I have been stashing fabric and projects like the end of the world were coming or something. Seriously.

I decided it might be best if I document them all here and make a list to prioritize what needs to get done first and what I want to get done next. I need to throw a couple in there that if I don’t do them now while the idea is fresh in my mind, I will put aside and they probably will never get done.

Project 1: This little project must be put at the top of my list because it is for the theater. My friend is directing a show now and needs two old fashioned aprons for two characters. And even though I auditioned for the part and didn’t get cast, I’m still willing to make some costumes pieces for him. That’s how much I love him and this theater. I should be able to knock these out relatively quickly once I get the pattern traced and the fabric cut.

Project 2: This is one of the “need to do before I lose my motivation” projects. I got the idea that the dogs needed some kind of mats for their crates this winter. But I knew that if I put anything with padding or stuffing in there they’d just tear it up. Plus I wanted something easy care and washable. I got the idea to get a heavy denim and machine embroider their names on it and then “quilt” it together with a fleece and bind or serge the edges to finish everything off. I wanted to do it before our trip last weekend but didn’t get time. I’m hoping that if they have warm, cozy blankies in their crates they’ll get off my bed, but who am I kidding?

Project 3: This top kind of needs to be made by Saturday so I can wear it to work. We are having an Event at the store and I am giving a Power Point presentation on Trends in Garment Sewing. Of course I am trying to promote the apparel fabrics that we sell, etc. so I want to make a top out of this fabric we carry and wear it with my jeans. I know this pattern can be sewn up really quick and I already have it traced off so I should be able to whip it up some night this week. This fabric is also perfect for making Infinity Scarves, which I did out of the black/grey/silver color of this fabric.

Other Projects and/or Stash Fabrics: I added a bunch of miscellaneous cuts of fabrics that may or may not get sewn into something anytime soon. How’s that for non-committal? Here they are in no particular order.

This is more navy than it appears in the photo. Just a misc. jersey knit I grabbed on sale. Will probably become one of my TNT knit top patterns before the winter ends.

This sale knit is still in my stash from late summer. I now need to decide which of the DVF inspired wrap dress patterns I’m going to use to make it. Both get mixed reviews on Pattern Review. I had hoped to make it to wear in Florida but didn’t get it done so now it goes back onto the shelf for a while until I get time for it. This will pretty much be a hopefully wearable muslin unless I get really lucky with fit. It was super cheap fabric so no harm, no foul either way. Any readers have experience with either of these patterns and want to weigh in with an opinion?

More super cheap single knit from Fabric.com. No plans for this, just wanted to see what the fabric was like since it was so cheap. Will probably make a quick draped neck sleeveless top out of it for summer at some later time. I’m sure the fabric won’t hold up to much wear so I’m not investing much time with it. The color is a really pretty apple green anyway.

These are both polyester ITY knits. The print on top is cool but what doesn’t show up in photos is that it has a “sparkle” to it. I don’t have any set plans for it. I’m sure once warmer weather gets here the colors will inspire me to make something fun out of it. I bought 2.5 yards of it so I have enough to make a dress, maybe another DVF inspired wrap if I am successful with either of the above mentioned patterns. It would also work well in KS 3658.

The deep burgundy ITY is very nice and I’m sure it will become either a dress or top. The two fabrics do coordinate so I’m thinking I may make simple tops and elastic waist A-line skirts that I can mix and match as separates or wear together for a dress look.

The last pile of stash and new projects deserves a post all its own. I have another sewing Mt. Everest to climb and that is Swimsuits. I’ve been stashing patterns, books and fabrics of the lycra variety lately. Stay tuned for that! But right now I’d better get actually sewing, or at least tracing and cutting or I’ll never get through all these projects!

Misses’ top, tunic and dress: Semi-fitted, wrapped sleeveless top A, tunic B, and A-lined dress C have collar, attached tie ends and narrow hems. I made View A, size 18.

Pattern Sizing:
FF (16-18-20-22) I made 18.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes: The wide portrait collar adds a nice feature to a basic wrap pattern. I also like that the front is a full wrap and isn’t too low cut. The straps are nice and long and leave enough for a nice bow.
Dislikes: None really.
Fabric Used:
Momo by Moda quilting cotton. I wanted to try the shirt length in this pattern before committing to the quantity of fabric needed for the dress length. Even at the short length it takes a lot of fabric because of the size of the collar. I had this fabric in my inventory and I liked the color.  (My daughter doesn’t like it because I used this fabric to make her a pencil case last fall and now that is what she associates it with! LOL)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None. The only slight alteration I made was to pull the inside edge of the bodice up about a 1/2" at the shoulders to try to circumvent any gaposis.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I like the pattern and do want to make the dress. I just need to find the right fabric.
Conclusion:
Cute wrap pattern. Pretty easy to sew. Takes a lot more fabric than you think it will because of the size of the collar and the flair of the peplum. I had to piece my fabric for one of the front "skirt" pieces because I was just a bit shy of enough to cut it whole.

I didn’t make as many gifts this year as I have in some years past but I did manage to get a few things done.

I haven’t managed to post about Steve’s wine making attempt this fall. Someday I’ll try to get him to sit down and help me type up a post about the process. He inherited his Italian grandfather’s grape press and it has been in our garden gazebo serving as an interesting conversation piece for a few years now. This year everything came together where he had the time, the motivation and the resources to make his own wine in the tradition of his Grandpa Vito.

A couple weekends ago it went from cask to bottle and last Saturday I helped him print up labels. Last night was our annual neighborhood Christmas Walk/Party. I made Holiday Tea Towels and used them to wrap bottles of wine to give as hostess gifts.

After the jump I’ll show you what I made for my Mom and my mother-in-law….

DON’T PEAK MOM!
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