Twin Set for a Cause

Hi everyone!  I'm participating in the Junior Achievement Bowl-a-thon through my job.  Our team has been really busy fundraising and we decided to hold a "silent auction" this week.  Now,  I'm really not good a fundraising at all...to be honest, I really don't like doing it either!  However, when your office director puts you on the team and thinks you will do a good job...well you don't want to disappoint them!  So I worked "feverishly" calling some favors from my hotel contacts (I coordinate meetings) and ended up getting two major hotels (Hyatt and Intercontinental) to donate 2 night stays at their hotel for our auction!  It was so worth the stress!

I will be bowling for the team but also had this thought...I would donate my sewing skills and time for our auction too!  I decided to make a twin set (cardigan and tank) for the auction.  The team liked my idea but was a little concerned about timing.  They didn't want to put any extra stress on me in trying to get something created. Of course, sewing is my passion so you all know me, I'll make it happen for a great cause!

So I decided to use a TNT pattern that was very quick and stylish...Simplicity 2603 (the DKNY knockoff).

 I paired it with a cowl neck tank I designed and drafted.  I purchased a Wine colored Rayon Lycra from Joann Fabrics that was 50% off and using my VIP card, I received another 10% off of that!!  With the cost of thread, this lovely twin set a great deal at $29 to make!  I've made at least 5 of these cardigans and will probably make it again at some point too.  This is a very, very easy pattern to make and both pieces were completed in about 4 hours tops...I did it this afternoon!  The pattern instructions for this cardigan are super easy! 

I went to a consignment shop and purchased the necklace you see shown with the twin set for $10!  The total cost of this look is $39.  That's what I call the "look for less"!!  Our team agreed to start the bidding at $45 for the entire ensemble!  I hope we can get some really nice bids for it, and ultimately add to our fundraising goal!

On the vacation sewing front, I have a few more pieces completed...I'm almost done and really have to get moving since I only have about 4 weeks remaining to sew!  I'll post those pieces in a couple of days.  Wish me luck and thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Sewing!

Another White Blouse

Sorry it's been so long since my last post!  I've been sewing when I can and have some new "vacation pieces" to show you, but I got side tracked last week at work when I realized I needed a nice white blouse to wear with a suit for a meeting.  The last one I made many months ago would just not work.  I don't know about some of you, but I've find it very hard to justify purchasing some items of clothing because I know how to sew.  I tell myself, "why pay that when you can make it cheaper".  This line of speaking to myself always adds more work to my already overflowing plate, but it almost always turns out correct and I win!  Having something nice and much cheaper!  Not to mention it always feels good because I know I made it too!!

Well it was the same with the new white blouse I needed...I used an old favorite pattern, New Look 6704.

I have to say, you get really nice results with this pattern, but it is definitely not quick to make!  Because of all the detail topstitching, this blouse took me a couple of days to complete.  But it was oh so worth it!  The fit is is great!  I used a very light weight stretch cotton poplin I purchased from Fabric Mart (fast becoming one of my favorite online stores!)  The only change I made was adding smaller than recomended buttons and I re-measured the spacing and like the look!  By the way, Fabric Mart just put this fabric on sale for $1.99 a yard in many colors...of course I purchased a few colors for myself.

If you like this pattern, it's definitely worth your while!  I'll post a photo of me in it with another piece from my vacation wardrobe so you can see the fit. 

Thanks again for reading...I'll be posting again soon and Happy Sewing!