I've had some of this in my stash for ages - I finally used it recently for some cabled handwarmers. I really like it, especially for the price. It's soft, the colors are great, and it showed off the cables nicely. I would agree that it's more of a DK weight, though, which I believe would make it a good sub for the Misti Alpaca.

I reallllllly hate making piping and bias tape...I don't know why.  It's not like it's that hard!  I think it's the 'frugal' in me.  I hate to take that nice big piece of fabric and cut it down the middle on the bias like that!  Unless you make kerchiefs of the end pieces, it kind of wastes a lot of nice fabric!  (I know, I know!....you can make patchwork triangles, too!)

RM

There's always the continuous bias technique - you only have to cut a square, which makes for less waste! I actually looooove making piping - it gives such a clean edge and I really like scooching that zipper foot right next to the cording....ok, weird, I know.

I like this link for continuous bias info:
http://www.mccallsquilting.com/lessons/fundamentals/index7.html

I have to admit that I will not be an early sender - jury duty got in the way this week, but now I'm done with that and ready to chain myself to the sewing table. 

I think this is a good visual tutorial for cutting a continuous bias strip. I think the trick is remembering to offset your cutting line.

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/lessons/fundamentals/index7.html

I never use the bias tape makers - more trouble than they are worth, to me. I usually just start with the bias strip flat and stitch, trim, and turn as needed to make a smooth edge. The bias strip makers never make an evenly folded strip for me and you always wind up tweaking the folds around corners and curves, anyway.

I've had such a horrible cold and I've been so doped up on decongestant that I've been afraid to go fabric shopping for fear of what I might wind up with! I'm feeling much better now, though :-)

I'm getting there.....



I'm using the Tilli in Moss - Pure & Simple and Disco Lights. I'm terrified of running out of yarn, but I think I'll be OK - I want to add some length to the bodice since I'm a bit long-waisted, so I think I'm going to finish off the sleeves to a 3/4 length. Since this photo was taken, I've knit about 3 inches further on each sleeve and tried it on - I *think* it looks good!

I'm making up my own pattern, inspired by a bunch of things on this page:

http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/page/page/1663215.htm

I have a couple of things in my head, I need to find fabric first, though.

Fantastic! I need to do something so I don't have to look at my machine all day - you've given me some ideas! (no copycats, I promise )

This is great - I feel like I've sort of lost my crafting mojo lately but this swap sounds absolutely perfect for me right now!

Plus, I *really* need an apron!

I always print out and carry the current TSA list of permitted/prohibited items - link:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm


It clearly states that both knitting and crochet needles are allowed on all domestic and international flights departing from US airports.

I've never had a problem but if I were challenged at security I would be able to show the agent that list. I think it probably depends on the individual person you're dealing with.

I would advise against smaller gauge metal needles, however. I've only traveled with my Denise plastic knitting needles (which are advertised as airline-safe) or a larger crochet hook - F or G or so. I've also never brought anything with me on international flights, so I don't know what the restrictions are outside of the US.

OK, I had a chance to check the book out at Borders yesterday, and I have two main thoughts. I agree that the freakishly small measurements have to do with the fact that the garment will stretch on the body, but I think it's a problem that this isn't addressed in the book. There isn't a word of advice on fit and how to choose a size as far as I could find (and I may have missed it!) There is an emphasis on proper gauge, which is crucial, but nothing about how to relate the finished garment to your body measurements.

Also? Even accounting for the stretch factor, I don't see how any of these patterns would fit anyone larger than a 36-38 inch chest, and that might be pushing it. The garments are shown on models who are utterly flat chested, and while they are all adorable and the stuff looks great on them, it's just so unrealistic.

Maybe I'm just feeling cranky and fat this week, but this book has really pushed my buttons! I am interested to see how people adapt the patterns - and I know craftsters will do an awesome job. I just don't feel like I should *have* to, you know?

Because I don't want to sound like I'm just slamming this book left and right, I do want to point out that there was a fairly extensive list of yarn substitutions which I think is unusual and welcome in a book like this. There's also a lot of encouraging advice about making a garment your own. And it's all photographed beautifully with photos that clearly show what the finished product will look like.