WARNING!!! This is a very, very long post....................

Is there anyone as undecided as I am in making a decision about what to sew? I seem to get hung up on the process all the way through. I can buy RTW without blinking an eye. I know what looks good on me, what fabrics I like, what goes together, but when it comes to sewing I freeze. This is how I end up stockpiling fabrics and patterns without sewing much of anything. I'm going to try to change this and unfreeze myself. Carolyn left a message stating she was going to be all over me like white on rice to be sure I work on this capsule. Thank you Carolyn, that's just what I need....keep kicking my butt!!!!

I think I've narrowed the fabrics down for my capsule. Of course I changed my mind about a 100 times and I may change it 100 more times before June 1st. Sigh....I don't pay attention to "signs", but I have to think all this indecision has *something* to do with being born a Libra.

For the moment I'm thinking of a retro 50's, summery, cotton capsule. After taking a good look at my closet I decided that I have enough navy, tan, beige and white for main colors. I have a ton of black also, but that is taboo for this capsule. ;o) One of the colors that is in short supply in my closet is red. (yellow is also in short supply, but I'm in a red mood) I did buy a red shirtdress recently and I love it. I also hit Ebay an bought a couple of pair of red shoes. Now I must add to my red palette. I also bought a red, patent handbag, but I'd like to make my accessory, if possible.

I'll post a storyboard when I make my decisions on patterns. I'm narrowing it down, but I'm not quite there yet.

These are the fabrics up for consideration: (of course they weren't in my stash. Thank goodness the prices for the cotton fabrics were more than reasonable on Ebay)

Cherries on white: 50's style sundress. Probably a modern pattern with a 50's "flavor".

Red polka dots on white and white polka dots on red: I'm torn between a flippy skirt and an A-line. I want to use both fabrics in the skirt. This decision will be made when I determine which jacket and top pattern I'll use.

Red fabric: possibly a jacket. I don't have a red jacket. I already own several white jackets and a couple of denim and several navy jackets.

White swiss cotton or a white eyelet cotton (not pictured, as I already have these in my stash): a top of some sort. This will have to be something that can be worn with the dress to comply with the rules of the contest.

Navy or denim: I still need to work these into the capsule.

Dress patterns under consideration are:

I'm totally in love with the Retro '57 pattern. I love the neckline and the full skirt. But if I make it, I'll feel like I have to put some type of crinoline under it. I really dislike the look of a big skirt just hanging there, without the support of a full slip. It reminds me of taking an 80's jacket and removing the shoulder pads, without altering the shoulders, in the hopes that one could get away with wearing it....not!! Although, (light bulb moment) I have an evening skirt which is underlined in tulle to give it body. Hmmm....maybe underlining in tulle and stiffening in the hem would keep it from just hanging there, then I wouldn't have to feel silly in a big, puffy crinoline. I'll have to give that some more thought.

Skirt patterns under consideration are:

Jacket Patterns under consideration are:

Top patterns under consideration:

New McCalls Patterns

Yes, I know you've all heard by now that McCalls has released their summer patterns. Just in case you'd like to check them out here is the link: http://www.mccallpattern.com/list/whats_new/page-1

Some days I'm very slow, so I just noticed this label today on the McCalls site. I'm very excited that both Simplicity and McCalls are trying to appeal to the younger generation and get them interested in sewing. If the economy keeps getting worst more people, both young and not so young, may need to learn to sew. That is if they want to keep updating their wardrobes on a regular basis. Now back to sewing as this is not a political blog. ;o)









When you view my favorites, keep in mind my eclectic style of dressing (on different days) It will be difficult for you to believe I do prefer the Corporate Business Dress Code for work when you see these. But since I work in a business casual a/k/a somewhat trendy, yet conservative, insurance company this is what happened to me. LOL!!!!

Cute dress, but a bit too young for me. However, cut off as a top it *might* work as long as it isn't too voluminous.
M5655
















This is a cute top, but why-oh-why would we want a top with buttons all the way up the back?? I had dresses like this in the 80's and it wasn't "fun" getting into them. I think perhaps making only the top 3 buttons as "working ones" could resolve the issue.
M5661










This is my absolute favorite top from the summer release. Of course I probably already own 10 versions of this from other pattern companies. LOL!!! I would make the blue, pink and red version as I prefer the smaller band.
M5662










These 3 jackets are cute for summer. Since I get warm so easily these days I'm not sure how often I'll wear a jacket, but they are cute. M5670 still looks more like a shirt to me than a jacket.
M5669










M5668










M5670










These were my favorite pants in the 70's and my 7 For All Mankind "Ginger" jeans look very much like this pattern. I'd say that's why I like it. ;o)
M5667
















Another 70's style I love and already have in my wardrobe. This pattern is a winter release. I will give these up kicking and screaming yet again when I no longer can get away with wearing this style. I know we should be ourselves, and not conform to what fashion dictates....but...what do you think about seeing someone with ginormous shoulder pads, obviously from the 80's???? Hmmmm???....... I rest my case. ;o)
M5592










Now onto the business look I love. I did purchase these 2 skirt patterns, which were previously released also. I haven't worn a pencil skirt in a couple of years, but now that I'm losing the extra 20 lbs I've been carrrying around I should be able to pull it off. I plan to make the red version, which hits the knee. The blue one is way too long and 80's looking for me right now and the yellow version has pockets where no pocket should be, at least not on this body.
M5590










I love the detail of the flippy back on this skirt. NancyW http://encue.blogspot.com/ used this pattern in her SWAP. She did a wonderful job sewing the skirt and it looks wonderful on her. BTW, check out her SWAP, in her blog, as she worked hard and did a great job!
M5523