Sewing - Simplicity 1716 knit mini-dress, tunic and top - version 2

I've made Simplicity 1716 again!
It's such an easy make, even with sleeves this view is only 5 pieces, so it's quick to cut out and quick to sew as well.



Modifications and Adjustments

I graded out the hips to a size larger than the rest of the dress. I made the 14, grading to a 16 at the hip. I'm glad I did as this fabric drapes differently to the brown I used before. I cut the sleeves on the lengthen-shorten line rather than cutting the 3/4 or full length versions, and then hemmed them so they sit just above my elbow. This time I didn't worry about using a stretch-stitch. I did twin lines of stitching around the hems.



Verdict

I love it again! It's a nice, easy-to-wear shape and length. Overall I'm pleased with it and I would make it again. I'm thinking about making the twist-front version, though that's a few more pattern pieces and would probably work well in a plain colour.

Knitting - 21 Color Slouch

Pattern: 21 Color Slouch by Virginia Sattler-Reimer
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, all 21 colours

Mods: Towards the end I had to fudge some of the colours as I ran short - my gauge must have been slightly out (I didn't measure gauge, naughty) or something. Otherwise I knit exactly as written, which is virtually unheard of for me!



Verdict: I really like it. Even weaving in ALL OF THE ENDS wasn't too much of a chore. I haven't actually blocked it yet, and it's a great size/shape, so I think I'll maybe lightly block it. I was too excited to wear it though!



As I was knitting it I was a little disappointed with the contrast between some of the colours. If I were to do it again I might shuffle the colours round a little bit to avoid putting the burgundy and red together, for example.

 

Knitting - Wilhelm Tell Icelandic Yoke Sweater

Pattern: Wilhelm Tell Icelandic Yoke Sweater (Ravelry Link)
Yarn: Sublime Yarns Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK [Nutkin (3), Toot (2), Plum Pie (1), Ruffles (1)]
Needle: 4mm

Mods: The gauge for the pattern is 20.5 stitches for 4". Using 4mm needles I was getting 22 stitches for 4" which is the recommended gauge for the yarn. I liked the fabric I was getting at that gauge, so I decided to go with it. I don't think the jumper would stand up to much wear at a looser gauge.

I knitted to the length of an existing cardigan, but then kiddo had a growth spurt. I initially thought it would be okay, but after having to add 2" to the sleeves, I added the same to the waistband as well. I decided just to extend the green ribbing rather than try to pull back, mainly because of the time it would take.

Verdict: I like the sweater, and I'd consider knitting something like this again. However, the speed I knit means that it takes a while, so perhaps I'll wait til she isn't growing quite so quickly!

Knitting - Whisper

Whisper Cardigan by Hannah Fettig (Ravelry Link)

Yarn: Fyberspates Angora Wool Lace (Olive, discontinued)
Needle: 3.5 & 4.5mm



Modifications: I cast on both sleeves and worked them two-at-a-time until I reached the center back, then I grafted them together using kitchener stitch.



Verdict:
I'm really pleased with this - it looks almost the same as the one in the Interweave picture! The yarn was lovely to work with, and I love the subtle variation of colour throughout. I'm pleased I went to the trouble to make my modification, the sleeves match one another well and sit nicely.

Knitting - Project Peace

Pattern: Project Peace - Ravelry Link - Project Peace introductory blog post.
Yarn: 408 yards of Handspun merino/silk from Freyalyn, approx 4ply weight



Needles: 3.5mm
Modifications: I did a crocheted cast on and a regular bind-off. I did more repeats than called for to use up my handspun.
Verdict: I like it. It's come out a good size for wearing, and it's soft too. The pattern was easy to work from memory once I got going. I didn't manage to knit a full repeat every day of the peace-along, but I finished it before the end of the year.

Knitting - Marianna's Toddler Mitts

Pattern: Marianna's Toddler Mitts
Yarn: Fyberspates Space Dyed Sock Yarn, Fiesta, 1 skein (approx 328 yards) - I used less than a quarter of the skein.
Needle: 4mm

I don't generally like knitting flat, but these little mittens were a nice quick knit!



Modifications:
I knitted an extra two rows before starting the thumb shaping, an extra two rows in the thumb. and an extra two rows in the palm before decreasing

Verdict:

These are very cute, but they only just fit my 2 year old even with my adjustments. She has quite long fingers I guess!

Knitting - Lady's Work Mittens by Sarah Bradberry

Pattern: Lady's Work Mittens by Sarah Bradberry
Yarn: Fyberspates Space Dyed Sock Yarn, Fiesta, 1 skein (approx 328 yards) - I used less than half the skein.
Needle: 3.5mm and 4mm

This yarn was part of a multi-buy I picked up ages ago, but then sold on in a destash to a friend of mine. That friend has sadly died and when her fiance was sorting out her stash I reclaimed it. The start of the yarn was a bit kinky, as though she'd already started something with it, but then re-wound it.
Anyway, the weather got cold here, and I had no mittens. I have some gloves, but I've been meaning to make myself some mittens for a while. I've always wanted some flip-top mittens!



Modifications and Adjustments:

• I didn't cast off at the gap, I moved the stitches onto a holder. I then did a provisional cast-on for the other side of the gap. Then I was able to pick up the live stitches to work the ribbing.
• I only picked up 19 stitches (not 20) for the ribbing, so that I could have both ends worked as knit on the outside, to make it look neater.
• I also did provisional cast on for the extra stitches for the thumb.
• I worked an extra round of decreases on the fingers, giving me a little bit more length.
• I ignored the number of rows for the thumb and just knitted til they were long enough.
• I made the mittens two-at-a-time

Verdict:
I'm really pleased with these. My little girl has asked for some, though I think I'll make her just regular mittens if I do. They fit me really nicely, which is unusual as I normally make mittens for myself too small and end up giving them away!