Calling all customers: May I share your vintage pattern story? September 24, 2011 06:57

As many of you know, I requested your input. I practically begged. Pleaded. Beseeched. One suggestion that came through loud, clear: Feature patterns on this blog that were purchased at The Blue Gardenia. Patterns actually stitched by customers. Patterns that have gone from dreams into reality.

I like this idea. I really, really do. So. If you would be kind enough to participate, let me know. I'll send you a brief questionnaire. And, of course, I'll need a picture. Or two.

And if you haven't shared your opinion, do. And enter our giveaway. The deadline draws near.

Planning your fall and winter wardrobe? Then let me suggest . . . September 22, 2011 01:38 3 Comments

We've been counting. Checking. Archiving. Scanning. Coding. All for you. (And, of course, the mortgage company and our little canine pals.)

We've added many vintage patterns. Many. We know that you'll find something you just can't breathe without for one more moment. May I share a few of my favorites with you, loyal customers and dear readers? It will only take a moment. You'll enjoy it. You will.

Ahhhh. Winter is just around the corner. Snow. Ice. Skating. And won't you be the cherry on the top when you are twirling in Advance 4012? You will. Indeed. The details: Skating Dress and Bonnet Bust 31 Complete; skirt trimmed, but extensions are present $39. Circa 1940s.

And for those days when you want to feel your most elegant, your most ladylike, you'll don Advance 7793. Perhaps in buttercup silk faille. Yes, that is definitely the perfect fabric choice. Details, if you please: Dresses Bust 34 Still in factory folds $33. From the 1950s. Of course.

To bring a little — why be modest? — a lot of style to the executive suite, you'll whip up Spadea NS-225. Those sleeves are the most. Absolutely. Perhaps in plum wool crepe. You'll wear this one for years. Timeless and chic. So very.  News you can use: Suit Designed by Ronald Patterson of London Bust 38 Still in factory folds $65.

And for those special holiday soirees, you must have McCall 4075, copyright 1941. You must. Truly. Unforgettable lines. And it's not a dress. No. It's a pajama ensemble! For dinner. For evening. For the beach. Talk about multipurpose. And how. The fine print: Bust 36 Still in factory folds Copyright 1941 $250.

All of these smashing vintage patterns can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)

I'm so excited. And you will be, too, if you win this giveaway. September 20, 2011 02:01 28 Comments

The hint of fall in the air has me in such a good mood. It does. In fact, such a good mood I must share. And you, lassies and lads, know what that means. Yep. A giveaway.

Here are the prizes:

Colette patterns Parfait, donated by the lovely, talented and generous Sarai. So sexy. So adorable. The pattern. And Sarai. Absolutely.

Animal print polished cotton to make your Parfait, and make it as wild as an ocelot.

The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. Indispensable. Totally.

And, of course, nail polish. Zoya's Veruschka, an emerald with a kiss of blue. Very pretty. Very matte.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know what you'd like to see on The Blue Gardenia Learns to Sow Her Blossoms. For an extra entry, become a blog follower through Typepad — no need to leave another comment, I'll note your name among the followers pictured at the top right of this very page. If you already follow, don't worry, because that earns you an extra entry as well. And that's not all, for one more entry, follow me on Twitter. Whew! I'm tired now that I've typed the fine print. And I still have to exercise! Deadline to enter: September 24, 2011, midnight MST.

Yes, this giveaway — which I do think is fabulous and, naturally, I am not a bit biased — is brought to you by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and  domestic shipping is free.

Learning to sew: Ever used an Anne Adams Instructor pattern? September 19, 2011 10:54

And if so, did you find it helpful? Anne Adams Instructor T 4878, just added to The Blue Gardenia, is ever so stylish. Like the skirt. Love the top. Not my size. Alas. It's a Bust 38. And if that's your size, and you are learning to sew, bop over and purchase this one. 

If you have used the AA Instructor patterns, please share your opinion. I'm curious. Very. And I imagine other newbies are as well. I do.

By the way, the site is secure. Go Daddy apparently failed to advise our internet provider that our security certificate was expiring last week. Fortunately, a caring and loyal customer let us know pronto. Thank you so much!

