Wardrobe Planning + More Sewing Goals for 2013

As I mentioned in my last post, I want to sew with a plan (SWAP) and work on wardrobe basics this year.
These are the 10 items I want to try and to make....

1. Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Evening/Cocktail Dress
4. Day Dress
5. Bolero/Shrug
6. Jeans
7. Jacket/Blazer
8. Sweatsuit Alternative
9. All Occassion Top
10. Classic Shirt



I also wanted to make a list of goals (beyond SWAP) for my sewing for the upcoming year.

1. Create items from my SWAP list and that fit my overall theme of Wardrobe Basics

I won't beat myself up over this one, but I really do want the majority of my sewing (for me) to fall within my SWAP

2. Learn to make my own bras and panties

I just would truly love to be able to eventually have a wardrobe of mostly me-made items and to do so, these items need to be conquered - it seems that they are fairly quick to make once you get the process down

3. Organize my sewing room and keep it organized

During the semester I have a horrible habit of letting my sewing room become a catch-all, which prevents me from sewing when I have time to do so, because I don't have the time to tidy up and then sew

4. Sew at least once a week, but ideally 30-60 minutes daily

I know there will be days, and weeks even, that I just won't have time to sew (finals week for example), but if I can get in there regularly I will get items done

5. Start figuring out my wedding dress

If I'm going to make my dress, I need to figure out what I'm doing - so some time must be dedicated to this

6. Attend a sewing expo

This one is a very dear hope of mine! I came across two expos that aren't too far from me - one in MA in April that I could commute to and another in DC in May that I could drive to, but would definitely want to stay the whole weekend if I did. So if I can swing the expense, time, childcare, and whatever else - I desperately want to attend one or both (though that's unlikely), even if it's just going for one day in MA

7. Use fabric and patterns from my stash

I've bought the patterns and the fabrics...it's about time I start using them!

8. Don't buy any new fabrics or patterns without a purpose

I have a habit of saying "Ooooh pretty!" and then buying on a whim (well, kind of, I do wait for sales) and I want to try to change that into me asking myself if I really need it, what I'm using it for, etc.

9. Participate on Pattern Review

I have been lurking on PR for some time now, and I have meant to write reviews for patterns I've done, but I just haven't gotten around to it and I would like to start actively participating on that site.

Here is what I am thinking/planning for the 10 items on my SWAP list...

Black Dress

I am envisioning a sheath dress, but since I don't have any suitable fabric in my stash, I am keeping a slightly open mind and plan to let the fabric I ultimately chose 'tell' me what pattern I should use.

Patterns:

Fabric:
need to purchase...maybe a shantung?

Trench Coat

I have been itching to get started on this pattern since I got it. I have the fabric I need, but no buttons yet - and it takes quite a few buttons (I think I need 12 x 1" and 1 x 5/8"). I also plan to add an interior welt pocket to the jacket as long as I don't get lost in the process of making it and forget to add it!

Patterns:

Fabric:
Gray Moleskin + Pink Flannel-Backed Satin (stash)

Evening/Cocktail Dress

I already know exactly what pattern and fabric I am using for this piece, I just need to decide on which bodice I want to use - I'm torn between the sweetheart and the square neckline.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Butterfly Silky Print (stash)

Day Dress

I have a number of fabrics in my stash that I want to make into dresses that would fit this category, so it is a matter of deciding which fabric to use, and then choosing a pattern based on the fabric.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Tropical Cotton (stash) [princess seam dress]
Purple Shantung (stash) [shirt dress]
Pink & Black Floral Silky (stash)

Bolero/Shrug

This is one I need to get fabric for. I'm thinking a basic solid color  - black most likely.

Patterns:

Fabric:

need to purchase

Jeans

I only have one piece of denim in my stash, so that is what I will be making my jeans from, I just need to decide on the style of jeans I want...flared, boot, or straight...

