Modeling the Makes

I wore the new outfit to work today, and remembered to snap a pic when I got home. Unfortunately, I didn't set the scene very well and I have a lamp growing out of my head. Now that it's dark early, I had to scramble for some light in the house that didn't show clutter. Yes, I still haven't unpacked every box and I'm beginning to think I never will. I mean, when in the heck will I need to set up china and crystal?

Here's the polka-dotted dress remade into a drape neck top and the newest brown Magic Pencil.

RTW top with the Simplicity skirt. I still need to add a hook and eye above the zip, but the replacement zip is in and went in just as perfectly. Whew. Not really loving this combo, though. The top is too long and it will be a major PITA to hem so it might be going back.

Goofy twirl and jazz hands shot.

All that modeling wore me out so now I'm sitting here writing this in my PJs. lol

There's not going to be a lot of sewing this week since it's the start of my firm's 2-week United Way blitz/drive and there are a number of after-work activities planned. Tomorrow night is bowling, dinner, and drinking at Splitsville. Uh oh. Good thing I voted early. Did YOU???

Parting shot: He's been to the Philippines, Malaysia, and spent Halloween at Disney Hong Kong and is on his way back to Japan and then home sometime next month. I can't wait. He's posted on Facebook a few times along the way, but it's been a while since I've heard his voice. I miss my Marine!

How I Spent My Saturday

Note to Self: DO NOT GO TO JOANN'S ONE WEEK BEFORE HALLOWEEN. OMG. 
And, to quote Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.

After this morning's post, I dove right into skirt making of the Magic Pencil variety. And then I realized I had absolutely NO elastic for the waist band. Grrrr. I knew I had a hair appointment so I planned to stop by Joann's before that and make only one trip out. (When I get in a sewing zone I barely even brush my teeth, let alone leave the house. TMI?)

I cut out the Magic Pencil skirt and then my ADHD (not really) took over and I started looking at my other skirt patterns. Before I knew it, one jumped out at me and I had a muslin cut and sewn together.Simplicity 2451 will be skirt #2 in the Carnival of Skirts.It won't go quite as fast as the MP, since I do need to make a few adjustments to this pattern before I cut the real fabric tomorrow.

But, as you can see up above, I did actually finish the Magic Pencil once I was back from my haircutting-elastic-buying-quick-grocery-run trip. The fabric is dark brown stretch bengaline, the good stuff, bought from Joann's of all places. But last year — sorry, and not labeled as such. I used my modified skirt pattern to include a back slit. I think the slit adds about 15 minutes to the cutting/construction time and oh-so-much to the finished skirt. The top shown with it is not really a top, but it will be soon. It's a dress I made that's now way too big, but I love the dotty brown knit and I want to remake it into a shell or draped neck tee.

My hair salon always has a wonderful display of pretty costume jewelry, and at quite reasonable prices. Not Walmart prices but not boutique either, and they *are* boutique quality. I always drool over them but hadn't ever caved. Until today.

I bought this bracelet. It's got different colored metals and jewels and will go with everything.

And this necklace, which is a lot sparklier in real life because the large stones are surrounded by smaller sparkly stones, which aren't showing up well in this pic. This goes great with my hair and general coloring and I'm sure I'll find (or make) something to wear with it.

This set I bought for my work friend, the one who was my drinking buddy last night. She was buying the drinks over my protests and she's also gifted me with a couple other small things. I saw this and knew it was very her, and so it will be come Monday.

And speaking of the haircut ... here's a goofy shot. Nothing different, just a trim. I went curly today.

Parting Shots of the deployed Marine at sea. Since it's been a while since I've updated on him too. He called me from the Philippines the other night. He's probably on his way to Hong Kong now. Most of his squadron went back to Japan but he volunteered to stay on for the Hong Kong leg, just so he could go there on Uncle Sam's dime. Smart Marine. :-) He'll meet back up with them afterward in Japan before coming back to the States sometime in late December.

Yes, that IS a Darth Vader mask. And yes, that's Tyler wearing it.

Aboard Tyler's "home" in the Pacific somewhere.Awesome photo!

Just hanging out.