Knitting, sewing, cross stitching, my life in general.





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Sewing. Here is the sundress. I finished it last night, but I didn't wear it to dinner. It still needs a few minor alterations to the top and I just didn't have time. I think it turned out really cute, though.

Knitting. I think I will take a little break from sewing and get back to knitting. Today I dug out a UFO--a knitting bag from Rowan dk handknit cotton leftovers.
posted by Stephanie at 2:21 PM

 
Sewing. I am putting in the zipper on the sundress so it looks like it will be ready to wear to dinner tonight. It is turning out really cute.

Cross Stitch. Here is the cross stitch pillow I made earlier this week for an exchange



I also started a towel for another exchange.

Knitting. I think the only thing I worked on yesterday was my trekking summer socks. I'm making them anklets so they will go pretty quickly. I think my favorite thing to knit is plain st st socks with patterning sock yarn!
posted by Stephanie at 11:12 AM

 
Sewing. I started a sundress for me. It's sleeveless and uses 4 different pink floral print cotton fabrics. It should be really cute. It would be nice to finish it in time for a dinner date Wednesday night, but it's not a big deal if I don't.

Knitting. I started 2 new things since my last entry! Karen was kind enough to pick up two more colors of trekking XXL sock yarn for me in the 'summer' and 'fall' colorways (I already did spring..my Easter socks). So naturally I had to start the summer ones right away. Then, I started to panic about Christmas gifts so I decided to cast on for DH's Stornoway. But now I feel like my wip/ufo list is really getting out of control (even for someone who is unemployed) so I have to make some sort of plan.
posted by Stephanie at 10:48 AM

 
Sewing. Mom's tank is finished. Here is the front:

and here is the back:

I was going to wait until I went home to give it to her, but in Wisconsin summer is practically over by then. So I'm going to mail it to her tomorrow and maybe she will have a warm day or two when she can wear it. I'm thinking about making a sundress for me next. Or maybe a fleece jacket. Then I can take that to WI with me and not have to worry about finishing the braids sweater! heh.
posted by Stephanie at 1:42 PM

 
Sewing. I finished DH's shorts. They are bigger than boxers so we are calling them 'lounge shorts'. He likes them and says they are comfy. I am also almost finished with a patchwork cotton tank top for my mom. I will post a pic tomorrow. Next up? I'm not sure.

Knitting. Worked on the braids cardigan a little so I'm at 13.5 inches. Also worked on my Padres soccks while watching the game Friday night.
posted by Stephanie at 7:21 PM

 
Sewing. I finished the cotton nightgown. It's not a perfect fit, but it's on the big side so it's comfy to sleep in. It's also very lightweight so it's nice and cool. I think if I made it smaller it might feel binding when I'm tossing and turning. Next up: a pair of boxer shorts for DH using some MLB (major league baseball) fabric.

Knitting. I did indeed get out my braids cardigan and I am working on it again. I am only 12.5 inches into the body and I need to get to 19 inches before I start to separate it for the sleeve openings and whatnot. This morning I figured out that it takes me almost 15 minutes to do one row. d'oh! (lots of stitches when you're doing the front and back all at once)! But then when it's done, it's done so that's nice. Last night I went to SnB which was fun. Heather is talking about designing and it always makes me want to do more designing. Soon, hopefully!

Happy 26th Birthday to my dear sister Kerri! She is out on a boat somewhere outside of Alaska studying algae so I can't even wish her a good day. Maybe she is at least wearing the birthday socks I sent to her before she left.
posted by Stephanie at 1:17 PM

 
Sewing. I'm working on the cotton nightgown. It's going fast so I should finish it today and I might even wear it tonight! I also went to JoAnns and picked up a few Butterick patterns that were on sale for 99 cents. I got some clearance fabric to make a summery robe that will match the new nightgown as well (ooh la la)!

Knitting. I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to focus on my braids cardigan. It would be perfect to take with me when I go back to Wisconsin. Hmmm....I leave on August 19th....do you think I can do it?? We'll see. I'm not good with deadlines.
posted by Stephanie at 12:59 PM

 
Sewing. The summer top is finished. It's ok, but I'm not thrilled with it. This pattern goes straight into the Salvation Army box!

Knitting. I started the alpaca socks. They are so soft!

OT. I'm going home to Wisconsin next month! For a whole week! And my mom will be on vacation while i"m there! YAY!
posted by Stephanie at 10:11 AM

 
Sewing. I'm working on a cute summer top. I was so happy with it until I realized that I majorly screwed up the neckline. The directions were terrible and it's something that's hard to rip out and redo. I'm trying to figure out a good way to "improvise". I also cut out the pieces for a cotton nightgown.

Knitting. Yesterday I received Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting book (from a very nice person)! It is sooo stunning and really brilliant. I have to sit down and read it and maybe one day I will tackle a pattern! There are also some nice snowflake motifs for me to use on my mom's sweater. This same person also sent me some really nice brown 100% alpaca yarn. I think I will make a pair of socks for my sister. She's pretty good about handwashing her socks and they will be really warm for snowboarding.

