Skirt Pattern

This is one of my first patterns that I've written (besides a pair of handwarmers)
I was really happy with the outcome. Basically the whole thing is very customizable. I'm made it in small size, but it would be easy to alter. As long as you get the waist band to be the right size, the rest of it you wont need to worry about that.

~Winter Skirt Pattern~
1. CO 100 sts(or more depending on the size desired, sorry im not exactly sure how many more, might have to play around with it) on 10.5 US needles.
2. Work in *K2,P2* rib for 5.5cm.
3. Work in stockinette for 4cm.
4. (Beginning of increases)At beginning of row, place a marker (use a color here so you know its the beginning), K1, Place second marker. K24, Place marker, K1, place marker, K23, place marker, K1, place marker, K25, place marker, K1, place marker,K23.
5.ODD ROWS: Knit entire round
6.EVEN ROWS: between each set of markers, increase once on both edge stitches (the ones right next to the markers) SO, two increases per round between each set of stitch markers. and 8 total increases per round.
7.Continue steps 5 and 6 until skirt flares out to enough to be to your like liking (you may need to put it on a peice of scrap yarn and try it on) the increases create a pleated effect with out the bulk of actual pleats.
8. Once youre satisfied with your "pleats", just knit stockinette until desired lenght. You may want to switch to a row or two of garter stitch at the end if you do not want your hem curling up a bit. I however, happen to like that look with the skirt, so I let it curl. ( Well actually I just knit it and forgot about the fact that this would happen, but it was a happy accident because I like the result.)
9.Finishing- measure a peice of elastic that fits comfortably around your waist. cut this lenght, and then sew together at the ends, creating a circle. Put aside for now....and mean while. Pick up and knit, 100 stitches from top edge (waistband edge) of skirt. Work in stockinette for 5 cm. This will be folded to the inside creating a double layer waist band.
10. Using same yarn, sew in elastic making sure your sewing zigzags (to allow stretch) then fold second layer of the waistband to the inside and stitch down (still using same yarn and zigzag stitch)
11. Wear it! This skirt looks cute with winter stockings and tights.

(questions on any of the instructions? let me know)

Cutesy Heart Purse

So I had this cute little beaded heart pouch with a zip closure, and I was thinking of how I could use a purse for when all I need to carry is a little money or something. So... a little embroidery floss and crocheting later, I now have a cute little purse.




Also, cute knitted ipod case I made....


...and socks I'm making for my mom,I've finished quite a bit more than this, just haven't taken the picture yet.

more dresses

Its amazing how quickly you can make a simple summer dress when you have access to a serger. Im borrowing one from my neighboor. Theyre great because they finish everything so cleanly, but theyre also ridiculously easy to make a mistake with. And finding the right tension can be a pain as well, but otherwise, very helpful. It only took me a couple hours to make a cute stretch dress, that I plan on wearing to school tomorow. Just adding the finishing touches with the belt.



I sewed the sleeve hems and then entire bottom hem by hand, because I dont have a special walking foot for my machine, so I didnt want it to be pulled funny. It took for ever sewing a blind hem all along the bottom by hand. Not sure whether thats dedication, or insanity. Maybe a little bit of both.


And also on my to do list for today, putting the ends on a bunch of seed bead woven braclets that I made with my mom and my sister. Now we just have to find a place to sell them.

Knitting

So, i've been doing alot of knitting lately. Just recently a local yarn store closed down, which is quite unfortunate, however worked out well for me. because of the sale they were having, i was able to buy 22 different knitting needles, 9 different kinds of yarn and two pattern books all for about 30 dollars, so that means i've got alot more knitting to do. i'll have more time with summer coming up. also this summer i'd like to learn to quilt, theyre so cozy looking and i love all the different patterned fabrics. so thats on the to do list.