Extra Quick 'N Easy - Butterick 3286

I found this pattern during a marvellous bit of box-rummaging at Oxford's Thursday market earlier in the year. I'd been thinking about drafting a simple top pattern, but not quite getting round to it, for ages. This pattern did the job, just at the right time. Who can resist a pattern that declares itself to be, not just Easy, but Extra Quick too - so much so that there's not even time for a proper "and". Don't you just love a 'n?

I decided to go for the scooped neck version to begin with, and true to the billing I was able to cut the fabric out in the amount of time it took my 3 year old to notice I was doing something else vaguely interesting while she was watching Dora the Explorer.

The sewing was simple too - easily completed in one evening, and best of all... I really do like the result. The bust darts are super low and long - they start at about waist height and go up sharply towards the bust apex. This gives that distinctive boxy shape of the mid 60s but with just the right amount of flattering shaping. I used some vintage lightweight fabric that was donated to me years ago by a teacher who'd discovered a sizable stash in an old school cupboard. Next tie I might try something with slightly more drape, but all in all - thumbs up to the Extra Quick 'N Easy. Lemon squeezy.

I decided to go with the garden reflection/drainpipe combo look - edgy stuff 'eh?

Knitting bag pattern - the eagle has landed!

Whoop whoop! I am delighted to annouce that the latest Made by Loulabelle pattern is now available in my folksy shop and believe me, it's a good 'un!

Wouldn't you love your own delicious knitting bag to make you feel all organized and clever? Somewhere for your needles to feel at home and safe with their friends instead of stuffed at the bottom of a tote, or stuck in a waste paper basket (okay, so that last one might sound a bit random, but surely I'm not the only one who's been using a  bin for knitting storage... come on, don't leave me hanging!).

So, moving swiftly on.... Here it is, your chance to make your very own knitting bag. I have checked, and double checked and it definitely has more pockets than your hands have fingers. (So, more than 10). Yep, there's pockets for needles, yarn and patterns. It's got loads of room for everything in fact  - probably even the bin you were keeping your knitting in.

Oh, and if you don't feel up to tackling that (admittedly slightly pesky) craft weight interfacing, then you can make a squidgy padded version with eyelets and tape handles instead. Lovely!

Work in progress

Question: What has more pockets than a person has fingers...

a fancy-smancy zip...

and a curve or two....?

Answer: My protoype for the Made by Loulabelle knitting bag pattern!

It's not quite ready for the full on reveal yet, but keep 'em peeled!

ps.. yes, this is the same fabric as the baby sleeping bag! Those bedspreads go a long way you know!

Basic tailoring - oh my!

Last night was knit club night.  Good progress was made with Project Turban (more on this later!), the wine and chocolate flowed, and we compared disastrous brother stories. But the icing on the cake for me was being given a book that our hostess's mother in law had been clearing out.  

Basic Tailoring from Time Life Books (1975) looks pretty unassuming from the outside, but check out the title page for Chapter 1 and you'll understand why my heart skipped a little stacked heel beat. What could be more jolly than a kalaidescope montage of a 70s suited couple!

 I  have fallen in love with this book! Yes, the content is good - great step by step guide to tailoring with a bit of suiting history thrown in for good measure, but for me, the content comes second to the amazing images from a time before Photoshop...

  ...when men were maxing out the bow-ties and feeling mightily flambouyant with their evening wear...

"Hey man, I am loving that bowtie." "Why thanks, I made it myself."

Wooosh! Many an evening was spent running down hills with arms outstretched in the 70s...

 Billy Connelly in a hunting jacket? Suits you sir

Right, I'd best be off - I've got my work cut out convincing Mr Loulabelle that we need matching capes...

Dressing for summer

The spell of warm weather we've had lately took us by surprise a bit and I realised Freya's wardrobe was made up mostly of long sleeved tops and cardigans. She was starting to look a bit red in the face, so time to whip out the sewing machine for a quick summer wardrobe.

I found some amazing lobster fabric (in Darn it and Stitch) but thought a whole crustacean be-decked outfit might look a bit like theme dressing. Instead we went for a top in light brown and white stripes with lobster accents. The pattern we chose (Mccalls M4756) has a slightly more severe shape than I'd anticipated - next time I'll adjust the neckline to make it more scooped. So, I think the result is ummm, interesting, but hopefully in a good way - you're definitely not going to find this baby on the high street.  An added bonus is hearing Freya referring to her LOB-ster top  - with fruity Rowan Atkinson style pronounciation!

top and leggings: made by mummy, banana: model's own

the perfect outfit for a quick getaway

One of the quickest and easiest things in the "oh help we've run out of clothes" section of my head, is the elasticated waist skirt. I've been thinking about writing a tutorial - it's pretty self explanatory but in an emergency it's always good to have the "working it out for yourself" bit taken out of the equation! I'll let you know when I finally get round to it! There are a few different variations, but this time, I went for two vintage fabrics and ricrac combo. The bottom section fabric was a bit stiffer than the top section which means it doesn't gather up quite as much and creates this kind of sticky-out/bell shape. Totally unintentional, but I like it!

