Friday, September 28, 2012

Nordic style dress and bolero


There was talk of a "bunad" dress. Something knitted, that resembled the Norwegian national costume. When this was first mentioned, I had already just started knitting this dress. What to do... Was it similar enough to what she was looking for? Should I keep it a secret or reveal my plans? But as the bunad recipes were few and their decision dragged out, the choice was easy. I finished this one and gave it as a surprise for her birthday! It has a few traditional elements, although it doesn't exactly resemble any particular bunad. The original recipe uses bright reds, but I went with neutrals because I thought that would be more to their taste. Here's my Ravelry link.
-
The previous dress I knitted for this girl was smaller than it’s intended size - this one’s on the large side. And that’s despite my sincere - and successful - attempts at obtaining the correct gauge. Also, I have almost two skeins of dark brown Alpaca left over…! How did that happen?

 
This was easy peasy, mindless knitting. I might do some things differently next time (as always), but overall it's a nice project and a pretty result.
I might have chosen a sturdier yarn than Alpaca to go with the Fabel, because the fairly heavy skirt pulls and stretches the waist border and yoke quite a bit. Also, doing stranded knitting might be easier with a less slippery yarn. Other than that, the recipe is nice and easy - but man, am I sick of garter stitch… ;) At least the skirt was done in a painted yarn with gorgeous blue, white and brown colours and something was continually changing there, but that bolero was a trial. I need lace!!!
 

The bolero is constructed in a strange way… But it seems to work anyway. It's knitted flat in garter stitch and sewn together under the arms. It looks like I've knitted a poncho and forgotten the hole for the head! :) But as you can see, it's not too bad really.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Another wedding card


In contrast to my previous wedding card, this one sports rough teared paper edges and a completely different colour scheme. The recipients of this card aren't the pink and frilly type, so it was a good match - but that happened entirely by accident! This was a commissioned card and I had no idea who I was making it for, so I took a chance and was very lucky. :) That cool blue and gold paper is by Panduro, and I swiped some blue StazOn ink over the Prima chipboard letters.

Monday, September 24, 2012

For the bride and groom


Wedding season is winding down and I have a couple of cards to share. This one is cute and pink and frilly! Pretty basic layout. I love that placement of flowers, and have lately developed a bit of an obsession with adding lots of flat-backed pearls among them. The sentiment is stamped on die-cut and sanded Core'dinations Whitewash cardstock.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Pink&purple baby card


I don't think I've shared this card yet? Life has taken the front seat around here these days, so updates here have been scarce. But I have a few cards and a knitting project to share - soonish. This one is clean and simple. Basic Grey pattern papers and some random stuff from my stash. Easy peasy!