Giveaway - The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits

158 comments

Weird question, do you ever wish you could time travel? I would take The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits with me to 2010 if it was possible. It was around then that I heard that knits are "hard" to sew and I shied away from them, but if I had Colette's new book by my side I would feel 100% confident.

This book is a complete guide to knits, I do not think Alyson Clair, the author, left a single stone unturned. Literally every single question I had about knits was answered. Those are such intense statements, but they're so true! This book is great for beginners, advanced sewers, and everyone in between. If you want to sew knits with a regular sewing machine, serger, or coverstitch machine this book has you covered!

I'm sure that you have read bits about the book on Colette's site and reviews on other blogs, but I would like to focus on my favorite part, the section regarding the serger. Sergers can seem so overwhelming and complicated! I just bought one a few months ago and I'm still getting the hang of threading it. What I like about The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits is how this daunting task was simplified. There are instructions coupled with photos to make the process much easier to understand for a visual learner like me.


Thank goodness for the photos of problem stitches and how to fix them. Lately, whenever I start a new project I use some fabric scraps to test my stitches. From there I will fix my tension/stitch length/etc, but with my serger I wasn't sure how to go about it. After comparing my ugly stitches to the ones in the book I diagnosed the stitches shown above as a "grin" and knew how to easily change the settings for a better finish. The troubleshooting section saved me a lot of time and I ended up with a lovely Mabel skirt.


Would you like to win a copy of the book? Sarai was so sweet to offer a copy as a giveaway prize to one of you! I'm adding two yards of this lovely knit fabric which I bought on my last visit to The Fabric Store. To enter the giveaway please leave a comment with one of the following: a sewing tip, what your next knit project will be, your favorite summer cocktail recipe, or a cat photo. I want to make these comments fun! :) Make sure to leave an e-mail address or a link to your blog, so I can contact you if you win. Giveaway is open worldwide and will end at 11:59 pm PST on Wednesday, May 14th.

158 comments :

  1. This is my go-to margarita recipe! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Margaritas-on-the-Rocks/Detail.aspx


    starsandsunshineblog at gmail dot com

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  2. I recently started sewing and I'd like to work with knits, especially to make yoga wear. I'd like to hide my belly a bit better.


    I have some strawberries macerating at home to make some strawberry/basil margaritas. I wish I had a recipe, but I think I'm just going to wing it.

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  3. Awesome! And here is a topically-appropriate cat photo:

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  4. This is a picture of my cat wrapped up in Christmas paper, because I like presents! :)

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  5. I want to make some yoga wear too! Do you have a good pants pattern that you would recommend? I'm tired of my boring black pants, I need more leopard in my life.


    Those margaritas sound awesome!

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  6. Wish I had one of those right now! :)

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  7. My cat hates taking selfies with me. In other news, I WANT THIS BOOK SO HARD.

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  8. Gin and tonic + homemade elderflower cordial = the taste of summer! All I need now is some sunshine to enjoy it in!

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  9. I plan on using one of Fehr Trade's designs. I can't decide which one b/c I like that the duathlon pants would rise higher over the back, but I love the contrast swirl on the PB Jam. Here's the link to her shop: http://www.fehrtrade.com/shop/
    But while I'm confident in her patterns, I haven't tried them yet. I haven't actually tried clothing yet. I'm busy working on a yoga bag, which is turning out awesome!

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  10. Would love to win a copy of this book, and I'm including my favorite cat pic meme. I can be reached via email at veganvixen08 at gmail dot com

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  11. I would love to win this book, it looks amazing. My fave sewing tip at the moment is to interface the seam allowances before inserting a zip, it stops the fabric from going wonky :)

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  12. I really want to try the Monetary pattern - love the versions I have seen. Had some dodgy wavy seams so have been steering clear of knits but I got a walking foot so hoping that will help! Would love to win

    Louise at fate16 dotcom
    Notsewsimple.wordpress.com

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  13. Ohhhhh myyyy. I need this in my life so sccccared to try knits. I mean SCARED!!

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  14. I just cut out my very first knit pattern and I am still freaking out over it. Mostly I'm crossing my fingers that the rest of it goes as well as the cutting & that my stripe matching abilities aren't as bad as I fear. LOL! The pattern I cut was a Lady Skater, BTW. (moyler316 at me dot com)

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  15. Lovely fabric! I wish there was a Fabric Store near me... I've been all about knits lately - I just made a Nettie dress and now I'm working on two Nettie bodysuits!

