Monday, December 31, 2012

Short Circuit

Once again, I find myself having to apologize for my extended absence. The holidays have been a bit hectic here at Casa de Carissa, what with out-of-town guests and then being the out-of-town guests. And now I've got two pattern submission deadlines fast approaching, so I've been knitting like mad. But of course, I can't show you those projects since they're for submissions. Le sigh.

I can, however, show you this super simple refashion that was about all the sewing I had time for this month. It started as a slightly too-tight dress picked up at that clothes swap I went to a couple months back.

Circuit Board Top Refashion

Monday, December 10, 2012

Hand-Made Holiday

Sorry for my absence this past week. I've been feverishly crafting away on various holiday gifts, and I'm sure you understand the necessary secrecy involved. That being said, I will share with you the hand-made cards I'll be mailing out soon. They were super simple to create. Even if you can't sew a straight line or knit a stitch, you can handle this craft. Maybe even have the kiddies join in the fun (but let mom handle the hot glue gun, please).

First, let's gather our materials:
Cardstock - I used 8.5"x11" sheets in white
Construction paper - light grey if you wanna copy me
White buttons in varying sizes, preferably with only two holes in the center
Scissors
Glue
Hot glue

Holiday Cards - Materials

Now, we'll fold a piece of cardstock in half width-wise (or hamburger-style, if you had one of those elementary school teachers). Then cut along the fold, and fold each half in half again. So you'll get two cards out of one sheet of cardstock.

Holiday Cards - Step 1

Then tear a square, maybe 3 inches on each side, out of the construction paper. You can cut a precise square if you prefer, but I really liked the raw edge look of torn paper. Glue this onto the front of your card.

Holiday Cards - Step 2

Next, hot glue three buttons on top of the construction paper. I lined up the holes vertically on the two lower buttons, so as to resemble the buttons down the front of a snowman, and made the holes horizontal on the top button to look like eyes.

Holiday Cards - Step 2

Finally, embellish as you like. I used a blue marker to write "Let it snow" at the bottom, but feel free to change it up a bit.

Holiday Cards - Step 3

Now that you've made one card and are happy with the results, you can set up an assembly line that would make Henry Ford proud. Fold, fold, fold. Cut, cut, cut. Glue, glue, glue. I was able to crank out a few dozen of these in only a few minutes... after hours of sifting through my buttons stash, of course.

Monday, December 03, 2012

Half-Pony-Half-Monkey Monster

Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterSunday evening, I indulged my nerd side, which perhaps implies I have a non-nerd side, doesn't it, and that's entirely inaccurate. But that's neither here nor there. A friend and I had the opportunity to attend a Jonathan Coulton concert here in Dallas. If you don't know who that is, go here. I'll wait. Awesome, no? So this little guy is an homage to Skullcrusher Mountain, the first of his songs I ever heard. I created it as a gift to the man himself, his birthday being the day before his Dallas show. I hold no illusions that I'm the first fangirl to do this, but he seemed to appreciate it. It has apparently joined the menagerie on his tour bus. And now you can make one of your very own!

Also available as a free pdf!
Download through Ravelry!

Yarn:
Small amounts of worsted weight yarn in beige, brown, grey, cream, and red
Sample was knit with the following:
Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool [100% wool; 465yds/425m per 8oz/225g skein]; 35yds/32m in #123 Oatmeal and 20yds/19m in #126 Nature's Brown
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted [20% wool, 80% acrylic; 197yds/180m per 3oz/85g skein]; 6yds/6m in color #152 Oxford Grey and 2yds/2m in #138 Cranberry
Hobby Lobby I Love This Wool! [100% wool; 220yds/201m per 4oz/113g skein]; 16yds/15m in color #10 Ivory
Red Heart Heart & Sole [70% wool, 20% nylon; 213yds/195m per 1.76oz/50g skein]; 2yds/2m in color #3012 Black

Other Materials:
US #2/2.75mm double-pointed needles
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn
Stuffing
6 small black beads

Finished Measurements:
Approximately 8in/20cm tall and 8in/20cm long

Gauge:
Not really that important, but about 22 sts/31 rows = 4in/10cm in stockinette stitch

Click here for Abbreviations

Special Abbreviations:
kww = knit with wrap = Insert right-hand needle upward through wrap, then through stitch, and knit the two together.

