Don't Judge a Pattern by its Cover!

I'm in LOVE and who knew where it would be hiding?

V1141 is out of print, BUT still on Vogue's website AND a PR friend told me that occasionally their OOP's go on sale for $1.99!! I was able to snag this from a friend but you may want to watch for it for a buck 99!

Part of the stuffy ensemble below is this adorable knit top that will absolutely become my new T-N-TEE. I want to make one out of every color in my palette! I love it and everything about it. Little cap sleeve, forward shoulder with pleats, a little gathering at bust level both front and back, beautiful neckline...I simply love every aspect of the LOOK and the FIT is even better!

Seriously...who could look past all this wool to even notice this darling top?? Thankfully, I was able to stop dressing like this back in the 80's:

I have paired it with a sarong skirt from Butterick 4526 which is actually a bathing suit cover up that I stitched up the side to secure the wrap and was made from a 1 yard remnant of ITY knit. This is your basic 2 hour wonder...30 minutes for the skirt and an hour and a half for the top! Rotary cutter and serger...boom!

Okay...be brutally honest. Does this outfit look like it cost.....eh...I would guess $5.00...$7 on the high side?

My next order of business, after laminating with fusible interfacing to preserve it forever, is to draft a sleeve for my new T-N-TEE so it will be ready for fall.  Already bought the fabric for it!

Forever in Blue Jeans

When I was growing up not only were Levi's the only jeans available, they were MEN'S Levi's. Women's jeans were yet to be a glimmer in Gloria Vanderbilt's eye.

Levi's were sized by hip (actually men's waist size) and length.  There was a little leather tag at the waist that had your size on it for everyone to see. My size was 30-30. Why do I remember these things?

I recently told my sister I want to be buried in my favorite jeans. Morbid? I don't think so...I just want to be comfortable on the ride home!

I made Jalie 2908 and I finally understand what all the hype is about. Making your own awesome fitting jeans is pretty darn cool. This pattern has been reviewed to death so I won't bore everyone with that and will simply brag on my accomplishment and post some pics. Making your own jeans really does make you feel smart! And accomplished. I was intimidated by the whole process but took Jennifer Stern's Blueprint to Blue Jeans class on Pattern Review and taking it bit by bit it was actually very simple.

Side view and fit

Pocket stitching copied from favorite Jag jeans. Of course, I HAD to add something orange on the outside so this will be my signature "Levi's" tag!

Oak leaf brass button and inside waistband. Rivets will arrive tomorrow!

Inside pockets and fly shield...Swiss cotton (yum!)

I only have one potentially valuable tip I posted on my PR regarding fly zipper construction that might be helpful if you plan to make a pair. I'll be making MANY more!

Luxurious Stretch Silk Georgette

What a treat to sew on this beautiful stretch silk I got from Roz at Sew Much Fabric! I simply love this Burda wrap top and know it will become a repeater. March 2012 issue top number #121A.

Cute as pie and twice as easy! I did double the length of the tie ends...I had enough fabric and I wanted them to wrap around several times. This is a tiny little top...I won't be wearing it without a cami!

More details on Pattern Review.