Going to the Sewing Expo

Tomorrow, I will be heading to the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo after work. I have signed up for a pants fitting class tomorrow evening and two other classes for Friday (Lining Alternatives) and Saturday (Industrial Shortcuts). It will be a great time for me to be surrounded by fellow sewists and to share and learn new sewing techniques. I'm hoping my sewing mojo will graciously reappear within the next few days.

I do plan on taking a knitting project with me and knit when I have a chance. As you know, knitting has become my main focus this year and it's very portable. I'm currently knitting a cute cardi called Alpine.

Alpine by Berroco Design

Here's what the back of my cardi looks like so far. This yarn is fabulous to knit with.

Alpaca With a Twist Highlander in Ochre color

I recently finished a sweater called My Lil Black Sweater:

Sirdar Denim Chunky in Vintage color

I'm still busy with my hobbies and have enjoyed reading about hand knit fashions. Just as I did in the sewing world, I dream about garments (sweaters & cardigans) and fibers.

Another Knitted Creation

You would think that during the summer months, when it's hot and humid, that I would have stopped knitting and started sewing again. It hasn't happened that way. I now have a fascination for cotton and cotton-blended yarns. I have knitted two additional garments called Ophelia. They are comfortable to wear. I plan on wearing these through July and into August. Even into September.

Ophelia in Mediterranean


Ophelia in Cactus

Still no sewing. Well, at least I have some knitting to show. :)

The Results of 29-Days of Intense Knitting

I present to you, my two new lace cardigans. Knitted and seamed in 29 days! I disappeared into the knitting world to get these done. I was a crazed knitting machine. I was on a knitting high for so long that I'm now one tired puppy. Mentally.


My first lace cardigans

There were many firsts for me on this project:

- My first real knitted cardigan. Knitted from the bottom up. Meaning: there would be knitted pieces (e.g. back, 2 fronts, and 2 sleeves) that would be seamed later.

- My first real lace pattern. I attempted to knit a lace scarf, but got bored with it.

- I knitted both versions at the same time. I actually started with the Denim version (expensive yarn) and then decided to knit another version Azalea with inexpensive yarn. I would call my Azalea version a "muslin" or test garment.

- Just like in the sewing world, I knew I had to "adjust" the bodice otherwise the 8-row ribbing would hit smack in the middle of my full bust area. I lengthened the bodice, under the armhole and above the 8-row ribbing.

- I knitted my first buttonholes. Talk about a mind-boggling task. I had to figure out the placement along the front bodice and then how much to space out while knitting and purling the front ribbing. I used a two-stitch buttonhole for 3/4" buttons. This task reminded me of sewing buttonholes with my SM...where I hold my breath until a buttonhole is finished. ;)

- I actually sewed side seams that disappeared into the garment. That was a back-breaking job for me as I stood for long periods of time to get this done. I used my cutting table cart to layout my knitted pieces to sew the seams flat.

This was definitely a fun-filled and rewarding knitting project for me. I enjoyed the challenge and as a result, I ended up with two beautiful cardigans to wear.

At one point, I had to stop knitting to get a haircut. My local hair salon was offering a free haircut/charity event to those who were laid off or looking for jobs. Donations would be sent to a charity. I was glad to help out there.

I've written a review of this cardigan at my 2BKnitting blog. You will find the format is similar to what you would see on PatternReview. Enjoy!

My Other Hobby

Some of you may wonder why I'm not posting frequently on my sewing activities. Well, it's because I'm also doing a lot of knitting. Both hobbies are my fave at the moment and both are competing for my attention. I thought I'd share a picture of my latest creation.

This is my lace cardigan. I'm knitting the backside. I got up early this morning to knit the "hold my breath" armhole area. I had to do bind offs and decreases while maintaining the lace pattern. It's coming along nicely.

Back side of my Hey Teach lace cardigan

My Sewing Sisters...I Need Some Fitting Help

I finally found my Loes Hinse sweater set pattern late last night. It was tucked between two BWOF mags. Like that really made a lot of sense for safe keeping. Maybe that was my newly designated "to read" pile and I forgot. Who knows. Glad I found it.

I was able to find my first muslin for this LH sleeveless v-neck top that I sewed back in 2005. I have provided pictures below. As you can see, the front doesn't fit that well. So, my question to you lovely sewing sisters...do I need to do a full bust adjustment (FBA) or something else?

Poor fitting LH sleeveless top - side view


Another view showing the front seam

It may be hard to see, but there's a front seam under the v-neck. I had sewn another muslin that's a little bit larger and still had the same problem with the front pulled up.

My backside looks fine, no wrinkles or pulling. I just have a problem with the front. Would you believe this is the first pattern that doesn't fit?

I'm retracing the top so I have something to work with. In the meantime, I could really use your help in figuring this out.