OhSewCrafty

Sewing FO: Kindle Case (with Tutorial!)

 

I was the happy recipient of a Kindle Touch wifi on Christmas day, so I decided to sew up a case, using Chica and Jo's tutorial as a starting point.  My case diverges from theirs in a few ways, being thinner, with elastic straps to secure the kindle rather than a pocket, and velcro as closure.

It took a few tries for me to get it just right- good thing it doesn't require much fabric!  The challenging aspect was the straps.  One must consider stretch, seam allowances, screen size, etc.  I finally got it right- as you can see above, the straps pass the gravity test.  The case has been accidentally dropped a few times on a hard floor and the kindle stays put.  My first prototype was made with striped quilting cotton.  It was cute but had a few functionality flaws.  Once I'd made a few decisions re: improvements, I got this faux soft skin silver leather (100% polyurethane). I love my case- it closely securely and cleanly, has a slender profile that fits easily into my bag, and can be comfortably held in one hand while standing and reading on the subway. 

Another nice feature is that it will stand up on its own for a comfortable reading position while propped up on a flat surface.  The faux leather fabric can easily be wiped clean, which is nice since the Kindle goes most everywhere with me, and I often prop it up on the table while I'm eating lunch.  Here's the tutorial, have fun!  

FO: Red Red Wine

• Pattern by Vladimir Teriokhin from Tahki "Modern Romance"
• Yarn: Elann LE Finesse (merino/tencel), Glazed Apples, 1320 yards
• Size/Needles/Gauge: 35.5", 4.75 spi on US 7's, 6's for trim
• Time to knit: About 5 weeks in Nov/Dec 2011

I adore the romantic style of this project, perfect for Valentines'!  It was meant to be my Christmas sweater, but gifts took precedece (of course).  The last piece was knitted by the end of December, but I took my time with the finishing.

The pattern is my first project from the lovely booklet, "Modern Romance" published by Tahki Yarns.  The cable pattern/chart has a bit of errata as the directions don't match the photo, but the simple correction is detailed in my Rav entry.    I made a few small modifications; shortened the sleeves to avoid hand-swallowing length, altered the raglan sleeve shaping to maintain the cable pattern all the way to the shoulder, and I did a tubular bind off on the cuff to maintain stretchiness there, but this isn't really necessary as the cuff is quite baggy.  This project requires a good bit of seaming, as the neckline trim and tie are knit separately.  Overall, the pattern isn't difficult, but I wouldn't recommend it for a first sweater project.

Elann Limited Edition Finesse is a 60 merino/ 40 tencel blend.  The yarn has four plies, evenly spun and rounded construction that works up into wonderful cables.  Tencel lends the fabric drape and sheen, while it's cozy warm from the wool.  The finished fabric is completelys soft, luxurious, and sumptous.  The color, "Baked Apple" is one of the nicest blue-based reds I've seen.  I really loved working with this yarn, which is fortunate as this project required a ton of yardage!    When Elann offered this yarn, I went a little crazy and got an additional two sweater lots in different colors, a decision I'm pretty happy with at present.  I hope it wears well! 

My favorite details are the neckline tie and v neck, pleated poet sleeves, and cable panels.

Sewing FO's: Box Bag No. 2 and DPN Case (w/ Tutorial!)

 

I sewed up another box bag as a KAL prize.  The recipient likes "mermaid colors" and I found this batik fabric at G Street which I believe fits the bill.  Though I only needed fat quarters, my chosen fabrics came only on the bolt so I had to get 1/2 yards.  I used the same tutorial as last time, but for some reason I had problems and frequently made use of the seam ripper.  The pieces just didn't want to go together evenly.  It's still not perfect, but it's presentable IMO.

I had leftover fabric from the box bag, so I put it to good use in a dpn case.  Previously, my dpns were stored together with rubber bands, and knocking around in a drawer, so the case is a vast improvement.  My case is 8.5" tall, about 2" in diameter when rolled up, and 16" wide when open.  There are 14 pockets meant for dpn sets from size 0 to size 11.  I incorporated a flap to hold the needles in against gravity, and ties to secure the case when rolled.  I'm posting a tutorial for it.........  It's a simple project and an experienced seamstress could easily copy it.   My tutorial is quite detailed and hopefully suitable for a novice.  

