Tuesday, July 23, 2013

FO: Patou tunic

This is the Patou tunic from Knitscene Spring 2013. My yarn is Cascade Cash Vero DK. I put a bit of waist shaping into the sweater and I made the neckline a bit narrower since I don't like sweaters that fall off my shoulders. I also made the armholes a bit narrower. For the front panel stitch pattern, I alternated the direction of the shells. I didn't do it for the style -- I was worried that having all the shells facing one way might cause some biasing and uneven stretching in the front panel after some wear.

I'm very happy with this tunic. The weather is too warm for it right now, but fall is coming. The color is a spring/summer color, but I'll wear it in the fall and winter anyway. I think it will be perfect for wearing on a long plane ride that I will be taking in the near future. Maybe it will he;[ me look chic as I'm drooling while sleeping with my head slumped over my chest!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Sewing FO: V1329

This is Vogue Patterns V1329, a Kay Unger design. I didn't sew this pattern with the color blocking look -- I just decided to go with one print fabric. This is a linen/cotton blend from Jo-Ann's. I really like linen/cotton blends because the linen has a great texture and cotton prevents it from wrinkling as much as pure linen does. I lined the dress with a turquoise cotton lawn fabric that I purchased from Denver fabrics online.

I really liked this pattern when I first saw it, but I wasn't sure it would fit right because I didn't believe that having the waist line pleats on just one side in front would provide good bust line shaping and ease. It actually worked out very well, and it's one of the best fitted woven fabric dresses that I've sewn for myself. It has a fitted shape with but enough ease to make it comfortable, especially for casual summer wear. In fact, it will be perfect for my summer garden party.