McCall 5874 and other craftiness

I finished McCalls 5874 about a month ago to wear to my niece’s wedding (which I didn’t get to go to…kitchen debacle).  Since I don’t “get out” much I wasn’t sure when I would get to wear it.  Last night it was finally able to come out of the closet when we went to dinner with friends at Prima Vista.  I’m happy with the way it turned out.  It fits well and is very comfortable.  I purchased the fabric at JoAnn.  I think it was around $7 per yard and took roughly 2 yards.  I cut a  16 for the top and a 14 for the bottom.  I only had to make one alteration.   It was pretty loose at the waist despite the darts so I took it in about 3/4″ at each side seam, blending it in to the top and bottom so it wasn’t an abrupt curvet.  I could have taken in the darts instead but they looked so darn perfect I hated to rip them out.  The only thing I had a little trouble with was when I went to match up the shoulder seams.  You press under a certain amount (3/8 maybe?) on the front and back piece.  Once the front and back are sewn to the dress you then match the shoulder seams.  Apparently, my pressing job was not quite accurate enough.  I had to fudge a little to get them to match and then grade the press mark so that it would blend in smoothly with the rest of the strap.  If you make this dress, be sure to do all of your front and back yoke pressing at the same time then match the shoulder seams before you attach the yokes and the facing.

I’ve been quite busy in the “sweatshop” this week.  Among my projects were another gift blanket and a shirt with embroidery. I’m pretty behind on the sewing updates but I hope to get a couple more posted this week before I leave for Arizona (YAY).  Please keep me in mind for custom gifts and embroidery.  I finally have a link at the store for custom requests.  I’ll also have some handmade crafty totes and Christmas stockings (with embroidery, of course and the ability to add a name) available for purchase soon.  I”m plan to be very busy in the sweatshop once I’m back in Cincinnati!

Now I need to figure out what to cast on for my travel knitting.  I’ve been having some tingling in my right hand so socks may be out of the question.  I’m thinking a fall sweater (yeah, Vivian is still on the needlesbut I left it in Arizona…will pick it back up while I’m there).  I’m off to Ravelry now to try to decide but I’m open to suggestions!