Knitting Progress & Stargazing

I'm kind of between sewing projects right now, although as you can see, the knitting continues apace. The photo above is the bottom portion of the Schachenmayr Lacy Cardigan in Toy yarn. I had hoped that this would work as a somewhat outré twinset with the Schachenmayr Lacy Shell, but the colors just aren't going to work together. I hoped that there would be enough pink in the rust of the shell to go with the pink cardigan, but it's too deep a divide to bridge. Oh well, I like them both as separate pieces, so that's okay too. The cardigan is an interesting piece to knit, as it's worked back and forth in one piece up to where you divide for the armscyes, so it goes quickly, and there will be less to seam, which is a plus. Here's a close up of the lace pattern. I just love the different colors that make up this yarn.

I'm still coming along with the Lavold tank with the lacy straps, and am getting close to where the lace pattern starts on the back, so not too long now, I hope.


I am also working on a top in Katia "Bolero" yarn, which has little pieces in the main yarn that almost look and feel like grosgrain ribbon. I think it's such a fun look, and I started knitting up the pattern they have for a cute tank top with buckles in the straps. I'm above the waist with it now, and have just about decided that I think I will change to a shell pattern so that I have more shoulder coverage. I don't know why I was seduced by the tank pattern, but it is really cute, just not for me.

For some reason this weekend I decided that I had to see if I could get to 3 stars on PatternReview. The formula for stars is arcane at best, but I finally figured it out. The upshot is that I either have to write 25 more reviews OR hope that 8 more people will add me as a favorite reviewer. It turns out that the part of the formula that counts ratings of your reviews is almost useless in getting stars. But, you may ask, why exactly do you want 3 stars? That is a really good question, and one to which I don't really know the answer. It was just one of those things that seemed like a good idea at the time. Or something.

I think I am going to start on a pair of nice, summer drawstring pants, and I want them to be long enough to wear with heels. I loved it in the '70s and '80s when we wore heels with pants, and I like it now, too.

Border Print Skirt

I finally finished the belt for the border print skirt, which is what has been holding me up. As it turns out, it was not as important as I had thought it would be. If I were going to wear it with a tucked-in top, then it would be necessary to hide the elasticized waist, but with the tops on the outside, it doesn't show at all, and the belt, which is more of a narrow cummerbund, just adds bulk, although it can be nice over a top.

I originally planned this skirt to go with the jacket and blouse that you see above. I didn't have a real plan for the skirt, but I knew I wanted something a little different, with plenty of walking ease, and perhaps some kind of drape or asymmetric hemline. When I finished it, I wondered whether it would really work as part of the planned group. It's definitely a departure for me, but I really kind of like it, and I think it works. Dare I say that it's my "Homage to Lacroix"? I have always loved his wild conglomerations of prints and colors and styles which may look random, but are truly masterful. I hadn't planned this to attempt to approach that style, but it does come to mind.

Here it is with a knitted top, and very much milder in effect. You can see the bow much more clearly in the side view, too.

The photos are much clearer, and there are more at My Photos, including photos of the inside drape attachment.

The fabric for this skirt is from JoAnn's, and is a 45" polyester silky print. I bought 2 yards, and used almost every snippet. I did a baby hem the entire length before I started, and then sewed the side seam, and started trying it on with elastic around my waist. I tucked and fussed, and draped and pinned, and finally came up with an inverted pleat in the back, with the fabric in the pleat folded several times on each side of the pleat to give some depth, and to keep the fullness all at the back. The drape is stitched to a doubled ribbon which hangs from the waist, and is folded over several times to give a sturdy base for the stitching, and for the bow attachment. It also keeps the weight of the drape and bow from pulling the skirt down.

I think this is going to be fun to wear. Shoes seem to be the most difficult element to get right with this. They need a little weight, but not too much. I think the espadrilles are good with the top, but a little flighty-looking with the jacket. I'm not sure about the pumps either, though. Luckily, I won't have to decide on that until closer to fall, I don't think.

