Last, then First

There are still chilly days ahead, but I think it's time to put away the wools and start thinking linen.

I've been trying to find a 100% wool boiled wool fabric comparable to that used by Eileen Fisher in various top styles. The exact fabric may well be exclusive to the company, but I would love to find something similar. So, I've been 'auditioning' some when I find it for sale online. I saw some on a German site a while back - for a really good price of 16 Euros per metre - and took a chance. The fabric I received was much too heavy for an indoor top, but it was perfect for a lighter weight jacket. I'll probably wear it mostly in autumn and early winter, but it also suits the chilly days we are having right now. The pattern is one I've made before - Butterick 6368 - and I find it works well for our climate. I added a toggle closure and pockets, but otherwise made it according to pattern. 

It's a good, neutral grey that will work well for me, and I think it's going to be a very useful addition to the wardrobe.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, I dug out a Love Notions pattern - Rhapsody - that I had made last season. I wasn't pleased with the sleeves I chose, but otherwise liked the top. 

I used a shirt-weight 100% linen from Fabric Mart and this time chose the bishop style sleeve. I also put a seam up the front instead of cutting on the fold because I wanted a vertical line there. Not too visible in the photo, but I added some decorative stitching up the front, around the neck, and around the sleeve ends. It should be a comfortable, breezy top for warmer weather.  Now, if I could just stop fretting over wrinkles!