River Nymph Cuff Bracelet

I took part in a bead challenge hosted by Solange, of Jewelry by Solange. Each participant was given 2 aqua skin jasper beads to work with. Here is what I made:

I've named the piece "River Nymph Cuff." I used a silver tone cuff I purchased last summer from Target, and added the two beads, as well as shells and river rocks that I collected when I and my family went to Colonial Beach, VA this summer. I attached everything with hot glue. I love how it turned out.

Instant Gratification

I needed to make a couple of gifts today. My mother in law is going on her first cruise this weekend with her sister. So I whipped up two of these satin sleep masks for them to take with them.

I used this pattern and some  scraps of crepe back satin from Hancock Fabrics, and scrap fabric that I had leftover from Evie's blue dress to put inside to block light. Super fast gift!

The rest of that satin is reserved for a blouse that's soon to be made. Along with that satin I got from the remnant bin at Hancock, I also got some GORGEOUS chiffon that wasn't much fabric at all, but just enough for me to give a finish to the edges and make a scarf. See...

It's the perfect length, and actually it's big enough to use as a summer wrap, also. I am completely in love with that print. It's stunning!

So, that's what I have been up to today.

Tie Neck Blouse and Pencil Skirt

In July I had a LOT going on. My stepchildren were visiting for the month, we did a bunch of fun things, and I had an interview with the local hospice that went really well. I wore this to my interview:

A dress I made from New Look 6643 in red stretch cotton sateen from Fabric.com. It fit me the best of all the dresses I owned that would be interview appropriate. I was told at the interview that I would have a second interview soon and a half-day shadowing a nurse to make sure hospice is what I want to do. Well, I got home and immediately started to plan out my second interview outfit, because I was going to HAVE to make one since my handmade dress fit me so well.

Here's what I came up with:

Tie Neck Blouse from New Look 6831, View D *OOP

Fabric:  Polyester Shirting from Hancock Fabrics

Size Made: 18 with adjustments

Pattern Notes:

I modified the pattern with a Full Bust Adjustment and that required one additional button, which I did not have, so I put a snap at the top button place, since it is totally hidden by the bow anyways. I also had to increase the darts, and lengthen them (I'm short waisted as well as a busty hourglass).  I used this tutorial for the sleeves.  Also, I forgot to hem the first sleeve before sewing it together (doh!) so I just hemmed both after attaching. Worked just fine. I bound the shoulder seams for additional support without bulk. This was a great blouse pattern and I made a wearable muslin that I intend to stitch securely (it's all basted) and put longer sleeves on for fall. I love how this blouse fits me!

Wrap Front Pencil Skirt from Vogue 8154, View C *OOP

Fabric: Vintage Cotton from 2nd Hand Sews

Size Made:  20

Pattern Notes:

This pattern was a perfect fit for me without any changes! That's a shock! Getting the buttons lined up was a little tricky for me, but once I got it done I realized how to make it easier for myself. Mark through the button holes. Duh! lol Oh well. Yeah, I'm really a beginner but I'm trying to reach for intermediate. I bound all my unfinished edges on this skirt. The inside is really as beautiful as the outside. I love, love, love it! And... I can wear it with nearly every top in my wardrobe due to all the colors in the tiny dot print on the brown fabric. I used a large 1" snap at the waistline where the pattern specified, and sewed it very securely. I wanted a nice, secure closure. I normally avoid pleats on bottoms, but the inverted pleat on this skirt really works well for my figure. I will certainly be using this pattern again. And the other views are great, too.

Here's a pic of the blouse untucked:

I made some mistakes along the way, but I took my time and fixed them before getting frustrated. So glad I did! I'm incredibly proud of these two garments! I feel like a million bucks when I wear them. And the shots above are without my Spanx. It is even better looking with the Spanx. I should ROCK my second interview wearing this! I'm in awe that I now have a blouse that fits me like a glove and doesn't pull across my bust. Let me repeat that... IT DOESN"T PULL ACROSS MY BUST!!!! I think that's a first, ever. I refuse to wear minimizer bras anymore. I hate them and really I don't want to hide my assets. lol