Lumberjack Dress

For years now, I've been getting so much use and pleasure out of the Built by Wendy books, that I thought it was high time I shared a few of the resulting projects here. I own Sew U Home Stretch, Built by Wendy Coats and Jackets, and Built by Wendy Dresses, but the latter has been my most-used book by far.

My one caveat in recommending these books is that I don't feel they are terribly helpful for beginners. The instructions are often general and somewhat vague (and I've found straight-up mistakes as well); that being said, once you've got a few "regular" patterns under your belt (I'm thinking Simplicity, McCall's, etc.), and are comfortable with the basics of garment construction and sewing techniques, they are a wonderful resource for basic patterns and ideas that can be riffed on endlessly.

This one is called the Lumberjack Dress, and it's a variation that is included in the book (though, as I mentioned, even the included variations end up being patterns of your own making for the most part). I spent quite a bit of time perfecting the fit of the basic Dirndl dress, and making plain versions with very minor tweaks and updates until I had it fitting just so, then I started going wild with variations. With its full, swingy, bias-cut skirt, adorable leather toggles, rounded collar, and ultra cozy flannel fabric...this might be my favorite thing I've ever made.

I'm hoping to share the other versions with you in the near future, but I'm currently in an awkward hair grow-out phase, so I'm mostly avoiding cameras. ;)

In the meantime, tell me: Do you sew? Have you ever wanted to learn? Do you make up your own patterns?

P.S. Here's the free pattern for the hat pictured above.

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Aidez Cardigan

Hello friends! Many apologies for my long absence- that was a much more extended break than I intended to take. I hope you had a lovely, restful holiday, and that 2013 is being friendly so far. One of my goals for the new year (I wouldn't go so far as to call it a resolution...it remains to be seen how resolute I am) is to be better about sharing my knitting projects on Ravelry, and tracking alterations I've made to patterns before I forget what I did.

Sadly, it's much too late for this sweater on that front: I remember only the bare bones of the changes that I made, but I figure they're not getting any clearer in my head, and I might as well share it while I still remember the gist.

I made this Aidez cardigan last winter, and it was a surprisingly quick, and completely delightful knit. I wanted it to be really wearable, and I was concerned about feeling like Ralphie's little brother when I tried to put it on under a jacket, so I opted to use a significantly lighter weight yarn (Cascade 220), and smaller needles than the pattern called for.

In order to make up for the substantial gauge difference (I'm small, but I'm not that small), I did a bit of calculating, and determined that if I followed the directions for the size medium, the finished product would be about the same size as the extra small- which is exactly what I was hoping for.

It's wonderfully cozy, not at all itchy, and, though substantial and warm, doesn't feel bulky or stiff. And, of course, it pairs perfectly with my Arctic Ribbed Hat, and the gorgeous Norwegian Mittens my mom made for me...

What's on your needles these days? Any amazing new sweater patterns I should know about? I always enjoy a cabled project, but I feel like it's time I got some more experience with colorwork. I'd love to hear your project recommendations!

P.S. Check out the free Aidez pattern here.

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One Outfit and Two Exciting Things

Sweatshirt: here // Shorts: here // Hat: similar // Shoes: similar // Necklace: DIY // Clutch: Is + Was

This has been one of my favorite go-to outfits this summer (dots, mint, neon orange- what more could you ask for?), so I thought I'd better give it its due before summer is a distant memory. More importantly, though, it features two very exciting things:

See that necklace? Does it remind you of something? Yep, I decided to make my own version of J.Crew's Hyacinth necklace, and I'll be sharing the tutorial later this week- I think you're gonna like it...

Exciting thing two: that racer-stripe clutch is one of the many colorful beauties piling up in my sewing room, just waiting to go live in the Is + Was shop. And see the tag on the side? I can't begin to tell you how happy that little piece of woven damask makes me; suffice it to say, the shop is really close to opening, and I can't wait to share it with you!

This is the kind of tomfoolery that takes place when I think Michael is only taking pictures of my lower half. Tricksy devil.

I'll meet you back here soon for the necklace tutorial and more shop updates. xo, Jess

Photos by Michael Hudson for Is + Was

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Wednesday Wishlist

Cozy, polka dotted cashmere with black and gold accessories. I would pair them with some black leggings and a crisp Fall day...

1// Cashmere Polka-dot Sweater 2// Gold Triangle Studs 3// Rally Bootie 4// Hex Nut Bracelet DIY 5// Titanium Initial Watch

On another note, I think I may officially be the last person on earth to try the DIY hex nut bracelet (seriously, when I asked the guy in the hardware store where the hex nuts were, he said: "Are you making that braided bracelet?"), but I finally got around to it last weekend. Super fun- not to mention cheap, easy, and adorable. I highly recommend it! Unless I really am the last person on earth to have tried it, in which case...hey, nice bracelet! ;)

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Pops of Neon

1. Cafe Capris  2. Polka Dot Blouse (there's this one and this one too- super cute and a great price!)  3. Audra Patent Sandals  4. Neon Skinny Belt (and here's another one)  5. Neon Pink Colorblock Necklace- available in my shop soon!

I don't know about you, but it's looking like I'm gonna ride the neon bandwagon into the sunset- I just can't get enough! Every time I get dressed, I end up adding a neon necklace, a belt, shoes...something to give it a little pop. Fortunately, the other color that seems to be ever-present in my wardrobe is gray, so I don't walk around looking too much like a pack of Skittles. What about you? Are you still loving the neon trend for summer, or are you over it?

(Of course, then I see things like this and get excited for a much more muted Fall color palette...)

Photos by Michael Hudson for Is + Was

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