In Which I Can Finally Call Myself a Knitter

I have resisted making a shawl ever since I started knitting in 2013. I've often been tempted to add one to my queue, especially as so many knitters seem to find them indispensable! Could I really even call myself a knitter without a shawl in my repertoire? *wink* But I've always found shawls a bit troublesome with little ones to wrangle, and worried knitting one would be a waste of both time and yarn. Then I saw Catherine's Cowboys and Angels shawls last May, and I knew I was in trouble! Lack of suitable yarn held me up for a while, but at last I came into possession of 4 skeins of Vidalana Lofti DK in the colorway "Mittens." It's purple-and-white, but it reads pink from a distance. 

This shawl was such a treat to knit! The pattern is by Isabell Kraemer, and it's so well-written. It kept me company through many a hot summer afternoon, while the littles frolicked at the splash pad and I sheltered in the shade.

The details in this pattern were what really attracted me -- lattice, bobbles, texture. My yarn was a bit heavier than the pattern called for, so it ended up thick and cozy. Which suits me just fine, because I've discovered that a shawl is quite a comforting thing. And comfort is something that's quite welcome in this heavy, weary year. I love to wrap myself up in and enjoy the warmth and peace. At least until I'm called away by a child or a task, which usually happens within five minutes...

I'm glad I finally succumbed to shawl knitting, though I know better than to let it become a habit. And I have a feeling my current queue (which only seems to get longer, not shorter) will keep my busy for a while!

Raveled here.

July Yarn Along: Splashing Along

How is the year half over? I can't quite wrap my mind around it, to be honest. I'm feeling wistful these days, especially as my "baby" will be turning three this month. I'd hoped 2020 would be the "rainbow" after a long, dark valley. I feel stuck, somehow, even though the months are flying by.

So while I wait for a break in the storm clouds, I knit. And read. 

I'm currently taking a break from my Roseroot top, which is proving to be a bit of a sizing headache -- I think my yarn substitution is considerably lighter weight than the recommended yarn, even though both are fingering weight. I've finished up the lace yoke, but now have to figure out how to size the armholes properly. I suspect it will involve frogging back a few rows, including some cast-off stitches that I'd already redone once -- hence the break to work on a different project!

So I finally cast on a Cowboys and Angels shawl last week, inspired by Pleximama's lovely version (and it's not the first time I've copied her, either! *wink*). Somehow I've been knitting for six years and still hadn't made the obligatory shawl yet -- probably because I wouldn't have really worn one. But this particular design caught my eye straight away, and I decided to give it a go once I found a suitable yarn. That "suitable yarn" is KnitCrate Lofti DK in "Mittens," which is easy to work with and has such a beautiful marled look. It's going to be deliciously cozy. So far this has been a satisfying knit, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first trellis section. Also, this pattern has the best "bobble" instructions (and results) I've ever encountered. Right now I'm working through the almost-mindless garter section, and it's been the perfect project to take to the neighborhood splash pad -- after having all of our parks and common areas closed for months, the splash pad turned on at the beginning of June, right on schedule. I was so grateful! Most of this shawl has been knit in the shade while my littles careen down the water slides and make obscene amounts of noise. It's been lovely. 

I actually have several books going right now, and have been reading a bit more than usual. My primary read is The Envy of Eve by Melissa Kruger. I'm not too far through it yet, but so far it is excellent and very, very convicting. Uncomfortably so! I'm moving relatively slowly because it is a very solid, thoughtful book -- I'm trying to take the time to reflect on what I'm reading. 

I'm also still slowly working through my Beatrix Potter book. A chapter here, a few pages there -- it's a book to savor, anyway, so I'm not disappointed at my slow pace. 

Linking up with Ginny's Yarn Along:

Winter Hinterland

I don't know how long I waffled back and forth about making a Hinterland dress. The pattern appealed to me, but I was worried I would end up with a shapeless sack that would loiter indefinitely in my closet before being donated or cut up for scrap. Indie patterns aren't cheap, folks. Plus, the "long" version requires over 3 yards of material, which is a hefty investment if you're looking for a decent quality fabric.

I finally decided to give it a go when I found a clearance deal on stretch flannel in "olive" from Fabric.com -- it's mostly rayon, with a little bit of poly (boo), and it was on clearance for $3.50 per yard. Which meant I was able to make a wearable "mock-up" of the Hinterland for under $13. The fabric drapes well, thanks to the heavy rayon percentage, the little bit of stretch is just right (and didn't make construction more difficult, thank goodness), and the flannel side has the loveliest brushed feel. I think I'm actually using the fabric inside out, though!

Overall, I really enjoyed this project. The first steps (printing, taping, cutting) were tedious because I did them in bits and pieces, but once I was able to invest time in a few good sewing sessions, everything came together nicely. I did have to do a bit of seam ripping, mostly because I was overly confident about my ability to figure out the instructions without actually reading them... Oops. Construction was relatively straightforward, but there were a few techniques I was unprepared for, and reading ahead a few steps would have been quite helpful.

