The After, After Christmas Aftermath

Lots has happened since my last post and it's doubtful I will remember everything, but here's what's been happening...dh decided to change out my computer for his old one since now he's on his third. I wasn't up and running as fast as I would have liked to have been, but oh well...I also had an early Christmas sleepover at Red's and we partied down by seeing Da Man!! We gorged on food and dvds, and managed to slip in a bit of yarn shopping for moi. The doggies had to have their annual vet visit, and now my baby girl is able to go for a walk like a real pup. She'd rather chew her leash than use it.

As far as Christmas week...besides working grueling hours at the dungeon(my name for work), I decided to stop all work and try to finish an old one. About a year ago, I started the spicy fitted tee from Fitted Knits. After placing the sleeves on scrap yarn and working a few rounds, my stitch count was way over than what the pattern said. I took it to knitting group, and no answers there. After a year of vegetating, I kept staring at it thinking I should finish the damn thing. I knitted in every spare moment I had, and when I bound off I felt a sense of accomplishment. I tried it on, and .....TOO BIG!!! R-R-Rip!!! And since I was in the ripping mode, I tore up 2 other projects for good measure. Where does the spicy fitted tee stand now? I did a few adjustments on a whim and I'm close to the bind off on the body. Cross your fingers that it will fit....More on that next time. See, I'm leaving you in suspense...Ha!

BTW, here's a gratuitous doggie photo for your enjoyment. See how big she's getting?

The Latest Rebecca

Wow! I got the newest Rebecca and fell in love with the dresses. As you see, I'm still on a high after completing the Drops tunic/dress. I have got to stop this project meandering! I keep seeing things I want to knit, but then I don't ever finish anything! Arghh!
Today I decided to update a few of my links because the gals I added blog pretty much daily, and I find their work amazing....
Also, today is knitting group, but alas, I can't make it (again!). Today is dh's birthday and I think I see a seafood dinner celebration in my future.
Now, on concert news....Last month I had the pleasure of seeing one of my all time fave bands perform...REO Speedwagon. That Kevin Cronin can really belt it out after all these years...and ya know what else??? Got my tickets for Bon Jovi!!!!!!
Probably will have several days when I won't get a chance to blog-damn retail schedule----but I wanted to stop in and say "Have a Happy Thanksgiving"!

Will Wonders Never Cease??? It's a FO!

I meant to post this last week but never had the chance. Here she is in all her glory!

Project: Garnstudio Drops Design 96-9

Start Date: End of Sept (?)

End Date: 11-6-2007

Needles Used: Vintage Nylon Circulars #9, #9 aluminum straights for sleeves

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue (doubled)

Project Notes: First off, I want to say that this was an easy project, and Garnstudio did a great job with the instructions. You might remember from an earlier post that I had problems with the chart...evidently, it's meant to be read from left to right, not right to left, which was what I had done wrong originally. The sleeves were to be done on dpns, but I have to admit that I have dpn fear, thus the straights. I got gauge with the Simply Soft doubled. I figured since it's a work item, I wouldn't invest a ton of money on the recommended alpaca---probably would easily have been over $300.00 clams. I made the second size, and the fit is fantastic.

I opted to omit the bobbles on the back since I certainly don't need to appear any larger on the backside. The new baby got in the photo and decided the dress was her new blankie.

It may be awhile before I have another FO, but I'm so pleased with this one because it's boosted my knitting mojo. Happy knitting to all!

It's been hectic around here...

I know it's been a long time, but really...I have been busy! And I have tried to spend some time knitting, I promise. First of all, you may remember from my last post that I was working on the Garnstudio tunic...here's a pic to show you some progress.

That's about 27" , and as you see, I'm past the armholes. But then, I lost interest. Very typical of me. So, I started another project. Yeah, startitis should be my first name.

Everyone has seen it and done it, but I hadn't...I love the Central Park Hoodie and there's even a kal...which I haven't joined, but think I will. Everyone's hoodies looked so great, I just couldn't resist. My only concern with this is that everyone has cautioned about the sizing, and when I look at it, I think it still looks too small for me...meaning, that it will fit too closely, and I envisioned it being more roomy. We shall see.

Now I saved the best for last. Pictures speak a thousand words, right? Well, here's the reason I can't get anything done....It's my new baby girl!!! Hey, don't look at the horribly scary human in the background! Am I excused for not blogging sooner? I hope so. She takes up alot of spare time, let me tell you. And between you and me, if I have to pick knitting or playing with pups, the furry beasts win out every time!

