September Morn

Nope, it's still July, but here's another Doris Chan design - September Morn - a quick and easy little topper just right for layering over those summer tank tops. Crocheted in a very vintage stash yarn (yay, using stash yarn!) called Silky Look DK by Sirdar. And yes, that just might be a little advertising hype - Silky Look - um, no -- it looks perfectly fine, but bears little resemblance to silk. Pattern calls for Cotton Classic lite (light?), which makes perfect sense as it's from Tahki, but using a slightly heavier yarn seemed to do OK, and -- bonus points -- I was able to make a smaller size.

Onward towards autumn -- next up, from Knitscene magazine (Winter/Spring 2011) Papeline Pullover knit in Rowan Calmer -- now there's a yarn that lives up to its name! Details later, along with more Australian pattern fun!

Sewing -- Australian style

It's hot, it's muggy, and sometimes you just need some quick and easy projects that don't involve loops of wool. I've been spending some time up in the sewing room lately, trying out some patterns from a new(ish) Australian pattern company -- Style Arc.

It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that I've tried just about every basic slacks pattern from (most) of the major pattern companies, plus several of the independent ones. Time after time I've been disappointed in the fit, and even extensive tweaking and re-doing hasn't given me a pair of trousers I would want to wear in public -- until now. I don't know what magic those folks are employing, but finally, slacks that fit! Of course, living half a world away means high postage fees, and Style Arc patterns are only available in one size per pattern instead of the multi-size patterns we've grown used to, but sewists -- PANTS THAT FIT (that's huge).

Of course, the full pattern line contains lots of things besides pants -- like an almost instant knock-off of the famous Pippa's bridesmaid's dress from the recent royal wedding -- and besides two different pants patterns (Linda and Katherine)I've also sewn the Creative Cate cowl neck top, and the Cruise Club Kim sundress (all photos below). I can't help myself though -- pants that fit -- I'm still reeling!