Patterns and Pillowcases

I don't usually post about new pattern releases, since so many others beat me to it anyway, and do such a good job of it, but Vogue stepped up to the plate this time, so I renewed my Club BMV Membership and sent off my order.

Normally I order 3 patterns at a time - shipping for my address is $4.00 for 3, 8.00 for 6, and my frugal self thinks that $4.00 shipping is plenty.   Plus, I really REALLY don't need more than 3 patterns at a time, especially given the number of unsewn patterns I already have.  Stash-aholics (patterns & fabric alike) please feel free to join me in one.  big.  collective.  ::::sigh::::

In fact, I had every intention of only ordering 3 this time.   Here are my top 3:

Marcy Titlton's V8954.  I REALLY like love love LOVE the way Marcy has styled the collar on her Blog Post - cannot WAIT to try this pattern out!  Note:  she also includes a number of very helpful-looking hints in her post.  I love a practical vest with some visual twists - this one looks like it has endless potential!

Donna Karan's V1378.  These pants could be JUST the slim-pant pattern I've been waiting for!  I hope that the reality of how these might fit and flatter lives up to my vision of shaping perfection!  I've never joined the legions of those who love crossover tops and dresses, so I'l probably pass on the top.

V8962 (Very Easy)  I like the shaping and seaming on this one.   It might give just the sort of shaping at the hipline (for those of us.....you know....) that might actually make for a more flattering fit.   Especially if you have hips that ....you know... AND you're short!

After giving considerable thought to that extra shipping charge (not to mention the pattern charge - hey, what can I say?  If you've followed my blog for any length of time you know that I do have frugal leanings!), I ended up adding my next 3 choices:

The other Marcy Tilton, V8966:  The hats are very cute, and I like the scarf, although it doesn't look like something that needs an actual pattern to figure out.  Still, the hats ARE cute....

Koos van den Akker V1377.   The likelihood of me making THIS coat is slim, very slim, but I'm a sucker for his artistic details, and I can often find some gem that's worth using in his patterns!

And Hey!  Vogue!!!   How about actually using some of Mr. van den Akker's construction methods in your patterns, instead of making up your own (less effective, more work-intensive) techniques?!?!   Vogue???

And finally, Sandra Betzina's V1375 made the cut.  I hope it's not just the black & grey stripes that are calling out to me....   I do think a long sleeveless vest could be highly wearable, although this one will need some tweaking to work on my body.

I'm excited!   Now....finding the time and energy to sew them all up.... :D

And then there are pillowcases!

At the end of our fabric sharing soiree last weekend there were a few unclaimed cuts of cotton that gave me a little "aha!" moment.  I've been wanting to join in Rhonda's Pillowcase making project (900!!!  pillowcases benefitting Mary Bridge Hospital) for some time, and this was just the impetus I needed.   Although I only used 2 fabrics that came from the delightfully generous Lori's stash, most of what I used was actually given to me, so it was exceptionally wonderful to be able to pass on the gifts in the form of something useful :)

I know that Rhonda is nearly at her goal of 900 cases (if she isn't there already!), but quilt shops all over have some form of donation connections for pillowcases, blankets, etc.,  so I'm betting many of us don't actually need to send items like this off in the mail.   Animal shelters as well - bedding for the critters is often needed.     I'm lucky to have a local fabric store (Stonemountain & Daughter) that has a box by the front door to drop off all of your scraps - shoppers can go through the box & pick out what they want, & the rest of it is used for various projects.    I encourage you to find a use for your leftovers, and please think twice before throwing any of it in the trash!

I admit that I'm not much of a fan of dressing up animals,
but this pic I could NOT resist!!!!! :D

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween, all!