Knitting Is A Labor

....supposedly of love. Ha! Not these last few months it hasn't. I actually finished knitting the vintage sweater I had started about 2 years ago. Unbelievable, right? Well, the sleeve caps are smaller than the armhole and it will require some doing if you know what I mean. So, that's project #1 that has me mad. I figure that I'll use up some of the stash and start #2...Twinkle cardi from VK...things were really cranking along on this baby. When I tried it on, the top is smaller than I thought it would be, and the bottom portion done in the chevron pattern is huge!!! So now project #2 has me good and mad. What do you do?

Start project #3....tunic from garnstudio...I really was lovin' this, and got about 8 inches done when I noticed the waving cables on either side were wrong. Wanna see? Yeah, it sucks. So, I went back to the website, rechecked the chart and the directions. No, I wrote it all out longhand, but it was right. This little conundrum bothered me for 2 days. I recently received my latest copy of Rebecca and decided that maybe that cable chart there was better. See, the tunic from garnstudio is almost like the one in Rebecca. Yep...the chart on the website is backward from the explanation. Do I hear r-r-r-i-i-pp? Sad to say, I did. All that work for nada. Good thing today is Labor Day, because that's what I've got ahead of me.

P.S. Did I mention that I actually got gauge, too?

Secret Project Revealed

First off, sorry about the layout on the last post. Still trying to figure out blogger. Anyway, I finally finished my secret project, and I hope you like it as much as I do.

On June 5th, I happened to be off and caught General Hospital. Elizabeth was wearing a cropped cardi in green that literally revved my creative juices. I then went to my fave clothing website, Anthropologie, and lo and behold there she was! Now, i don't know about you, but I can't afford to spend $88.00 on a sweater even if it is adorable. The next best thing is to make your own-which I did.. I went to the thrift store and found this sweater, albeit a bit scroungy, and ran home and washed it. (Happy to say that all the stains came out!) Next came the motif research, and I found this....http://www.patchworkcrochet.com/doilies.htm.

I furiously went about crocheting the wheels...I was on a mission! I used vintage thread that I bought on a previous thrift store outing. Here's her unveiling..and the best part? Only cost me $2.00. I think I'll wear her to work today. BTW, this is my 3rd Anthropologie knock off. Gosh, I love their clothing!

Crochet is for summertime

I promised an update with pics, and so you shall have it. Last month was killer for me. I got to see concerts at a local amusement park. First it was kicked off with Da Man!

A fantastic show and I got some good pics for a change...sure does help to sit close...I've noticed this camera refuses to function at night events. Oh sure, you can take pics, but it's a waste of time. Found that out last year. Anyway, then a couple weeks later I saw Three Dog Night-without Chuck Negron. A web search revealed he's gone out on his own. The remaining two "dogs" really belted out the old tunes, and I wish they would have played longer. Tonight I'm going to see KC and the Sunshine Band. Yeah, I'm old school when it comes to my musical taste.

On the knitting front, it's been silent. I gave up on Japel's Spicey Tee, and the VK lace cardi. Just couldn't get motivated. However, I did want to post a picture of what my parents brought me back from CA. After reading about the Prince of Knitting, I was fixated on getting some of his pattern books. My mom and sis finally found 3 at the Kinokuniya Bookstore. Yes, the instructions are in Japanese, and no I don't read Japanese. Thankfully, my mom can translate for me.

Crochet you say? Yep...that's the name of the game for me right now...here's a work in progress of Rowan's Joy. Sorry for the crappy photo...the stupid thing kept curling...definitely will need blocking. That's the back and the left front. My only concern at this point is whether it will actually fit around the neck. I've ripped out the neck twice since I wasn't getting the dratted gauge, but you know, that's always my downfall. However, this has become interrupted because I found a new secret project to begin, and it involves this.....I've got to make 16 of these suckers, and I'm already worn out. But I'll remain diligent because I think the end product will be worth it.

Lastly, I wanted to share a few of my most favorite thrift store finds. On Wednesdays, it's 50% off everything, and I ran across these 2 sets of cross stitched pillow cases. I fell in love! They had never been used, and they were only .50 cents a piece. I have been searching for vintage embroidered pillowcases forever, and could never find any. But, these will do just fine. My first craft I really become obsessed with was embroidery, and a childhood friend and I used to sit on her porch in the summertime and embroider dresser scarves and pillowcases. It's a shame someone thought so little of this person's work to donate them to the thrift store like some unwanted trash. Oh well...one man's trash is another man's treasure!

