A lot going on

And I don't just mean these pleated multi-colored stripey squares!
In the past two weeks my daughter graduated from college, my stepdaughter got married and my stepson and his wife had our first grandchild!!
This cardigan is Jalie 2919 and the top is one of my TNT patterns (Textile Studio Monaco shell). Totally coincidental but in keeping with Indie pattern month or whatever it is going around. I've seen this pattern made up (by you, Cynthia) and really liked it. It was among the patterns inherited from Gwen. I wasn't too sure about the pleats. You can't really see them that well in the picture or this fabric, but they do add a bit of extra interest. Its a pretty perfect cardigan for this spring that just can't quite seem to get going. I've already cut out and started two more.
I have been trying to be a better human being (we should all try right?) so I've been tracing my patterns off instead of just hacking them up like I usually do. And with all those sizes included with a Jalie pattern I'll be able to make my granddaughter one of these. I am seriously looking forward to making some little girl clothes.    

2013 Accomplishments

I am by nature a goal-setting, list-making, happy crosser-offer. I had set myself a few goals for last year and folowed through with some, but not all. Lets just talk about what I did do: 

• I did make pants and learned a tremendous amount about pants fitting. I still prefer skirts though!
• I made some dresses. Oddly, I still prefer skirts though! 
• I did make a real warm winter coat and have another in the works.
• I used my homemade app to keep my pattern and fabric stash inventoried and organized. This has been amazingly helpful!!!

I was somewhat surprised to see that I actually made less things this year: 57 , down from 83 in 2011, including: 4 pants, 21 tops, 4 purses, 1 blimp, 2 coats, 3 dresses, 3 vests, 3 jackets, 1 robe, 2 nightgowns, 2 panties, 8 skirts, 2 shorts and 1 cape.

I also had 8 complete flops!

My favorite things:

Butterick 5539

Textile Studio Monaco Shell

Vogue 8888

Decades of Style 2601

Vogue 8624

Vogue 1294

Vogue 8860

Whew! That was a lot of sewing!