The Sweatshop of Love Blog

One month from today is the DIY Trunk Show, which I am participating in for the first time.

Twin Cities Headbands, Hello Sailor Knot Necklaces

I’ve been knitting up a storm and am ready to roll on the accessories front. I brought mostly kits to Renegade in September, but a lot of people asked if they could just buy the finished product.

Twin Cities Headband

Namely, the Twin Cities Headband. And who can blame them?! It’s pretty damn cute. I made 8 of them for the show. Two in copper with the yellow striped button.

MORE HEADBANDS!

Two of the baby green with the green floral buttons, and four of the traditional blackberry with pink floral buttons.

Hello Sailor Knot Necklace

There was also interested in the Hello Sailor Knot Necklaces! Well, lots of interest in the kit, considering all but three were bought, and also the necklace itself. I made 8 of them! Four cream, two navy, one green, and one copper.

So what is left to do? Why, I’ve got to make some kits, of course! Not as many as I needed to make for Renegade, but I’ve still got to get behind that sewing machine and make some bags, get to kinkos and print some patterns, and then put them all together.

The DIY Trunk Show is really fun. I hope you guys are planning on coming out! It’s on day, Saturday, November 20th from 10-5pm at the Pulaski Park Field House in Wicker Park. It’s free to get in and full of amazing handmade vendors that you can check out here.

So mark your calendars! And get ready to check everyone off your holiday present list.

Today is the day! I’ve been talking about it and working on these patterns like a crazy person and today it is finally ready for you to enjoy!

It's Here! It's Here!

That link takes you to www.e-junkie.com where you will type in your info or paypal and a PDF of the ebook will be available for download. Pretty sweet, right?

This ebook includes easy to read and super clear instructions for 10 fun summer knits and some helpful how-tos to get you through this summer knitting season. Scroll down for pictures and click links for more information on each pattern.

Questions about a pattern before you buy? Let me know!

Ebook Patterns:

Caitlin’s Cardi ~ More Info

Door County Wooden Handle Bag ~ More Info

Twin Cities Headband ~ More Info

Hyde Park Legwarmers ~ More Info

Traverse City Tube Top ~ More Info

Gus Gus Kitty Toy ~ More Info

Detroit Tigers Headband ~ More Info

Twin Cities Anklets ~ More Info

Baby Sweater Buffet ~ More Info

The Look Entrelac Tank Top ~ More Info

Shoot me an email if you have any questions about any of the patterns found in the ebook. I hope from the bottom of my heart that you enjoy it!

Interested in becoming an affiliate? Sign up here:

Join our Affiliate Program!

Twin Cities Headband

Now you don’t even need a kit to knit this totally rad headband!

Yarn One skein Knit Picks Comfy Sport, 75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic. 136yds/50g: Blackberry

Needles Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions One 3/4″ button, tapestry needle.

GAUGE

Purchase Pattern:

Built By Wendy Knit Dress

(remember when it was 80 degrees last week? that is when I was running around in this fun knit dress.)

I swear I have non Built By Wendy patterns. I know it doesn’t look like that, since ALL of my finished garments have been Built By Wendy, (this dress and this top) but it just goes to show how adorable her patterns are.

Take a peek at this dress, for instance.

It’s simple and easy to wear. I threw in some silly striping and a front seem to get an off center stripe pattern, just for fun.

The neckline is super flattering. The length is windy day proof (tested it myself!).

(see my knee injury? left over from my fall a few weeks ago!)

And, above all, this dress was SO easy to throw together! I was nervous because sewing with knits is supposed to be hard and puckery and I’d need a serger, whatever that is. But I had no problems! At least any that I can see. Which is all that matters, right?

Built By Wendy Knit Dress Side View

Pretty Princess!

With the stripes in the fabric I knew I had to play with them or ignore them and hope it all worked out. I decided to play with them! I changed the direction of the stripes for the side panels and split them up for the front panels, just to make it a little more interesting.

Racer-back

The racer-back shape is really flattering, too! Shows off my shoulders while allowing for large armholes. GREAT for super hot summer days when you can’t help but sweat, but don’t really want everyone knowing about it.

I’m in love. I want 6 more. And will probably make 6 more. It’s the perfect dress for summer. I love outfits that involve one piece.

I was planning on rocking this dress this past weekend at Colleen’s bachelorette party Saturday night but the weather could not hold out. I rebounded with this not-very-interesting look:

Styling Green Tights

Twin Cities Headband in Blackberry

Black shirt, bubble skirt, green tights, purple shoes, Twin Cities Headband in Blackberry. Not that interesting.

I was not foreseeing, however, everyone else at the bachelorette party to be wearing jeans. When you wear green tights you know you are going to stand out a little bit, especially in the suburbs.

But when you are wearing green tights with 12 other girls wearing jeans you feel a little silly.

Thanks a lot, ladies.

The headband rocks, though.