Patterns:

Fabric:
Dark Denim (stash)

Jacket/Blazer

These was a boucle fabric at Joann's I had been eyeing for months but is normally $30/yard. It finally went on sale for 60% off after Christmas, so I grabbed it and it will be perfect for a blazer.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Purple & Black Boucle (stash)

Sweatsuit Alternative

I've got a great striped knit for a top and black spandex for some leggings, which I think fills this category perfectly, it's just a matter of exactly which top I'll make from the two patterns below, or combination thereof.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Striped Knit for top (stash)
Black Spandex Knit for leggings (stash)

All Occasion Top/Sweater

I got a gorgeous sweater knit which I specifically got the pattern below for - it will make a great cowl neck sweater.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sweater Knit (stash)

Classic Shirt

I have a few different pieces in my stash suitable for making a blouse - it's simply a matter of which I make into one first.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sheer Black Floral (stash)
Purple Stripe Cotton (stash)
Purple Stripe Silky Sheer (stash)

I'm hoping to finish one piece every 5 weeks or so, which would give me all 10 before the end of the year. If I don't meet my goal I'm not going to beat myself up over it, but at least it gives me a direction with my sewing, and I am super excited to get some of these pieces made! I'm also adding a tab to my blog where I'm (hopefully) going to keep track of my progress.

2013 Sewing Goals

Let me start off with school stuff... I did really well this semester and am super excited (and a little nervous) to be starting at ECSU in a few weeks. Excited because I'm one step closer to graduating, nervous because everything is going to be new, and the campus is much larger and more spread out. But I'm sure I'll adjust soon enough.

I have not gotten into the sewing room since the semester ended because I got a terrible cold that knocked me on my derriere and then there was Christmas, and I absolutely must get in there and organize before I work on anything else. I did get a Fabulous Fit Fitting System from my wonderful fiance for Christmas and I am so pleased with how much it helped my dress form take on my shape - I'll post pictures after I tidy up the sewing room. I am hoping to finish the blouse I started over the summer and finish a sweatshirt for my oldest son (I made one for me and my youngest already) - which I'll post about when I get them finished.


Which leads me to the actual subject of this post...my sewing goals for the upcoming year...

I have decided I need a plan of sorts for my sewing - I have been sewing on a whim, so to speak. I decide I want to make a random item so I do, with no thought to the practicality of it or whether or not I have other pieces to wear with it. I really want to get some fundamentals made this year. As I have been looking around for a good basic list of must have items I came across Tim Gunn's 10 essential wardrobe items, and I think it is a great basic list to start with.

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Wardrobe Items

1. Basic Black Dress

I haven't owned a basic black dress in years! Definitely need to make one.

2. Trench Coat 

I got a great trench pattern, and have been itching to make it!

3. Classic Trousers 

I do own a number of pairs of dress pants, some I made and some ready to wear - so this one is not high on my to-do list

4. Classic Shirt 

To me, this translates to a button down shirt/blouse. I have a few, but I would definitely like a few more.

5. Jeans

I own a number of pairs of jeans - all ready to wear. I have a jeans pattern I have been itching to make so, even though I don't need jeans I will be making a pair.

6. All Occasion Top/Sweater (This one is technically a cashmere sweater on the list)

To me, this means a top that can be worn with a skirt, slacks, or jeans. I have many tops that I would classify as such (and sweaters!) but I have a gorgeous sweater knit that I can't wait to cut into.

7. Skirt

Another item I have a fair amount of. But they are usually simple and quick to make so I will most likely make at least one skirt this year, even if it doesn't make my 'must make' list.

8. Day Dress 

Something that is not all fancy, but is could work for a date night. I have a few dresses that would qualify as a day dress, but I will probably make a dress that fits this category anyways.

9. Jacket/Blazer 

I have been wanting to make a blazer for some time, and I recently acquired a fabulous boucle I have been eyeing for months that I have every intent of turning into a jacket/blazer.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative

To me, this means something comfortable, yet put-together. I don't own any leggings, and have been meaning to make a pair, so leggings and a simple knit top is what I'm thinking for this.

I also have a few items I would consider essential/fundamental...

1. Bolero/Shrug

Something to put on over a dress, or cami, or sleeveless top, that isn't a jacket or sweater, and works well year-round. I'm always wanting something to put on as a cover up without necessarily grabbing a sweater or jacket.

2. Evening/Cocktail Dress

Something to wear to a party, wedding, on a special night out, whatever. I have a few nice dresses, but I would like something extra special.

3. Basic Knit Tops (not a shapeless T-Shirt)

A knit shirt - short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless...casual or dressy. I haven't made many knits items for myself, so this is definitely something I may do.

4. Three-Piece Suit

A coordinating blazer, pants, and skirt - preferably in black or dark gray. I have mismatched pieces in my closet, but not a full coordinated set.

