Rebirth...

From this:

To this:

Ready to go on the Watershed. I plan on making it longer...to somewhere between waist and hip. Besides this "recycled" yarn, I also have another whole skein. Should be plenty.

aRgh ... with a capital R!!!

My conceptual drawing for a cute knit top....

Here's what really happened:
So, I was trying my hand at designing my own top-down raglan sweater. I used the Plain and Simple Pullover pattern, which was great, but I obviously didn't measure right.

Okay, I measured right and did all the math right but started with wrong assumptions. I thought I'd like it to have some positive ease (be a bit bigger, like 1/2 inch) so that it just skimmed my "curves". I even ripped back 6 inches and did some waist shaping  but it didn't really help. Plus, since I took about a 1 month break in the middle, my gauge changed!!!

Notice the puckery and icky fabric in the midsection. Yuck!

I love the color and the sleeve, but I think I'm going to have to rip it out. :(

I was so mad that I threw it in the closet for a TIME OUT! I'm now resigned to having to frog it, but want to reuse the super pretty yarn for something else.

Maybe Watershed: but longer...just past my waist. Heaven knows I have enough yarn. (I still have a whole skein I haven't used!)

Maybe Global Warming a'la hapichick:

Either way, I will make sure it is nice and snug...no lose fabric for me!

Bra Problems and Plans

About a year ago I made myself a bra. Then, I got pregnant and (ahem) it was too small. A few weeks ago, I thought I'd try and see if it fit...it did! It was wonderful and comfortable. I don't know about you, but I struggle with finding bras that fit. My cup size is too big for my band size (or so regular stores think). {TMI and FYI: I am a 34DDD, or E, or F depending on the manufacturer.} And, in the end I have to spend  $60+ on one bra!!! For a cheapskate frugal mama like me that is a big deal!

So, I was loving my homemade bra, until...

FAIL!

The strap broke right at the connector!

the plan: make more bras
For about $10 ea in materials - yes I can make 5-6 bras for the price of one store bought bra!
the fail solution: don't use adjustable straps!
I was thinking - What's the reason for adjustable straps on bras? - answer: so it will fit many bodies. Well, since I'm making these bras custom to fit me, I don't need adjustable straps. I can just sew one in at the right length...Problem Solved!

For your Information:
Bra Pattern: Pin-up Girls "Linda" Bra 8235
The pattern and materials were purchased online at ELingeriA. I highly recommend them. They sell different patterns, materials, straps, closures, under-wires...everything you need to make lingerie. They are based out of Germany so everything is in Euros and the shipping takes a bit of time but it is totally worth it! Now that I have the pattern, I just need to get some more material and get sewing. I'll keep you posted!

FO: Modern Garden Cardi

Project:  Mother's day gift Cardigan
Pattern:  Modern Garden Cardi

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Roving (Color: CNatural)
Needles: US 15 (10 mm)

Why you were excited about knitting this project: I had never really done lace before (I started this before the shawl) and wanted to try it. I liked the graphic nature of the leaves. The large yarn made it so it was a quick knit and easy to do. It actually only took me about 3 weeks to complete this project...and another two to get around to buying and stitching on the buttons. I've had it ready for about two months and was just waiting for my mom to visit.

Project Details:  My mom seems to always be cold so this worked out perfectly for her. I was a bit concerned that it would be too big, since she wasn't around for me to try it on her. I just sized it for myself, and left it at that. I think it worked out okay.