Here we go!

‘I, Jessica, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-March ’11. I endeavour to wear
one handmade or refashioned item each day for the duration of March 2011’

I wasn’t sure if I was going to participate this time – I will be traveling for the first two weeks of March, and I was worried about packing.  I’ve since decided that too much choice in packing is a bad thing – limiting myself to my handmade items makes it possible that I may finish packing early!  I’m planning to take several of my knit dresses, and a few cardigans.  I will be planning my outfits (yes, I am that OCD) and I will post about exactly what I’m packing once I get it all decided.  I am making another dress from Simplicity 2443 to take with me (out of cobalt blue ponte) because the first is just so useful!  This is the third piece I’ve made from that pattern – I think I got my 99 cents worth!

Let me outline my personal rules for the challenge.  I will wear one item that I made each day.  That’s enough of a challenge, what with the travel and all!  I’m not interested in going to everything handmade, because there are things I don’t, and probably won’t, sew.  I will try to get photos every day (probably not hard, since I will be vacationing!)  I may get some up during the trip, or they may wait til I get back – it rather depends on internet access and time!   I actually think it will be a good excuse to take photos – I am so bad to take none during trips!

So… moving on, McCall’s and Simplicity released new patterns this week   It’s very much a mixed bag for me, with a few must haves, and also quite a few “what the heck is that” patterns.  Here is what I like, starting with McCall’s.

6321

I think the modeled version is my favorite, at least based on the line drawings.  This dress is pretty similar to the one from the Drape Drape Japanese pattern series (example here.)  I don’t own that book, but I do like the interesting skirt style!  The pattern calls for crepe de chine etc, but I think I might use a rayon matte jersey for a bit more weight behind the drape.

6319

I think this has potential, but I’m not sure.  I’m not sure how I feel about the asymmetry.  I kind of have a thing about that.

I also like the ruffled shorts, 6328.  I am unlikely to make them, but they do have a nice retro vibe.

I am happier with the new Simplicity patterns.  First, my favorite:

2219

I love knit dresses!  I’m imagining the long version in a rayon print that I already own, and the short, flutter sleeved version in a solid.  This will definitely be made!

2215

I like the primness of the dress – it looks like something Michelle Williams might wear (and I love her style!)  I don’t like the frayed trim, but the other version is pretty.  The skirt is also a nice basic.

Lisette is a new line of patterns by the designer of the Oliver S line of children’s patterns.  I will probably get both of these patterns to try.   I have an adorable sateen print to use for the dress – I need something without princess seams, and this looks like a good choice.  The darts in the front are slightly unusual.

Finally, they have released a few patterns from Project Runway designer Suede.  The ruffle dress is pretty, and I don’t have any similar patterns.  It would be a nice showcase for a pretty charmeuse print.  And no, I’m not making a jumpsuit.  But the dress pattern included (the line drawing to the left) looks cute and easy, so I’m picking it up!

That’s it for now!  I am more likely to make the Simplicity patterns, because their draft seems to fit me better, but I am really interested in the skirt on the first McCall’s dress!