Project Post: Goth-ified Cat Scarf from GLB 27 (English Volume 4)

It's no secret that I adore cats--especially those of the black variety. And, in winter, I also enjoy knitting. There's something that I just find relaxing about knitting a nice, warm, cuddly scarf while sitting down and watching bad horror films (Psycho Gothic Lolita, anyone?) or The Addams Family. Or, in the case of this lovely little beast, while playing Dungeons and Dragons with my equally nerdy friends who don't mind me making fluffy things while playing a half-elf Druid in cahoots with our Dwarven thief to steal ALL the things, who is currently scarred for life due to the werebear Barbarian exploding her mother figure. (Sorry, did I just show my nerdy tendencies and how weird my friends are? Sorry not sorry.)

I started out with the base pattern from the fourth volume of the English Gothic Lolita Bibles. The knitting pattern provided was from Angelic Pretty; and, I have to admit, the pictured kitty is anything but "Gothic". But I saw potential. If I just tweaked a few things, and made this prissy pampered kitty into a back-streets alleycat, how cool would that be?

I began by minimalizing the design from the original. I took out the rhinestones (why does a cat need to be sparkly?), removed the ribbon bows (they'd only get in her way, anyways), and removed the fluffy faux fur around her neck for a sleeker look. And, for good measure, I removed one of her eyes--because what good alleycat doesn't get into a couple scuffles? (I might have taken a bit of inspiration from my friend's one-eyed cat Archer, as well, because he's such a cute little Pirate Baby.) All the was left was to gather my materials!

I used Lion Brand's Homespun yarn (in black and in white), a white button from my sewing stash, size 9 (US) knitting needles, and some fiberfill stuffing from an old, broken pillow to stuff her (recycling is a good thing!). It did take quite a while to make her--approximately 20 hours, but for a hand-knit scarf this cute, I totally think it was worth it, and it's a great way to have something to do with your hands during down time. It was also one of the most complex patterns I've done before.... I've mostly stuck to simple pieces with one stitch type, rather than mixed stitches with lots of shaping. So you have no idea how relieved I was for this to actually turn out well!

And this is how she turned out! I decided last minute that she still needed a little something cute on her, so I made up a quick bow for her ear, a la Hello Kitty style. I really, really love this pattern; I've made about three cat scarves so far--two for friends and to get down the pattern, and then this one for myself.

If people are interested, I think I would be fully willing to post instructions on how to make this adorable little thing, along with some comments on where I had difficulty with the pattern. If you'd rather skip out on the knitting and would prefer to buy one, let me know! I'll probably be making a few extras and tossing them up on Lacemarket or Storenvy, to share the cute with everyone.

Project Post: Heart Apron pattern from Gothic Lolita Bible 3 (Altered)

Every once in a while, I decide that I will actually finish one of the many Lolita projects I've started sewing. And sometimes, it actually turns out pretty damn good! Last Fall, I snatched up the third volume of the Japanese Gothic Lolita Bible, because I fell in love with one of the patterns in it--a heart shaped apron from Baby the Stars Shine Bright.

The problem is, GLB patterns are most definitely not made for someone my size. No problem, I thought to myself. It's just a matter of extending the waistband a little, and altering how the straps work. I got this.

In the end, it didn't turn out half bad! But I definitely think I'll have some things to change if/when I make a second one... Mainly in the size of the heart bib, which I'll make noticeably larger. Other than that, I really love how it turned out! Check out some detail pictures down below.

So what sewing projects has everyone else done lately? Have you ever altered a pattern from a GLB or other Japanese sewing mook? Have a favorite pattern to share? I'd love to hear your guys' input down in the comments section. Until next time!

Lolita Sewing Pattern List

This post (which has been cross-posted from my tumblr) contains a list of the sewing patterns included in the Gothic Lolita Bibles, volumes of Otome no Sewing, and Gosu Rori. Additionally, there is a section of online resources. It is a work in progress, and as such, is NOT complete yet! If you own any missing volumes and would like to contribute to this list, please send me a message and I would be more than happy to add it to the list. (Note: This list includes sewing patterns almost exclusively; items that are very simple may be excluded [for example, a flower comb tutorial]. This also goes for items that are not necessarily “Lolita”.)

I personally own all items marked with a star (✮), and can take pictures/answer questions about them.

A special thanks to shiroyuri and dollyicu for providing some of the amazing content for this little project! Please check back every once in a while for updates! (List is under the cut.)