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I did it! I successfully scared myself into finishing this skirt by today, Sunday! This is my second Beignet Skirt from Colette Patterns and I really loved how it turned out. I paired it with a hat to go with this week's "Hat Trick" challenge over at the Sew Weekly. Sorry for the poor-ish quality photos, I need to invest in a better camera (or steal my sister's!). I call this the Traveling Beignet because the materials are from all over the place! The shell is from New York's Garment District, the bias trim and lining is from Sew L.A. in Los Angeles, the cotton facings are from a Joann's in Connecticut (leftover from a bag I made for my cousin), the buttons are from a Joann's in Burbank, CA, and the lace is from a thrift store here in Virginia. The hat and the (on its way out) top are from my old neighborhood in Brooklyn and the shoes are from Tip Top Shoes on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I can just hear my ol' co-worker in L.A. lecturing me ...

I actually finished this skirt about a month ago in a class I took, but only got around to photographing it recently. It was lots of fun, but there are definitely things I need to jot down for next time so I remember what to do (can't rely on pattern instructions this time!). ...The Basics... Pattern: Self-drafted Straight Skirt with slash pockets Fabric: Alexander Henry "Larkspur" cotton; cotton lining (also used for pockets) Other Goodies: grosgrain to stabilize the waistband, invisible zip at center back with tab hook & eye closure at waistband, lace at inside hem of skirt (from my never-ending thrifted ball of lace!) ...The Back Story... On the lookout for a nice little outing, I decided to sign up for a 2-day class to make my own straight skirt at my local-ish fabric store. There was only one other student in the class - yes! Lots of attention. I didn't even think about brining my own fabric so while I was really happy to have an excuse to b...

Alrighty, a completed project for the blog! This thing's been lonely for awhile with just a couple of paragraphs to its credit so I'm glad I got something up before the end of the month. Phew. The Beignet skirt from Colette Patterns was made last year when I was still in L.A. enjoying that mild winter. I used cotton canvas for the shell and a green voile for the lining, and with all the concentration in the world made 11 buttonholes for those brown buttons. I was very proud of my Janome, it worked through those with no problem! I love the color and feel of the skirt. Colette patterns are designed with very little ease so it's a good idea to go up a size if you're between sizes. And now for the newest garment in my handmade wardrobe - the Pendrell blouse from Sewaholic Patterns!  I just happened to find Tasia's blog last fall and am very glad I did. She has excellent tutorials and such a great, feminine style. This is her very first pattern; she des...