Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Simple Plans

I need a plain white blouse. It's something I often wish was in my closet when getting dressed for work, but finding fabric was more difficult than I imagined, mostly because what's available online seems to be too sheer or too fancy and what's available locally ... er ... isn't available. At least until a couple of weeks ago when I was in Hancock Fabrics to stock up on some thread. And, um, yeah, I also bought a couple more fabrics.

I didn't want high-end fabric because I want the blouse/top to be a workhorse, which means the ability to throw it in the laundry every week and to take it from the dryer back to the closet without a stop at the ironing board. In other words, polyester. But nothing that felt too icky.


I think I found a winner in this textured white woven poly. The photo below shows the texture (crinkling) a little closer up. (I may have also bought the same fabric in black. And 1 yard of the stretch woven destined to become a Magic Pencil may have flown into my shopping cart too.)


So I think the white fabric will become a SBCC Mimosa top (above) this weekend. I've already promised Saturday to Alex for tiling in his investment house, but that still leaves me Sunday and  Monday, since Monday is a holiday. Yay long weekends!

In the meantime, here are some gratuitous family pics ... my (step)grandson turns 1 today. He's the most chill baby/lil' dude I've ever met.



Happy Birthday Dean!


And my other "babies" on duty. Not a pedestrian or mailman goes by without their permission. Or so they think.


P.S. Thank you for all the super nice comments about my dotty Appleton dress. I still haven't fixed the tie ride-up issue so it's still just decorating Zillie and it's been rather cold here (for here) anyway so I haven't been extra motivated, but I'm hoping to fix it this weekend too.

23 comments:

  1. I used to feel that way about white blouses and tops, but my history with them (combined with smoothies, fresh fruit, blueberry pie and other stainful items)have eliminated them from my closet. The funniest thing is when I wear any other color - grey, yellow, light blue, you name it, these items do not seem to be attracted to what I'm wearing. It's just white and cream - I think those are stain magnets. But best of luck with yours!!

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    1. Yeah, that will be my luck too. Another reason for cheap poly on this project.

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  2. It's a good idea to make a workhorse wardrobe item you need. Plus, I think having extra colors in the same fabric is useful in case you need another of the same blouse in a different color. And magic pencil skirts are always a good wardrobe workhorse. There; I've made all of your purchases actual necessities. You're welcome! Have fun.

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  3. Ooo I thought about making a nice white blouse for an upcoming trip, but decided that I'd rather make other things and buy the blouse I found locally. :) I really like how your other Mimosas turned out, so I'm sure this will be perfect!

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    1. I would've thought about buying one too, but I haven't found anything. Could be that I'm hardly ever clothes shopping though. :-)

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  4. It's hard to find nice white blouses or shirts in ready to wear unless you pay a small fortune. A lot of times the fabric is just too see through. And then of course they are the frequent fit issues. So I think it's a great idea to make one that is to your liking in fit, style and quality. I look forward to seeing your creation!

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    1. Thanks Tomasa. Hopefully I'll have a new top to show soon.

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  5. That pattern looks like it would be a good work staple. I was shopping for a smart white shirt/blouse this weekend and couldn't find one at all anywhere. You would think that they would be everywhere. :) Xx

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    1. I know. I've been looking for too long and finally gave up now that I've found fabric.

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  6. You have the cutest menagerie ever, Debbie! Now I must look for my third dog....

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  7. I've looked (and purchased online three different ones) for white fabric for a shirt and a blouse and it's very hard to find a fabric that isn't too sheer or "too" something. I love that you're blogging again! I also love the happy tone of your voice. 😀

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    1. Thanks so much! I feel your pain on the white fabric. It really IS hard. I don't understand why.

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  8. I am a white shirt fanatic and try to make at least one a year. I literally wear them out and use them very frequently. I actually have white fabric on my cutting table waiting to become the next project, a big white shirt! I don't think you can ever have too many.

    It is near impossible to find white shirting "that works" on line but I have found you just can't fail with linen or linen blends. Oxford cloth is a close second. Can't wait to see your efforts.

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    1. I love linen and other natural fibers but when I'm trying to rush out the door in the morning, I don't love the need to iron a blouse. Hahaha. Yes, I could do ironing the night before or on weekends, but all things considered, I'd rather be [fill in almost ANYTHING!]. :-)

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  9. I'm super interested in the investment house too. What a great thing for him to start doing!

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  10. I have lots of white cottons, stretch and not, but have not made myself the great white shirt! However, I think I have that same fabric you speak of in my stash too - black and white! It's on my table to become a color blocked button down. Can't wait to see yours.

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  11. Looking forward to seeing your new blouses & pencil skirt. I concur that white blouses in the stores are sooooo thin or cheesy material.

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    1. I'm itching to get in the sewing room, especially since I was already wishing I had that white blouse to wear today.

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  12. You're right, A plain solid shirt will be a great workhorse. It's nice to see you posting again.
    Your couch looks incredibly comfy.

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