At any rate, I do apologize if you were unable to load the site that day. Do come back and place your order now.

Red. Blue. Black. These are the colors that won my Emmy heart. September 18, 2011 19:15 3 Comments

I know you have been waiting by your laptop, endlessly hitting refresh, to read my thoughts about the gowns at the Emmy show tonight. I know you have, dear readers. And. If you haven't, please don't stick a pin in my balloon. Let me clasp my illusions to my bosom. Please.

My favorite gowns of the evening were red: I am a pushover for the one-shoulder strap look, and Sofia Vergara's was quite special. (Vogue: Pattern, please?) This sexy creation was designed by Vera Wang. Love it.

Another red I'd adore seeing in my closet (and that's the only place I'd see it, since my lifestyle tends to church, the grocery store, and on the rare occasion, the coffee shop): The stunning Donna Karan that Nina Dobrev wore. The bodice is reminiscent of a 1949 VPO I've twice been fortunate enough to have on the site. Very. Didn't your heart go pitty-pat over that creative fishtail? Mine did. In fact, it still is. Hear it? Pitpatpitpatpitpitpat.

And Dianna Agron's gown — courtesy of Ilincic Rokanda — had my pulse speeding as fast as a teen-ager in daddy's Lamborghini. The cobalt. The drapery. The comfortable cut. This would be fabulous and wearable in a day-length. I mean, really, who needs the train in daily life? I don't. I envision wool crepe. Cobalt blue. Natch.

Crazy, too, am I about Evan Rachel Wood's gown, designed by Elie Saab. She channeled Veda. Absolutely. I was disappointed she didn't win for her role in Mildred Pierce. Thank goodness, we had a box of Kleenex at hand. It's empty now.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Pucci reminded me of a modern version of Gilda. Gorgeous. Totally. Too bad she didn't take fashion inspiration from Rita and do something with her hair. (Note to GP: Get it cut. Get it styled. You're not 16 any more. Sure. Show off those taut abs. Do. But. Get the locks trimmed. Please.)

I understand promotion. I do. Completely. But Heidi Klum took shameless plugs to a record low with her Christian Siriano number. Maybe he is a Project Runway alum. Maybe she wants to support contestants. I get it. Really. I do. But this frock looks like something my little canine pal Atchison regurgitated on the kitchen rug last week. We promptly took the questionable substance to the trash. Outside. Didn't even want it in the garbage can indoors. I think she should do the same with this dress. Immediately.

So. Share your opinions. Which gowns had you drooling? Which gowns had you hooting? I want to know. I do. 

Can living green and making muslins co-exist? September 16, 2011 09:01 11 Comments

I've finished my muslin, and I will tell you that I found it immensely helpful. I think a muslin — for beginning sewists like me, at any rate — prevents mistakes. Even though constructing a muslin and getting the proper fit is time-consuming, I know it's a step I'll continue to take. But here is my question: What does one do with the finished muslin? I try to live green — as much as possible — and I don't see any option but to toss the muslin. Any ideas?.

She'll be snug and warm in this sleek cape as the wind blows cool. September 16, 2011 02:19

Ahhhh . . . fall is in the air. Cool. Brisk. And she so ready for it. It's her favorite season. The leaves, falling. The foliage, gold, camel, rust, red. She'll make something new to celebrate the season. A cape. Yes. She knows they are all the rage this year. Or so say the glossies. Not that she cares. She has her own style. Individual. Unique. However. She loves capes. She fancies retro. She adores Sybil Connolly. Especially Vogue Couturier Design 1125. The details. Like the silhouette. Like the double darts on the shoulders. The cut of the pants and skirt are stylish as well. Quite. Yes. This is the one. She'll find the perfect cashmere and sew it next weekend. Joy. Glee. Excitement. She loves patterns. She loves dressmaking. She can barely wait. 

And yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. The information: Vogue Couturier Design 1125 Cape, Skirt and Top. Bust 40. Complete with VCD sew-in label. Skirt and top neatly enlarged. 
$25. So. There ya go. Let those lovely fingers walk on over. Quickly.

You are no pea in a pod. You aren't. September 14, 2011 01:46

Not you. You've got a little bundle of joy. Yes. But you will not wear one of those skin-tight dresses that show off your baby bump. You won't.

