tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-370872482024-03-14T01:18:07.304-05:00Prairie Girl Knits (and sews... and bakes... and cooks...)prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-67566949663797147702024-03-05T22:51:00.003-06:002024-03-05T22:55:52.893-06:00Châle Saison<p>Hello, hello! What an exciting time we’ve had since I last popped on here! On February 16th our little Grandson was born and let me tell you I have had the hardest time focusing my brain on anything besides updates and photos and baby snuggles! He is the light of our lives without a doubt and we are all completely smitten with him!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBptWu8LlwOv4tgu88yXET33fdcGqWlbsWHUns7bzJ0qqLIfhYGcE_WbPrKiG6EzQszd0jUPD2MKsXM3GVMPFueYzJPFlCK5XYCw-6sIgLiMu70ArExI4wASA1sOFFhjQbH3FfUiz8T_LwhJzXxYLqZYChfxp7qr0ghPVj3mFYjP7vnS1RF2vk/s3125/41B03BD2-3D38-4C67-936C-B88E5461B230.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3125" data-original-width="2444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBptWu8LlwOv4tgu88yXET33fdcGqWlbsWHUns7bzJ0qqLIfhYGcE_WbPrKiG6EzQszd0jUPD2MKsXM3GVMPFueYzJPFlCK5XYCw-6sIgLiMu70ArExI4wASA1sOFFhjQbH3FfUiz8T_LwhJzXxYLqZYChfxp7qr0ghPVj3mFYjP7vnS1RF2vk/s320/41B03BD2-3D38-4C67-936C-B88E5461B230.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p>In much less exciting news, I finished my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chale-saison" target="_blank">Châle Saison</a> shawl out of some absolutely beautiful yarn from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CogYarns" target="_blank">Cog Yarns</a> that my eldest son and daughter-in-law gave me for Christmas! The colours are absolutely beautiful and the yarn is so very soft! I used two full skeins to make the shawl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyHGSlntejgjsxqaV9J8GSR0L5B6y1BKLALJWFwrl6RZukceTGJpgXdbbbxfCyFddaEcIeGblea6blPH2IL88kUj6wI0DM63XuxhZR5EVzzEVclyChuLz0UK1-spcDTlf-HQODS8y-rBn3lczRYokOcPwh7kLFIRi8yhHghh8QLMjGvUBz2rO/s3088/3E381F57-0B4D-4A13-B9AC-E533394A362D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2082" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyHGSlntejgjsxqaV9J8GSR0L5B6y1BKLALJWFwrl6RZukceTGJpgXdbbbxfCyFddaEcIeGblea6blPH2IL88kUj6wI0DM63XuxhZR5EVzzEVclyChuLz0UK1-spcDTlf-HQODS8y-rBn3lczRYokOcPwh7kLFIRi8yhHghh8QLMjGvUBz2rO/s320/3E381F57-0B4D-4A13-B9AC-E533394A362D.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I cast on my shawl straight away on Boxing Day. Châle Saison is a free pattern on Ravelry by the designer Laine Poudrée.<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> </span>I was quite impressed with both the pattern - it’s so straight forward - and the speed in which I was able to knit it! I actually finished it February 8th despite pausing to knit a few things for the baby in January (booties, socks and a Puerperium Cardigan)<div><br /></div><div>I finally took the plunge (or my shawl did in any case) and I gave it a good Euclan wool wash bubble bath and blocked it out this weekend. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpucTOUzKbS3e-YvWtH3YHMoiay5sioY3sbxq1COk7ZH7E_4BfDOr_VBm1SPGVXd4ZV8-7eAF6ziYTynDg1n3_Es4TzMSf75z0C8EIUhtXxsL7NXHac1_ldQzLwIZMg4G1JVye1UhsKpj1zthWb3AChRM1UwP-lJbf29w4pHu6rn19Ef-SevO/s3088/351C7489-7585-4B29-9020-B1E3FD254DB6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2070" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpucTOUzKbS3e-YvWtH3YHMoiay5sioY3sbxq1COk7ZH7E_4BfDOr_VBm1SPGVXd4ZV8-7eAF6ziYTynDg1n3_Es4TzMSf75z0C8EIUhtXxsL7NXHac1_ldQzLwIZMg4G1JVye1UhsKpj1zthWb3AChRM1UwP-lJbf29w4pHu6rn19Ef-SevO/s320/351C7489-7585-4B29-9020-B1E3FD254DB6.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My timing was impeccable because winter hit again yesterday (we had another extreme weather closure day which made it two closures in as many weeks! You won’t hear me complaining! Lol) I was able to bundle up in my shawl today to ward off the chill as I headed to work. My shawl cuff is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/KnoxMountainKnitCo" target="_blank">Knox Mountain Knitting Co.</a> in case you were curious. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzWKaJa9Jc_aQm684fL0sMctL8JPFxIdGoHCU04JBxfaZP0BurkHIGHYPplzgPFUuMJgqbkSAzHKitvFchRWIOjmcZpMiYQV-7Hb5Isa_MFVXQ7itFDJ8R5r_dx_OwwwoeCwHaSohLmCrkNTwHRlNiv1VLq43ZIyR7dK2vo3UmVgc0Ft3PT_h/s3088/4852EC3D-990F-4CAE-99D4-27DA57C268EB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzWKaJa9Jc_aQm684fL0sMctL8JPFxIdGoHCU04JBxfaZP0BurkHIGHYPplzgPFUuMJgqbkSAzHKitvFchRWIOjmcZpMiYQV-7Hb5Isa_MFVXQ7itFDJ8R5r_dx_OwwwoeCwHaSohLmCrkNTwHRlNiv1VLq43ZIyR7dK2vo3UmVgc0Ft3PT_h/s320/4852EC3D-990F-4CAE-99D4-27DA57C268EB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I’ve got some other knitting finished in the last week too - both projects that have been in my WIP basket for awhile but I’ll save those for another day. I also cast on a pair of socks last night. It would seem my knitting mojo has returned with gusto!!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-57291537879008849842024-02-13T10:43:00.001-06:002024-02-13T10:43:42.944-06:00The Boalsburg Top<p>Hello, hello! I'm back again!</p><p>I've been pattern testing for <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> again and this one is such a good one! Ok - I've pretty much loved every pattern that I've tested for Kennis. I do realize I'm probably a broken record on that subject, but they just always fit me so well. I've made so many of her patterns over the years and I don't think I've ever been disappointed in any of them. Some of them maybe my fabric choice has led to me feeling kind of "meh" about them, but certainly not the pattern's fault. It's as though she creates her patterns just for me! LOL!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QoNZ7i3dpzAxBxjN-V9cIGf9VXgVzZL6lKu4s1jl7LSr1AnJ8sbbx2haN32nh3nsGl_a1zwbLV0mwRZ2h4gEj2_-SE6TAaoNjbfAAVGjROzRAxsnOM-oubF-1zQ5-EV9tei8yhBxTMkZK2gn4IkdziCGnmkEZPMCdpnDOMfxaBBVvNRzHsFb/s3088/IMG_7287.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands in front of her plant stand showing off the mock neck collar of her colour blocked Boalsburg top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QoNZ7i3dpzAxBxjN-V9cIGf9VXgVzZL6lKu4s1jl7LSr1AnJ8sbbx2haN32nh3nsGl_a1zwbLV0mwRZ2h4gEj2_-SE6TAaoNjbfAAVGjROzRAxsnOM-oubF-1zQ5-EV9tei8yhBxTMkZK2gn4IkdziCGnmkEZPMCdpnDOMfxaBBVvNRzHsFb/w300-h400/IMG_7287.jpeg" title="Jersey Boalsburg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>So let me introduce you to this newest pattern. <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/boalsburg-pullover-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Boalsburg</a> is a dropped shoulder beauty that allows for either colour blocking or a single colour sweater with some interesting seam details. My favourite thing about it is the fact that it's allowed me to use up some randoms bits and bobs of fabric in my stash that weren't big enough for any single project. </p><p>Stash busting is one of my goals this year. Obviously not one I'll stick to rigidly. I'm not about to sign up for the Last Sewist Standing Challenge or anything like that. I'm still going to get new fabric and not feel badly about it - I love being part of the Minerva Ambassador team, so I'll have new fabric coming to me through that, and sometimes a project just calls for something that I don't have readily at hand. But my thought is, that if I have something suitable, I'll try to use stash fabric first when possible. I'm going to see if I can take the stash down at least a bit this year, because my sewing room is slowly being taken over by it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90trYOLBr_ePYqm-0tjOE9fa7gVZoxVwYRGmCl8iMZHkdzx-h3fLgGeOn4eQjSAa-NIg0gYYhA3nfqFOXnc7WDIyJ8O-bJYhs3gZfPEGbAqgi0Tse6NDfkZGgU8BFkqvPM25QUU5W-9jSF6AKqZ9GD-mbpN8smIJMqX2eugtqsameEcddvBp1/s3088/IMG_7275.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah, in front of her plant stand once again, shows the full front view of her black, grey and purple colour blocked Boalsburg top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90trYOLBr_ePYqm-0tjOE9fa7gVZoxVwYRGmCl8iMZHkdzx-h3fLgGeOn4eQjSAa-NIg0gYYhA3nfqFOXnc7WDIyJ8O-bJYhs3gZfPEGbAqgi0Tse6NDfkZGgU8BFkqvPM25QUU5W-9jSF6AKqZ9GD-mbpN8smIJMqX2eugtqsameEcddvBp1/w300-h400/IMG_7275.jpeg" title="Boalsburg in purple, grey and black" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Anyway, back to the subject at hand. The Boalsburg. My first one was a wearable toile basically. I didn't finish any of the seam allowances and didn't worry too much about my thread not matching well because I wasn't terribly sure how I would feel about it. I felt a bit iffy about my fabric choices. Now I'm thoroughly annoyed with myself because I love it and wish I'd taken more care in the inner details. Thankfully no one but me can see those minor details and because the fabric is jersey, it's not going to fray at all, so no need to worry there.</p><p>As I said, this first version is jersey and made entirely from fabrics from the Fabric Snob's <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/luxe-solids" target="_blank">Luxe Solids</a> line. The Thistle coloured one was leftover from my Sunday Romper I made a few summers ago. The black from my sweater knit/jersey <a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-lamma-hoodie-and-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">Lamma Hoodie</a> and the grey I can't remember what it was used for. </p><p>For my second version, I dug through my bins of fabric and found some sweater knits all of the same weight and gave that a go. This time I used matching thread and finished off all the seam allowances with my serger so that I'd be just as happy with the outside as the inside of my sweater. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JAYl9p6W5zUmy4Mkt9dY-EJacKA4GMdmPMzw07xsnTu5y0wlpF5kGO7g-rYVQW0YbhdeefwGg3ty2BxpZh5c9aCcFCsC04Q0twJzV0SLtlxnkarvDQ3dwBHvVHFr8P2zZe8GOI3-15MHYupxZvxq3fImogGQS_Bp4sHARGqlcpwlLHDGQk-O/s3088/IMG_7361.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands on her deck in the snow at dusk, wearing a dark grey, light grey and blue Boalsburg top in sweater knit fabrics" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JAYl9p6W5zUmy4Mkt9dY-EJacKA4GMdmPMzw07xsnTu5y0wlpF5kGO7g-rYVQW0YbhdeefwGg3ty2BxpZh5c9aCcFCsC04Q0twJzV0SLtlxnkarvDQ3dwBHvVHFr8P2zZe8GOI3-15MHYupxZvxq3fImogGQS_Bp4sHARGqlcpwlLHDGQk-O/w300-h400/IMG_7361.jpeg" title="The snuggliest Boalsburg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>The dark grey fabric was from a Blackwood Cardi I made for my daughter several years ago, the blue from a Blackwood I made for my mama for Christmas this year and the light grey from my <a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2023/02/coimbra-wra-top.html" target="_blank">Coimbra Wrap Top</a> that I made last winter!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxBY8xbA0f8yKDtDHbu7XU8i9luU2oAC-6BsbaI7Q44bGPb9ChUG7B2yh-WMuawfLw47eKdEOJehqKQSIRRsm9zg5CZZme49G3P2yBioJtZSPVFnuw5XU8Pqi8V3d0L1u6dP5tw3ZVnnRJ_B49u7u5pOnGcq4Nc9K4kYlGa6uvtVE5npLYYfa/s3044/IMG_7357.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah, in front of her plant stand, stands sideways looking over her shoulder at the camera. Her arm is up so that you can see the colour blocking detail from the side seam" border="0" data-original-height="3044" data-original-width="2002" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxBY8xbA0f8yKDtDHbu7XU8i9luU2oAC-6BsbaI7Q44bGPb9ChUG7B2yh-WMuawfLw47eKdEOJehqKQSIRRsm9zg5CZZme49G3P2yBioJtZSPVFnuw5XU8Pqi8V3d0L1u6dP5tw3ZVnnRJ_B49u7u5pOnGcq4Nc9K4kYlGa6uvtVE5npLYYfa/w263-h400/IMG_7357.jpeg" title="Boalsburg - look at the seam matching!" width="263" /></a></div><br /><p>This is the softest, snuggliest sweater ever! I'm so impressed with how it all came together. And will get lots of wear out of it. It's a nice light weight so perfect for the days where I want to wear a sweater, but nothing too heavy. </p><p>I've thought about making a single colour Boalsburg. Several testers did, and they look fabulous, but I feel when a colour blocking/stash busting opportunity presents itself I should take full advantage of it!</p><p>The <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/boalsburg-pullover-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Boalsburg</a> will be on sale for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch website if you're wanting to pick up a copy for yourself.</p><p><a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2023/02/coimbra-wra-top.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-54568696900520041402024-02-03T14:01:00.005-06:002024-02-03T14:08:28.851-06:00A Wooly Catch Up<p>Well hello dear reader! How are we already into February? It's shocking how time flies lately! Is it too far into the year to wish you all a Happy New Year? I hope your 2024 has started out well.</p><p>Anyways, I thought I'd pop on here to share a project I fully intended to share as soon as it was finished. An honest to goodness knitting project! If you follow on Instagram, you'll already have seen it a few times, but for those of you who don't, may I present my <a href="https://www.veryshannon.com/patterns/lately-pullover-pdf-knitting-pattern" target="_blank">Lately Pullover</a>! It was a new pattern release last summer from the talented Shannon of Very Shannon Knits. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5-WufM0qouOrnU177k-a4GvUM4Nh24Bc_E5J1Q6Z6LeJoTqJBd4JZ17Gk-yhdOoAefSdBZAiJjxiC2qYaVR1jiRU7xwf9BlSXwLc9pifluk73Z_ar74MUkwUIeZeGia8oqh4ZtomBiTkm45hpjJMzgydB6FNRLljj0ifG8dGIYlmjKR0XCla/s640/Yarn%20photo%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A wip and balls of Cranberry Estelle Eco Shetland Worsted yarn showing the exact same dye lots even though the yarn was purchased a year apart from two separate shops in two separate provinces!" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5-WufM0qouOrnU177k-a4GvUM4Nh24Bc_E5J1Q6Z6LeJoTqJBd4JZ17Gk-yhdOoAefSdBZAiJjxiC2qYaVR1jiRU7xwf9BlSXwLc9pifluk73Z_ar74MUkwUIeZeGia8oqh4ZtomBiTkm45hpjJMzgydB6FNRLljj0ifG8dGIYlmjKR0XCla/w320-h320/Yarn%20photo%201.jpeg" title="What are the Chances?!?" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As soon as she released it, I was <i>OBSESSED</i>. I was also completely obsessed with knitting it in my cranberry coloured Estelle Eco Shetland Worsted yarn that I'd purchased a year earlier at <a href="https://wolseleywool.com/" target="_blank">Wolseley Wool</a> during a sale. Unfortunately I didn't have enough yarn. I knew I would be at least a skein, possibly even more, short. I checked Wolseley Wool, but of course they no longer had any in stock. So I started scouring the Internet for the more yarn, because I just couldn't let go of the obsession of using that particular yarn for that particular pattern. I found some at <a href="https://purlinjs.ca/" target="_blank">Purlin' J's Yarn Emporium</a> in Ontario and decided to order another two skeins, busily trying to plan the best way to combine what would obviously be two different dye lots.</p><p>Imagine my surprise when my yarn arrived and it was the exact same dye lot! What are the chances of that happening?!? Two different stores, from two different provinces, bought a year apart. I couldn't believe my luck! Obviously my Lately Pullover was meant to be.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNITvPyefajcLlR3W7fb43TBhem64B56yw-_8SDXKtWcwJGq44giGL82hebhUCLj5yGYcIe0_MJXv6Gj9wbspIk7zvoaMK2DQcnD8mp7SdIkvJYe-3rMSgZol6thux5w73J-qcgTdtJGagJzeEu7-b2sg4EoZ70607AKNXAVpOejwmF8-5_EV1/s4032/IMG_3439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The photo shows Sarah's knitting project during football practice. The field and team is in the background" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNITvPyefajcLlR3W7fb43TBhem64B56yw-_8SDXKtWcwJGq44giGL82hebhUCLj5yGYcIe0_MJXv6Gj9wbspIk7zvoaMK2DQcnD8mp7SdIkvJYe-3rMSgZol6thux5w73J-qcgTdtJGagJzeEu7-b2sg4EoZ70607AKNXAVpOejwmF8-5_EV1/w300-h400/IMG_3439.jpeg" title="Football field knitting" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I started knitting it mid-July, crazily thinking that maybe I could get it done so I could wear it during our Newfoundland trip in August, but alas, of course I didn't get it done. I knit quite a bit of it through football practices, but it's hard to knit a wool sweater outside in the blazing heat of summer. So I changed my deadline and decided that having it done before the freezing cold of winter would be good timing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwQyXWOYNryxbgHGW8ELuBFr9EUby1Qagk-6VvZ0QrUgbuiSSYT12YzXaTzj2Jwb8d6ZKYyHDEy2KRYB0o6SAm1htczPfafq3b8YXRgr3c5kKp2XBjUlV8JdLK44zA4tzRDuGwBTiNuH9Rv7L1snRPw56ZZdmWy-tyFtuRjH6PpYF1Me4pb-o/s4032/IMG_5584.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo shows a cranberry coloured Lately Pullover laying on the table swirled up in a pile" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwQyXWOYNryxbgHGW8ELuBFr9EUby1Qagk-6VvZ0QrUgbuiSSYT12YzXaTzj2Jwb8d6ZKYyHDEy2KRYB0o6SAm1htczPfafq3b8YXRgr3c5kKp2XBjUlV8JdLK44zA4tzRDuGwBTiNuH9Rv7L1snRPw56ZZdmWy-tyFtuRjH6PpYF1Me4pb-o/w300-h400/IMG_5584.jpeg" title="The sweater is done!" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did it! My pullover was finished in November. It took me about a month to actually block and unfortunately it's not got as much wear as I thought it would. Not because I don't love it. I do. I <b><i>absolutely</i></b> do. It's because this winter has been mostly a non-winter. El Nino has definitely put a damper on wearing warm wool sweaters. I mean, it was +5C in Manitoba in January last weekend. That's absolutely crazy - not to mention not just a bit disconcerting environmentally wise!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkSeO_JIJOQYobpxVfUWHwsnYUoAbsA-z_TcDLgUhUq-O8TUq0-NIDlKG1a-rsPP0bn1HTXeAU1scqB6Ek7DcYH161iTCDMT_3gBuOC36awOekz-XpYDXPEHJGtKWu8byLghqixv6OF0WpmCIHE9ZfgQFUILLBD70FcbhhO-Fc3p-RNx7qlBZ/s3088/IMG_6084.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands in front of her plant stand in the dining room, smiling with her hands in her jeans pockets. She is wearing her brand new Lately Pullover" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkSeO_JIJOQYobpxVfUWHwsnYUoAbsA-z_TcDLgUhUq-O8TUq0-NIDlKG1a-rsPP0bn1HTXeAU1scqB6Ek7DcYH161iTCDMT_3gBuOC36awOekz-XpYDXPEHJGtKWu8byLghqixv6OF0WpmCIHE9ZfgQFUILLBD70FcbhhO-Fc3p-RNx7qlBZ/w300-h400/IMG_6084.jpeg" title="My new sweater!" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But my pullover is at the ready for when the temps dip and I do want a cozy, warm layer. (At least there's been a few times I could wear it and not be at risk of sweating to death, but certainly not as much as I had envisioned!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg8MUaniB8zSXnXF1YxtFWpjiguoZvO6Y2fLMIhbnTy3jo_TgrpjwXk4GMTea6Kgn6xShkEwAZtsnE42D2DyFaWfwTunVSdrzAbaA_-kWfDtp-mCxDkCjCTT4N4N70w-bkJItFEloW8tOc7wUOy3JjlxZ1ekhp7fOE27cF24F742AjHSg3ww4/s3088/IMG_7114.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah sits at her desk in the library, smiling and cozy warm during a rare frigid day in January. She's wearing her Lately Pullover" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg8MUaniB8zSXnXF1YxtFWpjiguoZvO6Y2fLMIhbnTy3jo_TgrpjwXk4GMTea6Kgn6xShkEwAZtsnE42D2DyFaWfwTunVSdrzAbaA_-kWfDtp-mCxDkCjCTT4N4N70w-bkJItFEloW8tOc7wUOy3JjlxZ1ekhp7fOE27cF24F742AjHSg3ww4/w300-h400/IMG_7114.jpeg" title="Staying cozy and warm at work" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>It did kick off a renewed love of knitting again and I've got several projects on the go currently and finished quite a few as well. More on that another day... Right now I've got to get myself off the computer and down to the sewing room. I have a few things on the go there too that I really want to get working on! I'm taking part in the #FinishItQal over on Instagram hosted by <a href="https://villageboundquilts.com/" target="_blank">Village Bound Quilts</a> this month and I'm not going to get anything finished if I don't get at it!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-8104424231200223922023-12-01T07:27:00.003-06:002023-12-01T07:27:58.753-06:00A New Skirt for All Seasons<p> Hello, hello! I’m back here again today with a super quick drive by post to tell you about another new <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> pattern! I sewed it up a couple of weeks ago for pattern testing, but it’s just been released today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTKp3ZbZT6Va67vmgn7HsNlpUkjTt2zOSHGc4YWDo8OO3WLt7TE0ZnIEYpHtlD49-01bDndiLvV6Qc61fGnTmWbJsPCgzYQqD3gIM90XhIAK_rP0lHD1OxW4BTAU00EDcak-3j0FJsVkBSYpT_y7G5EiTnOkZ0ywRIRi8mo0ZSddP7B8ZF8Oi/s3088/0B3BA308-69C8-49E3-BDE6-BAC2B8AA666B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTKp3ZbZT6Va67vmgn7HsNlpUkjTt2zOSHGc4YWDo8OO3WLt7TE0ZnIEYpHtlD49-01bDndiLvV6Qc61fGnTmWbJsPCgzYQqD3gIM90XhIAK_rP0lHD1OxW4BTAU00EDcak-3j0FJsVkBSYpT_y7G5EiTnOkZ0ywRIRi8mo0ZSddP7B8ZF8Oi/w300-h400/0B3BA308-69C8-49E3-BDE6-BAC2B8AA666B.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>This is the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/quebrada-skirt-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Quebrada Skirt</a>. It’s a gored A-line skirt with a total of 11 panels (five in the front and six in the back). It has a center back zip and waist facing. The pattern also comes in two lengths but really you could easily make it whatever length you wanted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUmalTlCcxfzcMXm86op2l0H9EDS1IeatdWMkpNdXaXTXtx55KDjG2d_qheLeP8XxjjYa-JommqbnbUn5fL5mNC389f4PAckOCIH4Okt_SE4zWmGiyiTsGNA5f5HBn1IlRaMX5IRuAczYZrk_deQPKwjlqvl2q6zTU0yM4qLG0S5Q91A6sIns/s3088/50603E07-AE8A-47E7-AE4E-1E7EF11B6C9B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1757" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUmalTlCcxfzcMXm86op2l0H9EDS1IeatdWMkpNdXaXTXtx55KDjG2d_qheLeP8XxjjYa-JommqbnbUn5fL5mNC389f4PAckOCIH4Okt_SE4zWmGiyiTsGNA5f5HBn1IlRaMX5IRuAczYZrk_deQPKwjlqvl2q6zTU0yM4qLG0S5Q91A6sIns/w228-h400/50603E07-AE8A-47E7-AE4E-1E7EF11B6C9B.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div><p>I made mine out of a medium weight cotton twill. I figure i can wear it with a sweater, tights and boots in colder weather and with sandals and a tank or tee in warmer weather!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu8z91vfKgcaI88d2MRPN2kmdc5nAMI0MD3idB5DpzfOJrmB1FFscU9cqFWOQOOcukxgdp_pyK7zGyqMoAGdjEMVakHXFSLiUZ4WXTJ-VkDz3_KZLcZrtLoti1ol7KTWYL5C8XMMnHDib_bNJ3ckQCR6hbd65CIZ17MjhOjP_8Nmkv8OB1VBt/s3088/E9217922-EE59-46F0-823D-9D3B2230BDC4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYu8z91vfKgcaI88d2MRPN2kmdc5nAMI0MD3idB5DpzfOJrmB1FFscU9cqFWOQOOcukxgdp_pyK7zGyqMoAGdjEMVakHXFSLiUZ4WXTJ-VkDz3_KZLcZrtLoti1ol7KTWYL5C8XMMnHDib_bNJ3ckQCR6hbd65CIZ17MjhOjP_8Nmkv8OB1VBt/w300-h400/E9217922-EE59-46F0-823D-9D3B2230BDC4.