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  16. My favorite tip is to watch for coupons! For example, I try to use a 50% off one item coupon from JoAnn's whenever they come out, even if I'm just buying a single spool of thread. That's helped me affordably grow my collection as a new sewer. Along those same lines, knowing your favorite store's coupon policies helps you save even more. For example, JoAnn's will let you use one Michael's coupon and one Hobby Lobby coupon per transaction too. Say hello to THREE half price items! :)

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  17. Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to use tips and tricks from this book to properly copy your leopard cardigan from Project Sewn.
    + grumpy cat photo, cause grumpy cats are the best

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  18. As I'm only starting out I can't give you any tips on sewing as I'm new to it but here is my cat widger..whos favourite game is to sit on any material I'm trying to use!

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  19. How fun! So a tip: a knowledgable sewing repair person is worth her wieght in gold. Next up I am designing and sewing a vintage-inspired tanking swimsuit! And in the summer I make gin mojitos with a shot of gin, equal parts simple syrup, torn mint leaves and a slice of lime. Muddle together in a glass, add ice and top with club soda. Mmmmm!

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  20. Best tip - a plentiful supply of tea and biscuits for sustenance ;)

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  21. As I'm only starting out I can't give you any tips on sewing as I'm new to it but here is my cat goose..whos favourite game is to sit on any material I'm trying to use!

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  22. Maria Denmark also has a great pattern called Lounge pants, that would make up great yoga pants. She makes them from velour!!!

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  23. I'm actually working on a knit tshirt sloper to my measurements right now, so this book would be great tool for reference!

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  24. Summer cocktail- someone told me adding muddled blueberries in a mojito is great, I'm waiting for ours to grow so I can try it.

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  25. Ooh I'd love a copy of this book! I love sewing with knits and my advice is, don't be scared! They're far easier than they seem. I've got two projects I'm working on - a dropped waist dress in a gorgeous mustard knit and one of my gathered dresses with a low back. What a great giveaway!

    Www.sleeksilhouette.com

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  26. I certainly have a love hate relationship with my serger... maybe this book could turn it into a fully loving relationship. I am just about to cut into an amazing Marc Jacobs "lioness" knit (from The Fabric Store). I did a test run first because I decided to use a woven pattern that was 1 inch too big, to make a knit dress. Seriously....I rarely make life easy for myself. Consequently there was a lot of adjustments....but it looks awesome now!

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  27. Knits can be very intimidating at first but once you've gotten the feel of the fabric it's really easy to predict the behavior of the fabric.

    The serger instruction and troubleshoot part seems so interesting. My serger is quite picky and is giving me a lot of headaches with not behaving like it's supposed to behave.

    http://needleforthoughts.blogspot.com/

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  28. Awesome! I'm so going all in with a cat picture, a cocktail recipe AND a sewing tip! You can reach me at guillemetter at gmail. com

    For a refreshing summer cocktail, use dark Kraken rhum, some lime juice, lots of ice and cold gingerale or gingerbeer.

    For easier cleaning after ripping a seam, use lint rollers to pick up stray pieces of thread.

    For a kitten overload, lookee here:

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  29. Echo @french_seamsMay 7, 2014 at 1:09 PM

    My Cat having her morning drink from the bath tap. I've recently started sewing with knits and love them.

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  30. This book looks so good!

    Also, cat that gets in the way of all crafting:

    http://instagram.com/p/myqT0bCvsM/

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  31. Oooh! Would love to win the book! I prefere sewing whit knits rather than cotton. A lot of people is the opposite...
    A tip: in you`re ever in dought or just need tips and advice of a sertant pattern you have youre mind set on, look at other peoples items. Use for istanse Pinterest or simply google to read up on other peoples journeys, mistakes And tips:)
    Right now I am trying to decide on making the Polly top by BHL, Grainline studios Tiny pocket top or the Colettes Sorbetto. Just a hint though; it is VERY easy to get lost in alle the beautyfull garments!
    Allso, I have great tip for a drink that my bestfriend was tought a few weeks ago when she went on a business trip to a castle in France. Mix a dash of cognac whit lots of tonic. I H A T E cognac, but this was sooo refreshing! Ad lots of ice and you have a great summer drink:D

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  32. My cat when he was a kitten (he takes after his parents).

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  33. I have some knit maternity clothes planned!

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  34. Thanks so much for the giveaway! I want to start sewing with knits, as I'm almost always wearing some kind of cardigan, so would love to have some variety...

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  35. A sewing tip I have is to sit up straight when sewing, it helps you better keep a straight line when sewing.

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  36. Thanks for the giveway, I would make a knit dress!

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  37. Here is one of my happy helpers while I sew. Coco is always happy to add just the right amount of fur to my project.

