And What To My Wondering Eyes Should Appear

(Apologies to Clement Moore)

Just around the corner, almost within walking distance from the job I'm ambivalent about is this:



And around the corner from that is an independent home dec fabric store. Is it a sign? LOL!

The interview went very well. The job would be OK, I really liked the boss-person and I'm sure she liked me too. I *don't* like the commute, however, so if I am offered the job, I'll need to think hard about it. But I can see lunch breaks maybe making up for that. ;-)

So, after the interview, of course I had to stop in and browse buy. Each of these was only $2.95 per yard. The two prints are sheer poly and will be short-sleeved blouses of some sort. The solid in the middle is a taupe?/olive?/brown? poly/cotton gabardine and will coordinate with everything I've made/bought recently. It has a wonderful hand and feels like it will last a long time. I bought 7 yards, enough for a jacket, pants and a skirt. (Stop smirking Carolyn!)



This particular Hancock's is not the one I usually went to, before Hancock's closed all but this last store in the Tampa area. The woman cutting the fabrics actually sews and was talking garment sewing while she cut. How refreshing, especially compared to that meh Joann's that's more local to me. Maybe I'd even get a sewing buddy with a new job. LOL!

I sewed this top yesterday. It's another make of Simplicity 4122, but I lowered the neckline/yoke so it would be cooler (temperature-wise) to wear. I think I'll be able to wear this one in an office, at least on casual Fridays if nothing else.



To change the neckline, I just measured an equal distance down from the pattern neckline all around and cut away, after first photocopying the pattern pieces.



Tonight will be a button sewing session, for this top and my Ottobre blouse. I'm using these buttons from Carolyn for the Simplicity top. They're clear with white speckles, and have a dimple in the middle. I think they're perfect. Thank you again dear Carolyn!



Regarding all the comments to save the "clown" top. Thank you, but, um, no. LOL! I actually like ruffles and this style is OK, just not with this particular fabric. I look down and all I see is a bright splash of ruffle. It just doesn't work for me with this fabric. I'd never like wearing it. Yes, I could remove the ruffle and bind the neckline but this has been a UFO for a few years now and I'm just not motivated to do anything with it. Plus, the fabric is pure poly and unlike some of the nice polyesters available these days, this one just feels suffocating even when it's still on the hanger. I'll hem it and donate it. One day.