Anyone still out there?  I know I've been M.I.A. for quite some time and truthfully haven't done any garment sewing in over a year.  My sewing machine hasn't been completely dormant; I've done all the boring stuff, like hem pants and make curtains and pillows, but no real creative work.  Truthfully, my "real work" as in my job, has been dominating my life and I've allowed it to stifle my creativity.  I recently attended a webinar hosted by my alma mater, Northwestern University; the presentation was by a life coach (insert eye-rolling and thoughts of weirdos with more money than sense), but some of what she said really resonated with me.  She spoke about perfecting your present and participating in activities that enrich and energize you.  While I'm very blessed and grateful for my job, I've also been very unhappy in my work for quite some time.  I'm currently seeking a new opportunity, but also realized that I should be investing in making myself happy until that new opportunity is here.

Thus the sewing...  I realized that the last dress I made was for my sister-in-law's wedding last August!  I like to sew icing (especially dresses) and just buy my work clothes.  Those special occasion and vacation garments are what I love to make.  My husband and I were invited to a black tie optional wedding, but I wasn't sure if we would be able to attend with out of town holiday travel. Once I realized that we would return from Louisiana (where I'm originally from) in time, I decided to feed my creativity and sew something special.  I love McCall's 6833, and have had the pattern for quite a while but truthfully am somewhat of a collector and am unlikely to ever sew them all.

I would have loved to order a gorgeous dupioni from Silk Baron, but didn't have time.  I trekked to JoAnn's with only slight optimism of finding something that would work, and was thrilled to discover a gorgeous black and red rose pattern jacquard.  Truthfully, it's most likely polyester, but at that moment I didn't really care, and hell, it's one less thing that I have to dry clean.  I had a deadline that didn't include a muslin, but was excited to enjoy the process again.  I'm excited to say that I completed it in time (putting the last stitches in 30 minutes before walking out the door), but if anyone still follows this blog, pictures and details will be posted shortly.  I would love your comments if you're still out there!