Monday, July 23, 2018

Another Concord

grey Concord T, front view, hands on hips

This is my second Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt make. I cut a size 12 G/H. For this version, I went with the curved, faced hem, the v-neck, and long-sleeves. I shortened the sleeves by 1.5"-- but as a general rule, I seem to just push them up (didn't realize until this moment that I don't have any pics of the sleeves not pushed up... whoops!). The fabric is a soft, 100% poly ribbed knit that I purchased from Fabric Mart last summer.

grey Concord T, back view

Based on the fit of my first Concord T make (and of the other Cashmerette patterns I've made-- this seems to be a consistent issue for me across styles), I did a broad back adjustment to add a total of 3/4" to the upper back. I feel like it fits my back a bit better now, giving me a bit more room to move such that it doesn't feel tight. I am starting to wonder though, if maybe I should also try going up a size and see how that works for me. Hmmm...

grey Concord, applying knit tape to neckline

I followed the instructions for everything for the most part. I did stabilize the shoulder seams with some regular stay tape. And then also added the additional step of stabilizing the neckline with SewkeysE fusible knit stay tape. On the one hand, the neckline is nice and smooth and pretty. But, it also doesn't "hug" my body the way I want it-- it seems to stand away from my body. I need to do a bit of research to figure out how to remedy this.

grey Concord T, side view

And a lesson learned on this one: pay attention to the hem facings. The front and back are, in fact, different. :P I accidentally attached the front hem facing to the back and had stitched and serged. When I went to attach the back facing to the front, I realized my mistake... doh! But I was not wanting to deal with a re-do. So I went with it. On the outside, it looks fine. But it is a bit janky on the inside.

grey Concord T, front view

I am happy with how this came together. Though I am a bit bummed that I haven't had a chance to wear it yet. It has been a warm summer (yay!)-- and this poly is on the warm side. But it will be perfect come fall!


Thursday, July 19, 2018

Hearts Full

My heart is definitely full! I have just completed my two-year term as PTA president at my boys' elementary school and I am finally finding myself with the energy and wherewithal to craft again! Huzzah! I mean, I've done stuff here and there-- very occasionally-- and I've kept track of those on Instagram (my account name is furicious). Blogging however has just not been a thing. But, now that I'm finding myself in my craft room a bit more regularly, I'm feeling the urge to journal again. So here I am!

First up: a quilt! I started this quilt in the summer of 2016, when I learned that one of my friends was pregnant. The design is from a Moda Bake Shop tutorial, "Layers of Love," by Sterling LaBosky. I used a Kate Spain "Aria" layer cake and a couple of Kona solids.

Hearts Full quilt front

By January 2017, I was quilting it. But then life got in the way and it sat unfinished until last month when I finally picked it up again and finished it off. Baby is nearly two. Doh!

Hearts Full quilt back view

Fortunately, mama was very understanding and graciously accepted my belated baby gift. As it turns out, baby toddler girl is a big fan of snuggling under blankets. So, yay!

Hearts Full quilt label close-up

I quilted it with Aurifil Mako 50/2 thread in 2710 (Light Robin's Egg blue) using an all-over design.

Hearts Full quilting detail

Hearts seemed appropriate. Since it is hard to see, I've highlighted the design I used in the photo below.

Hearts Full quilting design

I was worried, especially since it was already half-quilted, that I would struggle to get going again. Thankfully, I quickly found my rhythm quickly and all went well. Phew!

Hearts Full quilt front side view

I finished the quilt with a machine stitched binding, a personalized label, and a trip through the washer to get it all crinkled and snuggleable.

Hearts Full quilt folded and pretty

Hopefully, Lady M will enjoy her new quilt!