Raindrop Cardigan from Textured Stitches

I recently finished the Raindrop Cardigan from Connie Chang Chinchio's Textured Stitches book.  This is a great pattern.  The finished cardigan fits well.  I wish I'd made the sleeves about 2" longer or shorter, but it's not a big deal.  I have super long arms, so I'm used to scrunching up sleeves.

I chose a 100% pima cotton to knit this to keep it from being too warm for Florida.  The weight turned out perfect for our cooler days, but I do have some trouble getting the collar to behave without the body of a wool.  Just something to think about.

Here is my Ravelry post.

Spring henly blouse

I finished up my new spring-y blouse just in time for a cold snap.  Oh well. :-) I used a button-down blouse pattern but modified it so much that it's hardly worth linking.  I'm really happy with how this turned out.  I see myself wearing it a lot when the weather gets hot. Fabric is Cindy from Sawyer Brook.

Chanel inspiration

I kind of love the proportions of these Chanel outfits.  The short boxy tops over the sleeker dresses and skirts.  It seems harder and harder to find a unique idea that isn't butt-ugly, so a pat on the back for Karl Lagerfeld.  (I'm sure he needs my pats for his ego.)  I'm thinking of ways to create something similar.  I'd leave off the couture fanny pack and knee pads, though...

Chanel Spring 2014, all photos from style.com

Cotton Gauze Blouse

Here is a peak at my current project, a pretty blouse made from this cotton gauze.  I am using the same pattern as my recent plaid shirt but made many modifications.

I started out by making a bunch of little pleats for the yoke before cutting out the yoke pieces.

I made quite a bit of progress the past few evenings.  It's hard to see with the busy print, but tonight, I stitched up the placket and band collar and added the buttons and buttonholes.

Blue Plaid Button Down

You know, I haven't posted anything in over 2 months.  I can now finally accept that I will never be an awesome blogging superstar.  I don't have the stamina or energy or something to keep up with it for a length of time.  No matter how many resolutions I make to do better, I just don't.  So be it.  I'll keep posting when I feel like it.  :-)

Here is my most recent project, a button down shirt with contrast floral facings for a little fun.

I used McCalls 6167 as a starting point, but the final shirt looks very little like the pattern.  I added a separate button band and modified the shape to be a standard shirt.  Basically, I had this pattern on hand and didn't want to buy a new one, so I worked with what I had. :-)

It's nice and versatile, looking nice with a sweater and jeans or with rolled-up sleeves and shorts.  Forgive me for the shorts picture - we had a beautiful Saturday here in Florida.  :-)

I am very pleased with how this turned out.  I used a super lightweight fusible interfacing for the button bands and collar, and it gives just enough crispness to the collar for it to stand up.


The fabrics are both from Sawyer Brook - Blueberry Plaid and Maddie.