That's a Wrap

Here's the very first "show and tell" from my recent fabric "haul": a linen chambray wrap skirt, perfect for summer! The fabric is Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend in Yarn Dye Chambray.

I was originally planning to make a six-panelled skirt with this fabric, and even went so far as to draft the pattern for it. But then I remembered this linen wrap skirt that I'd pinned ages ago, and this wrap skirt pattern that's been languishing on my sewing board for roughly the same amount of time. I didn't end up using that pattern and drafted my own, instead -- but seeing how it could work for both maternity and for "regular" wear convinced me that it was the way to go! It would probably be ideal for that awkward postpartum stage, too, which is something I hope I'll have to deal with again in the future. 

I drafted my own pattern using an old a-line skirt pattern. The front is identical to the back, just slightly "trimmed" on one side. I did follow the limitations of my fabric -- fortunately it was 52" wide, and I was able to get this skirt out of just 1 1/2 yards. I didn't want something too long, so I settled on about 24" (plus a bit for hem and seam allowance, of course). It's perfect!

The waistband is a simple 2" wide strip -- a very LONG strip. After sewing the tie portion and turning it right side out, I stitched down the center (AKA the back waistband) and inserted some elastic. I always worry about elastic looking too "frumpy," but I felt it would give me a better and more versatile fit (versus darts, which would be more tailored but might look odd if I use this a maternity skirt in the future).

I cheated on the waistband by not adding an opening for the one strap to go through. I may add that later on, as well as some little belt loops on the back waistband (the ties do tend to ride up over time).

This skirt is so very comfortable! I'm in love with the fabric -- of course, because it's linen! And the rayon content adds the perfect drape and fewer wrinkles. So far, no issues with the wrap coming open, though I have a few ideas to help with that.

So that's a wrap. And there's another on the way...

Who's a Naughty Girl?

That would be moi. I managed to pretend that my fabric storage is not overflowing with yardage just long enough to place an order on Fabric.com. For more fabric. MORE. Despite all of my wonderful stash-busting intentions, I am a sucker for linen, chambray, and sales!

But I won't be too hard on myself this time (though perhaps I should!). For one thing, every single fabric I bought is simply luscious. I know, that's not a good justification! But each fabric also was chosen with a very specific purpose -- some quite utilitarian purposes, too!

From top to bottom: Kaufman Cotton Chambray Dots Indigo, Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend in Raffia, Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend in Yarn Dye Chambray, and Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend in Yarn Dye Grey. (Notice a theme? I didn't even realize I'd put all of the "Kaufmans" together in the photo!)

The dot chambray is destined for a tunic, the raffia and chambray linen-blends are for wrap skirts, and the grey linen is up in limbo (the yarn dye is white and blue, and I was really looking for a "black" grey; I think it will end up being an apron). The dot chambray is by far my favorite -- it's got such an amazing hand, and the tiniest bit of sheen. Perfect! The linen blends are also great (I love linen mixed with rayon, because it's a hair less wrinkly and has a great drape), but they are a bit scratchy, as some reviewers had noted. As skirts they will be fine, since I'll always be wearing a slip underneath. But I'm not sure what I'd think in something right against the skin.

Last, but not least, these two beauties: Little Birds Double Gauze in White, and Minky Lattice Soft Cuddle in Rosewater. 

The double gauze on the left completely stole my heart as soon as I saw it (and I'm glad I snapped some up on sale, as the price has gone up!). I cheated a bit on this fabric, because it's not "purposed" yet. But muted robins and toadstools on double gauze? My self-control has its limits, people. Some of it will certainly end up as a blanket in case we have a girl in the future, and I figure it's perfect for baby gifts otherwise! In my defense, I was originally intending to pair some of it with the minky on the right, as a blanket for Rosa. I realized recently that she's still using her Carter's knit swaddle blankets (like these, in a different print -- I highly recommend them!). She's almost four. It was time to upgrade! Anyway, the two fabrics didn't go together quite as well as I'd hoped, so the gauze is reserved for baby projects, and the minky will be paired with something else.

