New wardrobe for 2010

One of my new year's resolutions is to learn more about apparel sewing and knitting. First up a new sweater:

This is my first project using a higher quality yarn. I chose Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light and the difference was noticeable both in price and quality. Fortunately, Windsor Button had a good sale. The alpaca was soft and easy to work with and the sweater is very warm. On the downside, it's a little shorter than I'd like and the sleeves are a bit too full. It's not an everyday sweater but I have worn it with a high waisted denim skirt and with black dress pants. The pattern is called Millet and can be found in the Tapestry Collection book by Rowan.

Next up patternmaking. Stay tuned.

As Seen on TV

I was catching up with Ugly Betty on my DVR this weekend and I did a doubletake when I spotted Betty Suarez's fabulous bag.

Do you see the resemblance?

Looks a lot like my knitting bag don't you think?

I'm sure it's just a coincidence (a tote made with IKEA fabric is hardly an original idea) but it was still exciting to see my bag on national TV! Although, upon further reflection given Betty's past fashion choices I'm not so sure I should consider it a compliment.

Christmas Wrap-Up

I was spoiled with quite a few wonderful gifts this year: books on sewing and knitting, fabric, yarn, a stylish McAuley almnae t-shirt and a vintage Vera tablecloth just to name a few. I love all my gifts but I wanted to share a few special handmade gifts from the crafty women in my life:

A ribbon yarn necklace from Mom



Earrings from Aunt Sue



A Girls' Week '09 memory book from Krista & Lydia



A wreath from my cousin Lisa

Yummy homemade relish and strawberry jam from my colleague Mary

I have to admit I dropped the ball a bit on making gifts this year but with all this inspiration to draw from I'm thinking one of my new year's resolutions will be to start working on my Christmas gifts in July.