Ah...that new pattern smell.

I love new patterns. It gives me a little thrill each time I see something new that I want to make. With all the variety of things that I could make or buy, how do I decide? Of course I try to think of what styles would be most flattering on me and practical for my lifestyle, but I also try to focus on those patterns and things that make me gasp a bit when I first see them. A quick inhale of breath is a sure sign that I truly love what I'm seeing. While I may not make these ever, these new Vogue Patterns meet my requirements:

V8645

V1186

Of course, there are lots of patterns and things out there that make me gasp with their awfulness, but there will be no bashing on this blog.

A Poem for this first day of Spring

photo by Verago

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed---and gazed---but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth

Spring Wardrobe 2010 - Part 1

In addition to my cooking exploits, I am also an avid seamstress. I make many of my own clothes and try to make a few things for each of the children throughout the year. I learned to sew as a teenager and it has been a lifelong passion. I love the possibilities that are available to me as a seamstress. I can see something in a store or magazine and then make it myself (usually). I enjoy finding the perfect fabric and pattern combination. I like doing things with my hands: the making and the crafting. I enjoy the challenges and the sense of accomplishment I feel when I have created something beautiful that fits well.

Being a part of Pattern Review.com has been a great source of inspiration, encouragement and information as I work to improve my sewing skills. Each year, Pattern Review has sewing contests for its members. I have participated in a few of the wardrobe contests in the past couple of years.

Starting today, I will try to complete another that I am calling "A Complementary Capsule." I have one month to create four garments that can be combined to make four different looks. This is called a "mini-wardrobe." (I'll write more about wardrobe planning and sewing in another post.) My plan includes a jacket, mini-dress, pants and knit top. My colors include navy blue, dark denim, and coral (the thread color is called "flamingo" :) Love it!).



I have fabric and patterns for three of the garments and need to purchase the fabric for the mini-dress. My goal for this week is to get everything cut out that I can. I still have a pair of pants on the sewing table that I want to finish before I begin sewing anything new. We'll see how it goes.