5. Shells/Camisoles

Simple, basic, and a staple in my wardrobe. They are great with a pair of jeans, under a jacket or shrug, under a top with a low neckline, etc. 

So my sewing goal for 2013 is Sewing With A Purpose - Wardrobe Basics. I want to make some classic and basic wardrobe staples. I'm going to think a little more on what items I most need and chose 10 to make for 2013.

Tiered Maxi Skirt

I have been craving a tiered maxi skirt...so I got some fabric at Joann's - on sale, of course.

Silky prints for dresses

For the skirt

Knit remnants

The teal and black butterfly print (and yes - there are sparklies on it!) and the pink and black floral will be dresses eventually. The purple stripe is what I made my skirt from. It is kind of sheer, so as I waited in line at the cutting table I poked through the remnants and found two thin knits as potential attached slips. Either would have worked - there was just enough ivory, so I chose it for this one, the white had more than enough, so I'm saving it for a future project.

I spent a few minutes tidying the sewing room (which has become a catch-all since the semester started) and I converted my serger from cover stitch to serge again. Then I spent a little bit of time here and there working on the skirt, and a few days later - viola!

It took about 2 yards of the purple stripe (I still have 1.25 yards left - I bought what was left on the bolt) and 0.67 of a yard of the knit for the attached slip. I did a baby hem and I serged all the seams - and even figured out how to serge 'in the round', between the tiers.

I absolutely love it! And I'm thinking I will probably finish up the silver blouse that I started over the summer in the next few weeks, as long as I keep on top of my homework and don't let myself get lost in the sewing room.

Weekly Round Up - 7/6

Because of the holiday, I only had two days to sew this week. I started working on my silver blouse, view C from Vogue 8772. Once I got to seam construction, I stopped because I was in no mood to convert my serger from cover stitch to overlock, and this fabric definitely needs to be serged. It isn't overly difficult, I just didn't want to be fiddling with it, so the blouse is sitting on the cutting table for a few more days.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I am hoping to work on tracing and cutting out some patterns for future projects. That is one of the tasks I dislike most about sewing clothes ~ pattern tracing, whether it is a new pattern onto clear vinyl or just tracing the pattern onto the fabric. I find it tedious, making sure everything is properly aligned and transferring multitudes of markings, but it is a necessary evil *sigh*.


I received the jeans buttons I ordered from Dime Buttons via Amazon, but they also have a regular website.

I made a ton of cookies for a picnic/bbq we attended on the 4th. The Chocolate Chip and Chocolate-Chocolate Chip cookies were made with this yummy no-fail recipe, and I also made some No-Bake Cookies.

So, while I did not get much sewing done, it was definitely a productive week. Hope you had a great 4th and enjoy the weekend!

Projects Completed

none

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Weekly Round Up - 6/29

Not the most productive week, since I technically finished the blouse/dress last week.

Which means I only made one piece this week, another of the maxi dress from Simplicity 2189. I had made this a couple weeks ago in a tan knit, and decided I needed to take in the bust area, which worked perfectly. I also added  six inches to the length so it was a true maxi.

front view

back view

I definitely didn't need more fabric, but I did buy some at Wal-Mart yesterday.

The top two are going to be dresses, but I haven't decided on a pattern for them yet. The bottom left is kind of like a chiffon, it's very lightweight and slightly transparent, I'm planning to make a blouse out of it. The bottom left is a dark blue denim, which will become a pair of jeans.

Have a great weekend!

Projects Completed

Blouse (dress) - Vogue 8772
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Blouse Turned Dress ~ Vogue 8772

I finished this dress almost a week ago, but I just got around to taking pictures of it.

This dress is the inspiration for the dress I made. I knew the fabric I had did not have the same drape as the original and I wasn't looking to replicate it exactly, I just wanted something kind of similar.

source: venus.com

I used Vogue 8772 (view E).

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

The changes I made were to not add side vents, move the button placement a bit, secure the overlap below the bottom button, and add two ruffles to the bottom.

front view

back view

side view

Sorry about the washed out pictures, not sure why they came out that way.

I am not totally sold on this dress only because of the 'stiffness' of the cotton fabric on the upper ruffle. I'm going to wash it a time or two, and hope it softens the fabric enough so the top ruffle isn't as poofy as it currently is. I may also top stitch the ruffle down to see if that helps at all, but I'm going to see what washing will do first.

