Today's Really Freakin' Good News...

Today, my friends, the world is looking very glass-half-full.

For starters, remember this?

Well, it arrived and I think it's terrific!

Smug Krissie

Happy Krissie

Thoughtful Krissie

Cute-bum Krissie

(I would like you to know that we took these pics after 5 pm, and I'm wilted from the day. My daughter would like you to know that she took these photos of me and the only problem she had was that my face kept looking prettier - said she - than the dress. Note: When you're tween is being lovey, a VERY occasional activity, you have to really be grateful...)

In truth, this bodice is longer than mine, but it's a great dress people, with beautiful workmanship. Run, don't walk, and get yourself a Lady Danburry original.

OK, awesome news part 2? Well, vis a vis muslin 1 of the tailored suit jacket, I do think I cut the wrong size. To wit:

See all the lines on the (left-side) curve of the LEFT side piece above? See how many more of them there are than on the curve of the right-side piece? I think that's cuz I mistakenly chopped 3 sizes off the front side and back side pieces of this pattern when cutting for muslin 1.

The back side pieces are below - in this case the right one is "correct" (I think), left side is the one I used to make muslin 1.

Keep in mind that I've badly hacked into the armsyce curves of the muslin 1 pieces. They do not resemble the original (presumed-too small) pattern pieces - so please don't get confused by that. Also, note (intriguingly) that my hack job vaguely mimics, at least in length, the unaltered second versions (the "correct" size)...

I don't know that I can blame Craftsy - though, trust me, I'd like to. I think I just got totally confused, though I'm going to review both pieces carefully again in the next few days to ensure it's not a problem with the pieces. If it is, I don't want this frustration to befall anyone else.

This would explain why:

• The sleeve head wouldn't fit into the original bodice pieces - 2 of the 4 were 3 sizes to small?!
• The armsyce was too small.
• The princess seams were exceedingly justified to either side of my breasts (rather than lying close to the apex.
• I couldn't raise my arms forward without the seams pulling.

In fact, if this is the problem, with the new pieces, I will add quite a bit of width to this pattern. Probably enough to make it the right size. Theoretically enough to obviate the need for an FBA.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Yes?

Instead, let's enjoy the moment.

Perseverance

Peeps, this has been a very good day.

It's been good in so many ways: insanely beautiful weather, time to myself, productive at work. But two ways in which it's been extra good are these:

• I have inserted the invisible zip into the new, non-bias version of the skirt. Before doing this, I cut that section along the selvedge (for extra stability) and then added silk organza interfacing along the inner seam and allowance. My friends, there is not a wave in sight. Hallelujah! (On this topic, I've come to some conclusions about inserting invisible zips without using any pins or wonder (soluble) tape. It's nervy. Stay tuned.) I still have to finish the waistband and hem this skirt but the rest of it is complete. I hope I have the energy to do it tomorrow after work
  

• I won a truly awesome giveaway! And in the most unexpected way. See below for the very interesting back story but here's the Julia dress!

The Very Interesting Back Story: Recently I discovered a blog, written by a blogger who also runs a boutique for which she designs and constructs all of the clothing. A number of things have really impressed me about Lady D and her shop.

1. She, and the people who model her handmade wares, are utterly adorable and they look great in her designs.
2. Her ability to design and create garments is fantastic. Everything is so lovely. Clean but elegant. She's a young woman but she's not designing exclusively for the 20-something set. Her clothes are good for working women of many demographics.
3. She wrote a post, a while ago, in which she discusses how she thinks (spatially) which fascinated me.
4. She's an actual tailor (from a family of actual tailors!). The more I sew, the more I realize that tailoring is the direction in which I'm headed. I am not a naturally "spatial thinker" but fit and construction are everything, IMO. I sense that Lady D concurs.
   

Here's the thing: I didn't actually win the dress?! I wanted to win it, but some other lucky woman won the draw. Incredibly, though, this woman did not claim the dress?!?!? As I was the first commenter, indicating my interest, it was generously offered to me.

Can you get over that?

I really respect this woman's path. It can't be easy to sew for a living (though it must be very satisfying). Look at a few other beautiful - and insanely affordable - things in her shop that I am resisting:

Both of these are constructed from vintage fabric (hello, sustainability!) I can totally see a theme in my latest fashion urges. I appear to want muted florals. Hmmmm.....

Please feel free to purchase them and tell me how I've lost out :-)

So, am I a fortunate woman, or what?