I’ve decided to try to be the kind of girl who doesn’t just sew skirts, but actually wears them.

I’ve since discovered that skirts look much better with sweaters that aren’t too long. So, I knitted up a simple, black, cropped cardigan: the very popular and free Miette.

I think it’ll be a practical addition to my closet. The only drawback is the constant need for quarantine from furry and shedding kitty cats. Hmph.

• Pattern: Miette
• Size: 34
• Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, worsted, colour: coal
• Needles: 5mm
• Notes: I added one repeat before the ribbing at the hem for a little added length. I was fairly pleased with the heathered Wool of the Andes I had used for a previous sweater. It was cheap, not too coarse and a very pretty colour. This batch of black yarn however, seemed to shed a great deal. A fine dusting of tiny black fibres everywhere. I think I’ll stick to Cascade 220 for future projects: it’s more expensive (but still affordable), more durable and feels slightly softer to me.

Also pictured:

A-line pleated skirt

• Pattern: Burdastyle Pleated A Line Skirt
• Size: 38
• Fabric: Linen blend, lined with tan polka dot poly chiffon
• Notes: I needed to add a lining because the linen has a bit of prickliness to it. No idea if I sewed the pleats and front “pocket” of the skirt the way Burdastyle intended, but it’s so hard to know what they intend with their convoluted instructions. The skirt feels fabulously swishy on sticky summer days.