New fall patterns-a fat chick's perspective

I just finished looking at McCall's and Simplicity's new fall patterns. Besides the fact that it's June and hotter than hades here in lovely DC, they just didn't do it for me. First, McCalls. I saw a couple I thought were ok, but they didn't go above an 18. Am I going to do major grading up on a pattern I barely like? I don't think so!!! Next, Simplicity. I found one pattern I might buy if/when it goes on sale. They did a better job at sizing, but not by much. I sew because I have a hard time finding RTW to fit. Now, my choice of patterns is limited. Glad I already have a stockpile of them and don't care about wearing the latest trends! I know this topic has gone around blog-land a million times, but I'm mentioning it again in the hopes that someone from the pattern companies read sewing blogs...

This starting a new business is taking up lots of my time, so no sewing is happening.. Eventually I'll find balance...

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Yes, another non-sewing post. I am 50 today. Still having trouble wrapping my brain around that number. I can now join AARP and you know they sent me info already. Yet I don't "feel" 50....what is 50 supposed to feel like anyhow? I've already had one birthday celebration, when my mom, another sister and nephew were in town a couple of weeks ago. Another one today, with local family and the BF...someone better bring cake!!

In other non-sewing news, my business is now up and sorta running. I formed an LLC, will start working with one client next week, have another one in the pipeline and have let my contacts know so hopefully will get some business that way. Exciting and scary at the same time... But hell, if I can't take a chance at 50 to do something I've wanted to do for a long time, when will I take it? In case you're interested, I'm a cpa and I will be doing financial/accounting work for nonprofits. The nonprofit world is my passion, and I will get to work in it full-time!!

I'm hopefully going to get some sewing done this weekend....

They're like crack.....

These simple skirts are just addicting. I made another one last night, and I still have more panels.... On this one, I just made a simple casing for the elastic. It literally took 20 minutes to make, including pressing. The nice thing about being tall and fat is that I don't need to trim anything off the panels, so only had to sew one seam up the back and make the casing... Wore it to the dentist today, where I spent most of my day...sigh....didn't really want to spend close to $2,000 on my damn teeth while still unemployed..Will not be unemployed much longer - will save that for another post as the details are still being worked out, but I'm pretty excited about the next phase in my career! Now, onto the eye candy, front and back views on a hanger since I have no live-in photographer....



The front view



The back view


Happy sewing!!

Another skirt

I made another skirt, using one of the African fabric panels mentioned in my last post. I used an elastic waist technique from the Spring issue of Sew Stylish. I liked it better (on this skirt) than the exposed elastic, but think will use multiple channels as shown on an Anna Marie Horner pattern. Also cut out a muslin today for a more work appropriate A-line skirt. And have plans to cut out a couple of "wearable muslin" items...And I also washed up a bunch of fabric this morning...Will have to go out later today in our unbearable heat to go get a mammogram and a dexo screening...ah, the joys of being female and almost 50....Well, here are pics of the skirt, it's comfortable and cool, so plan on wearing it lots and making up a couple more!!!