Chevron Maxi Skirt

Can I just jump right in here and say that maxi skirts might be my absolute favorite piece of clothing in the world? Seriously, the right maxi is like the yoga pant of the 'fancy' world. I have great (but likely misguided) confidence that it will never go out of style, but either way, I'm going to enjoy it as long as possible.

The hardest part of shopping for a maxi is finding one the right length. Out of LOTS that I've tried on, only about 2 actually fit well without alterations. Luckily, they're super easy to make. :) I like using this tutorial for circle skirts a lot in general, because it doesn't require a pattern, just measurements and (relatively) simple math. For the maxi length I follow the 'quarter' instructions. This is perfect because it's not too full or too straight, and doesn't use a ton of fabric.

Even following these instruction, I add length to my measurements because it's MUCH easier to hem shorter, than try to add later. Another secret I learned when I hem anything by myself, is to use another piece of clothing as a guide. Basically, complete everything EXCEPT the hem, then get a similar garment that you like the length of and use it as a template. This is how I do dresses, skirts, pants, etc. to get the perfect fit, and do it without help. The most important thing is making sure the fit is similar. (For example, don't use a high-waisted pant to hem a low-rise)

I've been drooling over this fabric over at Hobby Lobby for a few months now, but it was a little expensive for me. I was so excited when I happened to stumble over it in the clearance bin last Friday! It's actually a plain stripe, not chevron, so I bought two yards so I had some leeway when creating the chevron. It drives me crazy if the stripes don't match and I was thankful I went ahead and grabbed two yards, I needed it! I also love that it's a stretch knit so I didn't have to bother with a closure.

Now, I told you I used the quarter pattern, but that's only partially true. Following this pattern would result in one, continuous piece of fabric. In order to create the chevron, I needed four separate panels, so I used a different maxi dress as the pattern. (The other dress was made using the link I provided) I folded the skirt part into fourths, and pinned it to use as a pattern template. I carefully noted where the center seam would be, and then used a quilting ruler to place that seam at a 45 degree angle to the stripes, also ensuring the chevrons would point down. I cut out two pieces at a time (fabric was right side together) and was also very careful to match the stripes up while the fabric was folded, and when cutting the second time. After cutting, I seamed the center seams and side seams, added a 6 inch piece of elastic in the back, finished the top, and added a blind hem in the bottom. I'm considering taking the hem up just a tad more, but overall I'm really pleased with the result. :) 

It only took about an hour, and wouldn't have taken that long had I not spent 15 minutes trying to figure out how to fold the fabric. (Use a stripped piece of notebook paper and do a "practice" run if you're nervous.) I was able to wear it to church the next day, and it must have looked good because even though Eric didn't really like the fabric in the store, he complimented me on it several times. :) I hope you feel inspired and find my tips are helpful. Have a great week!

~Farm Girl Teacher

P.S. Thanks to my wonderful photographer/mother for braving the gnats for me! :D

CAL and Handspun Cowl Pattern

First, I'd like to share that I'm starting my very first CAL (crochet-a-long). Moogly Blog did this last year, however I didn't participate. I'm super excited to be starting it this year, and have already finished the first square "Tamara's Kismet." Basically, you get a new (free!) pattern for a 12 inch square every two weeks. At the end of November (24 squares) you'll have enough to make an afghan, using December to join/finish. I think this might be a commitment I can handle! :D I peeked through some of the finished ones from 2014, and really liked one someone did that was a totally mono-tone off-white. Inspired by her, I started with this yellow baby yarn. (I accidentally purchased a pound of this stuff, not realizing it was the wrong shade of yellow!) I'm also considering doing a second square in a multicolor palate, if I choose to do so, I'll share photos here. :) You may notice, I did add an extra hdc edge that wasn't in the pattern, my square was just shy of the 12 inch specification and the hdc add just the right amount! :)

Also, I finally finished working on a cowl I've been picturing since probably last August. I knew I wanted a cowl that was gray with a pop of another color. After lots of deliberation, I finally arrived at a hot pink color and my good friend kindly dyed wool for me using 'flamingo.' I've been spinning every since to prepare for the cowl, changing my mind on how it would look throughout, until I finally decided I was ready! Wouldn't you know it, with all that deliberation and planning time, once I finally made a choice, I jumped right into it without taking photos, measuring yardage, or anything! Darn my enthusiasm! The yarn is all wool, both are two ply and I think they are a bulky weight yarn. The middle is a 'candy cane' 2 play using solid pink and the naturally variegated gray. The outer colors are also two ply using the same naturally variegated gray. It's a VERY simple pattern, and more than likely this already exists elsewhere, but I hope you enjoy it. :)

A note about the i-cord. As you may imagine, my handspun yarn is often limited in yardage. I did have more, however it was a slightly different shade of gray and I tried very hard to limit the yardage so I didn't have to use this. For that reason, 3 i-cords were knitted and used to join the cowl. The i-cords sit on the back of your neck, and are nearly invisible if your hair is down. I originally did this to save yarn, however once I finally to to wear it, I realized that it also keeps my neck from being too hot and the wool from being too bulky in that area. (Remember, I live in Florida) :D I liked it so much, I'm definitely considering doing it on the next cowl I make. If you don't care for that look, simply make the knitted portion longer and join the edges together.

