Server Hiccups

There’s been a problem with servers today so it’s been difficult to post, but at least this site (and all sites on this domain) is alive and well. Hopefully more updates this week on a silk Sencha I’ve been working on.

Floral Circle Skirt: in progress

Living in small NYC apartments means there is often very little room for sewing. My “sewing area” spans my kitchen to my windowsill. The ironing board is propped up on the windowsill, and most of the cutting is done on the floor. (But the floor is clean!) The drafting is done on the dining room table, and larger pieces like skirts are drafted on the floor. Esteemed Sewing Assistant Bean (the black fat kitty) likes to perch on the ironing board and supervise while I sew. Sometimes he chases the tomato pincushion when he thinks I’m not looking.

After years and years of wearing all black all the time, I’ve somehow succumbed to white, romantic, flowery designs. It all started with wearing grey last year, then dyeing my hair all black (from black with a red streak) after five years, then realizing I can somehow carry off non-black items without looking ridiculous. It wouldn’t have been as fun to sew entirely in all black, all the time.

White Eyelet Skirt: Next Project in the Queue

My next project in the queue is a White Eyelet Skirt, similar to this skirt:

sewing: McCall’s M5582

project started: McCall’s M5582.

I wanted a 50′s style dress that was simple yet whimsical, which led to McCall’s M5582 in a dessert-themed pink print. so far I’ve just cut and measured the fabric. I plan to line this with muslin or rayon.

finished object: Frog Skirt (sewing)

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notes: Singer 210, polyester thread. old frog print cloth. drafted a pattern based on one of my skirts using old gift wrap. it fits, but it’s a bit awkward.

will definitely make again. need to keep to 3/8 seams – it looks like i was doing 1/2 an inch. also need to learn how to make buttons or zippers. not bad for my first sewing project.

finished object: Mermaid Capelet

notes: definitely a stealth knit. I was working on this while procrastinating on the Rattle and Hum cardigan. knit on size 15 bamboo circulars with bulky yarn – Brown Sheep Bulky in green. I went as a mermaid this Halloween, and thought this would be a good way to keep warm (while still appearing mermaid-like). I’ve always thought capelets were impractical, so I don’t think I will be knitting this again.

finished object: Three Hour Sweater

project update: Rattle and Hum Cardigan

project started: Rattle and Hum Cardigan

finished object: Three Hour Sweater

notes: worked from the top down in the round on size 8 Addi needles. did the math based on my gauge swatch and Elizabeth Zimmerman’s percentages. knit the collar for about 3 inches, then joined and knit until the waist shaping. knitting the ribbing seemed to take a very long time.

i’ll definitely knit this again, but in a lighter yarn with better drape. my gauge was 4 stitches per inch but it did feel a little bulky.

photos when it’s daylight out.