Nine Years & Counting! Butterick Pattern 6678

30 Aug Nine Years & Counting! Butterick Pattern 6678

Here it is, my nine year Blogiversary!

On August 31, 2011, I announced I would not be shopping for a year and vowed to renew my sewing skills.

I made this skirt from Amy Butler quilting cotton which I posted as my first garment and was so proud.

Nine years later I’m in a different place in life but one thing is certain. I’ll never go back to being a full-time shopper unless someone takes my machines away or I’m unable to sew. Sewing is truly in my blood.

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People not connected with the online sewing community look puzzled when I explain this wonderful world I’ve joined. Sewing…..blogging……huh?

1. There are those of us who sew and connect online.
2. There are people who sew but don’t connect online, and even when I try to explain how enlightened their sewing world could become by joining the online sewing community, they say things like ” I’m not good at computers”.
3. There are people who don’t sew but who nonetheless follow me. They tell me they like to see what I’ve made and skip over the sewing stuff. I’m deeply appreciative for their interest and support!
4. And there are people who don’t sew or get online, but for some reason they know I sew and always ask me if I made what I’m wearing.

All I can say Dear Readers, is that I love you. Geeeeezzzzz…… I love having people who get it, and there are not enough words to thank you for reading my posts and interacting with me. We’ve inspired each other and learned from each other.  You’ve  followed my sewing journey (pardon the cliche) notable events in my life, watched me find my style, learn techniques, write books and try to give televised tutorials. You’re part of my life whether or not you realize it. Thank you ❤️❤️

I’m closing out year nine with Butterick 6678,  the last summer maxi. It’s taken me a while to warm up to maxis again, but I’m here! My fabric is Rayon Challis by Art Gallery Fabrics, purchased on a recent trip to Five-Eighth Seams in Charleston.

Rayon available HERE.

I enjoy wearing rayon challis due to its light weight, soft drape and wrinkle resistant properties. Sewing it however was slightly tricky as it is shifty and can stretch out of shape without careful handling.

While I really like the green eyelet maxi I made earlier, I find it bold. This go around I wanted a feminine tiered maxi that billows in the ocean’s breeze and keeps me cool, even when it is 94°.

The silhouette of this dress was just what I was looking for – fitted in the bust and
attached to an A-line skirt without gathers.

I made a sleeveless version of View C and made two alterations to the pattern:

1. The dress is not lined. I lined the bodice with the fashion fabric by cutting extra bodice pieces.
2. I shaved off an inch and a half from the shoulders.
3. Otherwise, after making the petite adjustments I followed the pattern instructions.

It’s a comfortable fit and a pattern that I recommend.

As I enter my tenth year, I must thank the sewing industry at large for its support of my efforts. I find it important for all of us to understand we need not be victims of consumerism. Some choose to garden, others live in simplicity and well, I’m going to keep sewing 😉

Many thanks to you all  – I’ve got lots in store for Year 10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until soon.

UPDATE: Five Eighths Seams is sold out of this fabric. Click on image below to buy at Fabric .com