Absolutely not. You like a little privacy. No need to show it all off. You want to have a little mystery. A little elegance. A little modesty.

You'll make your very  own maternity clothes. You love the 1950s and early 1960s silhouette for expectant moms. You do. And  you're going to start with McCall's 5373, copyright 1960. You're going to make both versions. For the office, View A. You'll  use that yummy Italian linen/silk/cotton from Michael's Fabrics. So businesslike. So smart. 

You'll make View B out of shantung. Perhaps that luscious green one you've been salivating over at Gorgeous Fabrics. That color is the most. Truly. And so flattering against your skin. Yes indeedy. It will be great for a dinner out on Saturday night at one of those romantic little restaurants where the ivories tinkle and the linens are crisp and clean and very, very white. And you'll take advantage of the chi-chi dining experience to wear your new vintage Hattie Carnegie bracelet and earrings. So beautiful. So minty-mint. So dazzling. Oh. So. Very.

And, yes, ma'am, this pattern and this sparkling jewelry  set can be yours. Just drop by The Blue Gardenia, and shop, shop, shop. The details about this stylish maternity ensemble: Bust 36, complete except for skirt facings, $25. Don't you adore it? I do. I do. I do.

Sleek. Sophisticated. Day. Evening. Vintage. Modern. September 13, 2011 11:41

You're looking for just the right pattern to make just the right dress. Something chic. Something versatile. Something that will work for the office. Something dressy enough for that out-of-the-way bistro you love. Something vintage. Something modern. Advance 6979, circa 1950s, garners check marks for everything on your list. 

Oh, this will be fabulous with your Miriam Haskell pearls and your Lilly Dache turban. And how. Perhaps you'll stitch it up out of a navy shantung. Or perhaps a gray sharkskin. Or perhaps both. This is so classic that the choices are endless. Absolutely.

Perhaps you'll even do bound buttonholes. Perhaps. Yes. Definitely. You will.

The details, for your pleasure: Bust 34. Factory folds. $33. Available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — either Global Priority or Express — for less than USPS charges us. Isn't that grand? I think so.)

Lilli Ann. Peplum. Velvet. Dots. Do jackets get any better? September 13, 2011 01:58 2 Comments

I think not. At this moment, anyway. I'm quite likely to change my mind tomorrow. Or next week. Or next month. I love Lilli Ann designs from the 1940s and 1950s. The details. The tailoring. The bound buttonholes. The hand-stitching. I have several suits, coats and jackets. I've never worn this one, even though I've owned it for more than a decade. It fits perfectly. But the collar, dear readers, the collar is too wide for my figure. Too flamboyant. I have a fabulous cherry red Lilli Ann coat that I wear. I have a navy blue Lilli Ann jacket — exquisite asymmetrical ruching, so flattering — that I don occasionally. It looks great with jeans. It looks great with pencil skirts. It looks great. Period.

Want to learn more about Lilli Ann? Click here and here.

My lucky break with Lady Liz. September 12, 2011 16:30

Well, dear readers, I took a moment — or two or three — off from working on my dress to peruse Lucky. This is my favorite snippet in the magazine. Ms. Taylor certainly knew how to wear jewelry. My favorite method: Wearing a dazzling sparkly at the waist. So unexpected. Absolutely. What's yours?

If Adrian designed the perfect coat for the perfect little girl . . . September 9, 2011 07:43 2 Comments

She is a meticulous child. A fashionable child. A child who knows exactly how she wants to look. Her black patent mary janes must be polished until they are shiny bright, until they reflect her dimpled smile. Her lace-edged anklets must be paper white and folded to the exact same height. She will stand in front of the mirror adjusting them until they are just right — even if it takes ten minutes.

How is it possible that she is your spawn, you, Ms. Yoga Pants? You wonder. Often.

You will make McCall 7547, copyright 1949, just for her. It has shoulder pads. Shoulder pads! The tiny shoulder-pad pattern is right there. Included. She will love this coat. She will love the shoulder pads. She will love the gift-wrapped surprise. Of course, you will have to sew while she sleeps. Otherwise, this clever little girl will know. And you will not have the surprise spoiled. You won't. You want to enjoy her glee when she opens the package.

