gilet col tailleur

I was going to post about some summer sewing I've been doing lately, but with the weather acting up so strange lately I decided to show you the finished Gilet instead. Who knows, I might actually be able to wear it before next winter if the weather goes on like this ....

Anyway, first I have to say that I love the finished result. It turned out exactly how I expected, which doesn't happen that often. Because of all the ribbing the pattern is very forgiving and no shaping is necessary, so the knitting is pretty straightforward. The seaming, however, is another issue. I had a very hard time trying to figure out how to attach the front ribbing and collar. With a little online help I managed it on my third try or so, and I have to admit that the result is very pleasing. Seaming ribbed sleeves is a nightmare though, and I had to reinforce it with some sewing thread in the end.



The yarn is wonderful to work with, and I think it will hold up well. I machine washed it, blocked it lightly, and it didn't stretch much, maybe just half an inch or so (in length).




Pattern: Gilet #480-T7-268, from Phildar nº 480 Tendances Winter 07/08
Yarn: Schachenmayr Nomotta Extra Merino Big (12 skeins)
Size: S
Needles: 5.5 mm


Changes: none in the knitting. The pattern calls for a snap to be attached to close the front, and the big button is for decorative purposes only, but I tried it and didn't like the result (the front kept opening up). So I attached two smaller buttons instead, and because the yarn is quite flexible I'm able to push them through the ribbing.



Since this was the last project I had on my winter list, I can now finally start the spring/summer projects I've been dying to make. I cast on for the Phildar Leafy Pullover and the Frock Camisole already, but didn't progress much so far. And does anyone have any good suggestions for what to make with two skeins of Kid Silk Haze ? I couldn't resist buying them on my last visit to Spa Tricot but I've never done lace and shawls are not exactly my thing, so any recommendations are appreciated.

wip / inspiration

... a new japanese sewing pattern book, full of gorgeous dress patterns. Very vintage inspired, which I love.

Retrospective is stylish
(sorry, can't seem to find the ISBN right now)




... also, my knitting booklets by Norah Gaughan have arrived. I've been meaning to make Anais since last year, and seeing Mari's gorgeous version makes me want to start one right now.





... and to prove I haven't forgotten about the next shop update, here's the current status of my studio desk. The sewing has been slow but bookcovers will be coming soon.



... and knitwise this has been keeping me busy lately, but I'm almost done with it. To turn this



into this was a real challenge, to say the least.



And one more item to add to my spring/summer knit list: the gorgeous Aprés Surf Hoodie that just came out in the latest IK. Didn't I say I had a thing for hoods ?

sparreholm

Ok, so I changed my mind. Now that it's finished, I actually like it. I think that the hood has something to do with it, for some strange reason I love garments with hoods. And the buttons all around are also a nice touch, I think.

I'm still not convinced about this colorway, and I probably would choose something else if I'd do it again, but working with Noro is always a surprise and I'm very pleased with how the Silk Garden turned out, especially after washing. I put it in the washing machine, and it turned out incredibly soft and didn't stretch at all, which I was really afraid it would.








Pattern: Sparreholm, from Noro Revisited
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, color 245 (6 skeins)
Needles: 5.5 mm
Size: smallest


Notes: No changes whatsoever. It's a very straightforward pattern, although it contained a couple of errors. I'm a loose knitter, so even though I made the smallest size it's still a bit loose, especially because it's ribbing all around and would look better with more negative ease.

le chat parti

le chat parti, les souris dansent
(when the cat's away the mice will play)

This batch of softies are now on their way to Belgium, to Raquel's new shop which is opening next May 2nd in Bellefontaine. If you happen to be in the neighborhood please drop by to make a visit !

LE CHAT PARTI
Rue des Prisonniers Politiques 279
B-6730 Bellefontaine

#38 #39 Bastien + Enzo



#41 #40 Clementine + Anais



#35 #36 #37 Chloe + Elise + Noemie

notebook sleeves

Mais sleeves para a livraria Centésima Página, desta vez para cadernos e agendas até tamanho A5

wip

some new softies for a new shop opening soon ...





and this week I picked up a project that had been forgotten since January. Not sure I like how the colors are coming together, but this Noro colorway is quite uneven (or maybe I was unlucky with the skeins I chose). But I love the pattern, so I'm determined to finish it.



and also this week I discovered Goodreads, which is quickly becoming addictive.

Now, dearest sun, is there any hope that you might make an appearance this weekend ? I want to go roller blading ...

Caderno Azul

Peças novas disponíveis na loja Caderno Azul, em Azeitão

Caderno Azul
Praça da República, nº 39, R/C B
Vila Nogueira de Azeitão
2925-585 Azeitão