/scissor tote

I made a bag to carry more things I'm making!
Sadly, it's currently housing a freshly-frogged knitting project.

I bought this fabric more than a year ago at a local quilting shop with the intention to make a sewing/knitting/grocery bag, so of course, I just now made a sewing/knitting/grocery bag.
Why I hadn't spared the 30 minutes before I do not know!

Thought I would at least show this bag a little respect by photographing it and giving it a humble little post after ignoring the poor fabric like that.

Here's to you, cute scissor quilting cotton!

/geo archer

Oh, I'm so excited to have sewn something for myself! I really couldn't have picked a better project than Grainline's Archer. The fit is perfectly relaxed (I can't stand fitted women's button-ups), and the pattern is so expertly done. Big time kudos to Jen.

Maybe too psyched about this shirt? Nope, impossible.

I was originally planning to make view A (plain back), because I'm not really a flouncy kind of gal. But as soon as this super soft, drapey cotton arrived, the decision was made for me. It was begging for the gathered tail. I think it hangs quite nicely, even if it's a little weird with this print.

Note: After applying that last link I realized that I used the exact same adjectives as Mood... ACCURACY!

Aside from that huge decision between views A & B, I made no alterations whatsoever!
Now for an Archer dress, short-sleeved Archer, plaid flannel Archer...

/tee time

Last month I bought a coverstitch machine, so I had been clamoring to work with knits!
First, I made a long comfy skirt that makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket. Very good.

Next, I had to assess my tee shirt collection. This made me come to the realization that I tend to keep tee shirts to a point where it's probably not socially acceptable, complete with holes and other nasty things (I'm talking pit stains, people). So, it was high time I put together a couple of tees. I used Sewaholic's Renfrew pattern, and am super happy to have new staples to wear to death!

This was my first experience with a Sewaholic pattern, and I thought it was really nicely done.

It does fit a bit loose, so for the striped version, I made a size smaller.

 

Just a couple of minor changes to the pattern: 

• omitted the sleeve & hem bands and used the new coverstitch machine (!) to hem.
• lengthened the black version a few inches to compensate for taking out the band.
• added one length of twill tape all along the shoulder seams and back neck before sewing the sleeves on.

 

 

I saw Morgan at Crab & Bee's lined wool version of the Renfrew just after I finished these two, and am inspired to make a sweatshirt version (with more alterations, to be sure). With plenty more knits in my fabric collection, I'm wondering if anyone out there has a fave knit pattern that they wear all the time? In the mean time, I'll be working on some of my own!

/Christmas hats

Well, hello!

It's a new year, but I am far from being caught up on the blog with all of my finished projects from 2012. For shame.

I'm continuing to knit, but have little to show for it- both of these hats were gifts.

I've also finished one sock and am about halfway done with a really pretty cowl and yes, I know that's a terrible story. (And a terrible run-on sentence.)

I made this hat for a handmade Christmas exchange party my friend Lauren hosted. I was pretty excited when it became the only gift to reach the steal limit. :) I momentarily considered stealing it too, but think that would have been against the rules.

Anyway if you want to practice cables, this pattern is the perfect way to do it!

Oh, I love this hat, and hope I get to make another for myself SOON!
This one was for my uncle, who is a fisherman. It suits him very well!
The pattern is Declan's Hat by Samantha Kirby.

Wait. I just realized I'm using the brown yarn I had wanted use for this hat on my cowl.

Good thing I also bought this yarn in black!
And burnt orange!

Yikes.
I think this is becoming a problem...

/diagonal pullover

I finished my diagonal pullover a few weeks ago and have worn it a few times. It's just alright. I sort of knew all along that I probably needed to make it a size larger to get the oversized look I like so much.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to block it a little larger, but really have no idea if that will work with this yarn. (Suggestions?)
Another thing; the sleeves are a little short. Since I naturally push everything with long sleeves up near my elbows, I'm considering adding ribbed cuffs to facilitate this and solve the scant sleeve problem.

Oops. I just realized that it's super annoying when a blogger goes on about everything that's wrong with something they just finished when they should usually be giving themselves a pat on the back!

What I do love about this sweater is the way it seams together like it's on the bias. That aspect combined with the drape of the yarn make it pretty enjoyable to wear. I would definitely consider making another sweater in this yarn (Lion Brand Cotton Ease) because it washes easily, is affordable and I am sensitive to wool.
And it's all knit in one piece, making it the perfect beginner's sweater.
I am truly a sweater beginner and never imagined I'd have the patience to finish something like this. (I started it a while ago!) It's a good feeling!

Nigel likes to interrupt when the timer is ticking and I just can't ignore him. This is the only candid shot I don't look terrifyingly insane in.