embroidery sampler

I finished this embroidery sampler from Made by Hand yesterday. The design is nice for learning some new stitches and practice. I have been thinking of doing some freehand cross stitching this summer. Embroidery is portable and inexpensive. Also, the kids get into it sometimes and since we will be hanging out a lot this summer that's a plus.

vogue 8901

I recently made this dress, Vogue 8901, as a trial to see how I liked it and to work out some kinks. It was the 'muslin' or prototype but, if it did come out perfect (which it didn't) I wanted to be able to wear it. The dress pattern is a nice fitted style with a pleated waist, bust and back darts, an elegant neckline and a zipper in the back.

I do like this style but I would not repeat it in a linen and instead opt for a tana lawn or similar. Linen wasn't one of the recommended choices anyway but, I wanted to see how it would behave. There are different choices for where you want the waist to fall and since I happen to be short waisted I went high. Also, there are a lot of pleats which may if not placed in the right spot and evenly on the waist be unflattering. The darts were a little off in the front for me too. When I make this again I now know I want a different fabric, the waist to be longer, slightly smaller pleats, a little reworking of the darts and a little bit more length to the skirt. I think I would go for a shorter zipper that ends at the waist or maybe even a button placket.

deep rose

The past two weeks I worked on this lightweight pullover sweater. The pattern is called Breakwater and I had knit it once before and liked it enough to make it again. The yarn is a fingering/sock weight but is knit on mostly US size 7 needles making it drape nicely since the yarn calls for a 1 needle. I used Skinny Bugga yarn by Sanguine Gryphon in a color called Rose Weevil and the hand-dyed wool is 80 % superwash merino, 10% cashmere and 10% nylon and is really lovely to work with.

primary dot duvet

Polka Dots in Primary Colors!

I was happy to find that I still had enough of this print to make something with it that would not be outgrown. Not that I don't love the dresses I have made with it, I do. The Nani Iro double gauze is really a beautiful fabric and one I particularly like to use again and again.

As a bonus this is a quick project that can easily go from start to finish in a few hours. The instructions can be found here.

*This week I have spent a great deal of time in the garden. It's slow this year but, things are starting to improve and come to life. My garden club is having their annual plant sale this week so I have also been helping out with that.

Have a good weekend. x

little liesl

Little Leisl, pattern by Ysolda in size 6-12 months knit with Old Maiden Aunt Yarn in color way, Whisky Galore! I love looking close up at the details in this one. The stich is 'feather and fan'.
I will add more full feature to my Ravelry page though I think this one could use a model for full effect.

I have made two adult versions of the Liesl sweater before and I was looking for a pattern to use this yarn with since it has been around for years. They made a nice match. The yarn is incredibly soft. I have some leftover to knit some accessories with once I find a baby to give it to.