I mentioned that I had put a couple of pattern books together to keep track of my collection. This one has a copy of a vintage pattern by John Kloss on the cover. I'm hoping to use this pattern as an experiment for pattern grading since it is two sizes smaller than I wear. I copied each pattern cover and then the pattern back and then sorted each of these in catagories such as shirts, pants, skirts, dresses etc. The books are small enough that I can carry them in a tote when fabric shopping.

I have a pretty good size collection of sewing magazines also that I organized and copied the Table of Contents from and now have these in binders to help me locate articles in the future. I played around with an excel spread sheet to track these also. Can you tell I love to be organized?

It was a little harder than I thought, getting this blog off the ground. The original project I had in mind, V8390, is a pretty easy vogue pattern that I thought I could turn out in an afternoon with some of my already on hand fabric stash. As it turned out, the front is fully faced and that meant it needed almost 3 yards of knit fabric. Nothing I had was suitable, I usually pick up 1 1/2 - 2 yards of knits, thinking tank or tee when I buy them.



This led me back through my pattern collection to see what I could make with what I had on hand, until I could go shopping. I came up with one of Christina Jonson's Patterns called Base Wear Two. I chose the sleeveless turtleneck. I love these and usually have quite a few in my closet in different colors. This one I made in black to replace one that has faded over time. It gave me an opportunity to try out Christina's fit (the arm hole seemed quite large and had to be adjusted for my size), and to use a twin needle finish. Remember, I did say it has been years since I spent a lot of time sewing.


All of this was an eye opener. I had spent time totally organizing patterns and made 3 pattern books to keep track of everything. This was fun but very time consuming. I copied fronts and backs of envelopes and organized by categories (skirts, shirts, pants etc.) Then I boxed and organized all the patterns by pattern company. Now I need to take control of the fabric stash. I have already sorted it and have a pretty good idea of what I need to do. I just have to find a system that I like and makes the most sense for me. I will probably create a catalog of reference with fabric content, cleaning instructions and amount on hand of course.


I have a long stretch with no days off at work, V8390 cut and started, and a new view on planning and organizing the next project. Oops, I almost forgot the most important thing: I need to have a more realistic view of what I can hope to accomplish with 10-20 minutes here and there to sew.

After a ten year hiatus from "seriously" sewing, I moved into the role of an occasional seamstress when someone needed a special Halloween costume, a knocked off shirt they just couldn't afford or new chair cushions and curtains to spice up their life. Children grew up (and multiplied when I married my husband 5 years ago), my career expanded to a 50+ hour work week and the fast pace of life yielded some casualties, including my sewing room and sewing time.

Then it happened, I was cleaning out a closet after my stepson left for college, and squeezed into the back of the closet I found a dress I had made about 15 years ago. The feel of the cotton reminded me of how I felt when I made it and when I wore it. Soft and graceful. It was Audrey Hepburn-esque in all it's glory. In a world filled with soccer practice, boyscouts, homework, tea parties and ballet classes, sewing was my one saving grace.

Now up to my neck in a world of deadlines, meetings, reports and utter chaos I find myself truly needing a creative outlet and have been easing back into sewing. The finishing touches are on the new sewing room/office and I'm excited to be able to sew without having to tear half the house apart to start a project. I've decided for my first project to make V8390, a simple wrap front top, as I have both a new sewing machine and serger, I want to get used to them before I move on to more complicated projects.

I am a huge fan of BWOF and have several projects in mind I am anxious to try in the future. I love the planning stages also and hope to learn to put some sort of design board together for dreaming up new wardrobes. Somehow, I think this will take me longer than sewing them. C'est la vie.