Dog Days of Summer

So since the last post, I've been working to get myself back in the saddle of dressmaking.  I've made it a personal goal to make at least one thing a week and I've accomplished that.  As I read somewhere, I try to do at least 30 minutes each evening.  I keep my sewing machine ready and waiting and I can watch my shows.  I've never been one to just watch tv-I often read a book or cross stitch because it seems idle just watching tv.

Sew (so) what have I been working on?  I've really enjoyed making McCall's M5882, which is a sweet little summer dress that works really well with some of those fabulous quilting cottons.  I made two dresses with quilting cotton and they came out beautifully.  I'll post pictures later. 

I also made a cute wrap skirt and attempted to make a pretty little top, but somehow the measurements were much smaller than it says.  The blouse is more tight fitting and bunching in the back.  I'm sure it's my fabric choice. 

I am always trying to guess fabric choices.  Cottons are fairly simple, but then I'm not sure what works with what.  I try to follow the suggestions on patterns, but they aren't always that clear.  I would love to sew with some print jersey, but it's hard to find here in Oklahoma.  If you are quilter, there are lots of selections.  Dressmakers have to look harder.  But we did just get a new JoAnn's and my selection has expanded.  I guess people don't sew much here because the stores are full of polyester and lots of plain jersey, but I love a good print.

Tomorrow I start back to university which is a long time coming.  I'm hoping that I can get more respect from peers by doing so...

Anyway this weekend, I made up a top for my OU daughter, she wanted a rust colored linen with crochet trim.  The style was peasanty.  Well, it's finished but looks costumey, not what she imagined I'm sure.  It feels too stiff and doesn't drape.  I think a rayon would have been nicer, so I will keep looking for a soft rayon in the same colore.  Again, I'll post pictures for the blog tomorrow.

So that's all for now.  I'll post the photos and keep on sewing.  Now that I'm kind of hooked again.