February sewing: Barcelona skirt

Back in December, I purchased Amy Butler’s Barcelona skirt pattern at my local fabric store. I’d seen many versions of this skirt online–it’s quite a popular pattern. I thought it would be a great way to introduce some fun and fresh prints into my (sometimes) drab work wardrobe. I began this skirt in December and set it down through the holidays. Here it is (finally)–

Fabric: One and three-quarters yards of “Neo Geo” by Jackie Shapiro and white cotton for the lining.

• I wore this skirt to work today along with a light blue blouse and a black blazer. It was super comfortable and a nice break from my neutral colored blouse/black pants routine.
• I didn’t know anything about Jackie Shapiro before purchasing this fabric. You can go here to see some of the other designs in the “Neo Geo” line.  The colors and the prints are fun. I’m glad my local fabric store carries her stuff.
• I followed the pattern for this skirt pretty closely. My only hang up came with the invisible zipper. This was my first time sewing an invisible zipper and I had to do it a couple of times to get it right. Then, I had to attach the lining to the zipper which came out a bit messy. Oh well. The only modification I made was creating two small darts at the waistline because the skirt was a bit big. The darts worked out well and the skirt fits perfectly.

Recently, I purchased some more pretty prints for my next Barcelona skirt. Stay tuned!

January sewing

I busted out the Threadbanger for two projects–

Pattern: Wide-Leg Lounge Pants from Amy Butler’s In Stitches

Fabric: Purple with white polka dots cotton purchased at Jo-Ann’s.

• When my pajama bottoms started to show signs of serious wear and tear, I decided to sew up a pair instead of purchasing new ones.  I followed the pattern faithfully with the exception of the trim.  I’ll make my next pair a bit roomier in the hips as this pair is a bit snug. Overall, a great project I’ll be making again.
• This pattern was one of the (many) reasons I purchased Amy Butler’s book. There are some great gift ideas that I hope to make in the future. The “In Stitches” group on Flickr  posts finished projects from this book. There are some beautiful FOs in that group–check it out!

Pattern: “Den of pin” pincushion from Diana Rupp’s Sew Everything Workshop

• My sewing kit came with a tiny, tiny pincushion that didn’t have a lot of space for pins. So, I decided to make myself a bigger one using the pattern from Rupp’s book. All you need is a fabric scrap, felt, embroidery floss, and a button. It took me about 30 minutes from start to finish. Now my pins have a pretty and happy place to live!

Stay tuned for more sewing projects from these two great books. Coming up–I finally commit to knitting a sweater!

December knits

Happy New Year! Hope your holidays were relaxing and peaceful. During our holiday trip to Washington, D.C., I completed two knitting projects. I knit these projects while traveling on buses and trains and lounging with family. Here are pics and details:

Pattern: Sunday Swing Socks by Kristel Nyberg from Knitty, Summer 2009.

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Hand Painted Sock Yarn in Luz de luna colorway. Purchased at Hill Country Weavers in Austin, TX.

Needles: Size 1 DPNs

• Did you ever purchase a beautiful skein of sock yarn and struggle to match it with a pattern? That was the case with this lovely ball of Misti Alpaca. I attempted to knit up other patterns with this yarn but the emerging sock just didn’t speak to me. Finally, I  chose this pattern and the end result is a perfect match between yarn and pattern.
• The Misti Alpaca is super soft and keeps my feet very warm. I knit these socks at a perfect time–we are actually experiencing a cold snap in Houston so my wooly socks are in heavy rotation.
• I followed the pattern as written from cuff to foot. The only modification I made was opting for a square toe as opposed to the one recommended in the pattern. The lace pattern is simple and easy to memorize, perfect for traveling. Overall, a great pattern and one I will be knitting again.

Pattern: Smart hat by Silja Devine. Found on Ravelry.

Yarn: One skein of Cascade 220 Superwash in a grey colorway. Purchased at the Yarn Barn in San Antonio, TX.

Time to knit: about one week

• I asked my husband if he wanted a hand knit for Christmas and he replied, “yes.” He chose a hat from a few patterns I found on Ravelry.  During a visit to San Antonio (to see family) we dropped by the Yarn Barn, a lovely little yarn store just north of downtown.  I recommended the yarn and my husband selected the color.
• The Cascade 220 Superwash is soft without the scratchiness I encountered with Cascade 220. My husband had no complaints and said it kept his head warm while we walked around D.C. during a chilly Christmas.
• This is a very simple ribbed hat. I knit 55 rounds and then began decreasing. I like the length on the hat because you can pull it over your ears or fold it. This hat was a hit with my husband and his father so another hat is currently in progress for my father-in-law.

While in D.C. we went to the National Portrait Gallery,  the National Gallery of Art, and enjoyed some great tapas at Jaleo.  I bundled up and wore my hand knits during the trip. My Coronet hat, Fetching gloves, and Irish Hiking Scarf (that I will eventually post up to this blog) all saw action in D.C.

I also knitted a few Christmas gifts and did some sewing. Pics coming soon.

