a project for everyday

I've been thinking for a while about making myself an "Arizona-friendly" pantsuit for my 8-5 corporate life. I found 2 simple patterns a while back, and decided that the way I would make the outfit AZ friendly would be by using lighter fabrics that would breathe better in the desert air. I chose a nice weight of good quality black linen (and then let the fabric & patterns sit in my sewing room for a couple of months!).

tonight I took initiative and cut out both my sport coat & capri pants. the proof is in the pile!:


in the end the pants are only 2 fronts, 2 backs, and waist lining = pretty simple:

I really like this pattern. It is really versatile, and extremely simple. It came with a lot of different looks/pieces - and leaves me with a lot of room for artistic individuality.

the coat, on the other hand, will be a little more challenging - only because (as usual) I have my own idea of a creative alternative to the contruction, which makes using part of the pattern a little complicated, but it will turn out! I promise!


see, pretty simple! I'm actually doing view C, and I probably won't even bother with the fake pocket flap either. the change I am making in the pattern is that I want to do a cute/colorful lining with a contrasting textured fabric. since the outside of the coat is going to be black linen, I was thinking it would be super cute to have the inside be some of of pink polka dotted satin - or something with equivalent cute-factor.

my theory is that then I can put the whole outfit together with pretty pink camisoles or pressed shirts, and if my jacket opens for some reason, there will be that little accent of flair or flavor.

I don't know, maybe I'm just making more work for myself...

we'll see!

and just to give an idea of the size of the thing....

Li carrying banner
Originally uploaded by ririsyncyr.

this is my boy carrying said banner...

now is my frustration a bit more understandable?

thank god it survived the rain!

long time no post

Li's banner
Originally uploaded by ririsyncyr.

the event went well, and all my creations were warmly received. The only thing I do not have pics of, however, is my Tang dress. AND we got caught in an excessive amount of traffic on the way up to flagstaff, making me horribly cranky and exhausted by the time we got into our hotel room.

what does this mean? well, it means that I didn't get my overcoat done. BOO! I was a little sad about it, but the weather wouldn't have permitted me to wear it anyway. It was a little chilly, to say the least.

So, I am finishing it up in time for King & Queens champion tournaments in November. Until then, I am focusing on the flemish for Coronation.

but, I do have pics of the banner!

one step forward 2 steps back

being so tired this week has set me back a little bit, but not too bad.

my dress & belt are completely done. my overcoat, however, needs all the trim. 280 inches of 6 inch wide trim - to be exact! it's really not that bad. I have learned over time that my 6 inch wide by 24 inch long clear acrylic quilters ruler is my very best friend when it comes to measuring and cutting trim. So, my sewing machine is coming with me to Flagstaff tonight and i'll be finishing up this little project in the hotel room tonight.

then, once I get back from flagstaff - I can finish up my flemish dress!