I finished the body on Sylvar on Saturday morning and decided to wash/block it to make sure the garter stitch neckband wasn't going to grow too much. I'm happy to say it went right back into shape after I blocked it back (though it looked really huge when it was wet.)
I also wanted to see how the garter stitch bottom band worked out and that fits great too - it curves out the way my hips do, and fits fabulously. Now that it's dry, I'm going to be doing the sleeves. I'm undecided if I want to do them in the round the way the pattern instructions say, or if it'll just be faster to do them flat and seam. They won't have to be seamed in the lace pattern, as it's basically 3x1 rib under the arm. We'll see.
I made a LOT of progress on my coat Saturday, all undocumented. It needs a complete pressing again after being brought back and forth. I have the front and back of the coat, the collar, the yoke with D-rings, and the sleeve tabs/carriers/belt mostly done. I also have the lining sewn together and the front facings sewn to the linings.
I still need to do the following:
1.) finish turning the belt (teacher did one half, I need to do the other) - it is super thick wool with interfacing - ugh - so it is not easy. I may ask Jim to do it as he's very good at turning things.
2.) sleeves and sleeve heads and shoulder pads
3.) attaching the lining to the coat and
4.) buttonholes and buttons.
I have two more full class sessions (total 12 hours) to work on it, so I think I am on schedule. Next up will be pants, and I went to Vogue Fabrics yesterday and got my fabric and lining for those. I decided to use the bemberg rayon lining per Vicki's suggestion, and bought enough of it to fully line the pants instead of just getting 1/2 yard per the pattern envelope. This class/teacher is empowering me to use my own sense instead of just following the instructions, which is great. I have the confidence now to make changes where I think they will improve the finished product. When I got to this point with knitting, it was a great feeling, and this is too.
Now for the second part of my post - the Foster Pride part. Yesterday afternoon, I was contacted by the founder of a non-profit organization in New York City called Foster Pride. Here is her email, as she explains her group and its mission much better than I could:
I'm the founder of a NYC non-profit called Foster Pride (www.fosterpride.org)
We have a class for troubled teens in the foster care system who've discovered (and are calmed by!) crocheting--and we can't keep up with their demand for supplies!
Any donations of yarn (any color, any amount) would help--and we can of course provide tax donation letter.I thought you might have extra yarn, or ideas about how we could proceed to get in touch with people or stores who do--even if it's only a skein.
Thank you so much! It's amazing to see this kids go from "behavorial problems" to motivated entrepeneurs who want to sell their goods on Etsy!
All best, Lynn Schnurnberger
I think this is a great organization, and I've often thought (and remarked!) that fiber arts might be a good way to engage troubled and non-troubled teens alike and keep them out of further trouble! I also recommended that Lynn join Ravelry and post about her group on the "yarncycle" group which is set up for requests of donations like this. I thought if any of you would like to donate unwanted or leftover skeins of yarn to her group, I would pass along the address.
Foster Pride, 41 Boulevard, Pelham, NY 10803
If you would like to ask any further questions of Lynn about her organization, please leave a comment with your email address and I can provide you with her email address.
A coworker's just gave me a bunch of oddballs skeins of yarn and crochet thread, much of which is very old. I'll ship all of it there. Thanks for the post.
Posted by: Heather R | October 19, 2009 at 01:14 PM
What a nice organization! I always have leftover yarn when I finish a project-- now I know where to send it! I can't wait to see the coat!
Posted by: Jenny | October 19, 2009 at 01:31 PM
The sweater looks great! Don't you just love the feel of the Bemberg Rayon? I line all my skirts and dresses with it! It feels great against the skin!
Posted by: kozykitty | October 19, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Thanks for the post - I sent so much to Interim House (in Philly) in early September that I don't have the nerve to send more. We've been doing a "painful purge" getting rid of "stuff" at our house; I will happily send a box to Foster Pride.
:)
ps: as usual - great job on the sweater!
Posted by: wmk | October 19, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Congrats on your progress! This looks absolutely fantastic! wow! I am so excited for you. I bet this will be gorgeous when you're done. :-)
Posted by: Leah | October 19, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Yes, Sylvar is amazing and I can't wait to see it modeled!
It looks like the organization wants full skeins of yarn, not leftover balls? What a wonderful idea to help these kids by giving them a craft that brings them such joy.
Posted by: Debby | October 19, 2009 at 10:58 PM
How GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
Posted by: adrienne | October 20, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Sylvar looks really pretty!
Posted by: Steph | October 20, 2009 at 03:23 PM
The sweater looks great so far. The Foster Pride thing sounds like a great cause. I'm packaging up a bag of some of my leftover sweater yarn tonight to send out there.
Posted by: bettyc | October 20, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Im definately making that! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Machelle | October 20, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Sylvar looks amazing! Think I need to knit it!
Posted by: Lara | October 21, 2009 at 01:25 PM