This is the Top 64 from Merchant and Mills in a size 16.

I fell btwn size 14 and 16 and probably would’ve been fine with a 14 since there is a lot of ease built in the pattern. If you don’t want to pay shipping from the UK, some of the shops-mine was found at A Verb for Keeping Warm– on this side of the pond stock them.Here are a few shots of the interior, such a lovely shop- I even got some gorgeous Madeline Tosh yarn and I don’t even knit!

I’m still ambivalent about the fit on me- it’s meant to be boxy and loose-ish since it’s modeled after a fisherman’s top/artist’s smock.

The pockets are more of a design element than useful, as you can see with my hand as a reference.

The fabric is Robert Kaufman’s cotton double cloth in Indigo- soo soft and comfy.
It’s a pullover, so no worries about closures- the main trouble for me was getting my top-stitching just right. Definitely shows when you get off track.
It will get worn, especially since my winter garb inventory is sorely lacking. And I’ve already cut out fabric for my Camber Set T-shirt, in some lovely Nani Iro double gauze, from Miss Matatabi on Etsy. Lengthened the sleeves to make them elbow-length, just hope it works out.

It always comes around so quickly- it’s already November which means the BABE!show in Oakland, CA this Sat. from 10-6 and Sun. from 10-5pm.
Here is a printable coupon code for $2 off admission, would love to see you there!

Here is a quick pic of a few beads I’ve been working on:

Most of my work has be packed already, since I’m trying to be less of a procrastinator and hopefully less stressed by the time I fly out Wed. morning. Quick prayer that my hubby doesn’t go crazy with kids the 5 days I’m gone.

In an effort to get a little sewing in when possible, here are of couple shots of my recent makes that made the cut:

This dress is soooo comfy, and I’m curious to know what would happen if I didn’t hem the neckline- does top-stitching serve a purpose for more than decoration in the Moneta pattern? The color is lovely, an inky blue that I got from Girl Charlee nearly a year ago, in Prussian Blue. This is a size Lg. and I added 8 inches to the skirt since it’s getting pretty chilly ’round these here parts. I noticed some looseness around the armholes, need to tweak that for next time.

These Simplicity 1377 pants are View A in a corduroy I had in my stash that had been languishing for more than a year. It’s a great color that incorporates well into my wardrobe, but was a bad choice for a wearable muslin. I sewed a 16, but for some reason made the waist 18, which was not necessary- especially since the waistband is elasticized. It must have a LOT of ease built in around the legs and hips since they’re so loose and comfy…but not very flattering as a trouser-ish pair of pants. They’d make a great pair of pj pants, I would just need to add a few inches to the length. They scream ‘mom pants’ to me, and I’d like to get around to skinnny-ing them and taking in some of the puff when I get back from CA.

Speaking of California, I plan to hit up Britex Fabric in SF while I’m in the area, woot! I was blown away last year by their wall of color coordinated fabric on the main floor. Can’t wait to go back and make more informed fabric choices. So thankful that my friend Joy is willing to squire me about. Once we get to Oakland on Friday, I may try and swing by A Verb for Keeping Warm. It looks and sounds delightful.

I’ll be updating my teaching schedule in the upper right corner of the home page, these are the only classes currently scheduled for 2015.