Will Knit for Food

I started collecting vintage sewing patterns before I knew how to sew. When I first started, my favorite way to acquire them was buying mixed lots on eBay. I'm sure I'm in good company with this approach. It's a really easy way to inexpensively and quickly build a collection. 

The downside to this strategy is that for every gem you find, you often end-up with a few odd-ball patterns that don't suit your needs or fit your style.

I stopped using this buying strategy after I started to hone  my sewing persona, but I never went through to clean house. I felt like I needed a sewing re-charge to jump-start my inspiration and get me sewing again, so I used app for binary trading my football time to organize and sort. I weeded out a pile of patterns that either aren't my size, or don't fit my wardrobe. 

Some are hard to part with. But, many more are staying than are going. If you see something you like and want it for your own, the photos are linked to their eBay listing. And, the rest can be found HERE

"He was tall, but exceedingly lank, with narrow shoulders, long arms and legs, hands that dangled a mile out of his sleeves, feet that might have served for shovels, and his whole frame most loosely hung together... To see him striding along the profile of a hill on a windy day, with his clothes bagging and fluttering about him, one might have mistaken him for the genius of famine descending upon the earth, or some scarecrow eloped from a cornfield.... [However, he] was a huge feeder, and though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda."

"He was a kind and thankful creature, whose heart dilated in proportion as his skin was filled with good cheer, and whose spirits rose with eating, as some men's do with drink. He could not help, too, rolling his large eyes round him as he ate..."

"...[He] is generally a man of some importance in the female circle... being considered a kind of idle, gentlemanlike personage, of vastly superior taste and accomplishments to the rough country swains, and, indeed, inferior in learning only to the parsons."

He had various ways of rendering himself both useful and agreeable...He laid aside, too, all the dominant dignity and absolute sway with which he lorded it in his little empire... and became wonderfully gentle and ingratiating... "

All excerpts: 
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by: Washington Irving

It's likely some combination of the season, the colors with which I chose to knit this sweater, and Mike's uncanny likeness to Irving's descriptions of his hero, that I have named this garment. Conveniently a storm rolled in during our photo session, and we got some appropriately eery snapshots. 

Mike knows what he wants when it comes to clothing, and he was happy to voice his recommendations for this project during its design: It's long enough to cover his torso, entirely. He can move his arms without his sleeves climbing to his elbows. It's slim fitting, though, not tailored. The collar and cuffs are self-faced for  sturdier, cleaner looking, finished edges. And, it's zippered, which makes it perfect for fall layering.

This cardigan is knit back and forth from the bottom, up.  The sleeves are provisionally cast on in the round and worked in reverse so that the striping throughout the sweater can be easily maintained and continuous throughout.

While there is not a lot interesting about a stockinette men's sweater, the odd number striping incorporated into the design helps liven-up knitting; the striping occurs in rows of odd numbers, and it is sometimes necessary, during color changes, to knit or purl two rows consecutively. Likewise, the raglan decreases occur on both WS and RS rows during the course of shaping.  

This is my first attempt at pattern writing. I've tried to make things as clear, concise, and understandable as possible. After some consideration, I've decided to offer this pattern before tech-editing or test knitting, because it's a free pattern. I'm open to your constructive criticism(s) and invite questions regarding confusion(s), but please, keep things cordial.

I'm slightly obsessed with trying to finish all my WIPs before the weekend. This is the third night this week I've stayed up past bedtime to seam, sew on buttons, and weave in loose ends. 

It shouldn't matter whether or not I am able to take care of all these rouge projects before the start of October, but it really, really does. I need a clean slate. And, I need it to start within its designated time frame. Like, getting through the weekend and starting a diet on a Monday, because it's so much easier to start on Monday than it would be to drop everything and start immediately.... it might sound silly. But  truly, I have to plan and prepare before executing. Definitely not a "fly by the seat of her pants" or "go with the flow" kind of girl. 

I digress. This cardigan was a MONDO pain in the A$$! And, I have no one to blame, but myself. Because, though this sweater is for Mike, I really knit it for me. It's not a pattern he would have ever chosen for himself. In fact, I doubt he's ever owned anything like it. However, I think now that he has such a perfect, throw over anything, smart, sexy, sophisticated, go-to cardigan he's gonna get hooked. At least I'm hoping. He might be the one wearing, but I'm the one looking, and I liking what I'm seeing! 

Mike is a gracious recipient. He, too, stayed up past his bedtime and enabled my madness. He even allowed me to get a couple pictures, but he was, shall I say, less than excited. We will execute a more formal photo shoot during daylight hours. Right now, I'd better get some sleep.

