February Makes

Before I dive into this post, I want to make it clear that I never set out to make a huge quantity of items in a month. In fact, making too much makes me a bit anxious. When I look back, I made a LOT in February (by my standards), but everything has a purpose. Whether that was to help me expand my skills or create a much-needed garment, I feel good about everything I have to share.

Pattern: Everyday Socks

Designer: Petite Knit

Cast On: January 26

Cast Off: February 5

I will probably make a pair of these every month from here on out. This is a seriously great pattern and I only had to make a few modifications to get my perfect fit. I really loved this sock yarn from The Knitting Loft. The stripes were a total surprise!

Pattern: Rebel Soul Beanie

Designer: Veronika Lindberg 

Cast On: February 1

Cast Off: February 3

This was a quick make out of necessity (it’s been COLD here in Toronto). I had some beautiful Concepts by Katia yarn that I was itching to turn into a warm hat, and this one fit the bill. I wrote all my thoughts down in this blog post.

Pattern: Bumble Beanie

Designer: Tin Can Knits

Cast On: February 5

Cast Off: February 6

Another quick make out of necessity. My daughter is always in need of hats and I had some leftover yarn hanging about. I loved how these two sweaters looked side-by-side on their hangers, so I tried to recreate it with a cute little hat.

Side note: This pattern goes from baby all the way to adult sizes, so it will definitely be a staple for years to come!

Pattern: Nikko Top

Designer: True BIas

Started: February 12

Finished: February 12

The Nikko Top is a classic pattern that I really love! I’ve made a few of the sleeveless versions, but for this one I tried cropping the sleeves to ¾ length. In the future, I’ll probably lengthen them slightly and add a cuff from the Elysian Bodysuit.

Pattern: Dartmouth Top

Designer: Cashmerette

Started: February 12

Finished: February 12

Yes, I made two shirts in one day. They’re both made from the same beautiful, flowy cotton bamboo jersey, so I thought I might as well batch sew. This is a tried and true pattern that I’ve made quite a few times. The wrap shape suits my body type and it’s very comfy to wear. I went with a ¾ length on this top, too!

Pattern: AJ Aviator Hat

Designer: Waves and Wild

Started: February 14

Finished: February 14

Nothing says “It’s Valentine’s Day” like frantically whipping up a hat for your toddler. I recently learned that my daughter loves to throw off any hat that isn’t secured with a strap, so I tried this pattern out of desperation. With sizes that go all the way to adult XL, this went from “something to try in a pinch” to a firm favourite. I can’t wait to make it again!

Pattern: Mash up from a yoke found in Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible and Crozon 

Designer: Hitomi Shida, Lisa Chemery (and me!) 

Cast On: February 9

Cast Off: February 23

I won’t say much about this little sweater, as I wrote a whole blog post about it last week. All I can say is that it will be well loved next fall!

Pattern: Top from the Saturday Skirt Set 

Designer: Friday Pattern Company

Started: February 26

Finished: February 28

I mentioned in my February Plans post that I wanted to try the shirt from the Saturday Skirt Set in a Robert Kaufman cotton lawn. I ended up using a completely different fabric, as I didn’t have enough (the fabric needs to be at least 57” for this shirt). I lengthened the bodice by 3” to accommodate my height of 5’9 and I’m not sure it works. There are no lengthening lines on the pattern, and I think it’s for good reason. It throws off the “wrapability” of the blouse and ends up gaping at the bust, although now I can’t imagine it without the extra length. I really wanted the top to meet the bottom of high-waisted jeans, but it’s still so short. This top might get scrapped into doll clothing, but I’ll see if I can style it first. I suppose it could look good as a layering piece over a simple dress. 

If you’re still reading, thank you for sticking around to the end. I hope you found some inspiration along the way! 

Happy making, 

Jackie