Happy Spring!

Just a quick shout out to say howdy. Lots going on lately. Nothing earth shattering but I have spent almost no time in the sewing room and little time knitting! Took a mini vacation with my son. My daughter got accepted into her first choice for college - THE Ohio State University. Had a fantastic birthday. Two of our three cars got hit. Resurrected dinner club - co-hosting this weekend. Oldest daughter graduates with accounting degree - interviewing with fingers crossed in this economy!

I miss sewing and knitting but I really miss my bloggy friends!! Hope you're all doing well and enjoying spring!!

Photo-less posts are boring so here is a shot of my "Not Your Standard-Issue Sweatshirt, Take Two by Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs". Yarn is Knitpicks Mainline - a cotton wool blend.

And I leave you with our dinner club menu for this weekend. Wish us luck! All new recipes!!

Dinner Club Menu:
Cucumber Gimlet
Coriander Lime Shrimp
Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini
Asian Pear salad
Chilean Sea Bass with Wild Mushrooms on Three Cheese Polenta
Roasted Asparagus & Red Peppers
Coffee-Chocolate Layer Cake with Mocha-Mascarpone Frosting
Cheese / Fruit / Nuts assortment

Quack Quack

I finished the Ducky Hat and Booties for my brother and SIL's new baby. They really turned out cute! Pattern here if you're interested. A few flaws in the pattern but easy enough to work out.

The sisters I never had!!

I grew up with three brothers. I always wanted a sister (although being the only girl ensured I got my own room). So I'm thrilled to have been bestowed The Sisterhood Award by three of my blogging sisters! Thank you to my gals Lindsey, Ann and Louella!!

But don't go borrowing my clothes without asking or I'm telling Mom!!

The Purple Fat Lady Dress

I have had my eye on Butterick 5244 for some time. Simple lines but fun details. I loved the purple version on the package and decided to make it exactly as pictured after finding a great deal on clearance matte jersey ($1.50 per yard!!) from one of the online fabric stores in a gorgeous imperial purple color.

PR reviews indicated some issues with the pattern but sounded like nothing that couldn't be resolved. One of the complaints about the pattern was the bulk around the neck. I couldn't tell in the pattern picture or drawing but there is actually a collar on top of the yoke that is the identical shape as the yoke. I didn't realize until I cut it out and re-read the pattern that it was even there so after reading the criticisms of the added bulk and how it lays on the back of the dress, I decided to omit the collar. It definitely is not necessary.

The welt pockets were was a challenge for me and although not perfect, I was happy with how they turned out:

And look how cute the tabs on the yoke are:

I finished the dress in time to wear it to my son's mother-son / father-daughter dance. I paired it with black tights and black boots. I really liked the look and was happy I got it done in time to wear it out. We took lots of pictures of my son and I. So why did I post a picture of the dress on the hangar? Well, after viewing pictures of me in the dress, I appear to be 20 pounds heavier than I am. I am stumped. When I look in the mirror, I don't see the same thing and I even asked my daughter who is always honest when I've sewed a dud. She didn't think I looked fat either. But I definitely do in the pictures; thus, no modeled shot of the dress! I think it's a combination of it not being a figure hugging dress with the fact that I really do need to lose a few pounds.

Seeing those pictures of me provided a good kick in the butt to return to WW and start exercising. I've had a fair week. I did get out and walk twice and even did a pilates routine this morning but I ate and drank more than I should have. Somehow the scale was on my side this morning and I hope next week is even better. Bathing suit season is around the corner and I plan to be ready!