Dress + Cardigan: Installment 7

Dress no. 7 is sewn from a modified version of New Look 6871 in fabric I purchased from Marden's of Maine.  Marden's is my favorite fabric joint: The selection is huge and changes often, the prices are outstanding, and the staff is friendly and engaging. My first time there I thought maybe the girl cutting my fabric had given her notice five minutes earlier -- the "Marden's Yard" is generous.  But no, the other staff were also rolling off generous cuts, looking their customers in the eye with genuine interest in what the fabric was to become. Get there if you can.

This is my Karenyoung zippered hoodie, named after a college friend whose mother called her by her full name.  Karen was on the ski team, a wicked good sport (she participated in a keg toss with a full leg cast), and a knitter -- we used to knit in the hallway of our dormitory.

Hey, is that sweater machine knit?  Yes, my first.  And yes, I am a lover of machines -- sewing machines, printing machines, knitting machines, winding machines, automated looms, and tractors.  I am relearning how to use my Singer 360K, a gift from my folks when I turned sixteen.  A Gathering of Stitches offers classes that are on my list for 2014.

Here's wishing you health and happiness in 2014, and moments of peace filled with dreams and stitches.

Does this Line Ever Move?

Does this line ever move?

That's Eileen at the back of the line griping about the wait.  Her name is Eileen because she's always lurching.

The girls are wearing dresses 7, 8 and 9, and their matching cardigans.  If I had another dressform she'd be wearing dress 10 and it's partner cardigan, a just-about-done round yoke number.

But the girls are going to have to wait just a little longer -- I will present them one per week as this project wraps up. I have other news:

Are you busy on the weekend of January 17, 18 & 19? 

 I would love if you could join me for 

Slater Mill's 6th Annual Knitter's Weekend

Friday, January 17: Opening Night Wine and Cheese Reception 6pm - 9pm, cost $10

Gudrun Johnston will be giving a presentation on the Shetland Islands and signing books, Thea Colman will have a trunk show of her exquisite knitwear, and I will have my Dress + Cardigan project on display.  

On Saturday, January 18, I'll be teaching

A Dozen Ways to Use Variegated Yarn

from  9 am until 1 pm. But it looks like the class has sold out!

On Sunday, January 19, I will be teaching

 Fried Chicken Mittens, Two at a Time  

from 9 am until 1 pm.

Learn to knit two Fried Chicken mittens at the same time.  I have rewritten my Fried Chicken Mitten pattern to include many sizes and detailed instructions on how to knit them simultaneously. The Fried Chicken Mitten has a sculpted thumb much like a chicken drumstick.  It fits well and serves well as a go to pattern.   Best of all, no second mitten to knit!  The pattern will not be launched until January 31; be first to learn the technique.
Notes:  Students will be learning the magic loop method of knitting two tubes simultaneously.  They will be provided a printed copy of an unreleased pattern, modified to cater to the time restraints of the class.  They will also be provided a digital copy of the same pattern, not modified.  I will supply the yarn and stitch markers, as well as a new circular needle.  I will need to charge a materials fee of $8 per student for the needle.  It is imperative that we have the right tools. 
Limit of 12 students.  Cost : $68.27 + $8.00

Link to Brown Paper Tickets ----->  here

Also, Thea will be teaching a design class on Saturday and Sunday. I have been a fan of Thea's for a long time: She has a keen eye for editing work and creating knitwear that is elegant and expressive.  

In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying your season, whatever it may be.