First Fabric Purchase for 2010

Earlier this year I listed goals and one was not to purchase fabric until June. Well, I managed to keep that goal. I didn't buy not one yard. It was easier than I thought it would be. I did look whenever I went to a fabric store or receive those emails for sales. It was fun go through what I had on hand. It also forced me to look at some of the patterns and pair them up with my fabrics. Or give them away. I did my first ever giveaway on my blog a few weeks ago and it worked out quite well. I hope to do that again in the future.
Here are the first two pieces I've purchased this year and they will be dresses. I haven't chosen exactly which patterns yet, but I've narrowed it down to three choices. If time permits, I will stop by Vogue Fabrics tomorrow, LOL. I've intentionally stayed away from there.

McCalls 6074

When I first saw this pattern on Faye's blog, I knew I wanted it. She talked about how easy it was to sew and how you could make 12 in a day (something like that) LOL. The pattern says it's a "One-Hour Dress". It's a pullover and has three length variations. An elastic casing detail below the v-neck. There are other options for trims and cap sleeves. It took me two evening to finish because I worked on something else prior to starting on this. But I love the simplicity of this dress and it will be great for the hot weather we are about to get this weekend. The fabric is a lightweight knit from Fabric.com that the oldest daughter didn't want. Remember, I haven't purchased any new fabric when I sewed this. (More on that later). But I'll probably make a few more of these dresses. That's what I love about reading other sewing blogs because I usually overlook something. Thanks Faye! (also, I don't know why this was underlined and in blue)

McCalls 4382

Another top from fabric that was given to me. I'm not sure if this pattern is still in print. Probably not since it's been in my pattern collection for quite some time. But it's an easy project that can be finished in an afternoon or evening. I made View A with a v-neck and long sleeves. The neckline has facings. Not anything complicated here. I hemmed the sleeves and the bottom of the top by machine. The fabric is a lightweight crepe. The photo of the top itself isn't a good one. When I showed this to my daughters over the weekend, the one who gave this fabric to me said that I was supposed to make things for her from the fabrics she didn't want! HA! Maybe I'll let her borrow it, LOL

OOP Butterick 3431

I've had this pattern for many years. It's a very easy style and I remember making the sleeveless top and pants in a similar color. The top is loose-fitting, has side slits and a narrow hem. The pattern called for shoulder pads which I did not apply and it has tie ends for the closure. The pants, which I did not photograph, are wide legged and an elastic waist. The fabric used is from my collection. It's a rayon twill that I purchased many years ago from Walmart in Grenada, Mississippi. They used to have really nice fabrics there whenever we in town to visit family. I could load up on some good pieces. The plan was to wear this outfit two weeks ago when my oldest daughter took me to an Erykah Badu concert in downtown Chicago. Well, in my usual "last minute decision self" on what to wear, I didn't have the time to finish it for that occasion. Ready for my next event!

Simplicity 2636

Pattern Description: Women's pants, skirt and shirt with sash. I made the shirt-View A. The front and collar are all one piece. There are upper & lower back pieces that have pleats that meet when sewn together which give a little shape to the back. The sleeves for this version have bands that when applied to the sleeve form a vent.

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? No dislikes. I've had the pattern for awhile and finally got around to it, LOL.

Fabric used: A rayon print that my daughter (the one who does not sew) gave to me.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I plan to make the sleeveless version. I do recommend it.

Conclusion: I like the easy styling of this pattern and that it could be sewn with no major changes. It'll look great with slacks or a straight skirt.