The end of winter (sewing)

I'm done with winter. Yes, it has barely begun, but as far as sewing goes, it is OV-ER! I would have to have a very compelling reason to sew something that is not trans-seasonal at this point. After all, I started sewing for cooler weather after we returned from Florida (in August) and our cooler weather in North Carolina doesn't last that long.

This black corduroy has a pretty embroidered floral pattern and will be nice to wear to work until the weather gets a bit warmer. I'm not a huge fan of long skirts, especially since I am barely 5'5" and look taller with knee length or shorter skirts. However, I hate weather tights or hose, so if I want to wear a skirt in the winter...this is a better pick.

This one is made from Simplicity 1717, an Amazing Fit pattern. I made the slim cut version which was a perfect fit in my regular size - no alterations needed. I may not be thin, but I don't carry a lot of junk in the trunk so using the slim cut controlled the fullness at the hips (which I totally do not need).

I also completed a Vogue 8668 tunic with a beautiful Marc Jacobs cotton voile I snagged from a Fabric Mart sale earlier in the year.

This is another pattern that needed little alteration - sufficient room at the bust, my problem area. However, I added 3 inches at the waist in length in order to be sure my girls didn't pull it up.

This is also one of those trans-seasonal pieces due to the lightweight fabric and three-quarter sleeves, but the color is dark enough to work in winter as well.

A third item I made for myself since the holidays was Vogue 1326 - a color-blocked dress. The pattern didn't called for knits, but a nice stable ponte knit works for a lot of things - this pattern included.

The pattern called for wovens cut on the bias and included a lining. I lined mine with a thin light poly blue jersey, but could have probably skipped it due to my fabric choice.  Of course, this made me think about restocking my knit-compatible linings, so I purchased some nude jet set knit at Joann's this evening that would be ideal for lining knits as needed.

I also got a couple of colors of denim twill - bright yellow and hot pink - thinking casual skirts for spring plus some knits - a red floral ruffled knit and a white and navy stripe. As I was getting my fabric cut, I noticed this fun white denim with a multi-colored animal pattern. I got some of that, too. Why not? It's fun and it's a nice stretch denim.

Before I get to cutting any of that, though, I have a few things to sew: two denim skirts for Gracie - one aqua, one purple - from a McCall's pattern, and Simplicity 1783 out of this beautiful animal print. The pattern calls for lightweight wovens. I am going with a lightweight knit. This is a very fluid jersey and I think it will make up lovely. I also have enough of this gorgeous print left to use it in another project...possibly a nightgown.

Maybe tomorrow I'll get the top sewn (and my Christmas tree down!)...then it will be time to recap the sewing of 2012. It's been a very productive year and I plan to hit the highlights in my next post.

Happy New Year's Eve (and go see Les Miserables if you haven't - it's brilliant! I saw it for the second time tonight.)