Cafe au Lait Mitts

I like to squeeze in a little knitting between sewing projects so that I can keep the fiber stash under control and not get buried underneath. This little project isn't making a huge dent in my stash but the pattern called for just the right amount of yarn (130 yards) for this skein of alpaca from Alpacas of Cedar Ridge. The pattern is very easy to follow and it will definitely be a quick knit. The free pattern for the Cafe au Lait Mitts can be found on Ravelry.

Ravelry link

The stitch markers are from Ruth at Sewchic.blogspot.com. She had a giveaway recently for these lovely stitch markers that she created and I was the lucky recipient! I immediately added them to my mitt project. Thank you Ruth!

What are your favorite one-skein knitting projects? 

Sorbetto Top #4

Believe it or not, I do sometimes make something other than a Sorbetto top! It just so happens that it was on the July schedule for my American Sewing Guild group. I decided to actually make one like the pattern this time with only a few minor changes for better fit. The fabric is a polyester woven floral print from Hancock Fabrics. After using my 40% off coupon, I made this top for only $3.71!

I made self-fabric bindings, added to the length, and took about 1/2 inch off each back side seam. I didn't add side back darts to this top as I did for Sorbetto #1, Sorbetto #2, and Sorbetto #3. I was a little worried about getting this on easily over my head without the button front, but it is not a problem. I always fold and press my binding before adding it as an edge finish. I encase the raw edges with it and baste, working it around the curves in a manner than encourages it to lie flat.

I can't believe it took me so long to try out this free pattern from Collette. It's great alone or with a sweater/jacket. I never put this pattern away because I know I will be needing it again soon!

Sorbetto Top #3

What do you do when it is over 100 degrees outside and there is a stack of fabric in the air conditioned sewing room? Make another Sorbetto! My third Sorbetto is made from a yard of fabric I bought at WalMart for $2. It caught my eye because it is a double cloth fabric. It has two warps and two fillings forming two separate fabrics. About every 1/4 inch a warp from the front and a weft from the back interlock and this holds the two fabric layers together. Individually, these two fabrics are very lightweight, almost like a cotton voile. When woven as a double cloth fabric, the result is a very soft, lightweight, comfortable cotton fabric. I decided to use the stripe for the outside of the Sorbetto and the more solid side for the contrasting front bands and bias bindings.

I made the same changes to this Sorbetto that I did for the Sorbetto #1 and Sorbetto #2. I used the extra tuck fabric in the front to fold to the right side for the button bands. This worked great for double cloth fabric, bringing the contrast to the front. I cut 1/2 inch off each side back and added vertical back darts.

Have you tried the Sorbetto yet? I must warn you that it is a little addicting!