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I keep eyeballing my leftover denims thinking it would be fun to do the panels in different shades of denim like one of the testers did. Or like Kennis, the designer did, maybe repurpose some of those old jeans that I have hung on to for so long. </p><p>Or maybe I’ll just make some more cotton skirts. The <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/quebrada-skirt-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Quebrada Skirt</a> whips up pretty easily and quickly and I have some other cottons in my stash that would be perfect for it!</p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-57924626543848700712023-11-07T06:53:00.001-06:002023-11-07T06:53:33.354-06:00The Andes Jacket<p> Well hello dear reader! So sorry to have gone missing again for months on end. We had such a busy summer, including an amazing trip to Newfoundland for ten days in August. Then we got back and I was right back into the full swing of work and football season.</p><p>I've been doing some projects here and there, although not a lot because I have also been really tired. Our schedule was such that I was on the constant move the entire fall. Home from work, throw some food on the table and walk the dog, then back out the door within 20 minutes to get to the boys to the football field on time. Football season is done now though and I'm hoping since I'll have more time in the evenings, maybe I'll be able to get back to doing crafty things with more regularity. I'm always happiest when I have time to be creative!</p><p>If you want to see some of the things I've been working on since I last wrote, you can check out my posts on <a href="https://www.minerva.com/people/1000164" target="_blank">Minerva </a>or check out my grid on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/highlanddancemom/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> if you so desire. I usually post my craftiness in one of those two spots. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r6WrmrTqMCO4gIapv3Qnphzgyc2iE8msR4bRm5e9tirgzu4rFD6LUXNBgTW_y-PxBAXrk8-biKI6wptYx6eyDkO-8Hu4hRIX8qjfwIM1_lDIgk4rfjQoG7KZyIq7EUv66EZRvR78reVb4QpabwV0ZGxdQccE0sy1rGVQfEFjV7JP6bieC6Ve/s3088/IMG_5564.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands on an angle from the camera with her hands in her pockets, wearing a red Andes Jacket with black zippers. There is snow in the background!" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r6WrmrTqMCO4gIapv3Qnphzgyc2iE8msR4bRm5e9tirgzu4rFD6LUXNBgTW_y-PxBAXrk8-biKI6wptYx6eyDkO-8Hu4hRIX8qjfwIM1_lDIgk4rfjQoG7KZyIq7EUv66EZRvR78reVb4QpabwV0ZGxdQccE0sy1rGVQfEFjV7JP6bieC6Ve/w300-h400/IMG_5564.jpeg" title="Itch to Stitch Andes Jacket" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I did want to pop on here today though to tell you about a new make that I'm very proud of. I did have some dicey moments in which I was sure there was no way I was going to finish it, because this week went south on me a bit, but I ended up having a good sewing session on Thursday evening and then another chunk of time on Friday and then finished up on Saturday. I so often choose projects that are fairly easy and straight forward, but every now and again I do like to do a project that I can really sink my teeth into, so when Kennis of <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a>* posted a testing call in our group on Facebook for the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/andes-jacket-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Andes Jacket</a> I applied right away. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvCwUz9xXeVhF6fsrJhAXJvL4bMluf0XZv9uraXPIB0qPyp1Vda5L-w1VYw-f4mIEd9YUnXCShiZJrdWCBeCP21V75QlL-HN8ZLoVLbLWEnegQv2P5goVi6Z-V3MsDG63u5qtkzezrbdMkew1oGJmpRFv7FlD6UkqkOmy4hOhlxHhSfpWO6TS/s3086/IMG_5567.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands in the snow, on a slight angle to the camera, wearing a red Andes Jacket. At this angle you can see the zipped pockets of the jacket." border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="2246" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvCwUz9xXeVhF6fsrJhAXJvL4bMluf0XZv9uraXPIB0qPyp1Vda5L-w1VYw-f4mIEd9YUnXCShiZJrdWCBeCP21V75QlL-HN8ZLoVLbLWEnegQv2P5goVi6Z-V3MsDG63u5qtkzezrbdMkew1oGJmpRFv7FlD6UkqkOmy4hOhlxHhSfpWO6TS/w291-h400/IMG_5567.jpeg" title="Itch to Stitch Andes Jacket - pocket view" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p>The Andes Jacket is just the sort of jacket I've been hunting for! It's made of softshell (<a href="https://www.minerva.com/mp/1268889/minerva-core-range-stretch-woven-fleece-back-soft-shell-coating-fabric-cream&variant=1268846" target="_blank">here's an example at Minerva in case you're unsure of what that fabric is</a> - I was until I went shopping for it!) so is a waterproof jacket that will be perfect for spring and fall. I've even test driven it on the weekend, when the snow turned to rain, but figure that might be the last opportunity I get since other than today, winter seems to be mostly here to stay. The Andes has a slim, athletic fit, zipped pockets, a fully lined hood that now I'm wishing I'd put the optional drawstring in - walking east my hood kept blowing off my head on Sunday. LOL! It features a lower hem in the back of the jacket so keeps your lower back and butt warm too. It also has loads of topstitching which I always think elevates a project!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7RDEHhAhvB4wmLDOPkG6Z3IRb4CtbdsgO5fwO9Kqyk_Ni0I-IxIRWo9ef0YV09Lpqpa4mMRkOqQi5XXHRQg8gEn3lRiImxLxrYn-lNl7TypVNYCxb4WBCllBPhK-G_C3eoQaVhC6D4GaXP6K0hD-WdbuFRVFOFYHr9WWAtMf-FRmdZgpJq3T/s3088/IMG_5565.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands in the snow, facing the camera, hands in her pockets with the hood of her red Andes Jacket up." border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7RDEHhAhvB4wmLDOPkG6Z3IRb4CtbdsgO5fwO9Kqyk_Ni0I-IxIRWo9ef0YV09Lpqpa4mMRkOqQi5XXHRQg8gEn3lRiImxLxrYn-lNl7TypVNYCxb4WBCllBPhK-G_C3eoQaVhC6D4GaXP6K0hD-WdbuFRVFOFYHr9WWAtMf-FRmdZgpJq3T/w240-h320/IMG_5565.jpeg" title="Itch to Stitch Andes Jacket - hood view" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I purchased my soft shell fabric from Marshall's Northwest in Winnipeg and the zippers and faux suede that I made my pockets and hood lining from our local fabric store Faye's Fabricvilla. I was certain I would have black fabric and zips in my stash that I didn't bother even looking at Marshalls for them. Regret! Regret!! Of course I didn't have anything suitable, so I was stuck with the meagre choice in town. I ended up spending a small fortune on the pocket zips because I had to get ones that were about twice the length I needed. So annoying!!</p><p>If it's helpful at all, I don't mind telling you that I made a size 18C and graded down to the 16 at the hip for my Andes and I feel like the fit is perfect for me. I also added one inch of length on the upper lengthen/shorten line so that the waist shaping would hit at the right spot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRgghWhMkEU7x4izHsCZt-Nl7IKCWXdXfsIBIVImtVPtpA4x1POmG-K_BMf-0V3bnzDD2J5tlSjhANObEBK3hOmkIMNdDu407DE_jEfIsYIeh9lH6uF3Pv4Y9129-Hcv9POggCp03lN6it7dcUtWuCN-Kd4RuGKNtO_fRWU9WI-1xNLDAUaf/s2942/IMG_5563.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah is standing in the snow, wearing her red Andes Jacket facing the camera" border="0" data-original-height="2942" data-original-width="2108" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jRgghWhMkEU7x4izHsCZt-Nl7IKCWXdXfsIBIVImtVPtpA4x1POmG-K_BMf-0V3bnzDD2J5tlSjhANObEBK3hOmkIMNdDu407DE_jEfIsYIeh9lH6uF3Pv4Y9129-Hcv9POggCp03lN6it7dcUtWuCN-Kd4RuGKNtO_fRWU9WI-1xNLDAUaf/w286-h400/IMG_5563.jpeg" title="Itch to Stitch Andes Jacket full front view" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p>Anyway, I am rambling on here, but suffice it to say, I'm incredibly happy with my new jacket. I wish I'd had it on my trip to Newfoundland and it would have been great at the football field! Oh well, better late than never. I'll be prepared for next year's football season!</p><p>If you're interested in getting a copy of the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/andes-jacket-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Andes Jacket </a>pattern you can pick it up on sale for the release week over on the Itch to Stitch site!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-83706816657274491292023-07-04T09:28:00.002-05:002023-07-04T09:37:44.445-05:00Icaria Pants and Reynolds Top Co-ord Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Well, the day is finally here that the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/icaria-pants-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Icaria*</a> pattern has finally been released so I get to show them off properly. I have teased them a few times on both Instagram and Minerva while I’ve been waiting, so you quite possibly have already seen them.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7915MD09VlXTnGY8brRMM90uHZDmpNoyF_iXBp38Q5-Lel67281pdtLZw-xaD2VFaI8r0aRQ3SOVAvgRYtNWdRcsA3v5iRTcl8LE_fJjPemndeio-yzNjPTcyywCWGNUZj3HiZXAW1b2LGNmvLYZf-3_VOSCs-7MBD_QM93_bkyXFVlyaa3b2/s3088/F748D479-5714-4D5D-8AA2-6F4A031C02D3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7915MD09VlXTnGY8brRMM90uHZDmpNoyF_iXBp38Q5-Lel67281pdtLZw-xaD2VFaI8r0aRQ3SOVAvgRYtNWdRcsA3v5iRTcl8LE_fJjPemndeio-yzNjPTcyywCWGNUZj3HiZXAW1b2LGNmvLYZf-3_VOSCs-7MBD_QM93_bkyXFVlyaa3b2/w300-h400/F748D479-5714-4D5D-8AA2-6F4A031C02D3.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>They’re actually a project I did as part of the Minerva Brand Ambassador team, so the gorgeous linen viscose blend fabric was kindly sent to me by Minerva in exchange for review of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOGLvKkRBhr43760bYmzj6Lzmv2zcQMKTr0Tder0uK_AUxFO1DPKsrWfyOMu36fajXGm7AEPW0_b_cZulcqjMANq-okrdVWHHPGccN1WQthwPB9g2mE0hCGW53HFNIAZAYPMQGw8ta7sTKWpEFBACfaNtZn15aomX-HFZKRkw5_xKk7xxkhXI/s3088/0F3EA488-8CC1-4537-9002-E3AA7F122B65.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOGLvKkRBhr43760bYmzj6Lzmv2zcQMKTr0Tder0uK_AUxFO1DPKsrWfyOMu36fajXGm7AEPW0_b_cZulcqjMANq-okrdVWHHPGccN1WQthwPB9g2mE0hCGW53HFNIAZAYPMQGw8ta7sTKWpEFBACfaNtZn15aomX-HFZKRkw5_xKk7xxkhXI/w300-h400/0F3EA488-8CC1-4537-9002-E3AA7F122B65.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I was excited to see a woven, elasticated waist pant with a very similar shape to my favourite <a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2019/05/samara-pants.html?m=1" target="_blank">Samara Pants</a> of a few summers ago when it came up in the Itch to Stitch Testing Group. I have such faith in <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> patterns and their consistent fit for me that I cut straight into my good fabric without hesitation. This is definitely not the first time I’ve done that in testing. It’s a pretty bold move, admittedly, but one I’m usually prepared to make, crazy as that may be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSO8yfWXG_XwJaUngYI4BxSEYX4MptPA7GfRUGbVsO5CXBbXQgttEl0SetxRc0wj0V-A4UQ7wWyqcf-5MOfnc9QWfQmXjOjIE5HOEVxrSpofe4_oyzqN6LDN3fuBYoFRiNW4UFPe2Bt2nvJr6IgpmtABrdGskc8l_xRV7fA3nSF46KDxoAK0c/s800/4B110E69-B421-4844-A487-A1D8077B2A34.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSO8yfWXG_XwJaUngYI4BxSEYX4MptPA7GfRUGbVsO5CXBbXQgttEl0SetxRc0wj0V-A4UQ7wWyqcf-5MOfnc9QWfQmXjOjIE5HOEVxrSpofe4_oyzqN6LDN3fuBYoFRiNW4UFPe2Bt2nvJr6IgpmtABrdGskc8l_xRV7fA3nSF46KDxoAK0c/w325-h400/4B110E69-B421-4844-A487-A1D8077B2A34.jpeg" width="325" /></a></div>I know my fabric makes it hard to see the details of the Icaria pants so I thought I’d pop the line drawing from the pattern in here so you could better see what I’m talking about. Did I mention you can make these any length by easily cutting a shorter length or adding length to the bottom. It’s as simple as that! I chose to make mine the longer length of the actual pattern.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAnnfsw6aXGikRE9pvTAq8n98V9jG1bOgDzhc75jOOGFTA5q6yI80NfbTze8rhxh_qTL0HPTcRsmPJ-_h3ufDPp25cYyxg0UXapsuqCgKmFJ9-gf7cQzAau7iehIwpeAF4qkWUVA1mpCN4CaVy8pe_w8KoUkycoPg243zY-4Fyhj9sQvrGusn/s2165/C8B6FA86-7F0C-4835-B80E-ABD8D560F939.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2165" data-original-width="1732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAnnfsw6aXGikRE9pvTAq8n98V9jG1bOgDzhc75jOOGFTA5q6yI80NfbTze8rhxh_qTL0HPTcRsmPJ-_h3ufDPp25cYyxg0UXapsuqCgKmFJ9-gf7cQzAau7iehIwpeAF4qkWUVA1mpCN4CaVy8pe_w8KoUkycoPg243zY-4Fyhj9sQvrGusn/w320-h400/C8B6FA86-7F0C-4835-B80E-ABD8D560F939.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I’m all about the faux jumpsuit /coordinating set so as soon as I signed on to test the Icaria I was already thinking about top possibilities. My two contenders were the Itch to Stitch<a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/santorini-tank-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank"> Santorini Tank</a> and the Helen’s Closet <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/reynolds-top-and-dress/" target="_blank">Reynolds Top</a>. I decided for such a vibrant print I’d do the Reynolds for maximum summertime vibes.</p><p>I’m so enamoured with this set!! If you’re wanting to see more pics or more about the fabric please feel free to head to <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1195059" target="_blank">Minerva</a> - I’ve got all the details over there! If you’re interested in the pattern for the Icaria Pants, it’s on sale right now for the release week over on the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/icaria-pants-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> site. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-3091540967453221822023-06-28T23:02:00.000-05:002023-06-28T23:02:13.220-05:00Closet Core Sepia Pants<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Hello and happy almost end of the school year!!! There’s two days left and the it’s SUMMERTIME!!! I’m just a little bit excited. I have so many plans for sewing and gardening and just plain old recovering from what felt like a long, tough year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Anyways, enough rambling. I popped on here to show off my new pants! I’ve been on a pants making kick since making <a href="http://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2023/03/sewfrugal23.html?m=1" target="_blank">my linen Peppermint Wide Leg Pants</a> for #sewfrugal in the spring I’m wearing them lots by the way since the weather turned warm and I quite like them! I did end up running some elastic through the waist because they were a touch too big.</p><p style="text-align: left;">For one of my recent Minerva Ambassador projects I had chosen a really nice <a href="https://www.minerva.com/mp/1273863/minerva-core-range-brushed-stretch-woven-cotton-twill-fabric-paprika&variant=1273839" target="_blank">mid weight cotton twill</a>. In the time I took waffling over whether I should make the Closet Core Pietra Pants or the Papercut Palisade Pants the May pattern for Closet Core Crew (which I subscribe to) came out. The minute I laid eyes on the <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com/collections/crew-pattern-library/products/2023-05-this-month?variant=40129132232838" target="_blank">Sepia Pants</a> I immediately abandoned all other plans and knew they were the pants I wanted to make with my twill. (<a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1193010" target="_blank">You can read my entire post about my project on the Minerva site</a>) </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZKYDpIsS4IJp9Ppf0dLTTVl8aHmnIlqVZZjDnMEi4ScWAOqs2bzaoiTMBdes2U0yZO-kg9DVeRHX_RBZZVj04OvUqXOfhjHx92biBh7dqjRxLveeh8pDA5csoIVwRp_8oErSxmBCepDF1wL_H_4FiqyF_fAUBdwMHcyGDPgTdGseM60hYWUN/s3088/E702EC14-4EEC-40DF-AE65-226DD08DD2F7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZKYDpIsS4IJp9Ppf0dLTTVl8aHmnIlqVZZjDnMEi4ScWAOqs2bzaoiTMBdes2U0yZO-kg9DVeRHX_RBZZVj04OvUqXOfhjHx92biBh7dqjRxLveeh8pDA5csoIVwRp_8oErSxmBCepDF1wL_H_4FiqyF_fAUBdwMHcyGDPgTdGseM60hYWUN/s320/E702EC14-4EEC-40DF-AE65-226DD08DD2F7.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><p>I absolutely love this pattern! The shape is loose but not sloppily so, and there’s darts at the ankles to bring the fullness in a bit. There’s also a dart at the knee which is a fun detail. The best though is the pockets. The front slanted patch pockets are double layered! It’s such a unique look! And they were so much fun to sew. Ireally took my time making them and thoroughly enjoyed the process!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NFPkHhxfrd9WQLzsvWITlJx-i96T8CQqyMgfWz99Y_9jDjzix_KayFsCIEjxeZ0JhwAiWm87vBRafigN8UgTcIsFdsHU4quuq4XI5sOHvbieR-b7d_ldLVbOED7Z1tRxPEUBddaoboSnqKPM-4j_gFWqsPTmF79d3qRgYQdjmwroCOH0v08X/s3088/A929CC08-B145-4001-A6B4-82F24464A5F9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NFPkHhxfrd9WQLzsvWITlJx-i96T8CQqyMgfWz99Y_9jDjzix_KayFsCIEjxeZ0JhwAiWm87vBRafigN8UgTcIsFdsHU4quuq4XI5sOHvbieR-b7d_ldLVbOED7Z1tRxPEUBddaoboSnqKPM-4j_gFWqsPTmF79d3qRgYQdjmwroCOH0v08X/s320/A929CC08-B145-4001-A6B4-82F24464A5F9.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><p>As soon as I made them I knew I wanted another pair. I really wanted to try the pattern in a lighter fabric so one day after a doctor appointment in the city I popped into Fabricland and it was my lucky day! Not only had my doctor appointment gone much better than expected but Fabricland had a 55% off sale and I snagged a great lightweight linen/cotton blend for an amazing deal! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoGkRLC7orUfgtBQOaTGZ9cNw_78DbqV5jAiidGWRC07IH7t3dU0WlCZvmPJBvE97dctelxAydvTxFPzD5ZuvCZmWnUQrRfMNFr32GReDCKxVl_KTWseqL82aVkfWnWcQ3_J38RjFuwE33Y4-XQ9_KM8UR61EfUDCULvncdntKlnZN1zIbYkV/s3088/7D749F5F-048C-467A-B5EA-014EF05F96D9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoGkRLC7orUfgtBQOaTGZ9cNw_78DbqV5jAiidGWRC07IH7t3dU0WlCZvmPJBvE97dctelxAydvTxFPzD5ZuvCZmWnUQrRfMNFr32GReDCKxVl_KTWseqL82aVkfWnWcQ3_J38RjFuwE33Y4-XQ9_KM8UR61EfUDCULvncdntKlnZN1zIbYkV/s320/7D749F5F-048C-467A-B5EA-014EF05F96D9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>This second pair is every bit as good as my first pair which just goes to show it works well in completely different fabrics! The linen ones are perfect for hot muggy days (like today!) </p><p>These pants really do fit all my favourite summertime pants criteria. Loose fitting, elasticated waist and cropped. Win, win and win!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUHILgxNyfxoFgLF9N66EUALTPjt0X0si3HRkI3udN_uB_EVT23CBt3oW0u1eMhl3lWu2-sS-ui1O4Ugwo5sDMQwwqeEYpZqsv9kLZ3Lz3FYJ-5PpqmRYGU9Yw5zTdSxnwLzKT0aSZJxt9j_qDUGwaFt5QfUBoUpPs0z8bYahUJZs0f2kOYoY/s3088/19269674-E65F-4B5B-8E34-EFBB30EAE53F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUHILgxNyfxoFgLF9N66EUALTPjt0X0si3HRkI3udN_uB_EVT23CBt3oW0u1eMhl3lWu2-sS-ui1O4Ugwo5sDMQwwqeEYpZqsv9kLZ3Lz3FYJ-5PpqmRYGU9Yw5zTdSxnwLzKT0aSZJxt9j_qDUGwaFt5QfUBoUpPs0z8bYahUJZs0f2kOYoY/s320/19269674-E65F-4B5B-8E34-EFBB30EAE53F.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Next week I’ll be back to show you yet another pair of summertime pants I’ve made. I just need to wait for the pattern I used to be released (yes, I was pattern testing again!), although if you’re on Instagram or Minerva and follow me you may have seen a sneak peek. </p><p>Until then I hope you have a great rest of the week and a fantastic start to the summer!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-34791414113084595092023-06-05T07:06:00.001-05:002023-06-05T09:18:30.493-05:00Santorini Tank<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMtJBhtA12vwiGBu4YTBNhJsQmdyMMUbTlQcLbbeXPORsbF3EjjL8o34wdWsW2IU3Et6AR2wwyI2Si2IIwwD52BBLU2SZ_Y5MB5ja-TXZgnxWEPwsQJ9BthO56V_aRrKYeEAfYhAaIN19xEnJ-kyQhjbwLUjc5-NXTSSNFc_QjBBevgT28w/s3088/41810350-C410-4049-89DA-03CFA65A5109.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMtJBhtA12vwiGBu4YTBNhJsQmdyMMUbTlQcLbbeXPORsbF3EjjL8o34wdWsW2IU3Et6AR2wwyI2Si2IIwwD52BBLU2SZ_Y5MB5ja-TXZgnxWEPwsQJ9BthO56V_aRrKYeEAfYhAaIN19xEnJ-kyQhjbwLUjc5-NXTSSNFc_QjBBevgT28w/w300-h400/41810350-C410-4049-89DA-03CFA65A5109.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><br />Well hello all you lovely people in the “Internet Lands”! Here I am swanning back in to do a drive by post like I haven’t been gone for a month and a half. I’ve had good reason though. I’ve been busy! In fact we just had another family wedding this past weekend. I’ll have to tell you about that another day because I need to sort through the photos and I want to tell you about the dress I made. Today I’m actually popping in to show you a new top that I made when I tested the pattern for <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> recently.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Z-Iq0FXqmj4ld-RFnE4kBm14IseIYe0IYqxTbkg5Fk1w90LtQ5mjATLMsZ1YfXOLZo4Fnu4izwnvTf518s8zO5EslHoY-QMUi29A3PDi0TtiYfhJdZHU6QlhzYNTGJR4f5_VDBkex7oWt-Z4mjk4wBRi4P3MYos0-yxcvAot-5Joj1o7A/s3088/D9592F0A-C92C-45EE-A743-868BD8520784.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Z-Iq0FXqmj4ld-RFnE4kBm14IseIYe0IYqxTbkg5Fk1w90LtQ5mjATLMsZ1YfXOLZo4Fnu4izwnvTf518s8zO5EslHoY-QMUi29A3PDi0TtiYfhJdZHU6QlhzYNTGJR4f5_VDBkex7oWt-Z4mjk4wBRi4P3MYos0-yxcvAot-5Joj1o7A/w300-h400/D9592F0A-C92C-45EE-A743-868BD8520784.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>This is the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/santorini-tank-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Santorini Tank</a>. It’s a woven top with princess seams and a cute button placket down the left side of the top. The pattern comes in the standard Itch to Stitch size and cup range. The only changes to the pattern that I made was to add some length to the upper half of the bodice as I normally do with all Itch to Stitch patterns and instead of doing buttonholes I simply sewed the buttons down through both plackets as non-functional buttons. I did test out first if I’d be able to get in and out of it without opening it and because I could and I knew I would struggle to fasten buttons along my side I opted to do the non functional placket. I’m quite happy with how it all worked out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5b1YygqwVUJ5MQCi2Z2jl-cKn7w9C-jVjpKrgwR2vPwZY5Hq-Az474ZCdLlLLyLkUcbIOllUTAKvEKl11fvYnghCEvf4LO0XPSa4tX_Jb4F0vY47JF1_07olnyO-ghMCJ6zw2fSDcFU2KIJ-HmZvnZYJ1ZixvsUeGerencgCTlPuUKQcFA/s3088/00EB07FE-0A9A-4D84-BBA7-B98BA64B813C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5b1YygqwVUJ5MQCi2Z2jl-cKn7w9C-jVjpKrgwR2vPwZY5Hq-Az474ZCdLlLLyLkUcbIOllUTAKvEKl11fvYnghCEvf4LO0XPSa4tX_Jb4F0vY47JF1_07olnyO-ghMCJ6zw2fSDcFU2KIJ-HmZvnZYJ1ZixvsUeGerencgCTlPuUKQcFA/w300-h400/00EB07FE-0A9A-4D84-BBA7-B98BA64B813C.