Weekend Scrolls & Reads

Not much to share from the interwebs, unless you want to join me on helter-skelter stops across Ravelry or ponder capsule wardrobe templates.

So here are some snapshots of projects in process....

1 1/2 panels stitched on the Alabama Chanin swing skirt,
haven't begun to cut the reverse appliqué yet.  

Rondeur

Bert and Frances say "Happy Easter/Passover" to those who observe.

Buen Finde!

Man Hands

This Sunday is my brother's birthday. I sent him some Joe Schmoe mitts that I made out of Tosh Merino Light in Asphalt.

Happy Birthday, bro! Wish we could celebrate together.

Indicum Sweater

This is my second Make Nine project:

The pattern is Hilary Callis Smith's Indicum. The body yarn is Knit Picks Capretta in cream and CC for the corrugated ribbing is Tanis Fiber Arts purple label in Fig.

This might be headed for Waddersville. The armscyes seem *really* high, and the corrugated ribbing rolls in spite of my aggressive blocking. It's the sort of thing that I'll be neurotic about because I spent my late 30s reading way too many blogs about how French women only wear things that are perfectly perfect.

And the yoke looks so yoke-y in the back. Because it's a yoke, duh. I suppose I'm used to seeing color or pattern in these situations:

Debbie Downer, party of one! Sorry, readers.

I'm not sure what will be next in the Make Nine queue...I'm reevaluating my choices after an epic-ish wardrobe purge (more on that next week) in the midst of an existential crisis about making and materialism (more on that next next week).

2018 SVE

Image: Sanaeishida

This weekend I’ll send out my gifts for the 2018 Secret Valentine Exchange.  

Short and Sweet Mitts. Looking to accessorize your inner steampunk naturalist? The motif on the cuff is architectural yet botanical; the ribbing is lacy but not fussy. Bonus: a real thumb that grows out of palm gusset.  This pattern was a joy to knit. 

Tanis Fiber Arts Red Label fingering in Fig. Eggplant shot with indigo. 

Earrings, because I’m assuming that she has pierced ears. (Although anyone who’s ever worked in a corporate environment  knows what assuming does to you and me.)

Collaged and stamped matchbox. Beads from a summer day in Santa Fe. 

Hope she likes them! 

Progress!

Grainline Tamarack
Pockets have been welted; binding has been applied; seams have been sewn and finished. Time to stop freaking out and install the zipper already.

Indicum Sweater
The first of my #2018makenine projects. Oh, the short rows. Nearly finished with the yoke, and feeling like some kind of color work genius what with the corrugated ribbing.


2018 SVE
"Seasonal" aisles everywhere are hawking red-foiled candy bars so it must be time for the Secret Valentine Exchange! One of Sanae's "Important Points" emphasizes using materials that you already have on hand, so my indigo-and-nature-loving recipient will get gifties made from these:

This is kind of a departure for me--I usually only have 2 projects going, max: one sewing; one knitting. 2018 is off to a wild and crazy start.

Car Kntting

Appliqued knitting bag (CF's Ebb pattern)

Three mornings a week I have a free hour between dropping off my daughter at her high school and going to work. I usually spend that time knitting and listening to podcasts. (Up First and The Daily, so that I can sit in the car and agree with myself.) 

While my Tamarack percolates (awaiting welt fabric and a 27" zipper) I've started the first of my make nine projects, the Indicum sweater. The neckline has a corrugated ribbing trim so I rifled through my drawer for my yarn guide. 

I'd never used it before, and I was pleasantly surprised! I knit continental and this little gadget actually keeps the strands separated. (Respect to all the knitters who carry yarn in both hands to do color work). "Picking" the yarn towards the bottom of the "vee" (close to the needles) helps with tension. For < $2 you really can't ask for more than that. 

Do you do color work?  What's your preferred method?

Make Nine 2018

My IG handle is @plain_jane_doe_45

After I finish my Tamarack.....

First Row:

Jalie Eleonore pants. I own the pattern and have high hopes based on the many positive reviews I've read. Fabric? Who knows. Unable to think past the muslin.

 

Indicum pullover. This is the only project for which I have materials, Knit Picks Capretta in cream. The three sweaters I own are all cardigans, so this will get a lot of wear. 

Grainline Lark tee. My go-to pattern has been Deer & Doe's Plantain, but the fabric really needs to have *just* the right drape. I'm thinking this design will work with the snappier knits that are more widely available.


Second Row: 

100 Acts of Sewing Pants No. 1. I made a pair of these in black eyelet last summer and they fit right out of the envelope. I'll make at least one more pair, this time in peppered cotton or brussels washer.

Blueprints for Sewing A-Frame Skirt. Leaning towards denim, inspired by the skirts in the new Eileen Fisher collection. I own one skirt and this will be a much-needed addition.

A Verb for Keeping Warm Prism dress. Maybe double gauze? I own one dress, of the cocktail-y variety, so an "everyday" dress will be another gap-filler.


Third Row:

A Verb for Keeping Warm Endless Summer Tunic or 100 Acts of Sewing Dress No. 3 . Looking for a casual "uniform" for our blistering summers.

A Verb for Keeping Warm Nell shirt. Yay, popovers! Boo, buttonholes! A fear I really ought to confront. Next year! Looking at Brussels washer.

TBD. Contenders, all knitting: Rondeur, Kitty's Chemise, Jasseron, Turtleneck Jacket.