If I can't tame the ruffle, I'll probably end up chopping them off and making it a blouse. I also now know that I don't need any alterations to this pattern for a good fit and I can cut into my more expensive fabric I had gotten to make a blouse out of this pattern. If I was to try and make a dress like this again I would probably only add the bottom ruffle.

Now that the end-of-the-school-year madness is done I'll have more time to spend in the sewing room, the past couple weeks have been crazy with all the extra activities going on for the kids.

Weekly Round Up - 6/22

I had a crazy busy week outside of the sewing room. It's the last week of school for the kids and there were 101 things to do.


I did get together with my friend to make her sandals. I didn't take any pictures but she did take one. She loves them, and they don't cover up any of the stars tattooed on her foot.

I started working on View E of Vogue 8772.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I'm hoping to alter it just a little and make it into a dress, but I have to get a little bit further before I know if that will work out the way I plan or not.

Now I must get ready to attend my oldest's 6th grade graduation. He's going to officially be a Middle-Schooler (gasp)!

Projects Completed

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial

Works in Progress

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - red cotton print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Weekly Round Up - 6/8

I could have done more this week, sewing-wise, as I could have every other week, but I chose to spend some of my time reading rather than sewing. I miss reading books that I want to read as much as I miss sewing during the school year.

I completed two dresses for my niece's birthday...her party is this Sunday and Hello Kitty is one of her favorite things, so I'm sure they will be a hit.

I also finished a purse and matching wallet for a friend, who has a birthday this month and still uses one of the first (and horribly embarrassing) purses I ever made.

The purse I made her a few years ago lacks body and structure, and looks very home-ec to me, but she loves it and I am hoping she loves this one too!

I kind of started working on the sandals for my other friend, but haven't gotten much done there really.

Next week I am finishing those sandals, possibly getting a shirt made for my son, and hopefully getting at least one item made for me.

Projects Completed

2 Shirred Dresses (for my niece) - no pattern
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design
Wallet (for a very deserving friend ) - my own design

Works in Progress

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - no fabric chosen
Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design - grey & silver cotton in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - red cotton print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Simple Dresses With Pre-Shirred Fabric

Power and internet has been flickering here, so this post is going to be short and sweet...

I finished the dresses for my niece today...She loves Hello Kitty.

I zig-zagged the elastic in place before pre-washing, and then cut the fabric so that after sewing with a 1/2" seam there would be 3" of negative ease. I opted for a single seam in the back.

I used bias tape to make the straps, and after my niece gets the dresses I will shorten them if needed. They are just simple ties at the shoulders. The dresses were super simple and came together very quickly.

One of my friend's schedules changed this week, so we didn't have a chance to get the fabric for her niece, so I still have another one or two to make whenever we do get the chance. I did get out to get the materials for the sandals for my other friend, but I'm not doing too much with them this week. And I'm working on a purse for yet another friend of mine, as well as a matching wallet. I don't think there will be any sewing happening on items for me this week.

Simplicity 2189 Brown Knit Dress and Some Exciting News!

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. I certainly did! I got to see a friend I hadn't seen in a couple of years Saturday night and my boyfriend and I enjoyed an evening with no children Sunday night (a rarity since we each have two boys and unheard of for them all to be elsewhere all at the same time). My boyfriend officially popped the question (and of course I said yes).

My lovely engagement ring! It is part of a bridal set and the wedding band will 'lock' in with the engagement ring when we do get married.

It will be a few years before we actually get married, probably after I get my Bachelor's degree, but that's a good thing since I would go crazy trying to plan a wedding on top of going to school.

source: sewing.patternreview.com

I finished my first try at Simplicity 2189 (the maxi dress) and overall I am happy with it. I think I may add a bit more length next time and I adjusted the bust area on my pattern so hopefully the armholes won't gape.

Front View

Ignore the messy sewing room - I have to sweep. I did not incorporate the side seam slit as the pattern directs, because I didn't really want one, and there is no problem walking in the dress without it.

Back View

I serged all the seams, and I am feeling pretty confident with the basic overlock stitch now. I tried to use the coverstitch on the neckband, but the seam at the center back was just too bulky so I gave up after two horrid tries and just used my regular machine on the neck and armbands. I did use the coverstitch for the hem, and again I had issues at the side and center back seams, but I pushed through them (since they were a bit less bulky). I am fairly pleased at the result, even if it's wonky at the seams, it is perfect everywhere else!