PATTERN
Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterPony Body:
With beige, using backwards loop method, CO 3 sts and slide to other end of dpn.
Round 1: kfb 3 times - 6 sts.
Distribute to dpns and join to work in the round.
Round 2: k
Round 3: kfb 6 times - 12 sts.
Round 4: k.
Round 5: [kfb, k1] 6 times - 18 sts.
Round 6: k.
Round 7: [kfb, k2] 6 times - 24 sts.
Round 8: k.
Round 9: [kfb, k3] 6 times - 30 sts.
Rounds 10-29: k.
Short-Row 30: k27, w&t.
Short-Row 31: p24, w&t.
Short-Row 32: k21, w&t.
Short-Row 33: p18, w&t.
Short-Row 34: k15, w&t.
Short-Row 35: p12, w&t.
Short-Row 36: k9, w&t.
Short-Row 37: p6, w&t.
Round 38: k6, [kww, k2] 4 times, do not turn.
Round 39: [k2, kww] 4 times, k18.
Repeat Short-Row 30-Round 39 twice more.
Knit 1 round.

Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterMonkey Bodies:
Cut beige and join brown.
Round 1: p.
Round 2: [kfb, k8, kfb] 3 times - 36 sts.
Round 3: [kfb, k10, kfb] 3 times - 42 sts.
Round 4: [kfb, k12, kfb] 3 times - 48 sts.
Round 5: [kfb, k14, kfb] 3 times - 54 sts.
Round 6: [kfb, k16, kfb] 3 times - 60 sts.
Lightly stuff body. Transfer last 40 sts to waste yarn and distribute first 20 sts to dpns.
Round 7: k20 and join to work in the round.
Rounds 8-15: k.
Round 16: [k3, k2tog, ssk, k3] twice - 16 sts.
Round 17: [k2, k2tog, ssk, k2] twice - 12 sts.
Round 18: k.
Round 19: [k2, kfb twice, k2] twice - 16 sts.
Round 20: [k3, kfb twice, k3] twice - 20 sts.
Rounds 21-28: k.
Round 29: [k2, k2tog] 5 times - 15 sts.
Round 30: k.
Round 31: [k1, k2tog] 5 times - 10 sts.
Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterRound 32: k2tog 5 times - 5 sts.
Cut yarn, thread through remaining loops, pull tight, and tie off. Transfer first half of live sts from waste yarn to dpns. Join to work in the round. Join new strand of brown, leaving long tail (about 12in/30cm) for sewing later.
Repeat Rounds 7-32 and tie off.
Stuff the first two monkeys. Transfer last 20 live sts from waste yarn to dpns, and join new strand of brown.
Repeat Rounds 7-32 for third monkey, pausing to stuff after Round 28 and again for tying off.
Use long tail to secure hole in center between monkeys.

Pony Leg (make 4):
Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterWith grey, using backwards loop method, CO 3 sts and slide to other end of dpn.
Round 1: kfb 3 times - 6 sts.
Distribute to dpns and join to work in the round.
Round 2: kfb 6 times - 12 sts.
Round 3: p.
Rounds 4-7: k.
Cut grey and join beige.
Rounds 8-27: k.
BO, stuff firmly (to provide support), and sew to body.

Monkey Arm (make 6):
With brown, using backwards loop method, CO 4 sts, leaving long tail for sewing later, and slide to other end of dpn. Work i-cord for 12 rounds. Cut brown and join cream. Work 6 more rounds of i-cord.
Final round: k2tog twice, slip first st over second st and off needle.
Cut yarn and tie off. Sew to monkey bodies.

Monkey Ear (make 6):
With brown, using backwards loop method, CO 5 sts, leaving long tail for sewing later.
Row 1: sl1, k4.
Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterRepeat this row twice more.
Row 4: sl1, k2tog twice - 3 sts.
BO. Sew to monkey heads.

Monkey Mouth (make 3):
With red, using magic cast-on method, CO 8 sts (4 on each needle).
Round 1: [kfb, k2, kfb] twice - 12 sts.
Cut red and join cream.
Round 2: k.
Round 3: [kfb, k4, kfb] twice - 16 sts.
Round 4: k.
BO, leaving long tail for sewing later. Stuff and sew to faces.