Supplies:
Bulky yarn, roughly 200-300 yds.
US size 10 knitting needles
Cable needle
Tapestry Needle
Double point needles to make an i-cord.

Construction:
I made the center section first, then picked up stitches along the edge and used a garter stitch to widen the cowl. The i-cords followed and were attached with a tapestry needle.

Middle:
Cast on 12 sts.
(Please note, I don't mention it in the pattern, but I do slip the first stitch of EVERY row to create a tight edge.)
Rows 1-4: knit in st. stitch
Row 5: (RS). k2, place 4 on cable needle, k4, k4 from cable needle, k2 remaining 2.
Repeat rows 1-5 until cowl reaches desired length. (Mine was about 20 inches or 17-18 'repeats'

Edges:
Pick up and knit stitches along the 'long' edge of the middle section. Work in garter stitch until cowl reaches the desired width. (Mine was roughly 2 inches, close to the width of the pink section.)

i-Cord Back:
Using the dpns, knit 3 i-cords 8 inches long, each.

Finishing: Use the i-cords to join the edges of the cowl. Weave in ends (I know, I didn't do this in the photos) and you're finished! Hope you enjoy!

~Farm Girl Teacher

New Laptop Sleeve Pattern

I made an owl laptop sleeve previously for myself. I had a lot of fun with it, and my sister, who has loved frogs since she was a small child inspired this fun frog pattern. It has some similarities to the owl pattern, but a few important things were altered. Both patterns are offered for free at my Ravelry and Craftsy stores.

Besides the few obvious color changes, hers is taller than mine since her laptop is a bit larger.

The biggest construction change was making full circles for the hind legs instead of half circles and adding 'feet' to them. This means that there are two additional pockets on the back of the sleeve.

For the small details, I made the eyes as a whole smaller, but increased the pupil size. Used a slip stitch to create a mouth, and created small front legs.

I actually finished this pattern a while ago, but was a bit lazy getting it posted. I often forget to write down my pattern as I make it and had to go back and analyze my stitches to write it. She's been carrying it for a few months now and has gotten several compliments. It's helped prevent minor wear and tear such as scratching when she puts her laptop in her bookbag, or in the car, and she reported that she loves that the legs double as pockets. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

~Farm Girl Teacher

Handspun Yarn!

I get to share some very exciting news today! (I was planning on making this post sooner, but after spending a few hours having my tire repaired, it's posting a little late. I know it's short notice for some, but I hope you can make it regardless!) For a few months now, I have joined two very amazing ladies at a local farmer's market here in Central Florida. They have goat and sheep and make beautiful soaps, lotion bars, lip balms, fudge, and more using milk from their goats. I've mentioned one of them before as being responsible for getting me involved in spinning, and always being available for a crafty consultant when I get stuck. (Seriously, she's amazing) Every farmer's market, I sit at their booth and do a spinning demonstration. I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and talk to them about an art I love, and one that's often not well known. I meet tons of kids and they love asking questions about spinning and about the goat and sheep that we bring to the market as well. (And I get to eat fudge) :D Several people have requested that I offer my yarn for sale, and while I was initially reluctant, I'm pleased to announce that I will have a few skeins for sale at tomorrow's market! I hope to see anyone who lives here locally, it's a wonderful market and has a plethora of handmade goods, delicious food and more.

Here is some of the yarn I've spun recently. There are a few skeins I'm still debating keeping for myself, but the majority of it will be at the market tomorrow.

This was from round one of spinning:

The first is an orange wool, single ply yarn. It is approximately 75 yards in sock/fingering weight.
The second is a brown wool, also single ply. It is approximately 81 yards in lace weight.
Third is a single ply dark gray wool, approximately 58 yards in bulky weight.
Fourth is a two-ply light gray yarn approximately 55 yards in bulky weight.
And finally is a three-ply gray and pink yarn approximately 93 yards in super bulky weight. (The last two are the ones I'm debating keeping for myself :D )

This is round two and are still hanging to dry. I'm slightly worried the last one won't be completely dry before tomorrow, so there is a small chance it won't be there.

The first is a 'candy cane' 2 ply, gray and teal. 113 yards of Bulky weight yarn.
The second is also a 'candy cane' 2 play using the same color teal and a pale yellow. It is 26 yards of worsted weight yarn.
The third is a green that kidn of reminds me of a 'military' green. It's 157 yards of sport/fingering weight.
Finally is a coffee colored 2 ply brown. 317 yards of bulky weight yarn.

 ***Please note, my measurements are approximate. Please keep in mind that variations in yarn weight are a normal part of handspun yarn. I use a wpi method to determine yarn weight.

I can't find a website to link to but it's called The Marketplace at Hibiscus Park. This came from the Chamber of Commerce Website:

From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Hibiscus Park, 7th Street and Bougainvillea Ave Dade City
Contact: Lucy Avila 352-521-5858
Event Email: lucyvila7070@gmail.com

First Saturday of each Month (September 2014-May 2015)
Come shop our relaxing, outdoor, vendor-friendly market place in Hibiscus Park. Locally grown produce, plants, arts & crafts, and so much more!

Wish me luck and hope to see you there! :)

~Farm Girl Teacher