Shawls

In early March, I had quite the winning streak.  You've already seen half of the spoils. 

This lovely book of lacy shawl patterns was written by Jen Lucas.  I've done some test knitting for Jen in the past and her designs are lovely and well written. 

In Early March, Carrie had a march madness give away and I won!  Jen even signed the book for me. 

If you are a knitter and want to try knitting some lacy shawls - this book would be a great way to get started.  The shawls are all knit with sock yarn - hem, maybe the title is a give away of that?  But what that means is they are knit using bigger needles and most of them can be made with a small investment - generally one hank of sock yarn. 

Hope March Madness has been good to you as well.  Happy Friday.  

Simplicity 1699 Remake

Okay - so I was tired and these were taken at the end of a long day.  No make-up because I'd come from the dentist and really there is just no point. 

This dress was made several weeks ago already and honestly, I'm not thrilled with the fit in the upper chest.  That being said, it looks fine, wears well and doesn't gap.  And I got tons of "you look great' yesterday as opposed to "Wow!  Great dress." comments. 

The fabric is the same but different as the fabric used last year in this dress.  Hmmm, I even paired it with the same red cardigan, but different shoes. 

This time the pattern is Simplicity 1699 and this is the second time I've made the dress.  It's comfortable and easy to wear.  However, as drafted the neckline is high, very high!  I felt like I was going to choke - high.  The neckline is from Simplicity 2648 - one of their Amazing Fit Dresses. 

JB is getting so much better about taking photos.  I was done after the first few, but he made me take the cardigan off so he could get shots of the back and then fixed the one side because it had static.  But I can see there is still some static that he missed.

I like the belt - it encourages me to hold my stomach in and stand up straight.  However, this belt is a bit too big.  I need to have JB add a new hole or two.  This is not a bad thing. 

Anyway - this dress is comfortable and easy to wear.  While it might be too casual for my new position it will get worn.  I love throwing a dress on during the weekend and packing them when we go on vacation.  So - it was sewing time well spent. 

Pattern Pyramid - Take Two

Earlier this month, Kathy had a Pattern Pyramid drawing and I won! The Pattern Pyramid is the brain child of Karen from Did You Make That. The original drawing was back in June 2012. Because people keep adding patterns, the Pyramid continues.

This one is no different - Kathy added lots of patterns.   There is lots of good stuff in this Pyramid.

 

Dresses and Wardrobe Patterns.

Tops

Accessories

Kids Stuff

1970s Mens.

Shorts

Coats / Robes

I added these 2

I am adding these 2 DKNY patterns by Vogue.  I will never make them. 

 

I know I said I was going to keep the pattern on the right, but I recently bought the pattern on the left.

Not sure if you can tell, but the dress on the far left of the left pattern,

is the same as the pattern on the right. 

 

Now for the fine print:

 

Anyone, anywhere can enter the giveaway by posting a comment by Sunday, March 31, 2013 BUT you must have an active blog. (Reasons to become obvious.)

The winner will pick one pattern to keep for themselves, then host their own giveaway. They will randomly select a winner, post the remaining patterns to that Person .  It's not necessary to add patterns to the Pyramid.

If you’re a winner, I would love it if you could make a small contribution to The Brooke. This is a charity close to the heart of Catherine, who so generously provided these patterns.

 

So - comment and let me know if you want these and which one you think you would keep.  Have fun!