I thought I’d share a pic of a new drop sleeve top while I was packing for my trip yesterday. I haven’t clipped the threads yet, oops!
Pattern: Really old McCall’s 9134
Fabric: single knit jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics
Size: 12
I think I’m now addicted to knits. They’re so soft and comfy, they drape beautifully, and all you need is a simple pattern and a fabulous print to make a knockout garment.
This is the resolution of the Fandango Dress Disaster.
I was able to salvage the skirt and make a drop sleeve top. Pretty simple, only four seams to sew and just some edge finishing with my twin stretch needle. The fabric is from Gorgeous Fabrics (of course), and the pattern is an old McCalls pattern from 1984 that my mom had kicking around (it’s older than I am!).
This is not up to my usual photographing standards, so I apologize. It’s just that I had it on today and I remembered that I had yet to post it. I packed it for a trip I took this weekend and it came out of my suitcase looking perfect and was extremely comfy to drive in.
And yes, I’m 22 and I keep stuffed animals on my bed. Deal with it.
I’m about 2″ in on my Pink-ina, but it is going along a lot more smoothly than when I last attempted this pattern back in 2006. At that time, I was using Lara Endless Summer Collection from elann.com, and boy was it splitty! It made the lace pattern very difficult to do and not enjoyable at all. I pretty much had sworn off lace at that point. But now, with the delicious Rowan 4 Ply Cotton, knitting this tank is a breeze. It’s got great durability and slides easily on my needles, and doesn’t split when I knit with it. The lace pattern is pretty easy to memorize, so I can sort of watch tv while I knit. But the only thing is, knitting this on US size 3 needles, this baby is going to take a while to knit. At least it’s enjoyable.
I got some good shots of my sweater today:
Needles: US 4 and 5 circs/dpns
Modifications: I ended up knitting the raglan length to 8″ since I knew that the length given in the pattern was way too long for me. I just measured myself and knit to that measurement instead. I also made the neckline higher by knitting to about 9 or 10″ before joining in the round. I wanted this to be work appropriate, hence the reason it’s knit in black, and I can wear it with a cami underneath for work or without one for going out. You can almost see the white one I have on in these photos.
This is the most pleased that I’ve been with any sweater that I’ve made. I still have to block it, but the stitches look great and it fits perfectly. It took a couple of years, but I’ve finally got a wearable sweater that doesn’t look so “home made!”
I’m participating in the sew-along over at The Great Coat Sew-Along, and I’ve chosen to make view B from McCall’s 5525. I’m a little apprehensive since this is the first time I’ve ever tackled a project this complex, so it will be quite the experience! I figured this would be a great coat for fall, and with the 3/4 sleeves, it would look smashing with some elbow length leather gloves.The pattern calls for lightweight cotton and cotton blends, even raincoat material, but I guess that I’d be able to use some wool gabaridne since it’s supposed to be a lightweight coat.
Any input about the fabric would be great, whether or not to go with something else. Ideally I’d like to make it in wool or something of the same variety.