Sewing Expo

Well, Jane and I went to the Sewing Expo in Omaha yesterday, and we had a really good time! We had signed up for an Emma Seabrooke class on sewing with knits, and it was quite good. She had lots of specific tips on sewing with different kinds of knits, and she not only told you what worked, she told you what didn't work, and why. Her samples were beautifully sewn, and she had lots of good ideas for different kinds of knits. One of her specialties is Slinky Knit. I've only sewn with Slinky once, but we had happened to wander into her booth before the class and looked at the great fabrics she had brought, and we went back afterward and bought. I got a piece of Slinky in one of "my" colors, a gray-green, and a piece of a Missoni-like sweater knit. Jane got orange Slinky, and a coordinating print knit. Jane said she wants whatever I don't use of the sweater knit, which is fine with me, as I'm planning only a top from it. It was one of the precut 3 yard lengths available, as was my Slinky, and that's more than I need of the sweater knit. I also bought a pattern from Emma, the Aliece, which is a V-neck cardigan with a plain- or cowl-neck top. Her sizing is very interesting, and I hadn't even looked at it when she looked me over and said Size E. I didn't know what that was, but it's a 10 with a C/D bust. Sounds good to me! Her pattern line is SewKeysE, but I don't believe believe she has a website.

The Japanese buttons at the top of this post were just irresistible! They are so darling. I got enough for a camp shirt, and the long one is just because. They're kind of heavy, and I think they're magnets to which shanks were glued. They're from Japanese Textiles & Tours which is Carol Lane-Saber's business. She taught at the Expo too, and her booth had wonderful pieces. I managed to hold myself to just the buttons, though.

As I said earlier, I was hoping for silk thread, and I found it! I got some lovely colors of Tire thread, and one spool of DMC cotton embroidery thread, all 50-weight. Jane pointed out the DMC, and said she's successfully used it when she needs a very perfect color-match. Anything DMC is usually great, so thought I'd try it. I'd not seen it before.

We also each bought a starter kit from Bo-Nash of their 007 Bonding Agent. I had seen it advertised, but never really figured out what it did. Well, they had a woman demonstrating, and it appears to be a miracle product. You can invisibly fix holes and tears in things, and I saw everything from a patterned thin silk blouse to a wool jacket. It also will bond lace appliques to silk chiffon invisibly and with no stiffness whatsoever. We both thought of many good ideas for it. I plan to try it to attach the Angelina Fiber koi fish I'm going to put on the next purse I make. I've been wondering what would be the best way, and nothing was really looking like the answer, but I think this may be it. The kit also included a leather/vinyl bonder that works the same way, a large Teflon appliqué sheet, and iron-cleaning sheets. There is no excuse now for lack of industry.

We also watched a fashion show of Park Bench Patterns. It was interesting, and the patterns are much different than the drawings I'd seen before. All in all, it was a very nice day, and I hope they will hold the Expo next year too. They say they will, and if so, I'll be there!

Today, our neighbors were having a garage sale, so I went over to chat and look, and my very sweet neighbor gave me this wicker suitcase filled with yarn that had belonged to a friend. Really a nice collection, and a complete surprise! It will be fun to play with, and the wicker case is great!

Moving Along

First of all, I want to thank everyone so much for the very kind comments on my run of bad luck. I appreciate your concern more than you know. The burn appears to be alright. I apparently cooled it quickly enough to prevent much damage. My shoulder is still hurting though, and I'm becoming resigned to its being a problem for some time. Maybe not such a big problem I hope. Because of it, I went and got a haircut today. Does this seem like a non-sequitur? Well, I can't wash it and fix it, so thought it was time for a trim anyway, and I feel much better now. I also treated myself to a blissful pedicure, and I feel quite princessy!

I'm going with a friend to the Sewing Expo in Omaha tomorrow. We will take a Knits class with Emma Seabrooke, and then just wander the vendor area until we succumb to temptation. I'm hoping for Tire silk thread. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to break down and order it. Other than that, I don't think there's anything specific I'm looking for, but I'm thinking hard, as I'm sure there must be something that I'm overlooking.

My sister sent me a really great article perfect to read before going to a sewing/fiber/textile show. It's called Right From the Start by Marci Petrini. Even if you're not going to a show, it's a good prod to begin thinking about why you approach your art the way that you do.

