I wanted a black shirt that was just a bit dressy, comfortable, looked good under a sweater or jacket, but would also look good on its own if it became warm. I couldn’t find what I had in mind, and now I don’t know why I spent the time shopping.
This is exactly what I wanted and it took so little fabric that all of it came from my stash. I love sheer sleeves in summer. They give a little coverage, but are still cool and look good under vests. I used my TNT pattern Vogue 8952 and just made it shorter and the sides straighter. I didn’t hem the sleeves and I just added another sheer knit to finish the collar and hem.
I don’t think this t-shirt took more than 3 hours to make. I’m sure I spent way more time shopping without finding anything. Next time I want something this specific in my mind I am just going to start sewing!
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Ripper!
I finished my vest that I have been knitting while watching the show Ripper Street. The East End of New York was pretty gruesome during the 1890’s so this project went pretty fast despite the copious amounts of straight knitting.
Shibui Mix No 28. Is a fairly easy pattern as long as you pay attention. I didn’t at one point and had to rip out a number of rows, but that’s just a part of knitting while watching television. I used the recommended Shibui Pebble and Linen held together and the fabric is light enough for a summer vest. I love the collar and dart details! 
When it came time to sew on the buttons, I just decided to use what I had on hand. There is something so enjoyable about digging around in a jar of buttons that only a fiber person understands.
Works in Progress
Despite the flurry of spring-cleaning, creative projects are still going on, but nothing is finished. Here are a few previews of projects in the works.
The first is a sculpture project. I have been sewing so much that my fine art practice has been set aside. However, I have an opportunity in July to show a piece at the Fort Collins Museum of Art. This is a photo of the project in progress.
I’m using an old wagon wheel as the framework for a map of Fort Collins inspired by a historical document from the 1890’s.
I am also knitting as usual while watching movies with my husband. We have been watching a BBC program called Ripper, (taking place in era of Jack the Ripper) and yes, I have had to rip out quite a few rows! 
This pattern is Shibui No. 28, and all I have left is to sew up the seams, and add a few buttons. I do that part in daylight so I need to find the time, and I will soon post the finished vest.
A Fix-it Tutorial
My blog is slowing down, but I’m not. The problem is spring-cleaning! My husband and I are running errands like crazy people.
Here is a little tutorial from a spring-cleaning project. I needed to repair the frayed cords to my phone and I-pad. I use these devices so much that they get bent and frayed. My favorite product is Sugru. I buy it through Amazon, but I’m sure it is available in other places. This stuff is magic. They should be paying me for this plug!
- Here is the frayed bent cord. It’s bent for a reason…that’s the way it always falls when I’m using it. Make sure it still works in this position if you want to keep it bent.
- Buy Sugru. It comes in colors, but I ordered white for simplicity. Even the small packs fix several cords so get out a few projects to fix. The stuff sticks to just about anything so be creative. Note that it does have a “use by” date that is for real, so buy sparingly.
- Pinch a bit of it (it’s very pliable) form it on your cord and let it dry for 24 hours. I used mine after 8 hours and it was cured enough for use.
West Zen Studio 