DK the Nautical Knitter

Yesterday, Reba and I had loads of fun.  Even though we were unable to make it to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year, we consoled ourselves with a bit of shopping of our own.  I was on a mission to find the perfect flowers for my headpiece for my Czech costume.  Reba, well, she was out for some S.E.X.  (Stash Enhancement Experience)  As it turned out, I was able to locate all the flowers needed.  Reba managed only to increase my S.E.X by buying me this book for my upcoming birthday.  She is such an enabler and a really good friend, too! 

Once I got back home I was able to complete all the headpieces by bedtime.  I pinned them to Caroline to get the shot.  The top one is a wreath that is typically worn by an unmarried girl and the bottom two are hair clips with long ribbons flowing down the back.  What do you think?

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Ok, I couldn’t resist that one. I am so excited that I have finally finished the costumes for the National Polka Festival that begins in less than 30 days.

The dress ensemble is mine to wear in the King and Queen Polka Dance Contest. The slacks, shirt and vest combination are for my father who will be competing with me. Let’s face it, I would look pretty silly out there dancing alone!!

I also made a vest to match my dress for my husband, Scott, who, although he likes to dance with me, does not embrace the same competitive gene that my father and I possess. Last, but not least, the little vest at the bottom left belongs to my grandson, William, who, if I have anything to do with it, will be learning some really cool dance steps next month.

This project was a lot of fun. There was no knitting involved, but the sewing, lace, hand embroidery, and trim work allowed me to be creative and do my own thing. I already have my color scheme picked out for next year’s costume. We are seriously going to have to investigate going to Illinois, Nebraska or Wisconsin for some other festivals during the year. Why save these costumes for only once a year?

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I have completed the Secret of the Stole II KAL and the patterns are up for sale.  There are just a few more minor details to tidy up with the group and then I can start working on the next one that we will be running in the fall. 

In the meantime, I have moved on to working on my Civil War Shawl in the evenings and have revved up my costume creation engine as well.  The costumes I am working on are for the upcoming National Polka Festival.  My father and I will be dancing in the Polka Queen and King contest this year and I am making the costumes for the occasion.  Yes, I am Czech and proud of it!  Anyway, here is what I have been able to accomplish so far in the past week.

My Skirt is complete.  It will require a petticoat, which I will be making soon.  The shirt sleeves are in progress.  I have them temporarily attached to another shirt from a previous costume so I can get the right look.  I will post a completed shirt photo when it is done.  My costume will also require an apron and a vest.  To top the costume off I will be making a flower and ribbon wreath to go in my newly coiffured hair (more about this later).

My father’s slacks are finished.  His shirt only has one sleeve attached so far.  I am hand embroidering the sleeves and attaching them to the store bought shirt that I removed the original sleeves from.  The collar of his shirt will need a ribbon attached to match his slacks and then he will also need a vest to match mine.

Stay tuned for the progress on this venture and more knitting content when I actually have some more items to show.  I may need some opinions on the costume work as well, so don’t go to far…

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Sots decided that he needed a way to keep up with the Secret of the Stole KAL groups and still be on the move, so here he is with his new toy important electronic device, that was a necessity really…

Now I think I will be able to blog and keep up with the groups from anywhere. Too cool!

In other news, Mr. K created a new tutorial blog post on images on KnitWith.Us explaining how to put a button up on your blog and link it to another page. Check it out.

On the sewing front, I cut out the sleeves for my father’s costume shirt and ironed on the design that now has to be embroidered. If all goes well, I can get the embroidery done and the sleeves sewn into the tuxedo shirt he sent to me soon. Right now the shirt is sleeveless, somewhat sexy looking and appears like it could have come home with me from a wild night at a Chippendales show. I’m just sayin…

Here is one of the sleeve designs that needs to be embroidered. Any volunteers? I’ll keep you posted.

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The fabric arrived last week that I ordered for the vests for the Czech costumes that I am going to make for next year’s National Polka Festival. It is a black brocade with pink, blue and lavender flowers throughout on a brass colored vine. This fabric will be used for the men’s and woman’s vests, the stripe around the bottom of the skirt, and as ribbon embellishment throughout the costumes as needed. I am hoping to have enough fabric to make vests for myself, my husband, dad, and grandson William. To get an idea of what the costumes will look like you can go here. Throughout this process I would love to have comments and suggestions. Progress photos will be posted as the costumes develop.

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I have finally finished the wedding gift for my cousin in Texas. These microwavable heating pads turned out quite nice. While I was making them I made one for Scott as well. I have made these for years and have found that they make great, quick, economical gifts for those who are difficult to buy for or for those who are perhaps distant relatives that you may not know their tastes very well. See the patterns page for instructions.

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