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09/28/2007

I can sew!

This is the first sewing project I'm really excited about--it came out perfectly! 

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Pattern: Simplicity 3835 (a Built by Wendy pattern)
Fabric: Cotton eyelet from Hobby Lobby
Notes: When I saw Earthchick's version, I knew I had to make this top.  It's really a great pattern for a new-ish sewer and Earthchick gives some helpful tips if you're just starting out.  I wore it to work today and got several compliments (before they even knew that I made it).  And the fact that one edge of this fabric is already finished makes it so much easier too!

Not much else is going on, so I'll leave you with a cute cat photo.

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Awwww.  And yes, that is a kitty sleeping bag.  :)

19:03 Posted in Sewing | Permalink | Comments (10) | Email this

09/21/2007

Yarn Harlot

So I'm a bit late in posting this, but as you may know, the Yarn Harlot was in Houston (technically Spring) this past Tuesday.  Liz was kind enough to invite me along and Susan was fabulous and drove us up there.  It was a great time! Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures (even though I had my camera) but here's one courtesy of Liz:

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Isn't Liz's Venezia sweater amazing?  Stephanie seemed very impressed.  Oh how I wish I could do colorwork!

I've also finished something else:

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Pattern: Topi from Knitty
Yarn: Filtes King Kim (1.5 balls for the size M)
Time to Complete: Not sure, I had to start over at some point and lost track
Notes: This is a simple, fun pattern.  I made it for a friend who claimed he had a huge head, so I made the large.  He tried it on and it was way too big, so I had to rip out most of it and went down to a medium.  I'm still not sure if it will fit him, but it seems much more reasonably sized now!  Gauge may have also been an issue. :) Since the above picture isn't too interesting, my husband kindly offered to model the hat for me:
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Looks more like a hat, no?

I wouldn't expect so many FOs from me in the next few posts--I've cast on for the Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt from Interweave Knits Summer 07.  It's slow going, so I may do a few smaller projects at the same time to relieve the boredom of all that stockinette.

19:35 Posted in Finished Objects | Permalink | Comments (7) | Email this

09/17/2007

Butterfly

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Pattern: Butterfly Dress from Romantic Style (also in Rowan 37)
Yarn: Dance Handpainted Silk from The Sanguine Gryphon in a custom color (less than 3 skeins)
Time to Complete: August 21 - September 15, 2007
Notes:
  • The pattern in Romantic Style is for a dress only, while the original pattern in Rowan 37 is for a dress or tank, I believe.  I simply shortened the dress pattern to make mine a tank top. 
  • The yarn works perfectly for the pattern--it's a gorgeous color and so light and delicate.  I'm afraid that it may stretch a bit, but I figure I can always shorten the straps if needed.
  • The lace chart in the book is really not well written.  It's very tiny and for some reason uses shaded squares so it's horrible to try to read.  I re-wrote it on some chart paper and it was much easier to follow.  I also re-wrote the chart to eliminate yo's on the beginning and end of rows.  And, I knit it in the round to avoid seaming.
  • What do you all think?  Does the nude-colored camisole work underneath it?  I was wondering if I should try a maroon camisole instead.
  • Contrary to what the picture above may lead you to believe, I really do like it!  Here's a picture that better describes my feelings:
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20:40 Posted in Finished Objects | Permalink | Comments (18) | Email this

09/08/2007

Sahara & Le Slouch

I should just call this my Knit and Tonic post, since both patterns are by Wendy.

Le Slouch side

Le Slouch

Pattern: Le Slouch (PDF download)
Yarn: Araucania Nature Cotton (a little less than 1.5 skeins)
Time to Complete: A week or two
Notes: I'm not big on hats, but I really like this one!  I would have liked to make it a bit more slouchy, but I ran out of yarn (I was using leftovers from the Options Tank).  I somehow messed up the decreases on the crown, but I didn't bother to fix it because it works just fine and no one should be able to tell.

Sahara front

 Sahara

Pattern: Sahara
Yarn: Elann Pegasus (8 balls)
Time to Complete: July 30 - August 20, 2007
Notes: I'm not entirely happy with this, but that's mostly because of my poor choices.  I was in between sizes, so I picked the size S when I probably should have knitted a size M (especially with my slightly different gauge).  I did make adjustments so that it would fit better around the hips (several extra increases there) but in order to fit my bust I had to do an extra center lace repeat.  It's not really a big deal, it just means the lace panel is a bit wide on mine.
     I also made the armholes bigger because they seemed way too small when I was knitting, but it turns out I didn't have to make them as big as I did.  Because of that, the sleeves are a little funny looking.
     But overall, it's definitely wearable.  The Pegasus ended up being pretty comfortable, and I love the color (Strawberry Ice).  Next post, I hope to have at least one more FO! :)

 

14:22 Posted in Finished Objects, Project Spectrum | Permalink | Comments (8) | Email this

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