Half-Pony-Half-Monkey MonsterMonkey Tail:
With brown, using backwards loop method, CO 4 sts, leaving long tail for sewing later, and slide to other end of dpn.
Work i-cord for 16 rounds.
Cut brown and join cream.
Work 8 more rounds of i-cord.
Final round: k2tog twice, slip first st over second st and off needle.
Cut yarn and tie off. Sew to pony butt.

Finishing:
Half-Pony-Half-Monkey Monster With black, embroider sutures along pony-monkey transition line. Sew on beads for eyes.
Weave in ends or hide inside body.

Feel free to comment here with questions.

This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please do not try to sell it or any product made from it. Thank you.

Friday, November 30, 2012

FrankenTop

I always save my bits of fabric with good intentions, but this time, I actually followed through! You may remember these two refashions...

Polka Dot Top Before & AfterMuumuu Scarf Before & After

Monday, November 26, 2012

Seeing Spots

This dress was another last-minute grab at the clothes swap last month. It's an XL, is missing its belt, and has a big rip up the back seam. But I love the sheer polka-dotted fabric!

Polka Dot Top - BeforePolka Dot Top - In Progress

Friday, November 23, 2012

Knit Pencil Skirt

I have another sweater vest today that wants to be a skirt now. The neckline on this one was a bit higher than the green vest-skirt from the previous post though, so I decided to do a little more to keep some length.

Navy Vest to Skirt - Before

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Vest to Mini Skirt

I confess: I love vests. I don't know what it is about them - maybe the fact that I'm always cold so layers are good - but I always had a predilection for this wardrobe staple. Sometimes though, they turn on you. I've had this lime green sweater vest for a long time, but kinda big and boxy. Back when I was big and boxy I think it worked, but now? Not so much. I'm thinking it needs to be turned into a little mini skirt.

Green Mini Skirt - Before

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Aloha!

Sorry for my absence, but I have an excellent excuse. Hawaii. Yeah, it was awesome. In fact, I can sum up the awesomeness of the trip in three words: "I POKED LAVA." Yep, seriously.

Lava Hike

Do I look excited? Because I was really, really excited.

I won't bore you with all the details, but how about a quick day-to-day breakdown?

  • We spent our first day roaming around old downtown Hilo, on the east side of the Big Island, and checking out a nearby black-sand beach.
  • Days 2 and 4 were spent hiking around Hawaii Volcano National Park. Highlights include Kilauea Iki and Pu'u Huluhulu. Have I mentioned my husband is working on his PhD in geophysics? Well, he is, so this trip was a decent bit educational as well. Bonus!
  • On the third day, we oohed and ahhed at Akaka Falls State Park and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
  • Day 4 was concluded with a 2-hour, 4-mile hike over the very rough terrain of an old lava field in the rain and half in the dark. Then we spent an hour playing with lava (I've uploaded a few videos here, here, and here), followed by another 2-hour, 4-mile hike back in the dark. There was not a single muscle south of my ribs that wasn't sore the next day(s), but it was totally worth it.
  • On the fifth day, we drove over to Kona on the west side of the island and settled into our second B&B for a few days of relaxation.
  • On day 6, we ventured north of Kona to the most gorgeous beach you've ever seen, Hapuna Beach, and spent the morning getting sunburned.
  • And on our final full day, we strolled around Historic Kailua Village, doing the more traditional touristy things.

And now, after another looong day of sitting on my butt on an airplane, I get to sleep in my own bed again. I have to admit though, I'd give up my Tempurpedic in a heartbeat to be back on the Island again.

For this and much, much more, check out my photo collection on Flickr.

Thursday, November 08, 2012

You asked for it!

This week has been hectic with all the last-minute preparations for our Hawaiian vacation. But I managed to eke out enough spare time to do a little knitting. I've revamped my Lego Man Mitts pattern to now include a range of sizes to fit the whole family!

Adult Lego Mitts

That's right! No more excuses for stealing little Suzie's mittens. You can make yourself a pair of your very own!

Adult Lego Mitts

I know I'm going to enjoy mine this winter.

