Slouch? Check!
March 4, 2013 § 2 Comments
I am a sweater Knitter with a Capital “K.” I love sweaters. I love knitting them. And I wish—though only halfheartedly, I love my warm weather and often dream of living in La Jolla—that I lived in an where real wool, hand-knit sweaters are a necessity. There is a problem with sweaters though, and no, I am not referring to the dreaded “second-sleeve syndrome.” They take forever to knit.
We are getting ready to move in 2 weeks, and the movers will be here before we know it. While having a yarn crisis I went through my entire yarn stash and while this might seem scary it is only 5 large bins (24 x 16 x 8 inches) and even more shockingly, it hasn’t grown in over a year. I have been buying lots of yarn, and as it turns out, I have been making lots and lots of knitted things, too. My husband and mother were just telling me the other day that I am CRAZY to think that I haven’t really finished anything in months. I openly admit now that they are right, and going through my yarn stash helped me to realize that I have done a lot, otherwise I’d be in need of a lot more bins for this big move.
I think that part of the reason why I feel like I haven’t finished anything is for two reasons. 1. I am a process knitter and enjoy the knitting more than the finished object and 2. I never really get closure on completing the project, unless I am able to photograph and post about it. I love working on little write-ups about the patterns, and what I learned. So I am going to try to catch up with some of my FOs (Finished Objects).
Images of Knitscene cover and Project shot for the Check Slouch from Interweave Press. Click either image to follow through to their website, where you can buy this great issue of the magazine. So many fun projects!
In my world of sweaters, occasionally I just need to get something done, and accessories are an ideal way to do that. Last summer when Knitscene, part of Interweave Press, released their Accessories issue I immediately snatched up a copy and fell head-over-heels for the Check Souch by Triona Murphy. When I made my big Knitpicks order last fall I bought one skein of Hawk, Ivory and Whisker in Knitpicks Comfy Worsted. On a rainy day with baby sleeping I picked up my needles, didn’t do my gauge swatch, which is Extremely Rare—definitely capitalized—and started knit-knit-knitting away. I think that my 1×1 ribbing, especially in cotton, can look a little sloppy so I made my first modification there. From that point, I started in with the multi-colors and the plaid pattern. This was the first time that it was really, really evident to me that I was knitting each row twice to create the effect but it is brilliant. After a short bit I measured and had actually hit gauge almost perfectly; my piece would be a wee bit big. But it is a “slouch” hat, so that isn’t really a bad thing, right?
I finished this puppy in one day, and was very happy to have taken a break from sweater-ville. I really love when I have the opportunity to learn something new and this hat, with the plaid, gave me a great, short opportunity. I wore it for my tone-on-tone Fashion Friday a few weeks ago, and wear it all the time. It is just right in this yarn, and the pattern was really fun. I should surf back through the issue and see what else I can find for a quick breather from sweater-ville.
Materials: Knitpicks Comfy Worsted, 1 hank each of
- Hawk
- Ivory
- Whisker
Modifications:
- Only 1, I changed the ribbing to 1×1 twisted rib: *(K1tbl, p1); rep for * through end of rnd
I learned:
- The plaid st pattern, and really, really enjoyed it
- I think that my color choices and yarn choice were just perfect for this project.
Spring is Springing. Part 2: Spring Green Cloche
February 14, 2013 § 3 Comments
Buy The Spring Green Cloche Knitting Pattern for $2.00 US
My mother will be thrilled to see this post.
You see, I made the purple version of this hat last spring, and finished right about on Mother’s Day. My Mom claimed it before it even came off my needles. So, almost a year later, less a season or so, and at Christmas, after all the gifts were opened she was looking around for one more. I asked her what it was, thinking it was one that she’d brought that went missing, to which she replied, “I thought I was getting that purple hat?”
Alas, no. I had to complete one more sample, and take pictures, and then finally, the purple hat would be hers.
The purple version is in the color “lilac” which is discontinued, Knitpicks Comfy Sport. I just didn’t want to publish a pattern with a discontinued color as the only shown colorway. But what other color to pick?
I knew I needed something for spring, as that is exactly what this hat felt like it was made for. How about that Honeydew color? Shocking, I know, but I have never knit anything in Green. It’s not really my color.
So, come the end of January, I decided that I NEEDED to get this puppy done. Into the queue it went for my big “FebOne” deadline. I knit the entire light-green cloche in a day, finding that I needn’t make any adjustments to my pattern. Hooray!