You saw the perfect cashmere last week — yes, this child can wear cashmere, no need to worry about spills or stains, she simply wouldn't allow them — at the fabric store. The color of a ripe Red Delicious apple. She will love it. Absolutely.

And, yes, you guessed it: This lovely detailed coat can be yours, if you drop  by The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (And we happily ship abroad for a postal fee.)

Edith Head tells us what to wear to nab a sophisticated man September 8, 2011 10:07

Edith Head's ever-so-fun book, How to Dress for Success, originally printed in 1967, shares not only tips on climbing the business ladder, but also tips on bagging the man your heart desires. Ms. Head lists joes by category. Isn't that fun? And decidedly vintage fem?

Today, we'll take the Sophisticated Man About Town, Subtype A, the Super Sophisticate. He is all about elegance. He shuns the overdone. In fact, Mr. SMAT shuns anything that is too anything. So. Assuming you want this type,  here's what you should pull out of your closet: Somthing ladylike. Something chic. Something quietly elegant. So says Ms. Head, at any rate.

I suggest Edith Head's very own design, Advance 8946. A tiny-sleeved dress. A back-buttoned empire bolero. And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. It is. But you knew that, didn't you, dear ones? Of course you did. 

The details: Bust 36. Still in factory folds. $38.

And wouldn't it look lovely with a classy Schreiner brooch? Absolutely. And, yes, this is available for your wearing pleasure, too. At The Blue Gardenia. Of course.

I strongly recommend the pattern, the brooch and the book, which is amusingly retro. Even if you have a hemale  already who leaves you blessedly content — or if you want no man at all.

Pad these peplums. You'll wow your audience. You will. September 7, 2011 03:05 3 Comments

Did you read Gertie's post on how to pad a peplum? I did. With great interest. Love the look. And I have many Lilli Ann suits to prove it. Perhaps I will share those with you one day.

So. Have you the courage to put your sewing skills to the padded peplum test? If so, may I suggest these two patterns? (Both available at The Blue Gardenia. Just added. Yes. Inspired by Gertie's post.)

Vogue Paris Original 1994, courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent, mimics the lines of the Lilli Ann suit Gertie featured. It is exquisite. So very. Beautiful details. Or to use Vogue's word, superb. Gorgeous silhouette. Tres sexy. Tres chic. The info: Bust 36-40. Uncut. Copyright 1997. Plus difficile. Of course. 

And then there is Vogue Paris Original Model 1232. Totally hourglass. Totally stunning. Designed by Desses. The details: Bust 36. Complete. Copyright 1953. (And the pattern itself is made of that fabulous celadon paper. So pretty!)

And dear readers, I have been working on my muslin.  Marticia — so lovely, so kind — dropped by and helped. Perhaps I'll share about that later in the week. It's looking quite nice. And I'll say so myself.

The long weekend's a memory. Work beckons. What to wear? September 6, 2011 02:07 2 Comments

Heavy sigh. The long weekend is over.  Done. History. It was wonderful. You read. You swam. You relaxed. You ate. Fried chicken. Baked beans. Yum bunnies.

So. You need something sharp to bring you back to the working world. Without a thud. You shuffle through your dresses and suits. You nix this one. That one. No. No. Nope. Wait. Here it is: Vogue 5993. Circa 1940s. And so very special. So very very. In emerald linen. You'll wear your flesh pink pumps. And a Schreiner brooch. That sparkly one you picked up in Denver a decade ago. The one shaped like a comma. Fabulous. Yes yes yes. You will look grand. And even better, you'll feel grand. Absolutely.

The details: Complete. Even has the lush Vogue sew-in label. Bust 40. $85. And, yes, this runway-worthy suit is indeed available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad, either Global Priority or Express, for less than the postal service charges us.) So saunter over, and make this haute couture beauty all yours. Don't tarry. Do not. This is one purchase you will not regret.