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  38. the BEST summer cocktail is a Neville Longbottom: http://pippisinthekitchenagain.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/the-neville-longbottom-cocktail/ it is delicious!

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  39. Christina Spindler BertaMay 7, 2014 at 1:56 PM

    This is Scout, trying to break into the guest room at my friend's house. Cats are like children, so I figured it was best to not post her face on the internet.

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  40. Ooh I love that gray fabric - so pretty!! I need to hurry up and learn more about knits - soon! I just found out I'm expecting, and have plans to sew up all kinds of maternity wear in the next few months. :)

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  41. Sadly, now cat photos to share, but my sewing knit tip is to always use your walking foot, if you're using a normal sewing machine, it doesn't stretch the fabric and you have nice clean seams, no stupid wavy lines.
    I love Mojitos, just use any recipe, most are pretty alike, but instead of using club soda use Sprite, so delicious, and of course brown sugar, never white, and please don't use dried mint leaves, that's a desaster, just waiting to unfold

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  42. My favourite summer cocktail is a bit of a cheat....Bombay Sapphire gin mixed with Belvoir pink raspberry lemonade! It looks pretty and tastes like a fancy cocktail! Add a couple of raspberries and a wedge of lime and you've got your perfect drink for a drummer BBQ!

    I'm psyching myself up for my first attempt a knits and I'm sure this book would be the perfect helper!

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  43. oops summer BBQ not drummer!

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  44. This is my baby girl! Janegirl1980@gmail.com

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  45. Seriously! I need to get my hands on this book. Little Miss is off to a pirate party this weekend, and i've very ambitiously planned an outfit to sew by Saturday, including harem pants made with…..jersey knit. Oh dear Lord.

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  46. This is my sleepy old puss cat, ace sewing companion. He is especially good at sitting on freshly laundered fabric. Book looks great, knits scare me!

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  47. A sewing tip: When you are pressing open your seams, press the stitching line first, THEN open the seam and press it open. It helps the seam open nicer.

    And a summer drink. I love my old standby of a Lemon Drop http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Lemon-Drop-Martini/Detail.aspx



    Blog- tinyangrycrafter.blogspot.com

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  48. Wow! That is so generous of you! I went to the fabric store for the first time last weekend and was blown away by the fabric there - sooo beautiful! The next thing I'm sewing with knits is a birthday dress for my sister. We're going to NYC for our birthdays at the end of the month and I want to make her something pretty to wear when we watch a show! :)

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  49. Oh my goodness, I would LOVE that book. Thanks for this giveaway! Since I don't have a cat, I will have to opt for the knit project question. It is actually on my sewing table today, an Elsa/Frozen dress for my four year old.

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  50. I bought the Parisian Top back when Pattern Anthology had the whole group deal and I so need this top in my life! I would totally use this book to make sure I get it right :)

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  51. Fabric from Michael Levine and pattern from Collette.

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  52. Fabric from Michael Levine and Collette Pattern Moneta.

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  53. I am new to sewing and have just started to explore with knits.... do my next sewing project is a comfortable dress( using a knit fabric) of course. But best summer cocktail is ginger margarita.. adding either ginger beer or infusing ginger with the sugar syrup and using fresh limes from my lime tree yum. My email jaffa_kyles@hotmail.com

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  54. I know people generally think you'd never use a straight stitch in knits, but I've used it with success. When you're joining a longer piece to a shorter piece, stretching the short side to fit the longer and then using a straight stitch can be the perfect solution. I sewed the shirt from Vogue 1389 and the smoothest way to attach the collar to the body was using a straight stitch. My fabric was a spandex/rayon with excellent recovery.

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  55. My next knit project is an anthro knock off top! mhybush @ gmail . com

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  56. I have a few yards of knit wool that I snagged at a garage sale, so my next knit project is probably going to be a wrap dress, but...knits are scary, so I keep putting it off! Silly, I know...


    Would love to win this book! My email is velorutionisa (at] gmail [dot) com

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  57. OK, best summer cocktail. A real daiquiri, not a slushy, fruity disaster. 2 oz. rum, 3/4 oz. lime juice, one tsp sugar. Mix the lime juice and sugar together in a martini shaker until the sugar is dissolved. Then add the rum and a few ice cubes, shake well, and pour. This recipe makes one drink. Super easy. Also, if it makes any difference, here's a pic of one of my cats after she covered herself in fabric. I swear she did this all on her own. I did not position her.

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  58. Ugh, it didn't post with my original post. Kitty in the fabric!

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  59. My kitten wants me to win the knits book because he adores snuggling into my jersey knit garments and I have yet to make any of my own - I've been too scared to try without a serger.