Pattern: Forever Classic Heirloom Cables Cardigan availible FREE on the Lion Brand Website
Yarn: 1680 yds. Di.Ve Zenneth 100% Merino
Needles: Size 4 and Size 6 Stiletto Signature Circs.
Notes: This pattern is not difficult and looks incredible now that it's finished, but there's a RIDICULOUS amount of seaming involved. I couldn't stomach any more by the time I got to the button band. Instead, I opted to pick-up and knit around. This yarn is unbelievable gorgeous! I found myself questioning the fiber content repeatedly, because it almost feels like bamboo. It creates a beautiful fabric. My only complaint is that it does tend to split. I love that I didn't need to make any height/length/width modifications for this sweater to come out the right size for Mike. It's even the right amount of extra long. But, if you're knitting for anyone shorter than 6'1, you may want to reconsider your sizing. Also, the buttons are quite possibly my favorite buttons I've ever used on a garment. They're vintage, combination wood/ceramic. I'm really jealous that he gets them, so I may have to go stalk my button guy to see if he's got any more stashed in his stacks.

Tah Dah! My July socks! Finished in September, but finished nonetheless! Besides, who's keeping score? Except me, and I'm not an unreasonably cruel,  dictating, task-mistress...most of the time. Alright, it's more along the lines 50% of the time.  

I haven't really been feeling up to knitting socks lately. That is, until about a week ago, when the temperature started to stay steady between 50 and 60 degrees F. My feet are always first to notice a change in weather, and they've, regretfully, reported to me that barefoot season is over for the year. 

Pattern: Tribute by Brenda Patipa
Yarn: Madelinetosh Sock in Corsage
Needles: Addie Lace 1.5 US
Notes: I had to majorly modify. I have really small feet. I cut my stitch count to fifty two (from 68) and worked the chart rows 1-24 between columns 5-26 only, eliminating the YO on the 7th stitch for rows 13,17 and 21. This worked really well for me. Additionally, I divided my stitches evenly and continued working from the leg chart after the heel turn. I love Tosh sock, but I'm not sure on this color. It keeps changing. At the shop it looked pale pink. At home, it's... mauve taupe?? I suppose it doesn't matter. They're done. That's what counts!

It feels so good to be finishing projects again... even if they are of the miniature variety.

I spent the majority of my weekend knitting time attempting to seam a man-sized cardigan. I woke-up Sunday morning confident I was going to complete like, four FOs during football. Instead, I engaged in a day-long, stare-down with a pile of pieces and turned-in for the evening miserably defeated.  

Today I focussed my attention on a more attainable goal and took a step closer to clearing the decks for a fresh start in October. 

Pattern: Duck Duck Goose Lace Baby Cardigan by Coryna Blasko
Yarn: 2 hanks Spud & Chloe Sweater in Firefly
Needles: Size 6US Addi Click interchangeables
Notes: There were a few hiccups with the pattern, which have since been resolved. I would suggest anyone planning to knit this look over the pattern to select/piece together the portions relevant to the size you plan to knit, because this pattern is LONG...like 12 pages, and most of the content applies only to individual sizes. Otherwise, I love this little jacket. The lace is relatively easy to take to memory, and the construction is wonderful! I especially love the formation of the hood. I'm not sure whether it's apparent in the photos, but the hood is beautifully shaped and doesn't have a seam down the center, as so many hooded garments tend to. Additionally, I think it's great that the sleeves have a taper to them and I really enjoy the small details in the button band and edging. Spud & Chloe Sweater is FANTASTIC for baby knits. It's super soft and squishy, not to mention machine washable, without being synthetic. I knit size 1, the smallest; however, girlfriend was in a huge hurry to get here and arrived this afternoon (healthily)...much, much earlier than expected, so smallest, probably isn't small enough for immediate purposes. 

Most of my knitting is of a selfish nature. I'm known to be occasionally generous in this regard, but let's face it, though thoroughly enjoyable, knitting is a lot of work, and my time ain't free. I will gladly teach you how to knit and provide you with endless support, but I won't do it for you; with two exceptions: babies and dogs. 

I can barely contain myself when it comes to baby knits. They're so stinking CUTE! My Ravelry queue is full of them! As I have no intention of boarding the baby train anytime soon, I take full advantage of the opportunity to knit for my prego friends. 

And, finally, I get to use pink!  

Pattern: Bitty Cabled Cardigan by Heather Cabanas
Yarn: Vana's Choice Baby in Pink Poodle
Notes:  I knit for the largest size, newborn.  Initially, I was worried the yarn was too course, but after steaming, it softened a lot. I LOVE the wide neckline. It's guaranteed not to be constrictive or irritating. This pattern is going into regular rotation, for sure. Also thanks to Ms. French Press for her display idea. I left my paper towels on the stand and stuffed the sleeves... I bet it will be even more adorable on a chubby little body.

