Disappointment in knitting

This is the knitted top from Burda WOF 5/2005. I knew I was in trouble when the instructions asked for k4tog to form the v neckline. I tried different combinations because I could not get four stitches to become one and even if I could I knew it was not pretty. Well as you can see my best effort turned out pretty bad. I went ahead and attached the ribbed straps after I blocked the pieces hoping that it would be okay... well, at least I was able to try it on and it fits well.
I knew if anyone could help me it was May (maystudio.blogspot.com, if you haven't seen her work you should it is amazing! I wrote and she quickly responded with a couple of options for me to try. One includes charting my stitches so that I can redesign the neckline by just using k2tog. I'll let you know how it goes!

Mulch

Well, I did get some sewing done the last couple of days, but with school ending and company arriving soon, my duties have claimed me and I haven't been able to review my new summer dress.

And yes I have a huge pile (20 cubic yards) of mulch on my driveway. Today with the (ah hum) help of my kids we started spreading it. I did get some satisfaction shoveling the stuff, which I never feel when shoveling snow.

Hopefully my next entry will be the review of the Burda WOF dress. Until then I will be shoveling...

Pattern Review

Burda WOF 7/2005

#114 view C

I had about a yard of this pretty rayon jersey that I bought from Textile Studio Fabrics. Because I did not have much to play with I had to find a simple pattern where I could use a coordinating fabric if necessary. This pattern was it.

Instead of making the straps in one of the predominant colors in the print I chose a medium tan that was also in the print (left over from another project). This fabric was not fun to sew with. It was very stretchy although with good recovery. I followed the pattern as designed only modified for my usual back waist length and using three different sizes (upper chest 38, bust 40, hip 42). I should have raised the neckline. Usually because I use a smaller size on the upper chest and because I'm small busted I don't have problems with low necklines. Well, I cannot wear this top without a tank top or a t-shirt. Another reviewer in PR raised the neckline but she has a full bust and therefore I did not follow her advice.

I do like the top and I think I will get to use it a lot for layering. I am very happy to have used this remmant, I think from now on I will make sure I buy bigger pieces, it is just easier to figure out what to make.

Pattern Review

Sew U by Wendy Mullin

A-line skirt

This is a very basic and well drafted A-line skirt pattern. My mom gave me the book for Christmas and I have been wanting to try the Simplicity patterns included.

I wanted to use this stretch poplin from Fabric.com which I bought last summer and never used it. Because of the busy pattern and taking into account that this fabric works well with more fitted garments I chose to make a simple A-line.

I used the largest size included (Large). For reference, I have 40 in hip and 31 in waist (to my dismay my waist size went up 2 in). This fitted nicely and it is very comfortable. I would size the waist of the skirt is about an inch below the natural waistline. I took in the large size at the waist, a total of 1/2 in. No other changes except I used an invisible zipper; this fabric was pretty stretchy and I did not want to risk top stitching a centered zipper.

The instructions are great, this is an excellent book for a beginner. Wendy Mullin gives instructions in a chatty way that is very fun to read. And she has plenty of suggestions to change her basic patterns and make them your own.

I wore the skirt today, it was comfortable and mod and it made me feel good. What more can you ask for?

Baby quilts for friends

These quilts took most of my sewing time the past few months. I got the patterns from the DIY network. I fell in love with the modern look of this log cabin pattern and I loved the colors which they used. They are both machine pieced and quilted, since they are for baby, durability and practicality is what you are looking for. My plan was to make one quilt for a friend due in July but had a lot of fabric left over and decided to use it up and make another for a friend who is also a neighbor and also due in July. I love the way they came out!! I hadn't quilted in a long time and found out I still enjoy it.