Cutting out the pattern

Today I got the pattern pieces all laid out and cut. I still have to do the interfacing. I forgot how squirrely knit fabric is to cut. I had to chase it all over the table.

Time to cut the fabric

How many of you get nervous cutting into a perfectly good piece of fabric? Scissors here I come.

Got the fabric

I found the fabric I needed. The whole dress should cost under $20. initially. I have to be careful at M & L Fabric. This is like the third time they charged me $1.00 more per yard than it is marked on the shelf. I went with purple and red T-shirt knit fabric. I didn't realize until I put on my reading glasses that the trim is not just around the neck, but around the cuffs in view E as well. I like that idea a lot.
The fabric is getting pre-washed at the moment. I was hoping to cut it out today but I have a blister on my right thumb and my cat is sick, so I have a feeling I won't be able to cut it out.

And the winning pattern is...

After sleeping on it, I was more excited than ever about this project. I decided to go with a commercial pattern because down the road people are going to ask me how to make the pattern, and it would be a nightmare explaining to people with no sewing experience how to do flat pattern drafting.

I decided to go with Simplicity 3557. I chose this pattern because it pulls over the head, so it has no zipper to hassle with. It comes in many sizes, so anyone that wants to join in can probably find their size, and it has an adjustment for an A, B, C, or D cup.

Then I had to decide what color or colors I could be happy wearing for a whole year. So I thought of my favorite skirt, which is purple with red accents. I liked that skirt even more when a friend told me her mother would be appalled that I was wearing purple and red together. People sure get some weird hang-ups about what colors you can wear together.

I also feel like the details on this pattern give me lots of embellishing possibilities down the road.

So I just got all the pattern pieces cut apart. Now I need to see if I actually have the fabric I can use or if I'm going to have to buy some.

I've already decided I'm not going to 'live' in this dress 24/7. It's CA and it gets hot hot hot in the summer. But I am going to wear it a bit each day and take it out on the town.

I just flashed back on my Jr. High sewing class in the '70's. My teacher would pick out 2 or 3 patterns, and the whole class had to pick from those 2 or 3. So it was fascinating to see just what fabric each student would use.

As far as fabric goes, I want something that breathes, like cotton.

If you think you want to join in and make this dress too, please share your experiences and photos.

First Post or 'What's it all about Alphie'

First we need to define motley threads.
Motley means a mixture of incongruos elements and threads means clothing.

Here is my idea in a nutshell: Design a garment to be worn for one year. Change the garment as often as possible so that it morphs into other garments and becomes a vehicle of self-expression. Add to (embellish) and take away from the garment as the mood strikes me. Take a photo each day to document everything.