Lucky Lotto Sweater

Last year, my life took a huge u-turn which has brought about many changes.

Lovely SunnyJim felt I could do with a pick-me-up and bought me a Lotto ticket, which went on to win $70. (BTW, this is the first and last ticket for me. I personally frown on gambling, and figure this is the only winnings I will ever have, so get out while I'm ahead.)

I wanted to use this money for something meaningful. Countrywide Mandala variegated wool had caught my eye while buying thread in Sewing Direct sometime earlier, and the winnings covered the cost of yarn for a new sweater. The pattern is the same one I always use, with a few personal adjustments.

The fit is perfect, it's so soft and warm, I wear it often.

Love it, love it love it.

P3 – Pants Pattern Perfection

P3 pants – self drafted pattern

Way back in 2017, I was on a mission to create the perfect fitting pants. While I admit I still haven’t cracked it, with this latest pattern draft I’m about as close to it as I think I can get. So I’m stamping it FINAL.

The pattern pieces look so misshapen compared to a regular pattern (eg, baby-got-back, who knew?), but the resulting fit speaks for itself. Most of drag lines are gone, and they are snug without being tight. The test is sitting - yes, I can, comfortably. I should add I’ve also converted the pattern from stretch fabrics to plain weave fabrics, as these are my preference.

For this final version, I’ve gone with a convention trouser style by moving the zip to the centre front with a fly, added side pockets, and created a shaped waistband with belt loops.

Made in another lite-weight wool fabric score from the Sallies for $3, it’s midnight blue with a self-stripe. Once again, they are lined to the knee.

Very, very happy with the results, and glad I persevered, even if its taken 5 years to get here!

New job, new shirt

New job jitters had me rummaging through the stash for something fresh to wear on my first day with Big Govt, which also meant an ID photo would be taken - ughh!

Gifted to me, I’ve been saving this lovely piece of cotton shirting for the right occasion, and now was it. It’s slightly off-white (so wouldn’t flare in the photo) with a subtle herringbone stripe weave.

For the pattern, I chose Butterick 9899 with the same adjustments I made here (lengthen the sleeve, adding a cuff, etc), but this time squared off the hem with a side seam vent at the hem. The mother-of-pearl shell buttons are also from the stash.

Nice understated shirt, for $0, plus the photo turned out pretty good, so pluses all around.