23 January 2015

FO: McCalls 6696 - the bluest blue that ever blued

So I got sucked into Mary's recent sew-a-long.

Idle Fancy

Thank god the deadline was extended, I would have had no hope!

I must say, I think this is the cutest fucking thing I have ever made.  Just look at it.  Bloody adorable.


After making 3 kwik sew 3521's in quick succession, this was a very challenging pattern for me.  So many bits!  Buttonholes!  A collar! Hand stitching!  It was a labour of love and I'm really happy I persevered (even after a collar related tantrum) to finish this off.  There are a lot of faults but I've received my favourite reaction while wearing this dress - You didn't make that??!


This dress was another lesson in patience, slowing down and taking my time,  The topstitching is wonky, the buttons are not spaced evenly (or even centered properly) and the collar is a mess.  But I bet you couldn't tell right?  The cute definitely distracts from the shitty sewing skills,  I'll take that.


I had so much trouble getting the collar in.  I decided to follow the pattern rather than use a different method (this one is apparently much easier) and do kinda regret it.  You have to turn it this way and that, tucking in the seams and edges.  My collar was way to big for my neckline, and no amount of easing would tame it.  I ended up sacrificing the protruding edge of the collar stand to get the damn thing on.  I don't think it's fatal. I feel like it's a mess but I'm sure no one else is looking that closely. 


I can't remember exactly how much fabric I had, but I squeezed this baby out of every cm of it.  I had to use some offcuts from my house dress for the yoke, waistband facing and pockets, which I don't necessarily think is a bad thing.  The pockets aren't quite deep enough for me.  For my next one I'll give myself some more room. 


What else can I say.  It's my new favourite make and I think my wardrobe could easily accommodate like, 10 of these.  The full pleated skirt is beautifully floaty but not overbearing.

Pattern:  McCalls 6696, view A.  I cut a straight 16 and I'm really happy with the fit.  The armscythes could be a bit smaller, but I don't think that's a big deal.

Mods:  

  • I feel like there may have been a CB seam in the skirt which I eliminated, but I may be wrong. 
  • I top stitched (poorly) the hem, button bands and collar to break up the blue a bit. 
  • only used 9 buttons, omitted the button on the collar.

Fabric:  Poly cotton shirting in 'Peacock' from Lincraft, $2.80 p/m.  I think I had about 2.5m.

Notions: 9 x 1/2" white plastic buttons

Sewing review here

~Tan


13 January 2015

Get Geometric! Another KAL brought to you by Tanya & Lisa


Happy new year!  What better way to start of the new year than knitting seasonally inappropriate accessories!  Woo!  Well, inappropriate for us Aussies anyway.  But at least you'll be prepared to be stylish for that first cold snap. 

Lisa and I are psyched to bring you our first KAL/CAL of 2015 - Get Geometric!

I've designed a cowl and Lisa some complimentary mitts, both in a geometric style.  We'd love for you to join us from the 19th of this month to knit or crochet along with your favourite design (or both!).  We've got some great prizes, but best of all you'll have an awesome unique piece at the end of the event! 

Stacked Triangles Double Knit Cowl

This is a cowl knit in the round using the double-knitting technique which sounds fancier than it actually is.  The result is a reversible fabric that is double the thickness of stockinette for extra warmth. 

The sample uses 3 colours, but you could use two or as many as you like.  

Pattern available on Ravelry now - click here



Chevron Fingerless Mitts

Lisa has designed these gorgeous fingerless mitts in two colours, using so-hot-right-now chevrons.  They are worked flat and seamed, great for beginners.

The pattern is available on Ravelry here!



Prizes!

Of course there are prizes!  Two winners will be chosen - one person completing a cowl and one person completing a pair of mitts.

The winner in the cowl category will receive yarn to re-recreate the pictured cowl, and an array of geometric themed goodies, as pictured below.


The winner of the mitt category will win yarn to make your own set of mitts, and an array of geometric items too! 


You're in?  Fantastic!

Head on over to our Ravelry forum to sign up.  

Share your progress with the tag #getgeometric on instagram!  Both Lisa (teaandcraft) and I (omlair) are avid instagrammers, come and join us! 

~Tan