The Mallory Cowl done in Butterball wool

One of the things I love about Portland is the thriving farmer's market scene.  There seems to be one in every neighborhood and more popping up all the time.  Even out in the 'burbs where we live the farmer's market is a great place to while away a summer's morning.  And although I do appreciate the local produce I am really there for the few craft stalls scattered amongst the fruits and vegetables.

Towards the end of the season last summer I came across a stall with a few knitted items, but what caught my attention was a woman sitting at a spinning wheel spinning her own yarn.  After talking to her for a few minutes I left with a skein of yarn that she had spun herself.  The sheep, she told me. was named butterball.  In case I needed more of the same type of yarn,  I would just need to let her know the name of the sheep and she would be able to match the yarn.

Tbis is the cowl I made out of Butterball's wool.  The pattern is the Mallory Cowl by luvinthemommyhood.

I must say I've been a bit burnt out on sewing for an unappreciative audience.  My last few projects for s has been complete failures.  The hot pink sailor pants and shirt are languishing in s's drawer even as we speak.  The sane is true of the gray velour hoodie and the yoga top.  I am consoling myself with the thought that all those items will grow with her and her penchant for frilly pink ruffly things will end someday soon.

In the meantime, I've moved my sewing space and now have my own dedicated room!  I can close the door and make a mess and not have to worry about little feet stepping on pins.   

Hot Pink!

I've had plans to make the Oliver & S Sailboat outfit since last spring.  I love that the pattern is simple and basic with just the right amount of classic and modern. 



 So I finally got .around to it.  I started with the top sewn in a hot pinkish-red knit that I got at Joann's.  The constuction was fairly easy and straightforward.  I had a little problem with the buttonholes though.  But that's ok since the buttons covered up my less than sterling workmanship.  The knit actually drapes beautifully.  I can see myself making more of these, one in every color and some stripeys too. 

Then I made the pants.  Hot pink as well, with white piping and buttons.  I quite like the garish color paired with that classic sailor look.

They are a bit loose on her, but hopefully will fit her this spring.  So there you are: a hot pink outfit for a hot pink girl. 

KCWC Redux

KCWC was pretty inspiring.  I got loads of ideas and inspirations, and found some new blogs to follow.  While perusing the archives of this cool blog called Cirque du Bebe, I came across this yoga top.   Heidi and Finn and Heather Ross?  Sounds like a marriage made in sewing heaven.

I had the pattern and the fabric, so it was easy to pair it with a green fleece lining that I've had in my stash for  quite a while.  Because of the fleece, this top ended up more of a jacket than a shirt.  The neckline is loose and the fit roomy enough that a shirt underneath is called for.

It should keep her nice and cozy this winter and hopefully next winter too.  Thanks for the inspiration Sophie!  (Hope she doesn't mind that I copied.)

Yoga Top Pattern by Heidi & Finn found here.
Fabric: Heather Ross Far Far Away 2 and fleece..

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has always been one  of  my favorite holidays.  Who could help but smile
on a day when wearing costumes is not only encouraged, but expected?  Oh, and there's the candy too of course. 

This year was my first attempt at making a halloween costume.  S wanted to be a mermaid. 

She had to have a tail.

I made it out of one inch foam and sewed wavy lines just using a regular foot.

She had a star fish headpiece.

And lots of sparkles.

And her sister was the naughtiest Tink this side of Neverland. 

Have a great Halloween!