Duffle Bags!

My super awesome sister-in-law and I made these bags! I think we are going to make the luggage tags to go along with them, too. Anyways, here they are. (I will have to get a picture of us together with the bags later).

Crochet Jacket!

Just finished this BEAUTIFUL crochet jacket!! I'm super excited about it..especially because it's crochet! Yay!

Pattern: Nocita, published in Schulana Spring/Summer 2011
Size: I made the smallest size
Hook: Actually, I used a size B..I must be a really loose crocheter!

Yarn: 16 skeins of Classic Elite Solstice in white

Notes: lengthened the garment by 1 pattern repeat. I also added 1 double crochet to start the sleeves and then 4 extra single crochet rows to make the sleeves longer.

I made shorts! (and a cowl)

Pattern: M5391

Fabric: Some really cheap, somewhat stretchy stuff from Haberman's. This was meant to be my wearable muslin.

Size: I made a 10

Alterations: The ONLY thing I added were 2 small darts in the back waist band so it would fit a bit more snug. I wanted to make it exactly as written because this is my muslin-hence the cheapo fabric. I do have some things I would change for next time. The pockets are gaping a lot. Some other reviewer said to use stay tape (I think..I have to look that up again) to fix the gaping. I would also add a button hole above the zipper instead of the hook & eye. It just seems like the hook & eye isn't strong enough for such a highly used area. The leg openings are the perfect width. The fit is really pretty good and I'm happy with the outcome. Maybe next time, I could also add a back pocket.

Pocket gaping:

See...the hook & eye in this picture:

Oh, and I also finished a cowl!!

Pattern: Willow Cowl

Needles: US size 3

Yarn: Ella Rae Lace Merino

Notes: No notes really..cute cowl. I didn't do the 6th lace repeat..since I'm not very big, I thought it would be too much.

Isn't it cute?!

Just made a cute little boy's sweater!

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, 5 skeins red, 1 skein white
Needles: US sizes 2 and 3
Size: I made the size 3-4, but with my gauge it will fit the 4-5 year old size.
Notes: No changes-love this!

New Shoes plus My Dress!!

Pattern: Vogue 2880

Size: I made a 12

Fabric: Georgette for the exterior and a china silk lining, both from Haberman's

Alterations/Notes: This dress takes a LOT of time. That being said, if you are willing to put the appropriate time into making this one, it is definitely worth the effort.

The lining is done inside out. I was a little confused when sewing it together to the actual dress because typically the seams in the lining face the inside of the dress so that when you look at the dress interior, you don't see the seams. This dress, however, is opposite. You WILL see the seams on the interior of the dress (which some of them are covered up by the foundation).

I particularly liked the fact that the pattern was very well written and easy to follow (even if there were 148 steps..) I skipped around in the pattern so that I could do the lining as soon as I did the exterior (since they were the same, it made sense to me to do them at the same time..the pattern has you do the exterior first and then the lining).

And some changes:

1. I used 1/2" plastic rings instead of D rings per other people's suggestions.

2.The dress came out a little big in the waist area. I took in at the corset about 2" because when I pulled it tight, the ribbon didn't lay flat.
3.I also took the seam in about 2" where the skirt connects to the bodice because it was sitting too low on my hips.
4.I tacked down about 3/4" or maybe 1" up at the front neckline because I felt I needed to be a TAD bit more modest...I kept trying to pull it closed when it was on and I think that just tacking it did the trick.
5. I did not sew in the hanging straps. I have them pinned in to hang the dress and that way when I wear it, I can just un-pin them and not have annoying straps popping out.
6. I did not think that the straps needed shortening like a lot of the reviews stated. They do stick out from the shoulder, but if they didn't, you wouldn't be able to lift your arms up to dance. 

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Just bought these shoes at JC Penny for $17!! I'm so excited. Yes, I did make sure I could walk in them before I bought them. Hehe

And here is the dress:

Oh yeah, and a tank top!

Pattern: Lakota Tank top by Sarah Wilson, published in Knitscene Summer 2012
Size: Again, my guage was small, so I made the 36 to fit 34"
Needles: Size 2. Yes, size 2. I went way smaller because the bigger sizes would have been see-through
Yarn: Tahki Yarns, Lily-8 skeins
Notes: I made the normal sized ruffle. This turned out cute-I like it!

Shrug!

Pattern: HPKY's Scarf-in-a-Shrug Kit

Size: I made the 36" bust for my 34"..my guage was a LITTLE small

Needles: Sizes 10 for the main section and 9 for the ribbing

Notes: I made the short sleeve version. It only used 2 out of the 4 skeins in the kit. Turned out cuter than I expected it would!