Park Ave Cardigan -- Sweater #8

This sweater is really my pride and joy this year.  Based off a favorite sweater of mine that has seen better days, I worked this up off of trial and error.  I wouldn't necessarily call it a pattern, but maybe more along the lines of pattern notes.  It was made with Berroco Vintage DK, light-weight and machine washable -- a definite plus in our house!  This cardigan has some waist and hip shaping for a more flattering fit. 

Finished Measurements:

Chest: 37”
Arm Length: 21”
Length: 25”

Materials Needed:

• 5 skeins Berroco Vintage DK Yarn (1440 yards)
• US6/4mm circular needles
• US6/4mm double pointed needles
• 4 stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Waste Yarn

The pattern is available as a PDF file, and unfortunately it turns out it is too big to be converted into a Google Doc to post on my blog, so here is the link to Ravelry, where it is a free download:

Park Ave Cardigan FREE Pattern

Happy Knitting everyone!

I Heart USA Button Pillow - Tutorial

I have a big love affair with buttons.  I have a plastic bin full of them, all shapes, sizes and colors.  Loreli loves playing with them too.  She'll seperate them by colors among other creative ways only a toddler can think of!  Now I've finally found a good use for them for me...button pillows!  What a fun way to decorate your home and play with colorful buttons!

Here's what you'll need:

1 yd muslin
3 fat quarters or fabric remnants of red, white & blue
Buttons - red, white & blue
One 18" pillow form
I Heart USA Pattern (PDF)
Thread
Scissors
Disappearing Ink Pen
Sewing Machine

Start by cutting out the pattern pieces from the I Heart USA Pattern PDF.  Using the pattern pieces, cut the fat quarters in the specified colors.  I wanted a tight-fitting pillowcase, so I cut my muslin piece 18.5" wide by 36" long.  I traced the heart outline onto the muslin, just making sure everything would be centered.

Sew the pieces onto the muslin.  I did not leave any seam allowances, therefore the raw edges will be visible.  I think the frayed edges add a little rustic feeling.

Start sewing those buttons on!  This process actually took me about a week.  I would only do a couple stripes each night.

Fold the muslin in half lengthwise with right sides together.  Sew the sides together and about 1"-2" at the bottom, leaving a wide opening to fit your pillow form in.

Stuff (and I mean STUFF!) your pillow form into the pillowcase.  Slip stitch the opening closed.

Voila!  Your button pillow is complete and isn't it fabulous?!