What I’ve been up to:

I’ve been sewing since I was 8. My grandmother Meemo taught me when I spent two weeks visiting them while my family did something else. I’ve sewn mainly clothes but also a few home dec things and small items like project bags.

The only quilt that I’ve made looks good but is full of little less that well-met corners. I’d like to make a couple more and would like to do a better job on them. Over the last couple months I’ve decided to up my quilt making skills since the craft requires a different approach to sewing than garment construction. One of the local quilt shops, Cinnamon’s Quilt Shoppe, has a quarter preview session where the instructors for the upcoming classes give a brief overview and show samples for project-based classes. I decided to sign up for a tote class and 3 quilting basics classes, Rotary cutting, accurate quarter-inch seams and pressing.

While I already knew how to use a rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler, Janet shared a lot of great tips in the rotary cutting class and my accuracy is improving. The quarter inch seam class was really eye-opening. I assumed my quarter inch foot was all I needed. But… being a ‘good student’ I bought all the materials she listed in the class materials list including Clearly Perfect Angles guide and Perfect Piecing Seam Guide (both links direct you to the shop’s online store). Who knew how much difference the right tools could make!? In class exercises really helped me understand how to use the tools she recommended. Again, my accuracy is improving. Janet also gave a quick preview of one technique covered in the pressing class which is great because that class is postponed until we’re allowed to meet in groups.

The tote class was fun. I was the only one who had all my pieces cut out in advance. Even then I don’t know how anyone could finish the tote during the class. I worked on it a couple hours a day and finished it 3 days later. I absolutely love how it turned out and it’s now my everyday handbag. In addition to the two outside pockets there are pockets inside. On one inside pocket I tweaked the stitching to add a slim slot for a pen and now I can always find it.

And now for sewing for good:

Recently I started seeing news reporting that hospitals were running out of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and staff at some hospitals were making fabric masks to help fill the gap. I decided I should help out even though I didn’t know of any organization needing them locally. One of the articles I read had a link to a pattern and picture tutorial from Sew Good Goods. I made one quickly using a fabric I thought my husband would wear. I didn’t mention it to him until it was made and I gave it to him. He hasn’t worn it but I think he will the next time he runs errands; in fact he’s asked me to make him a second one so I don’t have to wash it as soon as he comes home.

Since then I learned that my LQS has started making mask kits and collection masks with the initial goal of collecting 1,000 for Brooks Rehabilitation, a regional health care provider of in and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy treatments so I guess they’ll be used in non COVID-19 environments. I dropped off about 20 earlier today.

I’ll post on my recent knitting efforts soon!

And… quote the recently published poem by Adam Mansbach, “Stay the **** at home!” (Click to see Samuel L. Jackson reading it!

I meant to post at least once a month. Clearly that didn’t happen. I’ve been pretty busy on the knitting front; sewing – not so much!

Let’s start with the cutest thing I finished: Gnatalie, a gnome designed by the brilliant Sarah Schira who publishes as Imagined Landscapes. It was a mystery knit along but I ‘cheated’ and looked at FOs. I thoroughly enjoyed knitting it and will knit more of Sarah’s gnomes over time. This one has already found a new home with a friend who’s a Master Gardener.

I finished my first pair of socks for 2019. Used one of my favorite yarns, 716Knit’s 716Sock. The yarn makes my knitting look so good! All those little stockinette stitches line up perfectly. Must buy more at ZK, even though I don’t need any more sock yarn. Maybe I need to destash some more of my sock yarn to make room for it? As usual, I used the SoxTherapist’s Fish Lips Kiss heel.

I finished my latest Boxy and LOVE the sweater so much. The yarn is discontinued and I love a couple colorways on destash but I’m trying hard not to buy another SQ.

I’ve wanted to knit the Rain on Notre Dame Cowl, another pattern by Sarah Schira, since it was released. As part of the ZK retreat build-up, another retreat attendee, Patty and I decided to knit it. I pulled a gorgeous skein of Sundara Aran yarn from stash and got to work. I’m sure I’ll knit it again.

I’ve added another sweater to the mix – BlueBee Studio’s Clio. While it’s a boxy shape, it’s a much more challenging knit than I’m used to. Lots of texture and cables. Hope I don’t have to tink back too much. I’m participating in an open test knit to test out changes that Elizabeth Doherty made to make it easier to knit. I’m using one of my SQs of Wollmeise DK. The colorway is Türkise Markise and it’s impossible to photograph the colorway accurately. It’s a rich neon bright medium turquoise. People are definitely going to notice me when I wear this sweater.