I spent a bit more per yard than usual, but each fabric was just right for the project I had in mind -- and in the end, the quality will (hopefully) hold up long enough to justify it. Also, I have less sewing time as a mama of three, so if I am going to sew, I want to make it count! No "so-so" fabrics to turn into "so-so" projects.

In order to assuage my conscience, I am working my way through these projects as quickly as possible. I do not need more yardage in my stash, and in my experience the longer I put off using a fabric (usually through fear of "messing up"), the deeper it ends up in the stash. So expect to see some of these in action, very soon!

Anyone else have some fabric confessions to dish up? *wink*

Spring, Virginia Style -- Fauna

 We've been getting to know the neighbors -- it's a rather "diverse" community of varying shapes, sizes, colors, and species.


Some swim...

Others hop....

This "itchy" fellow hangs out in our neighborhood, and can often be seen nibbling
on our neighbors' flowers!

Some waddle...

Others buzz...

Every encounter is a chance to show the littles something new about God's marvelous creation:

"See the terrapin's extra eyelid? Watch when his head pokes out of the water!"

"See that cardinal? Listen to his song!"

"See the pollen on the bee's leg? Now she will taken some pollen to the next flower she visits!"


Eyes wide open, ears attuned, feet eager to explore -- every discovery another reminder of the blessings that flow down from heaven, as the rain and sunlight bring life to the dormant ground.

Ask the beasts, and they will teach you;

the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;

Or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;

and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

In His hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of all mankind.

Job 12:7-10

Spring, Virginia Style -- Flora

You may recall my excitement last year about the coming of Spring. Well, this year has surpassed last year's delights! Perhaps that's partly because we had the whole winter to heighten our anticipation, and it's certainly largely due to spending more time at the local gardens. And let's be real -- it's mostly because I'm finally in a climate where foxglove thrives.

I hold Beatrix Potter responsible for my unaccountable obsession with foxglove! I love many other flowers, but none so much as this. 

There were so many of them at our local gardens. Pink, purple, white. Happy, happy me!

But first came the daffodils, and the camellias. This was the only picture of a camellia that I took; I think I must have been overwhelmed by the variety and profusion. But really, what would I do with a dozen (or even half a dozen!) camellia pictures? I can't seem to resist taking photos of every lovely plant that catches my eye, which then languish in my photo files. Perhaps that's why I post so many on my blog! They feel "purposeful" if they're shared.

Lenten roses (hellebores) and dogwoods bloomed next -- we have five dogwood trees in our back yard, and one is planted right outside my kitchen window. How I waited and waited for that tree to bloom! Though the pink dogwood pictured below was a discovery at the gardens:

Summer snowflakes

Parsley

Tulips! Another rarity in Florida

One of my favorite discoveries at the gardens this year was lupine -- ever since we read Miss Rumphius, I have wanted to see lupine for myself. They're so lovely! Pink, purple, and white, just like the ones Alice planted. I have plans to add some to our landscape next year. I was tickled when we found the lupine covered with seed pods after they'd bloomed; perfect for showing the littles how the flowers made the seeds that Miss Rumphius scattered on her walks!

Our scraggly rosebush managed to produce a few lovelies -- I think it's badly in need of pruning! Perhaps next year it will do a little better.

And now, it's hydrangeas. Every shape, size, color. It seems that Virginia is a hotbed for my favorite plants! Though I haven't noticed any hollyhocks -- still, if foxglove grows here, I'd imagine hollyhocks would, too.

Another Virginia delight? Willow trees. I think I saw maybe one or two in our old Florida haunts, but here they grow everywhere! I have such fond memories of willow trees from my childhood in England, so I feel a warm glow every time I spot one here.

 And while our roses at home may be scarce, the local gardens can boast a much larger and impressive variety! In fact, I doubt I'll plant many (if any) roses in our garden, because I can always nip over there for my rose "fix." I couldn't resist a snapshot of these particular beauties, mostly because the variety is "Winchester Cathedral" (a lovely minster, and Jane Austen's final resting place).

I've saved the "fauna" for another post, because this is already lengthier than usual! It's been a chilly, rainy Spring, and I'm actually ready for Summer -- but I'm already looking forward to next year's Spring. More daffodils! More foxglove! Because "Spring" here is just a synonym for "Anticipation."

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Ecclesiastes 3:11