The Faux Fur Vest

I used McCall's 7173 View B for this vest, but I have to admit I did not follow the directions. 

I used maroon lining because that is what Hancock had available- not really sure why there wasn't any brown! I sewed the lining to the right side of the vest at the armhole and the front flaps, and I didn't use buttons or other closures because I just wanted an informal faux fur vest. I wasn't crazy about the dark brown, I really wanted something in multiple shades of brown, but the only choices at Hancock were brown or white. 

Here is the finished product. In the photo it looks as if you can see the stitching in the hem, but you can't actually see it, that is just the light reflecting off the dip in the fur where the hem is. The lining also looks almost pink in the photo, but it is much darker in real life. 

It didn't take me very long to make the vest. Though it was messy! There was fur everywhere. I'm going to use the remaining fur to line the collar and extend the sleeves on a camel colored wool coat that I got second hand. Hopefully it won't look too ridiculous :)
I'll post those when I get enough time to work on the coat.

A New Approach to Creative Process

I've toyed with the idea of creating a blog for some time. I confess that I'm feeling conflicted about the commitment. However, I have spent a lot of time in the last month reading other sewing blogs, and the inspiration and information have made me want to join the team of sewing bloggers- so thank you ladies!

Now, a little about me, then a little about what I'm doing...

I taught myself to sew when I was in my late teens. I had flirted with sewing on a couple of occasions when I was a child and may have had someone to teach me, but the timing or circumstances never brought me to an actual creation until I needed a Jessica Rabbit halloween costume:

Of course, It was ill fitting and had serious issues :)    but I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment!

After that, I made some quilts for friends and family, and got better at sewing. I made some easy skirts, and started developing a grudging patience and understanding with my machine (and myself). Then I made outfits for the entire bridal party for a friend's wedding. After that, I had the confidence to sew pretty much anything, but didn't devote much time to it because I didn't have a dedicated sewing area, and, well, life got in the way.

Recently we've moved, and for the first time I have a room I can dedicate to sewing space. I wanted to immediately make something spectacular, complicated, and over the top, so for halloween this year I made Simplicity 3782.

While making this costume, I unpacked my fabric (mostly quilting), found some unfinished projects, clothing plans I never got around to, and general disarray. I also read many sewing blogs, and got inspired to utilize the new sewing space in my house. So, I've been purchasing fabric over the last few weeks, and getting inspiration from fashion catalogs. I'm ready to sew! And I'm ready to hear from all of you who are sewing with me :)