I received a new Katia knitting pattern book today. It's #448, Spring/Summer and there are some wonderful patterns. I have made several Katia patterns previously, and I really like their books. They always have several that I would seriously consider, the directions are good, the charts and schematics are clear, and I have decided that I think they're among the best of the yarn-brand pattern books I've seen.

One more thrilling tidbit. I feel like I'm learning to use the computer all over again, as I have begun using the mouse with my left hand since yesterday. Moving my arm from the keyboard to the mouse was obviously a problem, and I finally switched, and it was not horrible, but non-intuitive, until my sister suggested that I should switch the buttons too, and that helped a lot. Now a left click is a right click, but more importantly, it's still the index finger doing its thing!

Burning Questions and Cold Shoulders?

This bow is for the Border Print Skirt I'm working on. I thought I would get it done today, but as you'll understand if you manage to wade through the rest of this post, I didn't finish today. I did get the hand sewing on the bow done, so that was something, and very satisfying. I also worked on the Pink Lacy Cardigan to go with the Lacy Shell I finished previously. I decided I'd better at least have a nice photo of the bow, as there's nothing else good to show for today.

Well, luck has been in plentiful supply around here lately. Just not good luck. Warning: non-sewing content ahead for a ways. I know I mentioned the bad cold/respiratory thing I had, and still have the vestiges of, after about 2 weeks. Apparently I also somehow injured a shoulder, although I don't remember doing anything memorable. It's been painful down my right arm, and seemed to be somewhat of a muscle problem. I got an anti-inflammatory and was told to see if it was better in a couple weeks.

Last night I was working on my border print skirt and the Peep hopped onto the ironing board, and then decided to get off quickly. The board and the iron began to rock, and I grabbed quickly to save the iron. Very bad move, and my arm was immediately unusable without a lot of pain. Fine. It would take more time to heal.

This morning I was only using the left hand and arm to do things unless absolutely necessary, which wasn't so bad, if awkward. There was chicken noodle soup in the microwave this noon (Pearle caught my cold. More luck.) and it was boiling pretty good and was ready, so I decided to take it out. I started to lift it out, and my right arm quit, and I spilled boiling soup all down the inside of my right forearm, and all over the floor of course. So, I was alternating between running cold water on my arm, and getting down on my hands and knees trying to get the soup off the floor, with one bad arm to start with. It was quite a travesty.

I did end up at the doctor this afternoon, and he is sending me to an orthopedist, as he says there's something unstable in my shoulder, and he doesn't think rest is going to really do much for it. The burn turns out to be not nearly as bad as it might have been, because apparently cold water is exactly what you should use on a burn. I always thought we should use ice, but I guess not.

It's been a strange week and a very strange day, as these are the kinds of things that don't usually happen to me, but I guess it was my turn, or something.

Lacy Shell is Finished

Last night I finished the Schachenmayr Toy Lacy Shell. It was fairly quick to knit, and I'm quite pleased with it. I got the yarn and the pattern book from Elann.

This was another garment where I did the front and back in different sizes. I knitted the Front as a large, and the Back as a small. I usually like the results I get this way, and this was no exception. Since the shoulders are cut in, I made crocheted strap keepers, which work very well. The collar was kind of weird, as they have you stop after a WS row (all plain purled row) when you put the neckline stitches on a holder. Then, when you're ready to do the collar, there are live stitches on each side in the back, and some at the CF, with bound-off stitches in between. So, I put the live stitches from one side of the back on the needle, picked up the stitches before the CF live stitches, and then realized that my pattern was going to be all screwed up if I just knitted across the CF stitches and picked up the side stitches again, as then I would purl back, and so would have 2 plain knit rows in the middle of the lace pattern. I finally picked up the side stitches and then just put the live stitches from the CF on the needle and picked up the other side stitches with a different piece of yarn, and put the live stitches on the needle from the other side of the back. Then, I began with another piece of yarn from the right-hand edge and worked a right side (lace stitch) row. This made for a few more woven-in ends than I otherwise would have had, but I didn't want a strange mistaken-looking part in the pattern right at the center front at the top. I wonder if this is what they expected you might do, or maybe this is the "obvious, done thing", or maybe there's an actual right way that I missed entirely, but this worked anyway.

