The Roselette

I started this sweater right before Christmas for my niece Vaughan. It ended up being far too big for her but it fit my girls just right. The majority of this sweater was complete in one day. I ran into a little snag when I ran out of yarn.

I picked it back up a few days ago and I just love it! Super quick and easy pattern. I used stash again, woohoo! Widdling down that dreaded craft store stash slow but sure.

Cute covered buttons that match the corduroys I made last fall. It will be a great outfit when the pants make it out of the laundry pile over my head.

I added a little fower belli. Not sure I love this particular flower but its on the barrette so not permanent:)

Pattern: The Roselette

Gettin' By with a Little Help from My Friends

A few months ago, I got fed up. I was either going to throw my sewing machine out the window or I was going to have to buy a new one. Up until last December, I was sewing on an $89 special from Walmart and it was not pretty. I swear I spent more time fighting with my machine and playing mechanic than actually sewing. Not good for a beiginner! Makes you just want to quit all together.

I am glad that I didn't quit and I am even more glad that I have some amazingly talented friends. I called on two women who have knowledge and expertise in this department and I recieved golden advice. Go for a good machine sold by a dealer, not one sold by the large stores.

I sat with the woman at Viking and she tried to sell me a $2000 machine. She was quite the saleswoman and she almost had me...almost. I again called on my friend and I was led in just the right direction. Stay away from the big dog and just go for the super reliable and easy to use base model.

Here she is, my new Viking Emerald. This was the perfect machine for me. I have been sewing up a storm and my love for the craft has been renewed. No more having mean and nasty conversations with my old one. No this beauty has only heard words of praise and adoration.

Beth and Arizona, I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for your wonderful advice. I couldn't be happier!

A Doug Doll for Sammy

Sam has been begging me to make him a crochet toy since I made a little blue bird for Ella about a week ago. I never thought to make toys for the kids before. I met a gal on ravelry who makes the most wonderful toys and I guess that was my inspiration. That and the fact that I really need to use up some of the stash I have accumulated. I just can't justify buying more until I reduce the current stock.

I have been crocheting my fingers to the bone trying to get this finished before 6am tomorrow morning. You see, my sweet little boy is going in for adenoid surgery and I wanted to give him this friend to hug when he wakes up. Well, mommy gets the first hug but Doug can come in a close second.

Pattern: Gordo and Doug Dolls

Just Having a Little Fun

Mamas need a tutu too, right?

Why is it that tulle just makes a girl happy? Well, I guess I should speak for myself, it makes this girl REALLY happy. I think I smiled the whole time making this adult sized tutu skirt. And I am sure that I tried it on 27 times just to twirl a time or two. Makes the work more fun.

I Just Can't Wait to Share

This...

I made this. No really, I did. I know, I have to keep reminding myself too. I can't believe it.

It fits quite well. I am totally shocked actually because this is my first adult sized garment. I used interfacing and placed a zipper...all new to me.


As you can see from the pattern, the dress is not quite finished yet. I still have to add the bottom ruffle which will make the dress floor length, (love it!). My seamstress skills are quite beginner but I am moving ahead. I can't wait until I can sew structured apparel like jackets and pants. Whoohoo!

Sometimes I wonder what I am smoking. Who ever would have thought that sewing pants would get me all hot and bothered? Oh well, I am going with it.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you that the dentist and I are off to Mexico in about 2 weeks. Can't wait. Now I have a little frock to sport in the warm and sunny.

What am I Up to?

I have been in a craft frenzy lately. Mostly knitting but some other fun stuff too. I have been such a bum for while so a little movement in this department feels good.

I had this order to fill. The new baby was born two days ago so I am just in time!

Last night I cast on this child's cabled jumper. This will be my first go at cables so wish me luck!

Last week, I started a poncho for the girls. I am using a skein from my stash and I onyl had one on hand. Since it is a craft store yarn I didn't worry about getting more. Well I have finished the first skein and, what do you know, Joann put all of their yarn on sale and sold out of this one. Bummer!! Not sure how long this will have to wait but I will share when it's finished.

I stopped into my local yarn store yesterday to get some needles and I stumbled upon this magazine. It had me at hello. I fell in love with the sweater on the front. It is next in line.

Obsession is an Understatement

I have spent countless hours on Ravelry the last few days and I am totally hooked! I have been a member for quite a while now but I never unleashed its full potential. The amount of information on a single site is unbelievable. I have met fellow yarn junkies in my own backyard, I have been inspired 100 times over by seeing what other people have created and I have nearly driven myself mad with knitting desire.

Check this out... I own this dress. It came from my sister's store and while I got a VERY generous discount, it was very expensive.

While surfing the Rav, I stumbled upon the FREE pattern to this dress. Holy cow, now I can make 3 of them for a fraction of the price. I am in heaven!

So if you knit or crochet or want to, you simply must join Ravelry. And when you do, look me up (ShannonLeigh).