Progress Report, Summer Session

The Salvation Army in Portland Maine holds an annual sale of donated goods for knitters/sewers/crafters every spring.  This year I picked up a stack of fabric and books, all for about twenty dollars.  I only had one yard of this calico, and I managed to squeeze my favorite pattern onto it by shortening the sleeves and adjusting the placket.  My pattern is an awful lot like Great-Great GrandPa's hammer:  we've replaced the head twice and the handle three times.  I started with Butterick 4064 years ago (which I purchased for 25 cents), but all that remains of that pattern is the bust dart and the armscye. 

Of the six million buttons I own, only these green buttons would do, and they came as a foursome.  I think I'll add more holes and change the buttons - I have a new foot for my machine for securing buttons, I should use it.

McCall's 3341 is a clean and classic A-line skirt that I love.  I've added some pockets on this version, and belt carriers too. I'd show you the back, but somewhere along the line my caboose started looking like a pillowcase full of kittens.  I either need more supportive foundation garments, or more supportive skin. Or a personal trainer.  My head is cropped so that we can all focus on the clothing, not my lack of head maintenance today.  (Don't be fooled, I clean up pretty nice, and this ole body has served me really well).

Here's the best part : my first etsy purchase, a belt and buckle by bmused buckles by Arete.   I've been coveting these buckles for a long time now, and it was high time to pull the trigger.  I am so in love with this.  And it came beautifully packaged, a special gift to me.  Go, get one for yourself!