Sewing FO: The new Sorbetto pattern by Colette Patterns

Colette Patterns is my go-to sewing patterns. They are simple enough to be easily adaptable to fabric choices and other modifications you want to try, but interesting enough to make you want to make multiples of the same pattern. From a cost conscious hobbyist's perspective, a pattern that keeps on giving makes sense.

And in this case, it's even better because Sorbetto is a free pattern. There was a short-sleeve modification floating around on the internet, but finally, they came out with newly graded Sorbetto pattern, with the official short-sleeve pattern. The new one has a simpler dart-line pattern for all sizes, the short sleeves look perfect, and still very simple. 

I bought this 1.5 yards of Kaufman Chambray Union Dots Indigo fabric from Fabric.com when L was born. I thought I would go back to sewing soon so I bought it to make a summer top, but it ended up in my hibernating stash for a couple of years. 

When I saw that Colette came out with the updated Sorbetto pattern, I looked through my stash and re-discovered this chambray fabric. PERFECT.

I love how Sorbetto uses bias tape to treat the neckline. It creates a fool-proof, strong, easy neckline and I love how you can go traditional or funky with the bias tape choices. 

MeMadeMay is turning out well this year, I've already finished 4 new tops in the last 2 weeks!

I always finish the project...even if it's 2 years past due

Two years ago, when I was approximately 8 weeks pregnant (I had just found out), I attended a friend's wedding. And I had *plans* to knit a big beaded lace stole for her wedding. But this plan kept getting pushed aside as I progressed in my first pregnancy, and then the birth of my first squish, then a month long trip to Korea to see my dying mother, and then almost moving to Pittsburgh for hubby's work, and then... you get the picture. Life happened. 

But, you know, it's always better late than never. Rather than designing it on my own, I bought a pattern from such a talented designer, Boo Knits, called "Out of Darkness." It's beaded, and it's my favorite shape of shawl, crescent. And the way the edge is done, with beads, looks so sexy. 

So I cast this on 2 weeks ago, and I love it. I skipped all the beads in the beginning, went with the Stockinette stitch option instead of the garter body like the sample. In the last 2 lace sections, I started beading. 

Pattern: Out of Darkness by Boo Knits 

Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Lace

Needles: Hiya Hiya Sharp US 6, 7, and 8 (4.0mm, 4,5mm, and 5.0mm)

Crochet hook 0.9mm for the Size 6/0 glass e-beads

If you're new to beading, see how I use my crochet hook to thread the glass bead. 

Beading one stitch at a time. Silk lace shawl. #handmade #knitstagram #laceshawl

I am 18 rows away from finishing this thing. As most lace shawl projects, the more you progress, the more stitches you work with. It'll get slower but I am happy to be able to finish this! 

A couple of FOs

Finally, some FO (Finished Objects) shots!

I'm trying really hard to go back and rekindle my love for the projects currently on the needles. I estimated about 10 UFOs (Unfinished Objects) while re-organizing my creative space. 

I cast on for these crazy socks few months ago, hoping that I would be able to use up some leftover sock yarns. I have US Sz 7 feet (240mm) so if I use a 100g sock yarn, I get about 40~50g leftover yarn (my socks have about 7" legs). 

It's a combination of some Tosh Sock, Cascade Heritage, handdyed, and some Sock Yarn Club yarn I belonged to a long time ago.

@CandyandBagel - CrazySocks

I cannot resist just knitting mindless on Stockinette stitch socks. They're basically tubes, and you add some sharp metallic needles and squishy yummy sock yarns to the mix. #knittingheaven

@CandyandBagel - Baby Bobbi Bear

I followed a pattern for this cutie bear. I have never been huge on toy knitting until I had my own kid. He is 2, so he's pretty into toys. Especially miniature animals and vehicles. Here is the thing though. I have a thing for teddy bears. I don't collect them, and I don't have anything for other stuffed animals, but I kind of get weak at the sight of teddy bears. So when I first saw this pattern on Ravelry as a young, beginner knitter years ago, I had to have it. Unfortunately, BACK IN THOSE DAYS, the company did not sell the pattern online as a PDF download yet. 

Like fate though, M and I were visiting a friend in San Francisco, and I walked into ImagiKnit, a LYS a block away from the friend's apartment, I spotted the pattern and bought it on the spot.

I made one and gave it to my mom who was going through chemo therapy at the time. I was happy that she liked something I made. I made it out of baby pink acrylic yarn (I think it was Vanna's yarn brand). 

@CandyandBagel - Baby Bobbi Bear

So it brought fond memories of my mom while I was working on this. I want to make another one for my sister who also requested one in pink. 

Anyways, for this Purr Pull Brownbear as L says it (I love when he says kids stuff like that), I used some leftover 100% cotton yarn from my sample Beverly Tee. The yarn is by a LYS in Manhattan Beach, Twist - Yarns of Intrigue. 

And guess what, I ordered more of the same yarn from the store. Can't wait to see them in the mail soon!