Does this look like a couch???

In my opinion, NO. The fabric is a tweed made of ivory, chocolate, and rust. The pattern is Vogue 8107, with a bias cut center front and center back. Warning: Stabilize the center back as soon as you cut the fabric, to reduce "waves" in the zipper. I'll never make that mistake again...
Aside from that, I'm really happy with the dress. It can be belted, or paired with blouse in cooler weather. I think it's a flexible garment, and comfortable to wear. I like the large box pleats at the hem, although I do admit seeing a little "couchi-ness" there.

What do you think?

Butterick 4978

I will definitely make this dress again...

I used a black and white chiffon from JoAnn's and lined it with black. I wanted to use white, so the print would "pop", but it was still see-through. I know... I should've underlined it in white, and lined it in black. Anyhow, it's nearly weightless, has a fitted waistband and bias-cut A-line skirt. It is very flattering, and the neckline is comfortable, the fit and the cut. Next project: a black shantung short sleeve jacket to go with it!

p.s. It's hard to see, but the neckline has a keyhole. Here is a close-up of the front, and a view of the back.

My "Carnival" Skirt

This story starts with a great bargain find at Jo-Ann's. I thought this lightweight embroidered cotton was beautiful, and would make a great skirt. It took me a few months, but I found the perfect pattern that would allow me to set the border at the hem, with Vogue 2894, an Oscar de la Renta design. Really easy instructions to follow, and a flattering fit (I was nervous the pleats would made me look wider in the hips). Finished it up, tried it on, at which point I was informed that I looked like a gypsy headed to the carnival. Hmmm.... truth or fiction? I couldn't be swayed, I really liked it, so I forged ahead with a red linen jacket to match, using the same Vogue pattern. Fully lined, 3/4 sleeves and cropped, it was a style I've seen a lot this season, and would be great with jeans, too. So comfortable, I'm really happy with the outcome, and am trying to keep the carnival comment silent.

Sewing for my Kids

Okay, here goes...

After being led to some pretty impressive blogs by way of reviewing patterns or links on discussion boards, I've decided it's time for me to leave my comfort zone and attempt it myself. So, please keep your laughter to a minimum, and be patient with me. I'm learning as I go...

Having a daughter and loving to sew seem to go together. I love choosing fabric and patterns for her to wear, and she gets pretty excited when she knows the project I'm working on is for her. Here is a sundress I did for her this summer, and she "helped" during the entire construction, removing pins and lifting or dropping the presser foot. The pattern I used was See & Sew 3888. A 1 day project from start to finish, and a dress she'll still fit into next summer.

The shirt is Simplicity 3856, and I absolutely love it. I've never sewn for my son before, or any male for that matter, so for some reason I was intimidated by the thought of it. However, I'm so glad I tried, because it was just as easy as the dress, and recieved rave reviews. Again, a 1 day project, and a pattern I'll buy again and copy the multiple sizes. As with any project, watch the measurements when choosing the size, don't go with the "ready to wear" size you purchase in a store.

For both projects, I used 100% cotton I purchased at our local quilt shop, Aunt Nan's. The dress is a batik, which makes for a great summer weight. The shirt is just a stripe, but not one I expected to find in the quilt store. I loved the colors, boyish, but not dark.

This last project is one I actually did last summer. I couldn't choose which fabric I liked best (at Aunt Nan's, again!), so the kind saleswoman recommended using them all. With my pattern pieces cut out and in hand, I was able to purchase the exact amount needed, which kept the price down. There are a pair of capri pants cut out and ready to go, that I never got around to sewing, that also coordinate with this outfit. Add that to tomorrow's "to do" list...

F.Y.I.

Aunt Nan's Fabrics. 40 South Washington St. Oxford, MI 48371 P: 248-628-5610 F: E-mail: auntnansfabrics@sbcglobal.net