FO: "Reborn" Watershed

If you remember, my first attempt at designing a pullover didn't work. But, I liked the yarn enough to rip it all out and use it on something else. That's why this is "reborn".

Project: "Reborn" Watershed
Pattern: Watershed
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool (Color: Plum Heathered)
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)

Why you were excited about knitting this project: I really wanted to reuse this yarn, which I liked so much and I wanted to make something that would work out! So, I chose this pattern because it was cute and looked like enough of a challenge to keep me interested but easy enough to be doable.

Modifications: I decided, since I had so much yarn, to go ahead and make this longer. Plus, I'm not really in love with the cut-off jacket craze. I did 10 repeats of the lace pattern before decreasing the sleeves (8 before separating).

Project Details: I chose a smaller size than my measurements because I didn't want a huge beast like my last attempt. It actually blocked out about 2 inches longer but the width didn't really increase much. I do wish, that I had added a bit more width in the front of the cardi. I can't close mine even if I wanted to. But, as a light cover up, it works great! Also, I might have liked the sleeves just a touch longer, but it actually looks okay with the cut-off sleeves.

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.

James' Blessing Romper

It seems with work, school, kids, other projects, and lack of sleep I can only get a little bit done each day. Such is life with a newborn, I guess. Knowing this was the situation, I started working on James' Blessing Romper in mid-February. what should only have taken a few hours (really that's all it actually took) had to be spread out over many weeks. Here's how it went:

The Process: 
(not every day ... some days I didn't get a chance to work on this at all)
Day 1 - Buy fabric, thread, buttons and tatting (wonder if the tatting is too girly...)
Day 2 - Prewash
Day 3 - Iron
Day 4 - Cut out front bodice and sew tucks. Press.
Days 5-8 - Sew on tatted lace and embroidered feather stitches. (is it too girly?)
And so on...you get the idea.

And then, two weeks before his blessing, my machine broke! The timing was completely off and it took a whole week to fix!!!

But I did finish it! I think it turned out really great, if a bit big.

Pattern Description:
Boy's Blessing Romper. i used the pattern from Sew Beautiful Magazine Issue 71, with some original design variations from Sew Beautiful Magazine Issue 79.

Pattern Sizing:
Sized NB-24 mo. I made the newborn size, which turned out to still be a bit big.  This isn't the fault of the pattern sizing, rather of the baby sizing...he was still quite small. Maybe in another month it would have fit him.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No. But I made a lot of changes.

Fabric Used:
White cotton quilting fabric for bodice and sleeves. White flannel for the back and pant front.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. Going back and forth from the original article and the designer version gave me a lot of choices when it came to design.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really liked just about all of it. It was a bit fiddly because of the design elements, but they turned out much easier to tackle than I expected. Maybe it's my inexperience with heirloom sewing techniques but I ended up having to hand stitch the tatting on and then zig-zag with the machine. Wish I could have done it in one step. But, the instructions were very clear and the pictures were helpful.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't use any blue edging and didn't use linen and pull threads. I replaced the blue edging on the collar and sleeves with some tatting to match the bodice. I didn't put any embroidery on the belt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I don't think I'll have need to sew it again but I do recommend it to others. It is a great first heirloom project and a good one for boys - those are few and far between.

Conclusion:

Great pattern, great instructions. Highly recommend!

Project Diary: Big Brother Sweater

Project:  Big Brother Sweater
Pattern: mine. based on Incredible Custom Fit Raglan.
Yarn: Premier Yarns Everyday Soft Worsted Prints (Color: Winding River)
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)

Why you were excited about knitting this project: I wanted to make a sweater for Ben to match James' sweater. I was really excited to learn how to design my own raglan sweater. Starting with a small size made it seem more manageable.

What size you made:  To fit Ben (about 2T). 

Project Details:   I included a one button placket at the neck to accommodate the little man's huge noggin. It does the job, but I wish I would have made it deeper (so it opened bigger) so he could wear it for a longer time. I used 6 rows/rounds of garter stitch as an edging on the neck/sleeves/hem just like James sweater. I like that the yarn did most of the work to make this sweater look interesting.

♥Julliana

Iron-On Transfers * Big Brother is Watching!

Today I've been experimenting with Iron-On Transfers.

They are pretty easy to work with, but there are a few things you have to keep in mind.

1. Print your image out reversed...My first run wasn't correct. Luckily I caught it before I ironed it on.
2. There are many different kinds of transfer paper. I got a cheapy pack for ink jets. It works, but I'm sure there are better out there. Also, some are for light color fabrics and some are for dark colors...keep that in mind!
3. It gets hot so watch your fingers!

But I think the results are pretty awesome! This set is for my boys...the big and little brothers. But the possibilities are endless. I've been thinking of a bunch more ways to use Iron-On transfers and will share when I get to them.

Let me know if you've tried this and what has worked for you.

Enjoy! ♥ Julliana