You can see more photos here. It was a really windy day and I took photos out on the top deck, so hair was flying everywhere. I don't think it adds much, but there you are.

The reason I seem to suddenly be finishing a lot of knitting is that I've had a really bad cold or something (which is wonderful on top of allergies) and it has hung on like crazy. So, not so much energy to sew, but I can sit and knit. I'm finally over it, I think, but my right shoulder is now causing a lot of problems. I've never had anything like this, and apparently it's just muscle strain (they think) but it's hard to try not to use it, especially when I'm right handed. Oh well, just a small whine for the day.

Organza Blouse Finished

This is the finished Organza Little Blouse with the Matka Marfy jacket that it was made to coordinate with. I think the colors are very nice, and the blouse is okay too. I like the way the collar lays, and I think the tie ends look very nice with the jacket. There was a lot of this type of look shown in the Fall '06 runway shows, and I liked it. I would like it in a softer fabric too. It was a fun project, and it will be nice to wear when it's a little cooler out. It was in the 90's today, and I was not tempted to leave it on any longer than necessary.

I changed the neckline to a V, added a button-front placket with 6 very thin pearl buttons, and a bias tie collar. The sleeves are plain elbow length. I'm wondering if I should weight the back hem somewhat, as the details in the front add weight that pulls it forward slightly. This doesn't happen with a fabric which is not so weightless to start with.

I will start on the coordinating border print skirt next, and I'm wondering if this is going to be a wilder-than-usual outfit for me, since it has two patterned fabrics. (Oh, the thrill of it all!) Here's a view of the blouse on a hanger, and you can see more photos here.

French Seams

Well, it's been awhile since I sewed anything particularly sheer that needed french seams, but the embroidered organza Little Blouse I'm working on has seemed to call for this technique. I worked on the pattern last night, changing the CF-on-fold and scoop-neck to a button-front with V-neck. So far, so good. The fabric sews beautifully, and I just hope it won't be too stiff to be a nice blouse. It's awfully pretty fabric, and the color is great, so I'm counting on its turning out well.

I've been getting some knitting done on the Silky Tweed Tank, and am about up to the waist on the back. I've also begun seriously reading Barbara Walker's Knitting From the Top, and I can see that it's going to complicate my knitting life somewhat, for a while at least, but I think in the end it will be very helpful. It should take a lot of the fit guesswork out of knitting, and that's something I've always hated. Following a pattern in the usual way, by the time you know what you needed to do, it's way too late.

Cable/Bobble Sweater is Finished!

I am so pleased! I finally finished this sweater last night. I've been working on it since the end of January, I believe. I know I ordered the yarn about the 30th anyway. I like the way it turned out, and it was really quite fun to knit. It certainly never got boring! It's made with Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool, and the pattern is from Vogue Knitting's winter '01-'02 issue, pattern #25.

I made it as written except for adding one stitch pattern column on each side of the front. I think this gave it a good fit, as I didn't want it to be tight at all. I did have to make the sleeves much longer than they said, but that was no surprise. I joined the yarn as I went from ball to ball, so there were only a very few ends to weave in, which was quite wonderful. I ended up with about 3 1/2 skeins left over, so I guess if I need a hat or a bag or something, I'm set. The collar looks like ribbing, but it's not. It's supposed to just fall over, and it does. I tried folding it down, but I don't really care for that, at least right now. Here's a photo of it on me, and you can see close ups of the stitch patterns here.

Lots of Finished Knitting

Here's the front of the Silky Wool tank I've been knitting from Elsebeth Lavold's yarn and pattern. I like the strap pattern especially, and it's kind of boring knitting until you start the lacy leaves pattern. The thing that really surprised me is that I'm running out of yarn! I never run out of yarn, and usually have some (or a lot) left over. I'm knitting this at the correct gauge, and I'm even making it shorter by several inches than the pattern specifies. She calls for 4 skeins, and I started on the fourth one as I was finishing the front, so I'm way off, and it really makes me wonder. I checked Lavold's website for errata, as I could tell there was a YO missing from the lace pattern, and the lace pattern correction was there, but no mention of more yarn being necessary. It's really a puzzlement. I was able to order more from Yarn Country, and they had my dyelot too. It shipped today, so I will have it very soon. Here's a close up of the lacy leaves pattern on the strap.

