Attempt to Rush In

So my first piece of clothing will come from this pattern, a Butterick coordinates set.  I chose the long dress version for a couple reasons.

1.  I wanted something easy to throw on in the morning.
2.  I wanted something that I could comfortable wear inside our outside.  I think I already scare the neighbors enough.
3.  Pockets.  I hate carrying a purse.
4.  There is no 4.  Just checking to see if you're paying attention.

I've had the pattern completely cut out since at least July.  And it sat.  2011 got in the way.  I also didn't have the right fabric picked out.  Now I do.  I bought some light blue quilting fabric with bird silhouettes on it several months ago with the intention of making a bathrobe.  I thought that it might make a nicer dress.

I cut out the fabric with the aid of my loyal cat Elvis, who decided that it was time to play with his toy mouse as soon as I laid everything on the floor to start working.  We have a mutual understanding.  I try to work, he tries to make sure I don't work.

So everything is cut out and marked.  I'll be sewing tomorrow.  I need to pick up some seam binding for the neck and armholes and get my eyes checked.  That part has nothing to do with the sewing, I just need new glasses.

I like to use french seams, particularly when I'm working with stuff that easily unravels or is not encased in a lining.  I have a regular old sewing machine, so serging is out of the question.  That's okay though.  French seams make me feel uppity.

That being said, things must not get done.  Like feeding the cat.  So he leaves me alone.  Maybe.

Taking Inventory

I decided to jump into this project knowing that I had a few things that I could wear until I got my wardrobe up to snuff.  Those 'few things' turned out to be a few shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of pants from my Halloween costume, a zipper hoodie, a couple tank tops, and my night-shirt.  And, of course, several Halloween costumes that I probably wouldn't wear in public.  Although some people would probably enjoy seeing me wear my pirate coat regularly.

My better inventory involves all the fabric I bought on clearance knowing that someday... someday... I would make something awesome with it.  And my box of patterns that I knew... someday... someday... I would make these awesome pieces of clothing.

That someday is here, dammit!  I won't let all these things sit in the attic and taunt me any longer!

I have some fabulous Spiderman licensed fabric that would make a great button-down.
I have denim and bottomweights to match with a pattern for jeans.
I have a ton of clearance knits for shirts, loungewear, workwear, and activewear.
I have some suitings just in case I need to go to yet another funeral.  (srsly, I went to three last year)

Sometimes planning is just so easy.  Time to get DOING!

Obligatory First Post

Disclaimer:  I am not a great blogger, judging by the previous ten blogs I thought would be a 'really great idea!'  I just want to get that out of the way now.  Trying to identify and then quantify passion can be difficult since I do so many things.

I came up with a personal challenge for 2012.

I will only be wearing clothing that I have made myself (or the occasional item hand-made by a friend).

On January 1st, 2012, I will be putting away everything store-bought.

There are a few things that are not being counted... at least for the first six months:
Undergarments and socks
Outerwear (it's COLD here...unless we have an unusually warm November... like now)
Some activewear

Getting started now might not be a bad idea... otherwise I'll be stuck with a pair of shorts, a tank top, and a pirate coat on the first of the year.