A Little Work, A Little Time, But It's All Worth It

I am almost 5 months into my challenge, and I am loving it more with each passing day. First of all, I am really wearing my clothes, and that's just the best! The challenge has caused me to look very closely at what's in my closet, and to really focus on what's there. Another wonderful aspect of the challenge is that while I do not sew everyday(while many think I must), it has inspired me to sew more, and I love that. I have been pulling pieces out of my collection, and I am so excited about getting new pieces made. I came across a wonderful quilted knit piece that I had completely forgotten that I had. So excited!!!You'll see it made up soon!

With today's post, we are starting with October 17th. I had made the t-shirt from Vogue 9108. To be honest, I wasn't happy with how it turned out. The fit is just a little off. But, it's wearable. I did not make the leggings from the pattern, but used the Sew News Loveland Leggings pattern. Since I had the t-shirt and the leggings made, I wanted to wear them, but didn't have time to get the tunic together, so I whipped up a little rectangle skirt from my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday series. It's just 1 rectangle,and 1 seam. Doesn't get any easier. You can find the instructions HERE. I felt like I was channeling my inner Janice Joplin. All I needed was a feather boa :)

             

This sweater languished in a bag, all knitted and ready to be sewn together, in my closet for I don't know how long. Finally, I got it out, and finished it, and I could not be happier!!!

This is a picture of the original Rowan pattern. I rather like mine better;) I used yarn that I had purchased at a Lorna's Laces warehouse sale. The only problem is that I look a little like Robin Hood, oh well ;)  

You've seen both the top and the leggings before, just not together. That's another wonderful aspect of the challenge, because I am paying more attention, I am seeing pieces that work with other pieces that I may not have paid attention to in the past. The top is the free Monroe Turtleneck pattern from Tessuti Fabrics. The leggings are a fabulous pattern from Helen's Closet, the Avery Leggings.  

I made the top I am wearing last winter using Simplicity 9017. The neckline is especially nice. I had enough of the fabric to squeeze out a skirt using the Naughty Bobbins Equinox skirt pattern. I really like this pattern as it has back darts at the waist that gives a beautiful sleek fit.    

This was a buy the fabric and bring it home and make it immediately ensemble. Some friends had given me a gift certificate to Elfrieda's Fine Fabrics in Boulder, CO. So enjoyed my visit. This is a rayon piece that was actually a remnant. Score!!! I made the Salma Wrap from Style Arc, and had enough for a simple skirt.

I think this is the first time in the history of my life that I have purchased fabric, and made up every piece within a week! I was just so excited by the pieces that I purchased at Elfrieda's. I found a piece of corded knit that I just couldn't resist, and they had a bamboo knit that matched it perfectly. I feel like a broken record, but when a pattern works, it works. Here again I made the Loveland Leggings and the Monroe Turtleneck. The only difference with the turtleneck was that I added a strip to the hem to lengthen it a bit.    

Another pattern that has become a favorite is the Off Shoulder Romper the from Ellie and Mac. 

When I saw the rayon remnant at Elfrieda's, I immediately knew that I wanted a Salma Wrap to wear with the romper. Just a perfect piece for giving you an extra bit of warmth. Sadly, I deleted the video of this piece. 

This outfit brings us up to October 24th. It was Saturday, it was cold, and I wanted something simple, so I pulled out a skirt that I made using the free Tessuti Libby A-line skirt pattern. The pattern comes in 3 lengths. Just a great staple pattern for any wardrobe. I paired it with the La Megeve Pullover from Naughty Bobbins Patterns. Both pieces fit the bill for how I was feeling that day :) 

On Sunday it snowed!!! I was soooo happy. But then, I am one of those crazy people who love snow :/ I'm wearing a stretch velvet dress/tunic that is basically an a-line tee. It has side pockets, and small slits at the hem. I paired it with a pair of tights that I made. Sadly, that pattern is not available. But, I will have a post up soon on tight patterns that I have tried and like. Making tights is a blast!!!   

This outfit brings me up to October 27th. I did skip a day. I look at it like this, it's a little like a diet, if you slip up, what's most important is to just keep going. This piece is another that I purchased at Elfrieda's. Such a lovely artistic piece of fabric. I used Vogue 9305 as I felt that the flowy tunic would really show off the fabric. Sadly, it looks like the pattern is out of print, but you can find them on Etsy/Ebay. I'm wearing a pair of pants that you've seen many times. I used the Martha Stewart free pajama pant pattern. It's just a great, basic elastic waist pant pattern.   

   

 

If by chance you feel motivated, join me in  my little journey. You don't have to post your pictures everyday, or at all, but I would encourage you to take pictures, even if it's just for yourself. It's amazing how much I have learned about myself, and my clothes over the last almost 5 months. Like any challenge, it has taken a little work, and a little time, but it has all been worth it. 

Until next time....

Sew On!!! 

Rhonda

Thrifty Thursday

And yes, it's Friday!! One of these days I am going to get caught up. I'm determined!!!

Rather than wait and post this next week, I wanted to go ahead and get it posted as I would like to use this pattern for some upcoming drafting posts and I wanted you to have access to the pattern prior to the posts. 

This is the Libby A-line skirt from Tessuti Fabrics, a free pattern. It's a simple pattern, but a very nice one. I love the fit. The pattern is marked for 3 lengths, the longer length that you see below, 

 an above knee length which I made. And it can also be made into a mini, so a length for everyone.

The light in the house was horrible, so I ran out to take this picture. Wow, is it cold outside, 16 degrees!!! And the wind is blowing so it feels even colder. The picture isn't the best, but at least you get an idea of the length. Below is a better picture of the skirt.

The pattern is of course a downloadable pattern. You may also purchase the pattern for $12.00, but I don't see why you would. It's not a large pattern and it goes together quickly and easily. As you can see, there are only 4 pattern pieces. In the above picture, you can see the extension for the longer version that I cut off. This would be a great pattern for someone who is just learning to sew. There are 2 darts in the back skirt, but none in the front. The front and the back are cut on the fold and there is a side seam zipper. 

I lined my skirt. Something that I like to do when lining a skirt is cheat a little on the facing. I picked this up from a Threads article years ago.  

Cut the lining the same as the skirt. Sew the lining together and also sew the facing together at the side seam. Press under the lower edge of the facing 1/4". Place the facing on the lining, matching it along the waistline and the side seam.  Baste the facing to the skirt lining at the waist. Edge stitch the lower edge of the facing to the skirt. The lining will actually act as an interfacing behind the facing. This saves lots of steps and for the most part works very well.  

 The facing and the lining look clean and neat on the inside of the garment.

You can find the pattern HERE. I think you'll be just as happy with it as I am.
The skirt is a real winning combination, easy to make, goes together quickly, and fits well. What more can you ask from a pattern?!!