Patterns and Planning; Oh My!

I got back in town Friday night, and was without sewing mojo. I'd started a new hat during my 6 hour airport stay and was eager to finish it. I knit a little on Saturday and Sunday morning and realized I really could finish it if I pushed. So I did. Yay!

The pattern is Boardwalk, free on Ravlery.

I made this one before and chose it because I remember it being really fast. I made it up in Paton's classic wool in this deep berry color. 

Sewing plans!

When I planned on making the S2311 coat, the plan was caramel fashion fabric and a 'very berry' pongee lining. Well...the new Simplicity patterns were released and I was all gaga over this Leann Marshall coat and S2311 got shelved. I mean...SWOON

This coat will be main focus for November. I think it is absolutely beautiful. I will be cutting it close, squeezing it from 3 yards but I think I can do it!

My second big focus for November will be my first quilt. I know I said I had no interest in quilting. And people keep telling me I'm going to become addicted (I will try not to!). I really want to make a full-sized quilt for DD when she leaves for college and I have just under 2 years to do so! :) I'm taking it easy this time and making my own jelly roll strips to do a "Jelly Roll Race Quilt" in baby size. It looks easy and fun and I don't have to worry about a pattern. 

The fabric on top is the backing

Lastly, I have a couple of cuts of fabric that want to become blouses. These are the patterns I'm considering.

Simplicity 1253, McCall's 6898

Vogue 1387, In-House Belle Bow blouse

 I may be able to eek out S1253 plus one of the others since it's a simpler style...we will see. The McCalls pattern has 813 pieces and I unfolded it to cut it out and put it right back in the envelope! The Vogue seems really scary and complicated and the In House blouse is a wildcard because of fitting (although they draft for a D cup - YAY!)

As for the rest of October...I will be making a quick & easy knit dress for myself - I'll pass out candy as a witch! And a dress for my daughter for Halloween. So that will definitely consume the rest of the week.

Finished Item: S2860 and Knitting and Coat Progress

I got so far with my coat yesterday. SO FAR!!!!! Then I was foiled. FOILED!

The whole attaching a lined cap sleeve and a ponte undersleeve to a lined bodice is tricky. Tres tricky my friends. I had to put it down and think about it. I think I've figured it out.

I also had to figure out the "corners" where the facing, hem and lining all come together. I think I've figured that out too. I've also figured out that I'm going to have to take this thing to someone for a professional pressing. My Black & Decker is no match for several layers of boucle...I just am not getting crisp seams and that's not allowed! :)

I'm rocking and rolling...except I realized that my snaps are not in the right position. Any of them. I used the markings on the pattern. Why? WHY?????!!!! So now I have to redo them and I swear it took me over an hour to sew those dang things on.

Sorry...you have to get one more "in progress" shot! LOL! I hope to finish by the weekend...

If you look closely, you can see it pulling at the waist snap. No bueno.

After futzing around and not feeling like redoing the snaps last night, I decide I need (NEED!) to sew something. Life is messing with me lately and I am going into whiny "woe is me" mode. Sewing and spending time with my kids really help to pull me out. And oh how I wish I could pop over to Mama and Papa's house :-(

I digress.

I made baby K some pj pants!!

Why yes. That IS a JoAnn's ad and a Wawak catalog in the background!

 

I used Simplicity 2826 which is now OOP. 

Looks pretty old school... but it works!

 The largest size in my envelope was a 3 so you know me...easy way out! I cut a 3 and just did a super hem. I intended to make hot pink ties but was on a roll and forgot. She'll get more...these went together TOO easily. One piece. ONE PATTERN PIECE!!!! Inseams. Crotch seam. Waist. Hem. Done. Took maybe 45 minutes.

My hat is awesome! It's all thick and fluffy and too warm for the current weather but so what. It is awesome!!

Pattern is free on Ravelry and uses worsted and like, size 8s. Goes SUPER FAST. (Boardwalk)
Oh but don't be like me. DO use smaller needles for your ribbing...
I used Lion Brand Heartland that is a really great acrylic. It knits up very well. it isn't splitty and is barely squeaky. I like it! I think it'll be my choice for next years hats and mittens,


Lastly, I love this cat. :)

She's a guard-attack-ninja kitty!