Adult Lego Mitts

Check out the free pattern, here on my blog, or download the pdf from Ravelry!

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Full to Fitted

I picked up these casual navy slacks on Target's clearance rack a while back. They're fine, I guess, just not great.

Pants Refit - Before

Saturday, November 03, 2012

Infinity Scarf

Here we have another piece I grabbed at the clothes swap. It's a light-weight, sheer fabric in a lovely fall color palette, but it's an XL and not really my style.

Floral Top to Scarf Refashion - Before

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Bye-Bye Bells

I attended a clothes swap last week hosted by the theatre company my friend works for. If you've never been to a clothes swap, you should really try to find one in your area. Basically, you bring any clothes/shoes/accessories you don't want anymore, pay an entry fee, and get to take home as many of other people's clothes as you want. It was fabulous! Since I was kinda sorta working the swap with my friend, helping hang up clothes as they were brought in, I stayed the entire time. So at the end of the night, when last call was announced, I basically just went down the racks and grabbed anything that I might be able to do something with, whether it fit me or not. Wanna hear about my haul? I knew you would.

3 suits (one skirt suit and two pants suits)
8 dresses
1 pair of pants
5 skirts
4 tops
1 scarf
2 necklaces

A few of these pieces actually fit fine as they were (I mean, in addition to the scarf and necklaces, obviously). But now I've got plenty of refashioning material too.

Let's start off with those pants. They were chocolate brown, Old Navy bell bottoms, with a subtle, textured, pin-stripey thing going on. They fit perfectly in the waist, but those bells are just not my style... anymore.

Bye-Bye Bells - Before

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Happy [Early] Halloween

Allow me to preface this with the statement that I don't cook. I can't do it. I have some sort of mental block against it. I can't boil potatoes without them getting too mushy. I can't fry bacon without starting a grease fire. I've given up altogether. My husband recently came to terms with this truth, and as a result, he now does all the cooking, which is awesome. I can chop veggies, clean dishes, serve salad, and he handles the hard stuff.

With all that said, I do occasionally get the itch to bake something. And let me tell you, as a culinarily-challenged individual, baking and cooking are two completely different animals. Baking is much more mathematical, much more precise; if you follow the recipe, your baked goods generally come out perfectly fine, edible at the very least. This week, I got one of those itches (ugh, not one of those itches - I mean the baking itch). My good friend Pinterest recommended months ago that I make adorable little sugar cookies, shaped and colored to resemble candy corn, for Halloween. I'd seen several variations, but this was the one I eventually used. Mine didn't turn out quite as aesthetically pleasing, but they are indeed perfectly fine, and certainly edible.

Candy Corn Cookies

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sari Sunrise

Ok, so it's not really a sari (kameez? is that right?), but it does have a gorgeous sunrise look going on. I picked up this tunic at the thrift store for $3 with no clue what to do with it. I just knew it was beautiful and I had to have it.

Tunic-to-Dress Refashion - Before

Friday, October 26, 2012

Pre-Winter Warmth

We're gearing up for winter here in North Texas (or what passes for winter here). We had a lovely cold snap overnight and a predicted high of 59F/15C today. So let's talk knitting!

I recently finished a pair of socks for a friend. She's actually a knitter as well, but not the sock-obsessed kind like some people, i.e., me. There have been a couple instances now, where she has some lovely sock yarn but no desire to knit it up into socks. I don't get it. But then she gives it to me, I make her a pair of socks, and I get to keep the leftovers. So I can't complain. This time, the yarn was Jojoland Melody in a lovely green and purple colorway (color #MS08 if you care to know). I chose a pattern I've made before and absolutely loved - Cookie A's Pomatomas.

Jackie's PomatomiJackie's Pomatomi

They're interesting enough to hold my attention, but simple enough to knit while chatting. I altered the pattern to work them toe-up, my preferred method, and used a short-row heel instead of a flap and gusset. I think they turned out just lovely. I hope my friend agrees when I give them to her tonight.

Jackie's PomatomiJackie's Pomatomi

Back at the beginning of my weight loss, I put a moratorium on hand-knit sweaters for a while. There was no point investing so much time in something that might not fit when it was finally finished. Now that I am nearing my goal weight, I've allowed myself to cast on a new pullover. I've started work on Norah Gaughan's Beatnik, using Patons Classic Merino Wool in That's Pink (color #77732).

