2023 July Recap

If you’re one of my Instagram followers, you’re probably aware of the long series of posts about the Sew House 7 Free Range slacks. On days when I lack the energy to sew, which is nearly every day in the summer, I enjoy studying patterns using 3D modeling software as an alternative. Thankfully I’ve been able to get some sock knitting done this summer as well. I’ve had some success using talc-free baby powder to keep my hands from overheating and sweating while knitting.

I managed to complete a pair of socks for Ryan and a pair of socks for myself. This means I’ve accomplished a total of 39 projects this year – that’s an impressive average of 5.57 projects per month!

So far, I’ve made 4 pairs of socks using KnitPicks Stroll yarn. I must say, I’ve developed a bit of a preference for this yarn compared to Lang Jawoll. The thing is, Jawoll isn’t as fluffy as I’d like, and the yarn thickness tends to vary quite a bit between skeins, resulting in socks with varying stitch counts. Not good when you need all the socks to be the same size. The four pairs I’ve knitted with Stroll are all exactly the same size. I love consistency. Oh, and with the current Barbie movie obsession going on, it gave me a good giggle when I realized the bright pink socks I knitted were for Ryan. Ryan’s favorite color is pink.

I bought more muslin fabric (AKA mockup fabric) this month as I’m gearing up to do a lot of pattern testing. I did not realize that there is such a variety of muslin fabrics. I knew I could get lightweight or heavyweight muslin and in various widths, but that muslin comes in two finishes: mechanically softened and permanent press. My preferred muslin is from Fabric Depot, a natural 60-inch unbleached. However, it has a permanent press finish, which resists wrinkles, creases, and folds. The fabric is stiff and has a lot of body. Not great if testing patterns that require a soft, flowy fabric like a gathered waistband pant or woven shirt. The new muslin I purchased is Roc-Lon 47/48 Nature’s Way Premium Unbleached muslin. Instead of feeling like an overly starched button-down shirt, it feels like a well-used sateen bedsheet.

I also purchased a yard of 22 momme mulberry silk from a new vendor since the Etsy vendor I tried to get samples from fell through. Ryan has been sleeping with a silk pillowcase to help his acne and reduce hair breakage, but the pillowcases are delicate. I’m hoping I can source my own fabric and make pillowcases myself. Since the material is so expensive and hard to find, I need to do a burn test first to ensure it is legit 100% silk.

I’ve knit a total of 26 hours and 55 minutes this month.

I find it interesting to see the difference in time and the number of days it took me to knit each pair of socks. I made the candy pink socks first before it got really hot in Utah, so I could knit more quickly. As the temperatures got warmer, I slowed down and took longer. I finished the Sapphire socks on July 31st, barely in time.

The weather has already started to change, and I cannot wait for cooler temperatures!