Breckon Cardigan Body

I finished the body of the Breckon cardigan last a couple of weeks ago. I thought it looked great until I started knitting one of the sleeves. It was then I realized that the insets between the cables were supposed to be done in granite stitch and I just did 3x1 ribbing instead. I had forgotten to change the stitch pattern during the third and fourth row repeats! Oh well. So the sleeves are supposed to match those insets and initially I started knitting them in ribbing, but frogged what I started and switched back to the original pattern directions using granite stitch. I thought the ribbed sleeves would be too pronounced. I think it should be fine.

Sewing: Pink Balloon Skirt

This skirt was a quick and easy project. It has an elastic waist and a tie at the bottom to create the balloon effect. I used some pink ripstop nylon that I bought when I was in Korea last winter. I wasn't sure if I would ever wear this skirt from looking at it on the dress form, but once I tried it on, I actually liked it.

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Walpole Cardigan

I'm so excited to have this cardigan ready to wear during the weekend. The monotony of all the stockinette stitch made it seem like this project took longer than three weeks. I love the longer length and the simple ribbing stripe detail along the front edge and neck. It's another Brooklyn Tweed pattern success!

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Sewing: Plaid Wool Jumper

This dress was my Sunday afternoon sewing project. The pattern is from the Machiko Kayaki book Dressmaking at Home. I bought the navy plaid wool at a summer sale at Bolt. The facing is denim linen is from Alexander Wang that I previously used to make this other Machiko dress. This project came together quickly once I actually started doing the sewing. I made no mods other than to take in the side seams an additional couple of inches. I love the bias trim around the neckline and the hem. Can't wait to wear it!

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Shoe Sale

I've listed a bunch of shoes on eBay that I have rarely or never worn. Check it out!

http://bit.ly/TAN1RR 

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Pretty Straight Sewing: Square One-Piece Dress

I bought this pattern book, Pretty Straight Sewing, when I was in Tokyo. The simple modern aesthetic was very appealing. Usually these Japanese pattern books include a couple of sheets of patterns that you trace, but this book had none. Since all the garments are made with straight sewing, the dimensions for all the pieces are included and you can draft your own patterns. The dress on the cover is huge and probably less than figure flattering, but there is something I love about it nonetheless. I have a bolt of grey cotton for muslin making and decided to use that to sew up this square one-piece dress since I was very curious to see what it would look like. The dress itself only took about 45 minutes to sew. As you can see from the photos, the oversized square shape creates some really interesting draping, which I love. I'm still deciding whether I would ever wear it in public. Maybe once we get some warmer weather!

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Knitting: Tinder Cardigan is Complete!

I finished knitting up the button bands and sewing on the buttons this afternoon. I love the longer length of this cardigan. I made no modifications to the pattern and it is a perfect fit!

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Knitting: Tinder Cardigan

Here's my next knitting project, the Tinder cardigan from Brooklyn Tweed. The detail I love include the longer length and the waffle stitch used on the fron and back. I'm using some recycled lambswool yarn that my sister got for me from the Oregon coast. This should be warm and toasty for the winter months!

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Sewing Vogue 1247: Rachel Comey Top

Here's a quick project I finished earlier this week after buying this lovely cotton from the Bolt sale over the weekend. Rachel Comey is one of my favorite designers and I got this pattern on sale duirng a summer sale from Vogue's website for $2.99! This loose-fitting top has many interesting details: sets of double pleats on the front and back shoulders and triangular piecing on the front. It's starting to get chilly here in Portland, but this will be a good layering piece for fall and winter.

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Knitting: Boardwalk Vest is Done!

I blocked my Boardwalk vest this weekend and I can't wait to wear it! I love how the mitered neckline and cap sleeves turned out.

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