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!

Fleece Neck Pillow from Sew4Home

Well, it has been a rough week. My serger is out for repairs. It's 23 years old so I'm not sure if it can even be repaired anymore. I bought it when my oldest daughter was 9 months old because I thought it would speed up my sewing. And it did!! So maybe it is just time to buy a new one. Any suggestions?

I went to my monthly ASG meeting today and we made these cute little neck pillows - no serger required! This is one of the many free projects from Sew4Home, one of my favorite websites for easy projects with clearly written instructions. The fleece is left over from a pajama pant project that I made for some of the U of L fans in my family. The ribbons on the ends came on a purchased blanket. I saved them because I save everything related to sewing that I can use again. What a fun project this is!

I'm off to find more projects that I can make without a serger.  Any ideas???

Sorbetto Top #2

I can't get this Sorbetto top off of my mind. I have worn my first one several times in the last week or so. It's a great top pattern to use when you only have about a yard of fabric. I've had this linen remnant for several years. I didn't store it properly and there was a little fading on the fold. No problem since I planned to cut open the front and make a button band instead of the front tuck.

I used the Venetian hemstitch on my Bernina to stitch along each side of the button band. I added 1/2 inch shell buttons from my stash. I love this look on linen! I didn't use a wing needle because I didn't want the holes large enough to see through.

 

I made the same adjustments to the back as I did to my first Sorbetto top. I cut off 1/2 inch from the back side seams and added vertical darts to make the back a more flattering fit.

I'm already digging through my stash to find another yard of fabric for another Sorbetto. I love this top!

Sorbetto Top #1

I think I may be the only sewer/blogger who had not tried the free Sorbetto top pattern, one of PatternReview's Best Patterns of 2011. I was feeling a little left out so I finally pulled out the pattern, which I printed months ago, and got busy on it. To test the pattern, I used a one yard remnant of fabric which I bought for about $1. It is a poly/cotton boxer short fabric from an underwear company. The pattern is designed to be loose enough to slip on over your head but I didn't think I would want my top quite that loose, at least not with this fabric. Rather than cut the front on the fold and make the wide tuck down the front, I cut open the front and used the extra tuck fabric to fold to the right side. It makes a nice front band for buttonholes.

 

I wasn't all that excited when I first tried on the Sorbetto. I almost decided that it was not for me. However, after realizing how well the neckline and armholes fit, I decided to carry on. The lower back was really full so I cut off 1/2 inch from the back side seams (1 inch total from the back width).  I suppose this extra allowed for getting off and on but it wasn't very flattering on me. It would also work well for someone who tucks in their blouses but I'm way beyond tucking in a blouse anymore. I go for comfort.  I also added two vertical darts to the back  to reduce fullness. Maybe I have a bit of a sway back that I hadn't really noticed before. Anyway, after making these adjustments and adding length, I really like the pattern and will definitely use it again. For me, it is basically a woven tank top.

I used self-fabric bias binding on the neck and armholes. I also added a lightweight tricot interfacing to the front band area.

I'm already thinking about my next Sorbetto. The options are endless once you get the pattern adjusted to your figure type. I think it would look nice with a shaped hem or side vents, depending on the fabric. What are your favorite Sorbetto adaptations? Sleeves? Collar? Ruffles?

A little bit closer

Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival

I took a little road trip with a friend to the Third Annual Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival last weekend in Lexington, Ky. This was my second trip to the festival and it just keeps getting better! I really didn't need any more fiber to spin but that has never stopped me before from buying more. There were lots of booths with all kinds of fiber related products and activities - spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, etc. I was especially interested in the natural dyeing. There were yarns dyed with marigolds, walnuts, cochineal, queen anne's lace, onion skins, and lots more. I moved natural dyeing up pretty high on my to-do list.

There were more fiber producing animals there this year such as alpaca, llama, sheep, bunnies, goats. 

My friend bought this French angora bunny at the festival. She is 7 weeks old and loves to be held. She rode the entire 2 1/2 hour trip home in my lap. She will produce lots of fiber for spinning in addition to being a sweet, gentle pet.

I almost got away without buying fiber until I walked through the last vendor tent. This bluefaced leicester wool from yarngeekfibers.com was calling my name. I couldn't resist. I've already started spinning it into a fairly fine yarn which I will 2-ply and make into I don't know what but I'll figure that out later.

I just happened to be in the livestock pavilion when the sheep shearing demonstration started. As much as I love to spin wool, I didn't watch this demo very long. I know the wool has to come off but that poor sheep didn't enjoy it very much!

Great festival. Great vendors. Can't wait until next year!