Last night I also finished the second sleeve of my Bobble/Cable sweater! I am really thrilled about that. Of course, by the time I was onto the second sleeve, I had finally memorized enough of the pattern repeats that I didn't need the chart except for the center panel, which is tricky. It would have gone much quicker all along if I had been able to do this sooner. So, now all I have to do is sew the second sleeve on and do the collar. Pictures as soon as I'm done, which may be tomorrow, I hope!

Lupines on Finigan Ridge

 

These beautiful lupines are among the wildflowers we planted along the road when we developed Finigan Ridge. They're about 2 feet tall, and beautiful enough to be in any garden. What a great view, too! 

May Flowers

 
Here's the first waterlily of the season. It's small, but lovely. This is its second day; they usually last 3 days, closing at night. The fish get all thrilled whenever I come by. I suppose they think it may be dinner arriving.

It rained hard, over an inch Tuesday night, and there was a lot of small hail, which really beat up the peonies especially, but you can see that a few of these poppies lost their petals too. They're such a fluorescent orange that they look unreal, but they're the same every year, although this is the best show so far, with more buds yet to open.
 

I was knitting out on the swing this evening and the Peep was out in the yard. I came in to take a phone call. When I went back out, the Peep was just coming in, very upset. He had clumps of hair (not his) all over him, and in his claws, and his middle claw on his left front foot had been jerked out and his paw was bloody. Obviously I missed a big fight. I think this must have been his first experience like this alone, without the Catso, and it didn't go particularly well, although the other guy must have a claw stuck in him somewhere at the least. I can't believe I didn't hear it, even from inside. I've got a cold and my ears are kind of plugged up; I guess that's my only excuse. 

Color Everywhere

 
My package from Elann came today, and what fun! All the yarns look so summery and lovely. I'm planning some summer shells, mainly with my old favorite Berroco pattern.
The top left is Katia Jeans.
Top right is an OnLine yarn which will be part of a belt, somewhat similar to one shown in VK's Winter issue and in this earlier post, which includes a picture. I will add other yarns to it, but I liked this base color.
At the center is one of Elann's new undyed yarns. It's a nylon Ladder Lace, and I think it will make up as a nice shell.
The bottom two are Schoeller yarns, which will be shells. They're similar colors, but one is coral and one is rose, and I like them both.

Anyway, that's the plan for now. Changes have been known to occur!

I also ordered a couple pattern leaflets, one from Berocco for their Silk yarn, which has a laced front cardigan with interesting stitch patterns, and I now find out that is it rated as Extremely Experienced. Who knew they even had a rating like that? I'll have to see how it goes. I scanned through it quickly, and it mainly looks like you have to do a lot of shaping on both sides of a piece at the same time, while doing pattern stitches. I hope it's not worse than that.

The Dale pattern book I ordered includes this cardigan, shown in two colors, which I just adore! It's very much a ladylike, dressmaker-suit jacket style, and as I've been told, and pretty much agree with, that's me. I like both the velvet ribbon whipped edging and tie on the navy, and the more cording-like edging on the tan.

I also got a couple more Bryspun circular needles. After extensive personal research, I have concluded that these are the quietest needles on the market. Practically silent in most cases. This is very important, as I get many complaints around here for knitting loudly (i.e. making tiny sounds now and then). Anyway, I've tried a lot of needles, and I really like these, besides the fact that they're quiet. Everyone told me that bamboo was the way to go, but they're no better than Addi's in my opinion. I love Addi's for knitting, but for silence, the Bryspun are the way to go.

I will leave you with a view of my earliest peony, which only opened yesterday, but already looks like it's seen better days. It's 90 today, and getting windy, so they may not last long. I have a couple more further from the house, and they open successively.

  

Front of Toy Shell Done

 
Here's the front of the shell from Schachenmayr's Toy yarn. What a very silly name for a yarn, but whatever. I like the way this turned out, and I think the back will go more quickly, as I'm doing it in the smaller size. This sizing strategy has worked out well before, and I hope it will again.