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  60. My next project with knits is the Moneta dress. And my favorite summer cocktail is the Nadjatonic. A gin and tonic mixed with orange juice and a splash of grenadine. Yummy! Nadja_schaefer@freenet.de

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  61. Yay! I'd love a copy of this book! Tackling knits is part if my MMM14 challenge. Next project is leggings.

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  62. oh! i really would love to win this book & fabric, so here's a picture of my cats. =)

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  63. I would love to make a knit dress out of ponte, as theyre so comfy and cosy, but I gave no idea where to start.
    Best summer cocktail: ginger pimms, one part pimms, one part lemonade, 2 parts ginger beer poured over strawberries and mint. YUM

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  64. My next knit sewing project will be the Nettie bodysuit from Closet Case Patterns! Thanks for the giveaway! I had my eye on this book ever since it's release! It will be really helpful since I have the same problems with my serger. I bought it about 2 months ago, but I haven't actually sewn a proper garment yet. My stitches are just really ugly and wrong, and I don't really know how to fix them

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  65. I just got a serger, and now I'm gonna make a ton of comfy underthings!

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  66. I have not sewn with knit material but Moneta is on my to-do list!

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  67. I'm looking forward to making a knit dress. I don't have a serger yet but I'm in the process of getting one. I'm sure this book will be so my fun and helpful. I really hope to get one soon. Thanks for the opportunity. JV dot Cosmo @yahoo dot com

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  68. Count me in. I'm making up a Coco knit dress in a shimmery pale grey sweater knit fabric.

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  69. I would be so happy to win this book! I need / want it / gotta have it! Here is a picture of me and my kitty Savvy in my studio as a self-portrait project I just did <3

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  70. Sewing tip: Sew with the best thread and fabric you can afford. I don't mean everything should be made from expensive fabrics, I think it should be made with the best you can afford. And, if you spent $15-20 on that fabric, don't sew it up with $2/spool thread. Trust me, good thread is a joy to work with.

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  71. Hilary Gray McDanielMay 7, 2014 at 4:43 PM

    I don't have a blog, but I can be reached by email. I'm just beginning to sew knits. It's very challenging. I'm frogging more than sewing. I need a good guide. Thank you
    Hilary
    mcdaniel.hilary@gmail.com

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  72. No cat photo; my son is allergic :-(, so I'll have to talk about my next knit project.
    I'd love to make a Nettie bodysuit ( yeah for the return to the 80's when I wore these all tehe time in winter under other things!). I'll probably make a ponte colour blocked dress from MyImage, but I also have a BurdaStyle wrap dress percolating through my sewing brain.

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  73. A purple Moneta (Colette Patterns) with some kind of prints!

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  74. Kay (our heroine)May 7, 2014 at 5:38 PM

    yes!! i love the cat pictures!! here is a picture of cats wearing tiny kerchiefs. they aren't mine (i think i saw this on buzzfeed or something) but can't you just hear them fretting in little old lady voices??? :D
    to make this entry more credible, a sewing tip: in a pinch, wrap some teflon plumbers tape over the bottom of your presser foot and poke a hole for the needle with a pin. voila! instant teflon specialty feet! :)

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  75. Thanks for the giveaway! My tip is to cut knits in one layer. They wriggle and wrinkle when folded which drives me crazy! :)

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  76. Thanks for the giveaway! I actually just taped together the Mabel pattern, so that's the next knit project on my list and having the book to help me through would be incredibly helpful!

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  77. Ooh, I really want this book! In the summer, I love a good gin and tonic, but I like to add a big wedge of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh herbs (basil, mint, or even cilantro!).

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  78. I would love to get the book and fabric as I just started sewing with knits! Here are my cat pictures!

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  79. I admit I'm curious about the book - I sew a lot of knits, but I feel like I'm still just kinda winging it. I also almost never serge my knits (also out of fear), so those tips would be helpful!

    I also want to answer all your questions: I've got a stripey tank dress all cut out and two Kirsten Kimono tees on the cutting table now, my favorite summer cocktail has to be the Vermontucky Lemonade (http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2011/05/vermontucky-lemonade/), and when it's hot enough to drink one of those, here is what my cat looks like on the floor.



    (I blog at notimetosew.wordpress.com)

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  80. A spring green knit Moneta!

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  81. Gonna make a plaid men's shirt with pearl snaps!

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  82. This is a picture of my dapper Cody, who lived to be 17 years old! He was the best cat ever!

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  83. I can't resist the option of a cat photo! This is me with my aunt's cat about a million years ago.

