Baby Stuff

Here is a baby sweater and hat I made for a friend's baby. I also made another bib from a pattern in Mason-Dixon Knitting. The sweater pattern is called Poonam and is a baby version of an adult pattern from Berroco. It was fun and easy to knit. The hat pattern is from a LYS.

Hoodie Back

Though I wasn't sure about the yarn color, I decided to go ahead and start in on the hoodie Friday night. I think the color is starting to grow on me. I love knitting lace patterns and this one is easy enough to memorize. For me, knitting lace is addictive. I'm always trying to complete just one more pattern repeat. Before I know it, I've done three or four pattern repeats.

I Got Mail

I came home and found this package in the mail today. This yarn was shipped from the UK, so I was very surprised that it arrived so quickly. I thought it was a buttery yellow color and it's actually more of an orange sherbet. I don't hate it, but I also don't know how much I like it. It's grown on me a little, but I'll knit up a swatch and decide after that.

Anna Mini Dress

Here's the finished mini dress. I sewed on the buttons and hemmed it when I got home from work yesterday. The directions for the pattern were extremely clear and easy-to-follow and there were only four pattern pieces. The pattern also calls for a muslin lining, which I did add. There is some subtle shaping at the waist and I like that you can wear it with or without the belt.



I love the button detail on the back of the dress. Sometimes it's nice to have a different fastening method other than a zipper.

The only problem I encountered in the pattern was with the armholes. (Same issue Mariko was having.) They were REALLY small. And it's not like my arms are abnormally large. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture, but here is an after photo. Prior to adding two inches to the depth to the armholes, they had been the same size as the armhole plate on the dress form. Before making the alteration, my arms were very restricted and the chest area was tight. Now the fit is perfect! I'll be wearing the dress this weekend.

When It Rains, It Pours

Last week, I had no specific craft projects lined up and now I've got a sewing project and a knitting project. I had bought this Amy Butler Anna Tunic pattern a while back and finally decided I needed to make the mini dress with all the good weather we've been having in Portland lately. I bought the fabric even longer ago from Bolt, but I'm not sure what designer it's from. I just love the combination of black, grey, and white with the leaves. It's so pretty. I cut all my fabric out last night and I'm ready to start sewing tonight.

On Deck

The Apres Surf Hoodie from the summer issue of Interweave Knits is my next project. I wanted something light and airy as a summer layering piece and this seemed to fit the bill. I ordered some Rowan Cashcotton in a light buttery yellow color. I think this will be a fun piece to knit up. I'm looking forward to working on some lace!

What Next?

I haven't had much time to think about my next knitting project because I've been working on some other projects that aren't really craft-related. I finally had some time tonight to search through some patterns and came up with these two possible projects. I love the nautical stripes and shaping of the Breton Girl pattern, which originally appeared in the fall 2007 issue of Knitscene. The vintage styling of the Farrow Rib Cardigan is appealing to me too. This pattern first appeared in the winter 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. I may have to line up both of these projects for some of my summer knitting! You can buy both patterns individually in the Knitting Daily online store.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day

Saturday, June 12

Head on out to Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown and join other knitters to show your solidarity.

From the OregonLive Knitting Blog:
Lori Patterson, who heads up Portland State University's new Stitch n Bitch group, organized the one for Pioneer Courthouse Square. She said PSU's group does knit squares for blankets for charity, so if you want to do a six inch by six inch square to donate while you're hanging out on Saturday, "that'd be fabulous." She said they picked the square because they "wanted to knit somewhere where people don't expect knitting to happen. The time is listed as 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but she said that's more of a suggestion than a time frame: "If knittters go crazy, we can knit all night." You'll need to bring a chair, water and snacks.

The Naked Sheep Knit Shop is having public knitting on the sidewalk in front of the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They'll have a salad potluck at noon. The store's newsletter says "Bring a salad to share, something delicious to drink, a comfy lawn chair and your knitting! We'll show people how much fun we knitters can have!" The Naked Sheep Knit Shop is at 2142 N. Killingsworth.

Flutter Sleeve Cardigan

Here's the flutter sleeve cardigan. I finished it last night. I think it turned out all right. I didn't block it and instead threw it in the washer and dryer. I don't know that I'll add the sleeve bands. I was just too lazy since the sweater was already finished. I also didn't make buttonholes in the seed stitch edging. I crocheted some button loops instead. It turned out a lot longer than I thought it would be, but it will make a nice layering piece.

Forever

Here's what I've been trying to finish the last week or so. These are the seed stitch bands on the front edges of the cardigan. You'd think they would knit up quickly, but I feel like I've been working on them foreverrrr. They go all the way up to the top edge. I guess I haven't been working on them everyday though. Or have I? I can't remember. Perhaps I've only been working on them everyday, but for shorter periods of time than usual. Some other projects have been taking up my time too. My goal is to finish them this weekend and have a new sweater to wear!