I have been wanting to try to draft patterns more and more lately.  It is a challenge, which of course does not always work out.   This one was mostly successful.

In drafting the gathering front piece, first I took my basic shirt block and retraced it, adding some extra so it would be wider than just halfway across the shirt.  The I cut it out in intervals, and taped it onto my tracing paper as I splayed it out in the middle but kept the side seam next to each other.  Then, I recut the new pattern piece and tossed the taped, cut pieces.

This was trial and error for the gathering.  I gathered it up where I thought it would look good, then sandwiched it between two pieces for the other side.  This way the gathered seam is enclosed and will lay better.  The neckline was a simple cowl and the sleeves had been intended to be cap sleeves.  I cut them too big, so next time I do them I will definitely modify that piece.  When I tried it on, it was tighter than I wanted it to fit.  I decided to cut open one side and add a godet to it.  I left the hem unfinished, as that is the look I was going for.

I added some light pink stitching with embroidery thread to the shirt.  It seemed to need a little “oomph”.  Simple stitching with a little embroidery design is easy to do while watching the occasional dvr’d show.

I have seen some pretty impressive projects by Alabama Chanin in her reverse appliqué embroideries.  I would love to do something like that someday.  That will definitely take a bit of time, though.

The skirt is an upcycle.  I bought a dress at a consignment store, and I thought I would wear it.  The neckline was just too revealing, though.  I cut off the top and made it into a skirt with an elastic waistband.  I was hoping to make it a little longer, but my available elastic at the time was a little wide.

I also did another baby blanket for my cousin’s little guy.  Again…minky is so cuddly, soft!  I love these little blankets.  Great for wrapping around little ones in their carseats during the winter.

I also got to hold him a lot.  Brian, my sister and I were the godparents at his Baptism this month.  A wonderful day with family…that I forgot my camera at home.   That’s kinda how it has gone this month.  Not much for photos, but we have been busy!