Cheerfully Observing Thread

  How cool is this fabric?! At first glance, it looks grey and black striped, right? But look closely - it’s actually shot with shiny yellow threads in a complimenting pattern to the stripes. It was a remnant that came through my workplace, and I couldn't let it pass by.  There was just enough there to make this pencil skirt from an old retro Simplicity pattern (#2154, but I shortened it a few inches), and it's the perfect transitional piece for my wardrobe.  

  This is a “transitional” outfit I created for spring. You know, that time of year when you want to wear something new and bright, but the weather isn’t cooperating with your ideas yet? That can be a long season in this area of the Midwest, so I made this navy shirt and neutral cardigan to give myself  some new  wardrobe options. I used McCalls 7331 for the cardigan, and Butterick 6848 for the tee shirt (long-time standing favorite pattern for tees). Since they’re a little darker in color, I paired them with white jeans to lighten the look. I expect both the cardigan and tee will get lots of wear, together and separately this spring! 

As much as I admire it,  I am not much of a quilter at all.  But sometimes I find a smaller quilted project that intrigues me, and that is about the extent of my quilting abilities! I loved the idea of a larger tote bag for hauling things around, and the mini charm pack from Moda caught my eye (it actually took two packs to do the bag). I combined it with Robert Kaufman’s linen/cotton blend Essex line (in “flax”) and used Clothworks “Blush” for the lining. I looked at this blog to figure out the “on point” part, but once I saw how it was laid out, it was very easy. It’s been really handy so far, so I’m sure it’s going to see lots of use this spring and summer! 

  Anyone else ready for spring?  It's supposedly started a couple weeks ago, but March went out like a lion around here this year and April really isn’t quite warm yet. I made this zip up sweater to wear while out walking as the weather gets warmer (probably more in wishful thinking at the moment than anything else, since I'm still wearing a winter coat on the days I can walk outside)…  I chose the color because I wanted something bright, visible, and spring-like. At least I’ll be ready when it does come!