Spring in the Sewing Room

Now that the thermometer on the porch read over 70 degrees this morning (a few minutes before it started to rain), I think it's officially time to start sewing for Spring. My Spring wardrobe is in dire need of help.

This blouse accomplished three objectives: Spring sewing, stash busting, and Extreme Makeover: Clothes Edition. Yes, the fabric for this project was pilfered from a dress that just looked dreadful on me (I think I wore it all of one time). So I salvaged the dress (including yards and yards of slender pink bias trim) and recycled it into a blouse. Even the skirt has been altered -- it has eight lovely gores, but it had an elastic waistband. This made it rather unnatractive to wear with most shirts. So in a burst of courage, I took out the elastic, added a zipper, reduced the gores, and made a new waistband with bias tape. Now it's perfect, and has a lovely flare at the bottom.


I'm so glad I was able to save the fabric, as it originally cost a little more than I like to pay. It's a charmming little Tracy Porter print from JoAnn's:




I only used two patterns this time, unbelievably. Faithful old Simplicity 4499 for the bodice and a McCalls 4922 for the collar and sleeves. I love the little ruffle at the bottom!




Some "rescued" Mother-of-pearl buttons in creamy pastel shades:



Now I'm ready for Spring!