Beatnik, in Progress

So far, I'm about half-way up the front; I've finished the waist decreases and am now a few rows into the waist increases. I'm loving the cables so far, but that's really no surprise. I've always adored cables. I would marry cables if it were legal in the state of Texas. Are they not gorgeous?

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Purple People Eater

This purple, drapey tank was one of my favorites for a long time. In fact, I wore it on my birthday last year. But now, as you can see, it swallows me whole.

Purple Tank Refashion - Before

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Dress-to-Cami Refashion

October in Texas is a weird time of year. Mother Nature just can't make up her mind. It could be in the 55F/13C one day, and then it gets up to 85F/30C the next day. It's during this unpredictable season that I like to pair camisoles and tanks with cardigans and light-weight jackets that can be removed at a moment's notice. I think a crop job is just the thing to bring this too-big, too-long dress back to the front of my closet.

Dress-to-Cami Refashion - Before

Saturday, October 20, 2012

DIY Fruit Stand

I've been wanting a fruit stand for quite some time now. I'm sick of either having fruit scattered all over my kitchen counters, wasting space, or putting it all in a large bowl and having to dig for the type of fruit I want. I've seen these DIY fruit/cupcake stands on Pinterest before and thought I'd give it a go myself.

DIY Fruit Stand - Complete

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Muumuus and Shrinky Dinks

A friend has a wedding to go to on Saturday. Her husband is a groomsman, and the primary color for the wedding is royal blue. So my friend wanted some blue accessories to pair with a black and white dress to coordinate with her husband's wardrobe, a black suit with a blue vest. Enter me and this muumuu from Goodwill.

Muumuu-to-Scarves Refashion - Before

Monday, October 15, 2012

Taking It In, Part VI: Pin-Tuck It

The time has come to end this series... at least until I have more over-sized shirts to refashion and more ideas on different ways to do so. So without further adieu, I give you the grand finale - pin-tucks!

As I may have mentioned before, I loves me some orange. But not when it comes in the form of a big, shapeless shirt.

Pin-Tucked Shirt Refashion - Before

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Taking It In, Part V: Cinch It

This has always been one of my favorite tops. The color is positively lovely. The sleeves are plenty long for my ridiculous monkey arms. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit any more.

Elastic-Back Shirt Refashion - Before

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Taking It In, Part IV: Tie It

Today brings us a not-so-drastic change. This black button-up was a little large on me, but not as much as some of the others I've redone recently.

Belted Blouse Refashion - Before

Monday, October 08, 2012

Taking It In, Part III: Pleat It

Today's alteration comes in the form of pleats. Once again, I'm starting with a button-up blouse that's too large for me now.

Pleated Blouse Refashion - Before

Saturday, October 06, 2012

Taking It In, Part II: Button It

In this installment, I'm going to turn this big, blue, button-up blouse into a top-notch top!

Button-Back Blouse Refashion - Before

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Taking It In, Part I: The Basics

I so thoroughly enjoyed doing my Hawaii series, I thought I'd try another theme. I've got several button-up shirts that need to be taken in. I've spent the past couple weekends experimenting with different ways to accomplish that. We'll start out simple with this bland, boxy, white blouse.

White Blouse Alteration - Before

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Kickin' It Old School

This top was one of my faves when I was at my heaviest. Clearly, it no longer fits. That waistband is supposed to sit on my hips, but instead it now slides right off them.

Shirt-to-Mini-Dress Refashion - Before

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Lego Man Mitts

Child Lego Mitts Now available in a range of sizes to fit the whole family!

Just in time for Halloween and cooler weather (in the northern hemisphere at least), I am proud to present to you an adorable addition to your favorite child's wardrobe, accessories that resemble the molded plastic hands of those ubiquitous little toys - Lego Man Mitts!

Also available as a free pdf!
Download through Ravelry!

