Perilous Pants Solution.. I think

In search of the right pants for my body shape, I've been working at sewing my pants. I've completed my first Fall pants in a brown suede microfiber, which has a tad bit stretch, and used New Look 6435 pattern, which consists of Pants, Bag, Jacket and Vest.

I cut for a size 16 and tweaked the pattern, which called for a front fly zipper and put the zipper along the side seam. I thought I could get away with not using the yoke, but the pants were fitting weird around the waist, so I put in the yoke and then scaled it down to about a half inch. By doing that it allowed for a better fit and prevented that look of an old woman with her waistband under her breast.

I'm slowly trying to understand my body shape and sew garments that compliment rather than offend....lol. I have a short torso and long legs... (please don't try to visualize that...lol) so with that I can appear appear stocky wearing pants with high yokes. By lowering the waistline of my pants I noticed that I achieved a longer and leaner look. Lastly, I finished the waist off by sewing a ribbon along the waist - I can't do without some type of embellishment....haha!

End result: The pants fit comfortable and compliments my body shape. The fabric is machine washable microfiber and perfect for dressy or casual wear.

Silent Scrapping!!!

Bike Brigade...

Yesterday we had our last cook-out to welcome Autumn and at one point I thought it was going to be a wash out. It was sunny and humid and then all of a sudden it became dark and started raining hard.

Just as quickly, the sky cleared up so the cook-out was still a go and it went into full swing. Everyone had a nice time filled with food and too much laughter... there were jokes all around no one was spared...lol. Our df did most if not all the cooking from oxtail, mac & cheese, burgers, hot dogs, shrimp to you name it... everyone was talking about how much they over ate. The chef was just too cool while cooking, check him out with his hand in one pocket and flipping burgers with the other...lol.

I also got the chance to wear my sheer top and snatched up my dd to take a pic...love it.

The funniest part of the night was when the kids wanted to ride bikes... there is a mad dash to the garage....lol. My daughter was like Maaaaa! who took my bike... give it back...lol. Everyone grabs a bike and start the inspection process, who needs air in their tires, handle bars adjusted and so on... its just too funny.

We are the bike stashers, when a child outgrows their bike or gets a new one the parents bring the bikes, scooters and skates to us and I think we're up to 6 or 7 bikes and about 4 scooters and who knows how many roller skates and rollerblades.... I've totally lost count...lol. I started reminiscing and realize how time flies when I see the kids trying to adjust the handle bars, b/c they've gotten so tall and hearing them say, oh... that used to be my bike or that's so and so's old bike. At some points even the parents get into the mix of adjusting and cleaning...lol. Lil Samantha was just too thrill to find her old bike and prepared to give it a good cleaning.

Lil Jr. was ready to get is ride on while the others fiddled with lil Samantha's bike

The the thrill was short lived... Lil Samantha was just too big for the bike and too small for the bigger bikes and boy-o-boy did she do a song and dance, crying and just crying. Dh went into the garage, where we have a host of scooters, which meant should couldn't ride with the other kids and had to settle for scooting around in the yard. That didn't sit to well with her so she just hung out with my dd, who decided not to go riding.

Did I say it was our last cook-out Wrong!!! everyone wants to do it again next week...lol

I Needed A Quickie

Arrived home yesterday from work bone tired and I'd be doggone if I was going to bed early. I sat in the kitchen for at least a half an hour debating if I had enough energy to cook dinner. Tuned into Oprah and at that point decided to cook while I checked out her show, which featured a novel from her book club, Middlesex. I will definitely add it to my must read list, which is about self-discovery, family secrets and an extraordinary genetic history. After that I was still exhausted although I'd hoped after cooking I would get a second wind. Determined not to go to bed early, I dragged myself upstairs and sat in my craft room, thinking whether I should work on Ruby or sew. Well, what came to mind was a quickie... that's what I needed and knew it would definitely perk me up. I pulled out my box of tricks and sifted through my lil trinkets and magazines to get something going.