The buttons were the big problem though. See, I didn’t have any, and ANYONE who has tried to pick out buttons knows, it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to find good ones. I trekked over at almost 9 pm on a Thursday night, leaving the baby with Daddy and dinner at home. After twenty minutes of sitting on the floor and button-hunting, I chose the same buttons used in my purple hat. Thank goodness that the place I bought them from still had a few left. They’re cute, and with the Green hat they’re tone-on-tone, which, as we have already established, is my current obsession.
Sadly, the pattern didn’t get published by FebOne. The kink in my neck and lack of time to take pictures is what held this one—and really all of the others—up. In the long run, however, I think that it worked out for the best. When I put it on this week, during my new-found spring motivation I found that I LOVED the color. When I finished it two weeks ago, I was in such a mad rush to get everything done I didn’t take the time to stop and smell the roses. I am not sure that I even put it on after I finished it.
Thank goodness Ramon opened all of the windows on Monday morning. When I felt the spring breeze waft in and heard the little birds-a-chirpin’ out there everything about this hat just felt right. Pattern done, I only needed the pictures and I find it is ALWAYS easier to take pictures of my hand-made things when I am happy. And then, the HARDEST part, the name. It just came to me in all of the day’s spring glory. So simple!
Spring Green Cloche, Avalible through my portfolio site, Feather Press Knits.
A fun and quick springtime knit.
In Northern California our winters our mild at best, but this doesn’t stop the urge for prolonged days of knittery during those blustery months and beyond. Wool only goes so far in these warmer climates, and by mid-march it is often already to warm for fleece and other natural fibers from our furry friends. But where there is a will there is a way. As the days grow longer and I find that I am just not ready for the warm and wooly knitting season to be over I am falling head over heals for spring-time knits.
To be honest, cotton is not my favorite fiber to knit with, that was, at least, until I found Knitpicks Comfy Sport: a soft, friendly to knit 75% cotton & 25% acrylic blend. With the Easter Bunny soon to be hopping our way, I am already finding myself enjoying my Spring Green Cloche! Even with smaller needles this hat is a quick knit, with a fun, rhythmic textured pattern, and decreases that create a beautiful hexagon. Light as a feather, and cute as a button.
With the unusual horizontal ribbing, I have included a tutorial for how to integrate the finished ribbing with the beginning of the rest of the cloche with both written instructions and pictures. This cloche is worn with a slight slouch, and the soft hand of this textured stitch and cotton blend yarn it has a wonderful drape.
So Mom, you can enjoy your spring now, too. Your purple hat is ready for you, and for the bright-cheerful spring ahead!
Spring is Springing. Part 1: Cowell Beach Beret
February 13, 2013 § 4 Comments
Buy The Cowell Beach Beret Knitting Pattern for $4.00 US
I do believe that that silly old groundhog was right this year. Yesterday I woke up and Ramon and the windows in the kitchen open. Light was pouring in and the birds were chirping. Holy cow, it is already spring. Then, I stepped outside to put my basil plant on the table for some of this lovely weather, and boom, 45°F.
Okay, so it’s not quite spring yet, but I do tell you, Spring is Springing out there!
Back when I created Cowl Beach, I also had in mind a Beret. Well I started it last fall using my final skein of Spud and Chloe Sweater in Beluga, the same yarn as the cowl. And then it accidentally fell off of my radar. until January. I only had the decreasing left, which was quickly completed. Originally, my goal was to have this published on February 1st, or 12 days ago. Alas, I just couldn’t fit all of this in. Mommy-time came first. I was able to get three of my 7 patterns published by that date, and then the gloom of cold of a few rainy days and February weather stopped me from from staying very long in Motivation-Town.
I finished the hat on the eve of January 30th. It looked like it would be in time for my deadline. I updated my pattern with my final notes, but I still had that darn tutorial to do for how to pick up the stitches from the horizontal, ribbed, overlapped brim. I didn’t want to just explain how to do it. Often, instructions can be confusing. I am a visual person, and like to have things explained both ways when I come across something now. Right after finishing the hat I threw it in my washing tub, and then pulled it over a plate, and into the oven it went.
Wait. What?
Yes, the oven. I set the oven to just over 130°F to dry some of my knitwear after washing. First of all, I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DOING THIS, OR CONDONE IT IN ANY WAY! Secondly, with the move going on, I really just don’t have anywhere else to block my work. Third. I was on a time crunch, and with no sun out, and short days wool takes FOREVER to dry. The dry heat of the oven on super low helps me speed things up a bit. I keep a super accurate thermometer going at all times to make sure that I don’t put anyone in any danger, but again, let me stress, Kids, DON’T do this!
