We are just about 2 weeks into 2016 and I hope they have been productive weeks for you. I have 5 1/2 things made already, and 3 all cut out waiting in the wings. š I decided to cut out 5 things at a time this week and see how it went. I am well into 2016 but the outfit I am about to show you was made in 2015. I never really had the chance to write about it but it is one of my favorite makes from last year. (As evidenced by my banner!)
I made this outfit for my eldest daughter Kadi for Easter.Ā Ā I never got any other pictures but here is the skirt (shown with Cynthia Rowley’s 0574).
Originally Ā I was supposed to make a sunflower skirt but when I went to lay out the pieces on the fabric I realized I did not order enough fabric and had to put it aside. Kadi waited not so patiently – and I eventually got to it! (I am sure you know how that is!)
The skirt is super simple. 2 pieces and a waistband. The trick is in ensuring you have the correct size waistband and cut the skirt based on that. I tried to go by the sizing but you know how that is with the Big 4. I ended up measuring her waist and the waistband piece and allowed for seam allowances and went from there.
On the firstĀ skirt I put in the zipper and overlapped the waistband with hooks and eyes. Kadi did not like that feature so in the sunflower version I put in an invisible zipper. As you can see I had a tiny bit of trouble at the top but she likes it much better.
For the top I usedĀ Burda 6795 and a polyester knit. If you ever make this pattern watch the armholes! They were quite large and I had to make some changes to avoid the dreaded underarm bra visibility. Other than that, this pattern is another simple make!
Simple and wearable! Kadi has asked for a few more of these skirts. I guess I can work them in to the rotation!
I had a job interview on Monday. I am 99.9% sure I will get it. The job itself is going to be greatĀ but I am very depressed about the drive and it keeps me from being excited about it. I will be spendingĀ an hour on the road to get to work and an hour to get home. I know LOTS of people do this, but I have not had to ever drive that far for work. I wonder what it is going to do to my sewing life because I will be working, driving and sleeping during the week! Does anyone here drive that far? I am afraid I will hate my job because I dread spending 2 hours in the car!!
Anyway, because I figured I would be going back to work soonĀ I neededĀ to get organized. My brother was out of town and my youngest is back in CA right now so I had the house to myself! Woohoo!! I pulled all my stash out of the garage and took over the family room.
Step 1- bring stash inside.Ā
Step 2- dump it all out and organize by fabric type.
Step 3-Ā Count the pieces. I am so impressed by everyone that actually measures all their yardage but that bored me before I had even reached 17 yards and decided to just count the pieces. I have 231 pieces of fabric. Ooops.
I also found I had several quilts in progress I never finished. Like this “Lucky Quilt” I started a long while back!
And this Star Quilt I started in the 90’s!! I was not sure if I should keep it but decided some day I may want to finish it!
I learned I must have a thing for Rayon Challis…
And I have PILES of knits. Two containers are filled- one with solids and one with prints.
I am not sure what kind of a “stash goal” I want to make this year. I think I better wait to see how much sewing time I am going to have once I start my new job. But it is all organized and I am ready to “rock and sew!” The unmarked container at the top is the fabric I pulled out that I will keep in my sewing room and hope to use sooner rather than later. The rest went back to the garage.
Do you have any stash busting goals for this year?
~Laurie
~Listening to Brothers Osborne
Sew Exhausted 
Stunning outfit! Love the happy colours š ….oh what a bit stash you have!! …all the better to see with!! Hope the new job ( fingers crossed) doesn’t hamper your sewing too much š
Thanks! š I love the skirt too. Kadi has a gift for picking fabric! I am not ashamed of my stash. It is what it is and I have been sewing for a LONG time! I actually have a few tubs I had to leave behind in California- When I get those back I will be excited to see what I have! As for the job- I guess I may need to be a weekend sewer!
The driving does make for a long day, but hurray for a new job!
Thanks… I figure I will listen to books and podcasts and that will help!