No Picture Friday

Very inventive title, no? I've been meaning to blog and do have pics to show, but currently am feeling under the weather. Twice a year I can look forward to a sinus infection. I have the energy of a turtle.
I went to knitting group on Wednesday night and had to call it quits early. That really bummed me out since it's the group that only meets once a month. Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know that I am currently crocheting "Joy" from Rowan Spring/ Summer 2007. I'm only on the back, but it's great for mindless crochet, and allows you to chat in a group and not lose your concentration. I am inspired to do crochet when I visit a super knitter/crocheter blog's like this... http://myknittinworld.blogspot.com/. This gal is amazing!
Have you seen the latest Knit 1? The dress is beautiful! I would love to make it, but there are no craft stores around here that carry LB organic cotton, and I would like to see this yarn in person before I made a purchase.

I Must Have a Thing for Stars

I thought I'd share one of my secret passions...I love quilts. Back in the '80's, I use to watch public television so I could catch Georgia Bonesteel making lap quilts. I have 2 of her books...alas, I am not a skilled or talented quilt artisan. As you may also remember, I love to go to thrift stores. All I can say is Eureka!!! I scored !

This first one was in a bad state, and I spent 4 hours painstakingly sewing up all the tears, but when hubby saw it, he fell in love. The original price was more than I wanted to spend on something so tattered, so I waited til half off day, and snatched it up as a surprise for him. This one matches our decor perfectly.

This second one, unfortunately, had to be repaired, too. I love the colors and thought I could use it as my tv watching blankie. It has that whole denimish chambray thing going for it.

This last one I had to have! It is handmade, as was the first one, and it is in perfect condition! No stains or anything. Uh...I paid $4.60 for it. Yes, score! You may notice that someone else is in the photo. You try taking photos of quilts when your Maltese wants to play ball!

And then, this is for everyone who probably thinks I don't knit anymore...a finished back of the VK lace cardi. This sucker has been something else as far as gauge goes...I surfed around, and no one else has had a problem...anyway, I am knitting the largest size and am now afraid it might be too sloppy. If I have to reknit the back I will scream, so stand by to cover your ears.

Have you tried the new Diet Coke Plus? It's the one with vitamins added. The flavor was too similar to Pepsi for me...Coke, you gotta stick to the original recipe for DC...we all remember the fiasco with New Coke, now don't we?

Yep...I've got the goods!

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the "new" LB Cotton Ease...FINALLY, Michael's got it and I couldn't wait another millisecond to get it! I bought Berry, Violet, and Terracotta. Next time, there'll be more !

Yes, It's Really Me...

Sorry to say there are no pics, but there will be. My excuse? Work, work, work...yuck! I knit when I can and am frustrated that I haven't finished anything. I am currently knitting the Spicey Tee from Stephanie Japel's book, Fitted Knits. I love her patterns, but I must say, I must be a dummy. I have ripped this sucker 4 times, and I still have way too many stitches. In checking for errata, there's nothing there. The folks in the KAL haven't discussed this one, so I can only conclude that it's the knitter and not the pattern. Yikes!
I do have some new stuff to share, but again, I want to show it in pics. My Little Man is doing well...translation? He still bites and barks, but he's so darn cute you overlook it. I'll have to post a new pic of him, too.
The Patons pattern I was working on is about three quarters of the way done, but I don't have progress pics. After the Spicey Tee, I may crochet something from the latest Rowan book. As I like to say....it's always something.

Happy Knitting New Year!

Well, I don't know about you, but New Year's (as I've gotten older...ahem) has been considered "amateur night" around here. What do I mean? Well, it's a time when some people feel it's ok to get totally stinking drunk, and perhaps drive. I like to stay at home and get into my "toys". And quite frankly, it's some time off from the retail hell in which I work.

I finally got a chance to visit my LYS, and do sit and night. People, it's been months...and after feeling the knitting vibes, it put me into action. I think it's just what the doctor ordered as I've been in a crazy slump. Even though I have returned to work and have some cash to buy, I'm not. I figure I've been heavily stashing for 3 years, and I just better make do. So, what have I cast aside to start?? As you may remember, I was working on my second go round of the RPM socks, and they are the right size now....I'm on the toe decreases of sock #1..but like I said, after being with my lovely knitting friends, I got the itch to start something new... It's the "Must Have Cardigan". I love this pattern! I decided to use Plymouth Encore since I can't bear to wear wool....my first attempt was WAY too small...so I started again. Too bad I got so excited that I misread the pattern...as you know, it's called a new design element. If you look closely at the left side (panel a), you'll see that I forgot to cross the cable. Live and learn....and no, there won't be ripping since there's a good 6 inches there and my time is so limited.


