Matching bag

And here's the matching bag. Plenty of pockets...4 on the outside and one on the inside.

Hat

I cut this hat out months ago, and finally got it sewn up today. A little easier and a littler harder than I expected. I would definitely make another one. It's good practice for sewing in the round.

Now I need to sew up the matching bag!

Tunic top

Sigh. This isn't wearable. The sleeves are ridiculously huge, and really I'm swimming in the whole thing. The neck gaps weirdly, and the bias tape shows. I really struggle with understanding how the measurements translate to fitting me. Yeah, I've lost some weight, but not that much that this would be this big. I had planned on embroidering this to embellish it, but not now. I'm kind of bummed, but it was good practice.

Update: D'oh! So I really should have taken my measurements before sewing this together. I cut this out about 6-8 weeks ago. I've lost 3.5" in my bust since then! I didn't think I'd lost that much in my bust area!!

Oilcloth bags

I took the Oilcloth Bags class at Stitch Lab yesterday. Another lovely class, and I have 4 cool bags to show for my time. I think Elsie approved. :-D

Balcony gardening

I have spring fever!! Of course one could argue that it's really summer fever since I'm not entirely sure 80 degrees counts as spring. I've been growing herbs on my balcony along with some flowers for a few years. I usually manage to kill my herbs over the winter. I managed to keep the hibsicus alive and hope it will perk up some more with the warm weather.

So today I got my herbs replanted, as well as some new flowers that didn't winter either. So happy to have some color out there.

I'm also going to experiment with some veggies. So I planted one sweet pepper plant in with my herbs today, and am debating about trying carrots too. If I don't try carrots, then I'll definitely do some lettuce as soon as I can find some plants to buy. I can't be bothered to start from seeds, and I don't get enough light in my apartment for that anyway. Anyway--I've played in the dirt and I feel better for it. :-D

Dress finished!!

I finished up my dress today. I can't decide if I'm disappointed or happy. The dress doesn't fit. Last night I was thinking it was the pattern and it was just a weird fit. The teacher said that most garments come out too big.

Today I took out the tape measure and measured myself. Yeah, it doesn't fit because in the five weeks since I last measured myself I've lost between a 1/2 inch to an inch. Definitely good news! I'm happy with the process, and I think I did a really good job. It's just disappointing that I can't wear the fruits of my labor!

UPDATE: A couple of friends kindly helped me alter the dress so now it fits. Yay!!!

Dress--Class 5

We packed a lot in tonight. I learned about easing for my cap sleeve. I opted to only do one in class so I'd have time for other things. I got to add in pockets to my dress even though they weren't in the pattern. I'm super happy about that. And most importantly I did an invisible zipper with no tears, cursing or starting all over!! I learned so much. I hope I remember it all.

I'm so glad I have tomorrow off so I can finish up my dress. I did try it on tonight. It's a bit big in the bodice, but it's super cute, and I love the full circle skirt. I think I'll probably make it again for practice and to get one that fits better. And I see a couple more classes in my future to ensure better fit!