I have two very bad habits when it comes to sewing: First, I don't sew consistently so months go between projects and I lose all my skills, and second, after I cut out a project weeks, months (or in one case, years) go by before I actually sew it and the weather has completely changed into a different season.

I cut out this long-sleeved button-up shirt in early March back when it was still cold.  The weather warmed up quickly and I thought oh well.  But we're back down to cool temperatures (even a frost last night), so in three sewing sessions I made this shirt and plan to wear is tonight.

The pattern is McCalls 6649, and I basically made view C but without the chest pockets.  I measured the pattern in all my 'problem areas' (shoulder width, armhole, waist) and found that a straight size 12 should fit me fine.  I was actually surprised in the end just how well it fit; there was no gaping at the armhole, which is always a big problem for me.

 I used two quilting fabrics, which I know is a hotly debated topic in the sewing world.  I think the quality of the quilting fabric makes a huge different; the 'premium artist brands' feel so much softer and don't seem to fade as quickly as the cheap store brand.  I really like color blocking on button-ups, so I had fun going through my stash until I found this navy and white floral print.  

My projects seem to turn out their best when I totally ignore the sewing instructions and turn to knowledgeable sewists who sew in a very professional way.  Most of this sewing was straightforward, but when it came to sewing the collar and collar stand, I turned to my book Shirtmaking by David Coffin.  

​His method of sewing the collar looked like it would produce a much nicer result, but the included illustrations were a little vague to me.  Luckily, I found the tutorials for the Granville shirt on the Sewaholic website, and Tasia seemed to be following the same book.  Her instructions and photos were very clear and helped produce a very nice collar and stand that was symmetrical, and I didn't even cry during the sewing process.

My only disappointment was that I used cheap Pellon interfacing from Joann and it feels very cheap and stiff.  I did some research and found that the sewists I admire use interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply.  Today I ordered three different types/weights, so we'll see on my next project if it makes a big difference.

I've been designing and writing knitting patterns for roughly the last ten years, and it is easy for me to forget what it is like being a new knitter.

Recently I gave a couple knitting lessons to a friend, a new knitter.  She showed me a pattern for a shrug and said, with a bewildered look on her face, "What does all this mean?  What do I do now?"

Circular needles, gauge, abbreviations, she had never seen any of this before and was (unsurprisingly) lost.  So we sat down and I explained each section of the pattern to her and she dutifully nodded her head.  It was an easy pattern, and I think it all made sense once I explained it, but I realized then that to a new knitter reading a pattern must be like reading hieroglyphics.

When I came home that day I did a good search to see what resources are out there on how to read a knitting pattern.  I came across just a couple, and they seemed a bit vague to me.  So, I guess I will have to take it upon myself!  I will write a series on how to read a knitting pattern.  I will try to remember what questions and confusion I had when I just started out, and I would appreciate any input you have.  

What confuses you about reading a knitting pattern?  Checking your gauge?  Choosing a size?  All the abbreviations,  'repeat from' astericks?  Leave a comment below with your questions.  Stay tuned!