Dusting Off The Sewing Machine

I’ve dubbed 2018 ‘The Year of Creativity’. Now that Justin’s graduated from college, I don’t have to work as hard at DayJob(s) and have more free time (whatever that means). I’ve learned that I function best as a human being when I’ve got some creating to do. I’m hoping to focus more of my ‘free time’ to do more creating. For me, creating means that I’m MAKING. Making could be making a meal or doing something with my hands like knitting, painting, crocheting or sewing. So I’m dusting off the sewing machine – bound and determined to add to my wardrobe.

On a particularly crappy recent February Saturday afternoon (meaning gray and snowy) I popped into my local Joann Fabric store. It’d been a while since I looked for patterns. Yikes! They are expensive!!!

Thank goodness I happened to catch a McCall’s pattern sale. Patterns regularly $19.95 were only $1.95. I snapped up FOUR!

McCall’s Pattern 6964

McCall’s Pattern 7408

McCall’s 7681

McCall’s 6102

Each pattern will fill a gap, or in some cases, be a staple piece in my wardrobe. I have been looking for a tunic pattern for a loooong time and think that #7408 will work perfectly as a tunic. I picked #6102 because I live in t-shirt dresses in the summer. To me they are way more comfortable than shorts. Depending on the fabric, and the shoes you pair with them, you can have a super casual look or a sophisticated dressy look. I think this pattern could also work as a cover-up.

One of my favorite dresses in my closet is a sheath with a flounce sleeve. So I bought #7681. I can make this dress for formal occasions AND it works for woven and stable knits too so this can be a great year-round work dress too.

I decided to start with #6964. Don’t laugh but finding a simple knit top that isn’t too t-shirt-y (is that a word??) is a challenge. This pattern comes with scoop and v-neck options and it can be made sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve or with long sleeves.

I found a really nice black rib knit and a heather grey knit. I’ve cut out the pattern and pre-washed the fabric.  I think I’m going to make the black one with a scoop neck and 3/4 sleeve.

Stay tuned . . . I’m about to start creating!!! Can’t wait to begin.