Sewing: Plaid Prarie Skirt

I saw this darling skirt in Sundance catalog but couldn't pull the trigger because I thought, "I could make that." This happens all too often as proven by my fabric stash. Yes, many things are easy to make, but finding the time is not so easy.

I bought this great plaid at JoAnn sometime last Fall with the skirt in mind but never got around to it. Now that it's January I should really be focused on spring things for my girls (or should I try and knit one of the sweaters for them I didn't get to?) but I felt I had to quickly start and finish a few things for me--I need a little wardrobe boost and fear if I don't do them now I never will. Luckily this project was only about two hours.

I decided the existing width of the fabric was just right for a slightly gathered waist and cut it to the length just under my knee. I seweda tiny seam down the folded edge to match the seamed raw edge. I created a casing at the top for elastic and zigzag finished the bottom edge. Then I made the ruffle with double the width, finished the edges, gathered and sewed the ruffle wrong side to right side of the skirt so you can see the finished gathered edge of the ruffle--one of my favorite details on the Sundance skirt.

Fun with Frye boots and a sweater. I also think this would be fun to wear with a black cropped jacket and black boots. Could go prarie or traditional tartan. Even better. I have about a yard and a half left over--perfect for a dress next Fall for my little Scarlett. Adding that project to my list!

Crochet: Belle Scarf Embellished Sweater

I had such great plans for these colorful sweaters from Target. But I just have not cranked through the projects as I hoped. I think I didn't start early enough with my Fall stuff. I was having too much fun sewing this summer. Not that I regret it.

Well I did finally get a second of these sweaters embellished: the great avocado colored one.


I thought it would be cute to do with this curly scarf, the Belle Scarf, from LionBrand. Even better, I suddenly had a blank hour in my morning with one girl asleep and the other entertained and I found the perfect shade of green yarn, a full skein, in my stash. (Was for a granny square afghan but I can replace it.) The pattern is designed for Homespun yarn but mine was a worsted weight and it turned out just fine. I didn't change a thing.

I'm not a big scarf person, really. I admire those who can wear them well. My six-foot sister always has something fun wrapped around her neck. But I can do this. I love the tone-on-tone colors--I tend to gravitate towards monotones.

This was such a fast fun project. Would be perfect to give as Christmas gifts next year...

Crochet: Flower Corsage Cardi

I have wanted to make this sweater since I learned I was lucky enough to be the mother of two girls. I wanted it to go with the little brown dress I crocheted for Audrey. I love these felted crochet flowers.


The brown yarn is TLC Amore, which I bought a few years ago to be sure I had the match. The felted flower corsages are made with Moda Dea Cartwheel, which isn't available anymore so I am so happy I stashed some.

So here they are, my two girls wearing bouquets on brown.

I developed the pattern for Audrey's cardigan. Not too difficult to do with crochet. I don't know when I'll be confident enough to attempt it with knitting. Here it is: Flower Corsage Cardi Pattern

My pattern for the felted flowers is here.