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I made mine from left over linen/viscose fabric from my <a href="http://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-reynolds-top.html?m=0" target="_blank">birthday dress</a> that I made for my 50th almost two years ago. I was really excited because the pattern gave me an opportunity to use up every last little scrap of this fabric that I loved so much! I did have to piece one facing using some left over navy linen from my Brampton shorts but you can’t tell. I did the centre of the facing navy and the rest in the print.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACnFqCOU-K6O6PB4gufCclirX2qvsSxImqfk2vAuJERb1VQeMX3ET6j-BjiHMCbZiCeJhzyOBdICsNlHP8mRmmQIr4QldNCCCK3CNsMAbgllT5PFWqAtdNBgPGF2JIX01Hx3G8ly3DjKjuNlwnbSf8VfVD-eoJfN4zPywPlJWA_5Q1sSyDQ/s3088/D13A3693-C453-4836-B4CC-6FF0BB1131FD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACnFqCOU-K6O6PB4gufCclirX2qvsSxImqfk2vAuJERb1VQeMX3ET6j-BjiHMCbZiCeJhzyOBdICsNlHP8mRmmQIr4QldNCCCK3CNsMAbgllT5PFWqAtdNBgPGF2JIX01Hx3G8ly3DjKjuNlwnbSf8VfVD-eoJfN4zPywPlJWA_5Q1sSyDQ/w300-h400/D13A3693-C453-4836-B4CC-6FF0BB1131FD.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/santorini-tank-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Santorini Tank</a> has just been released and as usual it is on sale with a bit of a discount for the release week on the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch site.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I’m off again, but hopefully I’ll be swanning back in sooner rather than later. (Can you believe I even had a half done post sitting in my file from midway through Me Made May that I never finished? Guess that ship has sailed. Lol!)</div>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-48211451051395974902023-04-19T07:33:00.003-05:002023-04-19T07:33:49.926-05:00The Amador Top<p>So I do realize I keep saying I shouldn’t do tests when school is in, then I do another test, but sometimes a project is just that good that you want to be in on the ground floor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eODQN2lS9IxBniHf8comqjVIJ9K_BtILhkp4YxjxPjhRZjiYajqr5lNXLsXSjKU4OP5iK9XI3Edl0ScJi8aML8jNLBIZmsBpZuMSdQvhmTJYmkWui2HlAW_oJiLWI5gvD5coMhxdWTUFRMZwRdSTUkP3Qp_fIQmxqgYdpJqMNGQ-8gXRrw/s3088/805F1E2A-AD41-4F2F-BFAA-DC6855F5AF55.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eODQN2lS9IxBniHf8comqjVIJ9K_BtILhkp4YxjxPjhRZjiYajqr5lNXLsXSjKU4OP5iK9XI3Edl0ScJi8aML8jNLBIZmsBpZuMSdQvhmTJYmkWui2HlAW_oJiLWI5gvD5coMhxdWTUFRMZwRdSTUkP3Qp_fIQmxqgYdpJqMNGQ-8gXRrw/w300-h400/805F1E2A-AD41-4F2F-BFAA-DC6855F5AF55.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Let me introduce you to the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/amador-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Amador Top</a>* which is the newest design from <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a>. It’s a great top that features dolman style sleeves and a fun front detail with the lower bodice forming a point at the centre front the has some gathering under the bustline. It has a v-neckline that is neatly finished with binding.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-W1gjbpgZPbKPNoiwGQEhZ3Livhx49JwW-FpUFqPEcd11ISRG5Wp1kVSbUPrsVVJwDM2l3gWln5yvTMqbpJATerOkUqdgwv9avu_WOjGldVmF1AcOsYvHktVodIpsYwbsvzEf41rltcLDUWndA_QlMXEZy7N99DdTu1y0ZVkNfjKSBp3Og/s3088/C7168F0A-FE0A-4B23-9E03-A50128503E1D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-W1gjbpgZPbKPNoiwGQEhZ3Livhx49JwW-FpUFqPEcd11ISRG5Wp1kVSbUPrsVVJwDM2l3gWln5yvTMqbpJATerOkUqdgwv9avu_WOjGldVmF1AcOsYvHktVodIpsYwbsvzEf41rltcLDUWndA_QlMXEZy7N99DdTu1y0ZVkNfjKSBp3Og/w300-h400/C7168F0A-FE0A-4B23-9E03-A50128503E1D.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I made mine out of ITY jersey. As I finished sewing it up we were under a storm watch and I took the photos on a “snow day” from work. Happily all the snow has since melted - although this being the prairies and all we are forecasted to get up to 10cm of snow over the next day. No thank you!! I’d much rather be able to wear my spring like Amador Top thanks!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2aLD8gSuDDYXH5pCFADzwJrFxX_v5f_JnTEBnyodHKjdSL4S1UwUjNE61rxKTH2Uj0OdXGiN_l2hk3GKcXzVaQyfO0W5qkREO37SsVoGWKXw8hOIi5bYrntgZJIM_qkD2hTkvCbG9lga0vm3yxdBscJ7-_bBZjOTNzg5PhPVbSvLZ1UglQ/s3088/CE3A4C8A-1867-4F43-BFA9-6F768E045E14.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2aLD8gSuDDYXH5pCFADzwJrFxX_v5f_JnTEBnyodHKjdSL4S1UwUjNE61rxKTH2Uj0OdXGiN_l2hk3GKcXzVaQyfO0W5qkREO37SsVoGWKXw8hOIi5bYrntgZJIM_qkD2hTkvCbG9lga0vm3yxdBscJ7-_bBZjOTNzg5PhPVbSvLZ1UglQ/w300-h400/CE3A4C8A-1867-4F43-BFA9-6F768E045E14.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>As I mentioned I used an ITY that I bought at Marshall’s Fabrics on the city. It’s a super lightweight fabric. It’s a bit slippery cutting out but it wasn’t too awful. It has really good stretch and a good recovery.</p><p>The pattern comes in the usual size range of 00-40 with regular or full bust bodice pieces so no fussing with full bust adjustments. I made a size 18 (regular bust) and blended down to 16 at the hip. No length was added to this one, but I had to get a bit fancy.</p><p>Normally I would add length and I think I could have added 3/4” but I blithely went ahead and added my length to the wrong part of the bodice. Imagine my surprise when the under the bust seam was hitting somewhere around my midsection. I couldn’t figure out where things had gone wrong for the life of me. I looked at other’s tops and they were fine then looked at mine which was very much NOT fine. Then one of the other testers asked if I’d perhaps added length to the wrong half of the bodice and sure enough that’s precisely what I’d done. I unpicked the whole top, re-cut the top bodice from the original too big one and started over. Thankfully it all worked out! To hem it I really didn’t want to lose any length so I did a one inch facing using a 1/4” seam allowance leaving me with the proper amount to “hem”.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXduTNUrq3YcCmgmnxDxq3zxmH5CU3mEjMiMxnmAsSL28tGde3OdySNIhwpn-IlvqVkH5-Sr7w3mAEUf8dW1Es4N3d3RVxwG4dcMi5SyYdUaJ8zLnJIdsFA4jdbH2D84RlM88oga0d-RKvXPAk3adMjfYauQjhvlSUWS5iFk6PITZ5mNagdw/s3088/F7E61D07-A670-4F6E-ACD2-BF66B6386A37.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXduTNUrq3YcCmgmnxDxq3zxmH5CU3mEjMiMxnmAsSL28tGde3OdySNIhwpn-IlvqVkH5-Sr7w3mAEUf8dW1Es4N3d3RVxwG4dcMi5SyYdUaJ8zLnJIdsFA4jdbH2D84RlM88oga0d-RKvXPAk3adMjfYauQjhvlSUWS5iFk6PITZ5mNagdw/w300-h400/F7E61D07-A670-4F6E-ACD2-BF66B6386A37.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I keep thinking this would make a good “basic but elevated” kind of top and want to sew one up in a solid coloured fabric. I just haven decided on colour and/or fabric yet. I do plan on sewing another though for sure!</p><p>You can get your copy of the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/amador-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Amador Top</a> over on the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> site. As usual it’s on sale with a discount for the release week!</p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-79334802363275534332023-03-31T00:00:00.032-05:002023-03-31T08:42:00.384-05:00#SewFrugal23<p> Hello and happy March 31st! We've come to the reveal day for the Sew Frugal Challenge over on Instagram and I couldn't be happier to show off my makes for it! For those that don't know, the #sewfrugal challenge is run by two lovely sewists, Ruan (known as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theyorkshiresewgirl/about" target="_blank">@TheYorkshireSewGirl</a>) and Sam (known as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Frugalisama/about" target="_blank">@Frugalisama</a>) and the idea is to make something using a free to everyone pattern and fabric that you already have on hand. All month long different vloggers post on YouTube with all sorts of suggestions for free patterns and oodles of inspiration! They've been keeping me company every evening when I'm on the eliptical machine this month and let me tell you that I have so many plans brewing in my head for all the things I could make with my horrendously large horde of fabric!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo0zgpB64-Gfi2L0id77JgBbKRRS7SGPnDKyzNlwd1y7z9m800mDaQ1_fBs8CXDRvqIQvOMPvwQLhkhNH1AsNiXfWzSfENQUjpo9tG1A1xWG_Bd-LqzPt8M_nBYb-z_AW8MCs32VLND3A3KpdolO9rsmnGCQQtYoYH0TrpChc42p8onx1WA/s3088/IMG_0265.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo0zgpB64-Gfi2L0id77JgBbKRRS7SGPnDKyzNlwd1y7z9m800mDaQ1_fBs8CXDRvqIQvOMPvwQLhkhNH1AsNiXfWzSfENQUjpo9tG1A1xWG_Bd-LqzPt8M_nBYb-z_AW8MCs32VLND3A3KpdolO9rsmnGCQQtYoYH0TrpChc42p8onx1WA/w300-h400/IMG_0265.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Anyways, let's get into the nitty gritty of what I decided on. I went with a theme instead of just picking random things. I wanted a new outfit for spring, but one that would work well as separates too. Although as you can see we're a lot of snow melting away from wearing spring clothes just yet...</p><p>So I came up with <a href="https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/wide-leg-pants/" target="_blank">Peppermint Magazine's Wide Leg Pants</a>, <a href="https://littlelizardking.com/products/styla-reine" target="_blank">Styla Pattern's Reine Top</a> and the Costa Tote<a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/costa-tote/" target="_blank"> from Helen's Closet</a>. The Wide Leg Pants and the Costa Tote have been on my to make list for ever so long! And when the Styla Reine popped up this winter as a free pattern I was smitten. Loving a good puffy sleeve as I do, it was right up my alley!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SQ-64SF2pFn2kvB22tjm4oTEuZ2Ucii9lx9nMtxjbyosITMs0KV_uk8UY2o1IhN0QLgmx56uLnKNf63HgbnyG7tooobP5n5f1DmdJq4p3V27n4YGMBw0k7qzoxJaw42FCuBav9TTcYX-O9Oo2rU29L3dyGPkV5RlaWZMe5q26P3tnD45hg/s3088/IMG_0306.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SQ-64SF2pFn2kvB22tjm4oTEuZ2Ucii9lx9nMtxjbyosITMs0KV_uk8UY2o1IhN0QLgmx56uLnKNf63HgbnyG7tooobP5n5f1DmdJq4p3V27n4YGMBw0k7qzoxJaw42FCuBav9TTcYX-O9Oo2rU29L3dyGPkV5RlaWZMe5q26P3tnD45hg/w300-h400/IMG_0306.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I started with the Styla Reine. Both fabrics for this top were from "happy mistakes". The floral french terry was ordered from <a href="https://www.prairieloveknits.ca" target="_blank">Prairie Love Knits</a> possibly as far back as 2017 or 2018 (I'm pretty sure I was working for Gen Mills still when I ordered it!). They accidentally shipped the wrong colourway initially and I decided rather than ship it back I'd keep it (I think the shop offered me a bit of a discount if I wanted to keep it.) But I had no idea what to do with it until the Styla Reine popped up. The ribbing I used was from much more recent times. I ordered it in December to go with my pink fleece I had for making my Minerva Brand Ambassador project and I accidentally ordered the wrong pink. (They have about a <a href="https://www.minerva.com/mp/1196217/minerva-core-range-tubular-ribbing-stretch-knit-fabric-almond&variant=1249028" target="_blank">billion colours to choose from</a> and I just clicked on the wrong one I guess. LOL) I figured it would come in handy some day and it sure did! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-qgwcwN8_807y3PDDayIGDWq2nriQUeIL0Xa6XeO9_0e5Rqn7_cZkCjcWKvSHIWjdmt5vngwuI_kxDc9b_24J6Owv9-rL2RhPzFck4UQeoWuXy6thJkewHSTIRxqXjo2ulfGuJZ8ZARkRSxK0qCmfl906oT8n1NeZUlYUFh1xiGTq3YBzA/s2854/IMG_0217.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2854" data-original-width="2079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-qgwcwN8_807y3PDDayIGDWq2nriQUeIL0Xa6XeO9_0e5Rqn7_cZkCjcWKvSHIWjdmt5vngwuI_kxDc9b_24J6Owv9-rL2RhPzFck4UQeoWuXy6thJkewHSTIRxqXjo2ulfGuJZ8ZARkRSxK0qCmfl906oT8n1NeZUlYUFh1xiGTq3YBzA/w291-h400/IMG_0217.jpeg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p>Next up in my frugal spring outfit was those pants. I had lots of choices of fabric - several lenghts of denims of various weights, some floral bottomweights and then this coral linen blend that is from about the same era as the above mentioned floral french terry. I ordered it from Minerva on sale when it was still their old site, so it's definitely been a few years! I used a button from my button tin and the zip, while it doesn't match the coral linen - it's tan - is close enough and no one will see it, so I wasn't too worried about what colour I chose so long as it was light coloured! I LOVE how these turned out!! The pants were pretty much perfect right off the printer (Can't say right out of the package when it's a PDF pattern now can I? LOL!) The only change I made was to lower the rise by an inch, and take a small wedge in at the center back. Other than that they were perfect! I can't wait to try them in another fabric! I did do a bit of head scratching over the fly zip, but I think that I was overthinking things and getting myself tripped up because I hadn't done a traditional fly on anything in so long.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3vk1azwckkEjPVBwtDpxQGB29jQJIEcHRhXMrbBIqb-aywiEXrx8QH9fKbfZ9M7eYgduhip3tSXsxj4BCgUJppCPbrOg-eGkekpC_4zKJd4GOPdEDokGFihLQcgwD_zMGMWTc_jm94Goe3lU1Bp14V0dbDhFPdBvjOncPcHOKkOOZFwOsg/s3088/IMG_0334.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3vk1azwckkEjPVBwtDpxQGB29jQJIEcHRhXMrbBIqb-aywiEXrx8QH9fKbfZ9M7eYgduhip3tSXsxj4BCgUJppCPbrOg-eGkekpC_4zKJd4GOPdEDokGFihLQcgwD_zMGMWTc_jm94Goe3lU1Bp14V0dbDhFPdBvjOncPcHOKkOOZFwOsg/w300-h400/IMG_0334.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Once I finished the pants I had a bit of fabric left - just enough for my Costa Tote. I found the floral cotton that I decided would be the perfect fabric for my pocket in my "dreams of becoming a quilter someday" bin of fat quarters and other quilt suitable fabrics - it wasn't big enough to do both pockets so I ended up piecing it with the linen for the back side of the tote and then lined both pockets with linen and it worked out just fine! The lining is from a mystery cotton. Mystery in that it's a mystery why I ever purchased it. It's an unfortunate almost mustardy colour, but not in a good way. It's more along the lines of a cross between bile and baby poop. <i>Shudder! </i>On the bright side? It doesn't look nearly as bad as a lining for my tote and it gave purpose to an otherwise ugly and unloved piece of fabric! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxoMhTuWBwHfByEZ7Rg-bIMxDb7PgDLVjVxs68EYhJi5pR9bJCnbsBzGWxhoxNd49PlTP3qU148-W1hXHCgz4WpgPu1N8AQHWdHGZML_Fc83aYTS9B-10iyeILD_6vqBKW-Tk-hJVNOsps6Auq4M9PswLOR24ff0nUZMk87-CkRR5UGRXuA/s3086/IMG_0294-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="2248" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxoMhTuWBwHfByEZ7Rg-bIMxDb7PgDLVjVxs68EYhJi5pR9bJCnbsBzGWxhoxNd49PlTP3qU148-W1hXHCgz4WpgPu1N8AQHWdHGZML_Fc83aYTS9B-10iyeILD_6vqBKW-Tk-hJVNOsps6Auq4M9PswLOR24ff0nUZMk87-CkRR5UGRXuA/w291-h400/IMG_0294-1.jpeg" width="291" /></a></div><p>I'm so happy with how it all worked out. It feels great to have used up some of my ridiculous horde of fabric and has inspired me to start sewing more from my stash. I've got grandiose plans of challenging myself to sew frugally, not just in March for the challenge, but throughout the year. Maybe not always choosing free patterns - because I just had a sort through yesterday of all my PDF patterns that I've printed and it's a bit staggering how many I have. I should probably impose a pattern purchasing ban on myself for the foreseeable future because I also have oodles of patterns that I've got saved on my computer and have not ever printed out yet to go along with that overflowing box of ones that I have printed. Anyways, whatever I choose to do with fabric and or patterns it'll be fun coming up with ideas and inspiration!</p><p>But for now, I've got a wallet and tote combination I have to finish up for J and C's wedding social in two weeks. (I'm contributing to a "handmade" prize for the silent auction), then I have two garments that I'm working on as my Minerva Brand Ambassador projects for the month and I just signed up to do a test for Itch to Stitch again. I behaved myself and didn't sign up for the last one she did and then promptly signed up for the next. What am I going to do with myself? I'm incorrigible! Oh well. Craftiness is happiness? (How corny is that? <i>Ha ha ha!</i>)</p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-2455038863620224332023-03-20T07:17:00.003-05:002023-03-20T07:17:39.845-05:00The Zakopane Top<p>I know that I said I shouldn't pattern test when school is in session. But things being what they are, I have a knack for not taking my own advice and no sooner had I said that I pretty much signed up to do another pattern test. In my defence, I had the fabric at hand and it promised to be a super quick sew and I was able to do the proof-reading of the pattern instructions on my lunch break so it wasn't too onerous of a task.</p><p>Let me introduce you to the latest <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> pattern! It's a fun little top with a twist. Literally. It features a twist at the neckline. It's no harder to make than a standard tee shirt, so you can decide you want a new top in the morning and be wearing it by afternoon. Really! It's that easy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcw4L5z6c4zBnsG3dMRKv8dF-4OFhFIlTfwRKaJXNprC8BF1QH5LKLXjgb8IdZ2dx-WAgOAYwjUP1UT4Js9sV0i1dxqEnQjU84JqnXL3GUEgSE8Fa9i6L-oKoi0OpzEsltoLnZiA1jRui6EdacYHB1iVDK1RUTQJHpWjidcQUKOxFLClqrg/s3088/IMG_9885.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands on an angle towards the camera, she is wearing a turquoise, short sleeved Itch to Stitch Zakopane Top and ready to wear jeans" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcw4L5z6c4zBnsG3dMRKv8dF-4OFhFIlTfwRKaJXNprC8BF1QH5LKLXjgb8IdZ2dx-WAgOAYwjUP1UT4Js9sV0i1dxqEnQjU84JqnXL3GUEgSE8Fa9i6L-oKoi0OpzEsltoLnZiA1jRui6EdacYHB1iVDK1RUTQJHpWjidcQUKOxFLClqrg/w246-h400/IMG_9885.jpeg" title="Turquoise Zakopane Top - Short Sleeved View" width="246" /></a></div><br /><p>For your <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/zakopane-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Zakopane Top</a>, you can choose from long sleeves or short sleeves and it has the pattern pieces for either a full or regular bust so the guess work is taken out of it for you right from the start!</p><p>Now, one thing to let you know about, it does have lower neckline, so I have an easy styling recommendation for you if you prefer a bit more of a modest neckline. You can easily make a <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/cartagena-cami-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Cartagena Cami</a> (also a super quick sew!) to wear underneath and it looks quite good like that! Several of the testing team did just that if they felt the neckline was a bit lower than they wanted. You can't easily adjust that neckline because of the way the twist is constructed, so a cami is such an easy and cute work around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5GH0I5mVTQuGH-0rYEB1MnnBkeWaz_LIELefmbGtUy5j3lBR2hdxWXRiND-uCpkqQCAtFENBaF3hgFl1cfCq1A2Kiw7Mj2gd-eATktagaOKbPE_gcTczZb3KMKSxy0kfy28qwXK0Z0C9cKCDAW9YdbvNnDuud8UjosGE-RQ9ySjMrC6dZg/s3088/IMG_9973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands smiling at the camera with her hands in her pockets of her ready to wear black trousers. She is wearing a Turquoise short-sleeved Zakopane Top from Itch to Stitch" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2045" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5GH0I5mVTQuGH-0rYEB1MnnBkeWaz_LIELefmbGtUy5j3lBR2hdxWXRiND-uCpkqQCAtFENBaF3hgFl1cfCq1A2Kiw7Mj2gd-eATktagaOKbPE_gcTczZb3KMKSxy0kfy28qwXK0Z0C9cKCDAW9YdbvNnDuud8UjosGE-RQ9ySjMrC6dZg/w265-h400/IMG_9973.jpeg" title="Turquoise Zakopane - Short Sleeve View photo 2" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p>So let me tell you about the two I made! I'm feeling quite pleased with myself because both of mine were made from fabrics that I had in my stash that I had absolutely no idea what to use for. The first one, the turquoisey print is a mystery jersey - it's definitely a polyester, and feels almost brushed, but not quite as soft as a double brushed poly. I bought it pre-pandemic at Marshall's Northwest Fabrics in the city and I'm pretty sure it was on their clearance wall, so I may have paid $5.00 or less for it! I have no idea what I had in mind for it when I bought it, but I sure was happy to remember it was in my stash when this testing call came around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB25RGM9RzBVeu_9JpocQtjRUB_H_8jw2hDv-lFp6WW-moEBa3R6uyqRbKG5RHacfS7ONYqse3TP2Mib8aBzdhtX_W_sYEoD1SttmNyZiFhuJlCQ0BnE2CZEDGj5QcARkB3An3V_BtT7LU_YCP7Rmt2NJ1BocYBY1lZHtvvVQiGms6EbXDQ/s3086/IMG_9969.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands on an angle towards the camera, she is smiling with her hands folded in front of her. She is wearing a short sleeved Itch to Stitch Zakopane Top in a black tropical print that has red hibiscus flowers and gold leaves." border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="1851" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB25RGM9RzBVeu_9JpocQtjRUB_H_8jw2hDv-lFp6WW-moEBa3R6uyqRbKG5RHacfS7ONYqse3TP2Mib8aBzdhtX_W_sYEoD1SttmNyZiFhuJlCQ0BnE2CZEDGj5QcARkB3An3V_BtT7LU_YCP7Rmt2NJ1BocYBY1lZHtvvVQiGms6EbXDQ/w240-h400/IMG_9969.jpeg" title="Tropical Hibiscus Print Zakopane Top" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>My second version is made with an ITY poly that I bought at Fabricland last summer. Again, no idea what I was planning for it. Maybe a <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/soller-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Soller Dress</a>? I think I bought it around the same time I made my t-shirt version last summer. Anyways, it was absolutely perfect for the Zakopane, so I'm glad I didn't use it sooner! I love the tropical feel of the hibiscus flowers! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvCp86SJyIw1AsAgo9M13Sle7vZYOqcXvO4qPYOOs4A4JPOUWGXXXY2DO_oTLyGObNczrrlsUFDL0lWp2QTkStlwrAyfsVvsfVwNsnD-hyu09XBawtGwKQ5ZAPzrso0mGbgcimGoeA70qfCgsr9-w-q_7oy_UcKzRi7AuRvKnkGAfbUtVmw/s3088/IMG_9962.