I have done some sewing, but it has always been extremely basic stuff, and until about 2 years ago, when The Tim was kind enough to buy me a sewing machine for my BD, I had not even been in the same room as one, so other than hemming, sewing on buttons and the like, I was out of practice for even the basic stuff. I've been getting back to it, working on small items, and toys, but this was my first article of clothing. And as I mentioned, it was a lined dress, so that was an additional challenge.
Sigh. The class was great, the teacher very nice and very good at explaining things. We got started last night by pinning the pieces onto the fabric, and then cutting them out. No problem, right? Except - today it occurred to me that though I was making one size dress, I wanted to make another size's length, or I'd have a minidress. Yep, you guessed right. I have all of my pieces cut out in the shorter length. And I was being so careful!
Looks like I'll have very nice dress to wear around the house. Yay. [Not.]
But on to the knitting, where at least at this point, I'm having better luck. I think I mentioned that I am knitting a pair of socks, using the Graydon pattern. (You can see a picture of it here.) The pattern was designed by Courtney Kelley, now of Kelbourne Woolens fame, before she was part owner of Kelbourne Woolens. So I can't say if/how you could find the pattern today (I was surprised that it wasn't listed in Ravelry when I was entering it into my projects list). You might be able to send Courtney an e-mail and ask her very nicely to re-release it. Because, I have to say, this is a wonderful pattern, and really enjoyable to knit.
I'm using some aged Regia, in a deep burgundy color. Since I have two balls, I'm making them in pieces at a time (i.e., cuff on sock #1, then cuff on sock #2). I've completed to the heel flap on sock #1, and have just a few rows on sock #2 until I'm at the same point. The main reason they are taking a while, is because I've been keeping them in my locker at work to knit during lunch hours. Here's an in-progress photo for you:
Since I am a poor photographer, it's hard to see the stitch pattern very well in the above photo, especially with the dark yarn. But I did manage to get this shot, where the color is off but the stitch pattern shows up.
Nice, huh? You probably already knew this, but Courtney really knows her stuff. (On top of which, she is lots of fun!) If you have the chance to track down a copy of the pattern, try it. I can guarantee you'll be happy you did.
OK, sports fans, that's it for now. Keep cool, and I'll be back soon with another riveting post.
6 comments:
For the dress -- pick another print that complements/contrasts with the main print for your dress. Add a very wide border at the bottom to make the dress the length you'd wanted. Your teacher can help. (You could even insert a very narrow band of the contrasting fabric and then a wide band of the original.)
Hi Bridget,
I don't want to tell you what to do, but have you considered buying more fabric and lining material to re-cut the pieces that are too short? I bet you'll have a much more satisfying class and be more motivated if you do.
This follow Pennsylvanian loves your blog, by the way.
Michelle
What is it that keep true colors from showing up in photographs? Very frustrating.
I would love to be able to sew on a machine! Unfortunately your story reminds me of my high school "home economics" sewing project which did not end well. You at least have a french maid costume for Halloween ;)
It can always be Prototype Dress. It does sound cute and it's a great skill.
Those socks are really cute! Is that a twisted stitch pattern? I love that texture.
Yeah...I would have done the exact same thing. And at 42, short dresses just don't do it for me any longer. What can I say. J-Lo I ain't.
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