Dusting off the hooks...

...to make a cute little shawlette/scarf.  Sprout Chains Shawlette, by Kristin Omdahl, from her book "Crochet So Fine" -- has recently been available as a free download from Interweave in a grouping called "5 Free Crochet Shawl Patterns".

The yarn is Soie Bambu from Elann -- not sure if it's available anymore, I was using up the remainder of a cone from another project.

Here's a closer look at the little flower border --

It was a quick and fun little project.  I thought all the chain stitches would get boring, but surprisingly it didn't.  So, one partial cone removed from the yarn stash, a million more to go.  OK, that might be a slight exageration, but sadly not by much.


Of course, there has been a little sewing too -- just had to jump on the maxi bandwagon.  I doubt I would wear one enough to go to the store and buy one, but sew one?  Sure!

Fabric is an ITY knit from Fabric Mart, pattern is Cruise Club Kim from my favorite independent pattern company Style Arc.  I lengthened the pattern by about 12 inches, and widened it a bit at the bottom for more walking ease, but other than that it's straight out of the pattern envelope. 

Belting It Out

Our local ASG Neighborhood Group has an incredibly talented member, JoLee, who does wonderful things with men's ties.  So, inspired by her, I'm always on the lookout for new ideas to turn unwanted ties into nice accessories.

One of the sewing blogs I follow, Rhonda's Creative Life, had directions for a simple belt made from two men's ties that seemed like it would work well for me.  Instead of having the belt tie, I decided to cut it down and use skirt/pant hook fasteners (2) to keep things closed and looking more streamlined.

I stitched the two ties together as per Rhonda's instructions, added a decorative button, then shortened it to my waist size and added the fasteners.  Done!

I like a plainer belt, but the possibilities for embellishment are endless.  A very nice re-purposing I think, thank you Rhonda!

Style Arc Karen

Whether you call them walking shorts, city shorts, or even Bermuda shorts -- sometimes you want shorts that keep you cool in hot temperatures, but are just a bit more conservative in length.  Style Arc to the rescue!  You've really got to love a company that not only has well drafted, nicely fitting styles that are fun to sew, but also is so responsive to their customer's needs.   A casual mention to designer Chloe that such a style would be nice to have -- and voila!

Pattern:  Style Arc Karen Walk Shorts, available in Australian RTW sizes 6 - 30.  Longer leg length (approximately 10 inches in my size), with a lower rise and wide waistband.  Optional belt loops and back welt pockets (which I didn't sew in this version).  Made from a cotton/Lycra twill from Fabric Mart.

This is a pattern that will be sewn up again and again.