Thursday, July 26, 2012

Fall Vogue Patterns Picks

Oh my, could the Vogue patterns for fall be any more awesome??

Here are the ones I actually think I might buy and make:

Suddenly I am wanting tunics over leggings, which means the look must be totally going out of style
1315 has an interesting neck detail and cool pockets.


I am predicting that 1314 will be very popular.  Perfectly flattering rouching and how can a jersey dress look so sophisticated?

1317... sigh... so fabulous.
I do NOT need any more church dresses, but I have no doubt I will give in.

8825 could be another tunic option.  It would be really nice and cozy in wool jersey... not that I need cozy in Florida.

I really like 8827, view B (not modeled in the photos), but it's yet another dress I don't need.  We need more sportswear patterns, people.

8833 looks like a really cute shirt I used to have, and it's sportswear!

The pants in 8837 have my attention.  I just may try them out.  They could work under my tunics.

8839 looks like a great sweatshirt substitute.
Ok that's it for me!  Did I miss any you love?

Friday, July 20, 2012

Louisa from French Girl Knits

I made this little sweater while on vacation in PA last month.  The pattern, Louisa from French Girl Knits, is actually for a tunic, but I only got two big skeins of this lovely hand dyed yarn, so it's just a little top for me. 
My yarn and gauge was totally different from the model, so I calculated my stitches as best I could, changing my counts a bit to account for the lace pattern. I do wish it was a hair bigger (especially the sleeves) and longer, but I have worn it three times already, so the fit is definitely not keeping me from wearing it.

This was amazingly quick to knit, and I would love to make another in the tunic length and gauge suggested. 
 I just wove a little navy ribbon through the neckline that I found in my mom's stash.  I keep meaning to look for a little velvet ribbon or something a bit more fancy when I go out, but I haven't remembered yet.
The yarn is Madeline Tosh DK in cobalt, 100% superwash merino.  I find the lacey pattern makes it quite comfy in the AC even in the Florida summer. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Butterick 5285

Here is my first Butterick 5285.  I don't think it will be my last.  This is the swishy, but unbulky skirt I've been looking for!  I like the recent trend to full skirts, but a gathered skirt just isn't my best look.  I'm a bit thick through the middle after two kids, and I like my tummy as streamlined as possible. 


I also like how the large pleats let you use a large panel of fabric, which is perfect for a large print like this.

The fabric is a linen from Sawyer Brook, but it's sold out now.
Showing you the waistband - it's just a narrow, straight band.
The pattern called for a big hook/bar closure at the waistband, but I couldn't find one and was impatient, as usual, so I popped on a nice button.  I LOVE how the pleats cover up the zipper area and match the front.
Did I mention I got a pretty serious hair chop? 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Linen Print Skirt

I don't have modelled photos yet since I just hemmed this baby about 15 minutes ago, but I'm super excited to have finished this skirt (the last for a while, I promise).  Butterick 5285 was great for this huge print since I didn't have to break it up with different pieces, but it's not bulky and gathered at the waist.


Friday, July 13, 2012

Still here

I went on a glorious 3 1/2 week vacation to see my parents and sisters and their families.  It was great, but now back to reality (and potty training).  I actually did a bunch of sewing and knitting over the past month, some photographed, but most not (and now given away to nieces), so I have some catching up to do.