Easter Dress Redo

 Several years ago, I randomly decided I wanted a new Easter dress. The day before Easter. I had a pattern, so I made a quick trip to Joanne's Fabrics and bought this fabric. Isn't it pretty? It's a linen blend and feels great in the warm months of summer.

I think that was three or four years ago. Needless to say, as much as I loved that dress, it didn't fit anymore. I could get into it, but then I would be stuck. The pattern was decided to just pull over your head, so there wasn't a zipper or anything to help me get out. But I still loved the fabric, so I decided to cut off the skirt and make a fun, swingy skirt out of it. 

I cut the skirt off the bodice. 

I sewed elastic into the waist. It kind of fits, but it didn't work out smoothly (hence the lack of picture). I need to find a seam ripper (which isn't at my current sewing location) and have a second try. 

Also, I was disappointed by how it didn't swing like I wanted. I think I may have to my a tulle underlining for it to poof the way I envision it should. In my head, I have this idea that it could be like an outfit from the 50s with a full skirt, a pale pink shirt with ties, a pair of heels, and a string of pearls. It would be cute for an afternoon out for an old fashioned picnic or for church. 

So, still have to finish this one. :) 

Happy Tuesday!

Family Knitter and Sweaters

Today I was delighted to learn from my paternal grandmother that her mother, Rosie Clay, my great-grandmother and namesake, was a knitter. I was so excited to learn this today; previously, I knew that several of my female ancestors crocheted and sewed most of their children's clothes, but had thought that I was the only knitter. My granny proceeded to show me the three sweaters that her mother knit and she even let me try them on. 

Rosie Clay had such an eye for detail. The sweater is knit entirely out of perfect stockinette stitch, the edge of the sleeves, collar, button band, and hem are crocheted scallops, and the front of the sweater is decorated with embroidered flowers and leaves. She also lined the shoulders and upper back of the sweater with thin fabric so that it would retain its shape. It is knit with 100% wool. She crocheted the buttons, as well.

Although it was knit by my great-grandmother sometime in the 1980s, it fits me well and would be something I could see myself wearing with a pair of brown slacks. Because it is wool, it would be a wonderful layer to fend off the cold in the autumn and winter.

This second sweater also was knit in wool. It is knit in a basket weave or moss stitch pattern with a garter stitch belt. The hem, sleeves, and collar are bordered with scalloped crochet. 

Here is the detail of the third sweater, a men's medium, with a shawl collar, knit for her husband. 

In the picture above (with the man's sweater), it a linen placemat by my great-grandmother's aunt and a crocheted doily that my great-grandmother made. The linen placemat was made from linen that my great-great-aunt grew, processed, and wove. My great-grandmother then crocheted the edging on the placemat. 

I was amazed by the knitting and fiber history that I learned from my grandmother this trip. Do you have any family knitting or crafting stories to share? Please leave a comment!

Happy Knitting!