Planning Ahead and Dreaming Just a Little

So, I've been working away on my Portrait Blouse.  I recently discovered that I've sewn the back on inside out (after I'd tied everything off and of course using French Seams at the shoulders).  Luckily (or unluckily since this is likely how I made the mistake) the fabric looks the same on the right and wrong sides.  So, I'm going to spread the darts and sew them down, like it was an intentional point of visual interest.

In other, more optimistic news, I've been told some of the patterns I'll be getting for Christmas.  I have a lot of extended family, and decided that I would ask most of them for patterns this year.  One of my aunts discovered that she wasn't the only one who was given a list of patterns so called to make sure no one else would get me the same patterns.  Which means I now know some of my presents and I've been excitedly plotting.  They'll likely be familiar from my Patterns of Note posts recently.

I know for example I'm getting New Look 6227.

New Look 6227

Now, all I can imagine is view A, in bright red!  Now luckily, Tilly, from Tilly and the Buttons is currently hosting the giveaway to end all giveaways!  The Stitcher's Dream Christmas Givaway runs until Sunday December 8th, so I would definitely recommend heading over to check it out.

I found Vibrant Cardinal Red Wool Blend Coating at Britex Fabrics and Red and Black Jacquard Print Lining at Minerva Crafts and I think I need both so I have a cape for spring!

Well, good luck everyone!

Styling the Shirt Dress

In the good news, looks like I didn't get my boyfriend's cold after all.  In the bad news, I got strep throat instead.  Since I'm feeling a little woozy, I'll apologize in advance if I'm not as completely coherent as I usually am.

I went with something low key for today, a couple ways to style a shirt dress.  I've used the same one as I did from the Wish List, from H&R London.  You'll see a couple things carrying over from the two sytlings, and I'm planning to do this again for the swing dress tomorrow, and you'll see things carry over again.  The theory here is embracing the not-unlimited wardrobe. 

I already have a trench coat that's similar to this one.  Mine doesn't have the nice dark trim, but that would be a simple project for an afternoon someday if I wanted too.   I have some ankle boots.  Mine are black.  I saw a pair very much like these at Walmart a month ago, and I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing them...

This outfit is a little bit more dressed up than the fist one, with the pumps and the pillbox.  But, it has the same coat as the first version.  The same petticoat as well.   The red patent leather pumps will be a staple.  The thick red belt should be pretty easy to pick up somewhere, and doesn't have to be expensive.  The pillbox hat adds that finishing touch to the look. 

Those are my thoughts for the day.  Sorry for the brevity, but strep throat is kicking my butt.  Until tomorrow dolls!

Mad Men

**Mild Spoiler for Season 2 Episode 7 and 8 of Mad Men**

I was watching Mad Men last night and I realized I want to be Joan.  It was the scene the morning after she fired Jane where Joan walked in and finds her back at her desk.  There was a shot of her walking up, which I can't find a screenshot from, and all I could think is 'oh man, she looks fierce'.  When she walks into a room you know instantly that you don't want to cross her.  Someday, I want the instant respect that woman commands simply by walking into a room looking as fierce as Joan. 

But I'm constantly cooing over the gorgeous looks of Betty Draper.  I loved her party dress in Episode 8, the polka dots.  And I love the way she's always tidy and put together, the perfect housewife.  I think walking into a room like that demands a whole different type of respect from people, but demands it no less forcibly than Joan. 

These are the women that I want to be like someday.  Perfectly coiffed, my outfit coordinated, my hair and makeup perfect.