 

Another go-to toddler style is the classic elasticated sleeve and neckline peasant dress.  Over the last couple of weeks I've whipped up 2 dresses and 2 tops.  My model is starting to get a bit tetchy about having her photo taken, so I have only managed to get a shot of one version. For this one I used the same fabric for body and sleeves but added a bow - for the other top and the dresses I've been using contrasting fabric for the sleeves.

 

Freya perfects the "London look"

Finally, the black and white leggings, and rose leggings in the top pictures are another McCalls pattern (M6388). Amazingly quick and easy - I'd definitely recommend making your own leggings if you, like me, get annoyed that they always come in packs of two where one is funky and the other one is pink. By my calculations I will be able to fill an entire chest of drawers with pink leggings by the time Freya is 5.

60s fashion knits

After the intimidating lady knits of the late 50s, let's head over to the 60s for a look at Patons Fashion Knits no 13. This is much more in my comfort zone - both in terms of style (safely back in a world of clashing colours and funky tights) and knitting ability. It's double knit and aran a go go from here on (phew!)

First up we banish the trauma of the 50s 2 ply lace dress with this infinitely more realistic version knitted in chunky yarn. Still likely to reveal every single biscuit you ever ate, but at least you could knit it within a year and it looks great in a sketch.

I love these his and hers apres-ski sweaters. Not sure I'd be able to convince Mr Loulaballe to adopt the Roger-Moore-at-play look but I'm definitely up for going solo with the lady version.

This red snow cape ticks all the boxes for me - cosy, all-enveloping and the perfect way to create an air of mystery (you could do all sorts under there - read a book, wash the dishes, strum a small guitar).  Okay, so I know this is very wrong, but I am also strangely drawn to the "attractive brushed helmet". It would give my children nightmares, but snug in my helmet of wooly check, the fearful pleas to "take the scary hat off, mummy" would be nicely muffled.

Unfortunatley, here is where Patons Fashion Knits starts to get the better of me. The stockings and pillar box hat are definite yes for style, but how do you keep a hat like that on your head, and as much as I love the green and olive stockings, I fear my attention span would reduce them to ankle socks.

Finally, I had to share this housecoat and long johns combo. The pattern says it all really:  "slightly crazy, but very chic... makes an amusing outfit for a winter evening at home". hmmm...

Knitting for Ladies

Last week I got my knitty little hands on another batch of vintage patterns - it's been a while since our last vintage knit post, so I reckon it's time for another review of the highs and curious lows of knitting moments from the past. I say moments, but some of these beauties would take me years to create!

First up is the Vogue Knitting Book No 52 published around 1958 - so a bit earlier than my favoured vintage era. These knits are much more for the "lady" and perhaps that's one reason why I find them beautiful but unnerving. The other reason is they are clearly aimed at the highly committed knitter. We're enticed to "Make this a Knitted Summer" and in view of our current climate, that still seems like a pretty good idea. But, on the downside, these patterns don't leave much time for beach trips, barbecues or ball games.

 Take for example, this beautiful minimalist two piece dress designed for "off-duty fun". Gorgeous yes, but knitted on the skinniest of needles (imperial size 11/metric size 3), that veneer of whimsical serenity on the models face is actually the vacant glaze acquired from many many many hours of teeny tiny stocking stitch.

Next we have the Late Day Dress - again, beautiful but that my friends, is a lace dress hand knitted in 2ply wool. We can be pretty sure that the butler finished that one off while Madam did some leaning against the summer house pillars (leaning against outdoor structures was big in 1958 it seems).

There are some more achievable styles - for example the striped cardigan blouse - described as "easy to live in" - probably because its knitted in 4 ply so might actually get finished. I think we all agree that "bracelet length sleeves" are much more glamorous than your bog standard 3/4 length.

 The rose cardigan is very pretty but I know my roses would look like blobs of blancmange.

This double breasted jacket blouse is a bit more accomplishable, and "pastels are knitting headlines in the Continent " you know, but I'm despeartely missing the chunky vibrant shades of the 60s and 70s.

 The most achievable pattern - and the one I might actually attempt is this garter stitch dolman pullover with roll collar.  In fact, it's going on The List, so who knows, one day I might actually be able to show you a finished version (although there will be no smoking on speed boats for me I fear!).

Well, enough of the land of ladies, next up is the 60s for some Patons projects that, while still ambitious are at least using double knit wool... stay tuned!

One pattern three ways

I made these two tops and dress a little while ago, but have only just managed to get photos of all three from my sometimes-reluctant model. The pattern is McCalls M6388 - pretty simple, but be warned - there's lots of gathering involved in the dress, particularly if you go for the long sleeves version. I saved up an episode of Mildred Pierce and pinned the gathers in one big batch while thanking the heavens that my daughter is not a Veda (well, not yet anyway!).

