Lessons learned...

I made this apron (B5263) in a couple of days, but what I've learned from making it will, I hope, last for some time to come. The first lesson is when you have fabric with a design in a particular direction, double check BEFORE you cut to make sure it's going the right way.  I was so happy when G Street Fabrics had this fabric in stock and I knew exactly what I wanted to make. Unfortunately, the first front piece I cut was upside down. Since it's a cupcake design, I couldn't pretend that no one would notice. Luckily, the store had a little over a yard left, so I bought the rest of the bolt. I have made aprons for other people, but I've never made one for myself, and I'm so glad I finally did it.

The next lesson for me is to have FUN! While cupcake-printed aprons may not be the latest fashion statement, this was such a fun thing to make and to wear. It's practical and utilitarian which means it might as well bring a smile to my face. While I'm not sure if this pattern is still available, I made View C. I like that there are abundant pockets for whatever you want. The tie is long enough to tie in the front or back. And the pattern is very easy to make. If you don't screw up like I did, it wouldn't take more than a few hours to complete.

Anyway, check twice, cut once, and have fun. Those are some pretty good lessons to remember.

It's Not Too Late...

I finally got around to making Simplicity 3754 in white like I had planned at the beginning of the summer. It's not too late for a white skirt. It's still warm and people wear white year-round. I made View D for this in a white stretch pique. I also lined it with a white batiste. The pattern doesn't call for a lining, so I sort of had to improvise, but I got it done and I'm happy with the results.

 This is a very easy pattern to make and there are a variety of styles to make. This is the kind of thing that I can see myself making again. I would love to do this in denim as well.

New Look 6356

I made this top a week ago. It's a very easy "2 hour" pattern of a basic top with different necklines and sleeves or sleeve-less. I need some more tops that aren't T-shirts, so I figured this would be a good one to have. It is very easy to make. I made view E which is with the rounded neckline. I used a cotton shirting fabric I bought last Spring from G Street Fabrics that I never got around to using. It's almost an eyelet-like fabric, so it's very cool and breezy which is great for the kind of summer we've had! This is a great pattern for someone who is either a beginner or someone who needs a quick project.

The only thing I might do differently next time is to decrease the width of the neckline. It is a little wider than what I'm used to. But, it is very comfortable as is.