Ruffled

I finished the ruffled sundress this past weekend, but had to make quite a few alterations to it, so I didn't post a picture of it right away. I'm not sure if it's because of the dress' shapelessness or the fact that I spent a day or so doing alterations, but whatever the case, I don't know how I feel about this garment. First of all, this dress was way big. I had to take in several inches on all the front and back pieces. Then I also shortened the ruffle. I really like the fabric, but I don't know if that's enough to make me keep the dress. Hmmm...

IKEA Hits PDX

Wednesday was a big day for Portland, as it was IKEA's grand opening. It's located in a new shopping development area near the airport, which means it's also very close to my house, only 15 minutes away! No more long drives to Seattle. I know some people are down on big box stores, but IKEA makes it so fun and happy and the quality of their merchandise has really improved since my just-out-of-college days.

I headed over there tonight and was able to avoid any traffic by going a back way. I was also in and out of there in an hour, since I knew I didn't really need anything and was going more for the opening experience. The one thing I was eagerly anticipating was the fabric section, which they don't even have in Seattle. I wish I had brought a camera, but as you might expect there are lots of brights colors and patterns. You can see what's available here. I picked up several yards of this fabric from the Katrin collection. The fabric occupied a small corner with samples hanging from the ceiling and the bolts all piled and stacked at floor level. There were lightweight cottons and heavier home decorating canvas weight fabrics. Prices started at $3.99 and went up to $7.99 a yard. There was also a good selection of solids. I think I'll use the fabric to make a fall coat and maybe some pillowcases.

This and That

I finally was able to cut out my fabric for the gingham sundress. After seeing this dress by local designer Elizabeth Dye, I was more inspired to make view B of the dress instead of the halter style. Over the weekend, I also finished the front of the sweater with the lacy yoke. Once the back and the sleeves are done, then the yoke is knit in the round, combining all the pieces. I'm about halfway through the back, so here's hoping all that stockinette stitch knits up quickly!

Lint is Closing

Today was the first day of LYS Lint's going-out-of-business sale. This is sad news for the local knitting community. Everything is 30% off and there are still lots of bargains to be had. I managed to snatch up this silk wool for my next project, a sweater with yoke from Rebecca 33.

The sale will go on until everything is gone. Stop in and wish Melissa and crew good luck!

Melissa Shrugged

I finished the armhole edging and seaming of the shrug last night. I think the sleeve length is perfect and I like the shaping in the front. It actually turned out much better than I thought it would, but I still I don't know if I'll ever really wear it. I'll try to find something to pair it with in my closet!

Halfway There

I have been working steadily on the ribbed shrug and have completely ignored starting the gingham halter sundress for now. The shrug is coming along nicely and I really like the subtle shaping. I should be able to get this finished sometime this weekend. I also started classes this week: fashion sketching and patternmaking 2, which accounts for the lack of posts. In fashion sketching, we learned how to draw a fashion croquis (French for sketch) and in patternmaking we are drafting personal fit slopers, starting with a bodice. Fun stuff!

More Projects

I started some new projects this weekend. I have a good chunk of GGH Cascade that I scored from a craft swap in this deep rusty red color. It's basically polyester, and I couldn't think of what I would possibly make that I would want to wear. I searched through some old issues of Rebecca and finally decided to make this ribbed shrug, from the cover of the latest issue. I'm not really a shrug person, but this might be something I could wear during the summer. The fabric is knitting up nicely and doesn't feel as scratchy as I thought it would.

I also headed up to the Fabric Depot for their 40% off fabric sale and got this great pima cotton gingham for yet another sundress. I'm still trying to decide between the halter and the regular sleeveless view. I'm thinking the halter with the ruffle might be cute.

Blouson

I finished knitting on the neckband and weaving in all the ends of the Blouson last night. I made the size up from the smallest size and the sweater is still pretty roomy and blousey, though the waistband fits my hips just right. I made the sleeves just a little bit longer and they almost hit my wrists. The Mainline yarn makes for a nice soft fabric that feels good against the skin. I can see wearing this sweater quite a bit once fall hits to keep the chill off.