The next morning the hat still had quite a bit left to dry. With the plate in there, not all of the moisture could escape and evaporate, so I flipped it over, and decided to revel for a moment at how proud I felt about having so little yarn left. It is no secret that I like to try to use my materials to their fullest potential. I am VERY happy that I finished this hat with only one skein of Spud and Chloe Sweater, and had just a tiny amount left! I put it next to this lego for a size comparison.
Okay, it was really a little more than that. That is really a Mega Block. But still, that is very little left, and something to be proud of.
Please note the the strawberries on the Little Buckaroo’s face. Strawberries are his favorite.
After publishing my Twenty for Five Pullover, Levieva Sweater, and Carried Away Cowl I ran out of steam.
Then, this week started out on a truly great note!
On Monday, we just had the most fabulous day ever. Ramon stayed home from the new house remodel for the first time in two and a half months. He took the baby and I over to Santa Cruz for breakfast, and to enjoy the beautiful day. I was hoping to get some pictures of this hat then, but it was so bright, and so sunny picture taking was pretty much impossible.
Please note the crashing wave on the rocks in front of Ramon and the Little Buckaroo’s baby hand holding the stroller.
We went for a walk past beautiful Cowl Beach, and up past the light-house. The waves were huge, and there, amongst the seagulls and surfers I found my motivation again.
Perhaps it was from having a day off from the usual routine. Perhaps it was having Ramon home, and knowing that I could take “the long shower” without worrying about Little Screamy-Pants. Whatever it was when we got back I was able to get to work, and now we have Part 1 of Spring is Springing, at long last my new Cowell Beach Beret Knitting Pattern.
As a tribute to one of my favorite places, I have created a cowl named Cowl Beach, with continuous crashing waves of its own. As a companion piece, I have created this beret, which uses exactly 1 skein of Spud & Chloe Sweater. With the unusual horizontal ribbing, I have included a tutorial for how to integrate the finished ribbing with the beginning of the rest of the beret with both written instructions and pictures. Also included, is the same tutorial that I diligently developed for Cowl Beach (the Cowl), showing how to create the waves seamlessly in the round. A feat which I worked very hard to figure out and accomplish and feel very proud of.
England in 1912, United States in 1978, Russia and 1987, AND introducing my Levieva Pullover Pattern
February 5, 2013 § Leave a Comment
As a child, and—well if I am being honest, even as an adult—occasionally I walk into the living room where my mother is sitting and she would be watching some insanely boring show on Masterpiece Theater. They talk in their British accents, and are in some hotel or something-or-another, and as soon as I see what is taking place in the living room, I quietly back out of the room, and pretend to have been busy on the computer the whole time. How can she watch this stuff? They talk forever while you can’t understand them, and then nothing happens! And then, Downton Abbey happened, and now I find myself in my mother’s shoes. I get it. The whole thing is just terribly romantic. The costumes leave me drooling and I saver each episode with every breath. I make sure the baby is in-bed, soundly asleep or napping before hitting play on Hulu so I can be sure to follow every detail. I simply cannot fathom how so much can happen in just one one-hour show! How could I have been so wrong, for so many years?
This morning while giving the baby his breakfast bottle, I found myself reflecting on something that Granny, Violet Crawley, played by Maggie Smith, says in the first weekend. Ramon has been working so hard on our house remodel and I have been working so hard taking care of the little guy at home. We are both exhausted. Exhausted. And we are both desperate to have this huge remodel project completed so that we can once again be a normal family, and do it in our new home. In the second episode of the first season, taking place in 1912, Violet Crawley asks, “What is a weekend,” demonstrating that the social stature of “real-men” don’t need weekends and this is what the measure of a successful man is. He is so wealthy he does not work, and this is far more noble and respectable than a working-man. According to “Granny” we are fools then, of the lower-class, who are not worthy of respect. Ok, yes, this is going a bit far, I know.
But it is this work that makes us real. Ramon has been working so hard to provide for his family. I have been working so hard on our family, and then we have our interests as well. I have been working like made to try to get my patterns published. As silly as it is, it is now my only independent income, I too want to feel like I can contribute something financially to our family. The pride I feel when I have completed something is unparalleled though. I know that Ramon feels that way about our new home, too. Watching him work the way that he does makes me think of our cross-country road-trips. We’ve taken two, neither of them cannon-ball-runs. Both off the beaten path across many two-lane highways were we wouldn’t see anyone for miles and miles, except the occasional farmer. I have never felt more patriotic than I have when we were on these trips. We’d see so many real people, doing real work. Largely ignored or forgotten, they really are the backbone of this amazing country in which we live. I always feel like working harder once we’ve returned from one of these trips. I realize somehow, on a deeper level, that it is worth it, that “Granny” is wrong.
