Have Sewn, But Not Ready to Post Yet.

I have sewn a burda sheath dress. I only have to hem the lining and hand stitch it to the garment lining. I am going to start on a jacket next. So I haven't been slacking. Hopefully I will be able to post pictures soon. I am also try my hand at my first knitting project. Measuring the yarn so that you have enough working yarn to cast on with a little more time consuming. In crocheting don't have to measure just start crocheting, LOL.
Well back to the measuring.
Keep on sewing

Knitting- Why Did I Wait So Long To Learn How?

It has been a while since my last post. I wasn't feeling the best. But during my down time I did purchase Boye's I Taught Myself Knitting.  I couldn't believe how easy it was. For some reason I thought that knitting was difficult. I guess because of the two needles. I am a crocheter and was use to the hook. But within a few days I had learned to do a garter st, a stockinette st, and even a simple cable stitch. I kicking myself for not taking the plunge last year. Yesterday, I was browsing Knitpicks a now spinning has caught my eye. I will have to do some research. It seems interesting.

On the sewing front I am in the planning and gather stage for some fall garments. I am ready to get back to it.
Question: What are the best books for beginner knitters to have? Your suggestion will be appreciated.

It Could Have been a Contender.....

This top taught me to never rush a project for you are garuanteed to mess it up,LOL! Pattern Description: Misses Knit Tops. I made view E.




Pattern Sizing:4-16. I sewed a 16.



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes!



Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes!



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like this top very much I had already sewn view D.



Fabric Used: A heather grey cotton rib knit.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:My usual swayback and lower the waist at the front. I was trying to get this finished before heading to Chicago that I forgot to stablize the neckline and shoulders. I didn't realize it not until I try it on and there was a gap at the neck in back. I tried to fix the problem by resewing the center back seam eliminating 1 inch and that is when I realized that I did not stablize the neck line. OOPS!



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I will not sew this again. I have already made two tops from this pattern and I have many more that I want to sew.



Conclusion: Great easy top. Just remember to stablize the neck line.

I'm Seeing Dots- Simplicity 2369

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dress in two lengths or tunic and pants. I made the dress view A.



Pattern Sizing:Misses sizes 8-16. I sewed a size 16



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes! I am the one wearing the polka dot dress.



Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes!



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I loved everything about this pattern. I had previously made the tunic and wanted a wrap dress.



Fabric Used:Polka Dot Ity jersey form Fabric.com



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:My usual swayback adjustment and Lowered the waist in front.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes I would recommend this pattern.



Conclusion: I wore this dress on a quick trip to chicago. It was perfect for the weather.

New Look 6735- Skirt

Pattern Description:

Misses Cardigan, top, pants, and skirt.

Pattern Sizing:size 10 -22. I sewed a size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?I did not follow them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?It is such an easy pattern to whip up. I love the fit of the skirt. It has a swingy effect.

Fabric Used:Vera Wang poly knit from Fabric Mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:None. Perfect fit right out of the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes it will be one of my TNT patterns.

Conclusion: Great skirt for beginners. And great wardobe builder.

PR:S2369

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dress in two lengths or tunic and pants. I made the tunic view C.

Pattern Sizing:Misses sizes 8-16. I sew a size 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes. I made an unintentional gathering effect at the neck line because the band did not stretch all way to the end of the neckline, but it did not ruin the overall look. I wore it Sunday June 27, 2010 and it fit well.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I liked the wrap detail. It gave the tunic a classy look.

Fabric Used:Vera Wang poly knit from Fabric Mart.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:Lovered the waist both in front and back and did a swayback adjustment.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes I would recommend this pattern to others. I already have the dress veiw A waiting to be sewn.

Conclusion: Great dressy top.

Just Checking In

I just wanted to do an update on my progress with Simplicity 2369. So far I have cut out view C the tunic. And I cut out New Look 6735 view E the skirt. Next on the cutting table view A  the dress of Simplicity 2369. Hopefully, there will not be anymore distractions of the unwanted kind to interfere with my progress. This weekend and part of next week will be entirely for sewing.
Stay motivated and Keep sewing!

