The Anniversary Shawl

June has been a month of knitting knit-alongs for me.  Two mystery shawls, and two pairs of socks.  Yes, I'm behind, but I rather expected to be.  That's a lot of knitting for me for one month!

I am close to finishing the second pair of socks, and I hope to finish the second shawl before the week's end.  Going on a road trip this weekend will give me additional knitting time.  :)

But....drum roll, please.... yesterday on my 30th wedding anniversary, I finished this blue lace shawl!  I don't even wear shawls, but I am so happy in the way this shawl turned out.  So happy, indeed, that I may just have to learn to wear shawls and be comfortable wearing them.  

The Pattern:  Wendy Knits Summer 2013 Mystery Shawl
The Yarn:  Knit Picks Shadow, lace weight, 100% Merino
Needles: size 5 (3.75 mm)
Finished Dimensions: 68" x 29"

Bucket Hats and Babies

Too Hats

Two Babies

Too Big

The hats are too big.  Good thing babies grow, right?

Thinking they might need some protection from the hot Oklahoma sun this summer, I made two bucket hats for my 2 grandsons.  I don't yet have pictures of the redhead, Grayson, wearing his hat, but it was too big.  The size smaller was too big on the little one, Trey.  

Oh, but aren't these babies just adorable?!  This Grammie sure thinks so.

  First Fight?

 

The bucket hat pattern is free from Oliver+S, and it is reversible.  It comes in several sizes, from baby to big kid.  It was an easy pattern and fun to sew.  I discovered that I do need to add some "boy" fabric to my stash; I have next to nothing suitable for boys.  

 

Skirt Week

My skirt made it to the top 10 at Crafterhours Skirt Week, yay hooray. :) And now I just need all you lovely Sew Chic readers to please head on over to Crafterhoursblog.com and vote for skirt #7, Simplicity 2226. Today is the only day to vote, and I would sure appreciate your vote.

The Cat in The Bonnet

It's been awhile since I've embroidered anything.  It felt nice.  Making this bonnet was a bright spot in my otherwise sick-with-the-aches-fever-and-burning-throat kind of day.  And tonight I'm actually going to bed early in hopes of kicking this icky-sicky bug.  

The lovely pattern is from Rosy Little Things, and I think it's adorable.  I sewed it at a friend's request, and I hope she likes it.  I also hope it fits a 3-6 month old baby.  If not, though, I can just make another.  It was that much fun.

No baby is around to model the hat, so one of Emily's stuffed cats will have to suffice for today.  Cute looking cat, wouldn't you agree?

The bonnet is reversible and comes in 4 sizes.  The pattern was easy to put together, has great instructions, and I definitely plan to make it again one day.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for commenting. :)

Polo Shirt Resized for Tiny Daughter

My daughter is volunteering at the hospital this summer and was issued a size small polo shirt.  She was drowning in the size small; such a teeny little 17 year old!  

Enter Sewing Mom to the rescue! 

This is one good reason I'm glad I know how to sew.  Now I just need to teach Tiny Daughter how to sew.

 The Before Shirt:

(You can't tell but there are a good 12 inches of fabric tucked into her slacks).

And The After Shirt:

A Favorite Skirt Pattern

 

I made it last year, and I made it again this week.  Simplicity 2226 is a skirt pattern that I can see myself making again and again.  I like it that much.

The fabric I used is a lightweight cotton with a bit of stretch to it.  I bought it a number of years ago on the remnant table at Denver Fabrics (in Denver, not online).  The border print of the fabric runs down both selvedge edges, and I have enough fabric left to make another 2 or 3 skirts.  Oh, well, I don't need another skirt, but maybe I'll make Emily a summer dress....

Simplicity 2226 is a "Learn to Sew" pattern.  The pattern gives options for two lengths, pocket trim, belt loops, tie belt, and center back zipper. The skirt is designed to sit below the natural waistline. 

Because this pattern is geared for beginners sewers, the instructions are detailed and include step-by-step directions and illustrations. The details and stylish design make it a great skirt pattern for those with more sewing experience as well.

Modifications:

• I used an invisible zipper on the side seam instead of at center back.  I cut the skirt back in one piece, eliminating the seam so as not to disrupt the border print.
• I stabilized the pocked edges and the top seam of the waistband with a strip of interfacing to prevent stretching.  I also interfaced the zipper seam allowance.
• I added a lining to the skirt.  (Does anybody wear slips anymore?)
• With green thread, I topstitched the hem, the pocket edges, the waistband, and the belt loops with the triple-stitch setting on my machine.

 

And there you have it!  Now I need to find a green top to match or perhaps a chunky green necklace....something, anything, to give some relief to the black.  :)

Lastly, if you haven't already, head on over to Crafterhours for Skirt Week 2013 for photos of beautiful skirts, tutorials, and inspiration to make your own skirt, not to mention a fabulous contest coming up.