Christmas is nearly here and it’s been a busy time. There were lots of things I wanted to make before going away, but, as usual, I’ve done some of what I want to do and run out of time for the others!
The first make after my last blog was a plain, black, straight skirt. The sort that will just sit and go unnoticed to be mixed and matched with lots of different tops. When we go away for Xmas I like to pack as light as possible because I need to fit all the gifts we buy here into the luggage – so it’s a plain black skirt, plain black trousers and plain black jeggings and leggings with a variety of tops both casual and dressy. I burnt my last black skirt on the iron and just couldn’t see another that was plain and simple enough for what I wanted. So, I used the simple black skirt from McCalls 5061:
…and made it with 1 metre of plain black suiting with a bit of stretch in it from Minerva fabrics. Cost me a mere £5.99 for the metre. They still have it but it’s getting low:
I half-lined it with a bit of black lining that I had in and I’m very pleased with the end result. It has been worn a few times already.
Very simple to make – it was done in a couple of hours. I really wanted to make the blouse for New Year, but ran out of time. I have the fabric, so maybe for next year….There was also a failed top which took me a bit of time trying to make it look right – without success, but never mind. I know what I did wrong so put it down to experience.
The next successful item was a dress that was done using the dress hack from the Laundry Day Tee by Tammi Bunch Meyer of Love Notions. I just love her patterns. So, so simple and so effective. You know when you find something that just fits you perfectly every time? I’ve made quite a few of her patterns up now and been pleased with every one. The fabric for this also came from Minerva. It has a gorgeous feel to it, is very easy to work with and is currently on sale at £2.99 per mtr.
Links to Love Notions and the Laundry Day Tee:
https://www.lovenotions.com/product/laundry-day-tee-xs-xxxl
I highly recommend this particular pattern. I’ve made 5 of these now. Three as tops to wear with leggings and capris and 2 dresses – one summer dress and this one. Easy to make and easy to wear. Dress them up or down.
Then it was back to postcards again. More birthdays to cover as well as the monthly ones for the group – November was ‘Something beginning with A’ and December is ‘Food and Drink’. A couple of Christmas cards (I don’t do many of those!) and some just to have in for when needed.
No sewing now – (well, apart from a bit of hand embroidery while watching tv) until after Xmas.
A Stitching Life 
What a productive person you are Barb. Love everything you have done. As you know I have never been a dressmaker but I am tempted to start with that gorgeous dress. How low is it in the front – does it shoot a lot of cleavage? 😁
I mean “show” not shoot but can’t edit!
Irene, no cleavage on show at all. It comes maybe 1.5″ below the collarbone? And Tammi has a tutorial on her blog (I think I’ve kept a copy of it if you need it) showing you how to do the cowl. It’s so easy. You do have to make the dress pattern from the top pattern though. Not difficult at all and she shows you exactly how to do it. You’ll just need some dressmakers tissue paper to work on.
Thank you Barbara, so interesting. Great for me as an actual dressmaker hiding in a group of talented quilters, shall look into the patterns, not heard of them b4. So thanks again, have good holiday with the family. Love Hilary
Thanks, Hilary. Have a great Xmas yourself. See you soon, Barb.