Other things I do...

I started knitting when I was in my late 20's.  Sweaters; sweaters with lace.  The only thing I remember was Vogue Knitting magazine.  They're known for rather challenging knitting.  LOL.  I didn't know I should start with a scarf, etc. when learning to knit.  I just jumped into the deep end with cables, lace and mohair yarn.  So I made sweaters (from the same pattern) for everyone around me. Then I took a loooong break.  LOL.  About 20 years.  I started with scarfs! Lately I've really been wanting to up my game when it comes to what I knit.  I joined Ravelry and found some great free patterns and I'm taking lessons from Michele at one of our local knitting shops.  We have 3 really good ones. We only have one independent fabric store but we THREE independent yarn shops!

Michele has really helped me obtain a good working gauge.  Apparently I'm a very loose knitter, so I went down 2 sizes in needles to obtain the proper gauge to make this little number.  I also learned how to read a chart!  They have always intimidated me in the past. 

This free pattern came from the Cascade Yarns website and is called Go To Topper DK156, if you're interested in trying it. 

I used an Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in emerald green.  It's more a teal not emerald but so be it.  LOL.  I love the sweater.  It's so light weight, it just about floats.  This the first sweater I've made for myself.  Everything I made before was for someone else.  I just need to find 3 matching buttons and weave in a few yarn ends.  The shirt you see underneath is a knit fabric I just have draped to see how it looks.  Pretty nice, eh?  I like it.  LOL.  I'll be looking through my pattern for a cowl neck pattern, so you'll be seeing this soon.

Ta ta for now!

Ruana Shawl

Alan finally took a break from painting the garage to take pictures of me wearing the shawl.  As usual I'm squinting into the sunlight.  LOL.  At least it's a little warmer than the last time I managed to get Alan to help with pictures.  

It goes great with jeans which are my 3 season pant of choice.  And of course, it's all my favorite colors.  I know it looks like a poncho but it's really a great big square with a slit in it.  You put it on and just throw one side over your shoulder (or not).  It's light and airy, providing a little warmth without being hot. It's made from 95% wool and 5% silk.

Knitting...

After a day of sewing and after dinner, we usually plant ourselves on the couch and watch a couple of TV shows.  I don't just like to watch TV, I have to be doing something with my hands.  So I knit.  Easy, no-brainer stuff, like scarves and shawls.   I just finished blocking this Ruana shawl and I hope to get Alan to take a picture of it on me.  I love the colors and it looks great too.  

I went to an estate sale a couple of days ago and picked up a bunch of knitting needles for cheap.  I also put in a bid on a Babylock Imagine serger.  Hope that works in my favor.  But I won't until Saturday when the sale is over whether I had the winning bid.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

I'll be posting shortly about the heirloom camisole.  I've taken lots of pictures, so be warned; it will be pictured heavy.  LOL.

Later!

Finished Jeans & a new scarf!

I guess this makes 5 pairs of jeans now from the Burda pattern (7863).  So this makes it a TNT (tried and true) for me.  I love how easy it is to fit.  Of course what makes it easy is the fact you are dealing with stretch fabric and its a fitted pattern.  Fitted but not tight.  Here's another grey pair; a brushed twill with a touch of Lycra from the Cloth Merchants.  Shown in one of the pictures is the top stitching thread I used.  I've picked up several colors from B-Sew Inn and I'm happy with the results.  

As you can see, I've gotten brave didn't chicken out and used a contrasting color to topstitch again.  LOL.  One other change I've made to the jeans is narrowing the waistband to one inch.  Wearing them feels better with a slightly narrower band.  

I've also had time to play with knitting again.  I was browsing around one of the local independent yarn shops, when I spied a cool shawl-shaped neck scarf.  I love the look.  So I guess I whipped this out in a week with a little help understanding the pattern from my good friend Teresa.  This is an easy pattern too, so you understand how beginner I am.  Teresa is constantly knitting/busy with something.  She never seems to take any downtime.  LOL.  My hat's off to her.  If you are interested in the pattern, it was a free download from Ravelry.com and it is called the Minnie scarf.

 I can see myself making this up several times.  If I can find the right color teal yarn, it will be next.  It's also has the same shade of grey the pants have and will look nice with the t-shirt I have up next to sew.  It's cut out and I hope to get it done today.  'Course, I said that yesterday too.  LOL.

That's all for today...