Sorting Patterns and Fabric

 I've been sorting patterns, trying to eliminate old stock that may or may not have all it's parts, and may or may not ever be used again.  I just didn't have the heart to get rid of this one.  I bought  the pattern in 1988, and I've wanted to make it, but never bought the fabric for it.  That cape is just too much fun!  I simply have to have it! 
Then I was sorting the fabric I had set aside for pants, and I found this peice of navy linen.  Or linen like.  Plenty of fabric for the dress.  It is a little heavier than I'd like, but I think it will still work out just fine.

 It took me quite a while to cut it out because of my crowded sewing space and my lack of energy, but I did get it all cut.  I even did a mock up of the yoke to see that it would fit right.  Understanding all the parts was interesting.  I decided to eliminate the tie, but keep the cape. 

 I had the whole top done the first day, tried on and fitting just fine.  In this pattern, Simplicity added elastic for the waistline, which I don't think would have been done, but it made for simple construction.  Once I got the yoke and the cape eased together, adding the bodice was easy. 

 Of course adding the skirt was fast as well.  I'm really happy with the way that it looks.  I'm not sure I like the fit all that well, I think I'd be happier taking it in and adding a side zipper, so that the skirt fits tighter, so that will be the work of the day.  The dress will be ready to hem and I'll have yet another peice of fabric used up and no longer in storage. 

Ozzie had to guard the skirt while I was working on the top.  When I told her that she'd have to move so I could keep working, she was less than impressed with the thought of giving up her new bed.  Ozzie always has to lay on what ever it is that I'm working on, making sure she is as close as she can get to me.  Isn't that cute?




DO SOMETHING CREATIVE WITH THE MATERIALS YOU ARE STORING.  USE IT UP, MAKE DO, OR DO WITHOUT.

.... was going to be an afghan

 This jumbled mess was going to be a snowflake afghan.  It was going to be white snowflakes on this wonderful red background.  I found the free pattern at my local JoAnns, and again at  RedHeart.com, and got busy making oodles of white snowflakes.  I started actually, on my way to Jeremy's house and used the project for busy work while I was there, and on the way home. 

 By the time I got home, I had quite a few white snowflakes done, and was quite pleased with my progress.  And there came the problem with the project.  I have committed to not buying yarn until a HUGE portion of the yarn I have is used up, and there was not enough red to do the background.  I thought I would be fine working in multiple colors, but the design didn't show as well and the project was put away.  For months, it sat in it's bag, taunted me with it's ufo status.

Until I was going through a magazine and saw granny square scarves.  Well, of course!  Today I took apart the part of the second row that i had started, and added squares to the length.  It didn't take long before I had a good six foot scarf, ready to be blocked.  This first scarf has multiple colors in it, and looks like it is going to be very fun.  I'll either sell it, or save it for a gift.

The second scarf is going to be red and green.  Sort of Christmas-y, but it is what I have and it seems to be working well together. 

Again, either to sell or gift, this one should be done in just a couple of days.  There are two different white squares in the first scarf, but only one set in the second one.  When this one is finished, I have some tiny squares that I had started that I'll have to figure out what to do with, and maybe by next week "do something with the granny squares" will be marked off the list!  That would make me so happy.

DO SOMETHING CREATIVE WITH YOUR LEFT OVERS.  THE FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IS WONDERFUL.