Cheeky Checks

Hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas! We had a gorgeous green one....these pictures look as though they were taken on a lovely fall or spring day but they were in fact, taken just yesterday. It was such a beautiful and warm Boxing Day! Ahh...but that was yesterday...today I'm snuggled up by the fire watching the snow fall. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon either. 

I have had a black and white checked skirt on my list to make for quite some time now but really wanted it to be in made in a gorgeous taffeta. Yeah...couldn't find that. Not one to shy away from the drapery department...I snapped up this tabling. Yes, another tablecloth garment! My last one was super fun but has its limits to where it can be worn.

To make this skirt, I dug out my trusted McCalls 6706. This pattern is quick to make and always lets the fabric be the star. I widened the waistband like I always do and put a pocket in one side. This pattern doesn't have pockets but I always add at least one. 

I love this skirt paired with the black lace top and a pop of red in my favorite pumps. This will likely be the last time I can wear it with bare legs until spring but tights and a fitted sweater will look great too. 

I believe that a fabric's use shouldn't be limited to its label....a Christmas tablecloth jumpsuit may be a little over the top but I think there are lots of chic possibilities hidden in the drapery department. 

Do you shop the drapery section for your apparel sewing?

Merry Christmas All The Way

Every year our family has a Christmas party... a themed Christmas party. It all started with the ugly sweaters...but of course we couldn't leave it at that. We have had Redneck, Hawaiian Christmas, 80's...and so it goes on. 

This year's theme was "Fancy Pants", which left dressing open to one's own interpretation. Some dressed fancy...and wore their best fancy clothes and then some of us took it to another place and wore "fancy" pants. Obviously, that's where I took it....

There are lots of great...as in pretty... Christmas prints out there and I could have gone with one of those but where would the fun be in that?! The day before the party I bought this bordered tablecloth fabric and set out to make McCalls 6083. Pockets and all....yes I did...why?...you ask? Because I can. One of the best things about sewing your own clothes is...you can make ANYTHING you want. 

Initially, I set out to make just the pant portion of this jumpsuit but then decided to go all the way and make the entire jumpsuit. No reason to hold back. I had made this pattern before so I knew that I had to only lengthen the bodice and I added some length to the leg. I found my last one a tad too short with my heels. 

The only attention I paid to pattern placement and matching was the border...I do realize that I have some unfortunate holly leaf placement going on...lol. No one else noticed....and believe me...if they did, they would have told me! They are that kind of family.

It was a great party...I love you...my crazy fun family. (I'm tearing up as I write this...) Each of you is so special to me. I feel unbelievably blessed to share this life with you all. Thank you for the fun, the love, the shared tears, and the laughter. Oh.....the laughs!!! 

I love each and every one of you, with all my heart.

Wildly Neutral

Well, here I am again in another coat. 

But this time it is one made from the most luxurious butter soft faux suede I have ever laid my hands on. Seriously, the softest. I am pretty sure that real suede wouldn't be as nice and it is the same on both sides too! People! Do you understand that this makes the possibilities endless, endless I tell you!

One of those possibilities is fringe. 

(Cutting my own fringe still won't leave my brain. Fringe bag, fringe added to boots, fringe skirt, fringe...fringe..fringe ...fringe!!!)

 I found it at Fabricville and it comes in so many gorgeous colors that it was difficult to choose one. I went back and forth between the navy and the berry colors...many times. Now you are asking...." So why are you wearing a camel colored coat?" I couldn't choose so I went the complete opposite to what would be my typical move. Life calls for that sometimes. It was a decidedly good move... I think.

When it came to a pattern, I chose Vogue 9069. I have been eyeing up the relaxed, oversized coats that are on trend right now and wondered if  I could pull it off myself. I decided to go for it, seeing as I had already gone out on a limb and chose the camel color.

Now, you are probably thinking that I completely copied the model garment...well, yes I did but not intentionally. In the store, I flipped through the pattern books and landed on this one but the picture on the envelope is not the same as the model online and if she is in the book...well I didn't see her in her fuzzy camel bathrobe. If I did, I would have changed my mind. Guaranteed.   

This pattern is a Very Easy Vogue and it is easy.... if your sewing machine cooperates with you! Mine didn't. It was skipping stitches like crazy when I was trying to topstitch. I knew that my machine was long overdue for a tune up so off the repair shop it went. The next morning, the shop called and Andre, (aka sewing machine guru) told me that my problem with stitching this fabric was the needle I was using! WHAT!? That's it!? I needed a larger denim needle with this fabric because the fabric is spongy and closes in on the needle before the thread has a chance to catch. Problem solved. New needle paired with the walking foot and I was back in business. 

Note to self... replenish needle stash.

I love the look of the hood but in truth, I will likely never wear it up. If you have seen the model picture, you know why. It's just not a good look when the fabric drapes like this one does.

For the lining, I thought I would really step all the way out of my comfort zone and chose an animal print satin polyester. I NEVER wear animal print. Like. EVER. What is happening to me?

Well, you know what? I love it.

All said and done, I am really loving this coat and look forward to finding different ways to style it for everyday looks. I not sure that I am finished with this fabric and may head back to Fabricville for more. Black Friday's sale would be a good reason to make another fabric purchase...right? 

**disclaimer** Fabricville gifted the fabric and pattern of my choosing for this coat..wasn't that nice?! All opinions are my own...I have many. And there are no affiliate links in this post.