Again, it been a while! Over the last several months I started several projects without finishing them (anyone else like that? I mean I’ll get it all done except the hem and then let it sit for months… *guilty look*) So after a winter in Florida, I committed to working on some unfinished projects once we were back in the house. First up, a vintage quilt coat.

I made this coat out of a vintage quilt topper someone had given my Grandma. It was completely hand stitched, but whoever made it never added batting and a backing to make it a quilt. Due to staining, holes, and the natural warping of fabric over several decades, it would not have laid flat to quilt like a normal quilt – hence the coat. This way the pieces I quilted were smaller, and I cut around the stains and holes. Overall, the project was fairly easy. I used a coat pattern I had picked up for free somewhere. Alas, I did not get a photo shoot done by my brother, but I know this project will get a lot of wear. It is warm and cozy for the spring here in PA.

Next, I made this cute wrap top from the rest of the quilt and a vintage white sheet I found at a thrift store. The pattern I used is free to download from Peppermint Magazine, and can be found here. I just printed it out at home and taped it together. The top is fully lined and super simple to make. Definitely a pattern I will be using again, with a couple adjustments.

Last weekend we had a snowstorm, so I found a project to keep me busy. I love this top pattern and have made several variations over the years. This is the first time I have tried to add a Peter Pan-style collar to a blouse. Being the first time, this was more of practice than something to wear but I hope to make another one soon with more professional sewing methods (like facing the sleeves – I completely skipped that and just hemmed them). While I have had this pattern for several years, I found a similar one for free from Peppermint Magazine. You can find it here.

Lastly, I have this pretty gray crochet sweater. I will admit, this took 5 times FOREVER. Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but still. I used Paton’s Classic Wool Worsted Yarn in grey -it is 100% wool and very warm. I think I used six and a half skeins, but I found eight skeins in my Grandmas basement. The YouTube tutorial I found is in Russian, but with subtitles it is easy enough to understand. In the description there is a link to a pattern written in English. You can find the video here.

Now I am working on a shawl using Lion Brand Wool-Ease in a fun yellow color. You can find the free pattern I am using here. At first, I found it complicated but as long as you work through it, it makes sense after rows 6 and 7. The pattern says to use a #3 yarn and a 4.5mm hook, but I am using a #4 yarn with a 5mm hook. I would say the pattern is advanced beginner – the lace pattern is made using double crochets and slip stiches.

Well, that’s all for today! Thank you for taking the time to read! Also, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!