Renfrew

Pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew

Fabric: Knit from Tessuti

The Good: I have now made this top four times. Two with scoop necks, one with the cowl neck and one with a v-neck, so you could I say I like this pattern. It is well written and fits (for me) perfectly without any modifications. My first attempt used a pink ponte, and has become one of my favourite tops. The fabric doesn't have a lot of stretch and is thicker than most knits I have used making it like a thin jumper. It is so comfortable.

The cowl neck version I tried without the bottom band, but it just doesn't sit as nice as the ones with a band. That probably has something to do with the fabric though, its very thin. A slightly thicker knit and I think it would have worked great.

But this striped one, is a new favourite. The fabric is a lovely quality, and perfect for an everyday long sleeve top. I can't wait it to get warmer and then I'll work on some short sleeve versions.

The pattern itself.. easy, great for basic building and well worth the money considering how many times I have (and will) use it.

The Bad: Nothing. Just fabric selection on my part for the cowl version... to be re-made.

Modifications: Attempts with a thiner band or no band have worked "ok" but I have decided I like the thicker bands, it makes the sleeve and body sit flatter. I have read a few reviews that people have had to take some length off the sleeves or body, but I didn't need to.

Simplicity 1989

Pattern: Simplicity Sew Simple 1989 


Fabric: Cotton from The Remnant Warehouse


The good: The pattern is "simple" just as the name says, it consists of only a front, shaped back, and sleeves. No zippers and only a very gentle gather in the sleeves. Nothing like some simple sewing that you dont even need to refer to the instructions to get back in front of the sewing machine after a couple of weeks. The neckline is finished with binding which is quick and easy. 


The bad: The pattern cost me $3 on sale at Spotlight and the fabric a whole $3.80. There isn't much to complain about a dress that costs that little and fits well. The neckline is wide, but I like it like that, just a warning to others. 


Modifications: I didn't bother with the belt, otherwise I cut straight to the size. 


Nice and cool for summer, but I'm wearing mine now with a long sleeve top underneath, leggings and boots. And a big fat chunky cowl on those extra cold days. I wore mine out for dinner with a friend a few weeks ago, and she liked it so much that she asked me to make one exactly the same, fabric and all. Must remember to check with her before we head out that we aren't wearing it the same time.. that could be slightly embarrassing.

The week that was...

First week back at school

Bella's first "Dance Spectacular" at the NRL

Working on finishing a "Rubble" for Eva

Lots of baking including Lemon and Coconut Slice and Crumpies from Jamie Oliver's Great Britain book

Feeding the hungry crew with a new delicious soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 leek, halved and thinly sliced

1 large brown onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 fresh tomatoes, chopped

3 carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

10 cups vegetable stock

3 medium potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

100g baby spinach leaves

2 cans Cannelini beans, drained and rinsed

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat.
2. Add onion, thyme and garlic, saute for 5 minutes
3. Add tomatoes and carrots and saute for 10 minutes
4. Add beans, stock and potatoes and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes
5. Add the zucchini and leek. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes.
6. Uncover and add the baby spinach leaves, heating and stirring until just wilted.
7. Uncover and remove from the heat and stir in cheese just before serving. Season to taste.

Facelift

After doing some work for customers lately on their blog templates and sinking my teeth into some good old HTML coding, I decided to do some work on mine. More tweaking to come, but I'm loving the nice clean look.

HINE for Eva

Pattern: HINE by Kelly Brooker (raveled here)

Yarn: Sublime Yarns Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK

Using every inch of two balls of Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, and the HINE pattern that came with Liam's TAMA knit, a new top for Eva. Made in the 18-24m size, it fits Eva and her Mummy-inhgerited long body, but a little bit longer would have been great. The nice thing about these two patterns is they are provided for a range of yarn weights, so another, this time in a 10ply with an extra ball would be a super quick knit. 

Next up on the needles, I am halfway through a Rubble for Eva using some Rowan Silky Tweed.

TAMA for Liam

Pattern: TAMA by Kelly Brooker (raveled here)

Yarn: Rowan Silky Tweed

With my 4 balls of Rowan Silky Tweed I got last week, I cast on a new jumper for Liam from the TAMA pattern. The pattern is a lovely a basic jumper with no cables etc. so easy peasy knitting for on the lounge, but with a nice detail of the button neck. The yarn was beautiful, it's so warm but not thick and has a fleck through it. I think the increases on the sleeve aren't quite 100% but the pattern wasn't overly clear, so I just winged it but it worked.

I purchased the eBook that includes the girl's HINE pattern, and now that Liam's new jumper is done, I have just cast on the HINE in a gorgeous purple Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK for Eva.

Winter certainly is perfect for knitting projects...