I was all set to cut and tape my Itch to Stitch Lisbon Cardigan. You probably know the one. Almost everyone has already made one!
I was all set to cut out this beautiful knit print that I purchased last August. Yes, it’s a few months old, not my oldest fabric though! This is called a Topaz Print – 85% polyester, 10% rayon, 5% spandex. I have high hopes for this combination of Lisbon Cardigan pattern and fabric – hopefully this project turns out so well I will never purchase another knit cardigan again – another win for my RTW fast!
Then I realized that it is February … and February is popping over at “Elizabeth Made This” because it is time for her Day and Night Dress Challenge, Coffee & Cocktails edition! #dayandnightdresschallenge on Instagram @elizabethmadethis
Now I failed miserably at #2017makenine, having only completed one dress and one pair of pants and my #DESIGNINDECEMBER garment. That’s only three out of the nine in 12 months! This time I hope I have put my attention to a Challenge I can complete – not 9 preplanned garments in 12 months but something for my short attention span – 2 preplanned garments in one month. Can I do this?
After a weekend long search through my pattern and fabric stash I have settled on this New Look pattern, view B, for my Coffee Dress. I can always wear a Lisbon Cardigan over it if it gets chilly!
I have my Coffee Dress fabric chosen, 100% rayon. When I showed my 89 year old mom my plans, she made a face like this 🙁 then she muttered something about liking “dresses with shape” and she quickly moved on to something else. I didn’t have a chance to tell her that I was making the belt too out of a solid black fabric. Hopefully, in the end, this dress makes me, and my mom, happy 🙂
Strangely enough, for my Cocktails Dress I am back to this pattern. One of my #2017makenine choices that was never made … but now’s my chance!
This dress is not as simple as my Coffee Dress, but it’s going to be fun piecing together all the smaller contrasting pieces to make the front and back. Cap sleeves again as I am not sure how much fabric I have.
Speaking of which, I think these two fabrics have been in my stash since December of 2014 – seriously! I love the pixelated flower print of this Brazil Stretch ITY Jersey Knit – 94% polyester 6% lycra. The flowers almost jump out at you.
I spent a lot of time planning which patterns and fabrics I should use from my stash. I set about tracing my pattern pieces as I have gotten into the habit. Leaving for a minute to get something I came back to a lump in the middle of my pattern tissue …
On closer inspection I found Sophie’s butt. Now isn’t this a new trick?
Yes, it is you I am talking to!
Come on out now, gently please!
And she did. Only to have my Big Old Monster, Simon, climb on top of my other neatly folded pieces.
And sometimes I wonder why it takes so long for me to sew something up!
Happy Sewing!
STASH BUSTING WITH THIS PROJECT? None yet … but it is going to be epic! (still 145 meters remaining!)
Cats eh? What are you gonna do! Lol!
I really like your challenge choices Linda and I look forward to seeing them. The pieced cocktail dress pattern looks interesting and intriguing. Guess the Lisbon can wait 😉
I find it so difficult to make things wait! I guess that’s why RTW is so popular – instantly you can have a dress and cardigan to wear together … I need more sewing time! 😂
Good luck cutting out!
The dresses & fabric look grand – will look forward to hearing how they’re coming along, particularly that second one.
I love the colour patching on that one dress! I saw a photo of a dress 👗- off shoulder, long full skirt, similar to the emojis – made from small quilt squares. Although it looked like she was wearing the quilt from her bed, it must have taken forever to sew up!
Cannot imagine doing enough quilting for such a dress!
Yes it looked like more work quilting than it was making the dress!
Hope your pattern is easier!
These look like garments that suit both your body type and your personality, can’t do better than that! Looking forward to the finishes. 😄
Thank you Kathy! Hopefully it’s all smooth sailing from here!
That pixelated floral is so pretty – I’m sure the dress will be lovely.
Good luck with your sewing plans. I’m sure the cats will keep you on target 😂
It’s a long weekend this weekend (Monday holiday) so I’m hoping to get a lot done (despite the cats)! 😂😁👍
I have no idea how you get anything done with Sophie and Simon “helping” you so much 🙂
They are so distracting! Good thing they are so cute too!
I love that floral! Looking forward to seeing your dresses!
Thank you! 😁
Time to put those cats to work. Not quite sure what they can do to help but they have a lot of enthusiasm. I love your material choice for your cocktail dress and knowing your mom I think she will love your coffee dress with a belt.
Yes! I think a good belt will be just the right thing!
Your cat is so cute and very funny! Love you choices for the day and night challenge. Would love to do this challenge too but not sure I will get them done with other sewing plans.
I know it’s a tight squeeze getting it done in time but I do need dresses!
You’ll do it!
😁👍
I love the style of both of your dresses and especially love the fabric for the coffee one. Cats are hilarious when they try to “help”. Mittens was helping fluff up sofa cushions the other day. They do make me laugh and yours are very cute. Xx
Thanks! 😂 every day it is something new with cats! 😻
Nice dress choices!
Thank you! It’s going well so far!