Machine Knitting Monday

It may be difficult to tell from my posts, but I was once an avid machine knitter. I own six machines! Thus the name "knitmachinequeen." Some I bought and some were gifted. For some reason, after I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I lost the desire to knit. Well slowly but surely the desire has returned.

Yesterday I took the time to reacquaint myself with one of the machines by making a hat. You know the adage "use it or lose it" that totally applied to my knitting prowess...or lack of. My first attempt resulted in a hat that might have fit an infant. Did I mention that hat was supposed to be for me? The second attempt was a total success and only took 10 minutes! Two needles...no way...try 360 and motorized!

My second attempt went so well that I think I'll knit a swatch and chart a cardigan. Stay tuned for my Machine Knitting Monday posts!

Modeling "Lumberjill"

I had one of the students in my sewing class take my picture today because I was wearing the "Lumberjill" tunic. I think the camera must have been on the wrong setting but you can still get a feel for how the tunic looks on me.

The tunic is so comfortable I could live in it and I feel the same way about the leggings!

Lumber "jill" Tunic - M 6167

Today I put the finishing touches on my "Lumberjill" Tunic. Probably because it's plaid, it reminds me of the shirts Lumberjacks wear. The fabric is "Homespun" which is a loosely woven 100% cotton from JoAnn's. A couple of months ago when the clearance fabric was half off, I bought 21 yds at $1.50 per. I love how the Homespun feels against my skin and will be using some of it for pajama pants for the husband and the remainder for me for blouses and tunics.

M6167



Pattern Description:
Misses' Tunics and Sash. Close-fitting tunich have collar, collar band, front button closing, shaped hemline, long sleeves with pleats continuous lap, buttoned cuffs and tabs.
Pattern Sizing:
6-20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think it looks exactly like the drawing on the front of the envelope (View D)
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Instructions were super easy to follow
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the style of the pattern especially the shaped hemline and drawstring waist. I really like the collar and stand too! The only thing I dislike about the pattern is that the waist seam is pressed up and tends to want to fold out and make my waist appear much larger than it is. I edged stitched it it place but still have the problem. On the previous version I used Steam-A-Seam to keep it in place.
Fabric Used:
Homespun 100% cotton
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made an FBA adding a horizontal side seam dart and shortened the sleeve one inch.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This is the second time I've sewn it. I'm thinking about sewing one of the other styles included in the envelope. I'd recommend it to other but caution you that it is kind of labor intensive!
Conclusion:
I like it, I like it! I'll be wearing this with a pair of leggings.

OOTD - Election day outfit

I was at the polls bright and early this morning...6:34 to be exact. Came home and started a task that will be a few weeks in finishing. I'm removing the carpet from the stairs and hallway of our third floor. It's a mess and I can't stand it any longer. I'll later be sanding and staining it. I'm in no particular hurry but I don't want to let it linger on too long. I have a busy week with eye and dentist appointments, bowling, orchestra practice, violin lessons, and teaching at JoAnns. There are enough hours in the day.

I did take a break and snap a couple of not so clear pictures of yet another rendition of Vogue 8815 and the "Kickin' It Old School" skirt.

Thanks to Faye, I now know the difference between Ponte and Ponte Roma. Ponte is 100% Polly and Esther and Ponte Roma is a blend of polyester, rayon and spandex. Ponte is more like polyester double knit of the seventies. Ponte Roma has a softer hand and is drappier. As a skirt it should almost always be lined. Ponte can stand on its own. The top is Ponte Roma and feels great against my skin. The skirt is Butterick 5566. Thanks for stopping by.

Just a few photos

I am becoming a particularly lazy blogger. It's not so much the blogging that's a chore it's the getting all dolled up to take photos of the projects I've worked on!

This is the Vogue 8815 peplum...love it!

New Look 6130 peplum...wearable muslin.