REViVAL Sweater #1 // ANIKESTRiCK [Isabel Kramer]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 8/29/2022
Completed 11/8/2022
Pattern Name REViVAL
Designer ANIKESTRiCK / Isabelle Kramer
Measurements To fit 35" bust, with 0-1" positive ease
Pattern Size Cast on Size 4, Ended Increases at Size 1
Yarn Malabrigo Lace // Pearl // 6 skeins; yarn held double
Needles US 4 (3.5 mm) // US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

A nice, simple sweater that uses the contiguous method to shape the shoulders for a top-down seamless sweater.

MODIFICATIONS

  • Used two strands of lace weight yarn to approximate fingering weight yarn

  • Used a gauge comparison calculator to figure out how to size up based off of my gauge versus the pattern’s gauge

  • Cast on for a size 4; however, stopped increases when I reached the final stitch count for size 1. This allowed me to accommodate my shoulders, while ensuring that the contiguous shoulder and armscye (the shape / outline of the armhole) hit my body in the right place. It was important to me that the placement mimic the placement of a set-in sleeve.

RESOURCES

  • No Holes For Sweater Sleeves // Suzanne Bryan // Youtube Tutorial

  • Tubular Cast On (using knitting needle only) // Andrea Mowry // Youtube

  • Tubular CO in the Round (1x1 Ribbing) // Knitting with Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

  • Revival Pattern // Ravelry

  • Knitting Gauge Calculator // Website

  • Crochet CO // ANKESTRick // Youtube

Final Thoughts

I found it a bit of a pain to hold two of the same weight of yarn together for this pattern. Ensuring that I did not only catch one yarn instead of two proved to be a hassle. The end result is extremely squishy.

I also think I may go up several needle sizes for the hem and possibly switch to an Italian bind off to give a bit more stretch at the hem, cuff, and neckline.

I will also consider adding an inch of length for the body.

Overall, I like this pattern and I plan on knitting another one for National Knit a Sweater Month in November.

Boneyard Sweethearts Hat // Telly Beans Knits

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished Object
Started 10/23/2022
Completed 10/28/2022
Pattern Name Boneyard Sweetheart
Designer Telly Bean Knits
Size Made Medium
Yarn Malabrigo Yarn Ultimate Sock, 2 hanks, MC: Cote D Azure, CC: Gloria
Needles US 1 (2.25mm); US 2 (2.75mm)

NOTES

My three goals for this hat were:

1. To make a Halloween themed b-day hat for my partner.

2. To also be able to wear the hat.

3. To mirror the fit and construction of the hat on my partner's most worn hat.

Yarn Combo

  • MC: Malabrigo Yarn Ultimate Sock, Cote D Azure

  • CC: Malabrigo Yarn Ultimate Sock, Gloria

Measurements

  • His Head/My Head: 22"

  • Pattern Size (0-2" ease): Size M

  • Fit: Fits like a skull cap

Technique

I knit colorwork using two hands (continental & English). I kept the CC in my left hand so that it would be the dominant color.

Modifications

I preferred a double-folded brim for warmth and extra coverage versus a 1" rib. I used the CC color and knit in stockinette with the smallest size needles for 2.75" and then knit 1.25" with my MC in plain stockinette before going up to the largest size needles in pattern and beginning colorwork rows.

On colorwork chart, round 14, I folded the brim in half and knit into the edge of the cast on while knitting the next round (round 15) of colorwork. I used the Norwegian cast on recommended by the designer. I was also careful about my colorwork tension on this round. And I wove in the ends before closing up the brim.

I decided to do less plain rounds at the brim to mimic the hat length of his favorite hat. This meant I did 2 rounds of plain stockinette in the MC after the last colorwork round instead of beginning the decreases on round 53.

Final Thoughts

This rarely happens, but the stars aligned and this hat came out exactly as I'd hope. Next time, I would knit the CC brim to 2.5" versus 2.275" to ensure that the CC doesn't peek out after the brim is folded.

Love this hat!

Men's Charity Socks [Vanilla Sock Pattern] --Frogged--

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 8/16/2022
Completed 9/11/2022
Pattern Name Vanilla Socks
Designer Me
Yarn Knit Picks
Needles US 1 (2.25mm)

NOTES

Update 2023: I ended up frogging these socks. I was never satisfied by my bind off.

I made these socks to send off to a charity seeking socks.

Final Thoughts

I forgot how long it takes to knit men’s socks (as well as how much yarn). These socks were made to fit a men’s US size 11.5-12 foot.

S 8334: Knit Dress #1 // View B // Size 10 (2022)

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started 8/15/2022
Finished 8/17/2022
Pattern Name Simplicity 8334, View B
Designer / Company Simplicity
Size Blended 10, 12, 16; To fit: 32" upper bust, 35" full bust, 26 3/4" waist, 38 1/4" Hip
Fabric TBA Polyester / TBA Spandex
Notions All Purpose Thread, TBA yds of fusible interfacing
Machines Sewing, Serger

Notes

This is one of those dresses that sneaks up on you. I decided not to add the snaps and suddenly this dress continues to be one of my most worn and flattering pieces in my handmade wardrobe.