Knitting update

I’ve been quite busy with knitting but lazy about the blogging.  Here are some details (and pics) of some projects past and present–

Name: Bowling Socks

Pattern:  This is a pair of simple stockinette stitch socks with a K2, P2 cuff.

Yarn: Regia purchased locally at Yarns 2 Ewe

Needles: Size 2 DPNs

Time to knit: One week

Details:

• I knit these socks while traveling through the great expanse between Houston and Big Bend National Park in August.  While I was knitting, my husband commented that they would be perfect for our bowling date night, thus the name.
• This is my first time knitting with the ubiquitous and inexpensive Regia. I love the colors but I was disappointed when the socks didn’t match up.  Oh well. I don’t need matching socks to bowl an awesome game.

Name: Bowling socks II

Pattern: This is a pair of simple stockinette stitch socks with a K2, P2 cuff.

Yarns: Koigu Painter’s Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM) purchased at Hill Country Weavers in Austin, TX.

Needles: Size 2 DPNs

Time to knit: 2 weeks

Details:

• I purchased these two skeins of Koigu at Hill Country Weavers in Austin.  You don’t get a lot of yardage for your dollar but I had enough yarn to knit this pair with a little bit left over.
• I absolutely love this yarn. It is soft and the colors mix up beautifully. I have a couple of more skeins of KPPPM in my stash for future socks. Stay tuned.

Pattern: Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn Clarke from Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave Knits

Yarn: Plymouth Happy Feet

Needles: Size 2 DPNs

Time to knit: About three months due to on and off knitting…

Details:

• I love this pattern. It was easy to follow and produced lovely results.  Unfortunately, my love for this pattern didn’t sustain my concentration!  I became distracted by other knitting patterns and sewing so they languished for a couple of months in my knitting basket. They’re finally finished and I can move on (guilt-free) to other shiny things…

Finally, a parting shot of my Hemlock Ring Blanket in progress. This is a Christmas gift for my mother. Ssshh!

Sewing FO: Box Bag

Finally, some sewing content on this blog! Yesterday, I finished a box bag to hold my knitting projects using this tutorial. Thank you for writing it up and sharing, Drago[knit]fly! Here are some pics and the details–

Give whirled peas a chance.

My WIP is grateful it won't have to live in a Ziploc bag anymore.

• I purchased this fabric two weeks ago in San Antonio. I chose a light blue cotton for the lining that complements the blue peace signs on the exterior fabric. I have quite a bit of fabric leftover that will probably be used to make a quilt (someday). I used a 12 inch black zipper.
• Initially, I was going to use a medium weight interfacing (that I already had) but at the last minute purchased a heavier weight because I wanted the bag to hold it’s shape. I fused the interfacing with the exterior fabric first and then sewed the bag up–my only modification.  Other than that I followed the tutorial as outlined.
• This bag is the perfect size for my sock projects and it fits beautifully into my purse. I’ll definitely be using this tutorial again in the future. I am so happy with the finished product!

All quiet on the knitting blog

I am still here and still knitting! Despite the lack of blog posts, I have finished two sock projects in May/June and I am halfway finished with a pair of socks for July. Check it out–

Mas monkeys

Simple ribbed socks

I’ll spare you most of the details on these two projects as I have made them in the past. The “Monkey” socks are made with Lorna’s Laces sock yarn that knit up beautifully.  I decided to knit these two patterns (again) so I can keep trimming back my stash. It’s too hot for socks right now so I’ll get to wear these later this year.

I am also working on a pair of Waving Lace socks using Happy Feet Yarn. I finished the first sock two days ago–

So purdy.

My mind has started to turn towards Christmas gifts–I know, we are five months away, but I am a master procrastinator when it comes to knitting Christmas gifts. I have to start earlier this year because my gift list has grown substantially from last year. I know I will be knitting another pair of Fetching gloves for a family member as well as this for my mother.

DH and I will be on vacation in August.  I’ll be back with pictures and (no surprise) another pair of socks!

Happy Mother’s Day and an FO

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamacitas out there! Before I get on the road to visit my own mother for the next two days, here’s a quickie post to show y’all my recent FO, another pair of Simple Ribbed socks, as previously seen here–

Details–

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Co. Happy Feet in a red, blue, green, purple colorway, 1.5 skeins. Pattern by Kate Atherley.

Needles: Size 2 DPNs

Modifications: None, 76 stitches for the leg, 56 for the foot.

Time to knit: about three weeks. Knit while listening to some cool bands at IFest and Jazz Fest.

• This is my second pair of simple ribbed socks and I am currently working on a third. I’ve worked with this yarn before–no complaints. I’ve had this yarn for about a year and this pattern is a great stash buster!
• I knit these socks while taking in some great jams as Houston’s International Festival and at the New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Festival.  I saw the Mighty Diamonds, Eddie Palmieri (living legend!), the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Beausoleil, and Pearl Jam (much to the content of my inner grunger).  Needless to say, it was a great month for live music. Here are some parting shots from Jazz Fest–

Eddie on the big screen

Rebirth Brass Band

Rebirth Brass Band