Oy! I have not cut out ANYTHING this year. Not one little snip at fabric. I have, however, fixed some valances for a friend and ripped apart DD2’s Christmas dress, which I personally hated, and will fix that today, I hope! As for stash bustin’ plans…. that’s the only plans I have this year, apart from DD1’s prom dress (which I’m sure I’ll be shelling loads out for) and am super excited to make! I love your yellows and the sunflowers are so cheery!
Well it sounds like you are working on a mending- that still counts as sewing?! I have 2 dresses my middle daughter brought me to fix. They are still waiting! I should get on that! The prom dress will be amazing I am sure! I look forward to seeing it.
Love the outfit and the organizing is pure perfection!
231 pieces of fabric? That should keep you going for a while! The sunflower skirt and top makes a really pretty outfit – you have a fortunate daughter. And as far as a new job/long commute – you will make it work! Best of luck to you!
Thank you! I love the skirt and top … and I got the job! š
I love the sunflower print you used to sew this skirt! This looks like a great staple. I love the volume in the skirt. I may have to track down this pattern. š
Its an easy sew! You would look great in this skirt style! š
That skirt is a marvelous fit for your daughter, and wow what a fun, happy print! And your stash is enviable in its size and organization.
I’ve never had a long commute, but I know some folks who use that time to get mentally ready for the day, and then to decompress before arriving home. And it sounds like you’ll love the job! Keeping positive thoughts till we hear you’ve got for sure! š
Hi Jen.. I start Monday! And I am already planning podcasts and books to listen to. I just need to manage my home time so I can still sew and have a life! … My stash is actually missing 3 totes I left behind in CA. The funny thing is I even know some of the fabric that isn’t with me! Next time I visit I plan on bringing an extra suitcase and bringing some of it home! But before then I better get some of these sewn up!
Congratulations!! Good idea with the podcasts and audio books. You are going to be one busy lady!
Love the sunflower skirt! And yay for an organized stash!
My commute is about an hour and a half each way – so I spend nearly 3 hours a day in traffic. The worst part is that I know it should only take about half that because when I have to work on Saturdays or holidays when there’s no rush hour, I can get there in 45 minutes!
Hopefully, you’ll love your new job enough that the commute won’t matter as much – think about all the books on tape you can listen to!
Wow Brooke! That IS a drive! Yes, I am already perusing books! And podcasts! I start Monday!
Great new garments. I drive an hour each way. I still find time to sew, remember Nancy Zieman’s 5, 10, 15 minutes to sew.
Do you get bored when you drive?!! Yes, I have determined that I just need to be a better time manager! Thanks Lori!
Ooh, that sunflower fabric is PRETTY. I always drool over sunflower prints that don’t look country.
Great stash organization! I think my goal this year is going to be avoid buying fabric for at least the first half of the year. Of course, I’d also like to use as much up as possible, but we’re halfway through January and life has not let me sew a stitch! I told my husband that my sanity depends on getting some time in this weekend, so here’s hoping…
Good for you on the “avoid buying” goal… I know I would fail BUT I am going to do my best to use stash first! Hope you get some sewing time in this weekend!
My commute is 45 minutes (and within the same city!!). You can at least think about your sewing on the way to work and on the way back. And I am sure there will be a fabric store or two on your commute…!
Ha! True… I better map those fabric stores! š
Such pretty fabric. Nice work. I am glad your daughter is happy with it. My kids were never too interested in what I made for them. š
COnsidering I sew mostly for them I am glad they enjoy what I make… It can get troublesome tho! My eldest is always sending me pictures of things she wants me to replicate!
Now that’s quite the compliment… Pleeeease make this Mom!
Congrats on the new job!!!! Try to remember pay day, yeah focus on that and not the drive. Perhaps play something inspiring for you while driving. You know, doing something that will benefit you, motivate you so you won’t focus on the actual drive.
I purchased this pattern, nice to see it made up. It looks oh so comfy on your model too.
Thank you for this share. Made my morning.
Lyric
Thank you Lyric! Yes- I plan to subscribe to some podcasts… and maybe try Audible books! š
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I have the Simplicity pattern but haven’t found the perfect print to make it out of. Do you remember what kind of fabric the sunflower print was? It hangs exactly how I want mine to end up.
Hi Kalene… it was actually a cotton!