Motivated and Loving It!

I have truely fallen in love with sewing. I am no longer just planning to sew but I am accomplishing my goals and have had a few projects to show for it. The only way I can grow in my sewing is to SEW! And that what I intend on doing. Nothing can stop me now! When I want something new to wear I am going to sew it.  Currently what I want now is a new dress.  I am tracing Simplicity 2369 views A dress and C tunic.

What a great pattern.  Stay motivated and Keep Sewing!

The Angelic White Top- New Look 6940

The pretty white knit fabric made me go ahhhh as I sewed this easy top.

Pattern Description: Misses knit tops with sleeve variations and one with a tie. I sewed view D.

Pattern Sizing:4-16. I sewed a 16



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.



Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes. I barely refered to them.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I loved everthing about this pattern. Especially the flutter sleeves.



Fabric Used: Novelty Knit fabric from FashionFabricsClub.com



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I lowered the front waist and did a swayback alteration.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I am plannning to sew view E later, but there are a few other patterns that are calling out to me.



Conclusion: A beautiful and easy top to dress up or down.

Cowl Neck T- V8634

Pattern Description:


Close fitting pullover tops.A,B,C in two lengths. A:short sleeves. B:three quarter length sleeves. C:long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:xs-sm-med. I sewed a med.(14-16)



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes.



Were the instructions easy to follow?Very easy. The instructions were only one page long.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I loved the cowl collar. It gave the top a nice detail.



Fabric Used:

Rayon Lycra jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:Lowered the waist and did my usual swayback alteration.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I would sew it again in the future,but there are many more patterns. that I want to sew.I definitely recommend this pattern.



Conclusion: Another quick and easy top to build a wardobe.

My Signature Style

The Spiegel Signature Style quiz was on target. I took this quiz twice and the result was the same both times.

Your Signature Style is: Simple Chic



Simplicity is more than just your style, it's your approach to life. You firmly believe that it's better to have one perfectly beautiful piece you can wear for years than a closet full of "almosts". Quality rules in your world. The trends of the moment may interest you, but they never determine your choices. And that applies to more than just fashion. You are selective and deliberate in all your decisions. The saying "less is more" could have been written for you.



These Luxury Fabric Collections would be perfect for you:

Stretch Sateen, Stretch City Twill, Ponté Knit
Take the quiz yourself. When you do you will be entered into their Dream Getaway Contest.

The Zebra Print Top-New Look 6729

Pattern Description: Misses knit tops. I sewed view B.

Pattern Sizing:6-16. I sewed a size 16



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?yes



Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love how easy it was to sew. And the cross over front w/ tie end gave the top interest.



Fabric Used:Zebra print poly-lycra knit.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I have to lower the waist and make a swayback adjustment.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I would recommend it. But there are many more patterns that I am eager to sew.



Conclusion: Great top to add to any wardrobe.

Burda WOF 04-2008-131 and How I Wore it.

Pattern Description: A elastic six panel skirt.

Pattern Sizing:44-52



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes!



Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I liked the ease of sewing. Just six simple panels.



Fabric Used:A floral Ity jersey with beautiful turquoise,green, black, and white colors.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Most definitely. I looking for more skirt fabric now.



Conclusion: A great easy pattern for making summer skirts.
This is what I wore my skirt with: A Turquoise leather jacket and black tie knot jersey sleeveless top  that I already in my wardrobe on Sunday April 25,2010. The weather was rainy and cool. The perfect weather to get a final chance to wear my jacket before the summer heat.

I couldn't resist...

Just the other day I said I would not buy any more patterns. Then, today when I read my emails there was an ad fromMcCalls pattern with a Big Sale of the Season. Patterns on all three sites for $2.99. I caved, because there was a top pattern that I wanted. I did very good. I only purchased two patterns. But I am officially on a pattern diet. no more patterns. I must sew what I have.
Now it on to the fun part (and sometimes frustrating part) purchasing fabric.