Modifications

  • I took the time to check the intended stretch of the fabric used in the pattern; my own body measurements; the finished measurements of the pattern; and my the stretch percentage of my fabric.

  • With the above information, I was able to use my sewing machine (straight stitch) for this dress. And it worked like magic (with my jersey needle) on almost all parts of this dress because the fabric wasn’t stretched to a point where a serger was needed to allow for the dress to slip over my body. The sleeves; however, will need to be serged next time because the sleeve is slim fitting and does need stretch to cover my arms without popping any seams.

Resources

  • Mimi G Sew Along // Simplicity Video // Youtube

  • How to Attach Snaps to Clothing // Inside the Hem // Youtube

  • How to Choose a size with Negative Ease // Brittani Bumb // Website

  • Adding Ease to Your Garment (includes info about negative ease) // American Sewing Guild // Website

    • Handy PDF cheat sheet on woven garment ease // American Sewing Guild, Plano-Chapter // PDF

  • How to Determine Stretch Percentage in Fabric // Seamwork // Youtube

Final Thoughts

This fabric is deep stash - BOLD, LOUD deep stash. Sometimes things pair perfectly, and I have no idea how or why. To me, this fabric and pattern scream 1970s house/lounge dress, and I love it.

Maze Socks // Sarah Shepherd

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 4/26/2022
Completed 8/15/2022
Pattern Name Maze Socks
Designer Sarah Shepherd
Yarn TBA
Needles TBA

NOTES

A solid, colorwork pattern. The colors are perfect for the holidays.

Modifications

  • CO 16 (Judy’s Magic Cast On)

  • US 1, 2.25mm, two-at-a-time socks, magic loop

  • Alternate between Increase rounds [M1R, M1L (both needles)] and Knit rows until 44 stitches (22 stitches each needle)

  • This results in a decrease of 4 stitches each side of the Maze Pattern chart (8 stitches total)

RESOURCES

  • SSP // Very Pink Knits // Youtube

  • Tubular Bind Off in the Round // Knitting with Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

Final Thoughts

Next time, I will go down several needle sizes instead of adjusting the pattern.

Flax - Baby Sweater // Tin Can Knits [Free Pattern]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started 8/8/2022
Completed 8/13/2022
Pattern Name Flax
Designer Tin Can Knits
Measurements Baby Sized
Pattern Size 0-6 months
Yarn Various: Spun Right Round // Juniper Moon (Moonshine)
Needles US 6 (4 mm) // US 8 (5 mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

A small gift knit.

MODIFICATIONS

  • Cast on 62 stitches versus 56 for wider collar

  • Tubular cast on, 1x1 ribbing

  • Decrease 2 stitches after 1x1 ribbing (1”); no increases for the body

  • Color past collar: 5 rows yellow color; 5 rows white color; 5 rows purple color

RESOURCES

  • No Holes For Sweater Sleeves // Suzanne Bryan // Youtube Tutorial

  • Tubular Cast On (using knitting needle only) // Andrea Mowry // Youtube

  • Tubular CO in the Round (1x1 Ribbing) // Knitting with Suzanne Bryan // Youtube

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, I forgot to snap pics of this one before I sent it off.

Tip Top Tank #2 // Maker Maker [Free Pattern]

PROJECT DETAILS

Status FO
Started 6/8/2022
Completed 7/16/2022
Pattern Name Tip Top Tank
Designer Maker Maker
Size M
My Measurements Bust: 35" Waist: 27" Hips: 38.25"
Yarn Galileo // Sport Weight Yarn // Knit Picks; 4 balls, 131 yds./50g, Color: Lunar (5623)
Needles US 3 (3.25mm) // US 4 (3.5mm) 40" Circular

NOTES

This is my second Tip Top Tank, and I’m sure there will be more.

MODIFICATIONS

  • 1x1 tubular cast on for both hems

    • Used Andrea Mowry’s Cast On

    • After Cast On, 1st Row: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); 2nd Row: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch; Row 3: Purl, Slip 1 knit stitch (as if to purl); Row 4: Knit, Slip 1 purl stitch Be sure that the stitches (purl and knit) are not twisted on the needle. If they are knit, purl, or slip into back leg to untwist.

  • Used a genius modification by Recreates (on Ravelry) to raise the back by 6 rows

  • I also added some extra rows for the length.

RESOURCES

Final Thoughts

Another lovely summer top. I look forward to wearing this top in 2023.