Here's a photo of what's left of the spring flowers, taken from under the deck. The iris are just beginning to come into their own, and the peonies are about to pop.

  

A Very Simple Knitted Shell

 

When I was trying things with the matka jacket, I ran across this knitted shell that I've had for years. It's the perfect color with the jacket, and in fact, because of all your kind, encouraging comments, I wore the jacket yesterday with this, and I think it is going to grow on me somewhat. I even got a compliment from a lady at the grocery store on the beautiful color combination! I think Mardel was right when she said that since it was not my usual style, it may not conform to my image of myself. That was an "aha" moment for me! So, I will give it a fair chance and see how it goes.

Anyway, I began to think that this shell might be a fun project for any knitters, or crocheters out there. It's done in a very loos gauge, and has only simple armhole shaping, and very slight neckline shaping. It's basically a square/rectangle, with an icord drawstring at the waist. I didn't make this one, but I did a couple crochet versions years ago, when sweater vests were popular, but I've always liked this as a shell. It's kind of a mohair-y yarn, and would be very quick. That's the project for the day, I guess. 

Matka Marfy Jacket

 

I finished the silk matka Marfy 9411 jacket yesterday. I hope to get some better photos of it, but you can get the general idea here, anyway. I like it open better than closed. I think it may be the wrong length to be flattering on me, and I'm not sure that classic blazer styling is ever going to be great on me. Live and learn, but slowly, seems to be my motto. I do like the color, and I think it will be nice with the border print skirt and embroidered organza blouse I am beginning work on. You can see these fabrics with the Matka, below.

 

Here's a closeup of the jacket on a hanger. You can see the pink and white silk lining. These jackets always seem to look odd on a hanger, as they have a lot of shape built in, and when hanging, they look almost misshapen. Strange shadows also seem to be the norm for this fabric, and I had a horrible time getting any photos that were halfway decent, and I'm not really pleased with these, either.
  

One Sleeve To Go

I finished the first sleeve of the Cable/Bobble sweater, and made it quite a bit longer than the pattern specified, as I have long arms, and I also was attempting a slightly less dropped armscye than the original. I was worried that I didn't have it long enough, and I've also been a little worried about the fit in general, so I sewed the shoulder seams, set in the sleeve and sewed the side and sleeve seam, and tried it on. I think it's quite good, and maybe better than I'd hoped. The yarn I'm using, Silky Wool, seems to be quite a bit finer than the Rowan that's called for, and it has a different drape than the VK photo. I'll have to see whether I still think it's an improvement when it's all done, but so far, I like it. Anyway, it's spurred me on to get with it on the second sleeve, and I'm done with one bobble pattern repeat so far. 10 rows done, and only about 200 more to go.

As soon as I took the fabrics from FabricMart down to my sewing area, I held the silks up to the Matka jacket, "just in case" and was pleased to find myself liking the pink and white stripe with it. So, I think that it will be the lining for the seafoam Matka. It looks quite cheery, and I don't think it will matter that the silk is slightly crisp, rather than very soft. It might even be a plus.

FabricMart Order Arrived

 
The 2 fabrics above are from my FabricMart order. I ordered 4 lengths, but two were sold out, and unfortunately, they were the ones I was depending on. Sigh. That's about the way it goes, unfortunately. Anyway, I am planning a camp shirt from the turquoise, and the wild silk print was just kind of a spec fabric. I thought it was really nice, and it may be a lining and a blouse for something.

I also ordered 2 bundles, which I have not done before. This photo shows the Silk Bundle. They did quite a nice job of coordinating colors with things I have ordered, for the most part. The lime duppioni matches the silk print perfectly, and I think I'll wash it a couple times and see if it softens up. It's pretty stiff right now, as you might expect. The deep plum silk is a sheer, and the turquoise is a sueded charmeuse. The pink/white stripe will probably be a blouse.
 
