Scarf: Spangle Sequin Scarf by Jordana Paige
Jacket: Cute little boutique in Pacific Grove
Jeans: Express
Boots: Can’t remember
Today I did a really horrible job photographing this look. The lighting, white shirt and color of the scarf were a bad combination for photography. So sorry, but to make up for it, here’s the pattern for the scarf. There’s three strands of sequins that are woven through the scarf.
1 set US #10/6mm straight needles
6yds single slung sequins
Darning needle
Crochet hook
GAUGE
16 sts/18 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch
PATTERN
CO 27 sts.
Row 1: K3, yo, k2tog, *k2tog, yo, repeat from * two more times, k2 yo k2tog, *k2tog, yo, repeat from * two more times, k2, yo, k2tog, k2
Row 2: P
Row 3: K3, yo, k2tog, k1, *k2tog, yo, repeat from * one more time, k3, yo, k2tog, k1, *k2tog, yo, repeat from * one more time, k3, yo, k2tog, k2
Row 4: P
Repeat these 4 rows until scarf measure 50 inches. End with row 2. BO 27 sts.
FINISHING
Run yarn ends through scarf.
Cut sequins into three, 2yd strips. Use tape on the ends. Delicately weave sequins in and out of the three eyelet columns. Pull sequins taut to keep straight.
Fringe
Wrap yarn lengthwise around a tape cassette case 4-5 times (one wrap is about 10 inches.) Cut yarn at one end. Insert a crochet hook from back to front on the edge of the scarf where the sequin strip is. With your clump of yarn folded in half, pull it partially through the scarf using the crochet hook. Pull the yarn ends through the loop. Before pulling tight, bring the end of the sequin through the back of the loop and then through the front of the first eyelet. Pull fringe tight. Repeat for other sequin edges and in between sequin strips. Trim fringe straight.
Sequin Finishing
To prevent sequins from falling off the ends (without using tape), carefully slide off a few sequins, leaving the threads. Double knot the threads.
Jacket: Starsky by Jordana Paige
Skirt and Top: The Limited
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Mexico
Purse: Bella by Jordana Paige
It’s been beautiful and sunny here with a slight nip in the air at 60 degrees. Santa Cruz’s autumn is a graceful transition from summer to winter. Sometimes it’s hard to select the right clothing for the day; will it be warm enough for a skirt, or a cool day needing a sweater? Both! I think that’s what’s fun about autumn clothing–the graceful transition; wearing sweaters with skirts, tights with dresses and lightweight cardigans with pants.
Transitions and change can be hard, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could make our life changes as gracefully as the seasons change? Yes, I just jumped from a sweater to life changes, but it’s what is on my mind. Today I made a decision for a big change in my life and I hope I can make it with such grace.
Top: Sylvar by Jordana Paige
Jeans: Express
Blouse: Gap
Boots: Can’t remember
Purse: Rio by Jordana Paige
I’m really indecisive about this look. I like the collared shirt under Sylvar, but then I don’t. It’s like it was a good idea, but not executed right. I don’t know. Now that I see it photographed I’m liking it more than in the mirror. I think if I were to make Sylvar for myself and wanted to be able to wear a shirt under it, I’d make the sleeves a bit larger. They’re very fitted sleeves so trying to get the shirt under there comfortably was difficult.
Sweater: Rylee
Skirt: The Limited
Tights: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Borrowed from sister
Today I had jury duty. It was the first time I’ve ever had to go in. Fortunately, my name wasn’t called to the juror box. I must say though, I actually enjoyed watching the jury selection process. If it wasn’t the busiest time of year for me, I wouldn’t have minded sitting on the jury. It really is something every American should experience.
Top: Sleeveless Boatneck by Jordana Paige
Jacket: Old Navy
Jeans: Express
Necklaces: Borrowed from sister
Boots: Mervyn’s
This was the first knitwear garment I ever designed, not to sell, but just for myself. I think it was 2002 or 2003. I remember being so proud of how I shaped it to fit my measurements perfectly. It’s beautiful 3-ply alpaca yarn. The top is sleeveless, worked entirely in St st with ribbing at the hem and neck. Simple, yet classic.
Top: Isabella by Jordana Paige
Skirt: Anthropologie via eBay
Shoes and Belt: Mervyn’s
Necklace: Gran
This look was a last minute, “uh, I don’t know what to wear!” outfit and I absolutely love it! Everything came together so perfectly, it’s one of my favorites so far. Today I had a baby shower for a friend I hadn’t seen in so many years. Baby shower means girly-ness, flowers, lace and frills so I was instantly drawn to this skirt for the event. It has flower petals cut from lace sewn to the skirt. So crafty!
I knit little baby Lily a periwinkle sweater. Here’s the new mom showing it off.
Sweater: Amused by Jordana Paige
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Target
Hat: The Limited
Today driving to work, lost in my own little world, I had to do a double take at the SUV in front of me. On the back window there was a Knitty sticker and a Ravelry sticker, plus a little llama hanging from the rear view mirror. I made a little gasp and thought, “Oh…Friend!” As I passed the SUV I considered sticking my head out the window and yelling, “I’m a knitter too. I’m wearing a sweater published in Knitty!” but I thought that would be a little odd. We knitters really need to come up with a universal sign to acknowledge each other in such situations.
It’s Friday, and let’s just face it that I didn’t feel like doing much more than throwing on a hat today. There’s oodles to be done before the weekend and no time for primping. Every wardrobe needs a good hat. I’ve had this one probably for 10 years. It has so many colors in it, that I can wear it with just about anything.
Jacket: Landon by Jordana Paige
Pants: Banana Republic
Boots: Don’t remember
Earrings: Ralph Lauren
Shawl pin: South 4th Woodcraft on Etsy
Purse: The Knitter’s Satchel by Jordana Paige
Today was another meeting day so I paired Landon with my pinstripe pants. I’d never played too much with the different ways of closing Landon. Depending on how high or low the shawl pin is, a different look can be created. Next time I wear it this month, I think I’ll try pinning it closed closer to the hem, or even wearing it open.
I was recently asked if I would be judging the photography for entries of the sweater challenge. No, I’ll be looking at your creativity in how you styled the garment. With that said, a good photograph will communicate the look better than a poor one. Here’s a few tips to remember when taking your photos for the contest.
1. Show the look from head to toe. Have you photographer squat a bit so the camera isn’t level with your eyes. It may even look like he’s photographing your stomach.
2. Find good lighting. Get outside, not in the harsh bright sun, but preferably on a cloudy day. Bright sun will make you squint and add shadows. Cloudy days are great for soft lighting. If you need to shoot inside, try standing by the window and turn off the flash.
3. Find a simple, non-distracting background.
4. Have fun, strike a pose! Just make sure whatever pose you use, you’re showing the complete outfit.
