last time.

I can’t really say that school is just starting up – because it’s not. Already we are in full swing and I have submitted a couple of assignments. What has struck me about this semester is the lack of pressure I feel. Working steadily on my assignments, getting group work up and running … none of it feels particularly difficult. I remind myself that part of this is because it’s the last time. Part of me is sad about that – the other part of me can’t wait to be finished. Looking towards life without school work, though, seems a little overwhelming.

Strange how we come to enjoy the things we love to complain about, huh?

williamette.

Only good things can be said about this jacket. Only good. There is nothing about this jacket I don’t like. Nothing. I absolutely love it.

Seaming it was challenging as I am still learning but I think it actually went okay – every time it gets a little better. The pocket and sleeve insets worked up over the course of a couple of evenings.

I couldn’t be happier with the finished pockets – no loose change falling through the bottom here! The finished I-Cord on the pockets gives the sweater a very polished look that not only suits the jacket, it also gives it a certain sophistication.

The collar is added after the shaping in the yoke is finished and cast off. I knit it to the intended length – I really make no modifications but I did want a button at the top of collar to fasten it around my neck in the winter. I added one more buttonhole when I did the I-Cord bind off down the fronts.

At Fibres West, I found these very cool coconut buttons which suit the jacket. I’m glad I saved them for this project. The fit? I could not be happier. When I tried it on for the first time, my husband was even impressed and he usually doesn’t pay much attention – mostly because he’s seen me working on something for so long he forgets which project is which and whether something is done or not.

This is the first time I have not only used the called-for yarn in a project but also the same colour as the designer. I fell in love with this jacket the moment Amy published it – which was sometime last year. Since I hadn’t learned how to seam yet, I kept putting it off and putting it off – but when I had the opportunity to buy the yarn 40% off at my LYS … there was no more excuse making.

I swatched that day, then got quite scared and put it aside for a while. I finally cast on in May and have just been quietly work on it since – between other projects. This took the pressure off for this to be perfect and it worked up beautifully – I could not be happier. I think it’s safe to say this is actually my favourite handknit ever :)

swing.

In Toronto in July, I went to the Jazz Festival in the Beaches. I love big band music and was able to catch a great show which featured swing dancers.

I was completely captivated by one girl who was wearing a blue wrap skirt with large pockets and a sash. I approached her afterwards and asked her where she had bought it, as well as complimented her on her dancing.

She said she’d made it from a McCall’s pattern (#5430) and that she’d used a cotton twill. I totally copied her – she looked amazing and I love 1920-1940’s swing attire. She was even wearing the 1950’s white Keds and a red tank instead of the yellow. So cute on her. This is my version with no changes to the pattern.

It actually still needs hook & eyes on the inside for the wrap skirt to be complete but I couldn’t want to show you.

This is an easy pattern – I made the size 10 since my hips are 42”. I might actually make this skirt one size smaller next time (I would like to make it in a lighter twill – this is quite heavy which will be great for Fall) as it is a little roomy in the waist.

That said, I still love it! Happy sewing :)

ps. The Pattern says it’s a 1 or 2 hour sewing project – ummm, no. It’s not. It took me an afternoon after cutting it out which took a while in the morning.

pps. I keep this blog related to only my crafting but I wanted to say that those who are mourning today the loss of loved ones from 9/11, my prayers go out to you as you heal and open your hearts to forgiveness. I pray for the children left behind that they would look to their futures with hope, love and joy that the world is a beautiful place and we must continually remind ourselves of this blessing. Amen.