg_StdJ_9nv0GRrFLq0aZt5qdjUWE2ByCZZAA_cTwbD_GZNXPTKidPFs1iptC5BYwNqAingxJ9uDx2p7/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130222125155021079.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoPAkMMVTHfpnMIozGwc_JPC3vZOgfKzxUK0wkGyUEkAaeIWc5I0O-hGESMW-wg_StdJ_9nv0GRrFLq0aZt5qdjUWE2ByCZZAA_cTwbD_GZNXPTKidPFs1iptC5BYwNqAingxJ9uDx2p7/s640/Aviary+Photo_130222125155021079.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carthamus"> Carthamus shawl</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kirsten-kapur">Kirsten Kapur</a> from Through the Loops designs. The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/louet-gems-fingering-weight">Louet Gems Fingering</a> in aqua and linen grey. I ran out of the linen with literally about 33 stitches left, and some kind knitter on ravelry sent me about ten yards so I could finish. I love TTL's designs and I queued this the second it came out. It's kind of a hybrid between shawl and scarf, and I think it will be perfect for the colder months. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jLNinDPodlxTC2-whel0AaK0KKyiH3bcOqUHZhkJCdVsJ7E8JGz-OXqRyRNhNQOGHqRUjaSO6znYtB_g6ac1VXHQ64NC4-9WFCxVUOCd8-haDrU7iRTJyONer-yn4-MiL52cTWqLvmdK/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130222121290851046.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jLNinDPodlxTC2-whel0AaK0KKyiH3bcOqUHZhkJCdVsJ7E8JGz-OXqRyRNhNQOGHqRUjaSO6znYtB_g6ac1VXHQ64NC4-9WFCxVUOCd8-haDrU7iRTJyONer-yn4-MiL52cTWqLvmdK/s640/Aviary+Photo_130222121290851046.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love the construction. You knit the thistle lace pattern first, then knit the garter stitch shawl on to it, knitting it together with the live stitches as you go. I just love that method of slowly knitting on (or off, in this case) a border, watching your FO take shape as it slowly falls off the needles. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduRvx-QduC-N98Jtv-mDmHkQB-f9YooDxA1vwz_A3y5RnsdKxAh5fNxwkvyjwibELPtf_30ivfvW4ZayPuBt8m5d6OthcAeYG8hf4RSLOgWivMkDvgZbthj_EFEhirhq6ilLVc6lH12MR/s1600/DSC03530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduRvx-QduC-N98Jtv-mDmHkQB-f9YooDxA1vwz_A3y5RnsdKxAh5fNxwkvyjwibELPtf_30ivfvW4ZayPuBt8m5d6OthcAeYG8hf4RSLOgWivMkDvgZbthj_EFEhirhq6ilLVc6lH12MR/s400/DSC03530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With a shawl, the blocking is almost more important than the knitting. In this shawl, you really need to pin out each YO in the edge of the lace. In the above picture, you can see that I started pinning the center of each thistle flower, then I went back and pinned out each YO. Without that extra work, the lace wouldn't shine like it should. Blocking : knitting : : pressing : sewing. <br />
<br />
Kirsten usually hosts a summer shawl KAL, so you can see more of her amazing shawls in her <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/fans-of-through-the-loops-designs-by-kirsten-kapur/2626921/401-425#414">Ravelry group here</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>McCalls 6744</b><br />
<br />
This will be known as the summer of the knit dress. This one was almost a wadder, but I stuck with it. I should have listened to my instincts. My instincts said that even though my measurements said I should make a large, experience with the ridiculous amounts of ease the Big 4 pattern companies put in their patterns told me I should make a medium. So when they were on a crazy cheap sale, I bought both the medium pattern and the large pattern so I could make a hybrid, medium on top, large on bottom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauf2qE89VFaUQYeiS44Cmn3He-X_v9lDmO3FLeBS1CdOlFeO4wLAykz5gnP9sw1h_Lr9NDDF8YqH0nxsRiq5g-VFKm1WEOHXgJ_RW9Bm5yCN01M4YBwI9Y57fZ7kgHfoZnLce3vgtyhr/s1600/DSC03619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyauf2qE89VFaUQYeiS44Cmn3He-X_v9lDmO3FLeBS1CdOlFeO4wLAykz5gnP9sw1h_Lr9NDDF8YqH0nxsRiq5g-VFKm1WEOHXgJ_RW9Bm5yCN01M4YBwI9Y57fZ7kgHfoZnLce3vgtyhr/s640/DSC03619.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ack! I'm not wearing my beautiful chewbeads necklace! Just imagine it there. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When it came time to cut, though, I chickened out and went large all the way. So when I put it on, it basically would have been a great swimsuit coverup. The thing is, I wasn't wearing a swimsuit. I didn't want to give up because the fabric is incredibly soft and drapey and in a really beautiful color of blue. So I tacked down the bodice where the front cross, and that took care of the top portion. Maybe the faux wrap of the skirt works if you're making a maxi version of this dress, but in the short version, it was just obscene. The fronts only overlap by about 6", so it felt like it was just wide open. I just stitched it down until about 8" from the hem. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqMAP_i88jVhmMHdRRQ18UCybZz01oEaLWgnCJBfGKqe6kwXYwexx_6mPmsGBGz1PtjwlBVc1racvuG-m5YEU-2hkTXgJAEMpSoAMyQa-K5YQppbq0HPdlgJu-bGAX59qR1HX3Uz5fAqK/s1600/DSC03622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqMAP_i88jVhmMHdRRQ18UCybZz01oEaLWgnCJBfGKqe6kwXYwexx_6mPmsGBGz1PtjwlBVc1racvuG-m5YEU-2hkTXgJAEMpSoAMyQa-K5YQppbq0HPdlgJu-bGAX59qR1HX3Uz5fAqK/s640/DSC03622.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While not ideal, these fixes made the dress wearable, although a bit harder to nurse from, which was kind of the point. I've worn it several times, dressed up with a belt and some <a href="http://store.chewbeads.com/default.asp">baby-friendly accessories</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>Anthro knock-off</b><br />
<br />
In those summer weeks when we were moving, it seemed like everyone <a href="http://notesfromamadhousewife.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/anthro-knock-off-tee/">(mad housewife</a>, <a href="http://notimetosew.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/scoop-tops-in-fabric-deja-vu/">aleah</a>, <a href="http://fernknits.com/?p=6684">jennifer</a>) was making these cute little mixed print tees, and I was so bummed my sewing machine was hidden behind boxes. It took me all summer, but I finally made one of my own.<br />
<br />
Many people used <a href="http://skirtastop.com/2013/04/26/scoop-top-free-pattern-and-tutorial/">Skirt as Top's Scoop Neck Tee</a>, but that was too small for me. I spent 0.5 seconds wondering if I could figure out how to scale it up, and then found the <a href="http://gotopatterns.com/products/the-casual-lady-top-and-dress">Casual Lady</a> tee from Go To Patterns. I made a CL tee, but I was worried it would be too small, so I made a bigger size than I normally would. (Do you sense a theme in my summer sewing?) HUGE. I still wear it, but again, it's kind of like wearing a swimsuit cover up. I used my regular size for my anthro tee, and gave it more of an A-line shape after the bust. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX1bVbiIJj3ggeQ3QvSMdMOCbloV4RR3KRH2rDdLAtUHCRLaERZldvCERH3ZcYWtvalL8gyQYRH7GU5wTvNFoRAdpesvmxjGo3n-QiZNhpKRaQNXR3mJqbscuLYmYl7LuaHMZjmXTLqO8/s1600/DSC03642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwX1bVbiIJj3ggeQ3QvSMdMOCbloV4RR3KRH2rDdLAtUHCRLaERZldvCERH3ZcYWtvalL8gyQYRH7GU5wTvNFoRAdpesvmxjGo3n-QiZNhpKRaQNXR3mJqbscuLYmYl7LuaHMZjmXTLqO8/s640/DSC03642.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! Here are my chewbeads!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QygTdOFMfSviFwzwCGBi0ZkwYLNtetvmFOGa401wrbHsb_wjs334mJnQgCRKQSy7R89u5n6ghtWVzr9FWMS-shkqVQ39eIrOI4MBYliu5c_kB6BQTrzCh2leDvGlHDIoHIdXBBBEADMT/s1600/DSC03642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Here's my final anthro knock-off. I'm pretty happy with it, although my husband doesn't 100% get it. He said he likes the stripes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo4n9DV-mk4mEwjchNx3qgfikNAgUZBMRlW5bMPouG2gWoik9fbrjf9yBegSLf6CJ2tI-Eb4MOR_Uo0umynplWTp8CFO3B4KAOaGdevK-xdYQTt92wonOMZpUtS6HP1ewZBsUeAsjzTSo/s1600/DSC03639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo4n9DV-mk4mEwjchNx3qgfikNAgUZBMRlW5bMPouG2gWoik9fbrjf9yBegSLf6CJ2tI-Eb4MOR_Uo0umynplWTp8CFO3B4KAOaGdevK-xdYQTt92wonOMZpUtS6HP1ewZBsUeAsjzTSo/s640/DSC03639.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This pattern calls for a wide facing/lining, which might work well in a heavier fabric. The white stripes in my fabric were a bit transparent, and I didn't want the navy stripes showing through from the wrong side, so I cut a neckband. I really should have stretched the neckband a bit more because it gapes too much, but summer was waning and I just wanted to wear the thing already. <br />
<br />
I'd have to spend some more time playing around with the CL pattern to get the fit I want, but for now, I've moved on. I'll return to it next spring for sure, because I think it could be a good wardrobe builder. <br />
<br />
***<br />
Those are some of my favorite summer projects. I have a slew of things I want to do this fall, but I'm trying to be a bit more realistic about what I can do. It's a lot easier to find time to knit than it is to sew, but there are a few patterns I really want to make. My first fall project, though, is a fair isle sweater for my daughter. More on that to come!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-50068260504519457262013-09-02T17:47:00.000-07:002013-09-02T17:47:21.832-07:00Not an early adopterGuess what I just discovered? Instagram! I know. It's probably old news for most people. But hey, I'm getting there. I've also heard they have these new things called cell phones and you can carry them around in your purse or pocket and make calls from anywhere? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VJRgA6meoi8e_T2fQZjdfTHCzRBO05rZaqZ-osuU_LnLdk-NfkQuLu_CVIZi3AfrnCMA7BXBUkaa5XNaCXXHxIoKYtU3rYUJFdkMA3eg_UGiW5aZ8oVsnbPd4v5DQs-0dhmz1fQmmEUs/s1600/sheep+sweater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VJRgA6meoi8e_T2fQZjdfTHCzRBO05rZaqZ-osuU_LnLdk-NfkQuLu_CVIZi3AfrnCMA7BXBUkaa5XNaCXXHxIoKYtU3rYUJFdkMA3eg_UGiW5aZ8oVsnbPd4v5DQs-0dhmz1fQmmEUs/s400/sheep+sweater.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCBedW-vpxY8s4atCrm9IBjwCn5xDbc4pHhSg-3Pf8H6UYxlAPhY1U-l1OiBJNnOqRY64qWCETsmUuqUe9uPSivR-rqjwjM8JS_y2-NzjlW1xCdzFVpMxRd-pulJV_Aq-Bs8c_ju5pGwe/s1600/deer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCBedW-vpxY8s4atCrm9IBjwCn5xDbc4pHhSg-3Pf8H6UYxlAPhY1U-l1OiBJNnOqRY64qWCETsmUuqUe9uPSivR-rqjwjM8JS_y2-NzjlW1xCdzFVpMxRd-pulJV_Aq-Bs8c_ju5pGwe/s400/deer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The great thing about Instagram is that it's, obviously, instant. I can do it all with my phone, all by myself. It will be a great way to get some WIP shots and document more of the knitting and sewing process, plus a few other things. It seems like a quick, easy way to capture moments I want to remember, but will otherwise slip through my sieve of a mind. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXaUrPML0EX3ZpOD2dUXnklI0KlQPjxhnkkZX3gDlY-v-_VSaQMtTdD5_UXZ5FFooQRtCqcQ1JAQMaxdD_dmov1sZTDKgNFIW2XNRFHzH6_pOHji1N2DrjRKvq5q-PXYGHJq286rJdnjB/s1600/legwarmies!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXaUrPML0EX3ZpOD2dUXnklI0KlQPjxhnkkZX3gDlY-v-_VSaQMtTdD5_UXZ5FFooQRtCqcQ1JAQMaxdD_dmov1sZTDKgNFIW2XNRFHzH6_pOHji1N2DrjRKvq5q-PXYGHJq286rJdnjB/s400/legwarmies!.