This morning in my email inbox, littered with junk, I came across an email from Hulu: Top 5 Moments: Game Day Ads. Now, I didn’t watch the game. We have so much going on, and we don’t have cable right now, our TV watching exists only because of our Roku. So, all of these Ads are new to me. The top ad in the email shows a screenshot of a baby Clydesdale. Okay my attention is peaked. I clicked. I am a sucker for ponies. I love them. Always have, always will—another gift from my mother.
As to be expected, this ad almost brought me to tears.
Then, of course, I had to see what the number 1 ad of the Superbowl was (according to hulu). Ram. We have one of those. Ramon is driving it every day these days. Our big dualie diesel. Usually it is when he is working the hardest he is driving that truck. He loves that truck. I love that truck. That truck is the Little Buckaroos favorite of all of the vehicles we own. We both even have cowboy hats the we proudly wear when we’re in it. Amazing as Ramon does NOT wear hats, and isn’t a very silly person by nature.
I think many, many people feel a strong connection with this ad, and again even if they don’t it may ask them to think twice about their perceptions and ideals. Paul Harvey’s words, spoken in 1978, still ring true today, or at least make us think about who we are. Again, I believe, for our time, for this place, Granny was wrong.
If anything can make one feel patriotic, we should feel proud that it is the reminder of hard-work. Few nationalities can say their country was founded on this concept. Both a blessing and a curse, but still a tie that binds, no matter how larger or small the job may be.
I felt so disappointed when I had a muscle spasm in my neck on the dawn of Saturday morning. I had 7 patterns to publish, and I only managed to get three in by end of day Friday—meaning 1 am Saturday morning: the Carried Away Cowl, Levieva Pullover and Twenty for Five Pullover.
I did my best but with my number one job of mommy coming first, my great publication—and hoped new distribution—of what I think is fabulous knittery had to wait until after Buckaroo bedtime. Still, publishing three of 7 patterns is a great feat. I figured I could get the remaining 7 done the following day. Then the muscle spasm. This happened as a result of too much coffee and not enough water. Ugh! I did this to myself! And now I could hardly even pick the little guy up. Certainly no patterns would get published on Saturday, or even Sunday, or, alas, even Monday. Now here we are on Tuesday and it is not looking hopeful.
I received a comment on my blog post, Ignorance is Bliss, yesterday, reminding me that sewing—lets just say stitching—isn’t a race. This is a fact that I often forget. In fact, I believe that I forget this multiple times per day. The comment came as a gentle, supportive reminder that it is not the speed that matters but the end result, and the pride that I take in it. A few more days to get these patterns published won’t really make any difference. I won’t loose anything, except maybe a few eyeballs and a few sales, but isn’t my happiness, health and that of my son and my family more important? Yes! Won’t I enjoy the process more if I feel less rushed? YES! YES! YES!
Hard work, determination, pride, and joy. A sewing support group certainly isn’t a bad idea though. Like farming, sewing is an activity that is completely primarily in solitude, and I think it can often feel lonely. In my case, it can even turn into a race, or desperation to get something completed. I have received a few responses to my new group, my new pursuit for social knitting, Fashion Knits Out. Ironically, my responses have included the designer of the Downton Pullover from Interweave Knits, Fall 2012. Or, maybe it is not ironic. Maybe the show is just so amazing that everyone is obsessed with it. Why did it take me last week to discover it? I will keep plugging away at my projects, proudly. If anyone is interested in a sewing support group, I’d certainly be game.
So, going back to the Brotherhood for a moment (the ad with the Clydesdale), I guess even when no one else sees the amount of work and love that we put into something that is so important to us, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t felt. No one else will ever really know just how hard we all work on our individual projects or tasks, even the ones that we don’t work on in solitude. And ultimately, maybe it doesn’t really matter as long as we are proud of our result. To help our children learn something new? To share? To create something new? To provide for others? To get dinner on the table? Is there any greater honor than watching our offspring or our harvest fulfill its destiny?
Recently some fabulous knittery went viral. Shetland Ponies in sweaters! If there were ever a post to work this story into, this would be it. How can I not celebrate ponies in sweaters?
I don’t know how long these sweaters took. If one woman did them in solitude, or multiple women. I can imaging a knitting group of wonderful older ladies, each lady knitting an individual pony leg. These are seriously complicated sweaters. It boggles my mind. Most everyone, even most knitters (but not Knitters with a capital K) probably look at these ponies and think how damn cute they are. They are cute. But that is intricate colorwork. Those are huge sweaters. Yes, I am well aware that sheltand ponies are small. But think about knitting a sweater for a great dane, then adding some pony cub and hooves, and then doing it twice, with 8 colors and size 2 needles. I praise the knitters that worked on these sweaters. But it worked, didn’t it? These were done for a campaign to promote tourism, and they went viral. Those knitters probably worked for months and months but can’t they be proud of the hard work that no one will ever fully understand? Pony sweaters seen ’round the world!
