Here we go!
‘I, Jessica, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-March ’11. I endeavour to wear
one handmade or refashioned item each day for the duration of March 2011’
I wasn’t sure if I was going to participate this time – I will be traveling for the first two weeks of March, and I was worried about packing. I’ve since decided that too much choice in packing is a bad thing – limiting myself to my handmade items makes it possible that I may finish packing early! I’m planning to take several of my knit dresses, and a few cardigans. I will be planning my outfits (yes, I am that OCD) and I will post about exactly what I’m packing once I get it all decided. I am making another dress from Simplicity 2443 to take with me (out of cobalt blue ponte) because the first is just so useful! This is the third piece I’ve made from that pattern – I think I got my 99 cents worth!
Let me outline my personal rules for the challenge. I will wear one item that I made each day. That’s enough of a challenge, what with the travel and all! I’m not interested in going to everything handmade, because there are things I don’t, and probably won’t, sew. I will try to get photos every day (probably not hard, since I will be vacationing!) I may get some up during the trip, or they may wait til I get back – it rather depends on internet access and time! I actually think it will be a good excuse to take photos – I am so bad to take none during trips!
So… moving on, McCall’s and Simplicity released new patterns this week It’s very much a mixed bag for me, with a few must haves, and also quite a few “what the heck is that” patterns. Here is what I like, starting with McCall’s.
I think the modeled version is my favorite, at least based on the line drawings. This dress is pretty similar to the one from the Drape Drape Japanese pattern series (example here.) I don’t own that book, but I do like the interesting skirt style! The pattern calls for crepe de chine etc, but I think I might use a rayon matte jersey for a bit more weight behind the drape.
I think this has potential, but I’m not sure. I’m not sure how I feel about the asymmetry. I kind of have a thing about that.
I also like the ruffled shorts, 6328. I am unlikely to make them, but they do have a nice retro vibe.
I am happier with the new Simplicity patterns. First, my favorite:
I love knit dresses! I’m imagining the long version in a rayon print that I already own, and the short, flutter sleeved version in a solid. This will definitely be made!
I like the primness of the dress – it looks like something Michelle Williams might wear (and I love her style!) I don’t like the frayed trim, but the other version is pretty. The skirt is also a nice basic.
Lisette is a new line of patterns by the designer of the Oliver S line of children’s patterns. I will probably get both of these patterns to try. I have an adorable sateen print to use for the dress – I need something without princess seams, and this looks like a good choice. The darts in the front are slightly unusual.
Finally, they have released a few patterns from Project Runway designer Suede. The ruffle dress is pretty, and I don’t have any similar patterns. It would be a nice showcase for a pretty charmeuse print. And no, I’m not making a jumpsuit. But the dress pattern included (the line drawing to the left) looks cute and easy, so I’m picking it up!
That’s it for now! I am more likely to make the Simplicity patterns, because their draft seems to fit me better, but I am really interested in the skirt on the first McCall’s dress!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I am looking forward to seeing your outfits!
I just ordered the Lisette 2246 this week. I am excited to get it. I feel the same way about the fabric on the first Lisette. It looks like they were just trying to make the pattern envelope eye-catching. They definitely achieved that!
And I love, love, love that Cynthia Rowley. That type of dress does not normally look good on me, so I’m still on the fence about it.
I like your choices as well, I’m definitely going to have to check out those shorts–that is one item I have literally *none* of in my wardrobe. 😦 Can’t wait to see your ideas sewn up!
I get Simplicity emails, so I saw the adorable Cynthia Rowley pattern, but this makes me want to sign up for McCall’s too! You have good taste; I normally get so bleary eyed looking at tons of patterns all at once. Nice selection.
I love that Cynthia Rowley!
I have a question: how much do you pay on average for fabric? I just took up sewing, and searching for fabric here in the UK have discovered that I cannot find anything locally for less than £7/m, which seems awful steep. But maybe I’m just unfamiliar with this whole sewing business!
The Cynthia Rowley dress and the McCalls shorts are my favorites.
I doubt I would be as interested in the dress if it weren’t for the pattern cover design. The Cynthia Rowley pattern covers tend to be more tasteful than others (but I suppose I haven’t been too blinded by this because I have yet to buy one of them). I may end up getting this one. It’s plain, but it’s pretty.
The McCalls 6328 cover, on the other hand, is horrific! But I could see myself wearing any version other than view D (which is of course one of the views featured in the photographs!). I don’t love wearing shorts and they usually aren’t very interesting, so I wasn’t all that motivated to sew them until I saw this pattern. Now I’m kind of excited to make some ruffled (or bow-ed) floral shorts!
I think I actually like the McCalls ones more than the Simplicity ones….but still, all very cute. I told myself I wouldn’t get any new patterns for a while, but I MUST have 6321!! I love the skirt and sleeves!
I must say….I blame you entirely for making me find at least 4 other patterns I MUST have NOW! lol. (Mainly McCalls 6321, 6331, 6325, and possibly 6333)
Yes, there is definitely a mixed bag!! I thought the same thing about all those patterns! I do like your picks, though. Have you heard of My Image sewing magazine? A lot of their clothing is nice without being the same old, same old.
That first McCall’s dress did not appeal to me at all, but I think you are totally right about doing it in a heavier knit. It would probably pull the fabric down and give it a way less wide-hip look. Great eye! I am adding it to my list to get at the next sale.
Ooooh! I think 2215 is my favorite. Simple but classy.