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So if you're on Instagram, come look me up! I'm mgrknits. Eventually I'll figure out how to get a badge over there on the side bar. Hopefully before we're all <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2013/08/19/212683617/hitting-the-road-without-a-driver">driving driverless cars</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilid2oVSsqFctZiaVLe8y3iW2YRLYjXuM1nEx31sSd46t-K4T-oWn7aFGZZuXv1-qj742ZCeJIhlc0BQ4ZRBa1GDr5AaQBfDWkEthGZrxqSYjnwQ5isRlrSfqb5BuOE9KN37AjEOrbwh2Z/s1600/FOs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilid2oVSsqFctZiaVLe8y3iW2YRLYjXuM1nEx31sSd46t-K4T-oWn7aFGZZuXv1-qj742ZCeJIhlc0BQ4ZRBa1GDr5AaQBfDWkEthGZrxqSYjnwQ5isRlrSfqb5BuOE9KN37AjEOrbwh2Z/s400/FOs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-20538204959015284782013-08-17T12:30:00.000-07:002013-08-17T12:30:58.607-07:00FO: Simplicity 1949I might be the only knitter in history who is a bit ambivalent about baby knits. (Although I have something on the needles at the moment that may change my mind.) To me, it seems like a lot of fuss and finishing, and not as much time just knitting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz_RlAdbtahJDOXODqbNbYXA0PgjI4QD4qeVN70wVXv0HomWbe3m4Gs0m7CDjzo3VRolU63tOx2lghXZnB5FCp88AV4_mkdgo5jC6XfBuHkKApVqplFIZN9f4AGqyVuylIuKK2FOxGx6D/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130212403662346238.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz_RlAdbtahJDOXODqbNbYXA0PgjI4QD4qeVN70wVXv0HomWbe3m4Gs0m7CDjzo3VRolU63tOx2lghXZnB5FCp88AV4_mkdgo5jC6XfBuHkKApVqplFIZN9f4AGqyVuylIuKK2FOxGx6D/s400/Aviary+Photo_130212403662346238.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sewing for kids, though, is something I do without grumbling. Here's the thing: Sewing is all finishing work. There's no sewing equivalent of knitting's mindless stockinette for me, so all of sewing takes concentration. Kids garments are smaller, so that equals smaller amounts of concentration. (If my logic here is not rock solid, sorry.) Also, I can fit all of a kid's garment on my dining room table when I'm cutting it out, and they take way less fabric. I also don't worry about fit issues. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c5NzCFdYMjpFAm13dA8xlOI100t78Hlt59Xgx0HriGzuLPZhLrGeYKu1wh0NBYEv-VDYDHXT1HvvuBxYlrt0H0ghaDPrDh604xtUfQJCfWTKbxgE5wtDI4T-5I3AlJsQU4sMxekRvMMs/s1600/DSC03510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c5NzCFdYMjpFAm13dA8xlOI100t78Hlt59Xgx0HriGzuLPZhLrGeYKu1wh0NBYEv-VDYDHXT1HvvuBxYlrt0H0ghaDPrDh604xtUfQJCfWTKbxgE5wtDI4T-5I3AlJsQU4sMxekRvMMs/s400/DSC03510.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So as we were packing up our old house and getting ready to move, I kept working on this sweet little summer dress for Little A, who is three. It was the perfect thing to knock out in a few spare minutes during those hectic weeks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1p3cSOe_2GlXNQX2-Q6jkSbHp9weBlQYGR5ZsHXmNwYlCYpaxF7X7dxEmmERQOvDtkW6KoYFQkn2d4PYbKsgZYJHCJPVUk2FEr0T4sWxzSgVYuVNFXcYPde7WJuwJ17YrOgpxlBDykR9/s1600/Aviary+Photo_130212401483735308.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1p3cSOe_2GlXNQX2-Q6jkSbHp9weBlQYGR5ZsHXmNwYlCYpaxF7X7dxEmmERQOvDtkW6KoYFQkn2d4PYbKsgZYJHCJPVUk2FEr0T4sWxzSgVYuVNFXcYPde7WJuwJ17YrOgpxlBDykR9/s640/Aviary+Photo_130212401483735308.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The pattern is <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-6623-toddler-childs-dress-project-runway-collection.aspx">Simplicity 1949</a>, which is apparently OOP now. Who makes those decisions? This is a great dress that I'll go to as long as the pattern fits. I made the largest size, and it fits Little A well with a little room to grow. She's been wearing it all summer, calling it her umbrella dress.<br />
<br />
The dress came together really well, with one notable exception:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief4lt0r4i8AHQcEUZ6BP6hifu2PvkEO7UVRcne9huuQZ6d3FGOkjFuEYrpCJIwH8SDAkQLrcmrB9ula73RDzkbudmbdeKxyDIxH1j740waIP8fl8BCWfNWo_RcNDbGUUjyO8nB_gT5_yV/s1600/DSC03512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEief4lt0r4i8AHQcEUZ6BP6hifu2PvkEO7UVRcne9huuQZ6d3FGOkjFuEYrpCJIwH8SDAkQLrcmrB9ula73RDzkbudmbdeKxyDIxH1j740waIP8fl8BCWfNWo_RcNDbGUUjyO8nB_gT5_yV/s400/DSC03512.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Is that not the saddest zipper install you've ever seen? I'd already been working on the dress for about three weeks, 15 minutes at a time, and I was ready to be done. I can't remember exactly what happened, but I do know that since, I've watched <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/mastering-zipper-techniques/178">Sunni's free zipper install class on Craftsy</a>, and I am ready for my next zipper. <br />
<br />
I have a couple more patterns for Little A that I want to get to for the fall. It's nice to sew her a couple of quick things and rack up some successful FOs!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-69202342763279116242013-08-09T19:22:00.000-07:002013-08-09T19:22:40.375-07:00Use the good china: Thurlow trousers When I was little, we had dinner on fine china every night. My mom loved the china they'd received for their wedding, so we used it. We had thick, heavy white dishes that we used for breakfast and lunch, but dinners were served on graceful, thin plates. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I4YorHE4IRBZIAHpH7rUQiQWb1SSRWj5l2mEfxju3ihOrJDZHXj5G5V34IlvZQVZVwr5ei2EbvROBdVJWZ-etn6PwRbPYFnlJNvQnemnyXZwP62e3qXCUwirIxAFARswo0ueMkdXiV0J/s1600/china+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I4YorHE4IRBZIAHpH7rUQiQWb1SSRWj5l2mEfxju3ihOrJDZHXj5G5V34IlvZQVZVwr5ei2EbvROBdVJWZ-etn6PwRbPYFnlJNvQnemnyXZwP62e3qXCUwirIxAFARswo0ueMkdXiV0J/s1600/china+pattern.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's china pattern -- <a href="http://www.lenox.com/dinnerware/autumn/lenox?A=20272&An=1434&Au=p_pattern_id&cmCatid=e1434&code=96210&cm_mmc=ChannelAdvisor-_-PaidSearch-_-Google-_-generic&utm_medium=plm&utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=Brand_Dining+&+Flatware&CAPCID=27101438962&cadevice=c&gclid=CMuqte-D8bgCFcvm7AodhSkApA&CA_6C15C=895995915"><i>Source</i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We all know the moral of this story : if you save special things for special days because they're too special to use on ordinary days, you'll never use them. Knitters and sewers know this too, because our stashes are full of special skeins that aren't worthy of any pattern in existence. We have priceless fabrics we don't want to ruin.<br />
<br />
Well, now I have another category I'm waiting to use: patterns. I keep saying, "I'll wait until I get back to my pre-pregnancy size before I make that." But I'm tired of all my knit dresses, and even when I try to dress up a bit, I'm still feeling a bit fluffy. So I decided, whatever. I'm using the good china now. <br />
<br />
One of these patterns I really wanted to make was the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1203-thurlow-trousers">Thurlow trousers </a>by the darling Sewaholic. I was craving something that would stretch my skills a bit, something with some tailoring and some precision. This pattern was exactly what I needed! I had so much fun picking the pocket lining, turning welt pockets, figuring out all the mechanics of a zip fly, that I realized it wouldn't even matter if these shorts didn't fit. I just wanted to make something nice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEuRcqnV8GNars7LB3QXvZcDz8S8MFM4QeKyVf2Q-8oU6AJS8uKlcZuVcqQv0OW3q5j5R20UJUoNwsJSMIEiaSxMt9wg2iaayOtlfOBs7nIfZ8kLsXRj4KwitJCdHtl6sP2kAMTsMY0qs/s1600/DSC03492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEuRcqnV8GNars7LB3QXvZcDz8S8MFM4QeKyVf2Q-8oU6AJS8uKlcZuVcqQv0OW3q5j5R20UJUoNwsJSMIEiaSxMt9wg2iaayOtlfOBs7nIfZ8kLsXRj4KwitJCdHtl6sP2kAMTsMY0qs/s400/DSC03492.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I read and reread <a href="http://lladybird.com/tag/thurlow-sewalong/">Lauren of Lladybird's Thurlow sew-a-long posts</a> from last fall, and I couldn't have done it without her! While Sewaholic's directions weren't unclear, they did cram a lot of detail into each step and picture. Seeing full size pictures of the step-by-step double welt pocket gave me confidence to just do it. Even with the zip fly tutorial, I didn't really know how to do it until I just did it. I'm not even 100% sure what I did, but it works, and it looks good, too! <br />
<br />
Since I was breaking out the fine china for the pattern, I decided to not go crazy with the fabric. I used some very humdrum cotton broadcloth in my stash and some quilting cotton my mom gave me. If it got ruined, no big deal. I also traced the pattern, so I wasn't risking messing that up either. The only thing to lose was my time! And even that wouldn't be a loss, since I'd be gaining some methods and fitting skills. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiIIaN5u36k4RlTVRYl_qreaPcllaJAjCeivCXdMntlXDq-9fRNMxApR3-UXKGEXRA6Hx7vwR0nQ0ofAwh7ehpguzfATHzsbXNaEZZzlaRTSi2rD5HbxTxHGnfzpvd0Z3ylrLuYCS3C72/s1600/DSC03498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiIIaN5u36k4RlTVRYl_qreaPcllaJAjCeivCXdMntlXDq-9fRNMxApR3-UXKGEXRA6Hx7vwR0nQ0ofAwh7ehpguzfATHzsbXNaEZZzlaRTSi2rD5HbxTxHGnfzpvd0Z3ylrLuYCS3C72/s400/DSC03498.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So do they fit? I think so! On my next pair, I might add half an inch to the front inseam to give just a bit more room in the crotch. Is that the right adjustment to make? Also, after wearing these for a few hours, they stretch out, but not so much that I can't wear them. Would using fabric with stretch solve that? Should I use a smaller size? <br />
<br />
The biggest mistake I made was in attaching the waistband. The point seemed to be shorter than the fly extension by about half an inch. I actually took a little tuck out of the fly extension to make it match the length of the waistband, then I sewed the waistband on. Well, when I finished that seem, I realized I had been worried about the raw edges matching, not the stitching line matching. That half an inch was supposed to be there because at the 5/8" stitching line, the point actually matched the edge of the fly extension perfectly. I didn't go back and fix it, but now I know for next time. <br />
<br />
