I think there is a anthropological drive to produce things in fall. Our ancestors had to get ready for winter. I had to get ready for October. September was not a normal month for me, and probably not a normal month for anyone post 1950. What I'm saying is-- I'm crazy. That was a crazy amount of stuff to do. What I'm also saying is-- suck it, Ree Drummond... I'M THE NEW PIONEER WOMAN.
The other chorus of people I need to join is all of the Internet that already made Colette's Moneta pattern.
This is a design intended for knits. It is versatile and universally flattering. The construction could not be simpler. I could make a hundred. I only made three, but you will only see two because the third one was made of an ugly, flimsy, outdated brown knit that I refuse to put on for public viewing. I'm not giving up on it, however, and when I find the right dye/fabric treatment to make it wearable, you'll be the 6th to know. There are 5 people in this house... and no secrets.
Here are 2 of my versions:
On the top is a navy and pink floral knit that I snagged from Girl Charlee. On the bottom, a royal purple ponte di roma knit I picked up at Hancock's Labor Day sale. The purple one was the first one I made. I thought that I had irreparably destroyed it by not following the very simple directions I was given. This pattern requires that you shirr the skirt using clear elastic. I didn't have clear elastic, but I did have half a bottle of wine and a whole lot of chutzpah. I used regular old knit elastic. I kept sewing more and more seams, trying to hide the elastic. I ended up with a babydoll dress that Courtney Love would have probably punched me for in the early 90's. I threw this dress in the pile of "crap that I don't want to look at anymore" and proceeded with the floral knit. That one was perfectly successful. I returned to the purple one, painstakingly ripped out the seams and the stupid elastic. I did it the correct way, and I'm so glad I did. I love it. I love them both.
These are great transitional pieces for fall... I could add a jacket and boots and leggings for colder weather. They are easy to wear, and breathe enough for warmer weather. I know that no one is on the fence about Moneta, because I think I could literally be the last person on earth to make it. Its awesome.
And just because canning is a novel and exciting hobby that I will act like I invented, here is a pic of me and my apple canned goods.
Every grandmother on earth just snorted at the absolute ridiculousness of my amazement with a hundreds year-old practice. I know. But still... look at what I did!