Plaid Flannel Wiksten Tova Top

There are many enviable versions of the Wiksten Tova Top out there on the web.  (See Wiksten Flickr group here)  I have had this pattern (along with the tank pattern) for awhile now, and with the cooler weather, I finally decided it couldn't wait any longer.  I needed to make it in plaid flannel!  

I was originally making the dress version, but then I chopped it off after trying it on.  The crazy colorful plaid I picked was a little much in allover dress form!  Here it is:

(That's Tigger on the shelf behind me.  He loves a good photo-bomb opportunity.)

I made a couple of minor changes to the pattern.  To show off the design lines on front, I decided to cut the bib section on the bias.  Since I did this, I also decided that that section needed interfacing, along with the placket.  What happened when I tried it on, though, is that it was stiff and looked too "buttoned up," even in the absence of real closures.  I remedied this by pinching a dart out beside the placket to make the neckline more V-shaped.  This worked, but I think if I made it again, I would use a fabric with no real wrong side, because my interfacing sort of shows if the top gaps.  Or, you could do a double layer on the bib, so that it would not be an issue.  I'm hoping to make it again in more of a floaty cotton, and I think that will change the look of the neckline.

I'm still happy with the final product, even though some changes had to be made.  It's a great casual top to throw on with jeans and boots!

I have also uploaded a review to Pattern Review here.

On Playing Catch-Up (and some new socks)

So after a year long hiatus, I'm back.  Not that I will guarantee I'm going to be posting every little thing, but I am ready to share some more and get caught up with this space.  I intend to share some of the things I made from the end of 2012, and through the holiday season.  Sewing has somewhat taken the backseat to knitting lately.  Something about the cooler weather, I guess.  I just finished a pair of socks for my Dad, that were intended for a Christmas gift, but ended up being a little late.  Luckily, he didn't mind, and put them right on to go do cattle chores in the snow!  (I know, scary that they might get yucky, but I am from the school of thought that handmade items are to be used, so this thrilled me)  

The socks are just a basic pattern from a Patons Sock pattern book that I picked up at a chain store.  It is the first sock pattern that had enough pictures and explanations for me to make a pair without struggling or giving up, and the husband was the lucky recipient of that first pair Christmas 2011.  (He has since moved on to bigger and better gifts such as sweaters...more on that later)  I have since become really fond of making socks in a way I never imagined.  They are the perfect portable project, and they have just enough boring stuff, just enough action to keep me hooked.  They are also great for when you are working on another more involved project (husband's sweater), and you need a break.

 The color is just a boring oatmeal color, but I'm breaking him in slowly with the handmade socks ;)

Can't start off with too many crazy colors!  The yarn is also a nice wool/alpaca/nylon blend so they are really soft, and should wear nicely.  Here is the Ravelry page.  (Psst...Feel free to add me on Ravelry!)

Time to head back to the couch by the fire, and keep on knitting! :)