Absolutely Thrilled

And scared spitless (as my mother would have said).

BWOF blouse is finished except buttonholes/buttons and a hem. Not scared about the hem, terrified of the buttonholes. I know this is fear from my old machine, but I've worked so hard, I like this fabric so much and it's turned out sooooo nice that I'm terrified the whole thing will be ruined at this last step. My machine picks buttonholes by default (I can change, it just a suggestion) and I like the choice for light woven - it's a rounded (not keyhole) on both ends style. I will iron on tearaway stabilizer before starting. And I don't think I'm going to put them above one above the bust. I would never button that high and I've seen a lot of RTW lately without the "extra" button holes. Which leads me to this: which buttons?

I am partial to the white ones, but don'e be afraid to tell me to go shopping. I'm a little afraid they're too big. Not sure how the colors are showing, but this is a true black/grey/barely cream fabric. Very true "no color", not shades of pink or blue or purple.... JUST black/grey. I bought this at Moods last August and the buttons are from Britex (ha! It could become the coastal blouse). It's a very very very nice 100% cotton. Soft, not too wrinkly. Tended to prick and pull a thread with the pins (there's a pull line in the - thank goodness - underside of the collar).

I'm quite proud of this: first collar in about 30 years and perhaps my first with a stand (not sure, but pretty sure), and the sleeves look great. AnnR would be pleased - I basted the sleeves in as they are kind of futzy at the top. No puckers! YEA! I think the hand basting was the key. I could fix each stitch before making it and then it held well. I started the seams at the shoulder - normally I start at the armpit. I didn't breathe for the entire process. I'm still a bit light headed. Unless I decide to go button shopping, I'll finish it tomorrow night. I also left out the elastic. It fits really well with just the pleats, so I just don't think it's necessary. I really like the way it fits.

I'm doing a very cautious happy dance, tonight.

Next up will be to trace off a couple of patterns on loan from Karent, then I'm going finish piecing my quilt. Who knows, I may even hem that dang pair of pants from, what, 2 months ago? And I really need to make some summer slacks. And I still want to make some more underpinnings. Shopping reminded me of why: $10/pair - yikes. I have the Kwik Sew book, now I just need some time.

It's been a beautiful few days here in DC. Not just warm, but hot and sunny. Rain's coming in, but that's okay. We need a mix and it is still spring. Just hope it holds off until after I take the dog for a walk in the morning.

And, just in case you think YOUR dog is stupid: and yes, that's the Jalie Tee