My First Purse

Believe it or not this is the first purse I've ever made. I guess that's not exactly true I did make my knitting bag but I had a lot of help from a friend so this is the first purse I've made solo. It's Simplicity 5541, I think this was in the PR gift bag from last year because I don't remember buying it. It's a very simple pattern and thank goodness for that because my first attempt was with Butterick 5475 which had about 9 bazillon pieces and was an epic fail.

 Finally finished my skirt

 and sweater, can't wait to wear it. Back view.

 Front view.

I took a vacation day and spent the entire day sewing, pure bliss. I haven't had an entire sewing day in quite awhile, I hope this means there will be a lot more of it this weekend.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend.

She's just so darn cute

 I had my DD try on my Vogue cross bodice top and well it went home with her. I really didn't mind at all she looks adorable in it and I can make another one for myself.

Home stretch on the yoke leaf top. Very happy with the way this is going.

 I followed several other Raverlers tips and opted for the lace trim on the bottom instead of the hem. I took a lot of cues from Kay at The Sewing Lawyer. I loved her sweater and pretty much copied it, they say it's the sincerest form of flattery. I still have to finish the armholes and neckline and block it.

 I knew I wanted to make something using this fabric to go with the sweater. I purchased this pique fabric from Hancock's about two summers ago. The grey goes well with the sweater. The pattern is McCalls 5523, view B. This is the third time I've made this skirt, the only thing I did different was lengthen it about 3 inches. I love the other version of this skirt but I hate that it rides up when I sit down. I still have to add the facing and hem the skirt.

I have to share my invisible zipper, I've been sewing for 20+ years and this is the first time that I'm extremely pleased with my zipper insertion.

 And it's all because of this inexpensive notion that I never thought to purchase before, duh. I always used the zipper foot that came with my sewing machine but it was woefully inadequate. If you don't have this buy it you won't be sorry.

 Great skirt pattern.

 I hope everyone had/has a great weekend. Happy sewing.

Third Times the Charm

 McCalls 5384, I'm sure this is OOP. I guess you can tell it's one of my favorite summer tops, I've made one every summer for the past 3 years.

 I found this sheer leopard print at Hobby Lobby for $2.00 yd and knew I would make this years version.

The first time, Summer 2010.

 

Second time, last summer.

The leaf yoke top is coming along nicely, after frogging the yoke about 5 times I finally got it right.

The yarn is Caron Spa, I love this yarn. I've made two tops out of it. You do have to be careful because it tends to split but the finished result is well worth the effort. The other two tops I have wash and wear beautifully.

 

It's a beautiful day so I'm going to make time for some outdoor fun. I hope everyone has a great weekend.