Well this is my quickie .....

Pom-Pom Slippers...lol

I came across a Crochet Today! 2006 issue and decided the pom-pom slippers would be a great quickie. I used some worsted weight yarn and a H hook and crocheted away...lol. Perfect foot warmers... wished I had them last week when it was super chilly, but now I can put my flip flops away and enjoy these. I will definitely make a few more...lol

After that I was rearing to go and pulled out New Look Pattern 6435, which consists of Pant, Jacket, Vest and a Bag. I'm using a dark brown Suede Microfiber fabric and when I purchased this fabric my mind was set on making a jacket, but opted for making the pants instead.

I cut the pattern for a size 16 and followed this Pants Tips for a better fit. I am short waisted (I think that's the right term) and very rarely use the yoke that comes with a pattern. When I wear pants with a yoke it gives the appearance that my breasts are sitting on my waist...lol. I've read that its best to adjust fit along the side seams, but it doesn't work for me and I have to dabble with the center front or center back seam to get the right fit. This pattern calls for a front zipper, but I'll tweak it for a side zipper. Having the front free of a zipper and placed on the side gives me a slender look.

I may just have to go back and get some more of this fabric, b/c I still would like to make a jacket and bag. I've baste stitched it and tweaked the center back for a better fit and totally liking the feel and look of the fabric and hope to finish it this weekend.

Right side of fabric

Wrong side of fabric, which is just as nice...haha

Last but not least, I got my hands on some knit fabric in some nice colors especially the Coral Rose and Dark Rust... and looking to make a few tops.

These knit tops would be an added plus to my wardrobe

Enjoy your Weekend Alll!!

Casting-On, Sewing & Scrapping!!!

Hope all had a fantastic weekend. The temperature in New York was chilly, I had to pull out a sweater....lol.

After the Roulette project, I casted-on for another tank (yeah... I know another one...lol). I should've been casting on for a sweater b/c the chill was definitely on this weekend. I'm following the Ruby pattern by Saunshine. Go ahead and ask me... go ahead....

As for modifications, I went with Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy in Red Roses. Its considered a dk weight yarn, but to me its more like a fingering weight. Since the yarn is so thin, I casted-on for the XL for 5" and then continued the pattern for the Large size. I'm working this project in garter stitch instead of the St st. - I just love garter stitches. The back is nearly completed and can I say I'm liking the feel of it already and it has a nice drape and a tad bit of elasticity.

Ok onto the sewing front. I finally finished my sheer top using New Look 6571 and it was a total challenge and just glad its over with. This was my first time working with a sheer knit and learned how to work with one-way stretch and sewing in sleeves. I can't say how many times I baste stitched the sleeves backwards.... yike!!!

After finally getting the sleeves right everything else fell into place. The sleeves were 3/4 and I shortened them, and used bias tape to trim out the neck opening, sleeves and bottom of the blouse. Oh!! how could I forget, I also must be mindful of lining-up border prints. I tried it on and its a perfect fit, I need to find a navy blue body shaper, b/c of the super sheerness of the blouse...Whew!!! so glad its over...lol

Finally, I tried my hands at scrapbooking. Let me tell you, I spent a good hour trying to figure out what to use with my photo. I felt like a kid with too many toys and not sure which one to play with first. I couldn't believe I spent a whole hour working on it and then picked it up again the next day to add some more dodads, and to think I'm not finish.... this craft is contagious.....lol. I enjoyed it, and it provided a break from my other crafts. The family just peeked in on me and shook their heads... while saying.. what will she do next....lol.