Coverstitch and serged seams.

I am going to tidy up the sewing room and spend my afternoon with a book. Not sure how much sewing I will do this week, since my head is all abuzz with wedding ideas (even if it's a few years away). I am seriously contemplating sewing my wedding gown, and have a vision of what I want in my head, but I'm not sure I can draw it out. If I do manage a semi-decent sketch (or even a bad sketch that gets the idea across) I'll share it with you all.

Weekly Round Up - 5/26

Before I get on with sewing stuff, I got my final grades for the semester this week. I'd like to say I did pretty well this semester, considering the classes I took. I got A's in both my math classes, and B's in my physics and history class. Now on to the good stuff...

I finished my patchwork skirt, which I blogged about here.

I also finished a pair of slacks using Vogue 2907

source: voguepatterns.mcall.com

I love the style of the pants, but I think there may have been more ease built into the pattern than I like. They just feel a little too big. I made a 14 which is technically my size, and in the handful of pants patterns I have made in the past, with no sizing alterations at all, I have not been disappointed in the fit. I fortunately grabbed a 10-12-14 envelope when I purchased this, so I will be trying them a size or two smaller next time, I just need to find where on the pattern Vogue places the finished measurements. That is one thing that annoys me to no end about some pattern companies - you have to hunt for the finished measurements. I definitely prefer them on the pattern envelope, since I will occasionally go up or down a size based on the ease, and hiding them inside on pattern pieces makes it impossible to determine the better sizing to go with.

Back view

I meant to do view A, with the tabs and buttons on the waistband, I really did. When I got to attaching the waistband pieces, I forgot to add the tabs and did not feel like pulling the seams just to add them. I intentionally left off the welt pockets and piping detail for the front pockets, I hadn't made this pattern yet and this was my test run, which I did not feel like dealing with those particular details this time around. The only changes I made to the pattern was to have a cut on fly, since I prefer that method for attaching the zipper, and I made a pocket facing so that I could make both pocket pieces out of the lining fabric. I decided that I need to invest in some invisible thread, I'm not at all pleased with how my hook and eye hand stitching looks.

I do love the lining fabric I chose, even if no one will see it. I am also very proud of how well I matched my stripes at the pockets and front waistband.

The waistband stripes match up almost perfectly, much better than this pic shows, and even though the one pocket looks off in the pic, both pocket stripes match perfect.

I do not know how often I will wear these pants, they do fit well enough to stay up,I just feel like I don't fill out the hip and bootay area enough for them to look great on me, although my parents did say they look fine. I had originally asked my mother to help me pin the crotch some more to try and get rid of some of the droopiness, but she convinced me that wasn't going to help them fit the way I wanted.

Front view

I started making a drapey, cowl neck-ish, tank top from a knit remnant I picked up a while back. I drafted a very simple basic pattern using the idea from Morning by Morning Production's post here. I did not add extra length or width though, I didn't have a lot of fabric to work with and didn't want a very low neckline. It's almost done, except there is a bit of gaping at the bust/arm scythe area.

I am trying to figure out how to fix that without a dart before finishing it off. All that is left to do is finish the neck and arms and hem the bottom. It was super simple and very quick to put together. It was also my first experience sewing with a knit. I don't know why I had found knits so intimidating, it was not a very challenging fabric to work with at all.

I'm off to JoAnn's today...again...for yet another pattern sale. After this trip I will be good with my pattern wants/needs/ for some time I do believe (except for one, that I will eventually download since it doesn't seem to be available in print). I did get some goodies last week, but I'll post them in the same post as I do the goodies I'm getting today. Maybe I'll get to that tomorrow - I haven't taken any pictures of the fabric I got last week yet, and it is yummy.

Projects Completed

Black/Purple/Grey Patchwork Maxi Skirt (for me) - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A

Works in Progress

Black/Purple/Grey Patchwork Maxi Skirt (for me) - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A
Knit drapey tank - inspired by Morning by Morning's drapey tank tutorial

Projects To Do

Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash
Jacket - Vogue 2987 jacket - no fabric chosen
Dress - New Look 6020 view ? - no fabric chosen