 |
| The Westwood Blouse |
Believe me, I'm not a shopoholic and, in fact, I don't have a clothes budget like some people have to enhance or replace their wardrobes depending on the season. Still, I really like the idea of challenging myself to make my own clothes for the next six months which basically means creating new pieces for my fall and winter wardrobe.
 |
| Blue Moon Fiber in BFL Sport, Bittersweet |
I've been inspired by your thoughtful blogs but what really got me committed to this challenge was an email I got from my LYS with an announcement of their summer sale. I debated all weekend about strolling down to the shop and stocking up on both workhorse yarns and indulgent ones for special projects (maybe the Allegheny Dress, Gail?). Xavier was incredibly encouraging (I raised him right!) but in the end, after going through my stash again, I decided to wait until the end of the sale. I'll still stop by later in the week to stock up and to make some choices about sweaters and dresses I'd like to knit for my challenge but I wanted to avoid some impulse buying that would have surely happened had I gone shopping over the weekend.
Feeling inspired, I made a lot of progress on my Westwood Blouse, knitting a fair amount of the body and ready to now tackle the upper lace section. This is definitely going on my year of projects list as well so I'm excited to accomplish two challenges in one garment. I can already see how much fun I'll be having looking at patterns from a new perspective -- if you have any suggestions for great fall/winter garments to knit, I'm all ears (and eyes)!
This is such a wonderful idea, I really want to see all of the creative ways that you decide to take this challenge! Planning is always one of the most difficult parts of a challenge like that though. I really think that you should try the Allegheny dress too, I fell in love with it after reading Gail's post on it!
ReplyDeleteohhhhh great idea! I personally love the idea of making my own clothes (I can do it... but time tends to push me into a store for store-bought items) - I did end up with a couple "me items" on my YOP list which is a big difference. Perhaps next year I'll pick 4 sweaters and craft for the family!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, it is hard to avoid a yarn store sale but often it really does save you money to do so (weird though that seems). I love the projects you are working on, I'm going to have a closer look on ravelry.
ReplyDeleteLove that pattern, really pretty especially the top lace part, I'm sure it will look gorgeous in that colour.
ReplyDeleteYour challenge sounds like a good one, good for you!
Wow, you've really come a long way on this! So pretty :-)
ReplyDeleteI think you AND Pumpkin should do the Allegheny!
Evelyn, your progress is amazing, the color is just plain yummy.
ReplyDeleteI've my eye on a project from the same mag, Michaela Tee. My confidence has been bolster by the Finished Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Sweater for Camp Loopy Project 2.
Hubby and I frogged my Gemini pullover knit with Cascade Ultra Pima and am considering Michaela for the re-knit.
hugs
This is such a great idea, it may even encourage me to knit my first sweater! Your blouse looks so gorgeous I really can't wait to see it when it is done!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's cooling down for you. It's always so fun to look for new winter/fall things to knit!
ReplyDeleteI really love your westwood blouse and you've gotten so much done, can't wait to see the next part. Great idea on your fall winter wardrobe I can't wait to see what pieces you choose.
ReplyDeleteI'm not an accomplished enough crafter to make my own clothes, plus there is never enough pennies...so I do it via thrift store purchases only!
ReplyDeleteLucky enough, the next sale at my LYS is while I am out of town. I really should knit more sweaters though, this post has me motivated.
ReplyDeleteYour westwood is looking beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love that this is something tjat your are contemplating. There is nothing wrong with at least trying to save money and what better way than to make it yourself. It's not like you don't have the talent for it Evi!
The blouse is looking lovely so far. I have no pattern suggestions, but my mom is going to teach me to sew garments this year. Yay!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan, and I bet you'll make wonderful clothes. And I love the colour of that blouse!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing really well. Great plan too.
ReplyDeleteHello and congratulations! You won the price number 3 in my contest. Please contact me via email.
ReplyDelete