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!