Hi peeps!  Last month on my Facebook page I briefly mentioned doing a haberdashery giveaway and it’s finally up!

I have an abundance of craft supplies–I could probably open a little shop!  Ha!  But a de-stash giveaway is more fun and just in time for holiday crafting.  Anyway, there’s new and vintage rick rack in red, white and green–in different sizes–red double fold bias tape, tiny red craft pompoms, a baker’s dozen of red/white striped twist ties and wooden spools (oh, and a Japanese squirrel paper clip thrown in for fun).

To enter just leave a comment and let me know what you look forward (or hope) to make for the holidays.  It doesn’t have to be craft specific meaning it could involve cooking, photography, etc.

Comments will close Sunday October 23rd, 10p PST. Comments are now closed. The winner will be randomly selected and announced  soon after.  Open to everyone.

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By the way, I LOVED reading your mischievous mouse stories on my last post!   I guess many of us have had such encounters or episodes of nearly losing something that left quite an impression.  It’s funny how the human mind works.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Because of our Labor Day holiday here in the U.S. I was able to finish up some sewing that has been sitting around since my last fall outfit post.

Once again, this outfit is 1930s-inspired; perhaps it’s vaguely Carnivale-esque?  The blouse is made up of a muted mint green shirting, off-white cotton-silk voile and embellished with a black silk satin ribbon bow (that’s pinned on and can be removed).  The skirt with large patch pockets is made from a tan/black/orange glen plaid.

The top pattern is McCall’s M5977.  Remember how I said I thought the armhole ruffles were weird?  Well, I decided to add them for this version but I redrafted the ruffles so they would be the least narrow under my arms (which is more flattering in my opinion).  I knew going in that this shirting fabric was not ideal for a pullover style top; it’s a little stiff and would be better suited to a button-down shirt.   I was stubborn and envisioned it being made into this very blouse anyway.  The shirt is meant to be tucked in so to reduce the bulk around my waist I added darts to both the front and back, keeping in mind that I still needed to be able to slip this on over my head!

The skirt fabric is a really soft cotton, not the wool you would expect.  (So soft in fact that Spoo Kee is sleeping on top of it as I write this.)  I kept the design really simple with patch pockets cut on the bias for a slight contrast.  The pockets are lined with self fabric that is cut with the grain (for stability).

For a bit of fanciness I lined this skirt with silk charmeuse.  I have to say, I love it!  By far so much nicer than polyester or acetate lining.  It feels like wearing a nightie underneath.  And yes, you may notice that I used a navy blue zipper instead of black.  That is simply because I had forgotten to get a black zipper and the fabric store was closed and I did not want to wait!  Ah, impatience.

Have you started your fall sewing yet?

Another summery project from my favorite skirt pattern, Simplicity 8418.  This pattern is just so good, the possibilities are endless.  (The green is not quite as vibrant as they are in these photos; it’s more like a deep grass green.)

Rounded pockets lined with baby blue and white gingham.

I’ve also converted a couple of vintage pillowcases into grocery bags.  I got tired of the green ones I had.  You know, the ones you get at the store, sometimes for free.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice that many stores offer those reusable bags but they aren’t exactly pretty or machine-washable, which is gross.  And who wants to hand wash their grocery bags?  Not me.

I’m ready to move onto fall sewing.  I figure if I start now I’ll actually have new things to wear in time for cooler weather!

Oh no, wait a second…I DO need 4 slightly used spools of almost identical shades of mint green thread.  Silly me!