I wore my new NL 6429 dress to work yesterday and got Jim to take pictures between work and school. I had originally worn it with some brown suede shoes, but they were killing me by the end of the day so I had switched to boots, which are much more comfortable despite their higher heels.
I love this style and will definitely be making another one soon! I had originally made the size one down from my measurements (pattern size 12) but I ended up taking it in so much that I am going to start with the 10 next time. I'm *almost* reconsidering my decision to go to the Vogue Fabrics sale, because I was looking at my closet this morning and I am not liking any of my RTW clothes. I used to be satisfied with so little in terms of fit, and am not any longer now that I can sew things that I feel like a million bucks in all day when I'm wearing them. However, I do have enough knit fabric right now for 14 knit dresses and like 6 knit tops or tunics - although of the 14 knit dress fabrics, some are clearly for summer or evening - so I don't have 14 fabrics ready for "wear to work" or everyday type dresses. Also, I'm really thinking of donating most of my RTW in my closet, so as a result, I really might need more fabric. I'm not wearing that stuff anyway though. Pretty much I wear things I make every day, either things I sewed or knit. I only buy Lucky jeans (my weakness/addiction), underwear/nylons/tights, and shoes. Sounds like I'm talking myself into the sale!
Speaking of the closet "after" pictures - here are a few. This is for you, Annie!
Yarn side - full capacity! The boxes go from floor to 9 or 10' ceiling.
Fabric side - see all the empty space?? Although, to be fair, this doesn't capture the boxes below this with more knit fabric, or the box I have under my bed with summer knit fabrics.
I'll leave you with a gratuitous kitty pic. Jim snapped this when I was working on Baby Cables last week sometime and I just uploaded it today with the other pictures.
Gilda's a little heat-seeking cat, as she is always cold and either has to sit directly on top of me, or on top of a heating vent. She's always been small (6-7 pounds, depending on how many treats Jim has been giving her) and her fur is silky smooth, but not really thick, so she gets chilly. FatKat (PhatKat?) on the other hand is always warm as her fur is really thick and woolly, so she keeps a bit of a distance.
I know how you feel about not wanting to buy clothes. I got that way also, and my machine doesn't do a good job on knits. The only things that I bought were knits (like St. John's knits, when I could find them on sale). I always had trouble finding RTW blouses, and I never bought one again after I finally got my basic blouse pattern altered. But then I did spend lots of $ on shoes, handbags, and underwear.
Empty space in one's stash closet is dangerous. You are so neat! I can't even manage to label my plastic boxes with any accuracy.
Posted by: marjorie | November 13, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Love your dress with the boots and all. Excellent fabric selection. Good job on the stash organization.
Posted by: Jeanine | November 13, 2008 at 09:56 AM
You look like a million bucks! Very cute!
Posted by: adrienne | November 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
That dress looks beautiful on you. I think you have a sound plan with getting rid of the RTW. I wear the same few outfits in my RTW and I don't even have much sewed yet. Why not donate to others that will enjoy.
On a negative note....I've just added this pattern to my wish list which is ever growing whenever you show a new FO! lol
Posted by: Susan - Knitters Delight | November 13, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Yay!!! Thank you for the pics! I say - go for the fabric! You make beautiful clothes, and if you feel like a million bucks wearing them, why not!!! The closet organization is amazing! You inspire me! After the wedding we'll definitely SAL.. ha!
Posted by: Annie | November 13, 2008 at 11:08 AM
The dress looks wonderful! Good work on the reorganisation too. You really have been busy.
I have my fist knit fabric dress pattern and fabric ready to cut out. What have you started........ Only kidding (joking).
Thanks for the inspiration to get started with an unfamiliar fabric type.
Posted by: Mandy | November 13, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Empty space? Blasphemer!!
Posted by: Kim | November 13, 2008 at 11:59 AM
What a gorgeous dress and the print is 2df. How I wish my closet was as organized as yours.
Posted by: sheila | November 13, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Love your dress!! Oh and your little couch too, looks like a perfect place to knit!
Posted by: Zonda | November 13, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Pretty dress! Holy heck are you ever organized!
Posted by: tiennie | November 13, 2008 at 05:13 PM
You look amazing in all your handsewns! I say you should hit that sale!!!
Posted by: Kerry | November 13, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Luv the outfit and the boots are a perfect selection! Isn't if funny how sometimes higher heels are more comfortable than what appears to be better shoe!!
Okay...I really need to get my yarn organized like you!
HAHA! @ your pic not smiling! ;op
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | November 13, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Thats my favorite fabric so far. I love browns. Fabulous job!!
Posted by: Machelle | November 14, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I love the dress. It's a nice fabric. And your closet - envy! It's bigger than my kitchen!
Posted by: Steph | November 15, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I love the dress! ANd I'm envious of your stash!
Posted by: arizona | November 16, 2008 at 04:47 PM
My little dog is the same way as your little cat! This time of year he has to be on top of me. Until the heat kicks on (it's all on a timer system). When he hears that he practically flys to the front of the vent - and then lays facing into it.
Posted by: Sourire11 | November 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
That is a great-looking dress. Perfect match for your boots and hair too. Your fabric stash is enviously organized! I need a bigger house for my fabric. Great kitty pic :) .
Posted by: Kat | November 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM