Yesterday I had cut out Butterick 5246, view B (with the cowl neck)
two sizes down from my measurements in a light gray sweater knit I got from Fabric.com on sale for $1.95 a yard, and I just finished sewing it (took about 2.5 hours - super easy.) It's a little maternity with the gathers, but I need to play around with the ties to cinch it in more.
I'm super glad I didn't make the size my measurements indicate as it would have been WAY big - I've learned that with these gathery dresses, I need to go down at least two sizes to have them have any shape whatsoever. I'll show it later this week modeled if I get the courage to wear it. I'm thinking it needs black DKNY tights and some tall black boots to glam it up a bit. I like how the cowl turned out though as I'd never sewn one before. I like working with sweater knits too - it is a nice way to get immediate gratification while creating a fine gauge sweater. It's probably the equivalent of less than sport weight.
I also did a lot of laundry so far today and washed Opulent Raglan.
Yep - I finished the second sleeve and neck pickups yesterday and all I have left is the hem at the bottom and weaving in the ends. I wanted to wash it first to check the length before doing that, so as soon as it dries I'll have a new sweater to show this week.
Now I'm going to reward myself and start Baby Cables and Big Ones Too in that green cashmere I bought from yubina.com a while back. My friend Susan is coming over at 3:45 to pick me up for a movie - we're going to see Pride and Glory - about the only aspect of that I'm excited about is Edward Norton. (Jim - he kinda reminds me of you, so it's all good.) I'm making the trade with her so I can see Twilight next month when it comes out. I'm giving her the first book to read today, as she wants to read the book first before seeing the movie. She said she was just looking for something fun to read lately so I think this will fit the bill perfectly.
That grey dress definitely needs some bling. A nice big bangle on your wrist perhaps....shiny! But it looks really good.
Posted by: Carol | October 26, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Opulent is looking fantastic!! Great progress!
And cute grey dress too! :o)
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | October 26, 2008 at 06:15 PM
I have that dress on my list too! Can't wait to see it on you. LOVE that pic of your sweater!!
Posted by: adrienne | October 26, 2008 at 06:44 PM
That dress is cute. Opulent raglan looks really great.
Posted by: Michelle | October 26, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Hee hee, crack dealer! Get as many people reading it as you can so they'll keep making the movies! lol. Cute dress! I have that pattern too, but the sewing mojo is pretty sparse these days. At least the knitting mojo is still here.
Posted by: Jenny | October 26, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Hi Robin,
I think the gray dress is very elegant looking and with the sash doesn't look at all like a maternity dress. It is good to have a basic dress like this to have with some fancy jewelry or shoes.
You are such a fast knitter! I'd love to get as many projects done as you do.
Sammie
Posted by: Sammie | October 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I love the dress! I'll have to make note of that pattern as well! What fabric did you use? Oh, I received some Jaeger Roma for a shower gift yesterday - think I'm going to use for Baby Cables! I know ~ who receives yarn as a wedding shower gift?? Me, of course!
Posted by: Annie | October 27, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Hi Robin - had to come and take a peek at your blog. I love the dress you made with your Janome! It looks great. Now my head is spinning with ideas. Thanks again for recommending it on Ravelry!
Posted by: homejewel | October 27, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I like your dress and your idea for dressing it up is perfect! Can't wait to see the Opulent pics, love the color!
Posted by: Zonda | October 28, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Cute dress and beautiful sweater. I only wish I could knit/crochet as fashionable as your sweater.
Posted by: Cennetta | October 31, 2008 at 04:06 PM