At any rate, they're very comfy. It's great to have a pair of shorts, and to have a clothing option that isn't too tight and a little dated. I'm really looking forward to my next pair. I'd love to make a pair of denim trousers for fall. I'll be on the lookout for some nice fabric for that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlco46CS4ixkx3bjxCQCMCzkNdMdoOdLnHLk5paA2Z1fVLeVM7u-sHmjP1d7u4SQWsAylIH1F2f5aOCqftiDzwhVHvnvDcIdHSVYkpzFFl2U2svME0RDmM8ofOE0lZraMYhsi3DfjRJx0j/s1600/DSC03502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlco46CS4ixkx3bjxCQCMCzkNdMdoOdLnHLk5paA2Z1fVLeVM7u-sHmjP1d7u4SQWsAylIH1F2f5aOCqftiDzwhVHvnvDcIdHSVYkpzFFl2U2svME0RDmM8ofOE0lZraMYhsi3DfjRJx0j/s400/DSC03502.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So here's to not waiting! Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-3907387285516672322013-07-31T12:40:00.000-07:002013-07-31T12:40:00.777-07:00memory keeperToday, I'm feeling grateful for knitting. I'm grateful that knitting is a slow process. I'm grateful that any project takes a long time, and that becoming a Knitter happens over many years, or even a lifetime.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of changes happening in my life right now, and some of them are a bit challenging. But knitting helps me take the long view.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB5MiNpPMAy5kF0a4Tf2yZp99_5FJp-cDnXKoan_bt9wg9Wzy-M0bsJZI6KMl6JvBzXg4u9SxalG-WFrqJlmXB_nG2IE4tfGrM7kX0FM-wYqbdpGurSD7i9u1bbpcHjT-5zeWuK_njYb9/s1600/baktus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB5MiNpPMAy5kF0a4Tf2yZp99_5FJp-cDnXKoan_bt9wg9Wzy-M0bsJZI6KMl6JvBzXg4u9SxalG-WFrqJlmXB_nG2IE4tfGrM7kX0FM-wYqbdpGurSD7i9u1bbpcHjT-5zeWuK_njYb9/s400/baktus.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>March 2011</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I browsed through ravelry today, looking at my previous projects. I looked at a simple scarf. No one has favorited it, and it's such a simple project, it's rather forgettable. Except that at the time I knit it, I was so delighted with so many things, and when I look at those project pictures, I see how happy I am. I remember winding the ball with my infant daughter in the back seat, and that memory is precious. I'm so grateful for that little forgettable scarf, because it's helped me remember something very valuable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNWPssjvRbB2Iebk-4SymeZWeNsLvi_aB1QFk6xCyWhp7pWMn88eVWlEOLnDjIL7ODBsRhyfoI6vje0884h6u4Ml7FHeyLJMT1M-eqZJfxs5bf3J0iR47aPNQ_e7LfyYpeDoe1YdCe403/s1600/minimal+cardi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNWPssjvRbB2Iebk-4SymeZWeNsLvi_aB1QFk6xCyWhp7pWMn88eVWlEOLnDjIL7ODBsRhyfoI6vje0884h6u4Ml7FHeyLJMT1M-eqZJfxs5bf3J0iR47aPNQ_e7LfyYpeDoe1YdCe403/s400/minimal+cardi.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>October 2010</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I looked at pictures of my first wearable sweater. I'm amazed how long it took me to knit that sweater--months and months! I know now that I could knock it out in three weeks. And I would take more care with fit and modifications and yarn selection. But I was so proud of that garment. And I see in those pictures that I was still dealing with baby weight 6 months after my daughter was born. So I should be patient with myself, 3 months after my son is born, and give myself a break for not being down to my pre-pregnancy size.<br />
<br />
I like to write, but I've always felt guilty that I don't journal. I just can't get into a rhythm. But I knit. And my knitting is turning out to be a pretty good memory keeper, reminding me of who I was, and the good things and the struggles. It reminds me of who I want to be, who I've planned to be, how those plans have changed and what things I need to rediscover.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for my queue, and even though it becomes overwhelming occasionally, I'm grateful that it's so long. I'm glad that there is more out there that I want to do, things to learn, simple projects that just look like fun, things that will trap memories I've yet to make.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for the long view, and I'm grateful that knitting is one thing that keeps me looking up, toward the person I was and to the life greeting me on the horizon. Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-58676397510711352162013-07-30T12:33:00.001-07:002013-07-30T12:33:49.722-07:00FO: Girasole shawlWonder of wonders, I finished something! And by finished, I mean blocked and photographed and uploaded the pictures. Those last three steps are the hard part!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVlYzaYxvPEo1rkT9V0rARFblCpqGPpnFyM8l5WCpXN6rbhntn_hAgwOqeDpoNc5W4hzYZML4oTanzWlUfO9lwcOOZhHGgJo7aOvHnm1Tfcs00aCm5zSZ2pjTgEc_HhkMKnlYHuGA9bY1/s1600/DSC03342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVlYzaYxvPEo1rkT9V0rARFblCpqGPpnFyM8l5WCpXN6rbhntn_hAgwOqeDpoNc5W4hzYZML4oTanzWlUfO9lwcOOZhHGgJo7aOvHnm1Tfcs00aCm5zSZ2pjTgEc_HhkMKnlYHuGA9bY1/s640/DSC03342.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girasole">Girasole </a>by Jared Flood. I used the May installment of the<a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/clubs.html"> Tanis Fiber Arts Year in Colour Club</a>, a laceweight yarn in a colorway called Moonmist. I think the colorway is perfect for this pattern, and I love it. There are about a dozen other patterns I'd love to knit with this colorway. The stockinette portions are gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQFCNVsjJHZUy_e2uhhNTMiAF0jhbRWHQ5IgN-zzvEMuWwn4WDWYcpy9fawtHnyvpfZQZzLlKeLKqAqmb3hk46XTOEJq4Ujj29w-fM2qDg8AxXcW6BFqX4TYxNrnYfDFF8N75Lb-ykKZG/s1600/DSC03331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQFCNVsjJHZUy_e2uhhNTMiAF0jhbRWHQ5IgN-zzvEMuWwn4WDWYcpy9fawtHnyvpfZQZzLlKeLKqAqmb3hk46XTOEJq4Ujj29w-fM2qDg8AxXcW6BFqX4TYxNrnYfDFF8N75Lb-ykKZG/s640/DSC03331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I knit this on US size 2 needles, and I love the stitch definition and the density of the lace. It is, however, only 41" in diameter, a bit small for throwing on and wrapping around. I'll still figure out a way to wear it, but I may have to have a shawl pin. I have plans to knit <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leaves-of-grass-2">Leaves of Grass</a> this fall, so I'll keep in mind that bigger needle = bigger shawl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP969KYavVKXbSq3rqUBFhJ97CS8WKx4osfivDI2LqqUlvw4fl_CQscW4pSS8BEbtnSSJxAy72kK77KEldgqhlNErrs8Thla9j2HvBuMvYm7H_3g3bDBQ9kP_Hmo0qsj1_MpoSn4ogzyl/s1600/DSC03324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP969KYavVKXbSq3rqUBFhJ97CS8WKx4osfivDI2LqqUlvw4fl_CQscW4pSS8BEbtnSSJxAy72kK77KEldgqhlNErrs8Thla9j2HvBuMvYm7H_3g3bDBQ9kP_Hmo0qsj1_MpoSn4ogzyl/s640/DSC03324.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIiIBmTv6tJramGOxUrPILWRtfDTuITxKkTEC7rM5gh72Z0BCOA4Gt2TefdVF7MYOiTyXJznmoKFfe0tklKPQNQCzc7B9x02OPSPMmQSmFOPffgCOOHTsIHYUNfcPtcrBNMHclna8KmG2/s1600/DSC03333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIiIBmTv6tJramGOxUrPILWRtfDTuITxKkTEC7rM5gh72Z0BCOA4Gt2TefdVF7MYOiTyXJznmoKFfe0tklKPQNQCzc7B9x02OPSPMmQSmFOPffgCOOHTsIHYUNfcPtcrBNMHclna8KmG2/s640/DSC03333.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a really fun knit, even when there were 640 stitches per round! I love knitting things with a knit on border. I love the process of the FO slowly falling off your needles and watching all those scrunched up stitches take shape. I have yarn and plans to knit this pattern as a blanket. I'm thinking I'll use size 9 needles, so it should be huge! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ815LynNmvd9pjcEEUYQvKXerSQdXuFZLlCjGIORO4j84qh4aDUWXom0Qjj95mwpd1LwTRMPwwcjfWbv4bcCDvb5CKfgi0VXsA9IkEUn18sMLw6t-wJ5IU2kw_xfiHmXIKM6vEe3ZOJbS/s1600/DSC03329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ815LynNmvd9pjcEEUYQvKXerSQdXuFZLlCjGIORO4j84qh4aDUWXom0Qjj95mwpd1LwTRMPwwcjfWbv4bcCDvb5CKfgi0VXsA9IkEUn18sMLw6t-wJ5IU2kw_xfiHmXIKM6vEe3ZOJbS/s640/DSC03329.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-25973130636280298122013-07-09T17:58:00.000-07:002013-07-09T17:59:56.895-07:00day dreamingMoving is hard! I'm sorry to say that moving has disrupted my sewing and knitting life more than having a baby did. What does that say about me? Or moving?<br />
<br />
We've been in the new house for ten days, and I just put my sewing machine back on its desk this evening. I've unpacked some of my yarn, but not all. I've had a few internal temper tantrums over all the things I don't have time to be making.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindyLkD7sCnBQoMer-ZR_NWwPrwteRA06M0Xhi8b3DDDG-dbo5zHYU_F1TXq2fiS0lnGwNWnAjfI7bIAoLTYwHrh2YHvXaneg_sS8NCkEvGIWnsNzgILDgppQM6Z5ZjMdYEJ9_VFnFMf6F/s1600/girasole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindyLkD7sCnBQoMer-ZR_NWwPrwteRA06M0Xhi8b3DDDG-dbo5zHYU_F1TXq2fiS0lnGwNWnAjfI7bIAoLTYwHrh2YHvXaneg_sS8NCkEvGIWnsNzgILDgppQM6Z5ZjMdYEJ9_VFnFMf6F/s640/girasole.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the olden days before the move.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have, though, been plodding away on my beautiful <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/girasole">Girasole</a>. I'm about three-quarters of the way through the edging, and I'm worried it's going to be too small. I'll block the daylights out of it, so I know it will grow, but I'm still a little discouraged. When you only have time for one project, you want it to be kind of perfect. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, I keep seeing all these amazing garments and projects in the blogosphere! And have you seen this amazing men's collection from the <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/btmen.html">incomaprable Brooklyn Tweed</a>?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2VWu7bmO_UF-Z9uHNqbT1lM1bfKA7Gr309am6TTu4D9SUTqZmrvvvryaOuB3aMf0499mtlZ4qksFyK7w8-901KmLudiIM_JekdB_J_Os6LO8xwcp-3qgXSOFr5bRk2YvpQAsh3tazIb0/s1600/BT-Men-Blog-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2VWu7bmO_UF-Z9uHNqbT1lM1bfKA7Gr309am6TTu4D9SUTqZmrvvvryaOuB3aMf0499mtlZ4qksFyK7w8-901KmLudiIM_JekdB_J_Os6LO8xwcp-3qgXSOFr5bRk2YvpQAsh3tazIb0/s640/BT-Men-Blog-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/blog/?p=1752"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since my knitting and sewing dreams are already exponentially greater than my knitting and sewing reality, I might as well dream of knitting a sweater that requires 1600 yards of worsted weight wool. Can you imagine? But oh, how amazing! When we retire, honey!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-37911793963432349102013-06-18T20:05:00.000-07:002013-06-18T20:05:21.230-07:00Happy Birthday, Mom!My mom, superstar knitter and 1/2 of my reading public, celebrated a birthday last month. She and Dad were visiting (and helping pack) last week, so I was able to give her a birthday present. I love knitting for my mom because I know she'll appreciate it, whereas when I knit for almost everyone else, I'm afraid they'll think I'm giving them the equivalent of a giant 1970s-colored, acrylic, crocheted couch slipcover. I mean, if you're not a knitter or crocheter, do you know the difference between Becky-homecky and really beautiful crafts-womanship? I don't know. Anyway, I know my mom knows the difference, so it's fun to knit for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYfXnNSsFLN_wZo1JY6pOAuOTTGb9AEXW2BW939vNMgWhLqanBdtzPC8-PExYPZtU5FF-2PWuEs7LxSpUxlYL6C90PoQYAviZbGJKqw59bzEhCVIkU2jRRhW-ljwLXErDfESmvf8QCkAy/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYfXnNSsFLN_wZo1JY6pOAuOTTGb9AEXW2BW939vNMgWhLqanBdtzPC8-PExYPZtU5FF-2PWuEs7LxSpUxlYL6C90PoQYAviZbGJKqw59bzEhCVIkU2jRRhW-ljwLXErDfESmvf8QCkAy/s640/057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With all the cray-cray around here, I only had time for a hat, but it's a gem of a little hat! The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/plover-2">Plover </a>from Twist Collective, and I can't believe there aren't more projects on Ravelry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6_RnVpaM5Idd-MCsE6EYfm0bfEiUgL0OIeIOsn7Eaz0dRE4OreXwkkdZJcn7lkjwtS1hOt5eZH6Wr3RojXZaXn3LCYn5sPUXsstMexPVTEy2iMqnWD511G19UR14kJD_wzRiso1yDLkz/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6_RnVpaM5Idd-MCsE6EYfm0bfEiUgL0OIeIOsn7Eaz0dRE4OreXwkkdZJcn7lkjwtS1hOt5eZH6Wr3RojXZaXn3LCYn5sPUXsstMexPVTEy2iMqnWD511G19UR14kJD_wzRiso1yDLkz/s640/055.