Wednesday WIP

I am ready to knit the heel flap on Bob’s second Canadiana sock. Father’s Day or bust!

Super Simple Summer Sweater Revision

I finished extending the sleeves and nipping in the waist of my Super Simple Summer Sweater. If you want to see the first version, click here.

I’m still trying to decide about the length. I like having it cropped, because I can wear it over high waisted trousers and it looks super cute. However, sometimes I think I should extend it by another stripe. I have the yarn for it. Right now it skims the top of my hip bone. If I added another stripe, it would hit mid hip. A small change but a different look.

What do you think?

May YOP Wrap Up

I had a good May. I sewed some summer clothing, finished knitting a sweater, and built a greenhouse! I altered a sweater, and sewed some planter bags. I’m still working on refashioning another sweater, and sewing a few more summer things. But overall, May was productive.

I am looking forward to June. I may cast on a sweater today. What are your plans for June?

Halfway to Haunts: Bloom and Boogey

It’s the last day of May! Today’s prompt is, “Celebrate what you’ve made, frogged, or dreamed up this month.”

I’m pleased with the garments I’ve made and altered. I think I will get a lot of wear from them. Though I didn’t finish all the adjustments, I am still working on them. In this sense, it’s been a good Me Made May.

Of course I’m most happy about getting the greenhouse built. I’m really proud of our work on that.

But since neither of these achievements are spooky, here’s a swatch for my next Fall Favorites sweater, in yarn from my stash! I’m excited about getting started on it.

Friday Finishes

I sewed another linen skirt from Simplicity 2184, this time in gray linen. This version has godets, and I like the flouncy hem.

I also finished refashioning the sleeves and cuffs on my Lodge sweater. It’s amazing how a small alteration can drastically change the look and fit of a garment. I’m much happier with it now. If you would like to see the original sleeves click here.

Today’s Halfway to Haunts prompt is,”May Wrap Up and Reflection: What is one thing you learned or discovered about yourself this month?”

I am much happier wearing simple, casual garments. My style was what we called “new wave” in high school, but it fluctuated between that and preppy, as well as what I’ll call artistic sophisticate (classic tailoring with a beret 👩🏻‍🎨). But my style didn’t really crystallize until I moved to Southern California as a young adult. I feel much more myself in clothing that reminds me of this period. Coastal Grandma, I guess. North Shore version. 😁

Halfway to Haunts: Whispered Secrets from Your Work

Today’s prompt is, “Zoom in on a tiny, magical detail from your project.”

This is the armpit of the Wearing Cardigan. Only knitters will understand this, but I was super proud of it.

So proud, I sent a photo to friends and exclaimed, “Just look at that pit graft!”

And in true form, the response was, “She’s a beaut, Clark!”

Halfway to Haunts: One Word for your May

Today’s prompt is, “Pick one word that sums up your make along journey this month.”

I’m going to pick, “Bloom.” It’s been literal and figurative this month, seeing the fruition of several projects in different arenas.

Speaking of blooms, I’m very happy with the pollinator garden this year. The foxglove and columbine are blooming, and a sea of fleabane is flowering in the background. I’m going with a combination of natives and non-natives. The natives mostly volunteer, and it has been fun learning about them.

Halfway to Haunts: From the Earth

Today’s prompt is, “”Share a project that used natural fibers, dyes, or earth-toned inspiration.”

The base of this bag is made with cotton canvas I dyed with black walnuts and iron oxide. I saved a few pieces of it to use as pockets on a garment, but I haven’t fully decided what the garment will be yet. Probably overalls.

Greenhouse!

We finally finished building the greenhouse. We still have to insert the venting windows, but we will work on that next month. This was much more difficult and involved than we ever could have imagined. That being said, I’m very happy to be able to grow vegetables again. I hope we will be able grow greens and brassicas through the winter months.

Peanut bag in action!

I am taking today off work, and hope to spend most of the time resting, knitting, and sewing.

Today’s Halfway to Haunts prompt is, “Tangled in Vines: A mistake or lesson that helped you grow creatively.”

Don’t be afraid to bite off more than you can chew. You will never know your limit if you don’t push yourself.

Halfway to Haunts: Rest Like A Crafty Spirit

Today’s prompt is, “How do you recharge your creative magic during the busy bloom of spring?”

When I am tired and overwhelmed, I stare at the wall. If I do that long enough, my energy and ideas start to flow again.