April Fool's and wardrobe add on

I hope the rest of the month goes better than today. After getting up bright and early this morning, 8 a.m. to be exact, I rushed off to an eye appointment for a checkup for a previously performed procedure. Imagine my surprise when they can't find me on the day's appointments as I remember the appointment isn't until Wednesday! April Fool's to myself!

Next, I spent more than an hour creating a blog post only to realize I lost it out somewhere in cyberspace...April Fool's again. Hopefully this time it'll work. I'm not sure this qualifies as a new make because the cardigan was made about 10 years ago and although I hadn't worn it more than twice, I couldn't part with it. The pattern is Simplicity 3634 view D. The ITY-like, faux-lace fabric is from Walmart. I made it right about the time I really started perfecting FBA's and I totally screwed up the alterations on the tank top. While I did wear it a few times, I hated the fit. I eventually threw it out. Fast forward 10 years and I decided to remake the tank and add the two pieces to my core wardrobe. Yes, I still had the fabric. Initially I liked the fabric so much that I went back to the store and bought the remainder of what was on the bolt...4 1/2 yards. (There's still quite a bit left. Maybe I'll make a dress). Maybe I didn't remake it before now is because it took me this long to locate it in my stash?? Could be, who knows.

  

I didn't use the Simplicity tank pattern this time. This time I used McCalls 6559 which I've altered from the original maxi dress. I love the back, cut-in armhole design.Frankly, I like it so much that this is my go-to tank top pattern. BTW I scored this cool hanging display last weekend. I somehow ended up at the local mall and took a quick walk through. Charlotte Russe is going out of business and selling everything including the fixtures. This supposedly plus-size, hanging display was a mere $10. I couldn't pass it up. It'll come in handy when I don't feel like using my Duct tape dressform which has my measurements to a tee.

Below, I've styled my "new" twinset with my Wardrobe skirt. Love it! Don't love some of the expressions on my face though. The photographer (husband) wanted to know why the funny faces. Excuse me! The faces are because you don't know what you're doing and I'm probably trying to explain it to you and you'res not listening...just snapping away like a maniac!

Then again, I could have been shooing the dog away from photo-bombing me. Either way these two pieces are a great addition to my Wardrobe. Stay tuned.

McCalls 7439

I'm including this skirt as an addition to my wardrobe SWAP. I'm not sure the skirt is a good look with the jacket but it could work.

Pattern Description: Flared skirts have waistband, back zipper closing, length variations, and narrow hem.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22 I made a size 18
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Exactly
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The only time I used the instructions was to know that the zipper insertion included the zipper through the waistband.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There was nothing that I disliked but I did add pockets. Like everyone else I am obsessed with pockets
Fabric Used:
100% cotton which I washed and dried before using.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added pockets and two inches of length because I thought it would look better with a two inch hem as opposed to the 1 1/4" suggested and I used 1 1/2 elastic in the waistband to keep it from folding.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will absolutely sew it again
Conclusion:
This is a great beginner project as the gathering should not be problem

So the skirt with the jacket yea or nay?? I've also got to the the "Fashion Police" photographer (aka the husband) to make sure I'm not making "duck lips" when he snaps the photo! And "tooting my own horn I've think I have great looking legs for a 62 year old!

SWAP...Sewing With A Plan

I finally got my husband to take some photos of the three core pieces for my SWAP. It was like trying to obtain Plutonium, so please don't judge my posing! You'll get the gist of where I'm trying to go with this.

The jacket is from Simplicity 4273 copyright 2006, the skirt is Simplicity 1760 copyright 2012. Both patterns are out of print. The pants are from a RTW pair that I copied using the "paper tape" method. The pattern is from 2010. Why try reinventing the wheel when I knew that I was back to my 2010 size! My only regret is that the fabric is some ratty polyester gabardine from JoAnn's that's been in my stash forever! Not only am I sewing with a plan...I'm also trying to create this entire wardrobe from my stash. 

The three pieces passed the husband test. He asked it I made it. He  thinks he's on the board of the Fashion Police so if he likes it that means a lot. What are you thoughts so far?