My last post was all about my stalling out on sweater making.
Finally, I decided to do what I do with quilting–just start stitching pieces of fabric together. I know that if I do this for long enough, something will happen.
On Saturday April 6th, I decided to pick a pattern and make myself a little spring frock. I thought that if it were just for me, I might get over the perfection issues I was having with creating something for Ms. February.
I wanted something loose and short sleeved that I could wear over a long sleeve t-shirt. For many of you this might seem a bit strange– a spring frock made out of wool? But up here in the north, wool is comfortable year round.
Here is the pattern I selected to use as my sloper.
The former owner of this pattern has written on it “No Darts!” I like that about this pattern too. It was published in 1969 one of my favorite years in fashion.
And here is my palette.
I wanted to keep it really simple. All the wools are medium weight which is very easy to work with. This photo was taken after I made the frock.
I tried to make design decisions as quickly as possible–which for me is hard. I like to work slowly and methodically. I have found that slow stitching usually means less ripping. But I had been over-thinking these sweaters for too long. I just needed to do it. Be fearless even though I might be publically posting my failures on a blog for all of you to read.
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- The original pattern had a funnel neck which I thought I would like but I did not.
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- I marked a new neckline with pins and then lobbed the extra fabric off. This was fun! I was surprised at how liberating it was. I am trying to approach sweater making in the same way I approach quilting making–if it is too small add some more fabric/ If it is too big, lob some off!
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- I am not sure why, but I needed more room at the top of the shoulder, so I added some fabric.
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- I needed to face the neck line, so I made a pattern.
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- Here I am attaching facing. I forgot an important step–stay stitching. Next time I will remember.
And what do you know. It worked.
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- Walt and Fletcher are refusing to be my photographer–apparently I am too picky. Ozzy is doing a pretty good job for a ten year old.
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- I like it.
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- Close up of the middle front of the sweater.
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- Another close-up. My top stitching is getting better. I have found that when you work with similar weights that the top stitching is much more consistent.
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- Spring Frock on the dummy. Yes, we’ve still got plenty of snow on the hillside.
Since last Sunday, just ten days ago, I have finished FIVE new sweater projects! This is the first of those projects. It feels good to have something new to wear as the days get warmer.
If any of you are feeling timid this spring, I hope you’ll take my advice. Be fearless. Life is way too short to be a fraidy cat.
Next up- Ms. Feburary!
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I saw this on you the other day and it looks terrific! It is flattering, it looks comfortable and it is not bulky, like I thought they might be. Truly terrific!
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