bossed around the lady

Ages ago I finished the February Lady Sweater, a grown up version of the Zimmerman February Baby Sweater.
She was done with some Bendigo Cameo (an angora mix) in purple and was so soft and cuddly.
While this design looks better with negative ease, I did the size up from me as this is an over everything sweater for work. I have one of those offices which always seems to be frosty, even in the height of summer, so I wanted something to swing on over the top of everything else.

But after a quick steam block when she was finished she grew and grew and grew.
So much in fact that the 3/4 sleeves ended up around my fingers, the body grew and grew and the neck line was slipping off the shoulders.

And the Cameo pilled, well more than pilled, she DREADLOCKED.

So I picked her clean, washed her, rolled her up in a towel and literally stomped on her to get as much water out as possible and spread her out to dry. Then when she was almost dry popped her into the dryer on a gentle setting to boss her around again.
And the end result is even better than when I first steam blocked her.

Yes the fabric is a bit thicker, but still as soft. The lace pattern isn't as open (definitely not as open as it was after a week or so wear when everything stretched) but it is still there and looks lovely and lacy and as you can see from the photo above, she ain't that bad at all.

And the best bit, the fabric itself doesn't seem to look like it wants to pill up any more.

Now her sleeves are back at the height I wanted, the length is shorter on the body and the neckline looks like it will stay put.

Sometimes it is worth bossy around a finished garment.

Because I loved the thrill of making something for me so much I've already cast on for Growing Roots (rav link) in some Cascade 220 heathers and Loppem in some Tapestry Craft 12 ply.

Both have stalled again as the boys are heading to Canberra and Jar needs a vest or two so I'm whipping up a heap in some cheapo Moda Vera Trifle (12 stitches for 10cm quick).

progress

Last night I stayed up late to get something done.
So the Zegal's red jumper for the snow needs just the left front done and then the sleeves.
The pattern I've based the jumper on is knitted flat but I sat down and did the maths to turn into into a circular knit and I'll do the same for the sleeves. That way it won't seem so long and the knit stitch is always quicker than purling. I've also got to do the deep shawl collar, but I've decided not to think about that. At all, no way, too much work there.
So I'm hoping by Sunday night to sew in the sleeves and give it a block, then I have to start on all the socks that are sitting on the needles.
And then I've got orders for the next market, oh have I got orders!
Aliens, skulls, shorts, dresses, monsters. But these are fun and not so labour intensive, not when you consider I have trained monkeys that cut out for me and a magic overlocker.

a party means work

I've been busy working out exactly what wool I have stashed in the shed, on the piano, hidden behind the lounge and crammed into my bookcases.
You see I've finally found the best way to keep track of what I have.
No more scraps of paper and good intentions of keeping track of wool purchases, let alone cataloguing the needles, you see, an invite to Ravelry turned up earlier this week and I've been working away on my profile, logging in wool as I remember it.
So far I haven't taken pics and have only put in a smidgen of my stash, let alone collated the needles, but already the possibilities that are Ravelry are clear.
I'll finally know what I have, down to the yardage thanks to Ravelry magic, so I won't be going out and buying wool for a project only to stumble across suitable yarn in the stash months down the track.
And the patterns, oh the patterns, and the work of other knitters.
Mindblowing.

collecting

I've been having a bit of fun over the past few days.
While the house shakes from builders repairing storm damage I've been dodging plaster and cruising away. There has also been a bit of knitting, some pattern drafting and cutting of fabric.
Firstly there is the free chevron pattern socks from sockpixie. I had some Heritage Jigsaw black and gray striped sock yarn that is hard wearing, but not too soft on the fingers. Already I've knocked over one and ready for the heel flap of the second.
Secondly I've been looking at shapes.
Shapes of clothing, shapes of bags, shapes of toys.
For a long time it was always the colours that attracted me, but now with the eye of a pattern drafter I've put blinkers on and looked beyond the pattern of the fabric and looked closely at the design side.
And I like what I see.
There are some stunning pieces in gray and black, some delightful shapes in muted vintage fabrics.
So I've dragged out the interfacing and started just drawing on it, cutting it out and then using old sheets to try out different shapes.
From one pattern I pleated and then gathered for the next attempt. Both worked, both are simple shapes, both let the fabric speak, or shout, depending on the colour and print.
I've never been one for patterns, I'd rather just wing it, which is probably why it's been years since I made clothing for myself.