Version 1: the short sleeved top

 Version 2: long sleeved vintage fabric top with pockets

Version 3: the dress - perfect for eating cake with Daddy

The pattern also includes a really quick and easy pair of leggings, which I'd definitely recommend - you can see one of the pairs I've made just peeking out in the photo above. They turn out beautifully - I just added an extra couple of inches to the length.

More Nursery Knitting

The last of my currently completed baby knits is this apple green cabled cardigan - another pattern from King Cole's Nursery Knitting. So, who wants to see some more of the finest early 90s baby fashion?

There's a definite tendency towards pastel and wicker-based styling, but there are some great classic knits in there, including this page of booties and bonnets. I've had a go at the pink booties and the pom-pom slippers already, but the little pixie blue bonnet is definitely on my to-do list.

I've got a soft spot for this cable jumper, although the arms could be a little longer. The matinee jackets are sweet - especially the apricot one - but more suited to a girl, so I'll have to wait until Wingnut reveals his/her true identity before I get carried away.

Last, but certainly not least, there are also some more, shall we say, "interesting" numbers - such as this really rather special head-to-toe fair-isle outfit. Well, at least baby is pleased about it - yoo-hoo, here I am!

(ps - I'm secretly a little bit in love with these leggings!)

A troup of baby trousers!

When a good friend of mine showed me some amazing baby trousers she'd made using this Made by Rae download, I was inspired to make my own - in a BIG way! As the intro to Rae's tutorial states, there is little more rewarding than a quick easy sew that is not boring. So, four pairs later.... and I'm still tempted to make more!

Rae's tutorial is for a unlined pair, but my friend had lined hers and I shamelessly copied her idea. It's probably a bit tragic to be so enthusiastic, but the lining means that these little beauties are not only cute, they are also reversible - see, they really are amazing trousers! I've used soft cotton jersey for my linings so that they will be super cosy against baby's skin. I added an extra inch to the length of the leg on the original pattern to allow room for the turn up - after all, what's the point in a funky lining if you can't see it!

Here is the method I used to make them reversible...

1. Using Rae's tutorial, cut out one pair from cotton, and one pair from jersey -don't forget to add an extra inch to the bottom of each leg. Follow the tutorial instructions up to the end of step 6, but leave a 1/4" gap in the back seam of the jersey pair, 1/4" down from the waist edge.

2. Once you have made up both pairs of trousers, turn the outer cotton pair right side out. Now, place the outer cotton pair inside the jersey pair so that the right sides are together. Align the raw edges of the waist, making sure that your seams are matching, and sew around the top using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn the trousers right side out by pulling through one of the legs. Press the seam around the waist and then sew a line of stitching just over 1/4" from the top edge to create a channel for the waist elastic.

3. Turn in the raw edges on both the outer and inner peices by 1/4" at the bottom of one leg . Line up the inner leg seams, and then carefully pin the folded edges of the inner and outer peices together so that they match exactly. Stitch all around the bottom of the leg as close as you can to the edge. Alternatively, you could slip stitch the lining to the outer fabric by hand. Repeat with the other leg.

4. To finish, thread your elastic through the waistband as per the tutorial instructions, using the gap you left in the back seam of the the jersey lining.

Turn up your leg cuffs, and Bob's your trouser-wearing uncle - you have just completed pair #1 - I dare you to stop there!!

Made by Loulabelle...made by you - now in shop

Ages ago I posted about the Trapeze Sling Tote pattern developed for my first workshop. Well, finally I've got round to adding the pattern to my folksy shop - yippee! The pattern includes detailed step by step instructions and clear diagrams to help you create your very own bag. If you want to check it out - here it is.

Wavy baby blanket

Just catching up on some of the projects I didn't post about before Christmas. Here is the completed secret project I posted about here.

It's intended owner was born in early December and has hopefully been keeping nice and warm througout the snowy weather in his snuggly and very bright pram blanket. It's the first time I've tried a wave pattern in crochet and was surprised at how simple it was. I'd definitely recommend it!

I used a treble wave pattern that requires a foundation chain of multiples of 14 plus 3.

First row: (RS) 2 tr into 4th ch from hook, 1tr into each of next 3 chs [tr3tog over next 3 chs] twice, 1tr into each of next 3 chs, *3tr into each of next 2 chs, 1tr into each of next 3chs, [tr3tog over next 3 chs] twice, 1tr into each of next 3chs; rep from * to last ch, 3tr into last ch, turn.

Following rows: Ch 3, 2tr into first tr, 1tr into each of next 3 tr, tr3tog twice, 1tr into each of next 3 tr, *3tr into each of next 2 tr, 1tr into each of next 3tr, tr3tog twice, 1tr into each of next 3tr; rep from * to turning ch, 3tr into 3rd of ch-3, turn.

Repeat for length required.