sewing, socks & such

Lately, I have been busy in the backyard, dealing with loads of weeds and such, so there hasn't been as much time for my projects as I would like. But, I did manage to almost complete this tank top and start a second.
The pattern is the Cabo Halter, by Amy Butler. I am going to attach my straps in the back instead of the halter tie, because I am really not a fan of strapless bras. So now, it is completely regular bra friendly.
I also began making this top in a mustard yellow, which is one of my favorite colors at the moment. The pattern is really easy and it turns out pretty cute. Yesterday, I was in my local fabric store and saw the new Amy Butler line, Midwest Modern. I like these color combinations better than most of her other collections. They are a little less bright, and the designs are very fresh and modern. I especially like the design Linen. I am going to make a skirt out of it for the summer.

A couple of weeks ago I finished this scarf from the pattern Lochschal by brigitte. de, made out of 2 skeins of GGH Aspen . I like that it is so short that I have to pin it shut with a brooch, which makes it more interesting than the usual scarf.

On a sad note, I finished approximately 5" of my Jaywalker socks before deciding to rip it out and start over, because they were going to be too small.

I knew that was probably the case for a while. I thought about giving them to someone with a smaller foot, or turning them into fingerless gloves, but in the end I decided that I wanted the Jaywalker socks! I figure that if I am going to spend the time to make them, they might as well fit. So now I am left with a few more WIP's and of course, the desire to start even more.

socks

Before I actually started this blog I had the idea that I would update it with new posts a couple times a week. Now that my blog actually exists, I see how unrealistic that was for me. Between all of the things I have to do and all of the things I want to do, writing new posts is proving less progressive than planned. Which is pretty pathetic considering this is only post number two!

However, I have made some sock progress. I recently finished my second pair of socks and I really like the way they turned out. I used approximately 2 1/2 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 wool. They are a bit too thick for wearing with shoes, but they are perfect for around the house on chilly days. I also finished one sock of my first pair of lightweight socks out of Regia 4-fach haltbar sock yarn, and began a pair of Jaywalker socks out of Lorna's Laces Shepherd sock stripe in the Tuscany colorway. I love how they are looking so far (eventhough only the ribbing is done). My ultimate sock goal is to only wear and own handknit socks. I'm not sure if that is going to be possible, but it is a nice thought.

Beginnings

Since it seems that the latest and greatest trend in the world of crafters is having your own blog, I have decided to join the bandwagon. After long deliberation in doing so, my reasons for creating this blog are:

1. It appears like a great way to document and organize projects and ideas.

2. Useful in sharing new projects with friends.

3. My husband is most likely tired of me talking about my projects, so I can show and tell
online instead.

4. The main incentive, it looks like fun.


A few tidbits about me are, my mother is an excellent seamstress, knitter, pattern and interior designer, jewelry maker, and handyman (handywoman?), so I can't remember when I learned the basics of sewing and all that, but it was pretty early on. I also enjoy baking, I was a baker and cake decorator for nearly 5 years, and gardening. Although, as I am sure future posts will demonstrate, I am definitely a novice gardener.
I look forward to posting about new interests and projects soon.