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  84. Aaaahh! Cat photos!!!! Yay!!!!! Gonna be fun "reading" all the comments on here. ;-)


    (However, since I don't have a cat photo handy, I'll just tell you about my next knit project. I have plans to start on the Lola dress by Victory Patterns this weekend in a sturdy heavy knit - nice and cozy for the autumn weather we've got over here right now!

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  85. I am going to try a Mabel as my 1st knit project!
    Ccaj at att.net
    & a cat

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  86. So, I'd like a copy of The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits because I’d love to experiment with multi-look garments for a travel wardrobe (a lahttp://www.Encircled.ca ‘s Chysalis Cardi & Evolve top or American Apparel’s MultiWay Dress…) up until now I’ve never had the courage to work with knits, but I’d seriously like to try my hand at designing polyfunctional garments like these. And because I think it's delicious and dead easy (once you have the ingredients), here's my favorite summer (wine)cocktail: Prosecco and simple syrup to taste with muddled pair and basil. I was dubious at first, but trust me on this, it's fantastic! (email:molly.pieri@gmail.com).

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  87. I really want to make a swimsuit this summer! Here's my cat photo.

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  88. Woohoo, cat picture party! This is my cat reading the paper :) siobhanthemaharaja at gmail dot com

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  89. I'm attempting this again (thanks for the email). I've always been afraid of knits and I think this book would be great! Summer cocktail- a double vodka soda w/ a lemon and a lime!

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  90. Sewing tip: fuse knit stay tape to raw edge of hems before coverstitching to help stabilize & prevent tunneling!

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  91. I'll go with a cat photo because I have so damn many of them... This is Tai. He'd very much so like me to win ;) Should I be so lucky, I can be contacted at tina_crossgrove (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  92. Last summer I made a gorgerous summer maxi dress in teal knit from Burda Style magazine, and am longing to make it again in some nice summery shade.

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  93. Nele Van den EndeMay 7, 2014 at 10:56 PM

    What a lovely give away! I'm working on the Monique pattern (first muslin, up to the second) from Serendipity studio. I've always been a bit afraid to see knits as I don't have a serger, but this is the year where I hope to conquer that fear. And a cat picture :) this is Marmer.

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  94. Hahah.. cool idea... <3 all the cat pix! :D

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  95. Sad to say, my next knit project will be my first! Embarrassing but true.

    I have worked with a few stretch wovens, but somehow I have never managed to make a knit garment. My story is similar to yours – I once heard they could be a bear to work with and have been rather good at avoiding
    them!


    I once got as far as pre-washing a length of ribbed knit, which shrunk terribly in width and length, leaving me with very little fabric, and proof that working with knits is a pain. I wonder if I could salvage that fabric . . . if I can put my hands on it! Time to get over myself and join the knit club (I am already a member of the hand knit club, so it really shouldn't be that difficult!).

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  96. Ally Design Rewind FashionsMay 8, 2014 at 12:21 AM

    I don't have a knit project yet though I am taking a sewing with knits class at the end of this month - Yea because I need it!


    This is Oliver. Oliver isn't his real name - that is Watson. Oliver isn't even my cat. He showed up at our house one day. My daughters and I put signs up in the neighborhood and even ads on Craig's list and no one claimed him. After 3 weeks of living with us I was talking to our new neighbors and mentioned Oliver. It turns out Watson was their cat! Could they not see the signs all over the neighborhood!?! Well Oliver doesn't like them much and leaves their house daily and spends his days with me while I work on my Etsy shop. We carry him home at night because he wouldn't go back otherwise. They never even trim his nails, I do that because they say they don't know how. He is the sweetest cat I never had!

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  97. I'm going to knit a bunch of t-shirt for me!!! I'd love to win this book!

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  98. Oooh, cat pictures! Best comments idea ever. This is my cat's butt, sleeping on top of my patterns under my sewing table. Well, all of her is sleeping, not just her butt. Also, at this point she still belonged to a neighbour and we were actively discouraging her from trying to move in with us. You can see how successful we were.

    I blog at http://acharmofmagpies.wordpress.com

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  99. Thanks for the giveaway, I'd love this book! My next knit project is already cut out - it's a purple/pink pencil skirt with waistband, pattern drafted by one of my friends. Just waiting on more jersey needles to arrive in the post!