This dress has pockets, and I'm loving that. I usually skip them because I've gotten used to not having pockets, and it's too tempting to just stitch up that side seam and be done. In fact, I was laughing at myself a bit as I pored over the pattern instructions -- pockets are not an advanced technique, but I'm not used to them at all.

The pattern itself seemed well designed -- things lined up where they should, etc., and I thought the finishing techniques were quite nice. I made the skirt as long as my fabric would allow, and also added a few inches of width to the front and back panels (I was worried it would be restrictive, especially since I was making it rather long). I'm not sure the extra width was necessary, based on my undeniably comical "tests" of how wide a step I can take... But it doesn't look too bulky, so no harm done. I think I'll stick to the prescribed width next time. Oh, and I added the optional waist ties, to help quell my "shapeless sack" concerns.

Having opted for a button-all-the-way-down-the-front dress, I didn't have to worry about getting the dress over my head and ended up taking 2" off the waist area by grading from the armhole to the waist on the side seams. Of course, in order to keep the buttons close enough on the bodice to avoid gaping, I ended up with SO MANY BUTTONS down the skirt. And where there are buttons, there are buttonholes... Speaking of buttons, I used some unique metal buttons that were in my mom's stash as long as I can remember -- I commandeered them when I moved out. There were so many that I still have at least a dozen left! I'm not sure the "Equipements Militaires" inscription matches the particular vibes of this dress, but then again, who's going to be reading my buttons? It would just be so awkward, wouldn't it?

I raised the neckline about an inch, but I suppose my biggest alteration was to lengthen the sleeves. I wanted this to be a winter dress, and felt 3/4 sleeves would be a nuisance. I cut the sleeves longer and didn't taper them, intending to add an elastic casing at the wrist for a more feminine look. It worked well (though the elastic is a bit annoying when it rides up my arms), and I think this dress will be the perfect winter staple. Most of my winter clothing is just summer clothing layered with wool, so I think I'll enjoy something intended for winter. Now that Spring is just around the corner. Great planning, Shannon.

This dress is admittedly plain, and it's just begging for a cowl or scarf or shawl -- and as it happens, I have a shawl in my Ravelry queue, so maybe I "need" to knit that soon...

Laura's Banbury Cross Cardigan Pattern

Little did I realize that my bloggy friend Laura was planning to publish her Banbury Cross Cardigan pattern! I've been in love with this design since she posted her first version a few years ago. From the shawl collar to the sleeve patches, it's just perfect!

Wouldn't you agree?

You can find the pattern in her new Etsy shop: Quietude

And you can also enter giveaways for her pattern on Laura's lovely blog (she's also offering a discount code good until September 11th), and a giveaway for two patterns over at Deep Roots at Home.

I'm so looking forward to sewing one (or two) of these up for Little Man this winter! It's so difficult to find classic styles for little boys (at least for a price I'm willing to pay), so I have a feeling that this will be a staple in my pattern collection.

A Bit of Winter Sewing

Finding myself in desperate need of jackets, I decided to make one using some lovely black corduroy that I purchased last year. The corduroy doesn't have a wale, so it has the look and feel of velvet combined with the stretch and easy sewing of corduroy.



I'm absolutely terrified of jackets because I'm not comfortable with that kind of tailored sewing -- I don't mind fitted garments, but I'm not fond of fitted outerwear! Fortunately, the jacket turned out well enough to wear (and in time for a friend's graduation, too!), although I (of course) know all the little mistakes or "not-quite-perfect" places.

I used McCall's 5194 as a base for the jacket, but I made a few changes. I combined the pattern with another jacket pattern so that I could have a shawl collar, which I usually prefer to notched collars. I also wanted a bit more of a Victorian feel, so I added a gathered peplum. That took quite a bit of doing...and redoing...and more redoing! First it was not gathered enough, then it was too gathered! But the Lord blessed me by keeping me from frustration long enough to finish it. I liked the idea of a bound edge, so I used a black satin all the way 'round the jacket, as well as a band at the waist. And I couldn't resist a tab-and-button detail in the back!

Black clothes are so wretched to photograph! I've converted these photos to
black and white so you can (hopefully) see the details a little more clearly)

I absolutely love this fabric! It was a dream to sew, and I didn't even have to replace my basting stitches while tinkering with the peplum! And this jacket has already come in handy again for our church Christmas program (I always joke that my "musician's wardrobe" could be mistaken for a Goth wardrobe because of all the black!). Plus, I was able to do some stash-busting, which is always a good thing!

I can't believe Christmas is coming up this week! We're finishing our decorations (at last!), and I'm starting to feel prepared for a pleasant and relaxed Christmas holiday! And the icicles on our neighbor's trees this morning also helped boost my spirits -- even if they were just caused by the sprinkler!

A Little Something for a Little Man

Many, many thanks to those of you who have prayed for and sympathized with us during this difficult time. Your thoughtful words have been a blessing and a comfort to my heart. It's hard knowing that even though there's healing, there will always be a scar. There's no going back to the way things were before. Once you lose a child, you will always be a bereaved parent. But trusting that God's ways are perfect means realizing that the outcome I'd hoped for was not best -- however hard that realization is to swallow.

