I made a muslin of the Lisette pattern, and I feel like fitting it would be more than I’m up to right now. I have a rather narrow upper chest (at least compared to my giant singer’s ribcage) and tend to avoid higher necklines. This one wasn’t super high, but it definitely needed adjusting. The darts on the pattern are the sort that don’t close on the top, and I have trouble getting those to lie smoothly (in addition, the darts would need to be lowered by an inch on me.) I don’t want to do anything complicated right now, so I’m putting it away and looking for another pattern for my city fabric. Later on I think I will try the cute jacket from the pattern. In the meantime, I’ve cut this project:
It looks straightforward, but I am going to check the bodice length – it looks to have the possibility of being too long. I’m not doing the waist decoration, but I am considering piping the waist seam – it depends on how it looks when I baste to fit. This fabric is a rayon challis that I bought off ebay, possibly vintage. I love the polka dots!
Since I enjoyed knitting the shawl (and my hands didn’t suffer too much, but I know I have to be careful,) I’m planning to make a sweater next. These are the two patterns I am considering:
First is Anais by Kim Hargreaves. The second sweater is Audrey in Unst by Gudrun Johnston (from Twist Collective Fall 2009.) Which one I make rather depends on which one I have yarn for – it’s going to require some digging! Both look to be good sweaters to wear with dresses, which is my goal. I have remarkable few cardigans that I feel like work with the dresses I now favor.
Lastly, Simplicity has released their Summer 2011 patterns on their website. My favorite is 2178, the Cynthia Rowley dress:
The shoulder treatment is fun. I have a slightly crinkley rayon that might work for this, in a hot pink/black gingham. I have been at a loss what to make with it, but this might work!
I also like the two new Project Runway patterns:
They aren’t perhaps setting the world on fire with innovation, but both these patterns are very pretty summer dresses. I don’t own any similar patterns. The rest of the patterns are a wash for me – I’m not feeling any of the sportswear, and the other dresses aren’t my style. There is a rather nice steampunk costume pattern, which I would definitely make if I were invited to the sort of costume party where people actually wear elaborate costumes.
Perhaps today I will get in some sewing – I have much to do to prepare for my recital, but I think I have time!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I love that new Cynthia Rowley pattern, very Grecian! I will have to check out the new 2011 patterns on Simplicity- love them! 🙂
Great plans! That C.R. 2718 dress is awesome and you’d look great in it! Can’t wait to see everything you sew!!!
Love the little Anais cardi, very cute. Also like the Cynthia Rowley dress, I dont usually wear sleeveless tops or dresses, but this one certainly has me wondering if it might not be worth braving it!
Another favorite blog “Little Purl of the Orient” made the “Audrey…” sweater last November. Sadly, she hasn’t posted since then, last I checked, but you might want to look at hers, in a pearly white-grey color. Looks like a wonderful choice of pattern! – I’ll bet yours will be brighter
I love that blue polka dot fabric and the lovely dress pattern you’re using! So beautiful! I say make the Kim Hargreaves’ cardigan – so pretty! I’m very lucky to have ladies knit for me and they really enjoy Kim Hargreaves’ patterns.
I’m in love with the Cynthia Rowley pattern!!! Are they in stores yet?! (I know JoAnn’s is having another simplicity sale at the end of this week…)
Methinks you should make Gudrun Johnston’s cardi – have you seen her new one of just the other day? Very nice, as well.