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I found some great yarn, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/st-denis-nordique">St. Denis</a>, which is on sale in <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/E4F64E8C-AD22-4F1F-9E20-4930C0F864D1/productID/CB19B50A-093A-4165-B9DF-7DC92E30AAC9/">Webs' discontinued section</a>. I love the color and wish I'd bought enough to make a hat for myself, too. I love that the yarn is light and lofty. The cables might have popped slightly better in a more tightly spun yarn, but I still think they look pretty good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijomgRGuSyztd_SuNeV65E73LK_DmbHt89rm-y3yaIt5Tx3cwfi-dC9kMMRVdmv3YWyDVvKr1JMmIYAYnYGrSRNnzb6gIT9cfD33XEjz3YmXgCadoinif0sKFSD8eSAt8P2FDcczggmq4/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijomgRGuSyztd_SuNeV65E73LK_DmbHt89rm-y3yaIt5Tx3cwfi-dC9kMMRVdmv3YWyDVvKr1JMmIYAYnYGrSRNnzb6gIT9cfD33XEjz3YmXgCadoinif0sKFSD8eSAt8P2FDcczggmq4/s640/042.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The cables were slightly annoying to knit--crossing one stitch across three, and then knitting the three in seed stitch. Then there was a weird instruction about doing all the yarn overs backwards and knitting through the back loop of alternating first or second yarn overs. Even with super pointy needles, knitting through the front loop of the first YO every time was frustrating. But I love the way it looks. I was definitely a product knitter on this one, and not as much enthralled with the process. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnl3Y-Gpozp2Odukk4TgE9x_WCDaAu9CYCdSIzu-I0GLytF4pXxELpyHs1b9h04yp7GZk6z4clMBEjl0sRUl07jI2T4SFMJap46Yx2VuthLAxOwYo1M0-OR-oaSqRhI55hFLc1R3V2Isi/s1600/141+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnl3Y-Gpozp2Odukk4TgE9x_WCDaAu9CYCdSIzu-I0GLytF4pXxELpyHs1b9h04yp7GZk6z4clMBEjl0sRUl07jI2T4SFMJap46Yx2VuthLAxOwYo1M0-OR-oaSqRhI55hFLc1R3V2Isi/s640/141+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I am horrible at actually wrapping presents (just getting a present is sometimes all the effort I can muster), so I thought it would be fun to make the wrapping a present in its own right. A few months ago, I pinned this project to Pinterest. It's a <a href="http://www.sochickhandbags.com/2011/11/boxie-pouch-tutorial.html">simple tutorial from So Chick</a>. I can't believe it, but this little boxy bag only took me about an hour to make! I'll be making more. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3dG-8TdHTqfxigqn_4-jG1HtKH4ZVa9ECeORseAqc38ZKYJECajFPqWVYKwNMDZhcx0f7j4ra6Ai_JqFgMwPCNgixbYM-sWhSgBYwNpqxfW5Nlr_ereJV005g4VjhwKKy8NZ5hKyc7_J/s1600/142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3dG-8TdHTqfxigqn_4-jG1HtKH4ZVa9ECeORseAqc38ZKYJECajFPqWVYKwNMDZhcx0f7j4ra6Ai_JqFgMwPCNgixbYM-sWhSgBYwNpqxfW5Nlr_ereJV005g4VjhwKKy8NZ5hKyc7_J/s640/142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If only everyone in my life were as easy to knit for as my mom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8hAtvCqNadLREey-aAyiaBoS_MNoLUx1uasCnYzrbReEqGyCXYKlam6GQD7lbzCuTWyKq7YNMRyv2YgPm3y4WSgzEfKUBGle-r8lSLdYV2zDxomH0E5oGDbj2lV2ccmHexBJPzpX0PhZ/s1600/plover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8hAtvCqNadLREey-aAyiaBoS_MNoLUx1uasCnYzrbReEqGyCXYKlam6GQD7lbzCuTWyKq7YNMRyv2YgPm3y4WSgzEfKUBGle-r8lSLdYV2zDxomH0E5oGDbj2lV2ccmHexBJPzpX0PhZ/s400/plover1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-29765305782620613332013-06-13T16:29:00.002-07:002013-06-13T16:29:30.443-07:00Whew. Packing + baby + packing + wrapping up work + packing + new house uncertainties + packing = headache. <br />
<br />
We're all a little on edge around here. Poor Little A is being a trooper, but little things are setting her off into fits of tears, which is very unlike her. Today when I picked her up from day care, she burst into tears because I hadn't brought her string cheese which she'd started eating at breakfast and had apparently left in Daddy's car. She was looking forward to that string cheese all day, and when I showed up string cheese-less, it was more than she could take. It's sad and sweet all at the same time. <br />
<br />
Thank goodness for beautiful yarn and an easy but non-boring pattern! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZp39kJhabELLIg3vbzNzKztb0lGyoQPuiqFdfsLd9TR-jwqMAaw-GLrAZvc-yOeS9FWB1z1fBzCSct3Vt_t-SwyWBVpp6X_qQvm08HE2hWoTrROuCI8kAwe0w0S5sfVPKEkLGV6M_xOY/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZp39kJhabELLIg3vbzNzKztb0lGyoQPuiqFdfsLd9TR-jwqMAaw-GLrAZvc-yOeS9FWB1z1fBzCSct3Vt_t-SwyWBVpp6X_qQvm08HE2hWoTrROuCI8kAwe0w0S5sfVPKEkLGV6M_xOY/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/tanis-fiber-arts-pink-label-lace-weight">Pink Label lace weight</a> in colorway Moonmist from the Year in Colour Club, knit into a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fairy-mist">Fairy Mist</a>. I'm anxious to finish this project, but only because I'm going to keep
knitting with the yarn! I bought an extra skein so I can make an
ethereal <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girasole">Girasole</a>. The colors are so dreamy and moon shiney,
and not in the home brewed liquor kind of way. Seriously, knitting is
reducing my blood pressure and replacing the years to my life which
moving is threatening to take away. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfTiqTBQBiVLfQyMZUZNKUAYpbcue3w8GnOlwpfUDE5XCngTdYGTyUtDZlMz32FKke3FCOVWh6rlnvGdmuWxVJJKwRlzQTZnB4Vehf9fxliHMzF3SzNnlohh3BxAtmoosv3017VtpwagL/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfTiqTBQBiVLfQyMZUZNKUAYpbcue3w8GnOlwpfUDE5XCngTdYGTyUtDZlMz32FKke3FCOVWh6rlnvGdmuWxVJJKwRlzQTZnB4Vehf9fxliHMzF3SzNnlohh3BxAtmoosv3017VtpwagL/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In two weeks, we'll be in a new house in a new town, and I'll have a magical, airy cowl around my neck. Ahhh. <br />
<br />
magic + wool + calm quiet + beauty + tiny bit of math = knittingMeredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-60886853350254546412013-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:002013-06-05T10:02:00.224-07:00FO: Vogue 8379I love dresses in the summertime, and last year, I made several. This year, I need nursing-friendly dresses, which are hard to come by. I thought this would be the perfect time to try out the world renown <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8379-products-8330.php?page_id=856">Vogue 8379</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu0KuRzbQ3K7GV1pjofMSomH2PA4itaarV6zf1tqMJzFEHeFnyQYBhP0rEdvliOB5vOorWOuoOAErL0ixmeFTAiOzYDdQsXJ0cZUk-4Oz_F21E5ZX26m5h8JpEl6r1Rt1Q5hIKocfULFQ/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu0KuRzbQ3K7GV1pjofMSomH2PA4itaarV6zf1tqMJzFEHeFnyQYBhP0rEdvliOB5vOorWOuoOAErL0ixmeFTAiOzYDdQsXJ0cZUk-4Oz_F21E5ZX26m5h8JpEl6r1Rt1Q5hIKocfULFQ/s640/117.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Per everyone else's comments, I lengthened the bodice by an inch. This helps my torso look longer, but the narrowest part of my torso is actually a bit higher than my waist, especially right now. That means the ties tend to ride up just a bit, as they're doing in these photos. I'll just try to keep them in place, without constantly fidgeting with my clothes. We'll see. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBAlBrYC4PAI81rxXZGbwatqguSdyub2B2cs0WNdp-ZUPRZR9CNySM241DaAQoMZN8d2klTvh4wO-YEsvT9UmTjAYQY7dNw-ktE0BM4HUgLWaBRoIpNd5cOBGZjxHtIiv9pDs1Q71Ogr/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEBAlBrYC4PAI81rxXZGbwatqguSdyub2B2cs0WNdp-ZUPRZR9CNySM241DaAQoMZN8d2klTvh4wO-YEsvT9UmTjAYQY7dNw-ktE0BM4HUgLWaBRoIpNd5cOBGZjxHtIiv9pDs1Q71Ogr/s640/109.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I also added two inches to the length, which was almost impossible in 3 yards of fabric. Cutting this one out was a chore. Since the house is full of moving boxes, I didn't have enough floor space to lay in all out at once, so I had to do it piecemeal on our table. When it got to the last pattern piece, the skirt front, I couldn't fit it in without taking a tiny chunk out of the hem. I patched it, and it's folded into the hem so no one will know, but I was sweating it! <br />
<br />
This dress is great for nursing, and it feels nice on. I didn't remove any fullness of the skirt, and I'm glad I didn't. Right now, I need extra fullness!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscJY19xDAFEaNOO68NRQN6XmXd1MVnS9tkopvKoljqpRbcxaBJteQzx2_cQftG5SqcHAsG-RHTdHALHl3m7y9y8n3c9Tp5qbhqBcH3WVvnfTpWT3jGkFMttqfjbUjzu8RHnOwDaB0a3H9/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscJY19xDAFEaNOO68NRQN6XmXd1MVnS9tkopvKoljqpRbcxaBJteQzx2_cQftG5SqcHAsG-RHTdHALHl3m7y9y8n3c9Tp5qbhqBcH3WVvnfTpWT3jGkFMttqfjbUjzu8RHnOwDaB0a3H9/s640/115.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
I'll make another one of these this summer, if I can bring myself to cut it out. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I'm getting tired of knit dresses, both sewing them and wearing them. I'm craving something more tailored and crisp. But I think I need to be patient and give myself a few months before I start on that. Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-54157654918093890142013-06-03T09:48:00.001-07:002013-06-03T09:48:22.066-07:00FO: McCalls 6073<br />
I'm a teeny bit disappointed in this dress, but it's actually still comfortable to wear and exactly what I need.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrQApMqcu0_0Zy1jr36swHDS7R6ibysmIu6xOlRghFpxgAvYDI25evx_p03KedkfWAJq_JwbQmE2SPml_sJtxftxD1QF-vVVOrFLlmAs4oi84JLZXYicVI15dy-8kB4n9RBJDAY0mVhWF/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrQApMqcu0_0Zy1jr36swHDS7R6ibysmIu6xOlRghFpxgAvYDI25evx_p03KedkfWAJq_JwbQmE2SPml_sJtxftxD1QF-vVVOrFLlmAs4oi84JLZXYicVI15dy-8kB4n9RBJDAY0mVhWF/s640/101.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I made two of these maxi dresses last summer, and I figured they would be breastfeeding-friendly dresses. <br />
I've had this fabric sitting around for too long, and it was bugging me. Somehow, yarn sitting in my stash makes me happy. Fabric sitting in a stash makes me antsy. I only had two yards, though, so I was limited in what I could do with it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX8Rex1LPsXnzuPZG3i9KE6VrAuspzPqSNZ8aEJL_X91u23nCCndNYzl0ssIKOfK7OSznqTO2aL9tlc-VTp92WDeafqzh_L_3K_ES1kR9A2fHyGOcFqyZyhNpW3NjYTgaNKip21gdbzU3/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX8Rex1LPsXnzuPZG3i9KE6VrAuspzPqSNZ8aEJL_X91u23nCCndNYzl0ssIKOfK7OSznqTO2aL9tlc-VTp92WDeafqzh_L_3K_ES1kR9A2fHyGOcFqyZyhNpW3NjYTgaNKip21gdbzU3/s640/099.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right: I'm bring the French braid back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My main disappointment with this dress is that I really need to wear a cami with it. I'm not sure how this happened, as I used the same pattern pieces and same mods, but it doesn't fit the way my last version did. I like the way it looks with a cami, and it actually works out very well for nursing, but it still feels like a bit of a misstep. If I'm going to the trouble of making clothes, I ought to make them to fit. If I wanted a dress that I had to wear a cami with, there are hundreds I can buy. But because the bodice is too wide to wear on its own, it makes for a great nursing dress. Maybe I should just starting telling myself I made it this way intentionally! <br />
