Designer Handmade Knits and Clothes

This will be a heavy photo post since I have LOTS to share. I am proud to say that I have completed TWO skirts. The first one needs some more adjustments, but is complete and does fit. The second one was an impromptu desire for a sexy long skirt made out of a clingy knit material instead of cotton. Knowing that cutting patterns is the thing that stalls my progress, I just winged it! I really like the results. I have enough material to make a nice draped top as well!

For my first skirt, I used New Look 6843. I think this was the perfect first pattern to try. I was able to cut out the pattern, fabric, and get to work right away. Following in Ashley's footsteps, I added rick rack to the bottom. Ashley makes beautiful designer handmade knits and clothes. Her latest quilt is also beautiful. Ooops – I’m off on another tangent. At any rate, check out her blog and her great photos of Vermont. As far as possible modifications for this skirt: I think I will shorten the length a bit. The fullness in the sides in addition to the length, make it a little out of my style-range. I think that I will add the coordinating fabric to the bottom as well. I will also rip out the zipper and re-sew it. One size is fairly sloppy, while I was able to get the “hang of things” on the second side.



For my next skirt, made last night on a whim, I chose to cut only two pieces instead of 3 and avoid the seam down the back. When I bought the fabric and had it cut, we discovered that the drape was going in the wrong direction for the pattern, but I stuck with it and the outcome still works. If I do make the New Look 6648 pattern, I will use change the direction of the fabric so the drape is correct. As a side note, I found this great pattern after lurking around this blog.




In addition, I have new yarn that I purchased with my gift certificate from my Secret 12 Pal. Thanks soooo much. It’s a luscious yarn by Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. Even though I have plans to knit Nicole with this, I have 768 yards, which could also work with one of my new pattern purchases…Silken Scabbard by Jennifer Hansen. I also purchased No. 6 by Wendy Bernard, since I have yet to get her book – this will have to tie me over. Lol.




Well – that’s it so far. I plan on pausing my sewing frenzy until I’ve completed Orangina. I think Orangina will look great with my new skirt, so I hope that’ll be extra motivation. Stay tuned….