Issue No. 24 Works In Progress

It has been particularly cold. The fierce wind makes the cold colder and our driveway is consistently layered in ice. That hasn’t stopped my daughters from finding ice in the stream to crack or attempt to stand on. And, it hasn’t stopped them from going out for little nature explorations. These New Englanders are built different and I love them for it.

We have had changes in our daily routine’s as we have added a kitten to our home. The girls are in love and I’m trying to welcome the small extra chores. I’d rather do extra chore for another baby…but it is what it is.

While this kitten has been so fun for the girl’s, I’d argue the best addition to the home has been our new home phone (I mentioned this in the last issue). But, I am not over it and highly recommend adding this to your home. My oldest daughter calling her grandma and telling her all about the Mayflower and her visit to the Concord Museum.

Project No. 1

I started this Christmas/Italian button up shirt before Christmas. But, ran out of time. I only have the buttons, buttonholes, and shoulder pads to do. But, I don’t have any buttons for it and now I’m just going to wait until I realllllly have to go to the store to find buttons and finish it. So, right now it’s just there. I flirted with the idea of trashing it. But, I don’t want to make any rash decisions.

Project No. 2

This hasn’t even been started. I prepped this wool/polyester fabric back in early December for cutting but haven’t felt one hundred about the pattern pairing. I am planning on doing this Prado Trench coat pattern. The pattern maker did hers in a wool and added a lining, but the pattern itself doesn’t include the instructions to add a lining…so I’ve been thinking. A lot of sewing is thinking.

I folded it back up for storage but I think I will tackle this after the dress I am working on. Is the zebra print too….big??

One of my favorite designers, Ulla Johnson, had this image in her recent email, giving me a bit of courage to do this big print. But, what do you think?!

Project No. 3

I only have a few photos of the dress that I began working on. Everything feels a bit discombobulated as far as projects go. Maybe it’s because I haven’t finished that button up shirt above. I never start something without finishing a project. Oh well. I will allow it this one time.

But, I am excited about this tucked dress. It is, as usual, a dress that I think Princess Kate would approve of. Though, I actually think it’s too sheer for her. The pattern also includes a slip for underneath. I am using a Zimmerman deadstock fabric. Once I make more progress I will be sure to take photos of the pattern.

Making the loops for the buttons going up the front of the dress.

I am guessing this fabric was used to make this dress. So good, right?

If this newsletter sounds discombobulated to you, know that it does to me too. I have various projects going right now and I am not a fan. I think because I added a massive needlepoint project to the mix I keep thinking: “I’m not staying in my lane!”.

Here are the timelines I am working on:

Polka Dot dress….finished by Valentine’s Day

Zebra coat….start after Valentine’s Day

Red/Green button up….finish end of February

Needlepoint stocking…..finished by end of March

Continue my knitting project when seems fit (usually while out and about, when others are scrolling on their phones I will knit)

I hope January has been good to you overall.

Lastly, sharing this internet find.

Peace and Love!

-Elissa