<br />
Oh well. No time to worry about it! I'll appreciate it for what it is--actually a very good summer nursing dress. Or maybe I should see it as a success, since <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/05/whats-wrong-with-this-picture.html">it started out sort of poorly</a>. On to the next!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-20998732322744881552013-05-28T06:33:00.000-07:002013-08-09T20:24:32.644-07:00Time to move on, time to get goin'<i>What lies ahead I have no way of knowin'</i><br />
<i>Under my feet, baby, the grass is growin'. </i><br />
<i>Yeah, it's time to move on, time to get goin'.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uhKkMr4YYDLjYWp4GRLUDiLOhFqRVHeha6orHwi3rB174ebLkfBbEDp3rkVVyl60SUgrw7bmxnYpUt-phuDEyLiGtKkW9EFaviMDVIYTcNixebModaradpqAtVZGSAwqkKmiKj0-4w3C/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uhKkMr4YYDLjYWp4GRLUDiLOhFqRVHeha6orHwi3rB174ebLkfBbEDp3rkVVyl60SUgrw7bmxnYpUt-phuDEyLiGtKkW9EFaviMDVIYTcNixebModaradpqAtVZGSAwqkKmiKj0-4w3C/s640/030.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom Petty pretty much sums it up: things are changing for us! The first change is that I'm taking a leave of absence from my job for one year. I have a pretty stressful job, and just the thought of a consuming job and two young children was overwhelming. So our lifestyle will change a bit, but I think it will be worth it, especially for such a short time.<br />
<br />
We made that decision last December, and thought that would be a big change. But then, pretty much immediately surrounding Baby O's arrival, we learned that my husband was being transferred. So now we're moving! We'll be headed about 220 miles north, to Parkersburg, WV. It's a smallish town on the Ohio River.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XoUeff436F5tRL_HWYVchvxf1nK65-djd-UMcui5egw_aiMDodJVbsQ4htHSY5RzPDb8Ed9w_RAX8Z0W9WyFOV5fAA_LvOruEQcpXNzGPNQRGFGYc5eP115aCBHyYb3PIS3a6g0CoWd/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XoUeff436F5tRL_HWYVchvxf1nK65-djd-UMcui5egw_aiMDodJVbsQ4htHSY5RzPDb8Ed9w_RAX8Z0W9WyFOV5fAA_LvOruEQcpXNzGPNQRGFGYc5eP115aCBHyYb3PIS3a6g0CoWd/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a small bucket list of things to do before we move. Over the weekend, we went up to an old country store and saw some cloggers! Little A was very groggy since she'd fallen asleep in the car, and Baby O is still too small to be interested in anything but ceiling fans and eating, but it was a beautiful day and it was nice to be out in the sun. It was on top of a mountain and offered some beautiful views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI506untoDXzGYhvoTrcmvKArnc5pkbzYspNjK_9iC2pii-Omv-FKclNEiiZUxGpoZVl3llDcLZzqcI8-SUZO1SGfrGBqsPzeVuH5aCfoUfk7vzUcuH8LEjcWlNASVS5vbj1bs2G2AWknZ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI506untoDXzGYhvoTrcmvKArnc5pkbzYspNjK_9iC2pii-Omv-FKclNEiiZUxGpoZVl3llDcLZzqcI8-SUZO1SGfrGBqsPzeVuH5aCfoUfk7vzUcuH8LEjcWlNASVS5vbj1bs2G2AWknZ/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So we're packing up and looking forward to getting settled in a new place with a new routine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2GWqrSI3i8gnyw6FLqjYDSRwh6Kx-Z2X58h-8ISLwbHmQovJBcSc7UvylIVQLk5S2TyrPntImK1Mw4QBqrYoZqYxHVIb7ynyE3wAuIMbRxPraEdizAmfRj-sVVl9Tdp8ScYU-MgCqQw/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2GWqrSI3i8gnyw6FLqjYDSRwh6Kx-Z2X58h-8ISLwbHmQovJBcSc7UvylIVQLk5S2TyrPntImK1Mw4QBqrYoZqYxHVIb7ynyE3wAuIMbRxPraEdizAmfRj-sVVl9Tdp8ScYU-MgCqQw/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's time to move on, time to get going.<br />
<br />
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-75198335092379916072013-05-27T06:15:00.000-07:002013-05-27T06:15:22.214-07:00FO: Brynna cardigan<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwW5cO5Lgs_jJ2iednXpM8p3t8g_3TaCZze5KOZEOXJ8vmGqDbbzc8eaMq4ASF0BhxPdXvSbpqk4WeaOWS1xK8mbw3-qLunU6d9c5V_mrpYe9p2hdsAA-ktgYr41mQAdbb_63yJFvgCqh/s1600/056+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwW5cO5Lgs_jJ2iednXpM8p3t8g_3TaCZze5KOZEOXJ8vmGqDbbzc8eaMq4ASF0BhxPdXvSbpqk4WeaOWS1xK8mbw3-qLunU6d9c5V_mrpYe9p2hdsAA-ktgYr41mQAdbb_63yJFvgCqh/s400/056+(2).JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know how, but I finished a sweater. This sweater pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brynna">Brynna</a>, was all over Ravelry a couple of months ago, and somehow it jumped the queue. I think it's the color. I unconsciously chose a color very similar to the pattern sample. The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/valley-yarns-longmeadow">Valley Yarns Longmeadow</a>, a cotton/microfiber blend that I got during last month's sale at <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">Webs</a>. <br />
<br />
This sweater wasn't without it's stupid new-mom mess ups. Everything went fine until I got to the collar. I knit all rows instead of purling 3 of the rows. I know exactly why I did that. Baby O was asleep on my shoulder, and I didn't have my pattern in front of me. But I thought I knew what to do, so I went ahead, trying to take advantage of the precious baby sleep knitting time. Sixteen rows later, something didn't look quite like the pattern. I ripped it out and did it again. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxN96pKvw2pFflTCzsyyy7H9eD5PiRfLA_MaH2kBXTw-J5DGJFhVEeRTQ8Q4FvaPgPhDJldyadx63kxCzY4nzPa2DJ5LG4n4PRRafq3ACPkOJZ0frlzFAWLRtqzO6ELAwcSBwFSq5n5PP/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxN96pKvw2pFflTCzsyyy7H9eD5PiRfLA_MaH2kBXTw-J5DGJFhVEeRTQ8Q4FvaPgPhDJldyadx63kxCzY4nzPa2DJ5LG4n4PRRafq3ACPkOJZ0frlzFAWLRtqzO6ELAwcSBwFSq5n5PP/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I improvised a little frog fastener by sewing two toggle buttons together, then linking them with a crocheted chain loop. I can pop the back button through any of the eyelets, adjusting them in or out or up or down. This way, as I lose pregnancy weight, the sweater is really adjustable. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYsikvSrI_yazzharUAvxQ8DOafIhJMNHAspkPILrWKYb-5YCNi7Izwzvw5Re9y9ioMVzrv36WbX3q8ChNQ5Oldzqf0NGqyAz4LeJjCMMuZhX7-A-WKuyS6tWL28V0CdDuxydVw2ycQTs/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYsikvSrI_yazzharUAvxQ8DOafIhJMNHAspkPILrWKYb-5YCNi7Izwzvw5Re9y9ioMVzrv36WbX3q8ChNQ5Oldzqf0NGqyAz4LeJjCMMuZhX7-A-WKuyS6tWL28V0CdDuxydVw2ycQTs/s400/052.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I like this sweater, but I'm really anxious to get back to my pre-pregnancy proportions. Le sigh. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/brynna">Raveled here.</a>Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-81509854223635608702013-05-24T11:55:00.002-07:002013-05-24T11:55:46.685-07:00Mr. Postman, bring me some yarn ...In terms of yarn in the mail, it was a banner week! <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">Webs </a>has been having their annual sale, I treated myself to a special Mother's Day yarn present, and, most excitingly, the May installment of the <a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/clubs.html">Tanis Fiber Arts Year in Colour Club</a> arrived! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9VAvDRUxgbAmWfeFLtyjEJ8P8K5jag1SiwpiTcX2DSkkc6ds-wgu2xrxWfex6zdd0J8RKAvNXdsWLFMP-vNgFKjPq-PudoBfNK2LrGTCUt_WldDLfv2AFQpN0yDA3Atenq9DMBQl6-T0/s1600/071+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9VAvDRUxgbAmWfeFLtyjEJ8P8K5jag1SiwpiTcX2DSkkc6ds-wgu2xrxWfex6zdd0J8RKAvNXdsWLFMP-vNgFKjPq-PudoBfNK2LrGTCUt_WldDLfv2AFQpN0yDA3Atenq9DMBQl6-T0/s640/071+%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the pink lable, 100% merino laceweight. There are 1000 yards in this one skein! I love it. This colorway is called Moonmist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5UvjhK3-OIMP8sUuocqbKdMyTmWmc4al5c1zlQdPYpYGok18zN6KOIBOcsvfbf8dWsrXRSsvnOBKqVWhVLdrRDIm1D4P2uGa-dmmBiilP9URiIKQ6L1PVclPtxQ7vIiEE2Abs03Ay2It/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5UvjhK3-OIMP8sUuocqbKdMyTmWmc4al5c1zlQdPYpYGok18zN6KOIBOcsvfbf8dWsrXRSsvnOBKqVWhVLdrRDIm1D4P2uGa-dmmBiilP9URiIKQ6L1PVclPtxQ7vIiEE2Abs03Ay2It/s640/100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swatch on size 2 on left, swatch on size 3 on right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm having a hard time deciding on the needle size, even though I knit a couple good swatches. The problem is that I blocked the smaller swatch more aggressively, so I actually got the same gauge on both size 2 and size 3 needles. That was dumb. I think I'm going to go with the 2s and not block so aggressively with the FO. <br />
<br />
I am so loving this club. I'm not sure I would have picked either this color or this pattern on my own, but I love this process of trying something new. I pretty much love all Tanis' colorways, so I feel comfortable trusting the mystery and surprise. <br />
<br />
There are a lot of changes approaching rapidly in our family, so it's great to have a big lacy project into which to escape! More about those changes soon ...Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-73751403060994279372013-05-21T07:45:00.000-07:002013-05-21T07:45:36.601-07:00FO: Windsor Cardi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl64kC_vD_A2c98ueviIp0ow1_kUtrWnbdqek8X1rq0-ISyB2uf1tq4CqMzKIGLVWEssmbCqAw2zbhPJi5YMJwhyphenhyphenHS9V8Rw7CirY6klYEyF0pLEn3cIbI8KhxyExeCUHodMWiXc9JQZMtM/s1600/052+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl64kC_vD_A2c98ueviIp0ow1_kUtrWnbdqek8X1rq0-ISyB2uf1tq4CqMzKIGLVWEssmbCqAw2zbhPJi5YMJwhyphenhyphenHS9V8Rw7CirY6klYEyF0pLEn3cIbI8KhxyExeCUHodMWiXc9JQZMtM/s400/052+(2).JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
I started this sweater before Baby O was born, and I started the sleeves after we brought him home. I worked on it so long that I forgot why I started knitting it in the first place. Once I got the buttons on, though, I started to feel pretty good about it! It's a great sweater for this cool, wet Spring so many of us seem to be having. <br />
<br />
The yarn is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-amy-butler-belle-organic-dk">Rowan Amy Butler Belle Organic DK</a>. It has unfortunately been discontinued, which fortunately meant I could get it at a great price. It's a blend of 50% wool and 50% cotton, a blend I'd been wanting to try for quite a while. I knit with cotton pretty sparingly because it just doesn't have any stretch or memory to it. It makes for hard knitting on the hands, and cotton knit garments are notorious for losing their shape. Wool has amazing bounce and memory, and it's a dream to knit, but wool is just too warm for summer knits. A cotton/wool blend yarn takes advantage of each's best qualities. Also, the wool and the cotton take the dye a little differently, so there's a little shimmer to it. I really enjoyed knitting with it, and I have some more for another summer cardi. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil51I3yz82v2WpJ06BB8CBC2CIaCJ2VDN3Nf0DgvaH6qGfiiQ_nBJPOSl3zHdd30rZjN7f8YccHfBL3ictOXgjN4qzZ5wNf1GP0dPlR9RUtxVr2mbLsii77v_OkGkv3AtE0pC2-TVK_WKA/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil51I3yz82v2WpJ06BB8CBC2CIaCJ2VDN3Nf0DgvaH6qGfiiQ_nBJPOSl3zHdd30rZjN7f8YccHfBL3ictOXgjN4qzZ5wNf1GP0dPlR9RUtxVr2mbLsii77v_OkGkv3AtE0pC2-TVK_WKA/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The lace pattern on this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windsor-cardi">Windsor Cardi</a> is very stretchy, and lots of Ravelers commented on sleeves being too long. I added extra length to the sleeves and the body anyway, and I'm glad. As I get back to my per-pregnancy weight, it should get a little longer! <br />
