The Hungry Sewing Machine

Don't tell my machine, but I'm thinking about breaking up. It's not going to be pretty, I'm sure. We have a long history together. Lots of good memories. But, we seem to be fighting more and more these days and I think I see where it's going. I don't care how starved for attention it is, lately -- if it eats one more knit fabric, we're through. On the spot.

  My first project back in the sewing realm following "Princess Madness" and it was a less than sweet experience. I've been hanging on to this Butterick 5497 for a month or two, since the last sale anyway. It's definitely not my normal style, but I thought I'd go out on a limb and try something new.  I found a nice, thick, black and white polka dot matte jersey (also a bit outside my comfort zone - the dots, not the jersey. I love knits. A lot.) and decided to give it a go.

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised that the results of this less than "me" pattern and fabric yielded a slightly less than "me" look. The more I look at it, though, the more it grows on me. Only time will tell if it will actually leave the closet and go with me to work. Although I liked the sleeveless, boatneck version better, I went with the 3/4 sleeves since I don't like freezing my bum off in the cold winters. The sleeves are too long at the moment (they're bunched up in the photos - which, to be honest, is probably what will happen to them anyway) so I may shorten them a bit.

I don't know. What do you think, guys?

I'm not sure how I feel about the elasticated shoulders on this one. I really liked it on the dress I did with the same treatment. Maybe it's the sleeves that make it different. I feel a little linebacker-ish. Could also be the aforementioned less than me-ness. *shrugs* One thing is for sure - it feels good to get in a little selfish self-benefiting sewing done before the Christmas sewing begins. Hopefully, I can squeeze in a few more!

Planning

As mentioned in my other post, I've started thinking about my winter wardrobe (or sad, sad lack thereof) and planning my attack strategy for a new one. Since I still have to finish 2 very fluffy, tulle covered princess Halloween costumes, I'm thinking of waiting until the Pattern Review contest Endless Combinations.

Since the rules of this contest are such that every one of your finished items must coordinate with at least one of the previous, it will literally force me to create something cohesive and inerchangeable. Because I'm dying to have my WVU inspired shirtdress before football season is completely over (GO Mountaineers!) I'm going to start there. I've got a jacket pattern that I'm going to make in navy to go with it. And so it begins! From there, I've got a plan (and a large pattern stash) to work with. I still have to choose fabrics, but since the contest doesn't start until mid-November, I've got plenty of time for that. I'll probably order most of it, since I'm stuck with only a Joann Fabrics locally. Boo.

This is my only slightly organized plan. It goes right to left -- Why? *shrugs* I don't know.

A Winter Sewing Challenge!

So, I've been doing a lot of amazing blog reading (Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing among the many), and research and I'm getting more and more confident in my sewing skills. But I've realized that I've only been making single pieces and a few 2-piece outfits here and there. Nothing I'd consider to be cohesive. And that got me thinking - I'm challenging myself to a winter wardrobe.
You have remember me mentioning that I'm about to re-enter the working world after nearly 4 years of being a stay-at-home-mom. Mind you, when last I was a working professional was also pre-babies. So, between the span of 4 years and two rather large babies (and the accompanying hip spread-age) I'm not as little in the middle as I used to be. I'm not upset - it's a small price to pay for my little beauties... but it makes dressing for work much more difficult when you only have a wardrobe full of clothing 2 sizes too small. Thus, the challenge!
I'm going to draw from my pattern stash and attempt to create myself a winter work-worthy wardrobe. In my research, I came across an article that Tim Gunn wrote outlining the "Essential Wardrobe Elements" every woman should have. Among them are the LBD, a classic black pant, a fitted jacket, and a long coat. After compiling a few sources, I've come up with this list for myself:

• a Little Black Dress (LBD)
• a long winter coat
• 2-3 pairs of dress pants (including one pair black)
• at least 1 classic button-up shirt
• several dress shirts (both long and short sleeved)
• an 'Any Occasion Top'
• 2-3 skirts (at least one neutral)
• a long-sleeved dress
• at least one fitted jacket (including one neutral)
• one pair knit pants (as Tim's "sweatsuit alternative")
• a warm, plain cardigan
• a pant suit

Do I sound completely over ambitious? I'm going to try and tie this self-challenge in with one of the Pattern Review contests. Maybe the Endless Combinations? We'll see how far I get, but it's a goal, right? My winter wardrobe should be complete around spring! :) AND I can't really start until after the kids Halloween costumes are finished. But, hey, I'll be prepared for next winter. I'm going to sit down with the pictures of every pattern in my stash and start planning this week. Once I have an outline, I'll prioritize and make some fabric decisions and then I'm off to the races! Maybe I'll even learn something in the process! (Here's hoping!) I'll do my best to keep you all updated as I go.
So, wish me luck ladies and gents.... Here I go!