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I finally finished the in threes sweaters I was knitting for my two youngest girls for Easter. Little #9's sweater was made using Lark in Robin's Egg Blue, the softest, loveliest shade of blue I have ever seen, and Little #6's sweater was knit using Lark in Dogwood. I simply love these two colors, and I am so pleased with how the sweaters turned out. These sweaters, with their sweet little cap sleeves, are perfect for New England springs, adding an extra layer of warmth without the bulk of long sleeves (well...I'm hoping by April we won't still be needing our winter coats).
I wanted to make matching dresses, and I had a bit of a difficult time deciding on which fabric to use. I initially wanted to use a vintage-looking calico, but I was unable to find one that I liked. I then thought of using a pretty striped fabric, but I felt it was too light and airy for Easter here in our corner. My daughter and I went into Joann's to look for buttons and decided we would check out their cloth selection. We found nothing to my liking, but just as we were leaving the store a Dotted Swiss caught my eye. We walked over to the rack and found two bolts of it, one with "Robin's Egg Blue" dots and the other with "Dogwood" dots...two perfect matches to the sweaters! The hunt was finally over.
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I initially made Little #9's dress from a 1920's vintage dress pattern that I found at a flea market a few years ago. I loved the pattern, but it just wasn't right for the Dotted Swiss. It looked more like a nightgown than a dress, so I modified it the best I could by adding tucks on the bodice, cutting and adding a gathered skirt, and finishing with buttons and a bow. The final dress is very different than the original pattern, but I think I am okay with the results.
Little #6 is such a princess, so I had to embellish her dress a bit more by adding an over-skirt and fabric-covered buttons in the back. She is quite pleased with her new dress and asked if she could wear the dress anytime she wanted after Easter...of course, my answer was "Yes!" Dresses and sweaters are made to wear, right? Not to hang in the closet and wait for special occasions.
Linked with Inspire Me Monday and Nicole
Both gorgeous, I love those colours too, and great pattern adapting!
ReplyDeleteEmily, I was so inspired by your preview post of the In Threes sweater and so decided to make my own. I have just finished the garter yoke, so this post was great timing! More inspiration for keeping me on track - I am a little nervous about the cap sleeves. Both of yours turned out just perfect! I love the layered skirt on the short sleeve dress.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you chose to make one! I think it is a great sweater for a beginner; it was my first sweater. Don't worry about the sleeves...they are much easier than you think. You will do great!
DeleteWhat beautiful creations. I love the colours of your in threes I want to make one for my daughter for the spring too.
ReplyDeleteYour sewing is amazing I have not yet progressed to gathering or tucking or anything as complictated!
These turned out lovely! The covered buttons are a wonderful touch. I hope you post pictures later of the girls in their finery. I just came across a little dress that I plan to make, and that made me think of you, here's the link (the pattern is free, too) : http://monpetitviolon.com/2014/02/13/free-tutorialgranny-square-crochetfabric-dress/ Don't let the granny square fool you, lol - it's beautiful, not cheesy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the lovely dress pattern. You are right; it's beautiful!!! Now I will have to learn to crochet. ;)
DeleteFor some reason I thought you did, haha! It is easy (I found knitting trickier by comparison), and this would be an excellent beginner's pattern!
DeleteI've always wanted to learn to crochet...I guess now is the time. That little dress is so sweet, and I think both of my little girlies need one for summer. ;)
DeleteThis post is so sweet. I love the little outfits and that you used a vintage pattern. I still have some of my mothers 1940's patterns.
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing.
debx
These are wonderful and so special when mom's make things with such love.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was a high school senior before I made her special dress, but we had fun and it was like an extra hug. I hear it said that people don't like to dress up. I think it makes you feel special and there is fun in it! You did a wonderful job here. I want a cute sweater!!
These are beautiful and you are very talented! I wish I could knit and machine-sew with such confidence and skill. The colours are just gorgeous. x
ReplyDeleteOh Emily,
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. I have been enjoying reading through your blog - looking to glean bits of helpful information about keeping such a large household of children organized and managed - you seem to do such an amazing job and still maintain beautiful grounds and a beautiful home.
How many skeins of the yarn did you need for each vest?
Warmly,
Tonya
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment!
DeleteI purchased three skeins of Quince and Co. Lark for each sweater. For the size 2, I had plenty with some left over, but for the larger sweater, which I sized up to about a size 6, I used every inch of yarn and actually had to leave out a row of garter at the end to have enough (I blogged about it here...http://frontfortyfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-scroll-lace-scarf-two-sweaters-and.html).
aw what sweet little sets. I love the colours you've used
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful outfits! Love the buttons!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! I knitted the in threes cardigan too for my godchild. It's a very fun pattern and easy to combine.
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThe ensembles are pretty! The colors makes them really delicate, perfect for spring!
ReplyDeleteThank you, all, for your lovely comments!
ReplyDeletebeautiful sweaters and what pretty dresses that peek out underneath! You are quite talented :)
ReplyDeleteI love in threes; such a sweet pattern, and an easy, satisfying knit. Yours are lovely, as are the dresses. (Now, I really do need to get to work on my daughter's Easter things, don't I?) xo
ReplyDelete