I would like to address Michele who left a comment on my last post. (I love comments) I love to take pictures of my new pup, and various and sundry things, but I have this phobia about sharing too much personal info on the net. So, he shall just remain to be My Little Man...aka MLM...and here's a new one for ya cause he likes to have his pic taken... (truly he loves the attention, and doesn't care too much about my knitting projects...when he sees me get it out, he likes to chew the yarn. Bad Boy!) That's it for now, but I promise to be better for 2007...ok, I'll try. Oops! One last knitterly piece of business...every year I keep saying I'm going to make a list of the new things I have learned, and I never do it...(slacker!)..this year is pretty pathetic...the only new skill I learned was the long tail cast on--Thank you, Roz!
Everbody have a a great New Year!!!

Happy Turkey Day!

I promised an explanation as to why I've practically disappeared from the blogging world, and well, here it is... As many of my devoted readers know, my beloved dog of almost 10 years died in January of this year. The grief really was overwhelming...and starting in April, I feverishly hunted for a new pet. I tried the Humane Society, the county pound, the local papers, the internet, and the pet stores. I spent hours calling the animal hospitals, but still no luck. After several months, I called an ad in one of the free papers, and I think I was the first caller. This poor little boy had been shuffled around...he was a gift to this woman's son, and he didn't want him...nor did the mother. The minute I saw him, I knew he was coming home with me. He will turn one year old in December. The only thing I can do these days in my spare time is play with him! BTW, he thinks yarn is food....ah..yet another excuse not to knit.--but I am. I ripped out the sock, and I'm starting over. Anyway, this year, I have something wonderful to be thankful for..."my little man."

What's Up, Doc?

Here I am, the horribly negligent blogger finally blogging after weeks of absence. I have 2 reasons as to why I haven't..ok, really one..which I'll post about next time, but I tried to post before Halloween, and stupid blogger was down! Imagine that! Since I have gone back to work (Yuck!) I am on a flex schedule, and most times, it's so late when I get home, I don't knit or blog. I miss reading what everyone's been up to. Also, it's been killing my social life...no more knitting group for me.--at least not lately. Hey, if this post doesn't come out looking right, it's not me...I keep trying to start a new paragraph, and the cursor disappears! Obviously, blogger is having issues today, too. Just my luck. Ok, what I have been doing or not doing in my case. Well, I finished one of my RPM socks, and it's really too big. A rippin' fest for later. Since that happened, I started a "vintage" sweater pattern and the back is almost complete. I'm not so sure I'm likin' it. Worst of all, I want to knit Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle. Sigh...it's a style right up my alley...but it would also require a trip to the yarn shop (far away one) for the desired Cotton Fleece. Don't know when and if that's going to happen anytime soon. I recently found a sweater at the thrift store that I want to unravel to knit up the wrap top in the latest issue of Knit 1......the sweater is very pilled and needs a shavin'--mine broke when I started using it. I had to make a special trip to Joann's for a new one. Have I done the shaving yet? uh-no! Oh yeah....and my mom is about to wring my neck about those socks I've never finished for her. Again, I need to go to the yarn shop for the right length circs, but I haven't had a chance. Why oh why can't I win the lotto and stay home and knit?

Start Spreadin' The News!

Out blog surfin' and found out that Lion Brand will be bringing back Cotton Ease! Yea!! The best part? They say they will be bringing out new colors!! I can't wait. Here's where I saw the fantastic news....http://cnp71203.blogspot.com/

This one's for you, Ling!!

Wow! I actually have 2 readers to my measely little blog...Just leaving a comment has really made my day, so as I said in the title...Ok. My second entry for the month. Yea! And...(drum roll, please)...I have some FO's for ya!

All the talk I did about this one, so here she is in all her glory...may I present...Molly Ringwald!

This was one fast knit. I finished it in August...that I do remember...took me 2 weeks. I used a #5 circular needle and 5 balls of Jaeger Monte Cristo. I was going to wear it to an interview the other day, but it was a no go...I looked terrible--not the top's fault, let me tell ya.