2012 WIPocalypse: Update

The full moon is here and it's time for another update on my WIP goals.  Since last time, I worked on goal no. 8, the Bruyere henley, my Phildar boucle sweater UFO.  My sewing machine was set with purple thread; I decided to sew it up.  That fabric did not sew easily; it really had to be pulled through the machine.  Machine sewing was still the best treatment for this, I believe.  There is zero stitch definition so mattress stitch would have been impossible.  Back stitch would have been difficult to do neatly, and the idea of backstitching an entire sweater sounds like torture.  I put a ball point needle into my machine and used a zig zag stitch meant for stretch fabric.  The seams did not look great, but pressing with a warm iron improved them.  I have no idea how to block this thing, but it definitely needs blocking.  I still have to weave in the gazillion ends and sew on the buttons, so don't expect an FO anytime soon.   I'm not even sure if I like the design anymore... boucle is not something I normally wear.  Whether this is welcome wardrobe variety or a fashion mistake is TBD.

I also spent some time with the no. 1 project, the tree skirt.  I completed the greenery and berries along the top edge from wreath to the hearts, the hearts, the teddy bear, candy canes, stocking, purple star, and greenery/berries/border from the stocking to the teacup.  It doesn't look like much, but it is progress.  Baby steps.

I think for my next WIPocalypse activity, I'll pick up one one of my other cross stitch projects.  And maybe finally sew up the Carnaby skirt.

 

FO: Vorderrhein

• Pattern by Kate Gagnon Osborne, from "Modern Vintage Knits"
• Yarn: Miss Babs Northumbria Aran "Blackwatch", 157 yards
• Size/Gauge/Needles: as per patt, 6.4 spi on US 7's, 6's for brim
• Time to knit: 5 days in January 2012

Shortly after finishing Glashütte, I decided that I needed another pom-pom trimmed hat.  I'd always liked the Vorderrhein pattern, it qualified for the SKC "cables" KAL, and the pattern is actually from the same designer.

I learned my lesson about uneven rib patterns, so I used a regular long tail cast on this time.  The pattern calls for 5's in the brim, but this yarn just seemed too thick for 5's, so I used 6's.  The elaborate cabling, all with twisted stitches, creates a richly textured fabric.  It requires much attention but with aran weight yarn, progresses quickly.

Miss Babs Northumbria aran is 100% bluefaced leicester wool, a rather plump, cushy 3 ply.  While not quite as soft as merino, this BFL is very soft, with luster and drape.  It's strong too, a good hard tug doesn't seem to weaken it all.  I really loved working with it, and I'll definitely seek out more BFL yarn in the future.  Miss Bab's dyejob "Blackwatch" is beautiful and subtle; kind of reminds me of a dark forest.

This is a fun, easy project, and the yarn I used is quite special.  "Modern Vintage Knits" has many lovely patterns and I hope to try one of the sweater projects at some point.

FO: Glashütte

• Pattern: Glashütte by Kate Gagnon Osborne
• Yarn: Dirty Water Dyeworks Julia (merino/tencel), 220 yds
• Size/Gauge/Needles: As written, 10 spi on 4's, 2's for brim
• Time to knit: 1 week in January 2012

I love the result of this project, but it had a rather inauspicous start.

The pattern is fine, crystal clear.  I like to do a tubular cast on for ribbing, but it doesn't work right when you have an uneven number of knit and purl stitches.  Once I came to terms with that (and did a regular long tail cast on), the project moved along smoothly, but it did take a while.  With many stitches on the needles and intricate cabling, the hat requires a lot of attention.  The pattern is written with a little bit of slouch for a cute effect.  The pom was a bit of a challenge- use many more wraps than you think you need!

The yarn was purchased from an indie dyer at Rhinebeck.  "Julia" is 3 plies, a light sport/ heavy fingering weight, a gorgeous 50/50 blend of merino and tencel.  Tencel provides sheen and drape, much like silk.  The yarn is soft and silky, almost shimmery.  The semisolid blue-gray dye is ideal for this design, adding just a bit of depth without competing with the cables.    The upper part of hat is knit on US 4's, which seemed a bit loose, but using a smaller needle would have created a more fitted effect.  Cabling without a cable needle is pretty much imperative for this, IMO.

I love the silky fabric, fancy cabling, cute pom-pom and pretty blue-gray color.  After finishing this, I felt the urge to make another pom-pom hat.  Stay tuned...