First comes the Tops

I made a couple of tops and a jacket. First up, I finally made the top and jacket from Simplicity 3800, both pieces are made out of a black knit. I think that Erica B. used this same pattern a while back. I got the idea to make the top and jacket from her, because the ones she made came out so cute. This pattern is part of the Threads collection, but I think that it is actually out of print now. However I always say better late than never. I wonder if it would be possible to sew all of the the patterns that I have at least once before they go out of print. Hmmmm......I don't think so!! I have way too many patterns to even attempt to try such a feat.

The second top I made is New Look 6753 View C. I bought this fabric back in March I think during PR weekend and since I had so much left over I plan to make a dress out of it also at some point. This upcoming 4th of July weekend I am planning on making a black and white skirt and a solid black skirt to go with these tops and maybe a few other things if I have time.

Ready to get my sewing on!!!

Yes, I know I haven't posted in quite a while, but I have a good excuse. I was busy spending time with my family who came for Christmas, now that they are gone I can sew again (I certainly have been thinking about it non-stop). So while I didn't sew while they were here, I did manage to cut out some things which I plan to sew this week. January's sewing will mostly be for my mother because one of my sewing resolutions for 2008 is to sew for other people (I will post the full list tomorrow). So I am getting a jumpstart on it by cutting out several things to sew a small travel SWAP for my mother who is going to Senegal and Paris in February. I also cut out a whole bunch of stuff for myself , but that will be for another posting.

These are the fabrics that I bought to make the garments for my MOM. The main color is navy. So I bought a navy woven fabric to make a long sleeved jacket, skirt and pants out of Butterick 3532, and an additional skirt in the bottom left rayon print, then Butterick 5948 for 2 different tops in the two different rayon cotton prints and finally a dress in the bottom right print fabric using a Simplicity out of pattern (9260).
I still don't know exactly what I am going to do with this tan and navy pin stripped jean fabric just yet.




These are the patterns that I am using for now.

Wrapping up loose ends

I finished my Built by Wendy top (Simplicity 3835). It is actually the second time that I made this top. I used a cotton batik fabric for both tops to give it an ethnic feel. For Spring I plan to make a skirt to go with each top, probably a white linen skirt and a denim wrap skirt. I still need to map out what I am going to do for spring. Maybe I will do a mini-SWAP. Who knows?



This is the first Built by Wendy top that I made.

This is my finished classic knits tank top in burgundy Woolease Thick and Quick. I am going work on my Bobbalious sweater in black Woolease Quick and Thick yarn over the Xmas holiday and then that will be my last sweater for the season (maybe because knitting is addicting).

Gearing up for the weekend

This weekend my sewing hiatus ends. I plan to watch movies and sew sew sew. Since I have several projects that are already cut out I will sew some of them and then cut out a couple of new pieces. Hopefully by the end of the weekend I will have a few new pieces to squeeze into my closet. Does anyone else have this challenge (I won't call it a problem)? This brings up a great question for all of you fabulously talented sewists that sew on a regular basis. How do you manage your wardrobe if you make new pieces all the time? Do you constantly edit your closet and get rid of items that you have made in the past? What do you do? I am on the verge of being able to open a clothing store myself because I find it hard to edit.

I decided to change up and make a different skirt for once. I bought some black rayon? fabric for $1.00/yd. Don't laugh it is actually a very nice fabric and if I mess it up I won't be mad. I am going to make McCalls 5523 view C.

I love this Built by Wendy top (Simplicity 3835 view C). I made it once before and it turned out well so I cut it out in a pink cotton batik 2 months ago and have yet to work on it, but this weekend I will complete it. It only takes about an hour to actually sew it.
I cut this jacket out 2 months ago also, in a turquoise satin brocade. I plan to make McCalls 5276 view B. I think that it will be a cute dressy jacket to wear with jeans.


I was going through old magazines that I plan to throw away and I saw this dress in an old Lucky magazine (August 2007 issue). I think that Butterick 5040 view B is a very close match so I plan to make it in a dark grey ponte knit.