Project 1: Black and White Checked Skirt--With Sequins!

As promised, I've chosen the fabric I will be using for this first project in my Fabric Stash Challenge and here's the photos.

 

This is a black and white checked gingham cotton fabric, with a little stretch.  It has lovely thread swirls throughout and sewn on silver sequins in the flowers (my favorite!)  What's nice about this fabric is that it is a medium thickness and doesn't require a slip.  However, because the fabric is a little rough (it feels like a broadcloth), I may want to line it anyway.  Also, I generally like to line fabric with sequins because the sequins are little itchy. 

 

Pretty sequins are sewn in the flowers

I have several options for patterns because of this fabric weight and slub.  I could make a cute spring/summer jacket, except I only have a yard and half fabric at 52" wide and I do need to line up the checks...I could make a sleeveless, snug dress with a slit in the back.  That would look nice except I think it will be dressier than what I want.  I could make a jumper and wear a crisp, white blouse underneath.  I have a great pattern but it has a ton of pleats and I don't want to deal with sequins in the pleats, plus I don't want a lot of pleats or darts taking away from the flower design.


I could make an a-line skirt...that would be so pretty and summery with a white blouse.  I will use a pattern that I don't have to cut into too many pieces and disturb the fabric pattern.

I'm going to use Simplicity 7377--I'm well acquainted with this pattern and it's easy to make.  I like option "C", and think it will look cute with the belt.  The facing waistband is comfortable too.  You'll see my progress over the next week!

The Call of the Wild - Zebra (part 1)

What is the allure of animal prints anyway?  We not only love to clothe ourselves in them, but see the other ways we've wrapped ourselves in them!

This is a cute little number to put a gift in! http:/www.nashvillewraps.com/basket-supplies/gable-gift-boxes/sku-zebgb.html

Steppin' high with this snazzy stool!  http://www.2littlemonkeys.com/black-zebra-step_8469_p.htm

I so want to buy this for my office computer!  http://www.animalprintessentials.com/products/zebra-print-power-strip