<br />
I'm not very impressed with my job on the buttons. While they're all exactly 13 rows apart, they don't look like they're spaced out equally, do they? I need to study up on button bands. But perfect is the enemy of done, so I'm living with it. (We took these pictures while the last two buttons were still on back order.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoip39FkYhDSW4-h1KkCGkdrSgJgWVVNSgvg4m11f-1DYUWVXfAS5lC4I7pTApSzpIoDCJUbrenrJ478wGuh61vBI6tKVFuUJpNBMgdRrbmkfH37iWluvTWvWVM6T3Zj0foh57Bp2lMSD/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoip39FkYhDSW4-h1KkCGkdrSgJgWVVNSgvg4m11f-1DYUWVXfAS5lC4I7pTApSzpIoDCJUbrenrJ478wGuh61vBI6tKVFuUJpNBMgdRrbmkfH37iWluvTWvWVM6T3Zj0foh57Bp2lMSD/s400/048.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/windsor-cardi">Ravelry project page here</a><br />
<br />
Hooray for finished sweaters!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-33997134830893594042013-05-13T20:19:00.000-07:002013-05-13T20:19:24.533-07:00What's wrong with this picture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bEE7FzPLsDr738AyQrH2rmSt5JDVIqr_fS_LgTrMVrYbXzSaeQGlv0YJ0IBDhbmQN8yk4Oiam09IWqfSeN4uUu5no1Ry1_QRLY0Ps3nclAs_fBcBTsLNI3-b79btKVwdtVEDkxiSbYI/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3bEE7FzPLsDr738AyQrH2rmSt5JDVIqr_fS_LgTrMVrYbXzSaeQGlv0YJ0IBDhbmQN8yk4Oiam09IWqfSeN4uUu5no1Ry1_QRLY0Ps3nclAs_fBcBTsLNI3-b79btKVwdtVEDkxiSbYI/s400/photo-1.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
At least the stripes match, right? This is what happens when you try to cut something out in a hurry because you only have 45 minutes during the little ones' nap time.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, I had one section of scraps that was just big enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXjGpTABhHwvESKVcZSWM-FoEgZAsXyHio9_KM5b0l6QkPuRW2ZS0S_oI_iUYxpf6qt8lsERV8Wm_wEvg0qzkj0RX0sqDarE8dt2Xl1uUl-gDi2QoJcc5IvHI0o8rwc4e-nocMZyCFT21/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXjGpTABhHwvESKVcZSWM-FoEgZAsXyHio9_KM5b0l6QkPuRW2ZS0S_oI_iUYxpf6qt8lsERV8Wm_wEvg0qzkj0RX0sqDarE8dt2Xl1uUl-gDi2QoJcc5IvHI0o8rwc4e-nocMZyCFT21/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
Also amazingly, the stripes almost match! These pieces are on their way to becoming a <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2012/07/fo-mccalls-6073-maxi-dress.html">McCalls 6073</a>. <br />
<br />
So crafting moms pay <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/05/im-still-here.html">$9 for buttons</a> and cut out two left fronts. What else do crafting moms do?Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-18235982651420364912013-05-07T11:33:00.001-07:002013-05-07T11:33:52.910-07:00I'm still here!There's something about having a baby that makes me want to go outside a couple times a week and shout, "I'm still here!" And then there are other times when I'm glad that having a new baby means I can hunker down at home and not have to worry about my normal responsibilities, and just take care of Baby O. My knitting and sewing have fallen right between these two poles. My knitting and sewing are still happening ("I'm still here!"), but at a slower rate (just hunkering down). <br />
<br />
So here's what's slowly creeping off the needles:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fx-ig7SZdgjCZsWh-pSkF5QyMwVRhA4YSFIzNHYY_Onq7OItU-nivpCXE3mxOMwOt4CuoJ8R567IqwOSq_VXH9dV2DZvkDVwoAlLEVslaGt37FLSVSahEYSNwtNnpes4de50iBkY_mic/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fx-ig7SZdgjCZsWh-pSkF5QyMwVRhA4YSFIzNHYY_Onq7OItU-nivpCXE3mxOMwOt4CuoJ8R567IqwOSq_VXH9dV2DZvkDVwoAlLEVslaGt37FLSVSahEYSNwtNnpes4de50iBkY_mic/s640/052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/windsor-cardi">Windsor Cardi</a>, which I started before Baby O was born. I started the sleeves a week or two after he was born, and I slowly started to hate the sweater, mostly because I thought it would never be done. Now that it looks like I might not actually be working on it during the little one's high school graduation, I think I like it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOkkys81y23U2-Dg9rUGNt67NTkGPqlX8eSWRheXYmdJ-vZYLhpe9iJ2ufik7uMnKyu8tA-mpbUBXMPTP4t73m3O9skQql21mdZvriapDRgmmd6XyVargp8AqgaOnAkyfR-rp_MO0rC3a/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOkkys81y23U2-Dg9rUGNt67NTkGPqlX8eSWRheXYmdJ-vZYLhpe9iJ2ufik7uMnKyu8tA-mpbUBXMPTP4t73m3O9skQql21mdZvriapDRgmmd6XyVargp8AqgaOnAkyfR-rp_MO0rC3a/s640/053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday I took the little one out and we bought buttons. We bought them quickly, because he started crying ferociously not long after we got there. The thing is, Joann's only had six buttons, and I needed eight. These were perfect buttons, so I arranged for an interstore transfer, which meant I have to pay $7 shipping on $2 buttons. And I had to give them my address while holding a screaming, angry infant. While shouting over his crying, I thought, This is what it means to be a knitting mom. You pay $9 for two buttons because you have 3 minutes to finish this project, and if you don't fork over the money, you won't get your sweater finished. I want it finished, so whatever about the money. This sweater will be done soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqra5euy5_DqNZsMhjdAKC5Q8PxGPPYHupE_c4rlCWIk7K7Nmj9bdwS_oMbcKKyGTXjyArvsZ1MmCWH7Q7B-oJpNOYT5X3YzvmtLnY07bKlUQY380OwG0Tdes2tJj0sTtW3mwpVs2NRLu/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqra5euy5_DqNZsMhjdAKC5Q8PxGPPYHupE_c4rlCWIk7K7Nmj9bdwS_oMbcKKyGTXjyArvsZ1MmCWH7Q7B-oJpNOYT5X3YzvmtLnY07bKlUQY380OwG0Tdes2tJj0sTtW3mwpVs2NRLu/s400/057.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqra5euy5_DqNZsMhjdAKC5Q8PxGPPYHupE_c4rlCWIk7K7Nmj9bdwS_oMbcKKyGTXjyArvsZ1MmCWH7Q7B-oJpNOYT5X3YzvmtLnY07bKlUQY380OwG0Tdes2tJj0sTtW3mwpVs2NRLu/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a></div>
I also started a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brynna">Brynna</a>, a sweater that I see ads for all over Ravelry. I really like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bonne-marie-burns">Bonne Marie Burns</a>' patterns, and I'm thinking of knitting another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cinnie">Cinnie </a>for the summer also. You know, with all the extra knitting time I've got piling up.<br />
<br />
I have fabric to make <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2012/07/fo-mccalls-6073-maxi-dress.html">another McCalls 6073</a>, but that hasn't happened yet. Maybe tomorrow. Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-34881980745451497072013-04-21T09:26:00.000-07:002013-04-21T09:26:00.162-07:00FO: Birthday outfit, New Look 6205 and Miss Marple cardiOur wonderful daughter turns 3 this weekend, and for her birthday, she asked me to make a purple dress. She asked me this way back in January (when we made a birthday cake together for her dad, and she started getting excited about birthdays), so I'm not sure she'll remember this request, but I wanted the Mom of the Year award, so I followed through.<br />
<br />
I used New Look 6205 again (<a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/03/fo-new-look-6205.html">first version here</a>) in a Joel Dewberry print. This time, I opted for the little strapped sleeves instead of the cap sleeves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrHhMaOSJi9_kIX4j_OY3WaE5vJt-Qrfum1MO1V_ac0WbaEq6EfrkQwMpiMI4EB4DMeePycWW2nKpOuV7X8Ze1sP6We10a5kfO257CgTMBYNilCAXNYKSY-eZHoTv6o3Y0E3VA4DzsgTE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrHhMaOSJi9_kIX4j_OY3WaE5vJt-Qrfum1MO1V_ac0WbaEq6EfrkQwMpiMI4EB4DMeePycWW2nKpOuV7X8Ze1sP6We10a5kfO257CgTMBYNilCAXNYKSY-eZHoTv6o3Y0E3VA4DzsgTE/s640/017.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, the bodice is lined, but in a sort of weird way that still requires you to finish the neckline with bias tape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOYYwCGml0sG9uPVk5fVi7zJGxVhp8cH2yEI3D5aZhGRRgKZwJbNxMXrvppHeBIDTZqUJkb3pVM2v7jlXrsjXjMObWmPU1Sg6wZMKT1K2_DI7MOtx_U3YnoPhKdi3dEpXkyxN2qdll6TL/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOYYwCGml0sG9uPVk5fVi7zJGxVhp8cH2yEI3D5aZhGRRgKZwJbNxMXrvppHeBIDTZqUJkb3pVM2v7jlXrsjXjMObWmPU1Sg6wZMKT1K2_DI7MOtx_U3YnoPhKdi3dEpXkyxN2qdll6TL/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a size 3, and the neckline is a bit big on our 3 year old, but at least it gives her room to grow. <br />
<br />
For the sweater, I used a pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miss-marple-4">Miss Marple</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk0bm7HU-v37hlMOiEbJQOOi8AVJtxghZ6-DH0cxOU6Zle3auvdiiqAZ3ZmIPzX4V205PDaqDid5XWJc2O-m-PywmX-vpBqJsIe5BsGBH-adg9uWTGwVbnA2D_3ewN4vjrcNTZ4uO6Z4I/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk0bm7HU-v37hlMOiEbJQOOi8AVJtxghZ6-DH0cxOU6Zle3auvdiiqAZ3ZmIPzX4V205PDaqDid5XWJc2O-m-PywmX-vpBqJsIe5BsGBH-adg9uWTGwVbnA2D_3ewN4vjrcNTZ4uO6Z4I/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't that the best name for a little girl's cardigan? Miss Marple was an Agatha Christie character, right? I used two skeins of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-ultra-alpaca">Berroco Ultra Alpaca</a> that I had in my stash. They were intended for a hat/cowl set, but I didn't like those patterns in this yarn. So much the better, because it works perfectly for this pattern. Although I'm not sure anyone needs an alpaca/wool sweater in late April. <br />
<br />
The knitting only took a week or so, but it took me forever to finish the cardigan (see my <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/03/fo-finished-with-buttons-even-wasabi.html">previous confession</a> regarding button anxiety). I really wanted to practice finishing the cardigan with grosgrain ribbon on the button band. This was good practice, and came out marginally successful. In the first place, the grosgrain ribbon is the wrong color, but this shade purple was impossible to match.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t7KM7W-9bLTEN6N2YcBayyyOB_7-lDfiUUfSDZKn92Qh3g-K4y64nWDg0wBKf7Dpt48CxxiME-f8zoLJ4Sv70g0mfV2BwKTw_xyPFKxHUJl_ukIXOo3s1qg4Hc_8FD3lBHhh8DNOFXG3/s1600/029+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t7KM7W-9bLTEN6N2YcBayyyOB_7-lDfiUUfSDZKn92Qh3g-K4y64nWDg0wBKf7Dpt48CxxiME-f8zoLJ4Sv70g0mfV2BwKTw_xyPFKxHUJl_ukIXOo3s1qg4Hc_8FD3lBHhh8DNOFXG3/s400/029+%25282%2529.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The main problem is that my knitted buttonholes were horizontal. I really wanted them to be vertical, so I machine stitched vertical buttonholes on the ribbon. I'm not sure why I got such a bee in my bonnet about making the buttonholes vertical, but it seemed very important at the time. The button holes are a little tight, and actually, the bottom one won't go through at all. I may have to fix that. <br />
<br />
