Thursday 24 March 2011

.Coastal Breeze for winter.

I find the best cure for procrastinating about getting something done is to blog about it.  I've had these knits from Crafty Mamas for a month or two now, with plans to make myself a Coastal Breeze dress up and kept putting it off.  After blogging about my plans last week I found some enthusiasm and finally made the dress up a couple of nights ago.

I totally recommend making Coastal Breeze in one solid colour.  As cute as it looks in stripes or a print, I feel much more comfortable wearing a plain, dark colour and can easily accessorise with some colour if I want to.
The Stella knit from Crafty Mamas was unreal to work with - I'm definitley going to be stocking up on some more solids from there and start making the kids (and maybe myself) some t-shirts and long-sleeved tops.  Way cheaper than buying them, and I can funk them up in so many ways.  Would anyone be interested in a pattern or have knit tops been done enough?
I have to confess that while I use my overlocker for all internal seams, I have always opted for a regular zig-zag or stretch zig-zag stitch on the external seams (hems, topstitching, etc.)  I decided to break out my twin needle this time and it made the job soooo much easier and looks 100 times more professional.  I thought it would be a lot of fussing around to set it up, but it really only took a minute or two and is just like regular stitching, only two needles are going at the same time.  Highly recommend it over the zig-zag if your machine can do it as it gives a much nicer finish.
So, ta-da...all finished!  Our summer seems to be coming to a quick end, but I think I can pull it off okay with a pair of stockings and some boots for winter!

SUPPLIES:
Make It Perfect, Coastal Breeze pattern
Stella knit in Grey Marle

P.S. Don't forget about the Save the Children Japan auction we have running -- closes 9pm this Saturday!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love it, Toni! Looks fantastic!

Marisa said...

o.o That looks amazing! And while there might be an overload of knit top patterns I would totally be interested in seeing your take on them! I just might have to give this a try myself. Very cute top, and I completely agree on being comfortable with darker and more muted patterns and colors.

Chelsea Parsons said...

love it~! I want one of these..... the fish net stockings gave me a smile and your glasses look so cool! I didnt know you had them!!!!

Aimée Turner said...

It looks fantastic Toni, I would love a knit pattern, your patterns are so well done & I know I can rely on them to work.

Crafty Mama said...

Toni this is gorgeous. I love it in a solid as it shows off the lovely shape of the dress. And yes, we want more patterns!! ( up to larger sizes too! ;) )

Cheryl said...

Love it....I have never made myself something to wear but I am inspired to give it a go now!

Marnie said...

Looks great Toni,

THere are alot of knit tops out there, I sew with kniots whenever I can - I just find them so much more comfortable to wear. Some of the patterns cal be preety full on though for those who aren't used to reading patterns. Your patterns are so easy to follow. It is hard to find good kids patterns in knits. I have been looking for a decent one with a cute raglan sleeve for some time now.

Melinda said...

Love the dress, it's adorable! :)

The Jacks said...

Love it! I would love for you to do a knit top pattern - i am in love with them at the moment and can't find many that i like. :) Your fish nets are cute

Clares Place said...

Very cute outfit! Perfect for winter (with a long sleeve top under ;p )!!!

Tanya said...

Very nice. I love how easy it is to get ready in a dress. Throw it on and you're done. Awesome.

Dea. said...

Oh yes please, more patterns, more patterns! I have got a few of your patterns but my kids have all grown up and I need bigger sizes!! Your work is beautiful, just lovely.

Melissa said...

Very cooooool Toni! Looks great! x

Anonymous said...

I love this in the plain knit. ANd it looks fabulous on you.

Kylie said...

Looks fantastic!
I think I am going to have to make one or maybe two :)
Kylie C

Unknown said...

I like this one....a pattern would be nice too!

Jo said...

This looks great as a winter pattern - it's easy to get stuck on the main photo on the pattern cover so great to see it another way.

Related Posts with Thumbnails