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands towards the camera, smiling, with her hands in the pockets of her black trousers. She is wearing a short sleeved Itch to Stitch Zakopane Top in a black tropical print that has red hibiscus flowers and green and gold leaves" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1924" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvCp86SJyIw1AsAgo9M13Sle7vZYOqcXvO4qPYOOs4A4JPOUWGXXXY2DO_oTLyGObNczrrlsUFDL0lWp2QTkStlwrAyfsVvsfVwNsnD-hyu09XBawtGwKQ5ZAPzrso0mGbgcimGoeA70qfCgsr9-w-q_7oy_UcKzRi7AuRvKnkGAfbUtVmw/w249-h400/IMG_9962.jpeg" title="Tropical print ITY short sleeved Zakopane Top" width="249" /></a></div><br /><p>I've been trying my hardest to manifest spring here on the prairies - between my two summery Zakopane's and I just made a <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1183013" target="_blank">super summery viscose challis jumpsuit</a>. I keep hoping if I make spring/summer attire, Mother Nature will take the hint and finish up with winter. March came in like a lion and it was still roaring all last week. Here's hoping for sunny, warm skies ahead!</p><p>Anyways, I digress. If you're wanting to make your own version of <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/zakopane-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Zakopane</a> you can purchase it over at the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch site</a> (it's got a discount for the release week of course!)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-51684271472434353312023-03-09T19:01:00.001-06:002023-03-09T19:01:28.724-06:00Apparently All I Sew Is Tops Now...<p>Or so it seems. After sewing my <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/coimbra-wrap-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Coimbra Wrap Top</a>*, I kept going on the tops theme for the rest of February!</p><p>There's a few patterns I've been wanting to make and I decided there was no better time than the in the thick of the winter doldrums to add them to my wardrobe.</p><p>First up was some fleece lined athletic knit <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/jackson-tee-and-pullover/" target="_blank">Jackson Tees from Helen's Closet</a>. I purchased the fleece lined athletic from <a href="https://watertowertextiles.ca/" target="_blank">Water Tower Textiles</a> because I had made a few "base" layers for my husband last winter and had some serious Jackson Tee envy going on. He works in a food manufacturing plant so needs cozy warm layers for daily use at work. We'd bought one shirt from Mark's last year and while it was great it was also hella expensive, so I had gone to work trying to source similar fabric to try and replicate the one he had. I found the fleece lined athletic to be very comparable so this year I ordered some more to make him a couple more shirts to have in his rotation. Then as I said I had envy so I ordered some colours I'd like too. </p><p>The Jackson Tee is perfect for this kind of top and it's so quick to sew!! I did the long sleeve version (Obviously! LOL) and on mine I did the banded bottom and on his I did just a hem.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UZZh37OaGs-PcVkUL6yd8QHEjLdjcx3Oh3N-uLVfXZhwWRlhz8XAEjiC4ufD-NKoknYM2M6Mo4w1iTXh4PGyi3yaZ6B7mYy6uNTDwbfu3DbupF90rZb-R0xbUoJFZppZFx3k_EQku32P_8EsKZ6bPRHXyzcJHIZM6XNGnvjr-q-M4WSVrQ/s3084/IMG_9658.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah holds two black long sleeve Helen's Closet Jackson Tees and is wearing a turqoise long sleeve Jackson Tee" border="0" data-original-height="3084" data-original-width="2119" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UZZh37OaGs-PcVkUL6yd8QHEjLdjcx3Oh3N-uLVfXZhwWRlhz8XAEjiC4ufD-NKoknYM2M6Mo4w1iTXh4PGyi3yaZ6B7mYy6uNTDwbfu3DbupF90rZb-R0xbUoJFZppZFx3k_EQku32P_8EsKZ6bPRHXyzcJHIZM6XNGnvjr-q-M4WSVrQ/w275-h400/IMG_9658.jpeg" title="A Trio Of Jackson Tees" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p>Next up is the <a href="https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/agnes" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top</a>. I absolutely adore a good sleeve and Agnes has a great sleeve. Just look at that "puff" (must be a throw back to my obsession with Anne of Green Gables when I was a kid. I cannot resist a puffed sleeve!) Not only is the sleeve a puff sleeve it has a great gathered detail on the side of the sleeve too. Be still my sleeve loving heart. Of course I'm sure everyone in the world already knows all about the TATB Agnes because it's been around quite some time now. My only problem with my Agnes is it feels a bit more... ahem... form fitting then I'm used too. But those sleeves. Oh those sleeves. They'll be what convinces me to wear it and love it even if it's a bit more slim fitting than I care for! I sewed it up in a jersey that may have been from the <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Snob</a> - I'm not sure though. It's been in the stash for a long time.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMxPw4TL6RcNv4NdYH_nq0JKmZiUkQzwoYMTNyDYqR7DkJByqniPyVtGvn3JSwHI26tch-DDj3x_xZDWDeIOCJzHy3VXziW7E1WB45jaXViLQt6ByYl8TlwEASHNOSkHOwMAeGH5OCgk-4mwcxuS1vpNLZfmo8nvLOCSQDtfIbdZYsmalGA/s2776/IMG_9562.jpeg"><img alt="Sarah wears a grey Tilly and the Buttons Agnes top with long puffed sleeves" border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="1719" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMxPw4TL6RcNv4NdYH_nq0JKmZiUkQzwoYMTNyDYqR7DkJByqniPyVtGvn3JSwHI26tch-DDj3x_xZDWDeIOCJzHy3VXziW7E1WB45jaXViLQt6ByYl8TlwEASHNOSkHOwMAeGH5OCgk-4mwcxuS1vpNLZfmo8nvLOCSQDtfIbdZYsmalGA/w248-h400/IMG_9562.jpeg" title="Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top" width="248" /></a></div><br /><p>Then there's the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/dawson-top/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet Dawson Top</a>. What is with me sewing slim fitting tops lately? Especially given, as I just mentioned, I'm not terribly comfortable in them. But this is so darn soft. The sweater knit was bought from Fabricland with Dawson in mind. I was sort of envisioning the Dawson paired with a corduroy <a href="https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/miette" target="_blank">TATB Miette Skirt</a> for a sort of 70s vibe. But I've not yet found the right corduroy for my vision so maybe that'll happen down the road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr-2OdwiwfKK9qTbF7NuE9COkMy0ICVBvfRS9pN-34x0gEi-xN1I0QwHchpc7QB-h3W3vnabSaA37Hu4p5nuiJA46FQaNBGXa_RZgrR3tDoazlh5LrAH-uOhpt5ANpIqbsZazjsK_W4ryFZWVqEpwJLfbgs-AQHp1GCSd8BOKZ2NbcFahnQ/s3088/IMG_9771.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah wears a light brown sweater knit, mock neck Helen's Closet Dawson Top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBr-2OdwiwfKK9qTbF7NuE9COkMy0ICVBvfRS9pN-34x0gEi-xN1I0QwHchpc7QB-h3W3vnabSaA37Hu4p5nuiJA46FQaNBGXa_RZgrR3tDoazlh5LrAH-uOhpt5ANpIqbsZazjsK_W4ryFZWVqEpwJLfbgs-AQHp1GCSd8BOKZ2NbcFahnQ/w300-h400/IMG_9771.jpeg" title="Helen's Closet Dawson Top" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>At the very beginning of March I continued on with the top trend and made another pattern that I've been wanting to get to for awhile now. I am pretty sure I got the pattern for free at one point last year, but I see now on the website that it's $10.00, so maybe I'm misremembering. Anyways, it's a cute variation on the standard tee with it's gathered sleeves. I'm telling you I really can't resist a good sleeve! This is the <a href="https://patternscissorscloth.com/2020/07/09/galaxy-t-shirt-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Galaxy T-Shirt from Pattern Scissors Cloth</a>. I sewed it out of a very inexpensive end cut of jersey from Fabricland. I love the colour but it's a wee bit on the thin side (it also wrinkles if you look at it sideways) I'm thinking I might make a <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/cartagena-cami-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Cartagena Cami </a>to go underneath it down the road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HJCfTkGw1o_0poyfZihg4vRaV3VTfMbPMZBWCY3M37mcl_w2B-iq8Db2aRJ3Z0Bh0JrSBcsAxEYDdGocPark58vffCRoBuwgeDqiO1YLTPKA7ea7W7rjAwfgeD6EdqyT_YnG4rGNJRDS6nggbOsa6K9bGrGLHiEsqTBxMbq3qX1bN2cJuA/s2794/IMG_0011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah wears a burnt orange Pattern Scissors Cloth Galaxy t-shirt" border="0" data-original-height="2794" data-original-width="2087" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HJCfTkGw1o_0poyfZihg4vRaV3VTfMbPMZBWCY3M37mcl_w2B-iq8Db2aRJ3Z0Bh0JrSBcsAxEYDdGocPark58vffCRoBuwgeDqiO1YLTPKA7ea7W7rjAwfgeD6EdqyT_YnG4rGNJRDS6nggbOsa6K9bGrGLHiEsqTBxMbq3qX1bN2cJuA/w299-h400/IMG_0011.jpeg" title="Galaxy T-shirt" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p>And even though I told myself I shouldn't do any more test projects when school is in, all that went out the window as soon as Kennis posted her latest <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> pattern test call. I've already made two of them, but can't show you just yet as the pattern is still in the testing process. I can't wait to show you though because it is going to be an awesome little wardrobe staple!</p><p>I have a few other projects in mind for this month. The #sewfrugal challenge is on right now for 2023 and so I've been busily making plans with my stash fabric and some awesome free patterns. But more on that at a later date! I'm also in the process of making a jumpsuit for my next Minerva project. Right now though I've got get going and get some things done around the house... apparently those dishes aren't going to do themselves.</p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-83591662973994463882023-02-20T08:21:00.006-06:002023-03-08T19:00:37.378-06:00Coimbra Wrap Top<p>Well hello there! Can you believe I'm back again so soon? LOL!</p><p>I thought I would jump in and do a quick little post about a new pattern from <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a>*. I have made a bit of an unwritten rule for myself that when school is in session I usually don't sign up for pattern tests because I feel I can't really dedicate the time and energy to the testing process and usually end up feeling frazzled and rushed and like I'm not putting in my best effort. Kennis has had some really great pattern releases since I tested the <a href="http://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-brampton-shorts.html" target="_blank">Brampton Shorts last summer</a>, but I have dutifully sat out each time until this one. </p><p>I figured I could handle a fairly straight forward pattern and I had a couple of fabric choices in my stash. I did end up taking almost the entire test period to complete my project because there were plenty of evenings that I was either busy or just didn't have the wherewithal to sit down at my sewing machine (reminding me of exactly why I have that little rule for myself!).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj833s50gCV2SvFPAUK1d-ofdB36FlkNam2hjgiFJRK-BI0VU7sdw-3R-eLsicLM7Mw5AGjjReYCjz4HKmV3jPnetL0yz4oRiXeMWNu_k7NWZ7tCOTKMoV19m1xFuIzhXdhb8v-M8IKcQb9Fkg6uj_ZAyq81KsbKNQ7WIsJSO0rx9GU_pzQ/s3087/IMG_9518.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah is facing the camera but looking down at the waist tie of her grey sweater knit Coimbra Wrap Top" border="0" data-original-height="3087" data-original-width="2078" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimj833s50gCV2SvFPAUK1d-ofdB36FlkNam2hjgiFJRK-BI0VU7sdw-3R-eLsicLM7Mw5AGjjReYCjz4HKmV3jPnetL0yz4oRiXeMWNu_k7NWZ7tCOTKMoV19m1xFuIzhXdhb8v-M8IKcQb9Fkg6uj_ZAyq81KsbKNQ7WIsJSO0rx9GU_pzQ/w269-h400/IMG_9518.jpeg" title="Coimbra Wrap Top" width="269" /></a></div><br /><p>The hardest part about the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/coimbra-wrap-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Coimbra Wrap Top</a> for me was lengthening the crossover - I needed to add my standard 1 1/2" in length to the upper (from shoulder to waist) bodice that I do for pretty much every Itch to Stitch pattern. It's not really hard to do in all reality - I just tend to stress and overthink it each and every time I have to do it and that's what makes it challenging for me.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFZNJDRv6bd3lLH72tnxaGl3el9A1ejQCNbe1mbtZfKt2eTFxlQvJHFtCHtbR6uHh91_1LM6tA8v465oOETfI5zoC7qTtr-qgBdQQGypg42g7wPjM2P1slQWhwmlmKj7TXAvuMHdpZlt9E3QxsHjAsPqO_X9Lm8_RkmuEKBAamMYs0nyziQ/s3088/IMG_9526.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah is standing angled towards the camera wearing her grey sweater knit Coimbra Wrap Top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFZNJDRv6bd3lLH72tnxaGl3el9A1ejQCNbe1mbtZfKt2eTFxlQvJHFtCHtbR6uHh91_1LM6tA8v465oOETfI5zoC7qTtr-qgBdQQGypg42g7wPjM2P1slQWhwmlmKj7TXAvuMHdpZlt9E3QxsHjAsPqO_X9Lm8_RkmuEKBAamMYs0nyziQ/w300-h400/IMG_9526.jpeg" title="Coimbra Wrap Top side view 1" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>The rest of the process was absolutely a breeze. The way the hem and facings are finished is really slick - and is the easiest way I have ever seen mitred corners done. I know you can't tell from the outside, but I know they are there and it makes me happy. I do so love a good mitred corner for a clean finish on the inside.</p><p>So let me tell you a wee bit about the Coimbra pattern. It is, as I've mentioned a wrap top - not a faux wrap - with the option of a collar or just a simple faced neckline. It features bust darts for a nice fit (and offers full or regular bust pattern pieces - no full bust adjustments necessary!). Sizing is available from 00-40 - to fit busts from 30"/76 cm to 62 1/2"/158.5 cm and hips from 32 5/8"/82.5cm t0 64 1/4"/163cm. Coimbra is designed for medium weight knit fabrics with 50% horizontal stretch and good recovery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQDZvJomCWijbZotO4lQHsF1JCDWRSiCmURC8kR_0j7YobFHYWYJA-W-jzeZafFWWztUDtF9KlpmtGKOw-BPBdSIy8jo_AO35UBQxmjmcY_dZiViLfw_VCgZcQY7x9bPpD-PiHcQfxhz9jCLSAA5loqKyBmiRhoIsA5TH4jp4snr5QLAGzQ/s3088/IMG_9521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands facing forward and smiling at the camera with her hands folded together in front. She is wearing her grey sweater knit Coimbra Wrap Top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQDZvJomCWijbZotO4lQHsF1JCDWRSiCmURC8kR_0j7YobFHYWYJA-W-jzeZafFWWztUDtF9KlpmtGKOw-BPBdSIy8jo_AO35UBQxmjmcY_dZiViLfw_VCgZcQY7x9bPpD-PiHcQfxhz9jCLSAA5loqKyBmiRhoIsA5TH4jp4snr5QLAGzQ/w300-h400/IMG_9521.jpeg" title="Coimbra Wrap Top Front View" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I chose to make mine in a super soft sweater knit. I've no idea what the fabric content is because it was one of those "mystery" knits that was on sale at my local Fabricland a few months ago. I think I paid about $4.00/metre for it. It feels like it might be a bit prone to pilling, but it sewed up nicely and feels lovely so hopefully it'll last!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklhGnSm43Jt1jD5dCRCQkFzWEENMIkLpajEb425aIhoedKn9LMaFLhTsW6clo_SPaKgK2YYKBWUwSfkaoZx3IXCHmGWRypIdooJthrOn9zbruI7Q2JSlaDG6OOZV0qq1jSTeHPD1r4bacREytA-2wR6Mbq7ikvtoe25DtacX2Fs1eDxQz5Q/s2945/IMG_9520.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah is standing sideways from the camera but looking towards the camera with her hand on her hip and she is laughing. She is wearing her grey sweater knit Coimbra Wrap Top" border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="2055" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklhGnSm43Jt1jD5dCRCQkFzWEENMIkLpajEb425aIhoedKn9LMaFLhTsW6clo_SPaKgK2YYKBWUwSfkaoZx3IXCHmGWRypIdooJthrOn9zbruI7Q2JSlaDG6OOZV0qq1jSTeHPD1r4bacREytA-2wR6Mbq7ikvtoe25DtacX2Fs1eDxQz5Q/w279-h400/IMG_9520.jpeg" title="Coimbra Wrap Top side view 2" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/coimbra-wrap-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Coimbra Wrap Top</a> is available over on the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> site and is on sale for the release week if you'd like to grab your own copy of the pattern.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-42743790208546951422023-02-13T22:17:00.003-06:002023-02-13T22:18:46.501-06:00What Can I Say? I've Been Busy...<p>Well. Here we are. I went to look something up here on the blog the other day and realized it's been more than five months since I was last here. How the heck did that happen? I knew it had been a little while, but let me tell you, I was a bit shocked to see my last post was about a late summer sewing project. Time flies I guess!</p><p>I've been keeping myself quite busy in all aspects of life - work is often feeling crazy and overwhelming, the boys are busy, my husband has been working all sorts of extra shifts because no one in his section seems to be able to consistently show up for work, we've had the run of the mill illness and a bout of Covid, a new cat adopted us and I've been doing oodles of crafty type things. I guess I just put this old blog on the back burner and forgot about it.</p><p>But I'm back for today anyways - not going to make any promises of when I'll return because every time I seem to figure I'm going to get back to blogging I don't... I would like to start writing again though, so we'll see. Even if it's just for the purpose me keeping a journal of sorts. It's nice to look back on things every now and again.</p><p>So I won't try to catch you up on all my projects I did since my last posting. That would take us from here to next Christmas! (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm7ZJGbImLu/?hl=en" target="_blank">You can click this link to an Instagram reel </a>I did of almost all my sewing projects from 2022 if you're interested)</p><p>Today I will just jump in with a fresh start.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD6dvckb4BY32mAPFDfRPN-MZPK0pzBtAB5urG3b56XRqqZTHqY2fyqmlYudCFj9sSKI-otIEX5ly6ruRWwAISVId43SwUrXDhd-MZiaYtuoOx0uzMCqQTbd-l-b8Lk47TRbquJ8PhKgn5uzdtWwar-eb3-feakQ8AEoPpSGyc1uKqnOwGw/s2546/IMG_9296.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sarah is knitting her Sous-Sous vest in driftwood coloured Berroco Pirouette yarn wearing a wine coloured waffle knit Forget Me Not Patterns Vera Top" border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="2179" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD6dvckb4BY32mAPFDfRPN-MZPK0pzBtAB5urG3b56XRqqZTHqY2fyqmlYudCFj9sSKI-otIEX5ly6ruRWwAISVId43SwUrXDhd-MZiaYtuoOx0uzMCqQTbd-l-b8Lk47TRbquJ8PhKgn5uzdtWwar-eb3-feakQ8AEoPpSGyc1uKqnOwGw/w344-h400/IMG_9296.jpeg" title="Knitting Sous-Sous" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting on my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sous-sous-2" target="_blank">Sous-Sous</a> Vest <br />in Berroco Pirouette Yarn in Driftwood </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />In December I decided to pick up my knitting needles and knit each of the kids their Christmas ornaments. And this time knitting felt good! So I kept at it. I knit ten simple stars for the ornaments, then moved on to making fingerless gloves for four of my co-workers as Christmas gifts, then a pair of mittens for myself. Then I finished a pair of socks I started last year and finished a vest (also started last year!). Then I cast on another pair of socks which is where I'm at now.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lOzXbJ_manEpaoiu3TU53f7Eu36hnm3GOQyXWNWcRMZI-FhhhHLAYiawf-E-arYH6itEkcY3CrR53grkgFuTnVXeaE72GdrtckG6UJz1rXYvvaQtpiuBnBku5y0x55jRSl-bN3sWTW-hQDCSh1mabDsKQoY76QYSYo9YthpqhLHUY5Dk5Q/s2882/IMG_9176.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Corkscrew Mitts knit in Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn in the Carousel Colourway" border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="2781" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lOzXbJ_manEpaoiu3TU53f7Eu36hnm3GOQyXWNWcRMZI-FhhhHLAYiawf-E-arYH6itEkcY3CrR53grkgFuTnVXeaE72GdrtckG6UJz1rXYvvaQtpiuBnBku5y0x55jRSl-bN3sWTW-hQDCSh1mabDsKQoY76QYSYo9YthpqhLHUY5Dk5Q/w386-h400/IMG_9176.jpeg" title="Corkscrew Mittens" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corkscrew-mitts-2" target="_blank">Corkscrew Mitts</a> by Jill DeMarco knit in Lion Brand Wool-Ease</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qBtvRjN1X8ODfGak5D9W10qHYNjidVI1Qev_ubeY30fhiomUXnYtktuMUngJDQkD3RXl0n_ZMGpKrcLidFghLOayeNpM1MtwymjH-nya6lKmZw1z6Ro4wylWGkF2BJbOiLV228JNPcfWNP6zKp8Hqe2gPHgZJ997YevmKO456zyCwYLIpw/s2983/24AE0C12-2DD7-41C5-A0D2-38414A862EAA.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swirl E Socks for Susie White of Prairie Girl Designs knit in Estelle Sock Twins in the Sunset Colourway" border="0" data-original-height="2983" data-original-width="2983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qBtvRjN1X8ODfGak5D9W10qHYNjidVI1Qev_ubeY30fhiomUXnYtktuMUngJDQkD3RXl0n_ZMGpKrcLidFghLOayeNpM1MtwymjH-nya6lKmZw1z6Ro4wylWGkF2BJbOiLV228JNPcfWNP6zKp8Hqe2gPHgZJ997YevmKO456zyCwYLIpw/w400-h400/24AE0C12-2DD7-41C5-A0D2-38414A862EAA.JPG" title="Swirly Socks" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirl-e-socks" target="_blank">Swirl E. Socks</a> by Susie of Prairie Girl Designs <br />knit in the Sunset colourway of Estelle's Sock Twins Yarn</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I love enjoying knitting again. I did miss it but it just never felt quite right when I'd try to knit, always feeling forced and cumbersome, so it's good to be back at it.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrWbmFvxIqriClDoxFCykiL3L6DZT5FmLGAsoFZUDo9TBnfm-XWwXDp1B4mFC89jWZ1tkoLs3U4e7S3xvjzfP_Yv8c7-iLDOe-1zZKar9qqyLgvNla56Gvqy9Kti-FXgn_vNQ0jOVZ8mL0qPLBABm4Y2uCQLMlomp0KmrH6pI9Hqf-lQaGQ/s4032/IMG_9515.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="In progress picture of First Night Socks by Dana Rae Makes knit in a blue multi coloured Happy Feet yarn with contrast cuffs knit in green Sisu yarn" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrWbmFvxIqriClDoxFCykiL3L6DZT5FmLGAsoFZUDo9TBnfm-XWwXDp1B4mFC89jWZ1tkoLs3U4e7S3xvjzfP_Yv8c7-iLDOe-1zZKar9qqyLgvNla56Gvqy9Kti-FXgn_vNQ0jOVZ8mL0qPLBABm4Y2uCQLMlomp0KmrH6pI9Hqf-lQaGQ/w300-h400/IMG_9515.jpeg" title="First Night Socks in progress" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A work in progress - <br />my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/first-night-socks" target="_blank">First Night Socks</a> by Dana Rae Makes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Don't worry! I've not abandoned my sewing. I didn't actually do much in January. In fact I only sewed one thing - it was the top I'm wearing in the first photo (a <a href="https://forgetmenotpatterns.com/products/vera-knit-top" target="_blank">Forget Me Knot Vera Top</a> - you can read the details over on the <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1177332" target="_blank">Minerva site</a> if you'd like! But happily I have done a bit of sewing this month already and I have a few more things planned yet for February. I made a few base layer shirts out of fleece lined athletic knit for my husband using the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/jackson-tee-and-pullover/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet Jackson Tee</a> pattern and I've just finished a pattern test for <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> as well that hopefully I'll be able to show you later on this month. I just cut out a <a href="https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/agnes" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons Agnes Top</a> tonight and I'd like to take a crack at sewing up the <a href="https://papercutpatterns.com/products/nova-coat" target="_blank">Paper Cut Patterns Nova Coat</a> that I cut out a few months back. Who knows if I'll actually get them done, but that's my unofficial goal in the back of my mind. We'll see...