I’ve been making slower progress on Autumn Square but it’s moving faster since I finished Boxy. I hoped to finish it in April but was distracted by other patterns, especially the my mitered square blanket. I’m bordering each square with Hedgehog Fibre Sock in the gorgeous Graphite colorway. I’ve decided to plan out a row before knitting it because I’ve been wasting so much time trying to pick the yarn for the next square. Let’s see how that goes. Right now it’s pretty portable and lightweight so I occasionally work on it in public. I’m sure I’ll stall out when it warms up.

I’ve also knit a few dish clothes. I’ve discovered that it the perfect project to take to a concert. I’m underimpressed with the cotton yarn I’m using so I’ll have to try out different brands.

I’ve been a bit hit or miss with my spinning. In late January, I started a new project, choosing a Merino/Nylon blend pencil roving from Smith and Ewe. I was hoping to get a fingering weight yarn but it ended up a bit heavier than that. I’m not disappointed with the final results even though it’s a bit thicker than I’d hoped … it’s gorgeous. Must figure out what pattern to match with it.

Now for the little bit of sewing. I’ve cut out a Thea Rachelle Raglan top. I need to sit my butt down at the sewing machine and start putting it together. It’s my first time working with double gauze. I bought the fabric on sale at one of my local quilt shops, Calico Station a couple years ago.

I know… lots of people make plans at the beginning of the year and immediately forget all about them. I’m usually that way. I’m determined that 2019 will be different.

How am I going to ensure that my goals aren’t just a passing fancy?

• For my making plans, I’m going to use the MakeNine format to focus my sewing and knitting plans.
• I’m going to use MyBodyModel croquis to sketch some of my makes clothing plans before I start on them.
• I’ll share my MakeNine and MyBodyModel plans on Ravelry and Instagram to help with community support/accountability.
• I’m going to bullet journal. I need to integrate my MakeNine goals and MyBodyModel sketches into my journal.

Well… I drafted the beginning of this post in early January. It’s February 7th and not only have I not finished the post, I’m losing focus.

Bullet Journal: I didn’t get into the habit before our vacation and haven’t picked it back up. Need to change that today!

MakeNine: I created 2 separate MakeNine grids: one for sewing and one for knitting.

MyBodyModel: I’ve lost enough weight that I need to make another croquis.

Knitting MakeNine

• 4 sweaters: use stash yarn for at least 3.
• Two Cowls
• Fingerless mitts
• Hat
• Patterned Socks

The mitts pictured are the Stitched Together Mitts designed by the brilliant and lovely Elizabeth Doherty. I’d like to make them to practice stranded colorwork. It’s been almost 3 years since I’ve tackled it. I even have the yarn picked up.

I’ve started two new sweatersAutumn Square by Hinterm Stein. I’m using Grinning Gargoyle MCS Fingering that I purchased in 2017 at the Zombie Knitpocalypse retreat marketplace.

I needed a mindless knitting project for our annual jazz cruise. I’d planned to start AutumnSquare. But… as soon as I read the pattern, I realized that the pattern started with oodles of short rows. So… time for another Plan B, this time a fingering weight Boxy, a wonderful oversized sweater designed by Joji Locatelli. I’m so in love with this yarn, MadelineTosh 80/10/10 Fingering. The base is discontinued. Boo hoo!

I cast on a new pair of socks on January 1st. Nothing special but the yarn sure is fun. Fishlips Kiss heel (my go-to heel). Main yarn from 716Knits. The colorway is “The Girl Makes Godot Look Punctual”.

• Mandy Boat Tee (I’ve made two I love and two that didn’t quite work out right)
• Simple ‘floaty’ skirt
• Jeans skirt
• Button front shirt
• Casual dress – this is similar to one of my favorites from years ago.
• V-neck Tee shirt
• Culottes.
• 2 Casual woven shirts

Sewing MakeNine

Ack! I found a hole in one of my sweaters! Three rows were damaged. It looks like something nibbled on it. After some online sleuthing, I found a tutorial by Patty Lyons that looked like it would work. I ended up redoing the ‘ladder’ for each row and did several of the rows multiple times. I still need to weave in ends and wash/block it but I think it’s looking pretty good. Plus, the fix falls where the sweater drapes at the shoulder.

Next Steps:

1. Inspect all my handknits and make sure nothing else got damaged.
2. Clean my closet including dusting all the shelves and vacuuming the bins.
3. Wash/block everything before putting it away.

It’s going to be at least a month-long project.

So much for blogging a couple times a month.  I’ve been busy but not really too busy. I’m just not making it a priority.

