I've been sewing

Ever since the first week in January, I've been sewing. Sewing clothes for myself mostly. I can't seem to stop, nor do I want to.  I have had a glorious time up in my sewing room with all my incredible fabrics, the sun streaming in the windows and the ideas flowing much faster than I can make them up. The dog and the cats wander in and out to check on me as the day progresses, and I listen to recorded books when I'm doing parts that don't require too much concentration.

I've been wanting some new things in my winter clothes closet.  Things that are little bit different from those found in stores.  Perhaps it's a fabric choice or the style.  I had purchased two pieces of beautiful, double-napped, cotton plaids at the very end of December and wanted tops in styles that are not what you usually find made up in flannel.

My first inspiration was this:

from FLAX, a favorite clothing line of mine. As you can see, it is not a winter garment.

































I took a pattern I had that fits me well, and modified it.  (the pattern I used is Silhouette Patterns #625 Kaitlyn's Blouse)

I made my changes to a copy of the pattern...  changed the shape of the front neckline, shortened the body of the blouse, and added "flounces" to the sleeves and the hem of the body.  I used the Paprika-colored flannel.  Here's the outcome!

It is cozy and soft and cheery.  I have since made the same pattern from a vintage damask tablecloth that had several holes and some stains, but there still were just enough good parts to make the blouse. 

The other flannel is a medium-size black/white/gray Buffalo plaid and I used a commercial Burda pattern, Number 7220, as it was designed!  Another "just right" top!

The office where I work a couple days a week is usually much warmer than I'm comfortable with, so the open necks and loose fit of these tops works perfectly. 















So far (today is February 17) I've completed eleven (that's 11, folks!) garments since January first.  Can't wait to see what the next six weeks produce!