Related to Knitting. I am working on making my own version of "knitter's little helper". It's a hand balm with essential oils in it and it comes in a cute little tin.
posted by Stephanie at 1:00 PM

 
Sewing. I just finished a really cute pair of shorts with cherries on them. I'm also in the middle of making a skirt for my mom (birthday gift). I got some really nice flannel fabric that's dark green and has reindeer & snowflakes on it and it was on clearance at Joann's. I just have to get her waist measurement so I can put in the elastic. I'm toying with the idea of knitting a matching sweater with snowflakes on it (how fun is that)?? My mom's birthday is in November and she always likes to get something new for Christmas.

Knitting. Same old thing--too many wips and I can't decide which one I want to work on, if any.


posted by Stephanie at 11:59 AM

 
I spent most of yesterday working on DH's new Padres floppy hat

It was a real pain in the butt, be he likes it so I guess it's ok.

Knitting. Not a lot going on. It's too hot! Ok, it's not really *that* hot here in San Diego, but we don't have air conditioning so it can get a little uncomfortable in our litle apartment. I did cast on for my Chickami using some Lion Brand cotton in red. It will go perfectly with the new ladybug skirt I sewed myself last week.
posted by Stephanie at 12:12 PM

 
Cleo!

posted by Stephanie at 10:42 AM

 
I almost forgot! I started making one of those tote bags knit from recycled plastic grocery bags. It is so cool. This is the pattern link that was posted to the knitlist and here are the instructions that I'm actually using to make the 'yarn'. wheee!!!
posted by Stephanie at 12:01 PM

 
More sewing. Yesterday I made some really cute capri pants with some Charlie Brown baseball fabric that I got on eBay. They rock. Today I went to JoAnns and got a bit more clearance fabric to make some more shorts. I also bought some Red Heart that was on sale in dark green, burgundy, and off-white. I know--try to keep from gagging. I want to make my mom a 'Christmassy' sweater and there's nothing she would love more than something she can throw in the washer and the dryer. Plus, I'm poor.

LL camisole: I finished cup number 2 and started on the body. While at JoAnn's I also picked up the buttons and elastic and whatnot that I will need when I finish this.
posted by Stephanie at 11:48 AM

 
I finished knitting all the pieces to Cleo (yay)! I washed it by hand and it's blocking now. As soon as it is dry I can start sewing it together and adding fabric where needed.

Yesterday I sewed another cute skirt..using ladybug fabric!

Luminous lace camisole. I am loving this pattern. I did find a small error in the pattern and the correction is on the Interweave web site. I finished one cup and am almost finished with the second. Funny how such skimpy clothing knits up so quickly, eh?
posted by Stephanie at 10:11 AM

 
I know I haven't blogged in 2 days, but I haven't done anything in 2 days. DH and I have both been feeling a little under the weather so we've been either sleeping or sitting like lumps in front of the tv. I didn't even feel like knitting.....

Until last night. I decided I wanted to do some sort of lacy tank top. I thought I was going to design one, but then I looked through the summer IK and realized that there are 2 in there that I want to do! So last night I swatched and cast on for Joan M-M's 'Luminous Lace Camisole'. It's soooo pretty. I'm using some Berocco Cotton Twist in a orange sherbet type color. It's got some rayon in it so it has that little bit of sheen. Fun!!
posted by Stephanie at 12:33 PM

 
I finished the yellow dress and I love it. I have to wash it and then I will try to post a pic. In the meantime, here's a little skirt I whipped up today. The fabric is a stretch knit remnant that I picked up for like $1.50.

Knitting. I'm trying to finish up the sock I am designing and write up the pattern. I'm also working on Cleo--a few rows here and there.
posted by Stephanie at 3:15 PM

 
Yesterday afternoon I was sewing like crazy. I'm making this really cute summery dress from some yellow embroidered cotton gauze. The great thing about sewing your own clothes is that you can add all the perfect little touches that you like (yellow & white daisy trim and buttons). I think I will wait until it's finished to take a pic.

Last night I went to S&B at Starbucks which was fun. I worked on my Cleo halter, which I would love to finish. But I have so many other things I want/need to do.

I'm off to the Post Office & then Walmart. Then I have to do a little bit of housecleaning before a shower and dinner. Yay, being unemployed rules! LOL
posted by Stephanie at 12:09 PM

 

Cleo. Here is the 1 blue triangle and the bottom part in progress. I love the lace band. The blue and white floral fabric I found this morning at Yardage Town. It's 100% cotton and I'm going to use it to line the triangles and make the straps. It's going to be cute!