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-37310601408795418342022-09-05T17:34:00.001-05:002022-09-05T17:34:04.638-05:00A Last Minute Summer Sew<p>Labour Day long weekend is coming to a close now and school starts on Wednesday for the kids. (I've already been back since last Monday). The hectic fall season is upon us for sure, but this weekend the weather has been gloriously summery - sunshiny and warm, so I'm wearing a last minute summer sew that I almost had finished whipping up before we went on holidays - all I had left was the shoulder straps and hem for when we got home. Not having had an opportunity to wear it since finishing it, I totally forgot about it until this morning.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixDSiP5D12qgRUFf_OqKhSANHdrGwlejMAmp7R036oHh7sohRWbxTZR6bFuB6rALH9v4aOTXt7vjjgDfH64XNtbzd-mZeh0Wmj4Mm-SuvKLxeVB2ZLfZ0eRm5T89rIHHnLkpdu8UQpXKsl179Nic4p__XqzpwjZF9q7489GJmGgEo8p2YHA/s3088/IMG_6468.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Sarah stands facing the camera in a colour blocked Orchard Top and denim jeans." border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixDSiP5D12qgRUFf_OqKhSANHdrGwlejMAmp7R036oHh7sohRWbxTZR6bFuB6rALH9v4aOTXt7vjjgDfH64XNtbzd-mZeh0Wmj4Mm-SuvKLxeVB2ZLfZ0eRm5T89rIHHnLkpdu8UQpXKsl179Nic4p__XqzpwjZF9q7489GJmGgEo8p2YHA/w300-h400/IMG_6468.jpeg" title="Orchard Top" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course, it's the new <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/2022/08/09/introducing-the-orchard-top-and-dress/" target="_blank">free Orchard pattern from Helen's Closet</a> that you can get just by signing up for their newsletter! It's such a simple make and comes with a top version with two lengths and a dress version also with two lengths (that even has pockets!). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnh8hyzQQXdcSN6XNoFfcN8hOlCyEQ8FZ22_nlJ8ObsdSIlNjjGAfC7esl2sL2_PHFSMQNS8vAVNB_kJPV6eVPhqy0qe--OdYFgjrnKohlIBw9dV6BbYD3QJ2ymAAKqQiieCmh1g4uy5glmvQfocwZThRYHvPOKjmJNPkwaUf2ZaH3h7Chg/s3088/IMG_6507.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah faces the camera, but is looking down at the colour blocking in her Helen's Closet Orchard Top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnh8hyzQQXdcSN6XNoFfcN8hOlCyEQ8FZ22_nlJ8ObsdSIlNjjGAfC7esl2sL2_PHFSMQNS8vAVNB_kJPV6eVPhqy0qe--OdYFgjrnKohlIBw9dV6BbYD3QJ2ymAAKqQiieCmh1g4uy5glmvQfocwZThRYHvPOKjmJNPkwaUf2ZaH3h7Chg/w300-h400/IMG_6507.jpeg" title="Colour blocked Orchard top" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I knew as soon as I saw the pattern that I wanted to make mine out of leftover linen that I had in my stash. Because I was working with scraps I knew that I'd need to do some colour blocking to make it work. I used the <a href="https://www.purelinenenvy.ca/Summer_Breeze_Linen/Pomegranate" target="_blank">"Summer Breeze" linen in Pomegranate from Pure Linen Envy</a> that I used a couple of summers ago to make <a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2020/06/new-summer-staples.html" target="_blank">my Helen's Closet Ashton Top</a> along with leftover bias binding and a small strip of fabric that was all that remained from cutting out the linen blend from Minerva that I made <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1056298" target="_blank">my Zadie Jumpsuit</a> with (also a couple of years ago). I also seamed the back of the top because I didn't have big enough piece of the solid linen to cut out the entire back piece. Scrap busting at it's finest!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVoxrIYTX9G4k8GgzFGZpV7UJVd__ze78LXOVjmhrgCP_BCzwsfiQJkhUyEjRXlaujgEm-_rcdmw7ruy14OoE7ttG6chj3tC_HVxmYNk4ObbK41trMcUt6oxL7mfafy6_WYnCmhEdOXPBnuvRi8gg_P-Mvc9XCRiFoHkYeGSVQNjfC04jhg/s3088/IMG_6500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah has her back to the camera with her hands on her hips. She is wearing a Helen's Closet linen Orchard Top and denim jean shorts" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVoxrIYTX9G4k8GgzFGZpV7UJVd__ze78LXOVjmhrgCP_BCzwsfiQJkhUyEjRXlaujgEm-_rcdmw7ruy14OoE7ttG6chj3tC_HVxmYNk4ObbK41trMcUt6oxL7mfafy6_WYnCmhEdOXPBnuvRi8gg_P-Mvc9XCRiFoHkYeGSVQNjfC04jhg/w300-h400/IMG_6500.jpeg" title="Orchard Top back view" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>To make my colour blocked version I went the easiest route possible. First to make sure my top would be long enough for my liking, I added 1 1/2" to the pattern right off the hop. Then I traced out the cropped version and added 5/8" seam allowance. For my contrast band I traced off the rest of the top pattern from the cropped version line to the cut line and added 5/8" seam allowance at the top. I cut both pieces on the fold since I had the room for it on my strip of linen blend, then it was just a matter of stitching the band to the bottom of my front and already sewn back pieces. Then I continued on with the pattern as directed. I lucked out having enough of the patterned linen bias tape left over from my Zadie to finish everything off with so I didn't even have to piece any teeny tiny bias strip scraps together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPJIbjqKiPEFfF9BQcYBvzi2WFNct0ECsmRcHrB8VAW1kYcciwA7BnhxzevHIwVX4dtM_5rvS1jBBB7gM2CGTFr9is80gwMO50bGZFw8405HveoGZT-BapInaVPfL-abnspyBY6IeaCvzVsG6kJKtmlJyqoALe4vS_KSuUEtKrGQbIrA5OA/s3088/IMG_6489.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah is standing sideways, but angled towards the camera, smiling, wearing her linen colour blocked Orchard Top" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPJIbjqKiPEFfF9BQcYBvzi2WFNct0ECsmRcHrB8VAW1kYcciwA7BnhxzevHIwVX4dtM_5rvS1jBBB7gM2CGTFr9is80gwMO50bGZFw8405HveoGZT-BapInaVPfL-abnspyBY6IeaCvzVsG6kJKtmlJyqoALe4vS_KSuUEtKrGQbIrA5OA/w300-h400/IMG_6489.jpeg" title="Orchard Top side view" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I am really happy with how my colour blocked top turned out and now that I know how darn easy the Orchard Top and Dress is to sew, of course I can't help but thinking of some fall print fabric to make a dress with to pair it with a mock neck Dawson Top. Hmmmmm... Before I ponder that too much though I have a couple of other projects in the works - right now I'm working on a <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/moss-jacket/" target="_blank">Moss jacket</a> and some <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/winslow-culottes/" target="_blank">Winslow Culottes</a> (Helen's Closet has <i>ALL</i> my attention right now apparently!!) and then I have dress I'm planning for early fall and I still want to get the pants hack of the Brampton Shorts made. So many plans... so little time. </p><p>Speaking of time I have to dash. It's football practice night and the boys need to be at the field in less than an hour. Gotta go...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-23094267914255186732022-08-25T10:14:00.001-05:002022-08-25T10:14:09.091-05:00The Brampton Shorts<p>Hello, hello! How's your summer been going? I've been having a great one! We've had quite the busy one between football practices four times a week and working out in the garden - I refuse to let the weeds take over this year - and we even got in a trip to Saskatchewan that was absolutely wonderful. We rented a cabin at Regina Beach for a few days and used it as a home base for day trips to Moose Jaw and Regina. It's got me really excited to spend time over the next few months planning a road trip for next summer!</p><p>But here I am again with another pattern release from <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a>*. I am definitely not ready to say farewell to summer or summer sewing for that matter, so the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/brampton-shorts-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Brampton Shorts</a> came at the perfect time for me. Also, I'd been planning all summer long to make a few pairs of shorts, because I had only one pair left that fit me and so was in a bit of dire need. The call to pattern test was the kick in the pants (or shorts as the case may be) that I needed to finally get to it.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWEmRB-QRTeSYHFSTIqo7QEkq_BW0rMH-ahbRK2FyRYBxGE_Ffv236f22Sd2c08zaxfpO-ftkn7c2g2aHzR-rqxZ6KCNRpA3t6YW8TmkxLBn-LaDAnsxef3tYxenbYIcIwZMoIcevprkgrWo2gF69dRwz9UdGBxgfauaPK0eL6EvbrrVIuA/s3088/IMG_5988.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Sarah sit's on a blue bike, wearing a black tee and blue Brampton Shorts with pineapples on them" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWEmRB-QRTeSYHFSTIqo7QEkq_BW0rMH-ahbRK2FyRYBxGE_Ffv236f22Sd2c08zaxfpO-ftkn7c2g2aHzR-rqxZ6KCNRpA3t6YW8TmkxLBn-LaDAnsxef3tYxenbYIcIwZMoIcevprkgrWo2gF69dRwz9UdGBxgfauaPK0eL6EvbrrVIuA/w300-h400/IMG_5988.jpeg" title="Brampton shorts" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Brampton comes with two different lengths to choose from, optional inseam and back pockets and optional belt loops and sash tie belt. It features an easy elasticated paperbag waistband and comes in sizes 00-40. This is a quick and easy sew, even if you choose all the optional pockets, belt loops and belt! I whipped up my first pair in no time at all and made a second pair right away. I didn't require any modifications to my shorts making it even quicker. I chose to do the shorter length and all the options for both my pairs.</p><p>My first pair I made for the pattern test was made using leftover fabric from a previous Minerva project - my <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1049265" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch Anza Dress</a>. The fabric, that was gifted to me two years ago by <a href="https://www.minerva.com" target="_blank">Minerva</a>, is a beautifully drapey rayon chambray. I had just enough to do the shorts except for the pocket lining so I just used a white cotton lawn I had left over in my stash for that. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMsHl20IA3n7vi_h4tdMZ5T9ESUHZoVtzUSAtfpFgvzuGKz9R2Zb_63LzWQGvlylrvjdb5vAxYIiLq_8dj_IJbQ6_DmSUmmw-RgVBb4ZVLW7TX36Qmrjde2WQ4Bk0jYxYVrkmmylBhDcwVzj2CmEjuVyVcJWse7R85EtomP6mldMSP-y_gg/s2900/5D0E4D25-6492-422A-A8C5-65D5B1218898.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Sarah stands facing the camera wearing a black pointelle Sinclair patterns Oasis top and blue with pineapple print chambray Brampton Shorts" border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMsHl20IA3n7vi_h4tdMZ5T9ESUHZoVtzUSAtfpFgvzuGKz9R2Zb_63LzWQGvlylrvjdb5vAxYIiLq_8dj_IJbQ6_DmSUmmw-RgVBb4ZVLW7TX36Qmrjde2WQ4Bk0jYxYVrkmmylBhDcwVzj2CmEjuVyVcJWse7R85EtomP6mldMSP-y_gg/w320-h400/5D0E4D25-6492-422A-A8C5-65D5B1218898.JPG" title="Chambray Brampton Shorts" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The shorts fit great right off the hop. As I said, no modifications were needed at all, so I was ready to make another pair straight away! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaCnanlDvBTUUlwa2NFRH2BOyjS_SRWkiRzrDaU6SmLvcYdGC7T-BbYGSAR07aaAlXI1xedI3jU8wsZ9yYK361clkS3zkDSRLb2yzrXxUNVbXLXaGZhbiSV2-WN5on8t_BVhmzI_H4PBsw-9ksmT7QBNcfv3xrLsPQAQJuOEvJDh75xzJag/s3088/IMG_6098.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands angled sideways from the camera wearing a floral print Lago Tank and navy linen Brampton Shorts" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaCnanlDvBTUUlwa2NFRH2BOyjS_SRWkiRzrDaU6SmLvcYdGC7T-BbYGSAR07aaAlXI1xedI3jU8wsZ9yYK361clkS3zkDSRLb2yzrXxUNVbXLXaGZhbiSV2-WN5on8t_BVhmzI_H4PBsw-9ksmT7QBNcfv3xrLsPQAQJuOEvJDh75xzJag/w300-h400/IMG_6098.jpeg" title="Linen Brampton Shorts" width="300" /></a></div><p>I definitely wanted to use all the options again, and this time wanted to try a different fabric to see how it would work out. I chose a navy blue lightweight linen that I had bought earlier in the summer on sale from my local Fabricland with making shorts in mind. It turned out to be perfect for the pattern as well!</p><p></p><p>My linen ones passed the road trip test too - I wore them all day on my trip and was equally comfy sitting for several hours in the truck as I was walking along the beach and lounging in the cabin. </p><p>I'm so excited with this pattern and how it fits and wears! I have some burnt orange viscose twill that I bought the same day I bought the navy linen with the intention of making some <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/arden-pants/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet Arden pants</a>, but I changed my mind. I'm going to hack the Brampton Shorts into pants. I'd hoped to make them before my trip, but ran out of time, so I definitely want to make them for back to school. I think they'd be super comfy as pants and I know that pattern fits well so it'll be a fuss free pants making venture!</p><p>If you want to get a copy of the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/brampton-shorts-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Brampton Shorts</a> they are on sale for the release week and I highly recommend them for any of your summer sewing plans! I'll keep you posted on how the pants making goes! But for now I'm off. I have to eat my breakfast and get out on the tractor and get the grass cut, then get into the garden and tackle the weeds and pick some veggies for supper tonight!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj1r_e9vIpzwOrNO-Hpus-1D83M6XYgy5Do3PUkNrWyo3OsyCKqSOaSWD_uf5AETwZ8E7qT_QPaHIIDi4hxS4M1ngdWxAK-8GxccMKsQ1D6O4rJKaKwkjZBBNh6-qic4pRiVSjAtRpvkMWrz03FVyQZXo0sbYF_UsFdbcPN_RIyIzDizk9g/s3088/IMG_6071.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sarah stands beside a chokecherry tree, smiling at the camera, wearing a floral Lago Tank and navy linen Brampton shorts" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj1r_e9vIpzwOrNO-Hpus-1D83M6XYgy5Do3PUkNrWyo3OsyCKqSOaSWD_uf5AETwZ8E7qT_QPaHIIDi4hxS4M1ngdWxAK-8GxccMKsQ1D6O4rJKaKwkjZBBNh6-qic4pRiVSjAtRpvkMWrz03FVyQZXo0sbYF_UsFdbcPN_RIyIzDizk9g/w300-h400/IMG_6071.jpeg" title="Lago Tank and Linen Brampton Shorts" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-25082866735296728962022-07-20T11:31:00.006-05:002022-07-21T08:55:11.131-05:00It's Been Awhile...<p>How has it been three months since I last posted here? I didn't even realize it had been that long. I've had so much going on! It was a busy spring for sure - two of my kids got married within three weeks of each other, I ended up with Covid in between the weddings and then some sort of stomach thing that lasted a whole miserable two months and then the end of school madness. I will say that this year was probably the hardest and most stressful of my career to date. I'm not sure why - it felt like it should have been easier than the two years previous, but whatever the case I'm so thankful it's done and hopefully next fall is a lot better!</p><p>But here I am. Feeling so much better and we're into week three of summer break, so I'm caught up on much needed rest and feeling more relaxed than I have in months. Summertime and the living is easy. I've been working away in my garden, reading books that have been on my to read list for far too long, floating in the pool and getting some sewing and knitting in too.</p><p>I'm going to do a catch up post of some of the things I was working on in the months of my blogging hiatus - I sewed my dresses for both weddings and the ties for my husband and little guys (<i>Ok, they're not little anymore - one is already a full fledged teenager and taller than me. How did that happen?</i>) and I did a pattern test for <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> in between the weddings that I'm realizing I never shared here, along with a few other sewing projects and I picked up my knitting needles again!! I'm so incredibly slow at knitting now, but I'm enjoying it, so that's what counts!</p><p>So, speaking of pattern testing, I recently finished another one and it's just been released today! This is the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/soller-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Soller Top and Dress</a> from Itch to Stitch and oh my goodness it was love at first sight! The Soller features gathers at the front shoulders (achieved so simply with elastic!), a v-neck binding and grown on sleeves that are also finished with binding. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGays0THwvuokBSgE89kuV8r21N6Sj2VC6HzsvVWmBbXu4jEIhXFQ6fylF8iE8eOaK0WkW-YFCZEuUe4fNZUdjcq5X4aOqmf3yDjmkdc0xTDTbd2QqWc4lPuUj237IcIKbOilWhIttAVWcjXqQ5mkWa50dFAHWhuPrlA-kbpefYSIdH5QjZw/s3088/IMG_5115.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGays0THwvuokBSgE89kuV8r21N6Sj2VC6HzsvVWmBbXu4jEIhXFQ6fylF8iE8eOaK0WkW-YFCZEuUe4fNZUdjcq5X4aOqmf3yDjmkdc0xTDTbd2QqWc4lPuUj237IcIKbOilWhIttAVWcjXqQ5mkWa50dFAHWhuPrlA-kbpefYSIdH5QjZw/w300-h400/IMG_5115.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I made the top version for testing and loved it so much I literally snipped the threads, tried it on and cut out a dress version and was wearing the dress by that afternoon. So this is also a super speedy, quick fix kind of garment. I need new tees in my wardrobe because most of mine are getting tattered and worn from so much use, and I'm trying to decide how many <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/soller-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Soller</a> tees would be an appropriate number. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP6ir8J7wDSrUBKyUX27BDh9IGIbhg_54aLJxVK2LStskqOLFWae95--AT24NeX1YBt4BPJTwdMZqYujzBjqDnKC9Ss4yYIMx_gjRu8W4-X7lUWwGEnvdXPdb0t45VRU4zq0MLg-ui8YTwMB1wiodW0POMQ-mZagPj6veRlUCWJZt_sh0RA/s3088/IMG_5104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP6ir8J7wDSrUBKyUX27BDh9IGIbhg_54aLJxVK2LStskqOLFWae95--AT24NeX1YBt4BPJTwdMZqYujzBjqDnKC9Ss4yYIMx_gjRu8W4-X7lUWwGEnvdXPdb0t45VRU4zq0MLg-ui8YTwMB1wiodW0POMQ-mZagPj6veRlUCWJZt_sh0RA/w300-h400/IMG_5104.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I made my tee out of an unmarked jersey remnant I picked up for a few dollars a couple of years ago at my local Fabricland. I think it likely has some rayon or bamboo in it because it is super soft and has a drape to it. I really, really hope I pre-washed my fabric - I usually do before I put it on the shelf, but I had a horrifying moment of thought after I cut it all out that I may not have. Please oh please don't shrink! It's perfect the way it is! I'm being super precious about how I care for it, because I don't want to ruin it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcmGmJfv5G-OJzrsCQPOf-Z1L0xPBNYUPIxEWQKWZhbA_oEXfk7YU51bWUiCGsj_RbRFJXrdKA9PRp4kXuGL-PI7BfFjMVeRJ9ecujausZ6Nq1P0KebagATaASq4W7UHFYtxflLKzhnVuH2UXy8KXUu7hk1yBl5UGocOCw_dPXDviiauHQA/s2785/IMG_5085.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2785" data-original-width="1958" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcmGmJfv5G-OJzrsCQPOf-Z1L0xPBNYUPIxEWQKWZhbA_oEXfk7YU51bWUiCGsj_RbRFJXrdKA9PRp4kXuGL-PI7BfFjMVeRJ9ecujausZ6Nq1P0KebagATaASq4W7UHFYtxflLKzhnVuH2UXy8KXUu7hk1yBl5UGocOCw_dPXDviiauHQA/w281-h400/IMG_5085.jpeg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p>The dress is just as good. I've reached for it so many times this week already! It's just so comfy and easy to wear. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2SPylwwY9bWCGPjBq0Q06GPxAdAGFXQpDQ2LtIwT0Fv9VZdtYAoXgFUuNmF5D8AOoFtJbLDCkeEQaCbqrwugS9cvMoFiAVtvZEgT25KmR9dcu7z1r2L6ShyI0WO-GqZ9aMzXvkCTcw9ayhxTvt8xPBz0KV10p3CvzdX4DlsLpJ4lSS2B9w/s3088/IMG_4951.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2SPylwwY9bWCGPjBq0Q06GPxAdAGFXQpDQ2LtIwT0Fv9VZdtYAoXgFUuNmF5D8AOoFtJbLDCkeEQaCbqrwugS9cvMoFiAVtvZEgT25KmR9dcu7z1r2L6ShyI0WO-GqZ9aMzXvkCTcw9ayhxTvt8xPBz0KV10p3CvzdX4DlsLpJ4lSS2B9w/w300-h400/IMG_4951.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>This one is made out of <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/boyfriend-wash-solids" target="_blank">The Fabric Snob's "boyfriend" wash jersey</a> and it definitely has been pre-washed so this is a easy throw in the wash without a second thought kind of garment. Which is a darn good thing given I practically have been living in it right now. It's been so hot and humid the last little while it's been the perfect thing to throw on and go about my day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wtMWR5HnlA4cCfL0LkhnDiQ7ZFmBtbWRmgrAjSeEBt_-WeiVb6qs6_ty4ZgPo61hfsd60vt0-BAVdVBiMlKE0PXQIUEHziYxYrCygwzxZfAFxgAdNhC4yRZ9ykUThrLy1Kts2ZAmUlQSZO6IkyzqSNfgWTCW_OS8v4RTn_AzqP-XG0oVOg/s3088/IMG_4919.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wtMWR5HnlA4cCfL0LkhnDiQ7ZFmBtbWRmgrAjSeEBt_-WeiVb6qs6_ty4ZgPo61hfsd60vt0-BAVdVBiMlKE0PXQIUEHziYxYrCygwzxZfAFxgAdNhC4yRZ9ykUThrLy1Kts2ZAmUlQSZO6IkyzqSNfgWTCW_OS8v4RTn_AzqP-XG0oVOg/w300-h400/IMG_4919.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I want to talk about the yardage for a moment too. After sewing some garments recently that took a whole lot of yardage (mother of the bride and mother of the groom dresses I'm looking at you...) it was so nice to be able to whip out a top or dress out of a small amount of fabric. A top in my size 18 takes .8m and the dress 1.2m!</p><p>If you want to get sewing a <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/soller-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Soller</a> for yourself, head on over to the Itch to Stitch site. It's on sale for the release week too!</p><p>I'll pop back in soon again to tell you about the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/lemont-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Lemont</a> top that I tested and then forgot to tell you about here (although it was over on my Instagram and I did post about it in the ITS facebook group, so you may already have seen both I made. I'll have to fill you in on the details of my wedding sewing too!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-17755855465844781822022-04-02T15:48:00.005-05:002022-04-02T15:48:41.144-05:00Sew Frugal 22<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, hello!