As you can probably tell from the title of this post, this update is going to be one heck of a mixed bag!
First up, I did some non-class project sewing this weekend and made up Butterick 5078, a cowl neck knit dress. I eliminated the ruching panel at the waist on this version to keep it simpler. It's a little hard to see the cowl but I like that it forms a sort of V necked shape.
I'm wearing it with my new knee-high black Chinese Laundry boots I showed in an earlier post, but the tripod's placement didn't pick them up.
and a closer-up shot to try to show the cowl
Black and cream are not my best colors (at least not without a tan) but it was a nice change.
Next up, Mondo Cable Cardi using Dream In Color Classy in "Shiny Moss":
So far, I am following the pattern for the smallest size (34) but I didn't add the eight CO stitches at each armhole when separating the sleeves. I am going to go ahead and do the three sets of increases to maintain something of the swingy shape but I knew two extra inches at each armhole (when the sleeves were fitting on the semi-loose side already) was not going to do it for me. I think this will be a good compromise to staying true to the original design while not overwhelming my frame.
Yesterday I fell off the knit fabric nonbuying wagon and bought four pieces from Fabric.com as their special of the day was matte jersey for $3.99 a yard. I bought 2.5 yards of each, which is enough for just about any of the dresses I tend to make.
(background on this flowered one is chocolate brown, not black, according to the description, or I wouldn't have bought it)
and the only real fall color palette in the bunch
I love my fall colors but they are getting a bit monotonous lately after overdoing them a bit!
Really nice dress. I do like your choice of fabrics too. They will look lovely when you have made them up into dresses.
Posted by: Mandy | November 10, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I haven't checked out the pattern yet but I love the fabric.
Also love the fabric you bought, especially the embroidered black and white and the brown curls, too cute!
I wish Fabric.com would let me buy from them, I really do!!! (my budget disagrees violently, LOL)
Posted by: LaKaribane | November 10, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Love that color "Shiny Moss" from DIC! Can't wait to see the finished sweater!
Posted by: Shannon | November 10, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Great dress!
I want to Cast on the Mondo too! But Feb Lady first! Cant wait to see yours done!
Posted by: Robyn | November 10, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Cute dress!!! LOVE your sweater!!!! You know I'm in LOVE with cables now !LOL
Posted by: Adrienne | November 10, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Cute dress!
Posted by: Michelle | November 10, 2009 at 03:11 PM
The dress looks fabulous on you! The boots work perfectly.
I admire your ability to know if/when to cast on these extra armhole stitches for sweaters. I had to cast on 8, I think, for Mr. Greenjeans, but as this is only my second top down sweater ever, I'm playing it safe and following the directions exactly.
I was looking at the comments on Ravelry for Vivian and so many people seemed to have a problem with tight arms that it turned me off. I'm just not at that level yet where I can adapt the pattern and increases to get the arms to fit how I'd like.
Love the blues and blacks of your new fabrics! Very striking and wintery!
Posted by: Debby | November 10, 2009 at 03:19 PM
I love the way your cowl neck dress turned out. The fabric color is very nice. I also love the fabric that you purchased form fabric.com. I was so busy yesterday that I never saw that email and was bummed this morning when I finally looked at it. Oh well, next time.
Your Mondo is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see how the rest of it works up.
Posted by: Andrea | November 10, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Love your dress! Great colorway for your Mondo too.
Posted by: Zonda | November 10, 2009 at 07:26 PM
Yeahyeahyeah --- dress pretty, fabric nice. . .
It's all about THE BOOTS!
Posted by: Kim | November 11, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I like your dress! I'm looking forward to seeing your Mondo all knit up. Hey...your avatar's dress looks similiar to this dress minus the cowl (:-)
Posted by: Jeanine | November 11, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Love the fabric! Particularly the blue and black pattern! That is going to make a gorgeous dress. :-)
Posted by: Leah | November 13, 2009 at 01:32 AM
I love drapey cowl necks too. They are just so flattering! Great work
Posted by: Carol | November 14, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I love the dress - you look so beautiful!
Posted by: Helena | November 18, 2009 at 11:16 PM