Where's the Doctor?

This post has been a long time coming.  Hell, any post has been a long time coming.  I know I've taken quite an absence from blogging lately.  I am very sorry for the dead air.  The last few months have not been the best for me.  After spending an, unexpected, 11 days in Seattle to see a specialist for my back (a trip that was just supposed to be 2 days) in December and not getting the news I had expected I returned home and sunk in to a depression.  That depression kept me in bed, unable to focus, unable to knit, unable to sew, and unable to blog.  Never mind that I had no desire to share all that (all this) with the world. 

After I worked hard to get through the depression, it seemed that the time between blog posts was too great.  How do I come back?  Has it been too long?  Do I share why I've been gone?  Well, screw it, I'm going for it!  So, I made the decision to come back, now what?  I have a dozen projects I'd love to share but not a decent picture of anything.  The few pictures I do have I cant seem to edit well at all.  There, I said it.  I can't edit pictures for shit!  Sure, someday I'll learn but that's about the last thing I have time for right now.  I'm tired of not blogging because I am insecure about the quality of my pictures.  I never started blogging to show off my picture taking or photo editing skills.  I started blogging because I liked sharing the things I do and the things I make with people.  I started blogging to give me a voice and empower me.  Not to make me insecure about whether I'm a great photographer or not.  So there you have it.  I'm coming back.  I may not be able to blog too often as my school schedule is KILLING me.  My pictures may not be the best either, but here's what I got and I'm willing to share it with you.

So, like I was saying (before I verbally puked on you), this outfit post has been a long time coming.  I have had this knit top and this skirt done for months.  I've worn it many times.  In fact, these pictures were taken on my third time of wearing this top and skirt together.  I had meant to get pictures the first two times but it just didn't happen.  Not that I have minded wearing it on many occasions.  This has come to be one of my favorite outfits that I have ever made.

This is the first knit top I've made in years.  If you've been around for a while, you know that I've been completely obsessed with knitting cardigans over the past few years.  However, in the summer (which is when I had cast this on) it's hard to want to knit a bulky sweater.  Especially last summer, which was one of the hottest we've had in years and years.  I was in search of a pattern that I could knit that wasn't hot and bulky but would still add to my wardrobe.  I also wanted to try my had at a true original vintage pattern, not a remake or vintage-inspired. 

One of my favorite places to look for vintage knitting patterns is over at Subversive Femme.  Bex has compiled an extensive list of FREE Vintage Patterns that she kindly shares with her readers and visitors.  Not only is she super generous with her collection of patterns but she's also an insanely talented knitter and seamstress.  I highly recommend you go check her out! This pattern is the Spring Song Blouse from the 1950's. 

I really enjoyed making this top.  I was a bit timid to work with a vintage pattern but I shouldn't have been.  It was strait forward and worked up rather quickly.  I know I'll be making this top again (I may even already have the yarn)!  I thought I wouldn't like the lacy, see through aspect of it but with a little camisole or a full slip it's no big deal at all.

I had been drooling over this Exploding Tardis fabric for some time.  It had been showing up here and there on my Instagram feed and I had even pointed out a dress, made from it, to Ian.  If only we could afford to spend $200 on a dress.  Unfortunately, that just isn't in my budget.  So, I about squealed for joy when I discovered that it was available at Joann's.  Armed with my most recent 50% coupon I immediately went out and bought some.  I was even able to buy enough to make my dear friend Terri a skirt too.  We're both geeks at heart and love us some Dr. Who (David Tennant, all the way).  The skirt is made from my generic, elastic-waist, circle skirt pattern so there isn't much to talk about.  The fabric is what makes the magic. 

I can see this top pattern and skirt pattern becoming my go-to outfit.  I can't wait to make this top in many more colors to go with my ever growing me-made skirt collection.  Although, I don't see that happening to quickly.  I mentioned earlier that my school schedule is absolutely crazy right now.  I have hardly had time to knit a few rows, much less dust off the sewing machine.  I'm completely surprised that I finished my work today and had time to write this post.  My goal will be to write 1 blog post a week.  I'm going to work hard to make that happen.  But if I don't, I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  This is the toughest semester I've done so far and I have to make that my priority right now.  That being said, I love blogging and I have missed it, so I will be here when I can and that's good enough for me.

Do you have a free source for patterns that you love?  Ever used a vintage pattern?  Any tips for not letting your insecurities stop you from doing the things you love, even if you won't be the best at it?  I'm all ears and would love to hear your thoughts.