. . . from the blog, that is. I'm still here, still sewing, and still aspiring to be a participating member of the wonderful online sewing community. I see that I took a long break from October to January last year as well, which makes me wonder a bit. Seasonal inertia?
Anyway, we had some snow yesterday.
(A potting table and a barbecue grill lurk somewhere deep beneath those humps.)
It looks impressive, but the truth is that the very cold temperatures made the snow so dry and light that it was not a disruptive storm here in seacoast New Hampshire. No trees or branches down, minimal power outages—just find a place to put all that snow and you're back in business.
So, in late fall I made a blouse and skirt that I am happy with.
The blouse is my second version of Vogue 8535, which has unusually shaped pieces that are quite gratifying to put together. Look at the line drawings, not the odd renderings on the front of the pattern package, to get the idea. Those curved seams along the bottom of the sleeves are even more extreme than in the line drawings, though, and had to be trimmed back.
My first version of this blouse is unblogged, but I did post a pattern review, and this photo featured in Me Made May last year.
The new version is in a scrumptiously soft black wool-and-Tencel blend from B&J Fabrics. The black doesn't show the details well in my photos, but I think this blouse is a good use of the fabric and will go with, um, pretty much everything I have that can be worn with a blouse.
The skirt is (another) Vogue 1247, but with something like 10 inches added to the length(!). As detailed in this post, I had to make a few changes to the skirt after I thought it was done, because of the thick, stretchy fabric I used, but eventually I got what I wanted.
Oh, I have been away too long! I can't wait to take a look at what all my many favorite bloggers have been doing . . .
A couple of notes today:
Internet: Check out scoutingny.com. This blog is a real treat for anyone who loves New York City half as much as I do.
Some family real estate for sale: My remarkable mother-in-law (or belle-mère, as she prefers, for obvious reasons), Danielle, wants to move on from her cave home in an isolated but beautiful part of Spain. A reporter from the International New York Times (formerly the International Herald Tribune) contacted her, wanting to do a feature on her home. She never asked how they found out about her, because that's just how she is. I wish they had included more photos of her really very beautiful and unusual home, but here's the piece.
Skirt and top look great!! This is *the* skirt from before right? Where you had to change the pocket lining? If so, it looks fantastic. And such an interesting article about your mother-in-law's house! I wish they had posted more photos too!
ReplyDeleteWe need to get together soon...I will shoot you an email. Big things on the horizon :)
Great to hear from you, Maggie! Yes, this is the troublesome skirt. I'm still not head over heels, but it's better than before and I will make some use of it. I'm intrigued by your last comment: Could you be going ahead with the venture you mentioned when we had coffee? Or have you had some other great idea? Either way, I can't wait to find out and I will be there!
DeleteIt's nice to see you again, Patricia! I really like that skirt and top. Are the pockets like that in the skirt pattern? The top definitely looks better in person than in the drawing. And as for the snow, I'm surprised you're not on a plane to camp out in the cave house for awhile. I would be!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to hear from you, Julie! While apparently absent from the blogosphere, I have in fact been enjoying your adventures, Golden Globes commentary, sewing tips, and everything else you throw out into the world. I loved your preview of the Hollywood Glamour exhibit and will be getting down there soon.
DeleteThose blouses are beautiful! I don't know what it is exactly...but I just really like that pattern and your tops. If I ever see that pattern for sale I'm going to buy it :)
ReplyDeleteAnd what an interesting cave house - it does look so sunny too, which can't be easy in a cave.
Thank you, Carrie! I know you appreciate a good top--you have made so many.
DeleteI do like the pockets on the skirt, but how short must it have been in the first place if you had to add 10 inches...!!
ReplyDeleteWe had half a centimetre of snow here (north London) about a week ago. Lasted a few hours, but it is cold (our pond has been frozen for some time).
Please keep up the sewing and blogging; I now have a 4 week old baby (Thomas) and am sewing vicariously through others... What is "our" next project?!
Will you MiL move to the US or stay in sunny Spain? Shame there are no more photos in the news articles.
It's nice to hear from you, Claire! (And yes, pretty much everyone I know of who has made this skirt pattern has commented on its shortness.) I'm delighted to hear about your baby son--Congratulations! I've been thinking a lot about motherhood (or parenthood, really) lately, now that our guy will be going out into the world on his own before long. Having a child is such a life-transforming event--not necessarily easy, but always enriching. Enjoy your every moment with Thomas.
Deletewhat a lovely ensemble! of course I love that skirt! and the blouse is rather gorgeous. I never would have picked it from the pattern envelope, thank you for showing it's real-life loveliness. I enjoyed the article on your mother in law's house, just wish there had been more photos!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad to hear from you, Carolyn! I know you like this skirt pattern: you have made so many great versions in delicious colors. I think the proportions are better when it is still well above the knee, as in your makes, but I'm finding it very wearable at this longer length.
DeleteGreat looking garments...!!!
ReplyDeleteI am adoring her dress – so simple, yet so elegant! And the summer camp theme has so much character, I love it!