Me Made May Nightwear

After sewing up 19 shirts for myself last month I have had no problem at all wearing something I've made myself every day throughout May. But what about the nights? LOL!

I know it's not a requirement, but I've tackled Me Made May nights too. Since my older night shirts are all hilariously large and sloppy on me now it was time for a couple of new ones.

Jalie.com patterns to the rescue again. I used a combination of pattern "3457 Dolman Tops" for the upper section and blended in the lower portion of the tunic view from pattern "3245 Raglan Tee and Racerback Tank". For the striped one above I had lengthened the tunic by 6", but have since decided it's too long for my tastes. I took 3 of those inches off for the red one below and I'm much happier with the length.

Both are made with a 95% cotton and 5%lycra blend jersey so they are very comfortable to sleep in. My bust measurement dictates a size that is 2 sizes larger than that for my hips but I just carried the one size from the bust down. I feel the extra looseness in the body portion is about right for a night shirt.

Contemporary Cables

One of the benefits of having a long standing blog is that occasionally I am offered books to review. Other than receiving the book for free in return for my honest, unbiased opinion I receive no further compensation. Any links provided here are soley for your convenience.  

Today's review is of "Contemporary Cables" by Jody Long, a soft cover pattern book published by Dover Publications, Inc.  I quite like this one!

This 128 page pattern book is laid out beautifully with large, clear photos that show the details of the 21 knitted articles very well. There are patterns for 9 pullovers, 4 cardigans, a vest, a large wrap, (I'd call that one a lap robe or afghan myself), 2 shrugs, a hat, a scarf, and mittens. They are all nice cabled designs that I'd be happy to knit. The one I'm most likely to knit for myself is the "Grandfather Cardigan". It looks like just the kind of comfy, over-sized sweater I like to wear when I'm feeling chilled.

All of the sweater patterns come in a good range of sizes typically fitting a chest size from 32 to 46" (81.5 - 117cm) with some going as large as to fit a 54" bust. 

Having just received the book I haven't yet knitted any of the patterns, but the format looks good with large, easy to read charts, written instructions, and schematics included.

If I wasn't overwhelmed with the number of fibre arts projects I already have on the go I'd start in on knitting that "Grandfather Cardigan" right now! This is one book that I'll be hanging on to!

If You Crochet

Crochet is one of many textile related hobbies of mine. Recently I received "Indispensable Stitch Collection for Crocheters" by Melissa Leapman for review.

This collection of 200 stitch patterns is a great resource for those who are already comfortable with crocheting and would like to add variety to their favourite tried and true patterns with some new stitch options. 

Each stitch pattern is represented by both written directions and a universal stitch diagram. I really like this format. I find that, when I'm first learning a new stitch pattern, written directions are the most reassuring, but once I've worked through a stitch pattern once it is easiest to follow along with just quick glances at a stitch diagram. This book provides very clear directions in both formats. The handy reference guide at the back of the book also shows detailed how-tos for each stitch variation, from the most basic to very advanced.

Although I received this book free for the purpose of writing a reveiw, no other compensation has been given and I receive no commission if you decide to make a purchase based on my review.