The free bundle includes a muted lime print which feels like either a stiffish silk or a rayon, and has a vintage look to it that is quite appealing. It's not bad with the duppioni either. Also, a linen/cotton print which I like a lot, a nice blue shirting, a fine black wool, black/blue houndstooth wool and a black knit with floral print. So, all in all, not too bad. I'm not sure I'll try a bundle again soon, but it was kind of fun. I thought it was nice that they gave me the free bundle even though my order was under $100 because of the sold-out items. Not my fault, but still very nice.
  

Lots of Inputs, Not Much Output

It seems like I haven't had the heart to do much sewing lately, and although I've been knitting some, I seem to have mainly been buying lots of fabric and yarn that I plan to sew or knit or whatever. From what other people have said now and then, this seems to be a common response to the inability (for whatever reason) to create.

Above, the Peep is laying on the partial first sleeve for the VK Bobble/Cable Sweater. I'm getting close to where the cap shaping will begin, and after all this time with this pattern, I'm finally getting to where I can do most of it without looking at the chart. The center panel still takes a lot of care, as the changes are not intuitive, for me at least.

I decided to begin on the Silky Tweed Tank too, as I'd like to have it for sometime this spring or summer. I'm just above the waist on the back, and it's going pretty well. It's quick and easy to knit, and the pattern is very easy to establish. You can see my progress so far, below.



The two balls of yarn above are both Schachenmayr "Toy" which I got from Elann.com. I have begun a shell with the Red Maple color, (on the right) and will use the Fruit Punch (on the left) for a lacy cardigan. I think it will make for an interesting Twin Set. You can see the pattern photos below.



The pattern instructs you to cast on with a different method than I've used before, and I had trouble with their instructions. They wanted you to cast on with 2 yarns, but it didn't seems to be a waste-yarn cast on, and I just couldn't figure it out, so I finally searched June Hiatt's Principles of Knitting to see if there were clearer instructions. I decided that what they wanted was Two Needle Cast On, which is very easy, but sort of complicated, especially to write directions for. It gives you quite a lot more yarn in the knot section of the cast on, and so you get an edge with a lot of give, and yet it doesn't seem to be shapeless in any way. She says it's perfect for scalloped or other shaped edges, as it follows them, and doesn't pull in, and I must say, it seems to work just as she says. I recommend it, and you can see the edge and a close up below.





I've also been haunting the Fabric Mart website, and ordered my first bundle among other things, so that should be exciting. I hope so anyway.

Thank You

I just want to thank everyone who was so kind as to read or even respond to my last post. It's so comforting to know that others have been through what we are going through, and that so many of you commented is a special gift. I appreciate it so much!

Thank you,
Liana

Too Sad to Post

It's been over a week since I posted, and there's been a really good reason. Our beloved Catso died the day after Easter. He was only 6 years old, and seemingly in perfect health. We came home Monday evening, and he was screaming in pain, and was in the hall, unable to walk. We didn't know what was wrong, but when we took him to the emergency vet, she immediately knew that he had had a stroke. He was paralyzed from the waist down, and his lungs were filling. It was a horrible decision to have to make, but the only one. We had him put to sleep.

The fact that he was so active and obviously felt great right up until it happened has made it much tougher to deal with. As a cat or any pet gets older, you realize that the day will come, eventually. This was a real shock in many ways.

The few friends that I've told have overwhelmed me with their wisdom and kindness, and I decided I had better just let the word out generally as well.

We do still have The Peeper, who is Catso's younger half-brother. He's lost too, as he really never had to make a decision before in his life. The Catso simply took charge and kept it. Peep was very happy just to be allowed to go along on their adventures. He's a little clingy right now, but he's doing his best to keep up the back yard patrols regularly, and he's a mighty hunter in his own right. One cat cannot replace another anymore than one person can replace another, but it's kind of nice to have something to keep me going on some of the daily routine at least.

We buried Catso in the garden and we've been doing some changing of the landscaping in the area, especially moving a stepping-stone path over and with a different curve. Pearle supervises and I place the stones where he says they should go, and we got it about half done yesterday evening. I'd already mowed, sprayed dandelions, moved some daffodils out of the new path of the path, and weeded some beds, so it was really a full day after we went out and checked the last farm planted to corn. The soybeans will be next.

Here's a link to more Cat Pictures.