Quick making recap:

Since my last post, I’ve:

• Sewn 2 more Mandy Boat Tees.
• Sewn 2 more Simple Summer Pleated Skirts.
• Finished knitting my Quetzel Green Blueprint Sweater.
• Knit a Worsted Boxy with some scrumptious Miss Babs Yowza in a gorgeous greyish blue-purple that’s almost impossible to photograph.  It’s a 3/4 sleeve sweater.  I also made two wristlets from the leftover yarn so I can have faux long sleeves when I need them.  Sure wish I’d used the same ribbing on the wristlets.  Oh well… 
• Knit gifts for my two great-nieces, a sweater and hat for 7-month old Lilly and a hat for Autumn.
• Finally finished sewing about 10 project bags that were laying around. 
• Made two small pouches for frequent buyer / gift cards.  Neither one is exactly what I want.  I think I’m going to mash up the two patterns, make a few tweaks and try again. 

I’m the moderator in the Yarniacs Ravelry group.  The community is so supportive.  The group has two 3-month knit alongs each year; the Self-indulgent KAL which runs from the winter solstice to the spring equinox and the Colors of Fall KAL (COFKAL) goes from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox. 

To help encourage people to finish up projects that they haven’t finished, I’m hosting a WIP KAL that starts the day after the COFKAL and runs to the end of the year.  There are prizes!  Any project started before the KAL starts that you finish or frog can be entered for prizes.  The community support has helped me make some tough decisions.  I knew I was going to frog a sweater project but I also frogged the start of two different socks and three shawls. 

It feels great!  I have 4 projects on the needles right now

1. Another Boxy using Berroco Mixer in the Inferno colorway.  It’s a black thick and thin yarn.  I LOVE JOJI LOCATELLI.  She’s an amazing designer!  I’m trying to finish it for our jazz cruise in mid-January!  Fingers crossed! 
2. Elton, a striped cardigan also designed by Joji Locatelli.  It’s on hold while I work on the Boxy.
3. Socks.  Fun pink, green, black and white yarn with pink contrasting cuffs, heels and toes.  I’m using the Hermione’s Everyday sock pattern for the leg/foot and my favorite Fishlips Kiss heel.  I think I’ll finish these before the end of the year.  (I’m almost done with the second sock; the photo below is not a current one.)
4. I just started a Memory Blanket that I’ll use to knit up fingering weight scraps.  It’s going to be a multi-year project.  

Decluttering:

I’m a bit of a pack rat when it comes to crafting stuff.  I’ve got to get real and get rid of things I don”t / won’t use.  Thanks to a dear friend, Cindy, I read “Decluttering at the Speed of Life” by Dana K. White, who also blogs as A Slob Comes Clean.

Dana’s approach to decluttering makes much more sense to me than other books I’ve read.  I’m slowly making progress in the two rooms I use for crafting.  I took a banker’s box of yarn and project bags to a Sunday Crafternoon.  The ones that didn’t get taken and two more boxes of crafting things (fabric, books, yarn and more) went to my new crafting hang-out space, The Craft House, because they’re collecting for a One Heart Jax (FB link). 

I’m also slowly getting rid of clothes I’m not wearing and don’t see wearing again.

I made quite a bit of progress in November and then stalled out. Need to get back in to it. #thestruggleisreal We’ve got company coming in mid-January and the sewing room has to be guest-ready. Wish me luck!

When I was 8, I got to spend a week with my mom’s parents and pretend I was an only child. That week was life-changing because my grandmother taught me to sew. Meemo had been taught by a dressmaker and was an amazing seamstress. Since I was only 8, I only learned the basics but it was enough to set me on the path.

I made some truly sad looking things at first. I was rushing to finish things and made careless mistakes. At one point my mom, who had basic sewing skills, told me I had to do a better job or she wouldn’t buy me more fabric. I knew my mom meant it so I took more care. In my junior high school home ec class I already knew quite a bit and was a snotty know-it-all. I think the teacher was ready to strangle me. In high school, I made the three dresses I wore to formal dances. My favorite was the slinky red Qiana halter dress and matching bolero jacket that had marabou feather boa trim on the cuffs and shawl collar. I wore it with platform sandals.  I remember thinking I was fat!

Here’s the lovely red Qiana formal I made.  My younger sister is to my right. 

When I started college, I wanted to be a textile research scientist. I started as a home ec major because they had a textile analysis program. I ended up changing majors a couple times but am glad I started out this way because I was able to take some amazingly sewing classes for college credit and improved my sewing chops dramatically, including pattern alterations.

In my 20s, I made a lot of my clothes because it was cheaper (it was the early 80s) and they would actually fit. I even made many of the suits I wore to work. I discovered an awesome fabric store in the DC suburbs, G Street Fabrics and took some amazing skill and fit focused classes. I still have the pattern alteration reference materials I purchased at that time.

