McCall's 7606

I had this fabric from the stash for this pattern, but when I got around to cutting it I couldn't find either! I had to buy another pattern and I had to search different fabric boxes because it had materialized (ha, ha) magically into another box. Then the pattern wouldn't fit the fabric so I had to do some creative pattern layout. I'm glad I persevered because I really like the skirt. And even with the wind blowing nothing is showing.

The jacket is Vogue 8193, from awhile ago. I like everything about this jacket except the machine made buttonholes. Bound buttonholes would have been so much better, but I have never done them and I guess I'm chicken to do them. If I had a bucket list that's where bound buttonholes would go.

Burda 6401

Kind of in the hippie mode, but I had to wear comfortable shoes for walking around. The first time I purchased this fabric I only got about a yard and a half, and since the boarder is only on one side, it was not enough to make anything. I found it on Fabric.com and ordered two yards. I had to use this pattern because the model dress is very similar. But I still did not get enough fabric, so I had to go sans embroidery on the sleeves and on the back bodice. I added an applique to these areas.

 I cut out my normal size and it was still way too large, so I added darts to the front and the back and it still could have fit better smaller. Since I have large upper arms I used the puffy sleeve version and cut it off straight and added a little length to the bottom sleeves.

This is a comfortable dress and I received compliments while in the Mall, so that's a plus.

Vogue 1511

Vogue 1511 is a superbly drafted pattern, one of the best I've sewn for a long time. Everything was spot-on. The fabric is from Joann Fabrics, it is crepe that I would describe as "bouncy". The collar is faux leather from Joann's as well. The one thing that saved me when sewing the faux leather is a fabric glue stick, make sure you have one or two on hand.

 I wanted to use the fringy salvage as the hem, I was a little worried because the pattern had a slight curve at the hem, but it turned out fine.

 Since I'm in Minnesota and all we do is talk about the weather...today it is raining...raining all over the frozen ice, no going out unless you have a hankering for some broken bones, a good excuse to stay indoors and sew!

McCall's 7834

 This is my winter version of this dress made from pinwale corduroy. Please excuse the large wet mark on the hem. I wore boots and my dress was dragging in the slop in the parking lot. Oh, I love Minnesota!

Speaking of love...I really love this dress and I'm going to blatantly copy Mimi G and her summer version that is so cute.

On Monday the jewelry store that I worked at for ten years part-time closed it's doors. It was in business for fifty years and it had the best selection of jewelry in the Twin Cities and even beyond.
So sad.

This is my notebook system for fabric organization. Yes, each page is a box. So, that is the one thing I love about Minnesota, basements and basement storage.

McCall's 6176

 I've had this pattern on my sewing wish list for a long time. It calls for a knit and nothing in the stash seemed like the right choice. It's different because the shoulders go on the fold, so I had some trouble lining up the top exactly. I'm glad I used the version with the knit cuffs and neckband. The dress needs an area of solid color.

This is how I wore the dress (blue fur vest) all day. Should of also worn a belt, maybe next time. Luckily I don't follow the Marie Kondo method because I had a sweater that I thought would look great with this. But when I put it on it was ugly. I really liked the vest with this, especially because it has been so cold. How many times do you find the perfect match to your fabric just because you keep clothing for awhile? It's great fun and many people ask if you bought it together!

New Look 6346

Once again, only one picture.  I made this skirt twice before, but in the button down version. This is from a quilted, embroidered jacket material from SR Harris. Originally I purchased this fabric with a longer vest in mind. Then I had some thoughts that a skirt might be more wearable, but how weird is that? Went online and other sewists had weird quilted skirt thoughts as well, so I wouldn't be the only one! I made a lining and let that hang for awhile before hemming (it had grown about two inches).
 It is still below zero in Minnesota, hence the snow boots indoors.