Good Intentions

I have had good intentions lately, about using up my fabric. I cleaned everything out last week and got rid of a lot of fabric I just won't ever use. What I have left overflows a large rubbermaid storage container. It's a lot less than I had, but I'd like to get the cover on the box before we move. So I have been intending to make up some garments or things to help use up some of the fabric. Projects on the to-do list include a roccoco blouse in pink and yellow cotton from Dawn Andersons pattern, a yellow petticoat skirt to go with aforementioned blouse, finishing up some rompers I started for Malachi months ago, making a pink linen spencer jacket from Sense and Sensibility's Spencer/Pelisse pattern, two new aprons from cotton calico yardage I've been hoarding forever, and will never use for anything else, and a regency gown with the black and white sheer plaid I got years and years ago for a Civil War summer sheer gown that never ever came into existence.

We went to Wal Mart over the weekend. . .a Wal Mart which happens to still carry fabric. I got two pieces. I justified it by saying it was not much and I'd use it up right away. I feel awfully guilty, so I am trying to use it up right away.

This week I started a new 1914 Afternoon Dress. I have made a few of these before. My latest one was when I was pregnant with Judah. I still have that dress and I love it but I can't wear it right now because it is not nursing friendly (it buttons in the back).

I am using the sheer red floral fabric I got at Wal Mart for this dress. This is my first time using the nursing option and so far it has gone together very easily. I wasn't sure at first how it would work but I think this will be a lovely feature when it is done! I can wear a gown with the appearance of just a back opening, but when I need to nurse the baby I can unbutton the dress bodice at the waist, lift it up over the inner bodice that has nursing slits, and there you are. A handy and very discreet way to nurse.

It is about half done right now, I suppose. I still need to face the waistband, add the half waistband to the front bodice flap and hem the sleeves and the bottom of the skirt. Then I need to make all those buttonholes and covered buttons to finish it off. I also want to add trim to the bodice and am thinking about a ruched trim in a V shape, going from the shoulders to the middle of the bodice and then back up again.

I have an unexplainable desire for a hat to wear with this dress. I am not a hat person, but I think a dark honey colored straw hat trimmed up with a very large dark blue bow and band around it would look quite nice. I have no idea where I will find one but David said he will go to a few thrift shops and the antique mall with me this weekend so we can look.

I've packed all the boxes I have and now am waiting for more. David is getting a load from the store tonight. Tomorrow I'll tackle the kitchen and put up everything I don't use from day to day. I think a cast iron skillet, a pot and the cookie sheet should be sufficient to hold us over until we move and can get everything out again.

Moving is exciting. I just wonder where we will go. Still nothing definite yet, although we have found a place we both like very, very much. I hate applications for renting! Although I understand them I don't like the wait and we are fast running out of time.

Love,

Sarah