violetismycolor

Designing new elements: Sewing

I drafted this pattern from an existing shirt that I own.  It is so simple:  no darts, no zippers or other closures, looks great with jeans.  What's not to love?  

It's hard to tell from these photos, but this is actually a Navy gingham, which I bought at one of our several WONDERFUL, LOCAL fabric stores: Modern Domestic.  I love Navy and I love gingham.  When I saw the fabric, I knew I had to have it.  

I have made many versions of this shirt but I tried something different here.  I added bias inserts at the sides and one at the center back.  I love the way it makes the shirt not-quite-boring and certainly one that no one else will be wearing.  

The back insert is the way I put some 'interest' into the back but it also is to make it fit more properly over my backside, without weird folds and things.  I did this with one of my other shirts and loved the look.  

What is your favorite way to change things up with patterns?

Knitting for Baby Girl H.

 

I have decided to start documenting my adventures in Knitting/Sewing/Designing, so here goes!

My Niece-in-Law, Adri, lived with us in the year before she married my nephew.  So, naturally, we are totally in love with her.   She married in January 2016 and is pregnant and due at the end of March 2017.  Of course, some very special gifts are in order for the precious girl that is going to enter our lives.  

I've always loved the look of Debbie Bliss's Ribbon-Edged Cardigan and that was my first choice.  Now...a new baby may or may not get much use out of a cardigan, so I decided to make the 6-9 month size.  Little Baby H should be headed into Fall when she ready to wear this and the sweater should get a lot more use.  May as well be practical, right?  I chose some Rowan Baby Silk Merino.  I love the slightly heather-purple shade.  It's washable (so not such a total pain to take care of) and it knits up beautifully.  

We have been stuck inside with Portland's 5th snowstorm of the past 2 months, unheard of here.  This particular storm dropped 13 inches on us and we may not get out till next Monday or Tuesday, so I have LOTS of time.  Here's where I am:  Back done, One Sleeve done, half of Second Sleeve done.  I plan on a matching outfit (sewn) to go with it.  Stay tuned.