Cinder Shawl

A new shawl for the perfect shawl weather we are having at the moment.

This is Cinder from Sock Yarn Shawls 2. This is the second Sock Yarn Shawl book by Jen Lucas and they are both full of great patterns, so many that is took me ages to choose which one I was going to knit.

I went with Cinder as I knew it would be an easy to remember lace pattern and I could knit it while watching the girls play netball.

I love the shape of this and how the corners curl.

And it is the perfect size, not too small and not too large. The yarn is Madelinetosh light in Cloak, one of my favourite yarns and perfect for shawls.

More details on ravelry. 

Patterns to Sew Again

I've made all of these patterns before and they have all been worn over and over so I've made them all again.

I found this grey ponte on the bargain rack at Spotlight last week for $3m. There was the exact amount left on the roll for another Stylearc Marie Jacket. It is worth spending time digging around the bargain racks there you never know what is hidden down the bottom.

A bright red Stylearc Fiona. I used some wool jersey from the stash. These cardigans are so comfortable and are great over dresses, skirts or jeans.

 Jalie 3352 is a great t-shirt pattern, I love the lower hemline at the back and it is so quick to make.

 I know I'll be making the Jalie t-shirt again. I'm not sure how many of the Stylearc jackets and cardigans I need, but I'm not going to rule out making more if I find the right fabric.



Nina Culottes

My wardrobe is in need of some basic pants or skirts and I've eyed off a few of the culotte patterns as they have been released. Most have been too wide or had too many pleats for me, but then I saw the Nina Culottes and Skirt pattern and bought it immediately. There are lots of variations in this pattern, very good value for money.

I used some stretchy lighter weight denim from Spotlight and some Liberty to line the pockets and waistband. I made the version with the invisible zip at the side. I didn't make a muslin and it fits pretty well. The waist is a little high for me and if I use this pattern again I will lower it.

As I was sewing them I remembered I made a pair nearly exactly the same in about 1989 and I can remember wearing them in winter with stockings and black brogues.

My girls think they are very odd, I'm not sure any of them have seen me in shorts before, but I love them they are really comfortable and practical.

Ottobre Dress





A new dress for Olive. I found a good basic pattern in Ottobre 1/2013 and some fabric from the stash that came from the sale rack at Spotlight a while ago.

She even let me brush her hair and put in a hair clip she found in the dress up box.

I have also been doing a little bra sewing. Don't panic I'm not about to model anything finished on here, but if you are thinking about making your own bras I highly recommend the Beverley Johnson class on Craftsy. I also read Demystifying Bra Fitting and Construction and made a couple of Marlborough Bras. Getting the fitting right has been a little tricky but sewing them is a hundred times for fun than shopping for them.

Kwik Sew 3801

I think I've had Kwik Sew 3801 in the pattern stash for a while. I have no idea where or when I bought it, but I must have seen some potential, but it has never made it to the top of the 'To Make' list. Then last week I saw this great top and it went straight to the top of the list. I used some grey stretch that came from Textile Traders. This pattern is very loose fitting so I cut a Medium which I think was the right choice. I would be swamped by anything bigger.

I finished the edges with a rolled hem on the serger. I am very happy with the finish and I'll definitely be using it again on knit fabric. (It is one thing my serger is doing well at the moment. I have been having a few problems with the left needle for the last year when I am sewing knit fabrics, especially thicker ones and servicing hasn't fixed it).

 I put this top on as soon as I finished it and I haven't taken it off. The pattern appears to be out of print now, but if you see it anywhere I highly recommend buying it!

Man Sewing

After seeing Lara's great Finlayson sweaters and Jalie t-shirts I thought I would have a go at sewing a few more things for Chris.

 I started with a V-neck Jalie 2918. I have always been a little bit scared of doing a V-neck, but the instructions were great and this was very easy to do. He has worn this black one a few times already.




I don't think he is as keen on this one, but I really like it.

 Next I tried the Thread Theory Finlayson Sweater. This is the second one I have made. The first was in some horrible red fabric and was too big, so I cut a size smaller (and took a couple of inches off the sleeves) and used some nice navy ponte (I think it was from Spotlight) and this is much better. The collar is still not perfect, but it is ok. This is a great pattern, it can also be made with a hood so I think I will be making one of those soon.

Winter Knitting

It's perfect knitting weather at the moment. I finished off my Inverto mittens. 

 Then yesterday I spent a great afternoon knitting with friends on the hugest needles I have ever used.

 In no time at all I had a snood. More details here.

I've been wearing both today while I decide what to cast on next.