Celeste

I saw several versions of this Merchant & Mills Celeste top on Instagram and thought it would be a good pattern to try with some lighter weight cotton shirting I had. This was my first go at a M&M pattern and I looked forward to trying it out. 

I was hoping for a transitional top that would work with high waisted slacks or jeans and look casual, but a step up from tees. I changed a couple of things from the pattern - as you do - but I think the pattern works well for what I was searching for. 

Since this is for wearing in slightly cooler weather the first change was swapping out the pattern’s short sleeves. I like the look of fuller sleeves, so I grafted the bishop-styled sleeve bottom from NewLook 6010 onto the sleeve cap of the Celeste. I guess it could be called a ‘cheat’, but I figure why re-invent the wheel? And, although I wanted this top for wearing with high waisted bottoms, I really don’t like tops that are too short so I added about 1 1/2”/3.8 cm length to the bodice. I thought about cutting the waistband on the bias for some added interest, but it’s quite long and didn’t fit well on the yardage I had. Everything else was as per the pattern. I’m happy with the results & look forward to wearing it tomorrow.

And on the knitting front - another simple project from PetiteKnit. Just started the Sophie Hood using Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull - 60% alpaca/40% wool. It’s an easy knit, but loooong - should be finished soon though.

Thinking Ahead to Autumn

 

Still summer weather here, and it will probably linger, but I always feel better about having a few pieces ready for when it does get chillier.

I haven’t been much of a vest wearer in the past, but I’ve enjoyed  the black linen one I’ve recently sewn, so why not knit a cozy one for autumn?

The pattern is the Stockholm Slipover V-neck by PetiteKnit - a very basic style, but this was my first experience using one of her patterns, so I went with a simple piece. Yarn used was Sunday by Sandnes Garn, color 5591 (Night Sky) held together with Silk Mohair by Isager in color 54. In all the years I’ve been knitting this was my first use of double strands, and I was a bit apprehensive, but it was no trouble at all and was a pleasure to knit with.

It doesn’t photograph well - or perhaps I should say I don’t have the skill to take a good photo - but I really liked the slight difference in color of the 2 yarns. Since they’re just held together, not plied, the lighter color shows up randomly - although probably only to the wearer. I’m sure most people won’t be close enough to see the flecks of color and will see it as a solid dark blue.

Now to decide on an under layer to make. I like the blue/white stripe, but I’d really like a collar and long sleeves for cooler weather. Nothing has jumped out at me yet, but it’s always fun to look!