Fun with Knitting (and Quilting)

Tag-Along

So bought this pattern back in the spring and decided to whip one up yesterday. It's called the Tag Along Tote It was pretty easy... I was a bit confused by the zipper insertion but once I did it and JUST TRUSTED the directions it came out pretty good. (I probably should have changed my serger thread) I can see a few changes I'll make for the next go around. I'd like it to be a tad bigger, just an inch or 2. I have some left over Michael Miller fabric I may use. It's a great little tote for when you are out and about and don't want to lug around a large purse!

I've been doing more sewing than knitting lately...the heat just makes me want to stay in my cool sewing room and stitch...Abby is tired of the heat..This is how she feels about it!  
 Yuck! I want to lay out in the yard!

Sew Much Fun!

While I've still been knitting away ( do have 2 finished sweaters that need buttons and photographing), when it's too hot to knit outside I often venture up to my sewing room studio...I showed you all that fabric I bought I figure I'd better get to some of it!!

Last week I made up 2 "muslin's" of 2 patterns I wanted to try out. For those who might not know a muslin it a test run of your pattern on cheaper fabric (Often muslin cause you can get it super cheap-but not a good choice if you are testing out at knit!)...I had bought both of these thinking eh if they don't turn out no biggie...I'll send them on to Goodwill or something....but low and behold they are both winners! (I may even venture into writing a review of them for pattern review)

First up is McCalls6264

I made view B. While this was supposed to be a "muslin"(poly/rayon knit 60% off at JoAnn's)  I liked it so much I wore it to a friends wedding last weekend and got a ton of compliments on it! Don't mind the silly picture..DH is not the best photographer. Great dress for an outdoor summer wedding! I have plans for another out of a tropical blue/white print as well. Very fast and easy (only 4 pieces! and a little elastic). I"m contemplating making the shorter version of this as well.

The 2nd pattern was McCall's 6308. A cute little crossover front dress.  I made view A  I'm always looking for summery cross over dresses that don't reveal "too much" and this one fits the bill. It was supposed to have some elastic in the waist..I left if out...don't really see a need for it! It is also from JoAnn's 50% off sale. It's a cotton knit. It's actually kind of a heavy fabric...but I still like the outcome, a lot! I had a bit of an issue with the facing around the neckline actually in the back at the V ...may tinker around with just folding down sewing that for my 2nd go at the pattern. Why yes I plan on making this at least twice more...another short version in this fabulous bright yellow Michael Miller print that I cut out tonight

(I'd of started sewing it-but I don't have the right color thread!) I am elminating a bit of the "gather" around the waist..there really was quite a lot, originally I was only going to do it on the back, but decided to do the front and back. I hope it works out..if not I have enough that I can cut out another piece for the front if I have to! I also have fabric for a maxi version in very summery shaded of teal/white/and blue. (it will match perfectly with the shawl I'm currently knitting!)

"Sew" there you have it....let me tell you if you have a fear of sewing with knit fabric and want to give knit garmets a go...I'd highly reccomend either of these patterns!

Darn it!

OOPs I accidently deleted my post with my cute little wedge bag...How'd I do that...I was trying to delete a draft of another post then I guess I clicked the wrong think...darn darn darn..

So here's a quick not nearly as clever little post

I decided I wanted a cute wedge bag like I've seen the Knit Girllls using...I know I could buy one but I wanted to make up my own with my own fabric choices, so I Googled around a bit and found this tutorial for a bag that would fit the bill....Then I adjusted the size to be what I wanted did a bit of sewing and come up with this (In my opinion) darling bag!

It measures about 14" long by 7" high with a base about 3" wide. I've already bought supplies to make another....

Then I also made some cute stitch markers...To go with my latest kniting project, Goodale and my amazing new Signature Needles



Not nearly as clever as my first post...but I hope you enjoy the pictures none the less....

So what are you doing this summer?

I get that question all the time...and I hate to answer non-crafty people, because the just don't get it. When I tell them I'm going to knit and sew. They think I should be teaching summer school or writing curriculum...no thanks! Not that I don't go to the occasional professional development class or take college classes to renew my teaching license, but my focus is on my crafty endeavors that I don't have as much time to focus on as I'd like during the year.

So what exactly am I going to be up to you may ask, well here's a pile of near done WIPs:

 

Lets see there's sweaters Pole, Pasha, Castle, Sedona, Seneca, Mothy and Greenfield all close to being done. (if you want more details come see me on Ravelry) There are a few others that are further from being done, plus some springy/summery type things I want to do!

Also there's sewing! I've decided that I need to get some more skills on sewing with knits! So here's my giant pile of new (mostly knit) fabrics.

I've got tops and dresses and a couple skirts planned..

Here's my first successful sewn knit dress McCalls 6308...this was with a cheapy knit to test out the pattern

I'm pretty happy it with it quite cute I have a maxi version in a print planned!

HMM I think that should be enough to keep me busy for the summer, What do you think?