Happy new year, all. I really hope 2014 is a good one and brings growth and happiness.
On a personal level, 2013 has been quite an adventurous one for me, with an international move. But then, I am kind of a floozy with removal companies. I sleep around. This is the ninth city I’ve lived in, so far, and the third country. No wonder I don’t form a sentimental attachment to heavy items. But Wellington, you sure do make a good first impression. Maybe you’re the one.
Thanks to those tireless WSBN ladies, I’ve been sewing my little fingers off, trying to keep up. The biggest project has been a mini maternity wardrobe for my sister, who’s expecting in early May. I made her three tops and the comfiest pair of lounge pants I have ever tried on and been tempted to keep for myself. Stretchy wide waistbands for all! But photos will have to wait til she gets around to taking some.
I also sewed a couple of things for a fundraiser day at the races in November. My horse is still running but it was an otherwise perfect day. They held a giant raffle and I donated a Christmas table runner and napkin set, and a baby quilt. The back of the quilt was a mixture of blue spots and hungry caterpillar. It kind of defeated the purpose of using up my scraps, as I had to buy a whole lot of extra linen and calico, but at least it’s for a good cause. And after eight napkins and two quilts, I’m ace at mitred corners.
A work trip to Palmerston North meant a quick detour to the Arthur Toye closing down sale, and two lovely cotton sateens and a cotton/linen stripe. None made it into the stash! They are all summer dresses. I only have photos of the striped dress so far, modelled on my Christmas break.
This is Simplicity 2591, which is possibly the pattern most let down by its cover art, of all time. (Actually, wouldn’t that be a sensational competition? Please enter below! Winner gets a great dress and a big laugh). Here it is, in all its shiny mustardy glory:
It is great for lots of reasons. Three neckline variations, including raglan cap sleeves, which I love. Princess bodice = a good fit. Gathers in front and back, to make room for the Christmas pudding. POCKETS (great big ones).
It’s a fantastic pattern for stripes, as the side panels are on the bias.
A couple of years ago I made the sleeveless V-neck version. Totally different dress. I love that.
Three hours of 2013 to go! Have fun, everyone!
sixty six stitches 
We hope you’ll stay too! Wellington is definitely a fab city. I know what you mean about moving a lot, I used to do that, I seem to have finally settled now though 🙂
I love this dress, the fit is great and certainly it is a pattern I’ve ignored because of the awful front image. All that mustard yukkiness! But that pockets! It’s worth it for that 🙂
I agree the pattern front artwork does nothing for the dress features. The dress looks fab on you – the side panels the move into pockets that don’t sit on the hips. It is actually a really nice pattern. I’ve been in Wellington for almost 3 years now and we are really enjoying it – it is such a compact wee city that has a small community feel with big city attractions. My kids love it as well, which is always the bonus