My Levieva sweater is a great example of hard work that will never be known to anyone but me. I can tell you about it, but you won’t actually understand. Not really. In fact, my Cowl Beach is another great example. I had the entire cowl knit. Four skeins. 640 yards. And I ripped it all back out because I didn’t like the seam and needed to invent a new one. My Levieva sweater is worked top-down in the round. Which means that the entire yoke to the armholes is worked as one growing piece. At the end of it 6 rows take up 109 yards of yarn. 6 mere rows. I knit completely and ripped out the yoke of that sweater more than 3 times. It wasn’t perfect. It is now named after a Russian woman who played a part in Adventureland, set in 1987. A 1980′s throwback. In the end I even had to rip out the sleeves, create a new pattern and re-work them, even after washing and blocking the sweater. I let it dry for days only to discover that it still wasn’t perfect. Now, the pattern is published, and it is a beautiful sweater, but anyone who sees the pictures, or even knits it will never comprehend that probably well over 100 hours went into knitting this sweater & the versions before it’s current existence, just to get it right. Now, I feel nothing but pride when I see it.
Hey, I am a half owner in a Dodge Ram. Happiness can be the hardest work, and often done in solitude. But the payout is the greatest. Sorry Granny.
Fashion Friday: Twenty for Five
February 1, 2013 § Leave a Comment
Sometimes, I just cannot believe how long it takes to get something done! Oh my Goodness!!
I finished this beautiful, grey marl sweater almost a month ago, but because I couldn’t get pictures taken, it could not be blogged. I have decided to buy a little bit of advertising space on Ravelry.com for some of my patterns, and I am using it as an excuse to finally get all of my current and previously unpublished patterns uploaded and posted. So, finally, here is one of my new favorites, my Twenty for Five Pullover! (The pattern links are found through my portfolio, on FeatherPressKnits.com).
Stitches born from resolutions, I felt I needed to start out the New Year on the right foot. Twenty for Five is exactly what this sweater cost to make. The day before our annual New Years trip to Lake Tahoe I found this yarn, or course, on sale. In the middle of moving, I knew I couldn’t stash it, as my stash boxes were already in our new home, currently in the midst of a remodel. So I took my 5 skeins to the snow, and in five days I had written this pattern, and knit this beautiful sweater, which is one that I am very proud to add to my collection.
Also, I am going to try something new. I see other fabulous little fashionistas posting their fab outfits. So, I think that I am going to try to start doing the same. Yes, I pretty much only go to the grocery store and the park these days, but that doesn’t mean I can’t share my favorite clothes with someone. The baby may not care, or the other moms, or even you, but why not have a little fun, anyway.
Also, I feel I must apologize for my lack of shoe creativity. I thought we were going to be moving two months ago, instead of later this month, and all of my shoes already got packed, except a few pairs that, sadly, no longer have boxes.
Anyway, without any further adieu:
Juicy Couture, Military Wool Cape
Feather Press Knits, Twenty for Five Pullover
Anthropologie, Ombre Flora Crops
L-A-M-B, Finsbury Pumps, circa Spring 2009
Little Lamb and A Little Roo, the Tail End of 2011
January 4, 2012 § 2 Comments
Last year I’d put this little lamb on my 12in11 list, and while I didn’t get everything on that list done, I actually did finish this one in 2011 by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. And, to add, I think that I did do a fair amount of knitting in 2011, more than enough to make up for the small handful of projects I didn’t complete on the 12in11 list. 
I have long been interested in knitting a little creature. This one was a great little guy to start with. The pattern was free, though the author sells many more adorable little animal patterns. This one specifically was the Fuzzy Mitten Lamb by Barbara Prime.
With articulate instructions I had this little lamb completed in just a few hours time. He’s pretty small, about 7″ tall, but makes a perfect little snuggle buddy, as Ramon has discovered, and since said discovery, refuses to put the little lamb down.
Notes for the Little Lamb:
- I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Silver and Pepper. I decided to use yarn from my stash, as I had a fair amount left over from my Lexington Sweater.
- Size 5 US needles, as that is the gauge and stitch sized I like from the aforementioned project.
- I bought 3/8″ buttons for the eyes, and used pink embroidery floss for the face
- I shorted the ears by 5 rows, as I felt that they were a little too floppy for my personal taste as written.
