You Can't Make a Silk Skirt Out Of A Sow's Ear
Thursday, 23 October 2008
If a sewing pattern is designed for a stretch fabric, no matter how many interventions you stage, it just won't work. The poor Give me your answer do skirt was never going to cut it, and so I cut it: up. I had more fabric, I had bought it on sale and so this morning I drafted a pattern for a new skirt, a personal pattern to fit me, with woven fabric in mind and here it is: The Give me your answer Two. It was windy, and Harki was helping so it's not the world's best picture (not that I think any of mine are, except for Labrador pictures where the subjects' wonderfulness over rides my hopelessness)
It fits so perfectly that I rifled through my fabric stash and found this, made of eyelets holding some fabric together. I will have to place the pattern carefully so that the eyelets are not disturbed by the hem and it will need some lining. I'm not sure how far it should go though. How many glimpses of my Rubenesque thighs do I want to allow? Sorry for that mental picture!!!
The first Crocodile Rox Sock was finished in the waiting room yesterday. I didn't have my sewing up needle so I grafted the toe this morning. It fits really well and I am very happy with the whole thing!! I always use 72 stitches and 2.25mm needles, but I know others like to use 64 stitches. I promised TinkingBell that I would write up the pattern for her, but if anyone else is interested I can try adding a page to my blog with the pattern for both options. I failed miserably last time, but I may have some better luck this time!!! I think the picture on the far right is the closest to the correct colour.
This is a quick fly-by-day post as I am out for tea. I'm taking little ziplock bags with Cake in a Mug dry mixture all ready to go. Should be interesting. I'll let you know how it goes.
The Labradors are having a lovely day, there has been a lot of playing and there was apple and sweet potato in their breakfast!! There was also a vast amount of sunbaking and oceans of cold water were drunk.
Ooh yes, please write up the pattern (even my feet are Rubenesque, so 72 stitches for me).
Posted by: Taphophile | Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 07:19 PM
Yes, do write up the pattern! Please! And Im fascinated by cake-in-a-mug, so please report back on that one. I can see lovely fresh-baked morning teas for me when I return to work!!
Posted by: Georgie | Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 08:13 PM
Nice sewing job! Sewing is something i've wanted to dabble in again sometime but haven't put in the concentration yet. I would love to be able to make skirts :)
Posted by: Glenna | Thursday, 23 October 2008 at 10:56 PM
What lovely socks! Go on, write it up!!
You should show us much thigh as you can. We should celebrate thighs of a sizes.
I am going to make skirts this weekend! Yay!
Posted by: amandaj | Friday, 24 October 2008 at 09:31 AM
You made skirts. I made skirts!
I was thinking of you this week when I was buying fabric on sale at "that place" and there were some pretty green fabrics.
Cake in a mug sounds interesting.
Posted by: Sue | Friday, 24 October 2008 at 04:52 PM
Love the skirt - you have been so busy!
Posted by: jodie | Friday, 24 October 2008 at 07:26 PM
If you did try and make a skirt from a sow's ear it would be quite small. Hmm ....
The eyelet fabric looks fantastic; I'm sure the skirt will be equally groovy!
Posted by: AmyP | Saturday, 25 October 2008 at 11:27 PM
Lovely work, and lovely PICTURES!
Great job on the skirt and socks.
Posted by: Nan | Sunday, 26 October 2008 at 01:32 AM
The sock looks great & you should write up the pattern & join the world of designers. I will love to knit a pair of croc socks - thanks!
Posted by: Ann | Sunday, 26 October 2008 at 11:20 AM
The girls look so gorgeous standing there on the step!! Nice skirt...but gee your leg has gotten thin...have you been dieting??? Cathyx
Posted by: Catherine | Sunday, 26 October 2008 at 05:58 PM
Gorgeous socks, definitely write up the pattern!
I have awarded you the I Love Your Blog award. You can see the details on my blog if you would like.
Posted by: Helen | Sunday, 26 October 2008 at 10:28 PM
Nice sewing job. The skirt looks wonderful.
Posted by: crafty things | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 09:16 AM
everything you are making looks lovely, and i would welcome a pattern with more than 64 stitches too, i am forever adding more and having to work out the pattern accordingly. and the girls are looking very healthy and happy at the moment too!
Posted by: kms | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 12:02 PM
everything you are making looks lovely, and i would welcome a pattern with more than 64 stitches too, i am forever adding more and having to work out the pattern accordingly. and the girls are looking very healthy and happy at the moment too!
Posted by: kms | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 12:02 PM
I love the fabric of that skirt. It says summer just perfectly.
Posted by: bells | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 08:15 PM
Your flowery skirt is soooo pretty and I am in awe of your knitting skills. Please give those gorgeous labs a pat from me. =]
Posted by: inkberryblue | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 08:16 PM
That eyelet fabric is fantastic!
You couldn't have found that one at Spotlight!
Posted by: Angie | Monday, 27 October 2008 at 11:08 PM
What a lovely fresh looking skirt you have made. The sock is lovely and the labradors are so cute looking.
Posted by: Anne | Tuesday, 28 October 2008 at 04:37 PM
ooh -i like the eyelet fabric. it reminds me of peacock feathers with the eyelets getting larger! i really like the crocodile socks, too!!
Posted by: Carly | Thursday, 30 October 2008 at 02:36 AM