I continued to make clothes, especially casual ones, into my 30s but stopped after I gained a lot of weight and didn’t feel good about my body.

Since I quit sewing clothes, I’ve done some home dec sewing. I’m most proud of the queen-size quilt I made about 10 years ago. I’m sure I’ll make a couple more but don’t anticipate it becoming an obsession.

Fast forward to last year… I’m retired and have more time to play. I’ve made many project bags to hold my knitting projects and as gifts. Many knitters I know in person, from Ravelry, IG or other digital sources are sewing. I see many IG posts during #MeMadeMay and pout because it’s too hot to wear any of my knitted socks or sweaters in May. I learn about indie pattern designers and online fabric stores. I get the itch to make clothes again.

My first few attempts were a total fail. I started with an indie sewing pattern and made a couple wearable muslins.  When I tried on the second iteration, it wasn’t flattering but worse… I wasn’t able to take it back off.   Luckily, the side seams were only basted;  I had to unpick the side seam to take it off.  If I were a newbie, I would have quit after that disaster. Instead, I decided I would stick with top patterns that have closures or are made with knit fabrics.

Before tackling any more tops, I decided to sew a skirt.  I started to draft my own skirt pattern but stopped when I decided it was time to join Weight Watchers and get back to a healthy weight.  It just doesn’t make sense to work on ‘perfect fit’ when my body is changing almost weekly.

Instead, I’ve sewn four simple skirts from the same pattern, Sew So Easy’s Simple Summer Pleated Skirt. For two, the first and also my most recent, I used some knitting-themed quilting cotton while the other two are more “normal” cottons. This pattern has a contour waistband, front and back pleats, pockets and a back zipper.  I wasn’t really happy with the pocket and swapped it out for the Suki Kimono pocket on my most recent version and I’m much happier.  Eventually I’ll make more fitted patterns with front and back darts but this pattern is perfect while I’m losing weight.

Pictures clockwise starting with the large photo: Suki Kimono, Perfect Tee Shirt and Summer pleated skirt, Mandy Boat Tee

I’ve also made a Helen’s Closet “Suki Kimono”, Pamela’s Patterns “The Perfect T-Shirt” and two Tesutti “Mandy Boat Tee”.

I didn’t like the fit on the first Mandy Boat Tee I made.  It was a bit too tight in the arm and not quite as boxy as I’d hoped.  I made a few simple mods and am thrilled with the second one.  I made it 4″ wider in circumference by adding 1 inch vertically between the center and side seam on both the front and back.  I also added 1/2″ length to both the front and back in the armscye area and an inch to the width of the sleeve.  The result was perfect other than body length so I made it about 5″ shorter so it would hit high-hip instead of being a tunic.  Now, I’m obsessed with the it and want a dozen.  In fact, I’ve already got fabric lined up for my next two.  Off to cut out the first one.

OK!  I’ll admit it.  I’m one of those odd ducks who likes math.  (I’m know I’m not alone in the knitting world; there are lots of knitters who have math, IT or science jobs / backgrounds!)

Patterns are written for a specific stitch and row gauge.  For shawls and many other accessories, it doesn’t really matter that much other than the fact that you might run out of yarn.  For many sweaters, gauge matters a great deal.  For the ‘boxy style’ sweaters I love to knit and wear, not so much but I still do some math to make sure I’m getting an amount of ease that’s consistent with my desired fit.

So I swatch.  And I to measure my swatch before (if I remember) and after I wash and block it. *In this case, blocking is simply laying it out to dry naturally.  It’s not a lace shawl!

If I’m lucky enough to match gauge exactly, I pick my sweater size and cast on.  Usually, I’m not so lucky.  If I like my fabric, it’s time for sweater math.  (Amy Herzog has a great YouTube video  on evaluating your swatch to determine if you’ve got a good fabric for a sweater.)

Now for the math.  It’s not hard.  And… it’s worth learning how to do it.  I’m going to use Pistachio Saffron, a free Knitty pattern designed by Carol Feller for my example.

Calculating gauge:

My blocked swatch measurements:   22 stitches over 4 3/16 inches;  33 rows over 4 1/4 inches.  Calculate the stitch gauge over 4 inches by dividing the stitch count by the distance and multiplying by 4.   22 / 4.1875 x 4 = 21.01 stitches over 4 inches.

Do the same to calculate row gauge.  33 / 4.25 x 4 = 31.06 rows over 4 inches.

My gauge vs. the pattern:

Stitch count:   21.01 vs. 22.  This is 1 stitch every four inches.  Doesn’t seem like very much but I need to so some simple math to see if I’m right!