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  100. How about an adorable vintage fashion AND cats pic :) thanks to luckylucille.com for posting. It's by Nickolas Muray from 1941 a McCall cover and its from https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/george_eastman_house/3122875223/in/set-72157611386593623/

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  101. Hello, if I win this splendid and so needed book, I would sew a Moneta dress while drinking my fav cocktail : Pour equal part of baileys and milk in a pretty glass. Then add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in it. Enjoy! ;) cotc03 at hotmail.com

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  102. I don't know how to attach a picture, but there's one of my kitty on my blog. My next knit project will probably be a wrap dress (I'm in love with vintage Simplicity 7705). My next knitting project will be the Lestrange Cloak from the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits magazine that came out last fall.

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  103. This is my cat, Missy, looking disdainful atop a pile of fabric. She pretty much hates me because I sleep in my bed, take away things she's sitting on her and refuse to open the door to let her in 10 seconds after I've just opened the door to let her out.
    laura.h.sinclair(at)gmail.com

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  104. I have a copy of Colette's Moneta pattern burning a hole in my sewing table. As soon as I have an open weekend, I'm going for it!
    Thanks for the giveaway! Ejatack a t yahoo d o t c o m

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  105. Oooh, please enter me in the giveaway!

    How about a cat GIF?!? Also, I believe you're a basketball fan, so there's a special surprise at the end...

    http://www.pudgeandnico.com/?p=2853

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  106. This is such a great idea, I could post pics of my cats all day long! This is my foster cat (now our adopted baby) Bonnie. At 11 weeks old she was days away from starving to death due to a rare condition of having a stricture round her oesophagus (which basically allowed a tiny amount of liquid to trickle through her throat to her stomach at any one time). A huge, risky operation (we have been told she may only be the 4th cat in the world to survive with her condition) and a year later and she has grown into a beautiful, if feisty, young lady who is definitely the boss in our 3-cat household. I would love to win Alyson's book as I am in the middle of my first clothes-making project (having only learned to sew a cushion cover 2 months ago) and chose a groovy striped knit...little knowing how incredibly difficult this would make the process! Thank you Sarai and Erin for the chance to win this giveaway. Love your blog Erin! beatgirl9091 at googlemail.com

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  107. My favourite summer drink would be a San Fransisco, but if I make it I just use the mix from the store. The recipe would then be Orange juice, mix and vodka. I also have fond memories of Martini Rosato which I drank on our raod trip through France several years ago...

    Keeping my fingers crossed for some luck!


    email: escorpio at spray dot se

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  108. My next knit will be a wrap dress, either V8646 or V1027- I have been postponing this project since last summer so I don't want to miss this season!

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  109. My next sewing project will be a Moneta that fits. Yes, you read that right. I made one but it was too small, so it sits on my dressform and decorates the dining room/sewing room. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  110. I definitely need this book, I'm still suffering from the fear of knits! I've managed a Plantain so far, but really want to make a knit dress - either a Moneta or a Lady Skater. Oh, and my favourite summer cocktail is a Kir Royal, but I've never actually made one myself so I don't have a recipe I'm afraid!

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  111. I will be making a bunch of knit a line tanks, suitable for nursing without screaming nursing top! Elisha at hemandhaw.com

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  112. Oh, I'd love to learn how to sew with knits! And here is a pic of Gordon & Ella, two of my cats spooning.
    Annika.malmin(at)gmail.com

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  113. What a generous giveaway! Let's see if I can add a picture of the gorgeous Gizzie...helping with my knitting pattern

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  114. Ha! Take two on this comment, because I am a little slow. I have just started sewing with knits, and I love It! I want to fill my closet with Plantain tees. My sewing tip is to remember to change from a woven needle to a stretch needle when you switch your sewing projects to knits - it makes a big difference!

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  115. These boy cats LOVE sewing and totally wish their mom had a new dress in that delicious knit just in time for summer. They wanted to get her the Colette book for mothers day but couldn't log in to Amazon to order it without opposable thumbs (or a wallet).

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  116. I'm in a love/hate relationship with my serger. I really want to love it but I feel like it's out to get me. I've been doing a lot more knits since discovering StyleArc (shout out! Love them!). I need some massive serger help. I need a serger therapist, maybe even a serger grief counselor. It's impossible to thread in under 5 minutes.

    Best summer drink: jack, Arnold Palmer half and half, peach schnapps. It's like a kicked up peach ice tea. It will change your life!

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  117. I'm just itching to get my hands on the new guide to sewing knits. I also
    heard that knits were hard to sew but I guess I didn't listen - knits are my
    favorite fabrics to sew next to wool. It's so forgiving and easy to care for.
    If I should win my blog is fayessewingadventure.blogspot.com. loved your project
    sewn knit dress btw. My next knit project will be a wrap top from a vintage
    pattern.