I spent the entirety of last night seaming and sewing-on buttons. In the process, I noticed a pretty major pattern mistake in my double seed stitch. SHIT. No, biggie, it's an asymmetrical cardigan, and the error is near the top of the small panel. I can totally RIP and re-knit. In fact, I could probably get the whole process completed before the weekend. 

Lightbulb! Before I slash my seams, let's see how this thing looks.

 Huh.... I anticipated a drapey, cape-like cardigan... hence the name. But HERS is definitely a sweater; not a... dress??? I knit all my pieces to the correct gauge and dimensions.  Am I really a foot (more) shorter than the model?

Hmmm...maybe I don't hate it... I do kinda feel like I'm walking around in a baby llama blanket. 

This is better than sweatpants. Happenstance? Can I pull this off? I tend to dress pretty, well... boring. 

It is really, really cozy... 

Can we take a minute to marvel at those vintage buttons.... 1930's deco... 

I don't know what to do. Mike... no help. 

It's in your hands. Answer the survey to leave your vote below. And, if you feel passionately, argue your case in the comments. 

I was beginning to worry that I'd lost my ability to finish a project. After all, it's nearly the mid-point mark of the month, and I hadn't posted a single FO. 

I contemplated why, for all the hours I've devoted to knitting, I haven't achieved any noteworthy success. I realized, lately, I've had a tendency to rotate projects almost daily, rather than see any single one through. It's not my usual approach, but I may be in better shape than I thought because of it. Things are starting to come together and dropping off the needles like cars on an assembly line. 

The first to finish, is my Myrtle Cardigan. 

Myrtle: by Snowden Becker

Yarn: 2 entire hanks of Dream in Color Uneven Sock in Happy Forest????? The color is a guess, I bought this at the warehouse sale, and it came unmarked. 

Notes: I knit for the size Medium. And, the dimensions are very true to the pattern specifications. However, I seem to have used only about 900 yards of yarn as opposed to the 1200-1600 yds. the pattern suggests are required.  

There is A LOT to think about while you're knitting this sweater; I highly doubt anyone could suffer boredom during the course of this project.  I found the charts impossible to memorize because there are so many different patterns. However, once you get into a groove, they come pretty easily. 

The sleeves on this are very cleverly set-in to maintain the continuity of the pattern, which I quite like. But, I feel like the shoulder join is a little rigid and "pointy", for lack of a better term. It's likely that this will be a self-resolving issue after a few wears and breaking-in. I'll report back on this.

I may revisit my button band to tighten it up by 8-10 sts., because, as it is, it puckers a bit between buttons. Speaking of buttons, I used an opalescent shell type button. I think they are the perfect amount classy to pair with this feminine knit.  The buttons were purchased here. If you're ever in the area, it's a shop worth visiting. Don't go expecting yarn, despite the name, and the fabric is... hit or miss. But, he has the BEST button selection I've ever laid eyes on. 

Myrtle is tucked away neatly in the closet for now; it's still a bit too warm for sweaters, but I'm excited to add another cardigan to my fall wardrobe and know I'm going to get a lot of wear out of it!

This weekend was full to the brim. Most of our time was spent away from home and with other people, which is always wonderful, but sometimes it's nice to be two. The simplicity of functioning as a pair is sweetly serene. To recuperate, today, Mike and I spent the entire day ignoring the rest of the world and paid attention to only each other. I highly recommend it.

The weather here continues to cooperate; it was too beautiful to hide indoors, so we hid amongst the crowds on Division roaming Renegade, where we treated each other and supported some of our favorite local artists.  

Then, we came home and had a fall-inspired dinner for two. 

I might eat apples in/with every meal for the next month so that I can get my fill while they're in season. This salad is a palate pleaser, and it's SO EASY.

And, this butternut squash and apple soup is tasty! We added a tiny bit of salt and sprinkled it with cinnamon to boost the flavors.  

Now, please excuse me, I've got some snuggling and Sunday Football to attend to. There are still a solid couple QT hours left in the day. 

... Are stocked.

Right on cue, in time for Labor Day, the weather shifted. Temperatures dropped overnight from 90 to 65 degrees, and it has been impossible to not be excited for fall. With the extra hours Labor Day provided, I began preparations. 

I took inventory and began contemplating woolies. (And, then I promised myself I wouldn't cast-on any new projects until I managed to jump the hump and finish the ones I have in progress.) 

 I made my first batch of chili, a favorite recipe at our house. 

And, I did some marathon snoozing, so as to stockpile as much energy as possible for upcoming months. After all, there's a lot to look forward to.