Vogue 1220 in Black

This Donna Karen dress is so easy to wear, you can't just have one.  If you haven't made this one yet, do yourself a favor and start one.  I want it in black and the weather has been mild, so I'll be wearing this for a while yet.

It's nice to work on a pattern that's already adjusted and is ready to go, and it's just as much fun to sew the second time around.

You'll notice my tailor tacks to mark the places that require precise stitching on the right side, I like them because they can be seen from both sides.

On another note, I am in love with Vogue 1268 and am trying to decide whether I want it in wool double knit or Ultrasuede.  I'm feeling pretty excited about the faux suede but vowed not to buy any more fabric.   Hold it!... Can Ultrasuede really be called a fabric?

My First Sewing Book

Work has been so busy lately that I haven't had time to sew.  I prepped some fabric and a pattern but am still undecided about what to make next, do I want pants or a dress?  That's my dilema and I'm uninspired.

On another note, I use books as much as my sewing tools to remind me of how to complete many of my sewing tasks.  I need a book with good instructions (that don't require too much head scratching), and good illustrations.  I really don't want a "shortcuts" type book and am always willing to do the extra work to get it right.  Here's my first sewing book, The New Simplicity Sewing Book, from the '80's!  Boy did I learn a lot from this one, I actually learned how to sew by following this book step by step.   I wish I still had the jacket I made back then, it had welt pockets, set-in sleeves and a complicated collar; it came out beautifully thanks to the clear instructions in the book.  Notice the dog-eared pages, it was well-used and is still my "go to" guide when I can't figure it out any other way.