A Matching Dress

I had been eyeing the Sugar Plum Dress from Lolita Patterns for a while.  In fact, I even purchased the Houndstooth Kit, which included the pattern, a polyester hounds tooth print for the bodice, a lycra-blend gabardine for the skirt, a zipper, and buttons.  It arrived beautifully packaged and I was looking forward to a new dress.

However, once I had my cape completed, I had some decently sized scraps leftover.  I decided that a matching dress to the cape would be perfect and the Sugar Plum pattern would be an impeccable accompaniment.  I haphazardly placed the pattern pieces on the scraps and decided that it was definitely doable with some careful pattern cutting.

The finish dress exceeded my expectations.  I did add 1 inch to the bodice length, which is almost always necessary to accommodate my long torso.  I made a size 6 top and the waist is size 6, but the skirt is graded to a size 10 at the hips. 

 A also made a couple other changes - I lined the entire dress and I added a kick pleat. 

(Sorry the picture below makes the lining seem so wrinkled.)

 

Overall, I am very pleased with the result and I already wore the dress and cape combination to an annual family dinner in downtown Minneapolis.  I'm looking forward to wearing it this week to work also!  Now to decide whether to make another Sugar Plum Dress using the Houndstooth Kit I purchased or to find another pattern for the fabrics....

 

Until the next project,

Michelle

18 Years and 8 Moves Later...

I finally cut into my 4 yards of Pendelton wool. I purchased this fabric way back when I worked at House of Fabrics while I was still in high school.  1995!

I bought it for what even I considered a steal - on clearance at 19.98 per yard.  As you can see, I started my fabric stash at an early age.  I had no idea what I would ever make with it, but I HAD TO HAVE IT!  So I bought the last remaining 4 yards on the bolt.

Life goes on and the fabric goes along.  I went to college in Minnesota (I grew up in Illinois) and the fabric went with me.  After college, I moved a lot.  The fabric made every move with me.  Finally, after hanging in the closet for the last 8 years at our house, I had found THE PATTERN! 

 

BurdaStyle 08/2013 #122

It was perfect!  The pattern calls for 4 1/2 yards of outer fabric, so I figured I could just shorten the cape a bit to make up the difference.  Now to get some equally fantastic fabric for the lining.

I was at the local Joann Fabrics and the linings were so BLAH.  Then I just happened to walk through the silky prints and VOILA - there it was calling my name!

So after the kids would go to bed at night, I would head down to the basement to do some sewing.  I even managed to find time on the weekends that I could spend working on it.  And now it is complete.

 

 

 

 

Of course, my little buddy wanted to be in the pictures also.



 

Also, an update on Christmas Gift #1 and #2, which were sent to my parents in Arizona.  I had them open their gifts early and they loved them! 

 

 

Until the next project,

Michelle

 

Christmas Gift #2

So, I have to confess – I actually worked on this project during my lunch hour over the last month.

 Christmas Gift #2 COMPLETED!

 

This is a free pattern:

http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/crochet/peacock-feathers-afghan

To match Christmas Gift #1 Afghan, I again used Red Heart yarn.

 

I love the detail stitch in this pattern.  I might even consider making another for myself!

Michelle

Week 6 (November 22 - 28, 2013)

Rather than breaking down each week – let me just say that I have been busy! 

 Christmas Gift #1 COMPLETED!

I crocheted a cozy blanket using Red Heart yarn.  As much as I hate acrylic, it does have its place in a blanket that will be washed over and over again!  This blanket will hold up for many years to come.

 

I didn’t follow a pattern, but I did this basic sequence:
Row 1: Double crochet every stitch, back loop only
Row 2: Single crochet every stitch, front loop only
Row 3: Double crochet every stitch, back loop only
Row 4: Single crochet every stitch, front loop only
Row 5: Double crochet every stitch, back loop only
Row 6: Skip stitch, triple crochet in next two stitches, triple crochet in skipped stitch, repeat

The edging was from a pattern:

http://www.yarnspirations.com/pattern/crochet/peacock-feathers-afghan

I am making this Peacock Feathers afghan for another person of the same household and I thought that having the same edging on both blankets would be a nice touch.

 

Until the next project...

Michelle