Briefcase #2

Briefcase #2

After posting my husband's birthday briefcase, I had requests for the pattern.  I've been working on making a pattern (something totally new for me) and this is my second shot at the briefcase.

The truly amazing thing about this briefcase is my daughter wove the fabric on a loom (Not the cotton print but the background fabric). She owns a loom the size of a bedroom and she wove the fabric on that loom. 

Every time I work on this I find something else I should have done differently.  The outside pocket when unzipped is unfinished.  No big deal now but when making the pattern I want that to be finished.  I also haven't figured out a good way to put that lining into the bag. 

Here's the finished product....

It's July? Simplicity 8014 Shirt dress

It's July? Simplicity 8014 Shirt dress

Not sure how I did not post between April and July but life flows by and blogging fell by the wayside.  I'm still sewing.  Here is my latest creation...

I've been wanting to recreate a shirt dress I had in my 20's.  It was made of Lavender Linen and was my favorite go to summer dress.  I wore it to work, church, special occasions and finally it had to be retired. 

I saw a picture online of a plaid summer shirt dress and that inspired me to make mine out of plaid.  It still needs the buttons, buttonholes and a hem but I'm heading out for a week of camping and I really wanted to share this first. 

I made a size 12 and it was a bit snug in the arm holes so I think I will grade up to a 14 there.  It also was a bit snug at the waist and I trimmed my seam allowances down to get another inch but next one I cut out I'll add some more ease in it.  I'd rather snug something up than have to try to take it out. 

Matching the really big plaids was more of a trick than I anticipated but I think it will do.  Definitely needs a belt to break up the waist going from straight plaid to on the bias plaid. 

I'm always looking for comfortable dresses to wear to church so I think my next one will be out of an autumnal solid color, with long sleeves,  that I can dress up with scarves and accessories.