Yarn Play

Still not much in the way of sewing happening over here.  I just haven't been up to sitting at the machine of late.  So I've been contenting myself with knitting instead.  

I recently learned the magic loop technique, and boy howdy!  I've gone from a mild interest in the craft to an addict!  The reason?  I like things for my hands, mostly fingerless gloves and mitts.  I was terrified of double pointed needles (I have cats that have an unholy love of yarn!).  But, with the magic loop that is no longer a concern.  When I'm ready to put my work away I just slide it onto the cable and stick it into my bag.  My current project has been mauled 3 times without ever loosing a stitch! Yay magic loop!  

In the past month I've completed a pair of striped gauntlets, my very first ML project, and am almost done with a cute little shrug.  I found the pattern here on Ravelry.  While I used this pattern as a jumping off point, I've made a quite a few changes.  The original is basically a long tube with breaks for your thumb and the portion that goes across your back.  It's the same width the entire length and knitted by measurements, not rows.  Now, I tend to like my sleeves to be fitted on the lower portion of my arm and a bit looser up top. So I've created my own pattern that fits my super long monkey arms just the way I like! As of this writing, I've only got 129 rows to go until it's finished! (Please excuse the really bad bathroom mirror pics.  I'll have a friend take some good ones once this thing is finished.)

Front

Back

I cannot express how  much I love this!  It's comfy, soft, not bulky and I can't wait to wear it about!  As soon as this one is done, I'll be making one for a friend in purple.  We're taking our girls on a trip soon and they'll come in handy on the plane.

If you're interested in the details of my version of this shrug, you can find them on Ravelry.

This crazy Crazy Life

It's amazing how quickly life can get away from you.  The past 2 years have been rough. I'll just leave it at that.  I'm hoping that the majority of the awful is behind me and I can start sewing again.  Of course, we do have a kitchen remodel that is just about to start, so that could put sewing on the back burner.

On that note, here are my goals for the rest of the year:

• Finish that stinking embroidered pocket I started 2 years ago!  Yes, yes, I know. It's a pocket how much time can it possibly take. Answer: 2 years! The good news is, its almost done.  I just need to decide on a color combination for the center motif.                                                                               

Progress so far.

• Finish the 1883 Bustle.  I've conquered the sleevil on the blouse, but need to move the side seam forward a little.  I think the easiest way to accomplish this is to add a bit to the center back.  I don't want to mess with the armscye.  Then it's on to the bodice, which is patterned but that's it.
• Put the finishing touches on the 3 ren-faire outfits I made for E, her bff, and a friend.  All 3 were made in less than 2 weeks last September, so many shortcuts were employed.  

The 3 matching dresses are the ones in need of help.

Despite all the ick that has been the last couple of years, a few good things did happen. God thing # 1, we got a new kitty! She and our original kitty became fast friends in just a couple of days. (Gratuitous Kitty photos)

                                                           The new kitty Tabitha.

Sebastian, AKA Mr. Fluffy Pants.

Awe....they love each other.

Another good thing, I finally have my own sewing room!  It's a shame I haven't had much time to use it though. I'm still in the process of decorating it.  I'd like to paint the desk white, it needs drapes something fierce and a new wall color would not be amiss.  I'm thinking pink.