wardrobe planning?

I have been trying to formulate a plan for what I would like to sew/what I need in my wardrobe for my year of RTW fasting.  I set up a board on Pinterest where I can pin inspiration and patterns. You can find it here.

I would like to make some pencil skirts.  I think a double knit would be great for that.  Maybe a stretch woven fabric as well.  I am thinking of trying Pamela's Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.

Last night I bought some double knit at JoAnns for Sewaholic's Renfrew pattern.  I found a nicer double knit there in a charcoal gray color, pictured above.  They only had a few colors in the good double knit.  I bought a black and off-white print fabric for a button down blouse (also pictured above) while I was there that I plan to use with McCalls 6035.  I also grabbed a few yards of denim to try out a jeans pattern.  I have Vogue 1034 for the jeans.  We'll see if I like that one.

So, I have 3 projects ready to be started, and many more in mind.  I'm leaning toward wearing more skirts and dresses every day, but we'll see how cold that makes me this winter!

New Look 6936

I made a dress!  Wow, I said I was going to do something and it actually got done.  Right away.  It usually takes me the longest time to get around to anything!
I didn't want to wait for my fabric order to arrive to make a dress.  I need clothes now.  I am anxiously awaiting its arrival, but it hasn't come yet.  So I found a navy and pink striped knit in my stash.  It is a thicker cotton knit (not a double knit, though), not like your typical jersey knit.  I stopped off at JoAnns and picked up New Look 6936.
After reading all of the reviews on PatternReview.com, I figured I would go with view E.  Several people complained of the 8 inches of ease in the bodice, but I figured that would be just fine.  I held the bodice piece up to myself to see if it needed an FBA.  Sure enough, way too short.  I also measured the back pieces to the waist and determined that I needed to shorten it 1 1/2 inches.  After I put it all together I almost wanted to scrap the whole thing, but decided that it was just way to much ease.  I took it in  probably about 8 inches in the bodice and waist, tapering down to nothing a couple inches below the hip.  I shortened the sleeve probably 4 or 5 inches.  That made for a much better silhouette, but I felt the neckline wasn't working for me.  I widened it 2 inches and lowered it about an inch.  What a difference! I definitely prefer this style dress with a belt.
This dress was quick and easy.  I didn't use the instructions, except to see how they put in the elastic, because it is pretty straightforward.
In the end I don't know that it resembles the dress on the pattern cover all that much.  If the girl pictured were to put her arms down I have to wonder if it would look horrible.  I love how my version turned out, but I think the stripes aren't the most flattering.  Still, it is something to wear- and I got plenty of compliments on it.

Not my most flattering picture, but after several months of waiting for a better one to be taken I am just posting this!

Challenge of the Year

Sarah, over at Goodbye Valentino, went a year without buying Ready To Wear (RTW) clothes, opting for making her own clothing.  Now that her year is complete, she is continuing on and inviting others to join in the fun.  So for the next 365 days (actually starting yesterday) I will not buy any RTW clothes.   My goal is to master making jeans, as well as casual yet stylish clothing.  So follow along over the next year to see what I can add to my wardrobe!