Well that's all Folllllllllks....lol

Roulette

Yarn: Cashsoft 4Ply RYC by Rowan

Used: 3-1/3 skeins
Started: 9/ 3/07
Finished: 9/11/07

Details: 9-5-07 Post & 9-7-07 Post & 9-8-07 Post

I decided Roulette was appropriate for this tank, b/c I was definitely playing Russian Roulette while making it, using 2 different patterns...lol. Totally love it and ooohhh so soft. Here I am just returning home from work and grabbed my dd to take a pic.. lucky timing. I received several compliments on this tank, and man-o-man was I cheesing. It was a lil comical, b/c the compliments were "oh I really like that sweater with your suit and especially the holes..." In turn I responded oh the eyelet... why Thank You.....lol

Front

Back

Point of Return

I’d purchased several skeins of Ella Rae Amity worsted weight yarn (200yds) in a vibrant blue to do a cable sweater. My selection was based on reviewing several yarn shops, declaring that the yarn is wonderful for sweaters, cabled textured garments, colorwork, etc. Also, perfect for garments that can be washed & dried. As I casted-on I thought the yarn was a tad bit rough and figured once I start working it up for sure it wouldn’t feel so rough. (I just finished a cashmere/merino tank… could that be it!!! pics to follow).

Well after 4 rows… I’m not content.

At what point do you decide that the yarn you purchased is not working out for you and your intended project?

(A) Do you decide immediately after pulling the yarn out of the shipping package

(B) Do you decide after a few squeezes and a closer look at the color…?

(C) Do you decide after letting it lay around for a few days…?

(D) Do you decide after you’ve worked up the swatch…?

Sheer Learning...

In an attempt to get my sewing mojo back I decided to make a top and dived into pulling out a sheer fabric and began cutting and basting and then DUH!!! Clueless as to how to sew sheer fabric. So I surfed the net and took a chance and seamed up the sheer top with the following tips:

1- I used a standard universal point needle in a light to medium weight size and set the machine to the smallest stitch.

2- Used cotton/polyester thread.

3- Used hem tape simultaneously while sewing the seams together to stabilize the seam and prevent it from puckering.

Here is the top after completing the steps above and tried it on to ensure that the seams were tight. So far good.

I also added bias tape to the edging.

Now, I will attempt sleeves following Tany's instructions. Thanks

p.s. I need to learn how to use the serger feature on my sewing machine...lol

Sewing Divas Please Step Forward....

I need your expert opinions/suggestions.

I am working on New Look 6571 pattern, which consist of a dress, cami, skirt, top, and belt in sizes 8-18, I did size 14 in version D and using what I guess is a sheer novelty knit fabric. I managed to get the pattern cut, doubled the front pieces and baste stitched it together.

Question 1: What stitch setting would be best for this material.

Question 3: What could I do to strengthen the seams.

Question 4: What's the best way to do the sleeves.

Thank You.

A Hard Head Makes for A ...........

I'm always making more work for myself when I start using different sections from different patterns to make something....lol As hard as I try to follow a pattern something strikes me and I'm off ... totally detouring.

I decided I didn't want to go with the Prosperous Plum Tank armhole & neck shaping instructions and jumped over to the Cable Tank in Vogue Knitting and worked the armhole & neck shaping instructions for that pattern (minus the cables). So I started the instructions for that and was doing ok until the instructions called for work even on both sides at once until armhole measures 8". Then part way I realized I had too many darn needles and it was driving me crazy. After reading Christie's comment.... there was an epiphany!!!! So last nite I found a stitch holder and placed one strap on it and continued working the other strap... so much easier. Now if only I could just finish it.

I think I've learned by lesson...lol.

Oh No!!! there I go...Well maybe not a 100%... ummm what if I add sleeves to it ...ummm....lol

Thanks Everyone for your help.

Here it is on backwards...lol

DPNs, BOs & Holding Stitches… Whew!

Well I’m still working on my tank and I’ve managed to start the back armhole shaping. I knew there was a reason why I like to crochet the armholes and neck shaping, because knitting them is an acrobatic stunt…lol.

