Trying a New Pattern and it's not a dress!

I was keeping an eye on Beau in this pic
hence the crazy face

 I have had New Look 6098 in my pattern stash for a long, long time.  Every time I move upcoming patterns to sew around - I keep this one on the table.  And yet - until recently - I hadn't made it.  New Look patterns seem to fit me fairly well, straight out of the packet without too many alterations.  

I think one of the things I was worried about with this design, was the waist band.  Couple that with my lovely menopause belly and I was very afraid I might look pregnant in this dress, rather than just large.  A couple of weeks ago - I finally traced this pattern. When tracing - I made a few changes, notably:  short sleeves, raised the overlap, and made a 2" swayback adjustment.   

Knee is slowly improving
No more accessorizing with tape!

I grabbed a very pretty brown and white knit that I bought from Fabric Mart (Drat you Carolyn!!) but had only bought 2 yards of the fabric.  There was just enough for this top.  I posted a pic of the fabric on instagram and Sharon said it needed to be worn with hot pink to make it seasonally appropriate.  I just happened to have a pale pink skirt in the closet and an outfit was born! 

I wore this outfit on Friday - casual denim day in our office.  The one thing I noticed - the top is too big.  

The pencil skirt is from Simplicity's Amazing Fit line.  The pattern is Simplicity 2475 and is one of the first patterns released in this line.   The 'pleated' kick pleat is a change I made to the pattern, just for something different.  My kick pleat doesn't lay smoothly all the time, if I were to do this again - I would mimic Abby's instructions in her new Betsy Pencil Skirt, view C has a lovely pleated vent.

The one thing I noticed - the top is too big.  So, I've already cut out a dress from this pattern.  In version 2 I added a little bit more height to the center front and took some length out of the front angle.  I threaded up the new serger I bought strictly for coverstitching and got the bodice put together before heading out for Father's Day festivities last weekend.  I also cut the whole thing one size smaller - hopefully it works.  I'll be finishing it up today - right after I take the Abby to the vet for annual shots and check up. 

Same Ol' Same Ol'

What is that old Orville Reddenbacher saying?   Something about finding something you're good at and doing it over and over?

Don't know what I was doing with my face or my hair, but these were taken late last night.  I had worn the outfit all day and am looking wrinkled.  But that's okay.

The skirt fabric is a printed linen blend.  The pattern is Simplicity 2475 which I have made several times since working through the fitting. 

This version has absolutely nothing interesting about it - except the fabric.  I did use bias tape to finish the lower edge of the facing and the hem.  And I stitched them down with a decorative stitch from my machine.  But - since I was wearing it you don't get pictures.

There is no kick pleats, vents, or anything else to add walking ease, but you know what?  I don't really need it. 

My shoes?  Adorable dr. scholl's.  I now want a handbag this color.  There are a little bit tight around my right litte toe, but the more I wear them the more comfortable they get. 

And in the interest of full disclosure - I'll share the back view JB decided was necessary as I went back in the house.  UGH.  Just when I start feel like I'm looking good.....

Parting Shot:  Poppies.  JB took this photo while we were on Friday Harbor.

All I Can Say Is - It's Done

I spent weeks -  probably months in reality working on this outfit.  and the best I can say about it right now is that it's done. 

The turtleneck is sleeveless and is a KwikSew pattern - no I don't know the number and frankly I'm too lazy right now to go look it up.  Any turtleneck that you love will work.

The cardigan is from Ottobre Woman February 2007.  The cardigan was finished at the sewing retreat back in March, and then it laid on the back of the couch for weeks waiting on snaps and thread loops for the ribbon.  I like the ribbon with the fabric, but not with the skirt fabric.

Once I had the top(s) done, I needed a skirt to wear with it and the skirt that I had originally made to test the pattern is already on it's way to the good will - so....


After digging around in the stash, I cam up with this length of bottom weight mystery fabric.  It really matched the green in the knit.  So, I got down to business.  I've been using Simplicity Amazing Fit 2475 and then adding details to the hemline from an old (OOP) pattern pencil skirt pattern - it's where I got the flounce pattern, as well as the idea for this pleated panel. 

The original pattern only had the pleated panels going over the side panels.  However, my version goes all the way around - switching directions at the center pack with a deep box pleat.  It's lined and I love it.  But it's just slightly too snug - different fabrics and all that.  I will say - this is a new problem for me - usually once finished my skirts are too big.  So for now Lu is wearing the outfit.  Hopefully by next Fall it will fit.