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm back on this first Saturday in April to talk about my #sewfrugal22 challenge project that I did during the month of March. The idea behind the challenge, hosted by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Frugalisama/featured" target="_blank">Frugalisama</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgaWTGPRJWUqyaA9GOaveaw/featured" target="_blank">The Sew Yorkshire Girl</a> was that we were to use a free pattern and fabric from our stash to make something during the month of March.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a lot of fabric in my stash and there are certainly plenty of patterns that are free available on the internet, so I thought it would be a fun challenge. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">For my project I finally jumped on the </span><a class="hashtag js-link" data-hashtag="M7969" data-url="" href="https://www.minerva.com/hashtags/M7969" style="background-color: white; color: #63aaca; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">#M7969</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> bandwagon. Well sort of anyways…</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;">I apparently live under a rock and this pattern was not even remotely on my radar until it was offered up as a freebie for signing up to the </span><a href="https://www.minerva.com/" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Minerva</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;"> newsletter. Then suddenly it was everywhere and I realized it had been for quite some time. As I said. I must live under a rock.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9soU4gaVq5HVG2d8Fd7cnt36SnPUq8S0FutcLvP4VcO-AlB5zjdsAEbyi9cD3Vd-slCMhfw5yK9m4sQc2e88mK8DYoNQ8Av2CcE0aBTuA4sdeDUEjzjKQkmsF0JDx52n5b0SiRRGrnoW8t-8P4epbYMGdBRk1_wa_yMx6ZIW_o3NIdSjy-A/s1440/83A44C0F-A14B-4737-B14E-0EA6EE84652C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9soU4gaVq5HVG2d8Fd7cnt36SnPUq8S0FutcLvP4VcO-AlB5zjdsAEbyi9cD3Vd-slCMhfw5yK9m4sQc2e88mK8DYoNQ8Av2CcE0aBTuA4sdeDUEjzjKQkmsF0JDx52n5b0SiRRGrnoW8t-8P4epbYMGdBRk1_wa_yMx6ZIW_o3NIdSjy-A/w400-h400/83A44C0F-A14B-4737-B14E-0EA6EE84652C.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I figured I had THE perfect fabric in my stash for it and I was pretty sure I could squeak it out if I chose the less billowy sleeve. I bought my navy blue floral challis probably three summers ago and have been wanting to make a floaty dress with it for the longest time. So it definitely fit the parameters of the Sew Frugal challenge. It also fit the challenge going on over on the Minerva site for #SewnWithMcCalls. Decisions made, it was time to get sewing!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I definitely struggled with choosing a size - there is zero </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">indication</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> on the pattern sizing chart whether it is finished measurements or body measurements - but after reading a lot of reviews online and perusing the #M7969 hashtag on Instagram, I decided to size down from what the pattern seemed to be suggesting.</span></span></span></p><p>I will say it is one heck of a lot of pages to print out (maybe 50? I can't remember offhand) and taping it together was not my favourite thing. In fact I really, really disliked it. I'm not sure what exactly had me so annoyed, it just didn't feel like it was as easy to line up and tape together like some of the other indie companies I have become used to using. I also haven't used a Big Four pattern in probably close to a decade now for myself, so I'm not used to the style of pattern instructions anymore. <br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Once I got it all taped together, all was going swimmingly, or so I thought. Everything got cut out and I had started to sew up my bodice (altered slightly to raise the neckline). Then I went to start the sleeves. That’s when it all went south. I was giving my sleeve pieces a quick press before starting on my next construction step when I noticed it... There was a flaw in my fabric and no way to hide it. Then I noticed it ran along the bottom of the sleeve too. They were not holes really, but very obvious almost holes. Then I looked at the other sleeve and it was worse. It had a swooping line of these frayed almost hole bits marching across the entire sleeve. (not sure if you can see them where I've circled on the photo below, but they were there and they were obnoxiously noticeable.) There was absolutely no working around it. I am sure it was not like that when I got it. Surely I would have noticed when I pre washed and ironed my fabric. The only thing I can think is that maybe the cat got at it? I was so disappointed. I had hoped I could order more fabric from Minerva, but alas it's no longer available. (Not surprising given how much time has passed since I bought it)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksO64HhREbI1n_F86Q98EVHiXBR7HX6olmOtK2gtPAwsBXzO0L5K-pIGKUeKZMxYvKFGv9Jl8Jylk45ka0e-g5TAuZZaB060zOaAgrALL73dT3Nz3aTfY-o4HwBN7vG6lHMYRSyMi-Xp9uD_x0SGm3EVSlEilXidDveNhCy8QuZJzbHqDuw/s2023/IMG_1245.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sleeve pieces showing flawed floral fabric" border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="2023" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksO64HhREbI1n_F86Q98EVHiXBR7HX6olmOtK2gtPAwsBXzO0L5K-pIGKUeKZMxYvKFGv9Jl8Jylk45ka0e-g5TAuZZaB060zOaAgrALL73dT3Nz3aTfY-o4HwBN7vG6lHMYRSyMi-Xp9uD_x0SGm3EVSlEilXidDveNhCy8QuZJzbHqDuw/w400-h285/IMG_1245.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">So I had to regroup. Dreams of a floaty, billowy dress dashed, I would selvage it by making a top instead. I used one skirt piece and cut new sleeves from it. Then I cut the other skirt piece in half for a front and back peplum.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Back to the sewing machine and back on track… or so I thought. Nothing left to do but the hem, I tried it on and found that much to my horror it looked exactly like a maternity top. Eeek!!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Back to the drawing board. <i>AGAIN</i>. I skipped the cuff I was going to use and ran elastic through the sleeve hem instead to keep them from hitting an awkward spot on my arm. Then I took the skirt off, cut it down to be a straight peplum like my <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1125014" target="_blank">Helen’s Closet March top</a> that I love so much and decided to call it a day.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIlshrLnttj2EbMpb4-Jc8KzDv5PLM5_Bdh3dx-UL2koAX19CjcmTj6Q6K2fyZipe1pnfFFT_TqtCKLRybNZTJPD0hR_W0JGGdmj9dhdc-Yd5oYVOkrmJ9y6H5iGMsxdp_G8LWrJHXy91lBxgZYgOV2py5grcIO7yL1mAGp1X7EtRA6b2qA/s2731/IMG_1116.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Navy floral top shown loosely tucked in, with cropped Lander jeans and clogs" border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="2144" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIlshrLnttj2EbMpb4-Jc8KzDv5PLM5_Bdh3dx-UL2koAX19CjcmTj6Q6K2fyZipe1pnfFFT_TqtCKLRybNZTJPD0hR_W0JGGdmj9dhdc-Yd5oYVOkrmJ9y6H5iGMsxdp_G8LWrJHXy91lBxgZYgOV2py5grcIO7yL1mAGp1X7EtRA6b2qA/w314-h400/IMG_1116.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I’m not overly thrilled with it (mostly because it’s in my bad books for not being the dress I envisioned) but I think I will wear it. When I tried it on with my my cropped Lander jeans and clogs I liked it quite a bit more so maybe not all is lost. Now I just need winter to go away and for me to forgive my top for not behaving. Lol!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs0xRkYa1ljzzwOKg18kCWz6Fz1bjOBiS-0nnxBpP3lsTP78pC_i8GNtO7eafGL7hME3j45Q3fjr4qZpJvt1tIkfNOHC0ppJCxVHPeVhU_h90fp9p1eGdbIRM9E9keie2W1QncPsOE8NW7TmFCobDx5MWTsbyUjZsUX5BKYgimvoE4jN7eg/s3085/IMG_1171.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top shown untucked" border="0" data-original-height="3085" data-original-width="2038" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs0xRkYa1ljzzwOKg18kCWz6Fz1bjOBiS-0nnxBpP3lsTP78pC_i8GNtO7eafGL7hME3j45Q3fjr4qZpJvt1tIkfNOHC0ppJCxVHPeVhU_h90fp9p1eGdbIRM9E9keie2W1QncPsOE8NW7TmFCobDx5MWTsbyUjZsUX5BKYgimvoE4jN7eg/w264-h400/IMG_1171.jpeg" width="264" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I will definitely scope out my stash fabric to see if I can make a dress yet. I also saw a hack for making a blouse without the wrap that seemed like a great idea too, so I want to try that as well! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf4bbcABZvN9lhFcdgpl9vFSQlfms3dhFS49wMvDeJe1-G6-D7G4gmHw-Vbqfo_dG3FwxF65mtkC1jYFGXZELu7leEgHJJreY8uWXHoqqjZa1AlYRxOEe5vzTHFWO7ulDoMb2-qO_niwYF5zXURpFCkOGdRJl2dOhWhqbHxtHOIH5WQ6U8g/s3086/IMG_1234.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top shown fully tucked in to cropped Lander jeans" border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="1953" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf4bbcABZvN9lhFcdgpl9vFSQlfms3dhFS49wMvDeJe1-G6-D7G4gmHw-Vbqfo_dG3FwxF65mtkC1jYFGXZELu7leEgHJJreY8uWXHoqqjZa1AlYRxOEe5vzTHFWO7ulDoMb2-qO_niwYF5zXURpFCkOGdRJl2dOhWhqbHxtHOIH5WQ6U8g/w254-h400/IMG_1234.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Before I do that though, I have some more pressing matters (or projects if you will) at hand. I absolutely need to make my dress for G's wedding at the end of the month as well as my dress for N's wedding in May. Plus I want to get my latest Minerva Ambassador project wrapped up and start on the next one <i>AND </i>if there's any time left after that, I want to make a Friday Pattern Company Sagebrush for the #sewaprilblouse22 challenge being hosted by <a href="https://youtu.be/Wc2Bk7SMJjs" target="_blank">Sew Dahlia Society</a> and <a href="https://clothedit.com.au/" target="_blank">Cloth Edit</a>. I guess if I'm going to get any of those things accomplished I'd better get off the Internet and get down to the sewing room... <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-75788658201671087252022-02-03T06:44:00.001-06:002022-02-03T06:44:04.431-06:00Sibiu Top<p>Well, it certainly would appear things are feast or famine in terms of post on this old blog of mine. It always seems to be the way. You don't hear a peep from me for ages and then suddenly I'm here twice in as many weeks. </p><p>I'm back here with some more sewing content and what do you know... it's to showcase another brand new <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch*</a> pattern that's just launched. I haven't been doing as much testing lately because with everything going on I haven't felt I have the time or energy to give it the proper attention it deserves. Every now and again though a design comes across my feed that I a) love the look of, b) have the fabric for, c) it doesn't look like it'll take me too long to sew up and d) I feel like I have the time and brain power for.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6bXoVaXbmm86uqKPG8JfOTkyJtk5JLlU1riHT-iWtSISK_jL3Fws8VODJOQaBqDsTWBwvq3FYHQ6yElOXFWhYomsnfweqj9voSOwxk4_XzecgOcq5sSkPIQO4vswbFbqz2PABMiICE3FRR8-0VXHXcmPwDA2N9hXED89u-Ctf8y9EUqPcTg=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6bXoVaXbmm86uqKPG8JfOTkyJtk5JLlU1riHT-iWtSISK_jL3Fws8VODJOQaBqDsTWBwvq3FYHQ6yElOXFWhYomsnfweqj9voSOwxk4_XzecgOcq5sSkPIQO4vswbFbqz2PABMiICE3FRR8-0VXHXcmPwDA2N9hXED89u-Ctf8y9EUqPcTg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>The <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/sibiu-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Sibiu Top</a> is one of those designs. It's a simple design, but one that has a few options to make it really stand out. I had some leftover fabric from, would you believe another <a href="http://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2015/11/irena-top.html" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch test I did way back in 2015 - The Irena Top</a>? I have saved that red sweater knit for so long not knowing what to do with it. As soon as I saw what the fabric requirements were I quickly ran down to the sewing room to see if I had enough and I had exactly what I needed! (Now I'm wondering where on earth my <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/irena-knit-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Irena Top</a> got to? It's not in my closet, nor is it in my dresser drawer. Huh. I hope I didn't give it away at some point thinking I didn't fit it anymore. Note to self: You need to find your Irena!) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsz4-hThWV4R9tmrLvL5Xqvz349uA-0ZVxNMhf73A0XnoGB0JLcdj4aqoFiTA-Vjd88ZXnhlje_6FBX_pKAnYUXCxj8zPGTZ9HiEG0QXS_gDrx4TxVzEn0KNs9tfEAUi61wCmVKOtR1vAcVc4dpVZWxfAFh75qalnXQtZcbYfme1RoDCxVJg=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsz4-hThWV4R9tmrLvL5Xqvz349uA-0ZVxNMhf73A0XnoGB0JLcdj4aqoFiTA-Vjd88ZXnhlje_6FBX_pKAnYUXCxj8zPGTZ9HiEG0QXS_gDrx4TxVzEn0KNs9tfEAUi61wCmVKOtR1vAcVc4dpVZWxfAFh75qalnXQtZcbYfme1RoDCxVJg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>Anyways - before I get too far away on my tangent let's just circle back to the Sibiu Top. The only change I made to my size 18 was my standard 1 1/2" in length to the bodice. However when I sewed up my top and tried it on I realized that I hadn't accounted for the amount of vertical stretch in my fabric being significantly more than the pattern called for. I ended up taking a inch back off the bottom to bring the hem band up to the appropriate level. I love the short cuffed three quarter sleeves and the crew neckline, which is good because that was all my fabric would allow for! Top finished I decided immediately to make a second one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5n0S8PU1ZG-Kz9fKp3R49oAr4ArLwdh0hAa0Cn5zMxprd-RvCMmlVJ4KqMvd1S85XQto4M7bxNykJB864nM0uJBX9T5y4qp9QRHyytkghqddpmVOb2AqV2Xyd8ymFE57yFNVMk3XNvPwqnq7mywRNxU65iiqawjSYpV0Bdc7Lvcl_ICee1A=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5n0S8PU1ZG-Kz9fKp3R49oAr4ArLwdh0hAa0Cn5zMxprd-RvCMmlVJ4KqMvd1S85XQto4M7bxNykJB864nM0uJBX9T5y4qp9QRHyytkghqddpmVOb2AqV2Xyd8ymFE57yFNVMk3XNvPwqnq7mywRNxU65iiqawjSYpV0Bdc7Lvcl_ICee1A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>For my second one I wanted to try some of the other options so this time I opted for the long cuffs and the cowl neckline. I decided it was the perfect pattern for my latest Minerva Brand Ambassador project. This gorgeous sparkly sweater knit was kindly gifted to me in exchange for a review that you can read over on the Minerva site under <a href="https://www.minerva.com/people/1000164" target="_blank">my profile</a>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmjQwrGp50WkwMcLZEXHIbpXkflhGeV25OQN2hwPl15NdNqo8HhpSubBelNEvRGTaEwMsLONfaggMN6KKFO_ziQJSnZ-gS4ovacGT733AoL3KnvRzok6w5QVKY4t_6UH0F8Mz7lorSwrDwnd76fh2m31a9al6WH7DeQDjQAvHBP-nhIJw9yQ=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmjQwrGp50WkwMcLZEXHIbpXkflhGeV25OQN2hwPl15NdNqo8HhpSubBelNEvRGTaEwMsLONfaggMN6KKFO_ziQJSnZ-gS4ovacGT733AoL3KnvRzok6w5QVKY4t_6UH0F8Mz7lorSwrDwnd76fh2m31a9al6WH7DeQDjQAvHBP-nhIJw9yQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">For this one the stretch percentages are what are required by the pattern so I kept the 1 1/2" of length in the bodice and it's perfect for me. No other changes were necessary at all. This is such an easy top to fit given it's batwing style.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvV1hQPCSInsQcVch0dx5u6TEwLJbw5eWzOylX3bI9ng_CD1hpdkWnVKngCdGr9ftKhSE9u7wcP6T9N0xVkBgGodrG1fTEFibQIagpAbB7c90GOGRu9_NaNZn6o8jbOax-MRpqnRwPBHNkxSdA1-bU5ibOHHq2fjym-vtrx5vv9OiIUHiEww=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvV1hQPCSInsQcVch0dx5u6TEwLJbw5eWzOylX3bI9ng_CD1hpdkWnVKngCdGr9ftKhSE9u7wcP6T9N0xVkBgGodrG1fTEFibQIagpAbB7c90GOGRu9_NaNZn6o8jbOax-MRpqnRwPBHNkxSdA1-bU5ibOHHq2fjym-vtrx5vv9OiIUHiEww=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>Of course I couldn't just stop with two of the views when I could make a third version! For my third I decided to go a more casual route and make a jersey version. I had a metre of <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/pointelle/products/burnt-orange-pointelle-jersey-knit-1-2-metre" target="_blank">Pointelle Jersey</a> and a metre and a half of the Tangled Gardens from a previous custom round (unfortunately sold out by the looks of it) in bamboo jersey both bought from The Fabric Snob. I did have to seam the centre back to make it work, as well as cut the cuffs and hem band on the lenghwise grain instead of the crosswise grain, but it was fine. I could have been less stubborn and reversed my fabrics and had plenty to work with but I wanted just a pop of the floral in the solid. As I said everything worked out fine, I just had to spend a bit of time figuring everything out - pattern placement tetris if you will.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM2g-1-R4gMPjVoWgR1BkATctN1WccUoPUm_lV3J2QFRRg5HTylVGNyX6ca3Dbq60BUCUU2Orm-iLF6dEuSupqANtzW-TV7CbCsQGNK-MPx4bHXbsi_WwmfWWuYlR7IS9JvX3a_GRgUxiabcufXFFi8XVwtflJ1QQq8Fl78bnuR6wS1PqmCQ=s2066" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2066" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM2g-1-R4gMPjVoWgR1BkATctN1WccUoPUm_lV3J2QFRRg5HTylVGNyX6ca3Dbq60BUCUU2Orm-iLF6dEuSupqANtzW-TV7CbCsQGNK-MPx4bHXbsi_WwmfWWuYlR7IS9JvX3a_GRgUxiabcufXFFi8XVwtflJ1QQq8Fl78bnuR6wS1PqmCQ=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></div><p>I'm so happy with all three of my tops! They're comfortable and cozy and yet another winner for my wardrobe. You know it's a hit when I make three versions of a pattern within days.</p><p>If you'd like to get your own copy of the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/sibiu-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Sibiu Top</a> pattern you can hop on over to the Itch to Stitch site and get it while it's on sale for the release week!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-59106158734723195172022-01-30T15:58:00.001-06:002022-01-30T15:58:16.713-06:00Garden Variety<p>Hello and Happy New Year! I can't believe we're almost to the end of January already! Things have been a little bit bananas lately including the weather! We seem to be on a bit of a yo-yo string with Mother Nature these days - bitterly cold then a drastic upswing to just below freezing then plummeting once again into a deep freeze. The boys have had a total of five weather related school closures already this month (I've had four). And we have another storm expected to roll through early this week, so that ought to be interesting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl39xXWyA5fOZixNLyoO5SpRClOAN4J6dVD9i1HEMOIVhTWSgj0yHKg0xzoB-cNSObn3gqJMmrkPmL7_BxPozr79iUBi8JorTYBnNrH0eIgj6KNrdtXzUkDi5Dui6dki9Y7ldyFy114k6lLAojTtgVKQ9Uke3bhNZqRz5Sq8N9E8Knec4vlg=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Variety as a scarf" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl39xXWyA5fOZixNLyoO5SpRClOAN4J6dVD9i1HEMOIVhTWSgj0yHKg0xzoB-cNSObn3gqJMmrkPmL7_BxPozr79iUBi8JorTYBnNrH0eIgj6KNrdtXzUkDi5Dui6dki9Y7ldyFy114k6lLAojTtgVKQ9Uke3bhNZqRz5Sq8N9E8Knec4vlg=w300-h400" title="Snuggly Warm" width="300" /></a></div><p>Despite the weather, I'm still getting out and going for my daily walks that I started doing January 1st, 2021. I'm pretty impressed with myself that I haven't missed a single day in over a year as of yet! On those bitterly cold days though I need to make sure I'm dressed properly, which for me is wearing <i>ALL</i> the wool! I'm pretty excited to have a new source of wooly warmth to show you today!</p><p>I started the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-variety-5" target="_blank">Garden Variety Wrap</a> during a mystery knit along with Paper Daisy Creations back in the fall of 2020. I thought it would be an easy one to finish given there was only to be four clues to knit. I was so certain about my ability to get it done I even bought brand new wool for the project instead of digging through my stash. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjngubE-Z79ZkgqQlrXYCzW_6OR0YbgMBOe7bI16gl8XdJAxSluOAKnIWMO6NS7w4lmlruilGBzMNkyfca6s_N4J_qJLY_z7J8oGuUu1QfV90WwO8Ewyszbs0cycKhgYLYRD7rsUsuNuJtekt8Swv5hgfShPhGwp-2MgIy6OES1PWkw4-Nfqg=s3740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hands holding needles and knitting in lap" border="0" data-original-height="3740" data-original-width="3019" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjngubE-Z79ZkgqQlrXYCzW_6OR0YbgMBOe7bI16gl8XdJAxSluOAKnIWMO6NS7w4lmlruilGBzMNkyfca6s_N4J_qJLY_z7J8oGuUu1QfV90WwO8Ewyszbs0cycKhgYLYRD7rsUsuNuJtekt8Swv5hgfShPhGwp-2MgIy6OES1PWkw4-Nfqg=w323-h400" title="Garden Variety in Progress" width="323" /></a></div><br /><p>I was really eager to start when clue one came out in September of 2020. I had a bit of a false start and had to rip out my beginning, but not to be deterred I cast on again and forged on finishing clue one a week into October. Then I worked through clue two and started into clue three. Then I lost all will to knit, put it aside and didn't pick it up again until after Christmas this year, when I decided I really did feel like knitting again, but couldn't really decide on what to start. Not to mention I was starting to feel a little bit guilty about having bought all the wool and then just let it go to the wayside.</p><p>When I picked it up on December 29th I was about a third of the way through clue three. It took me a bit to figure out where I was exactly and what I was doing but by New Years Eve I was finishing up the last rows and started out the next day with the fourth and final clue! I finished all the knitting by January 25th and was ready to weave in the few ends I hadn't woven in as I went and then block it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjtyG3c8bG7KBhN5gm1Q-X6uD6CViBiIDuF407TB46H2z3LuU-35VTQkqM08sKnTO6eNF0wHwcIJ4C6O2KbMhmVe__QTrTIK9MA71kiQpV6WJz2olkEDAbvfZVdLSSy8D1Gt1OFaMVJ2_yVYeabZuv18L8hrDzD9wADpr1r_xF6hRm7vOFrw=s2863" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Standing holding the wrap outstretched" border="0" data-original-height="2863" data-original-width="2308" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjtyG3c8bG7KBhN5gm1Q-X6uD6CViBiIDuF407TB46H2z3LuU-35VTQkqM08sKnTO6eNF0wHwcIJ4C6O2KbMhmVe__QTrTIK9MA71kiQpV6WJz2olkEDAbvfZVdLSSy8D1Gt1OFaMVJ2_yVYeabZuv18L8hrDzD9wADpr1r_xF6hRm7vOFrw=w323-h400" title="Garden Variety Wrap full length" width="323" /></a></div><p>I'm so happy that I picked it up again and finished it! I absolutely love how it turned out - I had some misgivings as I was knitting that I might not like that the design wasn't symmetrical - sometimes I can be a bit funny about that sort of thing - but in the end it doesn't bother me at all. I actually am quite fond of it!