Darling Dresses

So, here's what I'm working on:

1.  Flame Wave Socks from Favorite Socks for my Sockapalooza 4 sock pal.  I'm doing them in a lovely color (it's top secret, though) of the yarn that's called for (Cascade Fixation).  I just ripped out the first version of sock 1 - thankfully I'd only done about five inches.  I didn't like my tension.  Granted, I am thumbing my nose at the gauge swatch (I know, I know, BAD knitter!) because I just want to knit the pattern!  Right now, even if I have to frog it again, it'll be worth it just to do this pattern...that's how fun, simple, and gratifying it is.  :-)  The yarn is a bit fiddly because it's 1.97% elastic content makes it surprisingly stretchy.  I was knitting too loosely in an attempt to ensure there would be some elasticity, but I think I overcompensated.  So, this time, I'll stick with the same size needles but work it a little more tightly.

2.  Went to Nancy's Sewing Basket today to search for three lovely fabrics for this dress:

McCall's 5137 - I like the drawing of the version on the right, but after poking around the web and looking at finished dresses, I think that the middle version might be best.  Plus, after trying to find three fun fabrics that are of similar weight, quality, coloring, etc. I think the fewer contrasting details...the better.  It supposedly easy to make and very easy to wear, which is exactly what I'm looking for as I re-enter the wonderful world of garment sewing!  No luck today, though.  I'm hoping to go to Stitches and see what kind of fabric they have.  Does anyone have any other local, small-business, fabric store suggestions?

3.  Not yet in the works, but certainly on my mind are these two patterns:

McCall's 4826 (L) and Butterick 4790 (R).  Again, pretty easy to put together, and depending upon the fabric I think I can make them easy to wear, as well.  I love the flat little bow on the photographed version of 4826.  So girly!  It's perhaps a bit over the top paired with the hot pink stripes, but still...As for 4790, I think I'll do a two-fabric version (as the drawing on the left shows), with the sheath portion in a pattern and the overskirt/back in a solid.  I saw a beautiful version here.  Aren't those colors gorgeous?

You didn't think my crafty goodness was only expressed through knitting, did you?

:-)

4.  I'm still plugging away at Green Gable, as well as my Father's Day socks for Dad (he knows that he'll get them in time for cooler weather).

Happy Summer Solstice!  I hope that you're enjoying the shortest night of the year.

Comments

[Duchess]

A friend of mine, Sarah, sells beautiful fabrics out of her etsy and ebay shops. She is a local Seattleite too (even the internet is local sometimes!)

Here is the link to her blog which has links to both her etsy and ebay shops.

http://rubysdaughter.blogspot.com/

I can't wait to see the finished dresses!

KELLY REPLIES: Thanks for the tip, Duchess! I'll take a little peek right now. :-)

[Kerrie]

I LOVE the first dress. If only I could sew... And I didn't mind being a Kelly twin. :)