New Look 6838

Pattern Description: Knit tops and pants




Pattern Sizing:

XS-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes



Were the instructions easy to follow?I read them,but I did not follow them. Wendy Mullins book Sew U Home Stretch was a great help.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I like the easy to sew nature and the shape of this boatneck shell. I suggest wearing this with a clear bra strap because the boat neck will show your bra straps.



Fabric Used:Ivory cotton lycra knit



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No changes.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?As for now no, but maybe in the future. I highly recommend this for beginners.



Conclusion: A great shell to wear under jackets!

New Look 6922 Modified

Pattern Description: wardobe pattern consisting of cardigan,pants,top, and dress

Pattern Sizing:10-22



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?I modified it.



Were the instructions easy to follow?I did not use them. Instead I follow the tip for sewing knits in the Wendy Mullin book Sew U Home Stretch.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I love the simplicity of the cardigan.



Fabric Used:cotton jersey



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I cut a size 14 and graded to a 16, but after some fitting I do believe I end up with a complete size 14. I also did not have enough material for the facing and collar because I had to match stripes,so I added a ruffle around the entire neckline, front, and hem of the cardi. I saw this treatment done on some cardi on HSN.



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Definitely! I am planning to make the short sleeved cardi view B in a white cotton jersey.



Conclusion: Great for a light jacket and to wear as part of a suit for summer.

I've Been Sewing!

I have been at my machine working on a cardi and a top. It felt good to be back sewing and I am planning already what will be next. I will try to have photos by the weekend. I like playing with fabric, LOL

Enter to Win One of Two Janome Sewing Machines

Click here to enter the contest on the new website DIY Dish. You can win a Janome sewing or embroidery machine. There are many ways to enter: sign up for the free newsletter, tweet about DIY Dish, or join them on Facebook, just to name a few. This website is hosted by twins Kris and Kim. They will be doing Youtube vidoes on a variety of diy projects. We can never get enough info on crafting. So go ahead and check out he site and enter to win!

Finished Object: The Cable Hat

Here it is the Cabled Hat. Here is a picture of me wearing the hat. You can see my forehead, LOL! Well that's it for hats. I did three this winter and I am proud of that. Now I'm going to try my hand at knitting with a crochet hook. I purchased the book Knit 1, Purl 1 in Crochet by Bendy Carter from Annies Attic. Bendy Carter has designed a way to use a crochet hook to get a knitted fabric. So far I have learned the slingshot method of casting on and binding off. I have not made any of the swatches yet. As I learn I will give more details.

On the sewing front,

I have purchased Wendy Mullins' Sew U Home Stretch from Half.com. I wanted to get better results when working with knits. For Spring I plan on doing an all knit wardobe. I have the patterns picked and have been purchasing fabric and I am also using knits that I have stashed. I brought three patterns during the $3.99 sale on McCalls Pattern. I got V1165, V8634, and V8194. I feel my sewing mojo trying to make a comeback.

Until next time, Happy sewing

Oh the Texture!

Here is a pic of my Cloche Hat from the Crochet for Dummies how-to book. This is a great book for beginners to have in their libraries. It explains everything one needs to know about crochet in a humorous and clear tone. I am always turning to this book when I'm crocheting. The second pic is the original model from the book.

WIP: The cable hat is about 50 percent done. Here's a peek at what I have done so far. Love the texture and the color is perfect for it!

Happy crocheting!

What I Been Up to Lately

Well I have been busy crocheting. I can't get enough. I am working on another hat project from Ravelry no less. It's another cable hat. I love the texture of this hat. I also did a cloche hat from the Crochet for Dummies book. I'll have to upload a photo soon.
I haven't been sewing but I have started planning what to sew. I thinik I want start with something quick just to get the mojo going. I love the new update the McCall pattern Co. has made to their sites. Coooool!!!
Oh, I have to give kudos to Crochetme on their site update. It's also gets a Coool rating.
Well, am going back to my cable hat. It's calling me.
Happy crocheting!