Row count:  31.06 vs 31.  I’m fine here.  But… I’m short so I’ll have to do some math for body length, rate of increase for a-line shaping, arm length and rate of decrease for the sleeves.  (I’m not going to cover that in this post.)

The 4th size has a 48″ bust circumference which is about right for me for a very relaxed sweater.  But… I’m not getting gauge.  What size do I need to knit to create something close to that?

And… now for the sweater math!!!!

Because I have fewer stitches per 4 inches, I’ll get a bigger sweater.  This is good to know because it will help me make sure that my math is right. 3rd size (43.75 at bust on schematic) has 240 stitches at the bust.

• Pattern gauge: 240 stitches at bust at 22 stitches / 4 inches = 43.63 inches
• My gauge: 240 stitches at 21 stitches / 4 inches = 45.71 inches

4th size (48″ at bust on schematic; circled in red on the schematic) has 264 stitches at the bust

• Pattern gauge: 264 stitches at 22 / 4 inches = 48 inches
• My gauge: 264 stitches at 21 stitches / 4 inches = 50.26″ circumference.

The pattern states that the model is wearing a sweater with 5″ positive ease.  If I had just assumed that my gauge was close enough, I’d end up with a sweater with too much ease.  Thanks to some simple knitting math, I figured out I should knit the 3rd size instead!

It’s been over 2 years since I’ve posted.  It was awkward to post from my iPad or phone when I was injured and I never built the habit of posting regularly.  I’m going to post every week or two or I’m going to shut it down. Time will tell which way I go.

I’ve recovered completely from my broken bones thanks to my husband ‘s support and a wonderful therapy team.   I’m very lucky that I had good health insurance and we were financially in a position to cover the costs not covered by it.  Even before the accident, I supported health care / health insurance reform.  My support is stronger now than before.  I cannot imagine how this would have impacted us if we didn’t have decent insurance.

I started sewing garments again.  My early attempts were a dismal failure…. I’ve learned that a woven t-shirt just isn’t going to work for me.  This derailed my enthusiasm for a few months.  Since then, I’ve joined Weight Watchers and have lost weight.  I needed some summer clothes that fit and would be easy to alter a bit as I lose more weight.  I love wearing skirts when it’s hot.  Somehow I found the So Sew Easy’s Simple Summer Pleated Skirt pattern and decided to try it.  I pulled some quilting cotton from stash to make a skirt for the Zombie Knitpocalpyse Knitting Retreat.  Finally!  A sewing success!  Since then, I’ve made two more from stashed fabric.  I anticipate making even more when these get too big.

Knitting is still my #1 passion.  I’ve knit several sweaters in the last couple years and try to have one going at all times.  I’m currently knitting Light Trails by Suvi Simola in a lovely light blue yarn, Miss Babs Yummy 2-Ply in the Faded colorway.  I’ve just started the first sleeve and hope to have it finished by the end of July.

It’s been so much fun to see how this knits up.

I try to have a simple knitting project going at all times.  Right now it’s a pair of vanilla socks using a hand-dyed sock blank that I bought from Gayle’s Art.  It’s so much fun to knit with this sock blank.  I’m using my go-to heel construction, the SoxTherapist’s Fish Lips Kiss Heel.  Thanks to some tips from PattyJoy, I’ve made a few tweaks to the sock and it’s fitting much better.  I can’t wait for her to release her newest sock pattern so I can use her secret sauce to get even a better fit.

My last pair of socks weren’t quite that simple. But… OMG!  I loved knitting them and want to make more pairs.  Yarn: Mint Rain Self-Striping Twist Sock; colorway: Make Me Smile

• Pattern: Mystik Spiral Socks by Josh Ryks-Robinsky
• Heel: Fish Lips Kiss Heel (again!) by SoxTherapist

I got a Ravelry message from someone who read my last blog post. It made me realize that I need to continue to share my journey to recovery even if no one else reads it. 

Joe braved my very cluttered office last Friday to get some of my knitting WIPs. I kept two of them and asked him to put the others back. I’ve done a little knitting  on one WIP since then but not much. But knowing I can knit a bit makes me happy even when I skip a day or two. 

  
Joe is a huge jazz fan. Last Friday night the Beaches Fine Art Series had a free concert at UNF. The Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet was performing. Jason is an amazing vibes player and drummer. He’s the youngest in the very talented Marsalis family. Two very dear friend came over for pizza, wine (I had iced tea), girl talk and laughs. It gave Joe and me a much needed break from all this enforced togetherness. I’m so lucky to have such wonderful friends. They’ve offered to come over and help host a knit night so I can see my knitting friends (and not make more work for Joe).