Dansez

All assembled, and ready to be put away as cooler weather approaches -- Dansez, from the book "Knit to Flatter" by Amy Herzog.  Knit in Silk City Fibers Stretch Cotton, color Sand. 

Alterations:  neckline brought up a bit higher, and short row bust darts made, in addition to the vertical bust darts called for in the pattern.

  This pattern is a scoop neck, three-quarter length sleeved pullover with set in sleeves.  Worked in stockinette stitch, with a simple lace pattern at the hip and lower sleeve.  The neckline has a simple rolled edge finish.  Knit in pieces (back, front and sleeves) and sewn together.  Actually, I used a crocheted chain stitch to join the pieces, as I wasn't sure about sizing, and I thought it would be easy to 'unzip' the seams and re-do if necessary.  The fit seemed fine, and the seams looked good, so the crocheted seams stayed.  I love when things work out that way!

As can be surmised from its title, Amy's book is all about fit -- by identifying our particular body type, then choosing styles that will best flatter each type (she profiles three types --  top-heavy, bottom-heavy and proportional).  She gives instructions for techniques to customize to your individual shape, and there are patterns for sweaters -- geared to each of her three types.  I haven't studied the book well enough to give an in-depth review, but I have liked what I've seen so far.  I think it would certainly be helpful to any knitter who is interested in customizing, and adding shape, to their knitwear. 

Amy favors what she calls vertical bust dart shaping -- basically the front is knit wider than the back at the bust (hip and waist measurements remain the same), but she also covers how to do short row bust darts.  I like that she advises waist shaping done in the interior of the pieces, rather than at the edges, a technique I first encountered in a Lily Chin class years ago -- it's a sleeker look I think.  At any rate, take a look at this book if you are at all interested in learning some basic fitting techniques for knits.

Brynna

Did you ever have a project that stalled for the silliest of reasons?  Yeah, I thought so.  I have had this little cardigan knitted up since the end of August, and it has languished on top of the cedar chest because I just couldn't bring myself to work in the ends.  All fourteen of them.  I know, I know,  I'm just a sloth.

The pattern is Brynna, by Chic Knits.  The yarn used was Rowan Wool Cotton, a 50/50 blend of merino wool and cotton.  Put up in 50 g. balls, 123 yards per ball.  This yarn was an absolute delight to knit, and I kind of wish I had more.  Kind of, because I am still trying to find a place for all the containers of yarn that made the move.  Discontinued color, which I thought was a lovely caramel brown, but apparently the folks at Rowan called it pumpkin.  I just can't get away from orange, even when I try.  Body was lengthened and sleeves were made longer than the pattern's cap sleeves, but shorter than the 3/4 length pattern variation.  I made it to work as a little transitional topper, and I think it fits the bill. 

Waiting on the sidelines -- Dansez Pullover from the book "Knit To Flatter" by Amy Herzog.  The knitting portion of the program is done, and it lies in four pieces, waiting to be seamed together and the ends run in.  It was knit from a coned yarn (Stretch Cotton by Silk City Fibers) so it probably doesn't have more than 14 ends to run in either -- so we'll see how long it takes me to get around to that one.  I'm hoping publicly mentioning it is done except for assembly will embarrass me into actually doing it.  Ha!

Wearin' O' the Green

OK, it's not March, but green has jumped to the forefront here at Mingling Yarn.  First up:  a crochet summer cardigan.  This is one of my own 'designs' -- which basically means I plugged a couple of simple stitch patterns into a very basic shape.  The yarn is an oldie from the stash - Italy Baby by Plymouth Yarn.  It's 100% cotton in a fingering weight.  The sleeves are 3/4 length and done in a simple mesh stitch.  The body of the cardigan is another simple stitch from a Japanese stitch compendium - Crochet Patterns Book 300.

 

 

 

 

Then we have a jaunty green beret.  This one is from ancient stash.  Koigu KPPPM (Painter's Palette Premium Merino) plus some coordinating KPM (Koigu Premium Merino).  The top is done in the KPPPM, the underside in the solid(ish) color.  This is a pattern from Interweave Crochet, Winter 2008 - Pinwheel Beret.  The only modification I made was to make the 'plate' portion a bit bigger than the pattern called for - in other words I increased more than called for.  Dead easy pattern that gives a nice result.  It was a bit of a bore, doing all that sc, but I worked on it during the move, so boring fit the bill.

Here's a view of the underside -

 

 

Somewhere...

...in one of those boxes is the fabric I want for a pair of Style Arc Barbara pants that I would like to sew.  Guaranteed that it will be in the very last box that I look in. 

Phase II of the move has been completed, and there are now only 60+ boxes left to unpack.  Piece o' cake!  Finding a place to actually put the stuff from those boxes -- not so easy.  Sigh.

A New Beginning

Getting settled in the new digs -- and here's the space where the sewing/crafting magic will happen (or not).  The former owner had an office space here, as is probably evident.  Not entirely conducive to good sewing ergonomics, but it will do for now.  Still many items from the old sewing room to be transported to the new, but I have enough here now to start sewing. 

In an attempt to ease back into the sewing groove I'm starting out with a Style Arc pattern, Gorgeous Gore Skirt.  Only two pattern pieces (cut multiple times, of course) and fabricated from an ITY knit -- just the thing for cool, effortless sewing.  Photos to follow.

Silence...

...is the element in which great things fashion themselves together.  (Thomas Carlyle)

Or, it's what happens when you're trying to fashion a multi-part interstate move!  We're in the thick of it now, but hope to be back to more regular posting soon.

There has been sewing -- Style Arc Willow pants, two separate versions.  There has been knitting -- style number 6 (openwork back tee) from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2013 issue.  There has been crocheting -- a lacy, 3/4 length sleeved cardigan, my own design, done in a lovely spring green cotton.  Alas, no photos of any of it -- hopefully once we're settled in the new place. 

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this thought -- use up that stash!  Whether it's fabric or yarn -- it's a real pain in the *@#* to box up and move all that stuff.    Keep cool, keep stitching, and we'll see you in Maryland.  :)

Once more, with feeling

Once again, the Style Arc Stacie jean jacket.  Fabric is a cotton pique from Gorgeous Fabrics.  Cuffs, collar and flaps are faced with a Liberty Tana lawn print.  Snaps are from Snap Source.

 

 

 

This is version 4 -- not pictured previously is one in red twill that was made for my youngest daughter.  And now, Stacie will be retired, at least until next year.