Colette Patterns Embroidery Project

I woke up yesterday completely INSPIRED.  Yes, in all caps.  It had been a rough week at work followed by a rougher Friday night at home and I had gone to bed completely exhausted and over it.  I woke up before 8:00 on Saturday morning with sewing on my mind--I had to get going.  It was one of those forceful, you must do this now feelings, and I had to give in.

I've really been exploring hand embroidery lately (by "exploring," I mean, doing what I want and not always doing it correctly, because I'm too lazy to learn) and, despite the two dresses I have cut out and ready to sew, I've been focused on hand embroidery.  I can do it while watching TV and I'm not all bent over my sewing machine until 1 AM because of it.  It's relaxing.  Even though I love love love to sew, sometimes you need a change of pace!

Anyway, so I woke up yesterday knowing what my next project would be: embroidered versions of all the Colette patterns I own.  I think I own eight, plus the book, and most have line drawings on the front cover (except Chantilly, which is still the old watercolor version).  Line drawings are perfect for embroidery.  Why hadn't I considered this before?

Project 4: Simplicity 2154

Why didn't anyone call me out on the title of Tuesday's post?  I was getting ahead of myself--today I completed project four!

This is the first piece of clothing I've made for myself where I kinda regret cutting the fabric and using it.  I'm not  super happy with the fit--I need some Spanx under it, even though it's the size I always cut--and, I don't know...I'm just feeling very "meh" toward it.  Of course, I've eaten one piece of banana bread today, as well as a lot of espresso, so my blood sugar has bottomed out, as well as my mood.  That could be an underlying factor.

Front view

Pattern Description

Pattern contains pieces for a knit cardigan, a pencil skirt, and this top--reprint of a vintage pattern

Pattern Sizing

Big 4 again--6-22 are available.  This is a 14/8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?

Nope!  I made lots o'changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, definitely, but I made a lot of changes and skipped around, so I may not be the best judge.  BUT I had everything but the facings done within a matter of hours.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved the retro look.  I was originally tempted by the giant bow, which is odd that I decided to leave it off.  I also like the option of making a skirt later.

Front close-up

Fabric used

Quilting cotton I got from Whipstitch.  I'm not sure of the designer or collection, and I can't a selvedge anywhere.

Pattern changes or any design alterations you made

Let's see...the seams are 1/2" instead of 5/8".  I omitted the giant bow.  I also did a fabric loop closure in the back instead of thread.  

Would you sew it again?

Maybe the skirt.  I'm just not super keen on it!

Conclusion

It's cute, but it'll wait until I feel like pouring myself into Spanx.

Rhinestone button in the back

Maybe I'm just in a sour mood.  This weather sucks--it's freezing and dark already--and I have to cook again tonight, which makes six nights this week instead of my agreement to five.  Someone slap me and tell me to snap out of it.  Where's my mother when I need her?