Happy New Year!

Better late than never! I've been busy since the new year. I was involved in the usual holiday happenings plus I had some projects to finish up. My first FO of the new year was a sewn one:

I cut this out before Christmas for the Patriot's Ball which was scheduled on Dec. 19 --the day of the big snow! It was rescheduled for Jan. 2, so I put this together on Jan. 1. It took a little longer than I expected because I decided to do my usual seam finishing--French seams! They just look so nice in silky or lace fabrics. The fabric was a cheap lace from Joann's with a polyester lining--two things I never sew with but I was trying to go on the cheap! The lace was embroidered and had more texture than most inexpensive laces. It also had some gold in it. The lining was a light taupe. I was pleased with the final result. The bustier is one I've had for several years. I get a lot of wear out of it. Here's a close up of the skirt fabric:


I have a couple of knitting FO's:
First--the Whirligig Shrug from IK Weekend Knits. This was made for Baby Bianca--my niece's baby.


Details:
Pattern: Whirligig Shrug by Stephanie Japel, Size 12 - 18 mos.
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Ivory, less than 1 skein
Needles: Knit Picks Options, 24 in. size 6
Modifications: none
This is a fun, quick knit. If you have any little girls to knit for, this makes a sweet gift!

My most recent FO is Wicked by the Zephyr Girls. I've had the pattern and yarn for several years and I finally decided to get this one done.



Details:
Pattern: Wicked by Zephyr Girls, Size 32
Yarn: Odyssey by Reynolds, 100% merino in Teal--10 skeins
Needles: Knit Picks Options 24 inch, size 7; Addi Turbo 16 inch, size 7
Modifications: Extra hip increases and I picked up 2 stitches under the arm when starting the sleeves. There were 54 sleeve stitches and the cuff pattern is an 9 stitch repeat so I added 2 stitches for the pattern to fit!

I'm happy with this one though I wish I hadn't done as many hip increases. I forgot that seed stitch doesn't cling like ribbing and the bottom is a little loose. I may run some clear elastic thread through it for support.

I've started a new sweater for the SKC Knit along. I'll post about that later. This weekend we've been taking down Christmas. I still keep winter around though. I collect snowmen and they stay out until March when the bunnies come out. This year I added to my snowman collection:




The top 2 are candy containers as their heads come off!

I'll have to fill you in on some of my knitting and sewing goals for the upcoming year--but I'll do that later!

A monumental thing--my car turned 200,000 miles! And people say American cars are junk! I love my trusty Ford and I'll be sad when it finally dies--which doesn't appear to be any time soon!


Kitty Cam: This one is from Ems. Chelsea and Mokey pause for a portrait before fighting over who gets to sleep in the sink!