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  118. This is a "borrowed" cat picture from the internet. This cat looks like me when I first look at a pattern. I'm brand new to this sewing stuff and the book on knits would be MOOEY helpful! Should I win the wonderful book and fabric I can be contacted at gracie327@gmail.com. THANKS!!!

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  119. Okay, after hemming and hawing (no pun intended) over what clever thing to put in my comment, I give up! My next knit project will most likely be a simple tank now that the weather is heating up!

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  120. I'm not quite sure if this is classy enough to count as a "cocktail recipe", but its definitely my favorite for summer!
    I keep a few cans of frozen drink mix in stock at all times (the more tropical the better-but even frozen OJ is delicious!) Put a couple big spoonfuls into a glass and pour vodka over the top! Or gin! Or frozen cherry and bourbon! Or citrus and tequila!
    You can stir it up and slurp it like a slush, or you can sip your drink while you chat and let the juice melt and blend with the liquor.
    I wish it was a little bit warmer!
    My email should be verified on disqus but just in case its not lyonrn @ gmail . com just in case i win or just in case you're ever in Seattle, I'll make you a cocktail :)

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  121. Thank you for this giveaway!
    I thought I'd share something else than a cat picture, so my favourite summer cocktail (at the moment) is called Rocket Ride, and consists of Bacardi Razz and Fanta, how easy can it be?? Ahh, I'm looking forward to long summer nights and sipping cocktails...
    Oh and my email address is birgit.vangoethem@hotmail.com

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  122. I have a few knit projects cut right now-- fancy pants leggings and a recess raglan for my daughter and a parisian top for me :) glazefamily3 at gmail.com

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  123. My favorite sewing tip is to change your needle. ALWAYS CHANGE THE NEEDLE. It's magic:). Anyways, I'd love this book! My blog is stitcherie.blogspot.com

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  124. I don't have a cat! But I just recently had loads of trouble with knits because I switched sewing machines, so I could definitely use a primer to help me learn more. My next knit project is another Drape Drape top from Drape Drape 2, I'm addicted! But I can tell you also that my favourite cocktail is called a Swimming Pool, and it's blue (hence the name) and very very tasty! You can reach me at begonia (at) gmail (dot) com

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  125. I just placed an order from Girl Charlee, I have a few projects planned! Such as leggins, sports cami and try my hand at Deer and Does plantain pattern. And because Gretchen looks so cute right with the cone of shame, here is a cat pic :)
    cameoofkarina.blogspot.com

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  126. Wow! I would love to have this book, knits are so intimidating for me. My next knit project is cut out and ready to go...it's a pair of running capris. If I'm lucky enough to win you can contact me at prettygirlbymargo(at)gmail(dot)com Thanks for the giveaway!

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  127. I have a huge list of knit projects that I want to tackle this summer, but I think first on the list are just some good old basic tees! Then probably a few dresses :) I would LOVE to see the tips and info in this book!

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  128. My next project is a knock off shabby apple dress! They do it in polyester, but mine will be in glorious cotton voile:) I'm dying to get my hands on a copy of this book though!
    Vintageruth( at ) hotmail (.) com

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  129. Ha! I didn't read the instructions correctly to enter! My next KNIT project is an "infinite infinity dress". It's my own design based off of, of course, the wonderful infinity dress. It will be basic bamboo jersey in black. I could probably wear it to weddings for the next 10 years and no one would know it's all the same dress (well, almost). I'll try to be good and post this one on my (dormant) blog, and maybe even Pinterest. I love your dresses and style! And I'm still dying to get a copy of this book!! Ruth of vintageruth.blogspot.com

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  130. My next knit sewing project is leggings for my daughter and my friends new baby.

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  131. I'll have to get me one of these kits. I have no confidence in sewing with knits and am convinced this book will boost my ability in handling this lovely fabric.

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  132. My next sewing project will be a Moneta. Last week i sewed with knits for the first time. It was a Plaintain tshirt from Deer and Doe and i had to overcome quite some difficulties. So winning this book would make me and my future Moneta really happy. My emailadress is amelie.tbg@gmail.com

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  133. How's this for a cute cat photo? I'm not sure what info you get through disqus, but I blog at hepkara.blogspot.com

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  134. Well I can't leave a cat photo cause I dont have one and i don't really have any sewing tips cause i'm not that good yet(except measure twice cut once lolol) my next knit projects though happen to be Mabel by Collette and a knit dress! email will knit for beer at msn dot com :-)

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  135. LOVE that a cat photo is an option! lol. this is my cat, onitos, "helping" me on the computer

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  136. Hmmm ..... No adorable or cute cat photos - allergies. Haven't sewn long enough to come up with a good tip yet, but I think I will try a t-shirt pattern for my first knit project.

