Denim Skirt

I recently saw the skirt on the left in InStyle and thought it offered a cute twist on a denim skirt. A bit too short for someone my age but I loved the separating zipper. I also love what I think is pin tucking or maybe horizontal pleats in the skirt but there was no way I was going to tackle that! I considered using a colored double separating zipper in red but I too frequently go overboard on details and end up creating something gaudy instead of clever so I stuck with a simple black separating jacket zipper.

I decided I did not want a waistband and so I looked for a skirt pattern with no waistband and a vertical seam in the front. It wasn't that easy to find but finally I came across Simplicity 5259 and knew View F would work. I had to redraft the waistband since the front seam was now the opening but otherwise it worked perfectly.

I LOVE this skirt and have already worn in 3 times in the two weeks since I finished it (and shhhh, don't tell but it's not entirely finished - it still needs a hook and eye or some other closure at the top but you can't see it). The skirt is casual but the zipper and top stitching add a little interest. I think I'm going to make another one in black.

Cabin Jacket

I have had this pattern for ages - probably purchased it in the 80's (it calls for shoulder pads!) I've always loved the baseball style and when I was in Hancock Fabric a few weeks ago and saw this cute polar fleece, a jacket immediately popped into my head. The woman ahead of me in the cutting line was buying this fleece to make a blanket and I was holding my breath to see if she'd leave enough for my jacket. There was only 1 1/4 yd remaining. The pattern called for 1 5/8 but I cut the pockets out of some other polar fleece I had in my stash (that actually coordinated!) and was able to squeak the remaining jacket pieces out!

We are going away this weekend with three other couples to stay at cabins in an Indiana state park and I thought this jacket would be perfect for the occasion. So I worked on it all week before work and finished it up this morning. Just in time for our departure this afternoon!

Quant

I started Quant last winter but didn't finished it before winter ended so I put it aside. I had wanted to try entrelac for a long time and when I saw this pattern, I knew it would be a good project for me. This matches the scarf I made last winter. I am getting ready to sew a pink wool coat and I think this set will match nicely!

Full details at Ravelry.

V8305 & A Quick Appetizer

Note to self: put on makeup before taking photo.

I finished up the top from Vogue 8305 a few weeks ago. I bought a pair of pants that needed to be hemmed to go with the top and after the pants sat in my sewing room for a week, I proceeded to forget about the top. So I was happy to come across it in my closet yesterday morning. Even ignoring my terrible photography skills, brown is a hard color to photograph but I think you can get the idea. I LOVE this top and do plan to make one or two more. If I was in better shape, I would make the dress version but I don't need to be wearing a skin hugging dress at the moment! I originally made the wrap intending to wear them as the set but I don't like them together. Too much brown or something.

My friend Jen emailed me a great tip for an easy but delicious appetizer. I whipped it up in 5 minutes before book club last night and it was a hit! It's simply a bar of cream cheese with caramel sauce and granola on top. Serve with apple dippers. Thanks Jen!