Continental vs. Combined knitting

I have learned knitting when I was little. My mother had showed me how to purl and knit.It was enough to make few scarves and pullovers. That was it. I haven't knitted for years, precisely 30 years. Then I decided to knit lacy scarf year ago, and realized that I can't follow the pattern.  Initially I thought I am knitting wrong. My mom taught me wrong.
After some reading I realized -I am not knitting wrong, I am just knitting differently. That different way even has a name -Combined Knitting. But, if you want to knit lace, or follow most written patterns, you have to make some adaptations. Well, that is so complicated for me. Since I am not "serious" knitter it is easier for me to learn "right" Continental western method. And I am learning.

                                                  Combined knitting                               

                                           Continental western knitting    

My stitches made with combined method are neater. It's very difficult to switch to Continental western method. I have to practice a lot.

So, for my first pullover knitted continental I chose this three-shades-green yarn. This yarn hides all mistakes.

Pattern: Japanese book/magazine

Yarn: Unitas Ana 
Needles: 3,5mm 

Until I start my first lace project, I have to knit a lot, lot. One of my goals for this year is to learn lace knitting.

:)

Lavender cardigan

I have started this cardigan last year and finished it two months ago. Finally, I have photos of it.

The pattern is from PierrotYarns Patterns -29-5 Crochet Cardigan available as a free pattern.

Yarn: Unitas Hana lavender 100% cotton
Hook: 2, 5 mm

Of course, it always happens to me, I haven't had enough yarn for the edge.

I bought one more skein same color but different dye lot, so the edge is little darker.Except that, I am very pleased with this pattern.

I haven't made any alteration, written pattern is my size so it was very easy to follow crochet chart.More same cardigans on Reverly.

 :)

Printed pants

This is one more (and last) piece from my summer sewing "collection".

Here it is still warm enough to wear these pants. There are just few more days for accumulating the sun warmth and preparing for cold winter. (It's going to be very cold this winter they say.)

The pattern is from Burda Style 1/2013 mod.122A 
Fabric: printed cotton/linen blend.

Very simple narrow pants with side invisible zipper.
Easy to sew and perfect fit.

As the introduction says:These pants make perfect pairing for a suit.Maybe I can sew one in wool fabric with blazer/jacket.

This necklace in matching colors is from my Etsy shop.Also, I made pattern/tutorial if you want to make it by yourself. ;)

Little black dress

One more summer dress.

This LBD is combination of crochet cotton lace and black cotton batiste, same one I have used for black skirt.

Pattern is from Burda Style 5/2013 model 102 -Tank Dress.I replaced strap pieces with crochet lace straps and added crochet border at the bottom of the dress.

The pattern for the crochet edge is from white cardigan I have made three years ago. 

Hook size: 2mm

Cotton thread: Janja -Unitas

Easy sewing and I enjoyed crocheting this lovely pattern.

                       Long necklace-LadyLina-Etsy

Maxi floral dress

Once again lovely maxi dress using Mimi's tutorial.

This time fabric is floral cotton batiste. I finished this dress two months ago and I wear it on various occasions the whole summer.

  :)

                                            Necklace Lady Lina -Etsy