Materials:
Stitch Nation Washable Ewe [100% wool; 183yds/167m per 3.5oz/100g skein]; 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 2] skeins in color #3215 Duckling
US #4/3.5mm circular (for magic loop) or double-pointed needles
Tapestry needle
Stitch holder or waste yarn

Gauge:
22sts = 4in /10cm in stst
Finished Size:
Hand circumference:
5[5.75, 6.5, 7.25, 8, 8.75]in/
13[15, 17, 19, 21, 23]cm
To fit:
0-2 years[3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10 years-Adult S, Adult M, Adult L]

Click here for Abbreviations

PATTERN
Fingers
Using magic cast-on method, CO 12[14, 16, 18, 20, 22] sts on each needle - 24[28, 32, 36, 40, 44] sts total.
Round 1: knit.
Round 2: {k1, m1R, k10[12, 14, 16, 18, 20], m1L, k1} twice - 28[32, 36, 40, 44, 48] sts.
Round 3: {k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k2} twice.
Round 4: knit.
Round 5: k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k1, w&t, p12[14, 16, 18, 20, 22] w&t, k1, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k1, k1 tog w/wrap (insert right-hand needle up through front of wrap then through st and k these tog), k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k2.
Round 6: k1 tog w/wrap, k to end.
Repeat Rounds 3-6 2[4, 5, 6, 7, 8] more times. Repeat Rounds 3-4 once more for all sizes, then Round 3 once again. 

Palm (worked flat)
Row 1: k3, place 8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] sts on holder or waste yarn.
Row 2: sl1, p19[21, 23, 25, 27, 29].
Row 3: sl1, k4, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k5.
Repeat Rows 2-3 2[4, 4, 5, 5, 6] more times. Do not turn at end of last row.
Using backwards loop cast-on method, CO 8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] sts and join to beg of row to begin working in the round again, k17[19, 21, 23, 25, 27]. You should now be back to the original beg of your rounds.

Thumb
Round 1: k16[18, 20, 22, 24, 26], sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k2.
Round 2: knit.
Round 3: k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k1, w&t, p12[14, 16, 18, 20, 22], w&t, k1, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k1, k1 tog w/wrap, k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k2.
Round 4: k1 tog w/wrap, k to end.
Round 5: {k2, sl1, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], sl1, k2} twice.
Round 6: knit.
Repeat Rounds 3-6 0[1, 1, 2, 3, 3] more times. Repeat Round 5 once more for all sizes.
Next round: {k1, k2tog, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18], ssk, k1} twice - 24[28, 32, 36, 40, 44] sts.
Cut yarn, leaving about a 18-inch/45-cm tail. Graft remaining sts together.

Cuff
Place 8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] sts from holder/waste yarn onto right-hand needle. With RS facing, continuing to work around edge of opening, join new yarn and pick up & k8[9, 10, 11, 12, 13] sts along first selvage edge, pick up & k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] sts along CO edge, pick up & k8[9, 10, 11, 12, 13] along other selvage edge, k8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] across live sts - 32[38, 44, 50, 56, 62] sts total.
Round 1: {sl1, k6[8, 10, 12, 14, 16], sl1, k8[9, 10, 11, 12, 13]} twice
Round 2: knit.
Repeat Rounds 1-2 2[4, 5, 6, 7, 8] more times. Repeat Round 1 once more for all sizes.
Next Round: Dec 4[6, 8, 10, 12, 14] evenly around – 28[32, 36, 40, 44, 48] sts.
Work k1, p1 ribbing for 8[10, 12, 14, 16, 18] rounds. Bind off in pattern.
Weave in ends. Block if desired.

Feel free to comment here with questions.

This pattern is intended for personal use only. Please do not try to sell it or any product made from it. Thank you.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Hawaii: Part VI

The little fishies on this dress drew my eye at the thrift store last weekend, and I thought to myself, "This will complete my Hawaii wardrobe quite nicely!". I'm also in love with the teal color too. The only drawback was that only 5 of the original 10 buttons remained attached. No problem! I've got just the thing!

Fishy Dress-to-Skirt Refashion - Before
Yes, I am wearing a tank and shorts underneath for this photo.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Hawaii: Part V

This piece certainly had the most dramatic change of my Hawaii wardrobe. It began its life as a men's button-down shirt with cute little flamingos all over it.

Flamingo Shirt-to-Dress Refashion - Before