"I pomeriggi della fine di agosto spesso sono freschi e preannunciano già l'autunno. La mise ideale per sognare ancora dell'aria salmastra sarà la mantella con la sua cascata di treccine e la lavorazione a grana di riso..." 

In this way Mani di Fata describes La mantella panna (check it here:  Now I'm struggling to finish this project before i... ).

April, 16, 27C° outside, my Mantella blue is knitted and sewed, only salty air is missing. 

This time I followed all the instructions, the only thing I've changed was the collar - I made it a little bit wider. 

At first I was not sure how to arrange it, I didn't want it to be too heavy, but after blocking I decided to make it double. I used the invisible vertical seam.

It took me a lot of time to complete this project as I couldn't use the circular needles (I broke them again and again as I knit too tightly). So at the end I had to abituate to normal needles and it was rather difficult to hold all 193 stitches on one needle. Now I look at the result and realise how big was this project. I'm very content about it. And it's a pity to restore it in the shelf. Even this year the spring (almost summer) has arrived suddenly.

Knitting non-stop.

As soon as I finish the last stitch of my Mantella blue

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Natie379/mantella-panna

I'm planning to start the Cerisara cardigan by Bonne Marie Burns.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cerisara

It will be a gift for our friend Tania. For now I've made only a sample.

The yarn is so thin that I had to join together 9 threads. Fortunately, I don't knit on the train.

Breathing and working again...piano piano.

Last days I haven't worked a lot. And it's frustrating when a simple illness makes you enable to do anything. Now I can give you a health advice - don't exaggerate with nose drops. 

Another pro - my husband felt so much pity for me, that he gave me a gift prepared for another ocasion.

Fashion Sourcebook 1920s is illustrated with over 600 original photographs, drawings and prints, rapresenting the seasonal fashion styles of the 20th century. It focuses on the Art Deco period with its fascinating beaded dresses and cloche hats. 

These are some illustrations from the book.

 

Granny square jilet.

When I finished the last square of this jilet I found out that there is nothing to do to make it wearable this year. It was too big for my daughter. And crochet texture is not so easy to drape. So, when it's time, I'll add a crocheted lace ruche along the edges.  

Festive outfit for girls.

One of the brightest garments I've ever done. I've enjoyed so much knitting it. Smooth Lana Gatto wool and the colours that transmit the happiness while working it. 

The original patterns were taken from Speciale Lana & Bimbi 3 (2-6 anni) di Lavori feminili di Mani di Fata. This issue still can be found here:

http://www.Manidifata.it

I didn't make the sleeves and changed a little the crochet pattern. 

Cute bed linen fabric.

Every time I go to Moscow I do shopping in famous russian "Trexgornaya manufacture" store: 

http://www.trekhgorka.ru/ 

The manufacture was founded in 1799. In their store one can find a vast variety of cotton and linen fabrics for home design and bed linen and kitchen sets. There is also a souvenirs department. The prices are very friendly. 

This 20s' style fabric I bought for children bed linen.  You can see it (art.43570) here:

 http://www.trekhgorka.ru/tkani-dlya-detei 

Summer dress.

This silk-cotton muslin is perfect for a summer dress. A simple, light one, like the pattern 125 from Burda Style 4/2013: 

 or patern 103 from Burda Style 3/2012: