First, Happy New Year!!!!  The holidays were great.  However, I was in need of some serious R&R. So, I decided to get away at the last minute for the Holidays.  I feel rested, rejuvenated and ready for the new year.  

While I was out of pocket, I thought about my sewing and what I accomplished in 2011. I also thought about what I want to accomplish for 2012.  I will share 2012 goals in another post.  When I started my blog, I had  hefty goals.  I would blog once a week, I would complete 2-3 garments a month and I would learn a new technique every month.  The question, did I accomplish those goals? A big fat NO!!!!  However instead of feeling disappointed, I realized I accomplished the reason I started my blog.  I started blogging to motivate myself to sew more often.  Did I accomplish? Yeper, it did!!!  In 2010, I completed one garment. In 2011, I made 2 pair of pants, 3 dresses,  a skirt, finished a UFO (my shorts) and made a jogging suit (haven’t posted yet).  I would say….. not bad.

Okay, enough reflecting. During the last week of December, I completed McCall’s M6163.

I’m still interviewing for a photographer!!lol just kidding.

Description: Wrap Dress

Fabric: Jersey Knit from Vogue Fabrics

Pattern Size:  Multisize pattern.  8-24W

Design Changes: I omitted the side zipper. I made 3/4 length sleeve without the elastic. I like it better this way.

Fit Alterations: I cut a 20W in top and graded to 24W in the hips.  I added an additional inch in the hip area. I made a swayback and petite adjustment.  I did not make a full bust adjust.   Didn’t think would need it. WRONG!!!  I made a muslin in a  knit I purchase many moons ago (I no longer have any love for this knit), for some reason it did not register that I should do a FBA.  Plus the criss-cross plunge is little low on the dress, which I didn’t take in account either. Result, I have to wear a shell under my dress.   Oh well, I’m still happy with my dress.

Would I make again?   Yes, I like this dress pattern. I think it’s a nice garment staple for all seasons.  I will definitely have to make a FBA and raise the criss-cross plunge about 1/2  inch.  The collar is shorter then I like, so I will lengthen the collar next time.

You may be asking what happened to the black suit?  Well the black suit is on hold.  Before the holidays I was working on the suit.  I went to zip up the pant in order to place it next to some fabric I was considering for another jacket and the zipper broke.   That just took the wind out my sails.  That means I have to take my pant apart and install a new zipper.  So, I just put it aside.  That’s also when I decided I needed some R&R.   But, I will complete it soon.