But I am not here to philosophize on grief. In fact, I'm here to post a rarity on this hodge-podgey blog of mine, and that rarity is a garment sewn for Little Man.

You seamstresses who are mothers of boys know the dilemma. Who wants to spend copious amounts of time wrangling a tiny zipper into a pair of trousers that will probably be stained/ripped/grown-out-of within weeks? And let's not even mention the amount of topstitching that goes into the average pair of jeans, or even cargo pants. I don't know about you, but you're not likely to catch me fiddling with tiny cuffs and fidgety collars on a dress shirt, when I can find one at the local secondhand shop for next to nothing! Most boy clothes are hard (or at least time consuming) to construct, and most boys are hard on their clothes. That's not a good pairing, in my opinion.

And then, there's The Banbury Cross Cardigan Pattern. I was so excited when Laura premiered this pattern, having drooled over its first incarnation several years ago. I snapped it up within days, but have just gotten around to making it.

The concept is brilliant -- make a classic shawl collar cardigan for a toddler from an existing adult sweater. The execution is, in my opinion, equally fantastic. This pattern was a joy to use, the instructions were comprehensive and easy to follow, and the finished product exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Laura!

And here is Little Man, sporting his new cardigan:

Notice the "happy" expression? Apparently he's not as excited about
photo shoots as I am...

The sweater I found was an XL men's acrylic pullover. I'm not crazy about the acrylic part, but the sweater is delightfully soft! And it was only a dollar, making it perfect "usable trial run" fodder. I certainly couldn't have bought anything like this for a dollar at a retail store, and to find it at a thrift store would be a windfall beyond reckoning.

Little Man is toting around his British taxi cab, a "relict" from my childhood. Actually, all of his little matchbox cars used to be mine (including my Postman Pat red mail van. Try not to be jealous.) -- is it odd that he inherited two dozen of them from his mother, and zero from his father? Hmm.

Anyway, back to the topic of this post (which I seem to be having difficulty sticking to).

The only real change I made to the pattern was to omit the sleeve patches, mostly because the only color I could think of to go with the gray was black, which would limit the "matching" options of the sweater. Also, the pattern instructs you to avoid stretching the sweater while pinning. I was careful not to stretch most of the sweater, but since the waist and sleeve cuff ribbing on my sweater was particularly "tight," I found it necessary to stretch the ribbing in order to get a proper cut. Fortunately, it worked splendidly! My ribbing was wide (about two inches) but not extremely obvious, so I didn't reduce the size.

I was dubious about the buttonholes. Multiple layers of stretchy sweater fabric sounded like a recipe for all kinds of wonkiness. However, it was remarkably painless, and my buttonholes turned out splendidly! I used a tricot interfacing intended for knits, but quite honestly I don't think there was any advantage to that over regular interfacing.

I'm glad that I tackled this project now -- the pattern goes up to size 3, and though Little Man has only recently reached that milestone, he fills out the sweater quite nicely and the sleeves are the perfect length.

Thoughts for next time? And yes, there will most certainly be a next time! I'll definitely do the elbow patches, because they're too great to pass up. And perhaps two little pockets on the front? I might increase the length, but that would be a superbly easy adjustment.

The back view is a bit wonky due to an oversized hanger, but you get the idea.

I highly, highly recommend this pattern. Little Man received several compliments when he wore it to church, and no one had a clue that it was homemade (though I'm frequently asked if I've made Rosa's clothing -- even when it's storebought!). If we're blessed with another boy in the future, he'll sporting one of these as soon as he's big enough to fit the 6 months size! Until then, I may have to satisfy myself with making them for baby showers and such, just as soon as I can accumulate a stash of sweaters.

I'm a bit more confident and excited about sewing boy clothes now -- I'm thinking that my new-found love of knits could translate into some very practical customized tees and polos? Food for thought...

August Yarn Along: Summertime Hues

I've got two projects on my needles just now -- both are tops for me, and both are in vivid hues. I suppose I was in the mood for colorful projects?

I finally frogged back a bit of my coral Roseroot top, knit some extra rows on the yoke, and have the armholes bound off again. I think I'll still need to cast on a few extra stitches under the arm, but I'm feeling better about the fit. My yarn is a lot lighter than the yarn called for in the pattern (even though they're both fingering weight!), and it's caused a few problems already. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing now!

My second project is a teal Poolside top, in the loveliest silk/alpaca/linen yarn. Perhaps my theme for this month should have been "Unknitting," because I seem to be doing a fair bit! Short rows still trip me up a bit, but I think I've got them figured out and can't wait to see this project take shape. I was excited to realize that this pattern is by Isabell Kraemer, just like the Cowboys and Angels shawl I finished up last week -- that pattern was exceptionally well written, and I have a feeling I'll enjoy this one, too. 

Much of my reading time lately has been health-related (profitable, but not exactly riveting), but I've also been reading Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. I've never read her books before, but I think I'll be reading more after this. It does seem a trifle ironic to be reading a book about how to read a book -- but so far, it's been well worth it. 

I'd love to hear what you're reading or creating just now!

Linking up with Ginny's Yarn Along.