Don't, I repeat, don't miss these couturier styles. (Yes. I'm bossy.) August 22, 2011 13:56 2 Comments

Yes. We did it. We added some fabulous vintage patterns. Very high in the style department. Ever so chichi. Truly. I do not exaggerate. A few of my very own favorites, among the many:

Vogue Couturier Design 868. Unique details. Look at the bodice fold. Peer at the skirt. Are you panting? I am. Yes indeed. Oh, yes. Copyright 1955. Must not let such an important detail elude me.

And then there's Vogue 6150 from the 1940s. So film noir goddess. Elegant. Unusual lines. So very much of the decade. So very very. You can make it for evening. You can make it for day. Just make it. You can't go wrong with this spectacular style. It's one of my all-time favorites. It is. Absolutely.

And what about Vogue Couturier Design 652? Talk about unusual lines. It's got 'em. And it's asymmetrical. And it's bee-yoo-tee-ful. It's got it all going on. It has. It's  got it backward. Forward. Up. Down. Copyright 1952. Doncha love it? Doncha? Doncha. I do. I do. I do. 

And all of these patterns — each and everyone — is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (And, yes, we happily ship abroad — Global Priority or Express — for a fee. Less, by the way, than USPS charges us.) So rush on over. Buy a pattern or two or ten or 20. You'll be ever so glad you did.

Meet a wild pal in our outdoor cafe. Cute? Cuddly? You decide. August 15, 2011 13:36 3 Comments

This lone javelina enjoys a tomato peel near our deck. Isn't he rather cute? To cuddling, I say no. Loudly. Firmly.  By the way, he refused to eat the tomatillo. Perhaps because of the worm that jumped out of it? Of course, that is the reason I tossed it. 

I know. There are those who frown on feeding these peccaries, which normally travel in packs. But. They were here first. They were. Absolutely. And the pups do so enjoy watching them from the safety of our deck. And how.

Channeling Catherine: Bare one shoulder but not the other. August 10, 2011 15:53 2 Comments

Free your inner irresistible babe with this 1950s negligee pattern. August 9, 2011 08:54

Sleeping in t-shirts has grown old. Sure, they are comfortable. Sure, they are easy. Sure, they are soft. And, certainly, the state of sleepwear today — even at Neiman Marcus — is dull, deplorable and ever-so-pricey. But you're going to change. Drop that lazy streak like a beach coat at the pool when you're ready to dive into the chilly water. It's possible. It is. You're going to sleep in luxurious fabrics, gentle on your skin. You're going to sew your own gown, glamorous against your pillows. You're going to reveal your inner Liz. She's there. She is. You know it. All you need to do is unshackle those chains. And is there a better ensemble to start your new nightlife with than Simplicity 3401, copyright 1950? It's perfect. Truly. From the sweetheart neckline to the flatteringly full bodice. And the negligee will be charming at the breakfast table. Which you will generously let him make. Mmmmm . . . fresh pineapple, strawberries and kiwi to start, followed by golden pancakes, fluffy inside, crispy around the edges. You're going to your fabric stash now. This minute. That periwinkle charmeuse will be perfect. Absolutely.

The details, if you please (and, of course, you do, because who could live without this fabulous pattern?): Simplicity 3401. Gown and negligee. Bust 30. Complete. Circa late 1980s. $37.

And, yes. Yes. This pattern can be yours. Just click to The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. (We ship abroad as well, happily. And we charge less for shipping than the postal service charges us. Isn't that delightful? We think so.)

Frilled frocks, boned bombshell corsets & everything in between. August 8, 2011 09:08

In the mood to shop? The correct answer is yes. Yes yes yes!  Because we've been working hard at The Blue Gardenia. So hard. So very. Our fingers are raw from typing. (But worry not: We shed no blood on the precious patterns. Nary a drop.) Our eyes are blurry from scanning. Our minds are numb from counting and checking to make sure all the patterns are ready for your cutting table or your collection. Or both. So. Need I say that I hope you are pleased? That you'll find one, two, many things you cant live without?

I'll share just a few of my favorites from the 80-something patterns just added. And remember, if these don't tickle your fancies, there are many more. Many.

Simplicity 1937: Beautiful. Elegant. Unusual. So Jean Harlow in a ladylike moment. So very 1930s. And. Not one view, but two.

