Winter in Texas and Vogue 8859

Knowing that the northeastern U.S. has been on winter overload this year, we, here in Texas, have been having a colder, more out of the ordinary winter than our normal Texas winters.  In years past, I've had plants already growing in my vegetable garden.  Not so this year.

We woke up to 3-4" of snow with a layer of sleet underneath.  Schools were closed.  Just last week, we had ice 2 or 3 days which also kept the kiddos home from school.  Thankfully, being retired, I didn't have to worry about getting out as I had plenty of dog, cat, and donkey feed.  I stay off icy roads.

This is the view around 8:30 this morning from the window at the sewing machine.  Since I was taking it from inside, the window screen shows up as a checked pattern on the photo.

A zoom in of that same tree shows the bird feeder and the birds having some breakfast.

But, as quickly as it comes.............it goes............. The following photo was taken from the same window at about 2:30 this afternoon.  Temp rose into the 40's throughout the day.

The low tonight will be in the 20's so traffic will likely be nasty in the morning where water or shade spots refreeze.  But, I will be cozy inside until it begins to melt.  Weatherman says we will see 70's early next week.  That's what we generally expect this time of year.

In the sewing room:

I received a package earlier in the week from Fabric Mart.  During one of their sales, I purchased 6 yards of black RPL ponte that I was planning to use mostly for muslins.  The of the fabric is very nice.  It was described as heavy ponte.  Inside the package was a note; "Pre-wash Black Ponte Knit In Cold Water Separately."  I always pre-wash, but I use warm water generally, and I did for this fabric also.

I hadn't initially been very interested in the Marcy Tilton pant pattern V 8859 (see below).  I didn't think much about it, but have seen several reviews that it is a really good slim leg pant pattern.  Well, I had to try it. Not wanting negative ease, I sized up and cut a straight 16 and sewed with no alterations.  I initially put in the knee pleats, but took them out preferring just a straight front.  If I decide to use them in another pair, I need to raise them just a bit to be more centered around my knee.

I was very surprised. I really liked the fit!  They hit right where I wanted at the waist area and the back upper leg fit nicely without baggy bum.  So, I'm glad I gave them a whirl!  This pair is definitely a wearable muslin. 

The fabric: The more I handled the fabric, the more black rub-off I had on my hands.  It washed off pretty easily but some of my nails still have a gray tint.

So, I'll send the yet unhemmed finished pants and the rest of the yardage through the wash/dry again and see if that helps any.  I hope it will as I hope I'll be able to use some of the yardage as final garments rather than just muslins.  More washing and time will tell.

Last week I muslined the "loved by many" Rachel Comey skirt V 1247 (now OOP).  I lengthened it, of course, and I'm happy with the final fit.  I had to let it out (cut a size 14) at the waist.  Hate that older, thicker waist!  Oh well, it is what it is!  I will forgo the waist band and go with a facing instead.

Next up will be to decide what fabric to choose from the stash.

I also muslined a Lekala pattern.  More on that later.  I guess I've just been in a "muslin state of mind."