More Projects - Knit or Sewn

I figured I'd add a few more pictures of projects I've done lately.



This is a sweater I made for my Mother, from a pattern I think I found in News and Views a while back. It is a cardigan with a lace bottom border. I learned a lot while making this sweater, including how to follow a chart without losing your place too often and having to restart, how to shorten sleeves after the fact using the Kitchener stitch, how to knit mock crochet borders on the machine, how to adjust the tensions on those borders so that they don't curl (to be used on the next project!), and how to research various yarns to see if others have had problems with them. This one is pretty, feels very soft and lovely, but grows as you wear it. Next time, I'll probably knit a serger thread along with the yarn to help the sweater keep it's shape. I've heard that works pretty well. Ah, well, next time...

I've also been busy sewing. My sewing machine died somewhere between the first and fourth fleece knit jacket (from my previous post - "Catching Up"). Well, it didn't exactly die, but it smokes so bad anytime I sew, I guess it's history. I just can't bear to throw it out quite yet - it was the first gift my husband ever gave me. It sits in a place of honor, on the floor near the new sewing machine that I really couldn't afford but really, really wanted anyway. :-)

And, this one does embroidery! :D

Anyhow, here are some pictures to enjoy and maybe inspire...




This one is a t-shirt I made. Not too bad, for a first attempt. Next time will be better! It's a heart, appliqued and then cut and sort of "smocked". Matching bands were added to the sleeves. I also made the following sweatshirt, using satin stitch applique. I cheated - this one is a copy of one I bought twenty-some years ago, but was so worn out, it was thread bare.



This next one is a homemade "snuggie". My mom and I went on a bender, and made these for everyone for Christmas last year. They, too, were quick gifts. I'm using mine right now, as I sit at the computer keyboard. They're pretty versatile, and being short, I often wear mine right side up, upside down, sideways, backwards, forwards, etc. But, I'm wrapped up and warm! The snuggie is made from a large rectangle of fleece, with the bottom section cut off to make the sleeves, which are then inserted into two ovals near the center top. Really easy to do. This one was made using a commercial pattern, but my first one was made from a freebie pattern I found on the internet. I'm not sure, but I think that freebie pattern was actually a better pattern to make.




And finally! I couldn't wait to start doing embroidery. Here's one of my first projects: an in-the-hoop 3-D turkey. It comes apart and stores flat after the holidays. Beauty!





I guess that's all for now! Take care!