Then, as I may or may not have mentioned, I decided to design my own top...a vest. I couldn't believe how good it turned out. Alright, I admit, my inspiration was from Anthropologie. If you go to their website, I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out! I used my beloved LB cotton ease, but this time I used #6 straights, and I gotta say, I prefer knitting this yarn on 6's instead of 7's which is what I always used to use. The fabric is much tighter and not so droopy. Live and learn, right? Yep, I finished this in August, too.

I decided to clear away one old project I had started..socks. A simple, k2, p2 using some of the Bernat Sox yarn I got in Kansas City last year...in army hot. Because they are made from 2 different dyelots, the striping effect came out totally weird, but I'm still happy with them. Since they aren't twins, they will have to be "kissin' cousins". Ha!

So since it appears I've gotten my knitting groove back, what will I knit? I've already started another pair of socks! The new Rebecca has some great patterns, but I wasn't ready to tackle anything in there yet. Matter of fact, I'm considering another self design! We shall see...

What's the occasion?

Can you imagine? I am blogging after over a month's absence...it's horrible, but I do have my reasons. When you feel out of sorts, nothing stimulates you. 2006 has definitely not been my year, and I'm feeling it. Within a month or so, I may have good news to report, but instead of jinxing myself, I'll leave it unsaid (unwritten) for now.
I have been busy with the crafting, and I do have FO's, but laziness has prevented me from photographing them...and sometimes I don't feel like wrestling with blogger. I finished Molly Ringwald from Knitscene, and if you haven't knit it, you must. The directions were the most concise I have ever experienced. I also finished a vest of my own design. The other self design lost it's steam due to unending ribbing. I am so close to finishing my filet crochet top...however, I overdid it, and my arm, wrist-whole right side of my body is killing me, so I gave it a break. During this time, I started another one, too. Yeah, I am overzealous at times. Currently, I have whipped out another unfinished project-a pair of socks-that I'm hoping will restimulate my interest in knitting.
Sewing? Yep...I finished my Duro dress, but all that's left is the handhemming, and honestly, I'm not up for that drudgery. I am almost finished with a shorts set, but I think the type of jersey knit I am using has too much stretch, and therefore the results have been rather disappointing. The best laid plans...yada, yada, yada.
Hope this post makes my one reader happy---you know who you are, K!

Finished Object Friday!

Since I am sitting around today waiting on the phone repairman, I figured I better get off my duff and post--I hope my reader(s) enjoys this one.
As you know, I've been on a sewing exploration. I learned to sew in 7th grade home-ec, and sucked at it. I'll never forget that horrid jumper I made, and was forced to wear in a school fashion show! I still get chills every time I think of it! In the late 80's, I decided to give sewing another try...I sewed like a mad woman. Was I any good? Nah....but I did enjoy it. Of course, then I decided to learn to knit, and sewing was lost to me again. What inspired me to have another go at the machine was a dress I saw at Forever 21, and well, I should have bought it. It was a sellout at the local stores, and on their website. I even saw 2 being auctioned off on ebay....listen, I was so desperate, I asked my sister to check in CA, ok? Yes, that dress haunts me. So, I said, forget it...I'll try to sew some stuff.
First up, a bevy of blouses...(sorry all the pics are so dark. What does a girl have to do to get a decent shot of her handiwork???) The right hand corner is an apron top I made and drafted the pattern myself. The one on the right is a New Look pattern, and is made with some fabric I got at the thrift store for 99 cents. Lastly, another one I semi drafted...it was a copy of another top I have from Forever 21. Unfortunately, I goofed and made the bodice too short. I suppose if I had the body of a pre-teen it would fit...uh...not that I'm so buxom as it is. The thing I loved about it was the fabric. It's a jersey knit Cranston Print I got for $1.80.


Two dresses I've done. The one on the right fits me unbelievably well...with my sewing you never know what you're gonna get. Anyway, it's from a Butterick pattern I bought in the early 90's that I never used. Isn't the fabric great? Again, I found it at a thrift store for about $3.00. It was the fact that it had a border print...yes, it's a jersey knit....I love that. The other dress is so cute I could scream...it's from a McCall's pattern dated 1969....There's a little belt that fastens around the back with one button. I made it in strawberry fabric I got at Joann's for $6.00. I think it must be a linen blend because it wrinkles like nobody's business. I had to modify the pattern a bit to accommodate my big butt. BTW, I love anything strawberry related and have a collection including switchplates made from wood that I got from the annual Strawberry Festival.

