Mystery Hat

I knitted this hat in the recent past.  I only cast off about a week ago, but I cannot find or remember the pattern!  I know it was in one of my (too many) knitting books, a fairly recently purchased one, I think.  Ususally I keep the book out long enough to write the blog post. 

So, what I'm trying to say is this is my new hat.  I hope you like it, but I can't tell you where to find the pattern to make your own.  I'll update in approximately 20 minutes when I'm sure it will appear. 

The yarn?  Well, the ball band I reserved seems to be in hiding with the pattern.  It's some type of lovely wool/silk blend, I believe, also purchased fairly recently.  The moral of this story is:  blog while you block.  :-)

I felt super silly taking a pic of this with my tee shirt on, so I popped on this denim shirt for fall flavor.  It was about 95 degrees out on the porch, though, so forgive my forced smiles.

Oh, and my photo editing software isn't working.  I should just go back to bed.

 

Edit:  Found it!  It's the Starflower Hat from Textured Stitches by Connie Chang Chinchio! 

Vogue 8766

First off, thanks so much for the nice comments on my recent skirt and sweater.  They really make my day.  :-)  I also appreciate the compliments on my short hair.  It's a cut I've been wanting to try for about a decade but always chickened out.  Now that I did it, I LOVE it, but I do know I'll get bored with it very quickly and will grow it out again.  It is so fun and easy for the summer, though.

So it has been what? about three weeks since I've posted a sewing project?  I hang my head in shame.  Well, I finally got around to hemming this dress for church yesterday.

Pretty sure this is NOT a fair depiction of my hair color.

The pattern is Vogue 8766, kind of a combination of views plus some changes made by me.

The inspiration was a cotton boatneck dress my sister wore during our vacation.  I think this pattern is a pretty close match to the style. 

I started by making the neckline wider/straps narrower.  After assembling the bodice, I found it was a little short waisted for my taste, so I added a band.  I also had to let out the side seams quite a bit toward my waist, but lets not discuss that.  The final adjustment was hiking up the shoulder seams about an inch.  Sheesh.  Next time, I'll know what changes to make when cutting.  Of course, all these little nips and tucks would have been avoided by making a muslin...

The fabric is (don't roll your eyes too much) a decorator cotton from a local fabric store by my parents' house.  I can't help myself.  I fell in LOVE with the print.  It behaved a lot like a bottomweight cotton, I think.  Quite suitable for this style.

Thanks for checking out my newest dress.  :-)  I'll be back soon with progress on a baby quilt (not for me, I assure you).

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?

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. 

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? 

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.

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.