In early October, just prior to the TM, I made four tops using knitted fabrics. I was on a roll!
The first one is my first try at the Bento Tee from Liesl & Co. I sewed up a simple version without the pockets just so I can try the sizing. The fabric is a cozy sweatshirt like organic cotton. I like this! Next time though I will add a bit more length to the body and the sleeves. (Remember I'm 5'11" or 180cm.)
This next one is the Plantain tee by Deer and Doe. It is a free pattern to boot and has been sewn up and enjoyed by many worldwide. The fabric is an Art Gallery cotton knit and has great body. I would like to try this pattern again but with a lighter knit with more drape. I will also add length to the bodice and sleeves. In this case it's not so much that the bodice is short; it's because the bodice has some flare away from the body and I think it would look nice longer, with more of a drape using a lighter knit fabric.
The third one here is the Lane Raglan by Hey June. This one is just about perfect for me and I want to make a couple more! I used ARt Gallery cotton knit for the body, then some generic grey cotton knit for the sleeves. I bought a lot of the plain grey fabric so no doubt you will see it repeated in some other makes.
The previous three patterns were all first-time sewn ones and I am glad they turned out so well. My last one is my well tried Lark tee from Grainline Studio. I have made a couple of boatneck versions last year, and this time I decided to try the scoop neck. I did raise the neckline at center front about an inch. Otherwise no changes. Again, another Art Gallery cotton knit. I love this print!
All four knit tops have been in heavy rotation the last few weeks. I lucked out on having "keepers" on this round.
Then my sewing halted. The TM, as mentioned above, happened. October was one of those record setting rainy months. The US pre- Election "shows" set a depressing mood. Followed, of course, by the stunning (shocking, more depressing, etc) results a few days ago. All in all, it's no wonder I had the blues! Instead of sewing, I've been knitting away the blues. Wool yarn reminds me of cuddling with my cats. Knitting is a very meditative motion. So, clickety-clickety, there I sat quietly in the corner, listening to audiobooks.
In case you are wondering about whether I have any audiobooks to recommend. Here are a few:
- A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
- Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
- The Green Mile by Stephen King
- Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs series)
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - this is one of those books for kids/adults. I've listened to the original version narrated by Neil Gaiman, and a recent version by a cast of actors. Both versions are excellent.
- Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
As a knitter, I often read the blog from the Yarn Harlot. She did a post called "The Best Policy" and I found that she provided a safe space for people on both sides of the US Elections results to express their views but in a civilized manner. It made interesting reading. I think now, more than ever, it is important to understand "the other side" and how "we" got to where we are. I'm a Canadian and of course not involved in this election, but the results effect all of us worldwide. That's all I am going to say on this topic; and... Peace, Love, Compassion.
I will keep on knitting. I plan to do a post on knitting very soon as it's coming up to my one year anniversary of when I took my first class knitting (a hat). I can call myself a knitter now! I hope to get back to sewing soon but no promises on that. However, I was enticed by this new dress pattern from Grainline Studio!
I would love to hear any book recommendations that you'd like to share! Thanks for stopping by.