- My lamb is a little longer and leaner than the author’s as our gauges were slightly different. I think that they are both cute.
For pattern-checking sake, as well as yarn-stash reduction for 2012, I decided to polish off some of my remaining Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie materials, and make one more. As a buddy for my little lamb, I followed my pattern directly, and made a Little Roo in the 6 month size, and the whole thing took 2 good days of knitting.
REAL Alexander McQueen Patterns
July 22, 2011 § 3 Comments
Come one, come all! We have Real, Yes, that’s right ladies and, well, Ladies, Real Alexander McQueen Patterns! Cleverly hidden, step right up and let Pattern Vault show you the 8th wonder of the world!
From the title of this post I can tell that you are super excited, and you should be. So, they are not straight from London, but I think that they are just about as close as I am going to get.
Last Monday a fellow blogger discovered Project-Hallway.com, and in sharing her/his/there posted a comment, through which I could follow to their own blog on WordPress. PatternVault (real name, identity, gender … everything … still unknown) shares some similar passions, from fabulous Toronto—I seem to have a fair number of followers from this fair region, hooray!—also recently made the voyage to The Met in NYC for McQueen. Only two posts so far in the blog, both focused on McQueen, I have learned something new, and very wonderful.
Back in the day when McQueen was at Givenchy, Vogue patterns published a small number of patterns from the Givenchy line/runway. I HIGHLY doubt that they are identical to the pattern pieces that McQueen created—unlike the one on ShowStudio, shown at the end of this post—but I think that they are as close as I am going to get. With an excellent opportunity to learn I whatever these patterns have to offer, I have located and purchased the few that I could find from Etsy and Ebay, and I am keeping my eyes peeled for the others.
After ordering on Monday afternoon, I have already received this one, which I already have fabric I could use for it.
Vogue Paris, Août 1997, Image Courtesey of PatternVault
Image Courtesy of PatternVault
So, then the question is, do I:
I have these two on the way:
Vogue Patterns 2248, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
Vogue Patterns 2157, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
And I am absolutely freaking dying to find one of these patterns …
Vogue Patterns 2343, 1999, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
So excited that I received the information and the insight on these patterns, I recommend reading through Pattern Vault’s blog, nice insight, and so far two great posts on McQueen:
- Alexander McQueen for Givenchy: Vogue Patterns, Part 1
- Alexander McQueen for Givenchy: Vogue Patterns, Part 2
Trina also pointed me at this McQueen pattern, which is AUTHENTIC from McQueen. I really need to pop this file over to Kinko’s Fedex Office.
Alexander Mcqueen Pattern, Kimono, Scanners: FW 2003–4
Alexander Mcqueen Pattern, Kimono, Scanners: FW 2003–4
Getting into the Sew-ing of Things
July 20, 2011 § 1 Comment
I find myself now, ready to get the factory going again, though some things have changed. I sometimes find myself looking back on previous thoughts, or decisions i have made, finding the youth and naivete where I didn’t see it before, even though some of these decisions took place just six months ago. I couldn’t have been that much younger, could I?
I have long had this idea about listening, and perhaps this is were the emotion I am feeling now stirs from. I have listened long enough that the things I once wanted to make black, I now want to make white, or even lavender, like my stylist made my hair today, though that is more of an eggplant. The unforeseen darkness in the decision disappears to hope and finding creativity within (finally, again) instead of looking outside. I am reading three books right now, no big shocker given my over-achiever status. Ok, well one I finished last night, a very well written novel, which I find incredibly rare. The second is an instructional sort of knitting book, written by the author as if she were tell the story of Whinnie-the-Pooh, which I very much like, an the third is from a friend of mine, the recipient of the second Little Joey sweater sample, with words excellently crafted, and well selected without force or perseverance, the stories of women archaeologists, explorers. Helping me to turning my thoughts to the adventure ahead, I have gotten my machines back out, dust cleared, old projects, scraps, and mental weights tossed to the wind. The sails are up.
The knitting book is making me re-think the way that I want to write about knitting. Realizing it is Ok for it to be fun, playful, and almost like a story told in a children’s book, patterns don’t need to be dry, like instructions for the blender. I think that is ok, if not great to have some of my personality infused into them as well. I mean, this is coming from an individual, and hey, every article in the New York Times has opinion in it. Isn’t there a chance that the people reading my patterns will read them for the perspective? The personality of the sweater, which is really the personality of me? Isn’t their even a smidgen of a chance they’ll be reading the pattern for the story?
Interesting and lovely conversations with Trina (Batsy) about this. As lovely as her lovely patterns. In one week’s time I have used her published Park Top to make two garments (pictures below), and her not-yet published Maxi Dress pattern, name also pending (pictured above).