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4vXXSTI0H75lUMoQ2_6fsvWLFH4ydygkDGJ8eyicacDMgh0CQuuotmMN7OFbtdH0DK3inAZLcQKp3OKdfoBu3awi4RFkkjC6Fcj9VyrMHbfb4kLCF7frNDkquq7sQ-2GwCvFySlA8CMMHoDDYh20rzvWB4IzBM-N9EYuxBqqF3HwOcrTv9Q=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Variety detail shot - 1" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4vXXSTI0H75lUMoQ2_6fsvWLFH4ydygkDGJ8eyicacDMgh0CQuuotmMN7OFbtdH0DK3inAZLcQKp3OKdfoBu3awi4RFkkjC6Fcj9VyrMHbfb4kLCF7frNDkquq7sQ-2GwCvFySlA8CMMHoDDYh20rzvWB4IzBM-N9EYuxBqqF3HwOcrTv9Q=w300-h400" title="Left side of the wrap" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiwGfn_Dlau6h125FLijgNZoCt7TSjB086KPB73WDC3-LD-csIPLKo3oi4kZOke1NUcQRN6QwdZKSuN_1QJvbf9F0ND2fnE_DRABiJALkH4KGAHWGVmcuN27ZvahfyKWCRLF3WIgReWIDXin4t6FgypfYSJnH2sxyDvAe0ffXPCTUyjJVCrg=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Variety details - shot 2" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiwGfn_Dlau6h125FLijgNZoCt7TSjB086KPB73WDC3-LD-csIPLKo3oi4kZOke1NUcQRN6QwdZKSuN_1QJvbf9F0ND2fnE_DRABiJALkH4KGAHWGVmcuN27ZvahfyKWCRLF3WIgReWIDXin4t6FgypfYSJnH2sxyDvAe0ffXPCTUyjJVCrg=w300-h400" title="Right end of the wrap" width="300" /></a></div><p>My wrap is huge and snuggly warm! It's perfect as a scarf for keeping the wind off my face when I'm going for my walk, which is how I normally wear it, but it is also big enough to throw over my shoulders if I'm a bit chilly and need a little bit of an extra layer.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8zfJscCjiYiGm1wyAoqa5YMAU3w1but8l870Uw4pXynmWGyW-qG6qi6zimLKVpW_deQA3IDIyuyypr4R4j3kl21Lj18LKQ9Co6QROpiWAb-ZH1APTdiQi-j90S-W6LX-4YN_aQWOCLDUBQ5W4_e3vq2f8ipiX2jlQn0PCaA8lLsUieqFvbQ=s2699" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Variety shown as a shawl" border="0" data-original-height="2699" data-original-width="2028" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8zfJscCjiYiGm1wyAoqa5YMAU3w1but8l870Uw4pXynmWGyW-qG6qi6zimLKVpW_deQA3IDIyuyypr4R4j3kl21Lj18LKQ9Co6QROpiWAb-ZH1APTdiQi-j90S-W6LX-4YN_aQWOCLDUBQ5W4_e3vq2f8ipiX2jlQn0PCaA8lLsUieqFvbQ=w300-h400" title="All wrapped up" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>This is my second wrap/shawl pattern from Paper Daisy Creations and I have to say I'm really impressed with the way she writes her patterns. Both this one and the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midwestern-afternoon" target="_blank">Midwestern Afternoon</a> shawl were easy to follow and fun to knit! They're both certainly easy to wear too! I've been using my Garden Variety constantly since it finished drying and up until wearing this one, I've been wearing <a href="https://prairie-girl-knits.blogspot.com/2021/02/picking-up-needles.html" target="_blank">my Midwestern Afternoon</a> on endless repeat this winter!</p><p>I'm tempted to knit another Paper Daisy Creations wrap - I've had <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flickering-light" target="_blank">Flickering Light</a> queued for a few years now - but seeing how pleased I was to finish one work in progress, I decided before starting something new I'd pull out another wip and finish it first. </p><p></p>Now I'm plugging away at <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/polarity-2" target="_blank">Polarity</a> by Elena Nodel. I started this one way, way back in February of 2017 using some black alpaca fingering weight that N and A had brought back for me from their trip to Peru and a skein of brightly coloured Colinette Jitterbug in the Red Parrot colourway that a friend had gifted me a few years earlier. I don't even have much left to do on my Polarity. A few more "teeth" and it'll be done and I'll have a fiesta of a scarf ready to be an antidote to any grey and gloomy weather! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwGPR9XTA1THb1fKleLxuyz1RLSdkDd9aH0ISfZTIo33JfwDyd5g6KTS7h9w3cPSLYcTxQSKmBG7ezrvcDnP-LIu7eTXoqBxhzcXcZAWthKwTnc83KO-bjyH9gVFw8TLVOGRY1Xe91PRC6h8tIfRC4bZ-_xPXPoWg4vlhI1OcUTDzsVyJsQQ=s3921" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Polarity Shawl knitting in progress" border="0" data-original-height="3921" data-original-width="2700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwGPR9XTA1THb1fKleLxuyz1RLSdkDd9aH0ISfZTIo33JfwDyd5g6KTS7h9w3cPSLYcTxQSKmBG7ezrvcDnP-LIu7eTXoqBxhzcXcZAWthKwTnc83KO-bjyH9gVFw8TLVOGRY1Xe91PRC6h8tIfRC4bZ-_xPXPoWg4vlhI1OcUTDzsVyJsQQ=w275-h400" title="Polarity in Progress" width="275" /></a></div><div><p>After that I have two sweaters also in my WIP basket - both are Untangling Knots patterns in various states of done-ness. My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mary-mead" target="_blank">Mary Mead</a> from the December of 2018 needs the a couple more inches on the body and the sleeves and my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/populuxe" target="_blank">Populuxe</a> from earlier in the fall of 2018 only needs sleeves. I'm not sure if I'll finish them up first or start something totally new once I'm done with Polarity though. We'll see... I'm just so happy to be enjoying knitting again after such a long hiatus of not doing anything but the occasional gnome. </p><p>Until next time, I hope you're staying safe and well throughout these crazy times and finding lots of things to bring you joy and happiness!</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><br /></div>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-70853201713047429422021-12-01T08:41:00.000-06:002021-12-01T08:41:31.611-06:00The Itch to Stitch Poas Jacket<p> Well, it's been a bit longer than I though since I last wrote a blog post. What can I say? It's been a ridiculously busy fall. I won't bore you with the details and instead am going to get right down to the point! </p><p>I just wanted to stop in and show off the newest <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a> pattern that I was lucky to test! It's the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/poas-jacket-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Poas Jacket</a> - a cropped semi-fitted woven jacket with all the trimmings of double princess seams and lots of opportunity for topstitching. It's in the not so new size range and includes cup sizing making fitting so much easier!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8LU_NkMHSapEGjL0p3nuYImkKJgPAMSztUk6zliXMn_HVfDpEv0Rr8kusPSPSwpRkDm3cF65wS7JTDm9oJfHxVl1WOfLBlAefBKlAiQw-qBdtjV-mHsfYMrpeiU7rCXfyEY/s2048/IMG_9198.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1251" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8LU_NkMHSapEGjL0p3nuYImkKJgPAMSztUk6zliXMn_HVfDpEv0Rr8kusPSPSwpRkDm3cF65wS7JTDm9oJfHxVl1WOfLBlAefBKlAiQw-qBdtjV-mHsfYMrpeiU7rCXfyEY/w244-h400/IMG_9198.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><p>I'm so enamoured with this jacket. I really had no business sewing a test project when I have a million and one things on my to-do list, but I love wearing my cropped denim jacket I bought about 15 years ago and thought something similar but different would be a great addition to the wardrobe.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPrUfdmWijpaSu1r7Rt0heLTy4bUxSspngOb_1sZaJcypNYbCSjaIEanrUEhyphenhyphenCoduA1MqmxelfIWb7DeKH_mGRBI3HE8CvJ42uPN6MLngM7Vspi-rAf9C_1zqEzEUh0En3SHc/s2048/IMG_9245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1381" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPrUfdmWijpaSu1r7Rt0heLTy4bUxSspngOb_1sZaJcypNYbCSjaIEanrUEhyphenhyphenCoduA1MqmxelfIWb7DeKH_mGRBI3HE8CvJ42uPN6MLngM7Vspi-rAf9C_1zqEzEUh0En3SHc/w270-h400/IMG_9245.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div><p>I mentioned there is quite a bit of top stitching, which I definitely think adds that professional touch to the jacket, but it was time consuming because I had to keep changing out my threads from seaming to top stitching. No different than making jeans but to be honest most of the the things I've sewn over the last few years have been pretty basic, so it was a bit of an adjustment to have to slow it down a bit. Not that it's a bad thing. I think a "hefty" project every now and again is a great way to get back to the basics of the craft. Don't worry though - it may have made me slow down my sewing process, but it's not hard to make. The instructions Kennis provides are, as always, top notch and easy to follow. She breaks everything down so well.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr01Qcipvnq_24BKsBNYQmD72LrOiBq0ojO0FL2ganX47ZfhS4zKPJSx0F0SB8T1zVVcaiMSFdpV58FYJCPCZx1WEFmggqussOYMujInRzUkPwpJ1sI9b0bPIjHT_5gwjg_DQf/s2048/IMG_9153.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1451" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr01Qcipvnq_24BKsBNYQmD72LrOiBq0ojO0FL2ganX47ZfhS4zKPJSx0F0SB8T1zVVcaiMSFdpV58FYJCPCZx1WEFmggqussOYMujInRzUkPwpJ1sI9b0bPIjHT_5gwjg_DQf/w284-h400/IMG_9153.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div><p>I think spring and fall is going to see a lot of wear! I can pair it with my jumpsuits, my dresses and my jeans. </p><p></p><p>So I'll leave you with the link in case you want to give it a go yourself. <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/poas-jacket-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Click here</a> to go to the Itch to Stitch Website for the Poas Jacket Pattern. It's even on sale for the release week!</p><p>I've got to dash... It's high time I get the boys and myself out the door to school and work. <br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DOMOwa0zgQIVcgZ-yB7lf8cRI5p-XUSP8RTwk2qz0x3TDRzBra0lAfFuf1jLBiK1dIiKd4ffLc4QDlvEwkrGvgZUXZLnLBF8YjBOi8pvguqM-DltGtMOpq36M5CzmcKpmjfg/s2048/IMG_9145.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1432" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DOMOwa0zgQIVcgZ-yB7lf8cRI5p-XUSP8RTwk2qz0x3TDRzBra0lAfFuf1jLBiK1dIiKd4ffLc4QDlvEwkrGvgZUXZLnLBF8YjBOi8pvguqM-DltGtMOpq36M5CzmcKpmjfg/w280-h400/IMG_9145.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-15711723528644609032021-09-11T10:42:00.003-05:002021-09-11T10:42:18.238-05:00Basic Black - The Summer Sewing Edition<p>So, if there's one thing that I think is fairly obvious, I normally gravitate towards bright colours. Throw in a bold print and I'm even happier. However, in August I suddenly seemed to gravitate towards ALL the black fabric. So much so that I even ran out of black thread. I never run out of black thread. </p><p>I sewed five different garments in the month of August and three of them were black (save for the dress that had a tiny white spotty print on the black background). What a contrast from my <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1092282" target="_blank">eye searingly bright orange tropical Charlie Caftan</a>!</p><p>My first black garment I sewed was the <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/shop/marcel/" target="_blank">Marcel Dress</a> from Chalk and Notch. I used a rayon challis that I have had in my stash for a few years and chose the long version of the dress. The Marcel dress is a whole lot of dress.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-VTUITXafpsDIPnhramtfzj5Ad3zldzjPAFwG5U4WRXOAbxxDwtpmGMcsD3-nTL5DFDpJM-q1ipj3rk-wT76ClAUrNLgGT0v8oMvzdb5-b2Z3HXM9CZb7Y1dHvrQSR1Mgh1v/s2048/IMG_7277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marcel Dress shown in it's full width glory" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-VTUITXafpsDIPnhramtfzj5Ad3zldzjPAFwG5U4WRXOAbxxDwtpmGMcsD3-nTL5DFDpJM-q1ipj3rk-wT76ClAUrNLgGT0v8oMvzdb5-b2Z3HXM9CZb7Y1dHvrQSR1Mgh1v/w300-h400/IMG_7277.jpeg" title="Marcel Dress" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I wasn't sure actually how I felt about the sheer volume of it, so did make a waist tie in the same fabric to see if I liked it cinched in at the waist. It's not bad, but there's something I still am unsure of. I had a bit of gaping in the bodice that I tried to fix and made a dog's breakfast of, so now there's a bit of pulling, but I think the only way to correct it, would be to take the top of the bodice off entirely, cut a new one and reattach. Which seems like a lot of work for a dress I'm not in love with. Although I'm actually thinking of taking off the bottom section from the last tier down to see if I like it a bit better with a little less length. It might be just the fabric too. I think the volume would have been better suited to a brighter fabric. Or maybe it's just generally I'm suited to brighter fabric. We'll see... maybe I'll appreciate it more next summer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xL_EncmT4iqxuPl38YPqbrNN7WQbKTebfSMkOSBKDf4zSwXDhRem5FOyIPBuAa887FYJ9zFKyLGqjaffWGdYN1x_Y0sHCBtXq1TPz5667S3RPi05L6VxQi24QA2ghLpSAl7-/s2048/IMG_7292.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marcel Dress shown with a self tie cinching in the waist" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xL_EncmT4iqxuPl38YPqbrNN7WQbKTebfSMkOSBKDf4zSwXDhRem5FOyIPBuAa887FYJ9zFKyLGqjaffWGdYN1x_Y0sHCBtXq1TPz5667S3RPi05L6VxQi24QA2ghLpSAl7-/w300-h400/IMG_7292.jpeg" title="Marcel Dress with tie" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>My next project I sewed up was an <a href="https://sinclairpatterns.com/products/oasis-cap-sleeve-top-and-dress-with-pockets-for-knit-fabrics-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Oasis Top</a> from Sinclair Patterns. It's the first women's pattern of theirs that I've made. I did make a men's cardi for my husband last winter that both he and I were really happy with - me for the pattern drafting and sewing of it and him for the fit and the style of it. I wasn't sure though how a women's pattern would work out. I initially bought the Oasis to make the dress, but though making a top version first would be a good way to check out any issues I might have. I had none. The top was perfect. I didn't even add any length to it! The great thing I've discovered about Sinclair patterns is their sizing includes petite, regular and tall. How handy is that?!?! Like the <a href="https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/mens-patterns/products/everton-classic-knit-cardigan-for-men-pdf" target="_blank">Everton Cardigan</a> I'd sewn last winter, I was really impressed with the pattern drafting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33sZn6RQ1UV3PxEDIzhFYgWci5LEzPivPUitesmT4Ad_s5vF6mmw2I0AdzaR7VjvaIwYDaKp4lmhe20Y66SycxHBbS1HxpAHfJ9IgM4jQu_ZTaQ0_isdzoNi9VxInrfa0Ipt6/s2048/IMG_7497.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sinclair Patterns Oasis Top in black pointelle jersey" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33sZn6RQ1UV3PxEDIzhFYgWci5LEzPivPUitesmT4Ad_s5vF6mmw2I0AdzaR7VjvaIwYDaKp4lmhe20Y66SycxHBbS1HxpAHfJ9IgM4jQu_ZTaQ0_isdzoNi9VxInrfa0Ipt6/w300-h400/IMG_7497.jpeg" title="Oasis Top" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>The Oasis top has become a go to top for me. I made it in a <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/pointelle/products/black-pointelle-jersey-knit-1-2-metre" target="_blank">pointelle knit from The Fabric Snob</a> that I picked up at their VIP night back in June when they opened a location in the city and it's in constant rotation! (Can I just say how excited I am that they have opened that location? It's conveniently located in the south end of the city, a short drive away from my husband's work and right on the route I take whenever we go to Costco or the zoo... although my bank account might not think it's as convenient as I do. ha ha!)</p><p>My third project in basic black is another favourite. Made out of The Fabric Snob's <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/boyfriend-wash-solids/products/robert-boyfriend-wash-jersey-knit-1-2-metre-pre-order" target="_blank">boyfriend knit in the "Robert" colourway</a>, my <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/sunday-romper-ladies" target="_blank">Love Notions Sunday Romper</a> is the comfiest garment I own. If it was at all hygienic or acceptable I would never take it off (alas, it does have to get washed and I'm pretty sure people would start to look at me funny if I wore it <i>every</i> single day) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi513CdB3mN9QYvkxIbolqxwPhT7vV7-i8EQ6GSqYR1vmtWyhgkUrWbJVLhmCPIrNCpH1sWz3HoigKL_KFnFfRMWZGlI4d8-i0OHcHDfVCyyVAlsYTDEwt38TxcWzgfZVV_C_83/s2048/IMG_7573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Love Notions Sunday Romper in black jersey, with dolman sleeves and cropped length" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi513CdB3mN9QYvkxIbolqxwPhT7vV7-i8EQ6GSqYR1vmtWyhgkUrWbJVLhmCPIrNCpH1sWz3HoigKL_KFnFfRMWZGlI4d8-i0OHcHDfVCyyVAlsYTDEwt38TxcWzgfZVV_C_83/w300-h400/IMG_7573.jpeg" title="Sunday Romper" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I made the dolman sleeve version and used the cropped leg length and it is definitely LOVE. With it's double v-neck design it's super easy to get in and out of, which is an extra bonus when it comes to jumpsuits. I though it needed a little something to define the waist a bit better (or my lack of defined waistline in any case) so I made a self tie belt to go with it. Did I mention I LOVE this outfit? I keep toying with the idea of making a full length velour one for Christmas Eve this year. I've had that velour in my stash for about four years now for a Christmas Dress, but maybe a Christmas Eve jumpsuit would be better? What do we think of that? Would it be too much? Hmmmm. I need to ponder this more.</p><p>So those were my three garments I made in black. With the left over scraps from my Oasis top and Sunday Romper I decided to try my hand at making some undies. While I've sewn just about everything under the sun, that is one thing I've never bothered to make, although I keep meaning to because I've got so many left over jersey scraps. </p><p>I'm not going to show you them. That just feels weird for me. But I'll tell you that I tried out three different patterns - The <a href="https://megannielsen.com/products/acacia-underwear-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Acacia</a> from Megan Nielson, the <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html">SoZo Undies</a> from the So Zo What Do You Know blog and the DL21 pattern from Make Bra that is now called the <a href="https://www.makebra.com/product/hip-hugger-and-retro-panties-pattern/" target="_blank">Retro Panties</a> patterns. The first two are free patterns. Acacia requires a sign up to Megan Nielson's newsletter and So Zo has a link that you give her a donation if you'd like - did you know she also has a brand new podcast out? It's called <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/" target="_blank">Check Your Thread</a> and I've really been enjoying it so far! The third pattern is under 5 Euros, so a pretty good bargain. I will definitely use up my knit scraps on the Acacia and the SoZo in the future, but personally I think I'll skip the third pattern. It a good pattern and I like the design, but for me personally I like the fit of the other two better and for a scrap buster type project I just can't be bothered to fuss with doing a lot of fit modifications.</p><p>So that brings me to the end of my month of sewing a lot of black fabric. I'm craving all the colours and all the florals now even though I ended up with two new favourites and a sundress (that maybe just needs to wait till the heat of next summer hits for me to properly appreciate it)</p><p>School is back in session though as is tackle football for the boys. Which means between feeling a bit run off my feet during the day and then getting home from work in time to turn around and head back out to the football field four nights a week, I've been too tired to even head into my sewing room let alone work on any projects. So I'm not sure when I'll next stop by to talk crafty persuits with you because I think any progress is going to be slow as molasses until I get into the groove of back to school. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx-h_Vm83DLcEafjfiB2lPgUjwFA1_Mqm4BN7kn-ygHfpfTTMt-ji1Gd3cO7I7gYbTgujqro0spM_x7kk5NFd8Q9sE6I4-wmvjj0uupdaHif0MtHqn-kKhOJpaBE7-IJd9rEC/s2048/IMG_7753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Back to school bulletin board depicting paintbox and paint splatters with the caption "This year is a rainbow of possibilities"" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx-h_Vm83DLcEafjfiB2lPgUjwFA1_Mqm4BN7kn-ygHfpfTTMt-ji1Gd3cO7I7gYbTgujqro0spM_x7kk5NFd8Q9sE6I4-wmvjj0uupdaHif0MtHqn-kKhOJpaBE7-IJd9rEC/w400-h300/IMG_7753.jpeg" title="2021 Back to School Bulletin Board" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>PS: I don't mean to sound humdrum about work. It's exhausting to be sure, but so great to have students back in the school and back in the library. It's crazy to me to think I've not held proper classes in the library since the 13th of March, 2020. I hope with the vaccine/mask mandates here in our province it will help keep us in there this year! It's been such a delight to see the wonder on the student's faces as they rediscover the library, and some discover it for the first time. My travelling library gig last year sufficed, but this is so, so much better! I'm excited about all the possibilities this year holds!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-873767775951894682021-08-21T15:38:00.004-05:002021-08-21T15:39:48.506-05:00A Summer of Sewing with Minerva<p> First can we acknowledge that summer just flew by? It feels like only a few days ago I was shutting the lights off in the library on the last day of June and here we are, three weeks into August already. I have one week left of summer before I head back into the school for what I truly hope will be a better year than last year. </p><p>Instead of dwelling on that though, I thought I'd focus on happier things. Like sewing. I've done loads of sewing for summer this year! (My sewing room shows it too. OOOH boy! It's a complete disaster zone down there. I really, really have to clean it up one of these days. But I digress! Back to happy thoughts! ha ha!)