Lastly, I just finished this blouse yesterday. I know it doesn't look like much in the photo, but trust me, it probably came out the best thing I have ever made. There is a method to my madness..I saw the fall catalog for Anthropologie and there was a blouse very similar to this one for $98.00. I decided to make my own. Then, in the ad, the model has on a vest...I am in the process of knitting it... it's Molly Ringwald from the latest Knitscene. (I've done a lot of blog surfin' and it seems like I'm the only one making this one.)

As I promised before, here's a photo of the scoop neck tank I crocheted from lustersheen in winter red, and then the mango mesh tank from lustersheen in jade--both patterns from Crochet! The fit on the mesh tank is fantastic! I can't wait to wear it. Don't hate me, ok? But the yarn for the mesh tank was from the thrift store and I only paid $3.00 for it. All this destashing is great for the soul....Phew! After all that you'd think I was done...NOT! As I said, I'm working on Molly Ringwald and I'm crocheting a shell from a 1970's pattern I found on the internet. Yesterday I cut out another dress, and the plan is to cut out another one tomorrow after I go to Joann's! I figure if I keep up this pace, I actually might get my stash under control someday!

Yes, It's a Knitted FO

This is a knitting blog, and I have been a delinquent blogger. I don't know if it's because I've become too lazy to post or if it's because I feel like I'm cheating since I haven't been knitting. Oh, there's been crafting going on, just not knitting. Anyway, instead of bringing everybody down emotionally, I'll try to make this as snappy as possible.

I had a dog. A very wonderful dog. He died in January of 2006. All I could do was knit socks....so I "designed " these socks to commemorate his life. I call them "Butterflies Are Free". I used butterfly eyelet stitch from my trusty The New Knitting Dictionary and did a picot edge. They were done on size 1 circs in Bernat Nylospun. Dull color? Yeah...because I felt dull...it took me until this month to finish them. Ok, enough sadness....you didn't come to this blog for all that!



As I said earlier, my other crafts have keep me busy and have captivated my interest. I am currently enjoying crochet and sewing projects. I finished a summer top yesterday(sewing) but haven't photographed it yet. I finished the red lustersheen tank top and should have posted that as a FO, but again, haven't taken out the camera. Next time I will. I promise. Oh, and I've been back to the thrift store for more treasures! Here's a peek... A bag of patterns for $3.13! Many months ago, there used to be patterns in bags every weekend--it seemed. Then it dried up. I finally hit it, and almost all of them are my size! Can you believe it? Must have been sewing karma.

Summertime Heats Up The Crafting

Maybe because it's sooo hot outside, it "forces" me to enjoy all my crafts. I have finished a few things...and without further ado...

My yellow crochet top made from a free pattern from the Sugar and Cream website. For being a very elementary knit-cheter, I think it came out pretty good. I used an F hook and Aunt Lydia's Baby Denim Crochet. It took about 1 1/2 balls. I think it's a good first project for someone looking to make a garment. Oh, and it was such fun to sit and watch my sister crochet on this when she came to visit in May. Every time she comes to visit, she watches me work on an assortment of projects. She always asks if she can work on them...unfortunately, her leisure time is very limited because of her work and work schedule, so she can't get back into her crafting. But it works for me because I don't mind if she wants help! Gets the project done quicker...and oh, the memory!

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who when they see a neat idea, they immediately want to jump on the bandwagon. Yeah, that's how I started sewing again. About 2 weeks ago, I saw this dress, but didn't buy it--long story. I LOVE this print...anyhoo, I've also been reading the wardrobe refashion blog, and the idea hit me. I bought a woman's size 3X caftan and used the bodice part of a Simplicity pattern....and...Voila! I made up the rest of the dress by eye.

Caftan from thrift store-$3.50

Knit fabric for lining-$2.21 ffrom Hancock's

Simplicity pattern-$2.49

Yea for new dresses! It was a grind ripping out the original dress, but I'm totally pleased with how it turned out. I haven't sewn a garment in at least 12 years. I really wanted contrast ribbing like the green dress, but I wasn't able to find any. Neither of the 2 fabric stores had any. It bummed me out, but what can ya do? I might add some sort of belt with the pink fabric I have left. I forgot to add that this is jersey knit fabric which is so great cause there's no ironing.

I do have a knitted FO, but I think I'll blog about that next time. How about seeing what I'm into now? To the right are my camo socks in a simple k2, p2 rib. But oh no! What do we have here?? Why it's another crochet tank made from vintage Red Heart Lustersheen. If you don't have this magazine, I totally recommend it. There are at least 3 other projects in this issue that I'm going to try. The magazine is Crochet!.

BTW, the back is done.