Progress.............

Well, the first pattern I chose for the Pattern Review Contest didn't work out.  I plan to blog about that pattern later.  I made the original pattern up in a fabric I like, and it turned out well--the second one--not so well.  I also realized that some of the ideas I had for changes to the pattern were not going to work out the way I originally thought............so on to "plan B."

My sewing has been hit and miss the last few weeks.  Generally, I'm lucky to get in 2-3 hours/week in the sewing room.  The "want to" has been there, but other things have taken my time.  Isn't that the way it goes?

Anyway on with the new pattern, Silhouette # 1600, Betsy's Jacket.  I've had this pattern for years, and the envelope picture of the big shoulders always turned me off.  Sometime back, Peggy, on one of her free webcasts, showed this jacket and gave some instruction on how to lighten up on those big shoulders.  As is almost always, her versions of her patterns on these webcasts are so cute, and often have little resemblance of that photo on the pattern envelope.  Those of you familiar with Peggy and her patterns know what I mean. ;)

So I pulled out this chenille type fabric that's been in the stash for who knows how long.  After I made a quick and dirty muslin from an old bed sheet, I cut into the fabric.  Oh, so how it raveled!  I almost gave up on it, but I loved the color and the way it felt on the skin.

I still have some handwork to do to finish it.  It also needs another good press.  So for now, here is version 1.

I was able to work on version 2 a bit today.  It is a rayon/poly/lycra knit from JoAnns.  It feels really nice on the skin.  It almost has the look of a ponte, but it has more stretch.  Here's a sneak peek.

Version 3 is in my head.  Fabric arrived today from Fabric Mart that I have now put through the washer/dryer.  I'm hoping to get that version cut out early next week.

Hoping to get these completed, get photos, and get them posted to PR by the deadline.  If I don't meet the deadline.....well, at least I'll have 3 jackets either ready to wear OR almost ready to wear!  Fingers crossed.