Butterick 4037: One of the most delicious blouse patterns of all time. It's strong. It's sophisticated. It's sassy. And so are you when you wear it. From the 1940s. Of course.

Modes Royale 1559:  Oh oh oh. Oooooohhhhh. Talk about attitude. Talk about high style. This has it all. Overflowing, in fact. The dress is sleek. Chic. But the coat . . . wow. It makes my heart bop, bop, bop. And bop some more. Truly.

Vogue New York New York V2810: Now. This is a corset. Boned. Laced. The works. And two completely different skirts. (If you're doing Gertie's Bombshell Dress class at Craftsy, this would be a fabulous pattern choice.) It would.

And now, the fine print, the plug so shameless: You'll find these at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling, and domestic shipping is free. We do ship abroad. We do. Happily. Priority or Express. Your choice. And we charge less than USPS charges us. And we take Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Paypal and Visa. We do so want to  make it easy for you. We do. Absolutely.

Oh. One more thing: New patterns are located at the beginning of each category. To make it easier for our loyal patrons. We want you all to become loyal patrons, devoted to The Blue Gardenia. And you'll find additions in all decade categories, Accessories, Children, Lingerie. Isn't that wonderful? Yes. It is.

Learning to sew: Choosing the best pattern size. Help! Please. August 1, 2011 10:37 8 Comments

Oh. My. Making the muslin of 1950s Butterick 9098 has brought up a big fitting issue for me: Namely, pattern size. Am I using the wrong size? My upper bustline measures 33". Full, 37.5". Waist, 30". Hips, 38". I selected a Bust 36, based on what my dressmaker used when I lived in Houston. (Yes, I do feel a little strange sharing my measurements. I do. Absolutely. But. I want to choose the right pattern size. I've had to take this pattern up. Everywhere.) 

And speaking of the muslin, I am cutting a new one. I am still a scaredy cat when it comes to cutting into my fashion fabric. I am. Despite what Erica B. says: It's ONLY fabric!) She's right. Of course. It is only fabric. It is. But it's so beautiful!

So, dearest readers, advice, please. Please. Share your experience. Share your wisdom. Imbue me with hope.

Learning to sew: Do you think the altered muslin fits better? July 28, 2011 15:13 6 Comments

This picture isn't very crisp. Really. I do hope that you can tell — despite the fuzziness — if it fits better. Do I need to  make more changes? I followed your generous advice and took up the shoulders and the sides.

I am still not happy with the back bodice. What to do?

I think it looks better from the side. Much.

So. What do you think? Tell me. Please.

Learning to sew: Mishaps with my muslin. Sigh. What to do? July 14, 2011 12:55 9 Comments

Here it is, at long last, the muslin of Butterick 9098, circa 1950s. What do you think? There are flaws, alas. The fit needs improvement. But isn't Atchison adorable? Cute? All that? And more. Of course.

The side view.

The rear view.

The bust darts. What is causing that unseemly fold?

The pleats. A disaster. Yes, indeed.

So. Dear readers, extraordinary sewists, you. How do I fix my muslin? The muslin is made of a quilting cotton, courtesy of a pal. The dress will be made of brocade, one of the suggested fabrics.

Yet another problem: The dress falls off the shoulder. Is there a way to fix that problem?

Here is the way the dress should look — the slim skirt view, of course.

Please. Please. Share your experience, strength and hope. I await your replies.

I made a scarf. I did. And I love it. Do you? July 13, 2011 01:45 5 Comments

Well, my pretties. I haven't blogged  in such a long time. I haven't. You've noticed, I hope. Longed for my posts. I hope. If you haven't, don't tell me. Don't deflate my ego. Please. Anyway. It's been so long — so very — I fear that I have forgotten how it's done. I do. No excuses. I have been lazy. Enervated. Reading. Watching DVDs.

And knitting. A bit. A very wee bit. One project stamped complete: This scarf. Very simple. Very easy. And how I love the Colinette yarn. It's my favorite. Absolutely. So soft. So textural. So interesting. What do you think? Do you love it as much as I do?

I have also — thunderous roll of drums, piercing blare of horns — finished a muslin. Truly. I have. I'll post the pictures tomorrow. And I'll need your advice about fitting. And how.