M 7974 Dress #1: Jelly Bean Dots // Modified View D // Size 10 (2022)

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started 6/27/2022
Finished 7/4/2022
Pattern Name McCalls 7974, View A
Designer / Company McCalls
Size 10, To fit: 32" upper bust, 35" full bust, 26 3/4" waist, 30 3/4" High Hip
Fabric "jelly bean fabric" Purchased at Mood
Notions All Purpose Thread, 13 buttons (pattern states 1/2", I used 7/16" for this dress: Red, Spectrum Warm, 5 buttons each, Made in Thailand, purchased at Joann), TBA yds of fusible interfacing
Machines Sewing, Serger

Notes

I’ve seen so many versions of this dress online. I decided to give it a try. I was a bit worried about the fit of the bodice on my bust. And indeed that was a problem area for me for this pattern.

Modifications (from muslin #1)

  • Back Piece: 1” Swayback adjustment, tapering from 1” to nothing at the side seam (started 3” above bottom edge); added 1” length at lengthen lines to match adjustments to Front Top Bust Piece

  • Front Top Bust Piece: Added 1” to bottom edge; used gathering stitches to ease into place; added slightly raised wedge to accommodate an extra button and to add a bit more coverage

  • Bodice Facing: Added matching, slightly raised wedge to match the top bust piece

  • Skirt Front + Side Back and Front: Shortened by 5”

  • Skirt Back: Shortened by 4”; took in 1” at side seam (to match skirt side pieces) and tapered out to full 5” at center back [to accommodate a full seat)

  • Used the following construction methods as outlined in the Sewing Therapy tutorial:

    • Staystitched all bias cut areas

Resources

  • Cutting and sewing dress facings // Pattern.Scissors.Cloth // Website

  • M7974 Sizing, Tracing, and Altering the Pattern // Kittenish Behaviour // Youtube

  • M7974 Sew Along Tutorial // Sewing Therapy // Youtube

  • M7974 Sewing Tutorial: Raising the Neckline // Paige Handmade // Blog

  • How to Sew a Bias Tape Finish // Professor Pincushion // Youtube Tutorial

  • How To: Manual Buttons // Made to Sew // Youtube

  • Reddit // Recommendations around Automatic Buttonhole issues // Reddit Thread

Final Thoughts

The deep v-neck is really low for how I’d like to wear the dress. Next time I would make adjustments to the bust pieces to raise the v-neck. Also, the bodice fit was very difficult for me to nail. After I ended up truly analyzing the bodice fit, I realized that there was significant gaping. I hastily made some (not pretty on the inside) adjustments and ended up turning a dud (in nice fabric) into a wearable summer dress.

Next time, I would also lengthen the skirt a bit more.

Here are some tutorials I may use for next time:

  • Altering McCalls 7974 // Enchanted Rose Costumes // Youtube

  • How to Raise a Low V Neckline (M 8020) // Inside the Hem // Youtube

N 6669: Knit Dress 1 & 2 // View A // Size 10 (2022)

PROJECT DETAILS

Status Finished
Started Dress #1: 5/31/2022; Dress #2: 6/18/2022
Finished Dress #1: 6/4/2022; Dress #2: 6/26/2022
Pattern Name New Look 6669, View A
Designer / Company New Look
Size 10, To fit: 32" upper bust, 35" full bust, 26 3/4" waist, 30 3/4" High Hip
Fabric 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex
Notions All Purpose Thread, 1 1/4 yds. of 3/4" wode elastic, 5/8 Tricot lining, 7/8 yds of fusible interfacing
Machines Sewing, Serger

Notes

I really ended up loving this dress. It had so many hidden, amazing features (not fully detailed on the pattern company website but luckily detailed by Youtuber, Vivmom Sews). The main feature is the internal bra.

I wear a 30 E-F bra, and once I adjusted the elastic band length to match my bra band length, everything about this dress came together.

I didn’t think I’d like the tie straps, but I love them. They are easy to adjust and are perfect for a hot summer day.

Modifications (from version #1)

  • Interface tricot lining before cutting (may try two different interfacing types)

    • Pellon 180 // Knit-N-Stable

      • A versatile sheer and fusible knit stabilizer; offers lightweight lining support that stretches with movement; great for stretchy seams and stabilizing collars, necklines, and hems; ideal for fabrics like silk, chamois, lame, satin, and spandex; and will not change the drape or hand of fabric once fused

    • Pellon Ek 130 Easy-Knit

      • Adds shape to collars, necklines, front facings and cuffs while maintaining drapability

  • will trim 2-4mm from neckline and armhole facings (per this tutorial)

  • add length back to pattern pieces for side, back, and front pieces

  • correct full butt issue with hem pulling up in back

  • shorten bra front and back by amount of length shortened on pattern pieces

  • make adjustments to elastic band length

Resources

  • Cutting and sewing dress facings // Pattern.Scissors.Cloth // Website

  • Install an All-in-One Facing // Threads Sewing // Youtube

Final Thoughts

  • This dress pattern is a keeper and a possible TNT. The princess seams, the ties at the shoulder, and the internal bra make this dress extremely wearable and flattering. Love it!