The Knit Geek

I have this horrible habit of starting a ton of stuff at once, and then procrastinating on things. Thus my neglected blogs. When I die, I hope I am reincarnated into someone that can pay attention.

Anyway, we are on our week and a half countdown to our Germany trip. Yay! We are going to Frankfurt an der Oder to visit family, and then we’ll spend our last two days in Berlin. I had a goal of having made three quarters of my clothing for the trip. That isn’t happening. I certainly have been working on stuff, but sadly, two shirts I made, I hate. I am working on a dress now - the Butterick 4790 - which I hope will work out nicely. I do have one skirt that I recently made, that I actually like, and have worn several times already. I created it with inspiration from Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics. This is the finished product:

I also came up with this top, which I wore out for the first time today. I am fairly happy with it, but the stitching around the neckband/strap is a little wonky.

Both of the jersey knit fabrics on the top were purchased at Fabric.com
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I also did another knit shrug of my own design. I have dubbed it ‘The Kimono Shrug’, and will be posting pictures and a pattern soon. I have made three so far, and I can’t go anywhere without getting compliments on it, so I figured I would fine tune the pattern and offer it up for consumption. Stay tuned!

I made this top this week, and think it turned out okay. I am still new to making tops, so my finishing is not always brilliant, but it’s only a matter of time and practice. I chose this pattern because I like stylish clothes that don’t accentuate my imperfections, and thought this would be ideal. There are 6 different versions you can make, varying with sleeves and without.

The completed piece looks exactly like the envelope image. It was easy to follow, but the neckband gave me some trouble - but this is probably due to my inexperience, as I have had difficulties with every neckband I have done thus far. The sizing is fairly generous, although mine is a little snug at the hips, and a little big across the bust. I have a very hard to fit body, since my bust is 36-inches, but my hips are 42-inches. I am basically between two pattern sizes. Next time I will make the size 14 (for the 36-inch bust), and simply flare out the lower portion of the top.

I used a polyester, linen-look fabric. It is probably a bit heavy for this style, but still looks okay. A light cotton would be ideal.

I do recommend this top. It is a wonderful staple for Spring and Summer, and is generally quite easy.

I have made three pairs of these pants for my son, but the most recent pair is my favorite. Not only is it Spongebob Squarepants, but it came out the best (practice makes perfect), and I even made the matching top this time! This was my first sewn top, and it gave me a bit of trouble with the V-neck, but I am fairly happy with how it turned out. He loves it, and has even worn the top to school. Instead of fleece, I used lightweight jersey knit so he could wear it out, and it wouldn’t be too warm or constricting.

The pattern is very easy to follow, and easy to adjust for size. Karl is very tall, and very thin, so I need to make size 5 for height, and size 3 for width, which was easy to manage on this pattern. It looked pretty much like the pictures on the envelope. I followed the instructions except for adding pockets. I did add pockets on the second pair I made, but not the other two. The last thing he needs are tiny treasures shoved in his pockets while sleeping.

I recommend this pattern if you want a nice easy pattern for toddler PJ’s - and I would even go so far as to use heavier cotton and make play pants. The style is very basic, and thus very versatile.

And here is Karl in his brand new pajamas!

I am on a skinny scarf kick. We watch a lot of German television programs, and they are quite popular wardrobe staples for many of the hip, young, female characters, so I had to have one. Then two, and then three. And now I’m working on number four. I just love doubling up pretty yarns that compliment each other. And they are so quick and easy! Mostly mindless knitting, except the one I dubbed ‘Hex Code’ - the vibrant, multicolored one. And now for your review, Three Skinny Scarves!

And closeups:

Hex Code:

Turquoise & Chocolate Heaven:

Industrial:

These are really fun to make. I have a few more in mind, and am considering selling them. I’m not sure how popular they would be, but I certainly can’t wear all of them!