NPRINS

Dear readers, Another project I completed before my dress was finally Susie's Fingerless Mitts, a free pattern from Ravelry found HERE. Easy but delicate pattern.  I would sew these again in DK or a thinner yarn.  The pattern calls for Size 5 needles in DK.  The yarn is Lorna's Superwash Wool in Worsted.  I used Size 4 and cast on a bit two small (24 c/o)  - next time I will use 30 stitches c/o.  I tried the 42 the pattern called for and 36 but both ran too large, even with the reduced needle size - I am a loose loose knitter and this yarn was larger than the pattern called for.  Some of the pattern was a bit tricky - the turn round after the lace stitch took me some time to figure out, as did the thumb.  I also used a crochet c/o - I probably will never use another cast off again - I loved this stretchy c/o.  Thank goodness for YouTube tutorials.   My ravelry review is  HERE. Fun pattern.  Highly recommended!

Dear readers, Since having minor foot surgery and staying home for two weeks - this second week I have been sewing my head off - I've completed this reproduction dress, a pair of knitted fingerless mitts, and a quick shirt. First, my completed Decades of Style  1944 House Dress.  I bought the fabric online from Gorgeous Fabrics  last year .  (Note to self:  I am going to start attaching tags to my fabric with date and source).  The colors of this dress were inspired by a Rose Bowl game here in Pasadena - actually the BCS Championship in Pasadena (Univ. of Alabama v. Univ. of Texas).  I thought I am going to make a dress to wear with my brother to the next Alabama championship - it's only taken me over three years. Please note I couldn't get the color quite right . I tried to lighten then darken it.   I also chose not to attach black pockets - J. thought it would drive the dress into costume territory (not that this is necessarily a bad thing). I u...

Dear readers, Google reader is shutting down July 1st - feel free to follow me on Bloglovin. Just click this link:   Pammieandtheps on Bloglovin Thanks and I'll see you there! XOXO, P.

Dear readers, I am merely testing out the bloglovin site, and "claiming" my blog. Follow my blog with Bloglovin XOXO, P.

Dear readers, I'm stuck in bed (mostly) convalescing from minor foot surgery.  So, I cannot sew, or really do anything sitting yet - but what I can do:  finally watch my Craftsy classes while I put off finishing knitting projects! First one up - a class featuring Sunni from A Fashionable Stitch  -  on Mastering Zipper Techniques.  I previously bought gorgeous sewing pressing hams from her and love them still. The class was free at Craftsy Online Classes   - I wasn't totally sure what I would learn from the class at first.  I am already signed up for the zipper class at ASG in Arlington this summer.  But I was confounded at the amount of knowledge I gained.  And no, I am not on percocet. The highlights: 1)  Sunni uses a extremely fine non-woven fusible to interface her all three zipper techniques. This interfacing is fusible and 1 1/4 inches wide (perfect for 5/8 seam zippers).  Here is where you can find it - Sunni's shop  - or...

Dear Readers, I am apparently, revising my New Years goals - I'm home for two weeks following some minor foot surgery and eventually hope to make something (or finish that day dress!).  I've come a long way on my goals so now I am adding some "embellishments." 1.  Expand my knitting skills.  (Update: Complete, except for sweater - I learned DPNs, fingerless mitts (1 set down - the second set, Suzie's below are 35% complete), hat and socks, and bought a craftsy sweater class).  Expansion:  I bought an complete fleece (saddle and sides) from my office colleague (it's grey/rose and soft) - I may learn to also spin once I have the fleece treated!  The above pattern is free,  Susie's Reading Mitts , available at Ravelry (Thanks  Tanya of Sew Sassy Again for the link to this pattern ). The class I bought is below, Celtic Cables, from the talented Irish Knitting Designer,  Carol Feller, whose blog is stolen stitches , to learn to do a Aran sweater ...

Dear readers, I am heartbroken to report that our elder Kerry Blue Terrier Paddy passed away after an intense battle with spinal pain and injury for the past 14 days (from apparent degenerative spinal bone loss (the vets and our family suspected cancer of the spine without confirmation) not from a specific event, we think).   He was almost 12. I adopted him at 6 after his doctor dog parents both had Alzheimer's; he went into the Southern California rescue group after escaping from his guardian and surviving a severe attack by another dog.  We loved him, and taught him the virtues of hiking and frolicking on the beach which he loved (his favorite was Rincon).  He loved riding in the car, and I tried to take him on many car rides.  He was a loyal friend - and the first dog I adopted on my own.  I was in Vegas when I made the decision upon seeing his picture - I knew he was the one.  I loved him from the time I set eyes on him when he came to visit and stayed....