Thursday, April 11, 2013

Lokken Kerchief {A Triangle Addiction Begins}

Now that I have opened up my knitting world to triangular things, it seems I cannot get enough of them.  The Way From Brighton was tons of fun, I couldn't hardly put this one down, and I already have 2 more triangle shaped thingies started.


 This pattern was from the Knitscene Accessories 2012 issue, Lokken by Megi Burcl.  There were several things I love in that issue (and every issue!), and this was one of them.  At first, I didn't know if I could find a suitable substitute yarn, because the original with just two colors was so dang cute.  Then I stumbled upon this Knitpicks yarn on clearance, and decided to give it a shot.  It is not quite the same effect, but I love it just the same.


The great things I'm finding about knitting shawls/wraps/kerchiefs (triangle thingies!):
-They don't take so long that you lose interest
-They can contain interesting details (like FRINGE!!!)
-They are still somewhat portable (more than a sweater, to a certain point)
-And, they have a pretty high impact.  It's satisfying to wear it out for the first time, and you usually get comments, because they can be so unique.  They also pull together a simple outfit more, I think.

So, one of my favorite details on this project?

THE FRINGE!!!  I did color blocked on the side with the blocks, and crazy mixed up color fringe on the side with the long stripes.  I think it works better than color blocking both sides since I used a multi-color yarn.


So, that's all for now.  I'm off to knit and Ravelry stalk more triangles!

Also, here are the Ravelry details if interested!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Big Announcement!


It's finally time to announce!  I'm opening a Local Yarn Shop in Webb City, MO.  Right now we're planning for an early summer opening.  You can find out details, follow our progress, and find out when the official open date will be when you "like" the page at www.facebook.com/StitchSpace
 

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sewaholic Robson Coat Pattern Testing

 This post has been a long time coming, and I just finally got some photos taken to share my Sewaholic Robson Trench Coat.

I was lucky enough to make this coat during the pattern testing phase back at the beginning of the year.  I have made some other Sewaholic patterns and really love how thoughtful and well-drafted they are.  This coat was no exception.



(Pardon the wrinkles.  I chose a cotton/nylon blend hoping it would cut down on the wrinkling but the jury is still out.)

 I really love all the little details on this coat, and especially the strong collar.  Tasia is wonderful when it comes to precise drafting.  The under collar is cut just small enough that the top collar lays just so, no matter what. I also added contrast buttons to up the fun factor.


(So I'm noticing some pulling in these photos, but I think that is just a result of my akward poses.  I wanted to show how much this coat shows off your waist, but with my arms up like that it makes it look a little small, but in person I think the fit is spot on!)

One thing I was worried about was the waist not hitting me in the right spot, and the pockets being too low.  Once I got the buttons and tie finished, though, they are perfect.  If you have a long or short torso, you might consider a tissue fitting or a toile, but it actually worked out fine for me.  The tie brings the waist in, and the hem up a little.

Something about this coat really ups your confidence and you feel like a spy!  As mentioned, the waist is extremely flattering and the coat doesn't add too much bulk.  I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and proud that I pushed my sewing skills a little.  It had been awhile since I took on a more intricate project, and now that it's all finished it really does look professional.  All of Tasia's patterns tend to have that very nice finished quality to them.

Last, but not least, a jumping picture just for fun!


You can find more details at my Pattern Review here.