I found these great buttons on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadfreaky">beadfreaky </a>on etsy. Again, not exactly the right purple, but I think they still work. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/miss-marple">Raverly page here.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBTBbvZPKk9JZ98M-o85vkVAkl8Ob32wNJAz_si23gblHgWcVmexyNUIOam2C4nLYG5-iOdWGLCEbvD7pskbsuA5UTezXm2OwfDrPQcgMn74sTli756lju9PzcR3DgAMpxF0Mu4csoUKB/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBTBbvZPKk9JZ98M-o85vkVAkl8Ob32wNJAz_si23gblHgWcVmexyNUIOam2C4nLYG5-iOdWGLCEbvD7pskbsuA5UTezXm2OwfDrPQcgMn74sTli756lju9PzcR3DgAMpxF0Mu4csoUKB/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So Happy Birthday, dear daughter! We love you. Enjoy your purple dress and your special day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTlTYCRnsJWP8Et6NJcxwrVUCOyVAxoI-hk2dd_0LwVEmeq9L8jTZDQHf6SUPB7eKB4F0NkHmU9wL9eprIKXiBZY1NajTcUnah3Lu8CAShqcGm0h4-PDSIP92wU_ySoJFcodsNHwMkVpF/s1600/030+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTlTYCRnsJWP8Et6NJcxwrVUCOyVAxoI-hk2dd_0LwVEmeq9L8jTZDQHf6SUPB7eKB4F0NkHmU9wL9eprIKXiBZY1NajTcUnah3Lu8CAShqcGm0h4-PDSIP92wU_ySoJFcodsNHwMkVpF/s640/030+%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-65081472939983144952013-04-19T06:30:00.000-07:002013-04-19T06:30:01.463-07:00FO: Patina socks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgJHAyDb5xKZ4QdRlPkLuHwApLtOwUYCjwjMzexja-GcK8Y1R7cGvTkxs0E6r5jVYi0R1Vcqqa4oIzJXTp-JDLJYkv1emxVR3v4-0dygh6_QUqocMLc7YxqPpiDlmDUlwTANbaOSHB1SI/s1600/215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgJHAyDb5xKZ4QdRlPkLuHwApLtOwUYCjwjMzexja-GcK8Y1R7cGvTkxs0E6r5jVYi0R1Vcqqa4oIzJXTp-JDLJYkv1emxVR3v4-0dygh6_QUqocMLc7YxqPpiDlmDUlwTANbaOSHB1SI/s640/215.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are the best socks I've ever made. I started with this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5rbT72JEMCL4wbcLdPeLHckV6MC9G9I_G4eb1wHRaHWfVV5jUZckwf9QDBmOyEP7VaSdDGgZxRD0UtX3TWCCIMXuQ0rkGPwq6sUfBNY4xyWT7Z-dlGcDKtIkwG6Askfn2FoZ14FKqfBb/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5rbT72JEMCL4wbcLdPeLHckV6MC9G9I_G4eb1wHRaHWfVV5jUZckwf9QDBmOyEP7VaSdDGgZxRD0UtX3TWCCIMXuQ0rkGPwq6sUfBNY4xyWT7Z-dlGcDKtIkwG6Askfn2FoZ14FKqfBb/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the March installment of the <a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/clubs.html">Tanis Fiber Arts Year in Colour Club</a>. This gorgeous perfect-for-Spring colorway is in her Blue Label fingering weight yarn, and it is a perfect sock yarn. I love it. Tanis designed a pattern to go with this variegated yarn, something that would help the colors play well together while not totally obscuring the stitch pattern. That is a very tricky line to walk, but I think Tanis got it just right. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcSdKNkHyGoYzSQGwsFwrIIGELhvgejfNtWK-brUbFoiaYPqABR8tvGPndAg3AZCIFmF3Hw6Wv79tIvDOuGFHtPW_TwMTe3K-mFlE6eVJGf0gjHguPdI7yyQxUhAXAyh8LA21S5Z9xKzU/s1600/211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcSdKNkHyGoYzSQGwsFwrIIGELhvgejfNtWK-brUbFoiaYPqABR8tvGPndAg3AZCIFmF3Hw6Wv79tIvDOuGFHtPW_TwMTe3K-mFlE6eVJGf0gjHguPdI7yyQxUhAXAyh8LA21S5Z9xKzU/s640/211.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
This yarn is completely amazing, and I am stalking all things Blue Label right now. I'm dying to order a skein in the <a href="http://www.tanisfiberarts.com/c_pages/PinkGrapefruit.html">pink grapefruit colorway</a>. I need pink grapefruit socks!<br />
<br />
It's (finally finally finallllllly) spring here, so I'm not wearing socks at the moment, but that's okay. I have these beauties on my dresser, and I'm just admiring them as works of art. I'll look forward to wearing them when the weather turns cool again. And maybe by then, I'll have another pair of TFA socks to enjoy, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaVokygAxdrmz8lGhqyRMfjjc1ErxqYDWtx3IbBMsY_QtoSgkh10Iphm1_BXFxLtkUdC7OFVOvRxLdLhI_uUESLZdb4G-cqcmn0Hq6zN500aZqvpYftpkq2FBGwxhPMMyiE78r4Un8ccQ/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaVokygAxdrmz8lGhqyRMfjjc1ErxqYDWtx3IbBMsY_QtoSgkh10Iphm1_BXFxLtkUdC7OFVOvRxLdLhI_uUESLZdb4G-cqcmn0Hq6zN500aZqvpYftpkq2FBGwxhPMMyiE78r4Un8ccQ/s640/210.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/misformonkey/patina-socks">Ravelry page here.</a> The next installment comes in May! I can't wait! Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-56828977835616352492013-04-17T08:27:00.000-07:002013-04-17T08:27:38.015-07:00It's a boy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPoiBcGrDa4qyMBkuKSDxCV4J2_LP7S3khVUfqPyMVSlnozD1Q23yVUDiw7HYISX6OvpGSRon2gCzFWJmXgk9otUnjB9rdJIghGI8cwe66_E1ICtXh5UajIHPquJ4rmdu0Kl3ESCWsCdS/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPoiBcGrDa4qyMBkuKSDxCV4J2_LP7S3khVUfqPyMVSlnozD1Q23yVUDiw7HYISX6OvpGSRon2gCzFWJmXgk9otUnjB9rdJIghGI8cwe66_E1ICtXh5UajIHPquJ4rmdu0Kl3ESCWsCdS/s640/084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He arrived! And he's a he! We've been getting to know our new little one for almost three weeks. He arrived on Friday, March 29, long before the due date, April 9. Labor was pretty quick. I had some contractions over night, but I mostly slept through them. I went in to work to do a couple of quick things before maternity leave (which was to start April 1), but decided I better go home as contractions were increasing. We went to the hospital at 11:30 am, and he was born just before 5:00 pm! <br />
<br />
We're doing well, with more sleep some nights than others. Pregnancy is full of anticipation and mystery, and it gives you this false idea that when the little one is born, all the mystery will be revealed. But I still feel like our little one is pretty mysterious. What is his personality like? Who will he become? What will he do that will make us laugh and make us proud? What new gifts will he bring us? What will he teach us? I will love finding out, and I'm glad that it will take a while. I'm grateful for all the time to spend getting to know him, and grateful for all the new steps his big sister is constantly taking, and grateful for the time we will all spend growing together as a family.<br />
<br />
And am I still knitting? Oh yes I am! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98yy6Ntr8iMD5CF6NEToYJ8wA-s7cPw2AAhfz9gqpMoA2SAoE2jGeTSffs-micx3k1ubRsOIumqfbhGZyKgvmCAgoPWf6bML6XTKgUiZM6XrrQCv2JZOf5CRx3oLfNI9xPH63PoqOyYLT/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98yy6Ntr8iMD5CF6NEToYJ8wA-s7cPw2AAhfz9gqpMoA2SAoE2jGeTSffs-micx3k1ubRsOIumqfbhGZyKgvmCAgoPWf6bML6XTKgUiZM6XrrQCv2JZOf5CRx3oLfNI9xPH63PoqOyYLT/s400/088.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-4050317517859131732013-03-28T20:25:00.000-07:002013-03-28T20:25:42.417-07:00FO: A couple of baby blankets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A860D7-az_Kwdw8A9dSpS70R9zpdbavU4_sAsgAv-Fw9s3vZSgASM9ZGZnVTKxrCwYtLDmoUxZVI5O8t9XdFDRCwA9sWeqIThIi7WV3tP7CkEmVvNzQ9dBGVAGClVpqh-os4q1RA_WuJ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A860D7-az_Kwdw8A9dSpS70R9zpdbavU4_sAsgAv-Fw9s3vZSgASM9ZGZnVTKxrCwYtLDmoUxZVI5O8t9XdFDRCwA9sWeqIThIi7WV3tP7CkEmVvNzQ9dBGVAGClVpqh-os4q1RA_WuJ/s640/005.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Time is waning! I think this baby is going to be here soon. Fortunately, I think we're as ready as we can be. And slightly less importantly, I've finished most of the projects I set out for myself for the baby and our daughter. In the last week, I finished up two blankets, one knit and one sewn. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMK1EUJlvL5ULd96EA7Qi6UOAST3P5pl0tOWYe1DLWkH0lW9xooZc6mvKFCDClB7xRtgp0m2WA49y_KZsikMJ_uOdu6lsSF0i9ZqT9_KMmL1E7234BKJGs1OMDWu8sXXMxtlfoB3ocCKM/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMK1EUJlvL5ULd96EA7Qi6UOAST3P5pl0tOWYe1DLWkH0lW9xooZc6mvKFCDClB7xRtgp0m2WA49y_KZsikMJ_uOdu6lsSF0i9ZqT9_KMmL1E7234BKJGs1OMDWu8sXXMxtlfoB3ocCKM/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I originally set out to make the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/high-fidoodlity-blanket">High Fidoodlity blanket</a>, but it was <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/02/ugly-baby-blanket.html">just ugly</a>. So instead I went with the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevron-baby-blanket-in-merino">Chevron Baby Blanket</a> from Purl Soho. I used <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/berroco-vintagetm-chunky">Berroco Vintage Chunky</a>, a wool/acrylic blend. It's very squishy and cozy, and should be very easy care as well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyCAK5KaKlyapgqz33BToU0i5d-z-Xlm0GQg7CMEuImr_LIrrHQGTe16U5oOPFRHedXwA_1niP6HPB_LFXZUp4He-BJrcYUe6Hvs2VI_1AD3qPWwATODLKhFa1DOk1Mj5atINLAPEimkx/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyCAK5KaKlyapgqz33BToU0i5d-z-Xlm0GQg7CMEuImr_LIrrHQGTe16U5oOPFRHedXwA_1niP6HPB_LFXZUp4He-BJrcYUe6Hvs2VI_1AD3qPWwATODLKhFa1DOk1Mj5atINLAPEimkx/s640/006.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Our daughter is already using it to wrap up one of her baby dolls in the baby's bassinet. That's a good sign, right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbfOlFiN7hHOMIcb1jmKl5yGMOeky3m9QS4BFNjUd3Xj-yvi8hyphenhyphenLDpEk8RlbIb-PLi92PgsEbtjKEJnulENkREIJ2E9xZamCrgELv5uwSTCC3Xde39kO46uOeUTWGwlOxmW3WZv5gxO3T/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbfOlFiN7hHOMIcb1jmKl5yGMOeky3m9QS4BFNjUd3Xj-yvi8hyphenhyphenLDpEk8RlbIb-PLi92PgsEbtjKEJnulENkREIJ2E9xZamCrgELv5uwSTCC3Xde39kO46uOeUTWGwlOxmW3WZv5gxO3T/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other blanket I made is a little quilt made up of scraps of Notting Hill from my <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/03/fo-pockets-plenty-diaper-bag.html">diaper bag</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLuosf_fYiqWMtTIwVeCWQv4Flu8rxPJsvQUYCk_ew_xsTNIRB5NpNnL4b4mgkEpnyQBoXFymRwGqWDxooocjgfmmnL0ocPxV-H84DEOWuGSEb-ml0DdBJ6lEdysNK-UpmztaBEwkLHNW/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLuosf_fYiqWMtTIwVeCWQv4Flu8rxPJsvQUYCk_ew_xsTNIRB5NpNnL4b4mgkEpnyQBoXFymRwGqWDxooocjgfmmnL0ocPxV-H84DEOWuGSEb-ml0DdBJ6lEdysNK-UpmztaBEwkLHNW/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While I didn't use a pattern for this, I did find inspiration from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/119592115/patchwork-minky-baby-blanket-in-notting?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=joel+dewberry+notting+hill&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto3&ga_search_type=handmade">Bailey Girls Boutique etsy store</a>. I figured, Hey, I can do that. (And I think this counts as my <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/01/knitting-and-sewing-goals-2013-edition.html">quarterly Pinterest crafty completion New Year's resolution</a>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPoweLAxerr0M5j6i20El9rMZ4_dZGkYK7Lr0k8TeQ1RLDccBBWrMopXVZ39MxsQob1jEozEPVazB-kT3QaVEheGssrRo3LymbdYksnX7eDgEV7V79lEEhzCJFFcrv14Z1dgYG2SJtNSr/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPoweLAxerr0M5j6i20El9rMZ4_dZGkYK7Lr0k8TeQ1RLDccBBWrMopXVZ39MxsQob1jEozEPVazB-kT3QaVEheGssrRo3LymbdYksnX7eDgEV7V79lEEhzCJFFcrv14Z1dgYG2SJtNSr/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I made 5" squares and sewed them together with a 1/4" seam allowance. Then I backed it with white dotted minky fabric, which is really incredibly soft. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP984qC3DX1inlhsuWC7yACimPT3d9eNapF6RjBpxaJ_jyMGtCHoKDT09-kj3n1jCm1FMUQcidFy-QRGgoH3RpswzLoUu8ppkqNvbyaGM1axGdq1oMUNs716uXtxp_pbTvBv8ijPglKaso/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP984qC3DX1inlhsuWC7yACimPT3d9eNapF6RjBpxaJ_jyMGtCHoKDT09-kj3n1jCm1FMUQcidFy-QRGgoH3RpswzLoUu8ppkqNvbyaGM1axGdq1oMUNs716uXtxp_pbTvBv8ijPglKaso/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I am really very happy with how both of these things turned out. I'm looking forward to wrapping up baby boy or girl in both of them!Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-35651108077750739782013-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-25T06:00:11.723-07:00FO: Finished, with buttons even! Wasabi Cardi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeojpyqORwxRE7ezcU__DuJNjSE25zh6_a8F6cQYsKtDlkb2zX9UkPzd7UyPSNhoOZ_jgfHlToGlbhIsJetyneoDhnin6HqJXmvp3GZhQD55zw_msc48sHMX4tRTElTeQN5gIm-Nh-92L/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeojpyqORwxRE7ezcU__DuJNjSE25zh6_a8F6cQYsKtDlkb2zX9UkPzd7UyPSNhoOZ_jgfHlToGlbhIsJetyneoDhnin6HqJXmvp3GZhQD55zw_msc48sHMX4tRTElTeQN5gIm-Nh-92L/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I always feel like I should knit more cardigans. Everyone loves them and talks about how easy they are. And then I knit one and it sits for three weeks without buttons, and I wonder, What's easy about this? If it were a pullover, I'd be wearing it by now. I hate picking out buttons for the same reason I hate deciding where to hang pictures on the walls. It feels permanent, and a bad decision will ruin things and haunt me for the rest of eternity. Perfection is the enemy of done.<br />
