Patterns Can Still Surprise

You know I didn't have much hope for the Design and Sew Kimono Encore pattern. One because it was a kimono and two, because it was an Erikson pattern. From experience these patterns (both Lois and Diane's), often don't work for me, so imagine my surprise when I slipped this on "in process" and fell deeply in love with it.



I was sorry I had used a linen I wasn't in love with color wise, but decided to turn this into a garment I would adore. I took one of my Dad's old denim shirts I had saved for patching and such and went to town giving my plain Jane kimono some pizazz. Half the pockets are cut from the fronts,



then I used the button bands for the snaps.



 I still didn't feel it had enough so I went ahead and did some simple outline embroidery in a deep true red. The constellation on he back is Canis Major,



the one directly on the sleeve Canis Minor.



I haven't taken it off really since I finished it Saturday morning. This is not to say there won't be some modifications. There will be. I want to grade out the hips just a smidge and pull in the shoulders a smidge. As pretty as those big long sleeves are, they do get in the way if you actually need to like eat or prepare food in it. A cuff  and some slight tapering next go round because I love the volume and want to keep most of it.

The next surprise was that a skirt came out of the salon. The first one in a very long time. I had bought a $5.00 piece of deep brown/raisin colored tencel. 2.25 yards was plenty to test this "Everyday Skirt" pattern by Liesl and Co. In fact, it is too big.



I have cut another a size down but I shortened the back elastic on this one and it will be perfectly wearable. Those who have read this blog for a while know there are few things I dislike more than buttons and zippers and facings and in that order. I'll do zippers but I  prefer not to and certainly not for skirts. This hit all the right features. Flat front, elastic back, gentle gathers and a really nice pocket detail.



I was not disappointed. I can see this with a cute little boxy cropped sweater, tights and some boots for fall.  I have a second one cut out and beautiful piece of a brown melton melange wool for a third one. I have some fab inexpensive fabrics waiting for fall winter skirts and pants.

I'm also looking at making a fancy winter coat. I purchased this pattern for a look see.



I love the gilet idea. I know I'm a weaver but I just don't love wearing scarves and I don't like a cold neck either. This is a great compromise.



I have a bolt of some special Scottish wool that would be perfect. I will say the pattern is less than clear on the instructions and rather intimidating. A muslin is in order for sure, but I think this is the perfect project for after the holidays when there is no pressure to do anything else but watch the snow come down and make soups and homemade bread.

It's salad days right now.



Hearty salads like my favorite Greek Panzenella using gifted fresh tomatoes (thank you Sandi!), just picked peppers, English cucumbers, Greek olives, locally made feta and homemade croutons all doused in a delicious dressing and left to soak it up. Occasionally I add some Abruzzese Sausage.
The recipe is an Ina Garten one and you can find it here.

Wasn't it great to see and hear Pres. Obama last week?! OMG, full sentences! Full sentences that had complete clear thoughts! Oration at it's best, filled with hope and better angels, kindness, clear direction and vision. Thank you for making this one old heart happy.  This is the song I leave you with today.

Parting shots: Do you hear what I hear?