B5566 Progress

I didn't go to Joann's yesterday. I decided who was I kidding that I needed to make a special trip into the mobs of shoppers for a zipper for a skirt I hadn't even cut out yet. So I went on my way home from work tonight instead since it *is* on the way and no special trip was needed. And I didn't buy any fabric, so hah! to all of you doubters. ;-) OK, so I looked, but it was a fabric wasteland there tonight so it was easy to come home with no further stash additions.

I got my black zipper and a few others in my usual colors, plus the latest issue of Vogue Patterns magazine, mostly because Peter is in it. And I swear I had to do a doubletake on the cover model because with just a quick glance, I first thought it was Peter's identical cousin Cathy on the cover. No lie. Must the bone structure and eyebrows. (Nice article, Peter!)

After dinner, I spent some time in the sewing room. I cut out the skirt, single layer even (but not the lining yet), interfaced the facings and front yoke pieces, and serged all the raw edges since (1) this fabric ravels and (2) I'm going to be pressing seams open to allow for easier alterations later on. (Elaine, I haven't read that Threads article, but I'm pretty sure what I'm doing is probably what it shows.) Then I sewed the front yoke pieces together and topstitched them. The next step will be the invisible zipper in the back pieces, so I quit for the night. I figure I'll have better results if I do that at the start of my sewing evening instead of at the end. Or that's the theory anyway.

I really like the yoke pieces on the bias. I think they are flattering and add nice visual interest, especially now that I'm  not averse to tucking in tops again. Ann of Gorgeous Fabrics sent a very generous "1 yard" cut so I had no trouble fitting all the pieces with fabric to spare. So far, this skirt is looking much better than the RTW houndstooth skirt I tried on at Beall's.

Parting Shot: Goodbye my beloved Sunshines. I only wear this one at home these days because it's too big and I end up flashing most of my bra before I realize I need to adjust it. You can see it sticking out here. I'm going to miss this one. But I do have more of this fabric so I think I may make a replacement in a smaller size. But first I have to figure out what that size is. And I think I cut the pattern. Oops. Hopefully, it won't be too hard to figure out the lines for a smaller one. But if it is, I'll just buy it again.