</p><p>As I've mentioned before in previous posts, I am part of the <a href="https://www.minerva.com/" target="_blank">Minerva</a> Brand Ambassador Team. I have been a customer of theirs for a long time. With their selection and customer service they are definitely a go to for me so I'm honoured to be part of their ambassador team and so very grateful for the fabric they send me to work with. Over my time being an ambassador for them I've had the opportunity to use some absolutely beautiful fabrics and these last few months have been no exception. So I thought I'd do a quick run down of my summer of sewing with fabric provided by Minerva! (By the way, I have more in depth individual posts complete with links to the fabrics on each project over on the Minerva site under my profile that you can find <a href="https://www.minerva.com/people/1000164" target="_blank">by clicking here</a>)</p><p>So let's get down to it shall we? First up, from back in May, was my <a href="https://soniaestepdesigns.com/collections/womens/products/mandy" target="_blank">Sonia Estep Designs Mandy dress</a>. This was my second time using a SED pattern - the first was the <a href="https://soniaestepdesigns.com/collections/womens/products/danielle-cozy-cardi" target="_blank">Danielle Cardi</a> which I made for my daughter for Christmas then made three more of for myself during the winter. I was a little nervous making a more fitted garment from a pretty new to me designer, but forged ahead knowing a knit would be pretty forgiving. Minerva provided a beautiful Art Gallery jersey print for this project and it was both amazing to sew with and to wear. It's so soft and luxurious and I love how the only pop of colour is the pixelated butterflies on the pale lilac background!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcButN9bNX_-UrhKC90DGktpoQyCpU57ZdzBjJVvtTCjiEEw-adIaaCCnktl6iEvWc2Jv2iAS1je0iPWn7Tsm_bokvLk8aC0OatC6IHew8TsZ8bBiRE8oo5jjbMLHjHrNdm7O/s2048/SEDMandy+photo+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcButN9bNX_-UrhKC90DGktpoQyCpU57ZdzBjJVvtTCjiEEw-adIaaCCnktl6iEvWc2Jv2iAS1je0iPWn7Tsm_bokvLk8aC0OatC6IHew8TsZ8bBiRE8oo5jjbMLHjHrNdm7O/w300-h400/SEDMandy+photo+2.jpeg" title="SED Mandy Dress" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>My next project a few weeks later was a <a href="https://sewoverit.com/product/sylvia-robe-pdf-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Sew Over It Sylvia Robe</a> in a beautiful, crisp floral cotton lawn. I liked that there was lots of colours I could pull from to pair with tops. (In this photo I've paired it with a viscose <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/ashton-top-pdf-pattern/" target="_blank">Ashton Top</a> - fabric is also from Minerva that I bought during a sale and of course my well worn Lander Shorts)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZb-0wKAetPAoybGkzyoLvcXiVuzmHAjKelWoh-ADTgSfCrQQoIX3ig3hM3P_ErZb7hpU5gNkhKAjeLin513GA1rrpU7H4E6vjRsfuRb1QVq1-ihZuNgzFxv9riiA972fzaqv/s2048/IMG_4865.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZb-0wKAetPAoybGkzyoLvcXiVuzmHAjKelWoh-ADTgSfCrQQoIX3ig3hM3P_ErZb7hpU5gNkhKAjeLin513GA1rrpU7H4E6vjRsfuRb1QVq1-ihZuNgzFxv9riiA972fzaqv/w300-h400/IMG_4865.jpeg" title="Sew Over It Sylvia" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>For my next project I used a stretch viscose in a floral linen look print. I have worn this dress over and over since I snipped the final threads from my sewing machine. I love absolutely everything about it. For this one, I used the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/ashton-top-pdf-pattern/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet Ashton</a> top and added some gathered tiers and waist ties. It's cool and swishy for the hottest of days and I literally live in it. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaToYOck9svzfFz9FAtr9ptqFkCtBbdAxiuEP2uqURlW8BaajEei_zYkgWcSET4VKhdeO0MFP-dhtMiLmmzKsnuG5AYZdDt5lu7IK9N4Hm9her9dvzgEVeYAxMNVGe27iH2EyQ/s2048/IMG_5657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaToYOck9svzfFz9FAtr9ptqFkCtBbdAxiuEP2uqURlW8BaajEei_zYkgWcSET4VKhdeO0MFP-dhtMiLmmzKsnuG5AYZdDt5lu7IK9N4Hm9her9dvzgEVeYAxMNVGe27iH2EyQ/w300-h400/IMG_5657.jpg" title="Helen's Closet Ashton Top Dress Hack" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Since one can simply not have enough "throw on and go" t-shirt dresses (or at least I think you can't anyway) my next project was from a favourite tried and true pattern. This is the <a href="https://sewoverit.com/product/heather-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Sew Over It Heather</a> dress of course and I believe this makes my fifth version of it. Let me see... I have a quilted one that was my first, a t-shirt one I did, then my third one was a ponte one - you can see that one under my Minerva profile if you scroll back a ways - oh, and yes. There was one in between that I still need to fix pockets on and hem that I wasn't sure I liked the fabric on so I abandoned it... I should dig that one out and finish it for winter! And then yes. Number five is this one! I love it's sweet dragonfly and floral print!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK9nDfx7_R-w2d0W2Vne-3d72aJC-RO-Ts5C790FFHPLNy-Kv7UkbvTjqUVvPveMjutRf4u-48NjQgiOa98uqGOQMjEQ-H0_4o8fvXXi0fFCOXrWo0SLEgWY0CWlPfB3fCTPl/s2048/SOI+Heather+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK9nDfx7_R-w2d0W2Vne-3d72aJC-RO-Ts5C790FFHPLNy-Kv7UkbvTjqUVvPveMjutRf4u-48NjQgiOa98uqGOQMjEQ-H0_4o8fvXXi0fFCOXrWo0SLEgWY0CWlPfB3fCTPl/w300-h400/SOI+Heather+4.jpeg" title="Sew Over It Heather Dress" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Ooooh! I really like this next project, although I haven't actually really worn it yet. I'm planning on getting oodles of use out of it when I head back to work thought. It's in a great border print chambray. I'd never worked with a border print before so was a bit hesitant, but I love how it turned out! I can't wait to wear this <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/recoleta-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch Recoleta Dress*</a> in a touch cooler weather!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP2SCfFqvMGLDy62gXQy2hh6Pa79FezjqyyqJYpUsOA5GanR6hl_tvsipXX64vhY83jPjZvNg3rpG8PdNSDTXGXP_Lzf3y4_XSmJNudqtZriLl2uAPlfy_cVXnY8P2bvQSEp2/s2048/IMG_6202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEP2SCfFqvMGLDy62gXQy2hh6Pa79FezjqyyqJYpUsOA5GanR6hl_tvsipXX64vhY83jPjZvNg3rpG8PdNSDTXGXP_Lzf3y4_XSmJNudqtZriLl2uAPlfy_cVXnY8P2bvQSEp2/w300-h400/IMG_6202.jpeg" title="Itch to Stitch Recoleta Dress" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>This next project was made using a new to me fabric and new to me pattern designer. The fabric is an Art Gallery poplin and the pattern is the <a href="https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/paddington-top/" target="_blank">Paddington Top</a> from the Peppermint Magazine, designed by French Navy Patterns. I've never used a Peppermint Magazine free pattern before. I know they're very popular - you can't swing a cat on social media without bumping into a photo of the wildly popular wide strap maxi dress they have, but I had never got around to trying one of their patterns out. I was so impressed with the pattern and instructions for this top and the fabric, being Art Gallery, is absolutely top notch! </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRhcpzxSvX1rBIxZHD0dhb2bEVCLVOIkh7F_Xur0VolcD7efUtGQPrmSGTmkdfQyrCkdLDKHOru03qxJuF54ibbgxorpPImW63wdmoiBQNPttsFM1Z203uRI1rL3A8mZ35iI9/s2048/Paddington+Top+5.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1435" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRhcpzxSvX1rBIxZHD0dhb2bEVCLVOIkh7F_Xur0VolcD7efUtGQPrmSGTmkdfQyrCkdLDKHOru03qxJuF54ibbgxorpPImW63wdmoiBQNPttsFM1Z203uRI1rL3A8mZ35iI9/w280-h400/Paddington+Top+5.jpeg" title="Peppermint Magazine Paddington Top" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>My last project of my sewing for summer with Minerva is one that I have been wanting to make since last summer's Instagram "Caftans and Cocktails" challenge that I never got around to partaking in. Partly because I couldn't find <a href="https://store.closetcorepatterns.com/products/charlie-caftan-pattern" target="_blank">Charlie Caftan</a> worthy fabric and partly because I was too intimidated by the centre front panel from reading too many blog posts that told me how terribly hard it was to do. (For anyone out there feeling overwhelmed and intimidated here's my take on it now that I've made the pattern. Don't let it put you off. Mine may not be 100% perfect, but I'm here to reassure you that it's not as awful as everyone makes it out to be. My only words of advice are to take it slowly, mark your sewing lines clearly and I found using pins to be helpful. You can do it!!) This bright orangey coral tropical rayon challis pretty much screams "swan about it a caftan" doesn't it? I liked how it turned out so much I've got another one in the works as a very last minute summer sew - providing I get around to it that is! LOL)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VLsXGyMlpgkt-ggRpr81gNOUD_W__VSysoXLaIj0dvubb3mlxhnrwZjY-KoBBkzyPEOgkMhHZ-Y_2uZCI8mEuhDdUZfYoWUfGY75n0SUOOYHn4tzE3E9erDUYhvQL2NZmAf/s2048/IMG_7033.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VLsXGyMlpgkt-ggRpr81gNOUD_W__VSysoXLaIj0dvubb3mlxhnrwZjY-KoBBkzyPEOgkMhHZ-Y_2uZCI8mEuhDdUZfYoWUfGY75n0SUOOYHn4tzE3E9erDUYhvQL2NZmAf/w281-h400/IMG_7033.jpeg" title="Closet Core Charlie Caftan" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p>So that's been my summer sewing with Minerva! I'll be back soon (well, I'll try anyways - I always have the best of intentions to get my blog posts done and then I seem to not have enough hours in my day for all the things I want to get done). I've got some more summer sewing I'm hoping to show you though before we're fully back in the swing of all things fall. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-8618535215063357062021-08-05T12:20:00.000-05:002021-08-05T12:20:05.924-05:00The Reynolds Top<p>Here we are the middle of summer and it's finally a rainy day - we've had such a hot dry summer here in the prairies, so it's very welcome. It also means that I have some time to sit down and write a blog post that I had actually intended to write at the beginning of July instead of August. However, since I've left it so long, I now have another project to add in here. Procrastination at it's finest. Ha ha!</p><p>One month ago today, I turned 50 years old. Leading up to my birthday, I decided that a 50th birthday was an occasion that definitely was deserving of a special new dress, even if my plans for my birthday included nothing more than sticking around home for the day other than a short hike at our favourite spot to take our dog Jasper for an off leash walk. </p><p>When Helen's Closet released the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/reynolds-top-and-dress/" target="_blank">Reynolds Dress and Top</a> pattern I snapped it up the minute it was released, printed it off and assembled the PDF the same day. I had my fabric cut out by the next day. And my dress was sewn and hanging up waiting well in advance of my birthday. It took quite a lot of restraint to not wear it before hand, but what is the point of a special birthday dress if you're not going to wait until your birthday to wear it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzpQkXWPTio6Y7OlMS424SfbOPPs992YnnSeRdZ4SjRjcPRDznqzwVA2yqnw5TpxxXZ8qFZrEPe1MupGe0TBvgPdZFFG4o-rqPJlBwtFQmMcuV6gFsu3g02CF98cFFS8TcqVc/s2048/IMG_6444.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzpQkXWPTio6Y7OlMS424SfbOPPs992YnnSeRdZ4SjRjcPRDznqzwVA2yqnw5TpxxXZ8qFZrEPe1MupGe0TBvgPdZFFG4o-rqPJlBwtFQmMcuV6gFsu3g02CF98cFFS8TcqVc/w300-h400/IMG_6444.jpeg" title="Reynolds Dress - relaxing on the grass" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I love this pattern so much!! It's quick and easy to sew which is my favourite thing these days! It's a simple design so it lets your fabric really shine as the star of the show. As with all of the Helen's Closet patterns the instructions are well thought out and include all sorts of helpful tips throughout. The attention to small details is there as well with mitred corners on the side slits of the dress and the option of doing flat felled seams. I sewed up a straight size 18 D with absolutely no changes to the pattern at all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjSo45uWTLlfs4srlFYu7GcRwgg7Gpl_hFFcRaWK48ezehKxMFZl1es8Cy34YMp6MhiXsP0AV4__1bNXfv_6O8lKgJcpqpd3PWiuMUDVaUZoK8TEzDQTiNov0qyAwYWLxKfGi/s2048/IMG_6358.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjSo45uWTLlfs4srlFYu7GcRwgg7Gpl_hFFcRaWK48ezehKxMFZl1es8Cy34YMp6MhiXsP0AV4__1bNXfv_6O8lKgJcpqpd3PWiuMUDVaUZoK8TEzDQTiNov0qyAwYWLxKfGi/w300-h400/IMG_6358.jpeg" title="Reynolds Dress" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I knew exactly what fabric I was going to use on it too, without any hesitation. In fact, I had my fabric picked out of my stash from the minute Helen had said on the patreon podcast that she would be releasing it soon. I had my eye on this large scale floral linen at Fabricland for over a year! When it came out, I fell in love with it, but it was just too expensive to justify buying. Every time I saw it in the store I was tempted to buy it, but even when it was discounted it still wasn't justifiable. Then earlier this spring I was wandering through the clearance section of the store just having a browse about and suddenly I spied the bolt of fabric marked down to 70%! Hello! That's a completely justifiable purchase in my books! I couldn't believe my luck. I bought it and tucked it away in my stash waiting for the perfect pattern to come along. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1wGToJo1TF6piItWgNhb5dIuCTx0VTwicLzgKJ3T-7K7j3MUn80xqGP14Td6vhjwKUwGFmoHfHone1IfdsJyzntWlBiU_aSKNtcBwEISaMwpshTUY401DZf9FCOtHe6fUIY6/s2048/IMG_6374.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1wGToJo1TF6piItWgNhb5dIuCTx0VTwicLzgKJ3T-7K7j3MUn80xqGP14Td6vhjwKUwGFmoHfHone1IfdsJyzntWlBiU_aSKNtcBwEISaMwpshTUY401DZf9FCOtHe6fUIY6/w300-h400/IMG_6374.jpeg" title="Reynolds Dress in action" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I was thrilled with how my dress turned out! The Reynolds is great to showcase the large scale print, and it's so comfortable to wear. I wore it, as planned, all day. I even swanned about Tourond Creek in my hikers and dress when we took Jasper for his walk that day. It was quite a look, I'm sure. Ha ha!</p><p>I kept thinking that a Reynolds Top would be a great addition to my wardrobe too. I have a couple pairs of cropped <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/samara-pants-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch Samara Pants</a>* that I made a few summers ago. <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1008561" target="_blank">One pair</a> I pair with a modified <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/crystal-cove-cami-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Crystal Cove Cami</a> as a faux jumpsuit, but the other pair I really have nothing to go with so they continually just sit in on the hanger unworn. I had bought some linen last summer with the intention of making a Ashton top out of it, but never got around to it, and thought that it might work out nicely as a Reynolds, so I sewed it up on Monday morning in about an hour and a half. (Had I not had to change serger thread, ran out of bobbin thread and broken a needle it would have been even quicker). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNzUP0rYs-pdHksFjpFR3j4O2C7XoflA6vkwFy5JPYt-0oI2Q646KbYmrUdey5W3TTe19Ucw_-NzJwlEs0AqjoZMZcyUohUC8Rmg3Dg8qoLaYfSGwOHoeIfiJ0Qbpk7aM5oV2/s2048/IMG_7055.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNzUP0rYs-pdHksFjpFR3j4O2C7XoflA6vkwFy5JPYt-0oI2Q646KbYmrUdey5W3TTe19Ucw_-NzJwlEs0AqjoZMZcyUohUC8Rmg3Dg8qoLaYfSGwOHoeIfiJ0Qbpk7aM5oV2/w300-h400/IMG_7055.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>The only difference from the pattern was that I lengthened it because I'm not one for wearing cropped tops at all. Otherwise, like the dress, I made no modifications. I'm really happy with how it turned out too. Don't mind the wrinkles. I ironed it, then sat down for a bit in it before taking the photos and well, it's linen. You've just got to embrace the fact it wrinkles if you so much as look at it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPsClELyCB5GGbLwAKGQFbFiw7grGRww1RWQurYKa72iqx1ZrA1mrO52mVCEDc5uZ8_2tb_QyeuEk5mBkJIcObC_LBLErdarB98ysNenUirVmz4s3U6CwrmsYW6or3a3Itmn8/s2048/IMG_7068.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPsClELyCB5GGbLwAKGQFbFiw7grGRww1RWQurYKa72iqx1ZrA1mrO52mVCEDc5uZ8_2tb_QyeuEk5mBkJIcObC_LBLErdarB98ysNenUirVmz4s3U6CwrmsYW6or3a3Itmn8/w300-h400/IMG_7068.jpeg" title="Reynold's Top and Purple and Blue Samara Pants" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>While I'd made my top originally thinking solely of having something to wear with my purple and blue Samaras, I was pretty excited to realize that it would go with my other pair as well. It's nice to have a different look for them than just my faux jumpsuit one! Win! Win!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX3SxmR1lqNSfrZE_MV0vBncCJwWFkIA0bRwkr-0P2OrGUZkL7bqO87vjy8n-57xKznHGZvuOeNLM7dFFLXPcIUbGifUr1327JI0ojcfnt9_11I-kZ-iEKOeX72EwT66Cx4yA/s2048/IMG_7186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX3SxmR1lqNSfrZE_MV0vBncCJwWFkIA0bRwkr-0P2OrGUZkL7bqO87vjy8n-57xKznHGZvuOeNLM7dFFLXPcIUbGifUr1327JI0ojcfnt9_11I-kZ-iEKOeX72EwT66Cx4yA/w300-h400/IMG_7186.jpeg" title="Linen Reynolds Top and Orange and Navy Samara Pants" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Now I'm wondering how many Reynolds are too many Reynolds? I have some more fabric that would be perfectly suited to a top and I've got some cotton that I'm thinking might be cute in a shorter version of the dress... decisions, decisions...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37087248.post-50376762830472363352021-06-22T08:30:00.010-05:002021-06-22T12:24:31.706-05:00The Glenelly Top<p>Hello dear readers! I'm back again with a quick little post about my newest sewing project. I'm sure it will come as absolutely no surprise at this point when I tell you that it is, of course, also the newest pattern to be released by <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971 " target="_blank">Itch to Stitch</a>. Once again I got in on the ground floor so to speak with this one, and was a pattern tester for it.</p><p>I love wearing tee shirts but tend to stick with a few tried and true patterns that consist of either raglan or set in sleeves and either a plain round or scooped neckline or if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, a v-neck. But you know what they say. Variety is the spice of life. And <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/glenelly-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=29" target="_blank">Glenelly</a> definitely provides that!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKWbReNn-r6RzRN2nJxKLoZzjMTQztAc7__WHGK6NKDtRstQWkOjQfBxVOdNPlTO8I1BqFuVXpyYMzuGNpuvjqEyRUoo7eH2yKRwi8YUNcvSxVbGM19BQQ6OtMOxvArRpXcDI/s2048/IMG_5819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKWbReNn-r6RzRN2nJxKLoZzjMTQztAc7__WHGK6NKDtRstQWkOjQfBxVOdNPlTO8I1BqFuVXpyYMzuGNpuvjqEyRUoo7eH2yKRwi8YUNcvSxVbGM19BQQ6OtMOxvArRpXcDI/w300-h400/IMG_5819.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I was really drawn to the open neckline of the Glenelly top with it's angled front corners and wide sweeping cut. It takes the idea of a plain tee and dials it up a notch in interest both in design and the sewing of it. Of course, like a lot of ITS patterns, it looks more complicated than it really is. Kennis is always very thorough in her instructions and walks you through those corners step by step. </p><p>Once you've got the corners down pat, the rest is easy peasy and goes together like any other t-shirt neckline really! And the rest of the shirt? Well, there is absolutely nothing complicated about it at all! Raglan sleeves, side seams, hems. That's it, that's all. Did I mention that the neckline really only looks complicated? If you take it nice and easy and follow the steps it shouldn't cause any aggravation and I think it's well worth the effort!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyPvP3K9id-lmDlJb3TRf9xIhNLacJcEEq8OA76tqy-ftplL3j0fuzuugnnooqBIJzzLkAL7YR_ELoasHYcI3pSL-zrOdYP5BQ19n8fhy2iHP-1T74w3Z-X_yJHJNmyDAgkJX/s2048/IMG_5707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyPvP3K9id-lmDlJb3TRf9xIhNLacJcEEq8OA76tqy-ftplL3j0fuzuugnnooqBIJzzLkAL7YR_ELoasHYcI3pSL-zrOdYP5BQ19n8fhy2iHP-1T74w3Z-X_yJHJNmyDAgkJX/w300-h400/IMG_5707.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I was quite pleased with the fit of this top - I always say I have line backer shoulders so I found it really suited to my shape as is. But don't worry! If you've got narrower shoulders, Kennis has a modification you can do to bring the neckline in as necessary. Just check out her handy post that's linked from the instructions!</p><p>My top is sewn out of the famous <a href="https://www.thefabricsnob.com/collections/boyfriend-wash-solids" target="_blank">Fabric Snob "boyfriend knit"</a> (Sorry I can't remember the colourway - maybe it was Joseph? Not sure! I don't actually see it on their website right now). For size reference, I sewed an 18 (full bust) and sized down to the 16 at the hips. Only alteration needed was my standard 1 1/2" length.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nVwPSh0FgO0VcCIq-w1-irQuY7EuRaNpnwQKA5ojzbo4zto0KCo2U31QOrzganh9DDMx_1l2fW9OJDJt5lBKRmI2tS-B_-8I1vTAH2WLnhGxdp1kKrw9szHdnUIFnoWsrDX6/s2048/IMG_5792.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nVwPSh0FgO0VcCIq-w1-irQuY7EuRaNpnwQKA5ojzbo4zto0KCo2U31QOrzganh9DDMx_1l2fW9OJDJt5lBKRmI2tS-B_-8I1vTAH2WLnhGxdp1kKrw9szHdnUIFnoWsrDX6/w300-h400/IMG_5792.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I planned all week to get a dress version done as well to show you, but here we are, release day and I've not even dug out my fabric that I want to use, so I guess that's not going to be happening just yet. What can I say? It's nearing the end of June. There's seven more school days left to go in what feels like a year that's lasted approximately eleventy million months. I'm just plain old worn out. (Pretty sure everyone is at this point. Not just me!) The end is in site though. I did my last library classes yesterday and started the year end inventory. And in a little more than a week I will be on summer break. And one of the first things I plan on doing is sewing up a Glenelly dress! (I also have another <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/recoleta-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Recoleta </a>planned for those first few days of summer break too!)</p><p>Anyways, I hope you'll check out the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/glenelly-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=prairiegirl1971" target="_blank">Glenelly</a> pattern and give it a go. If I get that dress made next week as planned, I'll pop up an update here to show you how it turned out as well! (although don't hold me to it... I may well be sitting on the deck just staring off into space for a bit. LOL)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>prairiegirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922713008746309200noreply@blogger.com2