When I opt to crochet armholes and do neck shaping I just bind-off the whole project and pick-up stitches with my crochet hook and sail along from there… easy as pie. Well, I decided this project was going to be ALL about knitting and truly learning how to shape and bind-off strictly with knitting, so I started the bind-off to separate the back and front. After binding off the required stitches, for a nano-second I was stumped… then figured it out and moved on. (In the process I also learned why I kept ending up with purl stitches in my other projects when it should’ve been knit sts…)

Now, its time to continue armhole shaping and shape the neck simultaneously… What!!!! the X#$*^ - I was like oh darn… why didn’t I just do crochet....lol. After k 17 sts – attach 2nd ball and BO 26 center sts – k to end. I sat there staring at the garment saying now how in the world am I suppose to do all that….lol.

Again, I strained my brain and was like ok… add’l needles are in order... and pulled out my dpns. Mind you I still had my option needles dangling from the front section holding those stitches, and a dpn on each side of the back of the garment, and using straight needles to continue working the straps.

Please tell me there’s a better way!!!!!!
BTW... I tried it on and man-o-man... the yarn feels sooooo good against my skin and it miraculously fits well.

YO & K2TOG & CashSoft

I'd purchased 4 balls of Rowan Cashsoft yarn in Heather from Elann.com and started working it up Saturday night, in an attempt to make the Prosperous Plum Tank. I've gleamed knit lace projects and wondered how did they keep the holes from looking like mistakes, so I figured doing the PPT would answer my question, since it had a few rows of eyelet. I opted out of the picot trim and jumped right into knitting it. After the first of row of yo & k2tog, I became a lil worried... it was starting to look like a major mistake, but I immediately push the thought aside and continued on. After doing a few knit rows, I was like ooooh I like the eyelet... ummm let me see. As you will see, the 10" I've done so far doesn't resemble the project I had in mind. So I've foregone my initial intent and continued on between knitting rounds and eyelet rounds. I'll do another 2" inches of the knit/eyelet rounds and 3" inches of straight knitting then start shaping for the armholes/neck.
But can I also tell you about Cashsoft by Rowan, which is 57% Extra Fine Merino 33% Microfibre 10% Cashmere is so darn soft and its has a bounce to it. I was concerned initially that once I started working it up I would have lil fibers flouncing around me, but nope... I guess the acrylic microfibre keeps it in check. Cashsoft is also machine washable... I am so psyched about it ... well I need to do a lifeline to check the shaping and then move on to the finish line.

Have you worked with Rowan Cashsoft before and what did you like or dislike about it.

The Finish Line…

I’ve noticed a lot of knit garment edges are ribbed or allowed to curl. My last project was a simple tank and I opted for the curl but after wearing it, I realized I hate the curling. I was constantly pulling at the garment and at some point marched upstairs, pulled it off and ironed it flat, which lasted all of a minute and it slowly curled again.

Can we talk crochet…., ok don’t start…….. I’ve heard that some knitters will never allow crochet to mingle with their knitted garment, but I would just like to say, I love it. Using crochet to finish up my garments work better for me. I do crochet bind-off which is easier than the knit bind-off that often ends up tight and unsightly. Can I just say Crochet also helps in covering up the remaining woven in tails or loops left when different color yarns have been used, a row of crochet neatly finishes an exposed edge, and it helps hide imperfections.

With that said this Twisted Tank will get a dose of a crochet row.

What’s your take on this….?

Twisted Tank

For my next knit, I selected a project from Hip To Knit by Judith L. Swartz. Her book is a good choice for new knitters, which has basic knitting instructions throughout and a variety of projects from socks to sweaters in several styles. I followed the pattern for the Ribbed Ribbon Tank, and modified it by doing garter stitches, quasi cable and a racer back (let's just say I changed it all around..lol) and I crocheted the straps and racer back part. I used Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in perry primrose and love the way it works up. I also tried my hands at cables... its hard to see it and its more of a twisted/crooked cable than just a cable...lol. In the end this project was more about tension and I think I was able to work that out.