<br />
I couldn't find pink buttons that I liked or were the right size, so I went with white buttons with little white embossed flowers on them. I sewed one on and instantly knew it wasn't right. I showed my husband, and he put his finger right on it. The white button was almost silvery, and the rest of the cardi is golden. "Yellow would be better," he said. Inspired!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BuZt1IR7v5tgBZJ0vWxVsgQbxP-lfuOBXkKwLEKR2O8YD8sA2mA8ArGJwcJfFeA-AqxEZH-VvbYp81WIWZqk_USSJEyJryL4gtlXHTKDjEl1h1FzaQtQSCxUdvEKaeS3k0ePsDo5wwaQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BuZt1IR7v5tgBZJ0vWxVsgQbxP-lfuOBXkKwLEKR2O8YD8sA2mA8ArGJwcJfFeA-AqxEZH-VvbYp81WIWZqk_USSJEyJryL4gtlXHTKDjEl1h1FzaQtQSCxUdvEKaeS3k0ePsDo5wwaQ/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One trip to the fabric store later and I had perfect non-haunting buttons, and later that day had a finished cardi. Thanks, Honey! <br />
<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wasabi-4">Wasabi </a>by Amber Bertram. It's a free pattern!<br />
<br />
<b>Yarn:</b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/knit-picks-stroll-tonal">Knitpicks Stroll Tonal.</a> This is a great sock yarn because it wears really well. It's not luxurious, but for a child's sweater, it should be a good fit. I bought two skeins, but it only took one. I turned the second one into a <a href="http://knitsanctuary.blogspot.com/2013/03/fo-cachou-infinity-scarf.html">Cachou cowl</a>. <br />
<br />
The yarn is tonal, and the very second I stopped the front V-neck increases, I got intense pooling. This yarn has a tiny golden streak, and it was creating a little pot of gold in the back left. So I alternated rows working both sides of my skein, and that fixed the problem. It's not very noticeable from the front. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW8f1G99CVvCMd8J-vtqFb0b53XWwCkLL3CsQdcHUr5LR8nWv8ofoGqYcwta42zfPzqoySfCldSOq-mmM_DyvSIUotmnwhApA02GEb9vAw5D6NaiNIUDIKjEiDylAtSYndr4ytDgQHteC/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW8f1G99CVvCMd8J-vtqFb0b53XWwCkLL3CsQdcHUr5LR8nWv8ofoGqYcwta42zfPzqoySfCldSOq-mmM_DyvSIUotmnwhApA02GEb9vAw5D6NaiNIUDIKjEiDylAtSYndr4ytDgQHteC/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Process:</b> This one was fun to knit. You start with a provisional cast on for the center back lace panel, and do short rows in lace to make the panel curve over the shoulders. Short rows in lace! Knitting is amazing. When you knit to where the raglan increasing begins, you pick up stitches along the lace panel and start your increases. After that, it's a normal top-down raglan cardi. I was actually done before I knew it, and was a little sad to see it end!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI_1nHZCnAgTmXsf2-rLkvtsTq0ho1zOs7VIvFVlznOqu5amomapljAR_eHQQIidQmTChDEExtgInRIsvkv16r_cVXkcrJPFkAsA5HUz_QPMjnx-821drUxHn0aaxh1p5Ac8LQgk9unyq/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLI_1nHZCnAgTmXsf2-rLkvtsTq0ho1zOs7VIvFVlznOqu5amomapljAR_eHQQIidQmTChDEExtgInRIsvkv16r_cVXkcrJPFkAsA5HUz_QPMjnx-821drUxHn0aaxh1p5Ac8LQgk9unyq/s640/009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The sleeves have a little cuff detail. I don't think I followed the directions exactly, partly because I couldn't really understand them and partly because I figured out how to do it myself. I love that little detail. <br />
<br />
<b>Product:</b> I love it, and it fits my daughter very well, with a little room to grow for the summer. It does look like it will be a little loose around the shoulders, and other Ravelers have commented as such. I don't think it will be a huge problem, though. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJxOeNumBZUe0rcV4mM_AkUAZRktPE99RjrzpfheqeaeVYkAOqvs67AYcuourhi_4YfwbTBVQOpX6-KNvoqaNkoknk_ZBkltNetkk30WgyJZJt-k8yOKsSdHE0Ez17pizT9XZVijbaFyp/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJxOeNumBZUe0rcV4mM_AkUAZRktPE99RjrzpfheqeaeVYkAOqvs67AYcuourhi_4YfwbTBVQOpX6-KNvoqaNkoknk_ZBkltNetkk30WgyJZJt-k8yOKsSdHE0Ez17pizT9XZVijbaFyp/s640/005.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>New techniques:</b> Mmm, none really. Asking my husband for button advice? Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5904663515811943524.post-91138547109600109952013-03-22T15:28:00.000-07:002013-03-22T15:28:14.325-07:00FO: New Look 6205I'm trying to make my daughter a few more things, especially sewn clothes, since sewing is so speedy (relative to knitting). I really don't care for so many of the children's clothes currently on the market. They all seem to be more appropriate for American Idol contestants than little kids--too much glitter and neon and sequins. I tend to like beautiful prints and unique colors and more classic shapes with slightly quirky color schemes. I love <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Girls-Clothing.html#nav">Boden</a>. <br />
<br />
So for Easter, I set out to make a Boden inspired dress. I used a quilting cotton I found on fabric.com, and <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-8602-childs-dress.aspx">New Look 6205</a>, which is a new pattern. Here is the result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb7B3jX-W-EH-YF_wtokJKZQLGwQjjRexJbqsxpZTRxRNVgksU0BQcepyuUz6QLKk0MfgMF1JfZp-6U_F2AwP8Hktp5cceuYU2pVxTgtrnsKho9PRms61ULEDlH-KjlITw-Mg5k1X6wAH/s1600/712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb7B3jX-W-EH-YF_wtokJKZQLGwQjjRexJbqsxpZTRxRNVgksU0BQcepyuUz6QLKk0MfgMF1JfZp-6U_F2AwP8Hktp5cceuYU2pVxTgtrnsKho9PRms61ULEDlH-KjlITw-Mg5k1X6wAH/s640/712.JPG" width="426" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a raglan sleeve dress with a pleated skirt. I liked that the pleats allowed for a fuller skirt without being gathered. The sleeves provided for a bit of coverage without being puffy. I love the pattern details and I love the resulting dress!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The process was a little weird. The bodice is lined, but the sleeves aren't! Because it's not really a full lining, you have to finish the neckline with bias tape. I'm not super experienced with lining garments, but this seems a little odd to me. Why not just figure out how to line the whole thing? I didn't really spend the time to figure it out myself, either. In fact, it was a little confusing how to sew the lining in. You sew it along the raglan seams, with the lining right side facing the sleeve wrong side and the bodice right side. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdwzYzeqiPKzPN_3LOu-EapbpK2AeIizud4JJU69s1IFEfuAXI4GQF2JKiCTzMuII3NDgkoeIhMomwKMPsDFpVDlRwsu-I-RX5JeGBZnjmMgWzRQLgIjrsn8V1nlcVhlXujhm3n3FKBlE/s640/717.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm trying to muster up the energy to repress that center pleat. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The directions called for sewing the skirt to the bodice and lining so the raw edges would be showing inside the garment. I thought that was a little silly, so I slip stitched the lining to the bodice/skirt seam allowance, and it looks clean and should feel comfortable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnI-Dc-0H8X1HPF9rbJxmhsZWAzBV_0B767xaZR5UB4BfhzF_f8HuLVGsQGU_V0heflVU51Y9Cw4bVpSoYMSa2oC2fm78pg0Lm_FfNUUEFaSu9CxxusUr9puBD7zvu9qNpHI443kNLlxO/s1600/718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnI-Dc-0H8X1HPF9rbJxmhsZWAzBV_0B767xaZR5UB4BfhzF_f8HuLVGsQGU_V0heflVU51Y9Cw4bVpSoYMSa2oC2fm78pg0Lm_FfNUUEFaSu9CxxusUr9puBD7zvu9qNpHI443kNLlxO/s640/718.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing I haven't figured out how to do is really finish the sleeve seams. These are two-piece sleeves so that you get a really nice curve on the top. But it seems like you'd need to clip the seams, which are then left raw because they aren't lined. How would you finish clipped seams? One on sleeve, I zig-zaged the seam allowance and then clipped notches. On the other, I clipped notches and then zig-zagged. I can't remember which one I liked better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also knit her a sweet little cardigan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7KyMPeg6FekNTWqZmJhOAr5QluX9YrlLxM_bX9VAKt8sVDlac1guVtwR5VviVrD_5S2z4K7MuGTHhaUOcyxIpwKHVZdEwpn0DsrIuTYIdcPXQie_Uyu8pr86t5Qx9BLIG8evDvgmNHop/s1600/720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7KyMPeg6FekNTWqZmJhOAr5QluX9YrlLxM_bX9VAKt8sVDlac1guVtwR5VviVrD_5S2z4K7MuGTHhaUOcyxIpwKHVZdEwpn0DsrIuTYIdcPXQie_Uyu8pr86t5Qx9BLIG8evDvgmNHop/s640/720.JPG" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's probably a little bit bigger than it needs to be, but then it will fit all summer. I still need to sew on buttons before I can call it done and write a review of it. Buttons will always be the death of me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5zEOYmUMRKbr82W7EsR0tMGLTOmtGmSH1vbbWjmvEulZNz5TYn_QpEk5ITsnkMVwEGgPgVKWdzTOP0mWhNL0rkmfg1oRVc7D-5DkBa1o1lKUSCphP3IrPmWn896r5kqeKgKcZ3pfzYXb/s1600/724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5zEOYmUMRKbr82W7EsR0tMGLTOmtGmSH1vbbWjmvEulZNz5TYn_QpEk5ITsnkMVwEGgPgVKWdzTOP0mWhNL0rkmfg1oRVc7D-5DkBa1o1lKUSCphP3IrPmWn896r5kqeKgKcZ3pfzYXb/s640/724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />I'm really excited for her to wear her new dress and sweater! Since she'll have to share attention with a baby soon, I wanted her to feel special in a new dress. She'll be three in a month, and she's really starting to get into telling people, "My momma made this for me!" So I might have the messiest house in the zip code, but hey, I made a cute dress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Meredithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852597527730995208noreply@blogger.com10