I have seen her own sample Park Tops on her, but in making them—super simple and super quick, an hour long project including cutting the fabric—I am in love with the pattern. For being over-sized I can’t believe how well it fits. You’d think it would just be a sack, but no, no no no. I was mistaken. With fabric recently acquired from a beach trip with Trina and we-one to Harts Fabric, the striped one is my new go-to favorite. I have worn it 4 out of 5 days since I finished it, and now I think it is due for a wash.
Who knew that sewing knits was so easy, so intimidating, so fun?
Oh, wait, Trina did, didn’t she …
In my flurry of knitting, and knit sewing, I have also been making great progress on some of my McQueen projects again. At long last, ready to push forward, here we go! I got a dress drafted, a lining sewn, though I may need to do some back-tracking. I recently spent a week at my mom’s in the middle of no-where, figuring out where I am going. I made a huge word document status tracker. Listing out every project, and writing where I am on each of them was, surprisingly, not intimidating, but more exciting. I am feeling much more focused, and much more active. I just hope I can keep it this way.
Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover
July 1, 2011 § 5 Comments
About a month ago I saw Rihanna perform on NBC’s Today Show. She was wearing a cute little, nautical cropped top. I loved the contrast of the bold primary blue with the deep, rich black.
I thought it would be fun to re-create the cute pullover using chunky yarn. I can see that Rihanna’s is some type of knit fabric, and is also cropped very close to the bust. For this version, it is still quite cropped, but a little more modestly. I used a plump weight yarn that is machine washable, Berroco Comfort, which makes this sweater a little more bulky than the original. The pattern is written so that it is very fitted, and it is intended to be worn in this fashion.
The bodice (front and back) parts of this pattern are written from the bottom up. The sleeves, however, are written from the top down. This isn’t intended to cause confusion, but rather to make things easier. As I feel there are a lot of options for lengths, and a lot of different types of people out there, by writing the sleeves from the top down it will be easier to alter, extend, shorten, or whatever you would like to the length of the sleeve. When you start from the bottom and work your way up, you can run into some fitting issues. I have also included FOUR versions of the sleeves: Regular and Petite sizing, as well as Regular and Petite sizing including the “Hand Mit.” The hand mit closely resembles Rihanna’s top, where the sleeve comes all of the way over the hand, and includes a thumb-hole. As I prefer the sweater to end at the wrist, I have completed my sample without the hand-mit.
This sweater is very quick and easy to knit. As Berroco Comfort comes in so many amazing colors, the color combinations possible are limitless. One could add length, or make it even more cropped, like her version. Short or 3-quarter length sleeves could be adapted from this pattern by the user. I had a lot of fun making—and now wearing—this sweater, and I hope that you do, too. This is also the same yarn that I used for the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie and the Striped Kangaroo Hoodie. I have really come to love this yarn, and one can find lots of great Berroco Yarn information and ideas on the Berroco Blog, too.
For the time being I have made this sweater pattern free. Generally when I release a pattern for free, even despite that my copyright that is included, I find people stealing my pattern and selling it, or selling goods made from my pattern. Upon the discovery that the copyright for this pattern has been violated, it will no longer be free, and I will make it available for sale only. Please don’t steal my pattern. It hurts everyone.
You can check this pattern on ravelry.com for yarn ideas, too 
My fashion sketches, in an effort to keep practicing my drawing skills:
SIZING
Regular
XS (S, M) L
FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS
- Chest Measurement:
31″ (33″, 36″) 39″ - Length of Bodice from Shoulder Tip:
13″ (13″, 14″) 14″
YARN
- Color A, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9736 “Primary Blue”
- Color B, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9734 “Liquorice”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ Circular Needle for Neck Ribbing.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference.
GAUGE
- 18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.
- 1 Stitch Marker
ABBREVIATIONS
- STS Stitches
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- P Purl
- K2TOG TOG Knit 2 stitches together
- SSK Slip Slip Knit
- P2TOG Purl 2 Together
- KFTB Knit Front to Back
- SSP Slip Slip Purl
- PM Place Marker, Indicates beginning of round
- Pick-Up Pick Up stitches,
- BO Bind Off
- RS Right Side of garment
- WS Wrong Side of garment
BACK
Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. While it is not indicated where to switch yarn colors, remember to do it after the specified number of rows.
RIBBING
In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles CO 62(66, 74)80 sts. If using circular needle, do not join. Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of row, RS.
Work 5(5,7)7 more rows even in Rib Stitch pattern ending with a WS row.
