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

New For Fall

 It has been an interesting week. My friend who died back in May, and for whom I am the executor of her estate, was cremated so thankfully there was no rush on a funeral service. Due to COVID, everything is a little more challenging, as we all know all too well. But, I knew that I would be coming to Colorado the 1st of October, and I knew that it would be much easier to have a service for her here. It was done on Wednesday, and although it was quite private, it was lovely. We were even able to have a Rosary said, so I was so very pleased. After the service, we went out for breakfast.

As I said, I have been in Colorado. The forest fires have been horrible, and we are in a county where they have been especially devastating. On Wednesday night, the night sky was aglow. So eerie. We prepared to evacuate. While many did have to leave, the fires never came this far east, so we were spared. What a year it has been!

As easy as it would be to look at all that is wrong in the world, I have decided to do my best and focus on all the good, and to also be all the more appreciative of all that I have in my life that brings me joy. There's my husband, and of course my little Mr. Berkley :), but also ranking near the top is sewing and creating. Such a wonderful gift!

A few weeks back, I shared my plans to make this March Tilton pattern, Vogue 9108. Bunny of La Sewista was so gracious to leave a message with a link to a post that she did on this pattern. You can find her post HERE. Her dress is simply gorgeous. By all means check out her post. And, if you do decide to give the pattern a go, she has detailed the changes that she made, so it's a great guide.     

Here are the fabrics that I will be using for my dress/tunic. I'm super excited!!! I absolutely love the 60s/70s retro print. The colors didn't photograph well, but I have a sheer green, and another green that's a little lighter that I will use. Then the blue will be an accent piece. The mustard polka dot fabric will also be an accent. I used the polka dot fabric for the t-shirt and leggings which I have already made. I think this is going to be such a fun project. 

    

If you were to look in my closet, you would most likely think that the last thing I need is a new coat. But, I really could use a basic black coat for the cool fall temps. I really like this Vogue 8862. Not sure if it's still available??? I purchased the pattern for view A and B, but I am going to make view C.

I bought this great piece of quilted black fabric. The face is a sueded like velveteen. The backside is a basic lining fabric. Since the fabric is quilted, and lined, I'll need to bind the seams. I have this cotton that has a white dandelion print that I thought would be fun for making bias binding.         

I need to get busy as it's almost the end of October!!! How can that be??? 

Hope you are finding a little joy in your fall projects :)

I'll be back tomorrow with a new edition of my 1 year challenge.

Have a fabulous day!!!

Rhonda