"A Question of Thoracic Shaping"

You may have noticed a link I have in the sidebar to Fashion Incubator, Kathleen Fasanella's fascinating site. I check her posts often, and there's always something interesting. Her latest post is called A Question of Thoracic Shaping and in it she is asking whether readers have the type of thoracic shaping she is discussing. This may sound arcane and boring, until you grasp that what she is really talking about is why bras do not fit. Now, who can fail to sit up and take notice of that? No one I know. I suggest you take a look at her post, which includes many photos and diagrams, and see whether you think you fall into her "egg shaped" category, rather than the "standard" oval. (It may not be really standard, but it's what all the bra manufacturers appear to be designing for.) Egg shaped seems to basically mean that you're wider from front to back than side to side, although I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it greatly.

I have read the post several times, and I cannot really decide whether I am an egg or not. I seem to have at least some of the characteristics, but I'm just not sure. I find that it's rather unsettling to realize that I am not as familiar with my own bodyshape as I thought I was. I know I've never been completely happy with bras, but who has? Anyway, go; read the post, and comment. She has a plan to help those with egg-shaped torsos, and maybe everyone else along with it.

Finally Coordinated Floral Marfy Jacket

As you may know, I really struggled to find something to wear this floral jacket with. Everything I tried was just a little off, but I think this may be the winner. It's a pale pink Jalie #2005 Tee and a denim-like Brussels skirt. I also could not resist this hat, which I think goes rather well with this. It's definitely a spring outfit, and it looks like spring around here now, finally.

This was just a trial of this Marfy pattern, but I really like it, and I think I will wear it quite a lot this summer, if not with the hat, etc., every time. It looks very nice with jeans, and can be pretty casual.

What To Do

I don't know why, but I've been sort of floundering around, not able to settle to one project. I suppose it's because I can't really make up my mind on what I want to do. What I need to do is finish the Matka Jacket, which really only needs a lining and some finishing touches, but thoughts of blouses just keep pushing it to the back of the line.

I want to use my Little Blouse pattern, but add a button front to it, and sleeves. So, I need to do some pattern work, which shouldn't really be a problem, but for some reason I began altering a very old favorite blouse pattern instead. It's a button front, but has extended shoulders, which I made not quite so extreme, and a long collar, almost like the front of a middy blouse. I had one in white and one in pale gray that I wore a lot, but they and the pattern are much too large now, although there's nothing wrong with the style. Anyway, I got the alterations done tonight, and will try it out tomorrow. Actually, if I like it, I could use the basic style for a button front, V-neck, tie-collar blouse, which is what I wanted to start with, so perhaps this wasn't so abstruse after all. I think I would use the little blouse side seam, hem, armscye and shoulder, and use this front extension, and facing. I have a lovely sleeve that will work very nicely. I'm feeling a little more relaxed already!

Revised Version Vogue 2719 Blouse

Here is the second version of the Vogue 2719 blouse. I like it much better than the first trial version. The collar is about half as wide, the length is better, the sleeves are longer, and the back darts are stitched. I also left out the zipper or any kind of closure. I didn't put shoulder pads in this one, but I may try them. I think I'd like 3/4 sleeves even better in this.

It's extremely comfortable to wear, and will work well with pants or a skirt I think. The fabric is a cotton batik print from Timmel Fabrics. It's no problem to put it on without a zipper or other closure, as the neckline is quite open. The only thing that is kind of weird is the fact that the pattern calls for a button on either side of the collar opening. It looks to me as if they pinned the collar shut for the photo, and I can see why, as otherwise, there is no way that the buttons would ever show. I have very cute little square cutout sun buttons in a dull gold, but no one will ever see them. A hook and eye would work to close the collar, but it would be unattractive when worn open. I think I'll just skip the closure for now, and maybe forever. I'm a little bit curious about trying to make the whole dress, which would be easy with the bodice altered. It's made in 2 pieces anyway.

Here is a photo of the original (lower) versus my redesigned collar. The neck edges of both pattern pieces are facing each other. You can see that that curve is unchanged. The outer style line of the collar is what is drastically different. I've never seen such a stylized exaggerated collar as the original, but it was interesting to try it.


You can see another photo as well as the trial garment and the pattern photo here.