BUST SHAPING
On RS, In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, begin Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K1. Work 7 more rows even in Stockinette Stitch, ending with a WS row.
Repeat increase 3 more times.
70(74, 82)88 sts.
Work 4(4,6)6 rows even
ARMHOLE SHAPING
On RS, BO 4 stitches on the beginning of the next 2 rows.
K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P1, SSP, P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1
Repeat this decrease 1 more time. (Should complete one full stripe.)
On RS, switch to Color A, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P on WS.
Repeat this decrease 2 more times. 48(52, 60)66 sts **
BACK NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 18(18, 20)20 more rows even. (Should complete one full stripe.)
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 17(17, 22)22 sts. BO 14(18, 16)22, K 17(17, 22)22. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 17(17, 22)22 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
FRONT
Work the Front identically to Back until **
FRONT NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 6(6, 8)8 more rows even.
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 21(21, 26)26 sts. BO 6(10, 8)14, K 21(21, 26)26. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 1(1, 2)2 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 21(21, 26)26 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
SLEEVES
Make 2 alike.
Remember, Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. Except where specifically indicated in the Sleeve Cap, remember to switch the yarn color after the specified number of rows.
SLEEVE CAP SHAPING
In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, CO 6(6, 6)10
Working in Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat previous two increases 2(2, 3)3 more times. 18(18, 22)26 sts.
In Color A, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 2 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Repeat 1 more times.
ARMHOLE SHAPING
In Color B, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat 1 more time.
C0 4 sts at the beginning of the next two rows.
50(50, 56)60 sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11,13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 6(6, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color B, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row.
Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11, 13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 10(10, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 4(4, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 8(8, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
BUILDING
Sew Front to Back at shoulders and sides, lining up the stripes. Sew each sleeve, then sew Sleeve into Armhole, lining up the stripes. While sewing the sleeves, if the Hand Mit directions have been followed, sew the ribbing sides together, leave an approximate 2 inch opening for the thumb, and continue sewing the sleeve together where the next contrasting stripe begins.
NECKLINE
With RS facing, Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needles, working around the back, beginning at where the shoulders are joined:
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 14(18, 16)22 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 6(10, 8)14 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- PM, Join. 92(100, 104)116 sts.
Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of round, SM.
Work 5 more rows even.
BO all sts.
FINISHING
Using a tapestry needle weave in all ends. Block as desired, wear and Enjoy!
©2012 Julie LeFrancois. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for coypright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata via my contact page. Thank you.
Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie
June 11, 2011 § 11 Comments
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $4.95 US
This pattern may be purchased on Etsy.com for $5.15 US
Even though this sweater takes me but two days two knit, I have spent well over a month working on this. After two samples in two sizes, I finally feel ready to present my pattern to the world.
A sucker for all things cute, I changed the stripe colors from the gray and white used in the adult version of the sweater, to Kangaroo browns and added the knit Kangaroo ears for a playful, and snuggly little sweater. Knowing that mommies don’t have time to hand wash, this pattern utilizes Berroco Comfort, a machine-washable, super-soft, worsted weight yarn making this sweater quick to knit and easy to care for.
The ears in this pattern are very easy to make, and with a little experimentation of the ear shape and size, as well as with the plethora of colors this yarn is made in, the possibilities for animals this little sweater become are endless: kangaroos, bunnies, kitties, puppies, armadillos, bats, foxes, owls, horses, dragons, tigers, piglets, monkeys, lambs, buffalo (horns and ears), bears, lemurs, zebras the list goes on and on … You could even add a tail.
As I am always working to improve my patterns, and create new things, I welcome all feedback. Please feel free to email me questions, errata or feedback at: projecthallway AT gmail.com or leave a comment on my here on my blog.
PATTERN INFORMATION
SIZING
Baby & Toddler Sizing
6-Month (12-Mo., 18-Mo., 2T) , 3T
Kids Sizing
4/5 6/7 8 9/10 11/12 13/14
YARN
- Color A, Berroco Comfort #9745 “Filbert Brown”
- Color B, Berroco Comfort #9727 “Spanish Brown”
- Color C, Berroco Comfort #9705 “Pretty Pink”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) 24″ Circular Needle for Hood Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 24” Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing on Back, Front, Sleeves and Pocket.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference. It is easiest to use a circular needled for the hood.
GAUGE
18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends, sewing Pocket to Front and for sewing Ears to Hood.
- 2 Stitch Markers of different colors
This pattern may be purchased on Ravelry.com for $4.95 US
This pattern may be purchased on Etsy.com for $5.15 US
Enjoy!
©2012 Julie LeFrancois. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for coypright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata via my contact page. Thank you.