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  137. My next knit project is a beige jumper, I was on a big fabric shopping and found the beige knit fabric at a bargain price so I'm going to see what i can do with it. I love all the cat photos, such a good idea! email is helen.hsw at gmail.com

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  138. My next knit project is going to be a t- shirt from a Japanese pattern company. I saw the shirt on Yoshimi The Flying Squirrel's blog. It is intriguing.

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  139. I tried with knit a couple of years ago with little success so tried Coco and was delighted it's wearable in public. I'd love to be able to do more, so would love help from the Colette Knits book. I have a sleeveless T shirt that knots/scrunches at the cleavage perfectly. No other have ever matched it and I'd love to copy it. Fingers crossed.

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  140. I have no cat photo but my sewing tip is: press every seam as you sew them. My next knit project is going to be leggings as it still hasn't warmed up here, and my favourite summer drink is a mojito.
    Thank you for hosting sucha great giveaway!

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  141. My next knit project is a wrap dress, easy and stylish but in bright pink!

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  142. Hi again, Everything is what I'm planing next.
    http://docksjo.com
    nicolina . docksjo a gmail . com

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  143. I'm on the hunt for the perfect super-soft black jersey for a Coppelia cardi - that will be my next knit project I hope! Love your blog ☺️

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  144. ohhh! Such a cool book. I'm currently sewing (as in just stopped serging to type this) a knit sweater out of a grey/black aztec sweater knit I bought in Los Angeles! I ALSO have a problem with my serged seams grinning with me! I never knew what it was called so I couldn't research how to solve it but thanks to you and this post I fold the solution!! I would LOVE to read this book cover to cover to solve all my serging issues!! It would be such a help! I'm pretty useless when something goes wrong. haha (http://SeamsLikeChrystal.blogspot.ca - chrystalmckay@gmail.com)

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  145. All the reviews I've seen of this book are brilliant - it sounds like a great resource. Please enter me into the giveaway :) here is a photo of me with my friend's cat Lockie. It was at her house party, I was a bit tired (and sober when everyone else was drunk, you know how it is) and disappeared upstairs to find the cat. She came up and found us like this 20 mins later, he was properly asleep on me. I love this cat :)

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  146. Thanks for the great give-away! Our favourite cocktail recipe recently has been the Pilgrim cocktail from the Diffords guide:
    1½ shotBacardi Gold Rum, ½shotGrand Marnier liqueur, 1shotFreshly squeezed orange juice, ¾shotFreshly squeezed lime juice, ¼shotBerry Hill pimento allspice liqueur, 3dashAngostura Bitters

    How to make:SHAKE all ingredients with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.Comment:Whether you serve this hot or cold, it's a delicately spiced drink to warm the cockles.

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  147. forgot to add my email carol_suffill@yahoo.co.uk

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  148. Here's my kitty helping me sew!

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  149. Ha I can imagine you'd like to time travel.The amount of times I think, if only I had had this then.... My next knit project will be two tops using New Look 6150. I hope to slightly alter the neck line with one and then post it at www.lianmade.blogspot.nl/. Thanks for the give-away.

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  150. Cocktail choice will always be the WooWoo! The sharpness of the cranberry and the sweetness of the peach, worth the hangover ;-)

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  151. Oh lordy I'm loving all the cat photos! I'm at work so none for me, plus my cat is camera shy. The puppy, not so much.

    Sewing tips: when you need to ease in some stiching (like setting in a sleeve), put the longer piece against the feed dogs as they'll help do some of the easing. If you hold the top piece taught this will ease it even more.
    When sewing knit tops/dresses, use a scrap piece of woven fabric to reinforce the shoulder seams so they can't stretch out.
    When using fusible interfacing on a facing, try sewing the facing and interfacing right-sides together (right side of the interfacing is the non-sticky side), trim, turn and press - this leaves a nice edge on the facing without having visible overlocking.


    (In case Disqus doesn't link properly, I'm at www.tworandomwordsblog.com)

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  152. I've been sewing quilts for several years and am trying to make the jump to garments! I'm working on a muslin for garment #1, but I've been eyeballing the Mabel skirt...
    Here's my cat, Sriracha, freshly shaven!

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  153. I'm sewing my first knit top right now. Not going so well, but here's a cute cat picture of Princess Fluffy :) elyseengholm(@)gmail.com

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  154. I'm working on my first knit top, but it's not going so well. So here's a cute picture of Princess Fluffy (he's a he) with his embarrassed face :) elyseengholm (@) gmail (dot) com

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  155. Yes please! I will wear my new knits drinking mojitos on my patio if I get my way!

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