Today I ventured out to our newest yarn store, Two Sisters & Ewe. It's a nice shop--lots of light & space, free coffee, etc. They didn't have tons of yarn yet, though. I picked up 3 skeins of Fantasy Naturale in purple to make another Cleo.
posted by Stephanie at 2:16 PM

 
Have you seen the new pattern Cleo in knitty? I think it's cute so I just had to start it. I'm not sure if I will ever wear it, but who cares? I'm just using Sugar N Cream cotton since I have a lot lying around and I happen to know that I get 4 sts/in when I knit it on size 8 needles. I'm doing the triangles in blue and the rest in white. I don't like the i-cords so I'm going to attach it around the neck some other way. I'm also going to line the triangles with fabric. Fun!
posted by Stephanie at 4:38 PM

 
By the way, I've added some yarn to my eBay listings. Here's the link if you're curious.
posted by Stephanie at 11:32 AM

 


Yay! I finished my mom's Regia Cotton socks. They are already packaged up and ready to go to the post office today. I love this yarn...it's so comfy (uh, yes, I tried them on).

Here is the adorable cross stitch towel I received yesterday in an exchange. It matches the main bathroom perfectly!

posted by Stephanie at 10:21 AM

 

You may not be a granny, but you've got the
mentality. Hard work and artistic vision lead
to your beautiful knitted results.


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posted by Stephanie at 5:40 PM

 

Christmas in July! This is the yarn I dyed with Kool-Aid (lemon/lime and strawberry). It's the only one I got a chance to do, but I think it looks pretty groovy.

Yesterday was nice. I went to Balboa park and knitted with a few other folks. The weather was great and I made some progress on my Regia Cotton socks. I hope to finish them up soon and mail them to my mom this week.

I've decided to sew DH a floppy hat and I bought some vintage Padres fabric from eBay. I think I will knit myself one in bright orange LB cotton ease. Oh wait, I have 8 million other projects to finish first!
posted by Stephanie at 10:15 AM

 
I'm having fun this weekend, although I certainly don't think I'll finish anything. As usual I have a short attention span and I keep going from one thing to another and even starting new things.

I worked some on the socks I'm designing, the regia cotton socks, and the sleeveless shell. I also started a new pair of socks, navy and orange, for the Padres. I will work on them whenever we watch the games on tv or go to them in person. I wanted to make them for DH, but he insists that he only likes white cotton tube socks. harumph! I asked him if there's anything else I can knit for him and he said a 'floppy hat' in the Padres old colors (brown and yellow). So I bought Bonnie Marie's Bucket-O-Chic pattern and I'll see what I can do. Not sure what yarn I will use.
posted by Stephanie at 10:28 AM

 
I have lots of fun things planned for this long holiday weekend. DH is looking forward to some well-deserved R&R and I look forward to keeping him company and knitting at the same time. Here's one thing I will be doing:

Kool-Aid dyeing! I bought some Paton's classic wool and I want to see how it turns out. I also started designing my own sock pattern last night with some Patons Kroy. Hopefully I will finish the regia cotton socks and maybe even the Novita Maxi top.


I do have some sewing projects I would like to work on, though, so we'll see. It's supposed to be pretty warm today so maybe we will end up by the pool. Tonight we're going to the Padres game and I think I will just bring along a SIP. Oh, and here are my sister's finished birthday socks.


posted by Stephanie at 10:12 AM

 
Well I did post about knitting yesterday afternoon but blogger ate it. Or something.

I pulled out a UFO that I started last summer. It's a simple sleeveless top in dark yellow Novita Maxi, which is a cotton/acrylic blend (and a very splitty one at that). The back is finished--just some ribbing and then stockinette all the way up. I cast on for the front (which I had to make bigger than the back so the sweater will fit, ahem) and decided to put one chunky cable up the front.

I also started sock #2 of the Regia cotton funny steps (blue and white). I made them sort of short for summer, so they are going fast. I am working on the heel right now.

Tomorrow night we are going to a Padres game (mainly for the fireworks show afterward). I am thinking about starting a pair of Padres socks to bring along if I can dig up some navy and orange sock yarn. I'm not even that big of a fan, but hey, it's fun and it's knitting.
posted by Stephanie at 12:50 PM

 
I cleaned out my cross stitch stash and pulled out all the things that I fer sure won't get to in this lifetime. I listed them on ebay so here's the link if you're at all interested. I hope to post about some knitting later, but now I really need some lunch!
posted by Stephanie at 1:37 PM

 
Well, I made my Stornoway swatch yesterday and it's no suprise that I cannot get Alice Starmore's gauge. She gets 7.5 sts/inch and the best I can do is 6 sts/inch (going down one needle size). So I did some math and figured that if I knit the size M as written it should actually end up fitting DH who wears XL-XXL. I will keep the length at the XL size. The swatch I made was a nice firm fabric as it was, so I think it will all turn out just fine.

This morning I stopped at a LYS, The Needlecraft Cottage, ISO some needles. Like a long US1 circ and a 16" US2 circ for a hat. I ended up with the 2 circ and a pattern for the Oat Couture Celtic Cardigan (for me or for mom hmmmm....)

Oh, a very nice person bought me a used copy of Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting. I couldn't be happier!!!

Anyway, I still don't have the long US1 circ that I need to start Stornoway, but I ordered one last week, so I will have to wait for the UPS man for that. Last night I started sock #2 Regia cotton funny steps so I will probably work on that. Good project for warm weather. I also want to design a hat (hence the US2 circ).
posted by Stephanie at 12:48 PM