A New Laura Ashley!

I was really taken with McCalls 5972 - a Laura Ashley sheath dress with a retro collar:

I  made view "B", with a plaid that looks like a wool, but is really a synthetic blend I found at Hancock's.  It was perfect for this pattern:  soft drape for the collar, but enough body for the dress.  I don't know what possessed me to choose a plaid for my first rendition of this dress - all that extra matching at the center of the dress, and the skirt sides took more way more time, but I just liked the look of this plaid.  The collar rolled perfectly, and this synthetic was more of a pleasure to work with than I had anticipated.  I made a size 12 with no alterations, except for the side seams which I varied based on the finished pattern measurements.  I sewed the side seams with a 5/8 inch seam allowance above the bust darts, and then narrowed the side seams to 1/2 inch to the waist.  I made the skirt with 1/2 inch side seams and got a very good fit.

(This fabric really is wrinkle resistant - I had been sitting all day at work when this photo was taken.)  My only other change was that I used silk shantung bias strips to finish the armholes, rather than single fold bias tape the pattern called for.  There is a side seam zipper and a back vent.  The bodice is lined, and I used some light pink cotton batiste I had leftover in the stash.

All and all, this turned out to be a very comfortable and professional dress and I recommend the pattern.

Parting Shots: My wedding present from VickiW!

Vicki started piecing this pink-and-brown churn dash quilt years ago and I staked my claim to it early on.  She finished it as my wedding present last week!  Check out the awesome quilting on the back:

Vicki quilted feathers in the blocks and cross-hatching in between!   And here is the all-important label:

This quilt means so much to me.  I love the colors. I love the quilting.  And it is big!  The Carpenter said it was "too good to use" but we have been sleeping under it every night!  Thank you, Vicki!