Latest Knitting

I've been knitting the February Lady Sweater from Flint Knits for a while now and was getting a bit bored. Nothing to do with the pattern, I think it's mainly frustration because I can't find the right buttons to go on it! Here's where I'm up to:Here's a close up of the (unblocked) lace pattern. The pattern is really pretty and the I love the colour. I'm not sure we are going to have a winter this year in which I can wear it since here we are towards the end of autumn and it's 28 degrees (celsius) and sunny every day.
Anyway, to stave off my boredom I started the entrelac scarf from Knitting Daily. The yarn is called Kaleidescope from Cleckheaton. I ended up having to buy extra wool so it is turning out to not be a terribly cheap project but it is super fun to knit and I would urge anyone with a bit of knitting experience to give it a go. If you can pick up and knit stitches you won't have any trouble.
Here's a close up (unblocked). I love how it's turning out.

In closing I'd like to give a big shout out to all those clever people who create (knitting/crochet/whatever) patterns and then generously share them with those of us who are only clever enough to execute their instructions.

New Look 6407 - Teal Blouse

This is a basic blouse made from New Look 6407. I am a little obsessed with blouses this autumn/winter, I'm not sure why as I am certainly NOT obsessed with ironing! I haven't made a blouse in quite a long time but I am reasonably happy with how it turned out.

I like that it doesn't have a traditional collar fastening, but opens to a v-neck - much more flattering on me. However it's quite low, even for me who doesn't generally have a problem with cleavage! Not indecent, but you might not want to bend over in front of anyone.

The neckline looks a little buckled on the dummy but I'm pretty sure it's fine on me.

I made the version with the 3/4 sleeves and split cuffs.

For the collar I used the method I saw described a while ago, where you cut the collar in one piece and join it at the centre back of the under collar. I have been dying to try this out and it turned out so nice! I'm very sorry but I can't find the link to the original tutorial, so if you wrote it or know who did, please let me know so I can give credit.

I didn't make an FBA, and didn't need it. If you are not well-ish endowed then you might want to cut a smaller size or reduce the bust measurement if you want a close fitting blouse.

The fabric is 100% cotton voile and is sheer, which is why I am not modelling it. I have made it to layer under a waistcoat so you'll just have to wait to see the two pieces together.

Finally a Finished Garment

I decided on Vogue 1099 for my first post-slump project. The thought of matching bias cut plaid in my fragile state was just too much, but it'll happen soon. This is the only photo I could get of it on me before the camera battery ran out, so apologies for the poor quality. You'll have to believe me when I say it fits well and is very comfortable.

Here's a dummy shot of the front:
The back:

And the side:

Here is a closer detail of the sleeve:
And the bias collar and contrast upper collar (which you can barely see on the pattern envelope). I used black polyester organza.
This pattern went together a treat. Even though it's definitely not for beginners, with patience and accuracy you can get a really nice result.

I added bias strips of lightweight knit interfacing to the hems of the body and sleeves to give them some body (I'm glad I did). I also treated the bottom edge of the front facing in my favourite way, which give a much nicer result than the method described in the instructions.

First I apply bias binding to the lower edge of the front facing. I press out the fold on the underside and just attach it flat to reduce bulk.

Once you sew across the bottom edge of the facing and jacket, you get a nice finished edge that can be hand stitched down.

I hope this means my mojo is back to stay. I thought seriously about entering the vintage pattern competition on PR, but I am so far behind and so lacking in clothes ATM that I have decided to churn out some more practical garments and save the vintage stuff for I time when I can give it the love and attention it deserves.

On a parting note, I didn't do very well in month one of my stash reducing plan. March was an unproductive sewing month when new seasons shirtings came into the shops. What's a girl to do?