And the last steps in the process... (I wish these pictures were a little better... my time has been more limited by the fact that it's dark so early now, so these were all shot while I was trying to run out the door on my way to work).
Button holes!
Sewn Down Button Hole Band
Button holes!Sewn Down Button Hole Band Button Hole Detail
Button Hole Band Joined to Bottom Band
Black Buttons and Backstitched Button Hole
So, clearly you can see that I went for all black buttons. I loved the idea of zebra striped buttons or zebra shaped buttons, but they didn't materialize when I went button shopping, and I found my options very limited in the size and type that I needed. I wanted shank buttons for this sweater so that I could conceal the threads used to sew the buttons down (Z has a tendency to fidget and chew on stray threads) and because they create a little more depth between the bottom of the button and the button band, which is important because the button hole band is actually quite thick.
The pattern called for the button holes to be edged in button hole stitch, but I didn't like the look of that at all, and it narrowed the button opening so much it made it hard to deal with the buttons, so I just backstitched them. The back side isn't quite as neat as it might have been with the button hole edging, but the back side won't be seen very much, and this edging is probably creates a more robust button hole opening.
Obviously, this means that the sweater is done... but I don't want to do it's big reveal until I have time to get the sweater in action -- hopefully with the dress -- this weekend. Think sunny thoughts for us this weekend!
The pattern called for the button holes to be edged in button hole stitch, but I didn't like the look of that at all, and it narrowed the button opening so much it made it hard to deal with the buttons, so I just backstitched them. The back side isn't quite as neat as it might have been with the button hole edging, but the back side won't be seen very much, and this edging is probably creates a more robust button hole opening.
Obviously, this means that the sweater is done... but I don't want to do it's big reveal until I have time to get the sweater in action -- hopefully with the dress -- this weekend. Think sunny thoughts for us this weekend!
Really gorgeous Theresa. I'm looking forward to seeing it in action with Z. :-)
So beautiful. It will look great on her.
This is an amazing job. I love how well the black buttons work!
Wunderground says high in low 60's & overcast for tomorrow (that's actually better light for taking pictures than bright sunshine) but Sunday low 50's with 30% chance of rain. Looks like tomorrow is the day.
I am loving the detailed photos of the finishing work, especially the back side. You've done a beautiful job and you should be proud!
The details are amazing. It is really fabulous! I am looking forward to the finished action shots.
Fabulous job on the sweater and great colors. I have made some things for my girls when they were little and now they will be heirlooms to pass down. I'm sure someday Ms. Z will be happy to see her little one in a sweater that she wore as a toddler.