The weather is not always agreeable when it comes to blog pics.  I'm never happy with the way my photos turn out inside the house, never enough lighting, so I decided to tough it out in the cold.  As I'm heading out the door camera and tripod in hand my husband says, "You know it's 20 degrees out, right?"  "Eh, it's not the bad" I say.  Vito begs to differ.

This make was inspired by Ping of Peneloping. I love her version.  The pinks are a nice change to the typical neutral colors you tend to see in the wintertime.  My version may not be as bright and cheery as hers but I really lucked out when I found this pink wool knit and matching plaid for super cheap at a antique store.  When I spotted the two I instantly knew a remake was in order.


The top is the Sewaholic Renfrew.  I've made several versions before and have even mentioned of it being a TNT.  It totally can be but I feel like there is still room for improvement. I always seem to end up with these weird folds of fabric near the armpit.  I've even adjusted the pattern by taking out a wedge near the armhole but after viewing these pictures I see it's still a problem.  Can anyone offer some advice on this?


The skirt was made following this "Simple Skirt Tutorial" by Ping.  It really is simple.  You only need 3 rectangles of fabric and a little bit of math.  The biggest hurdle for me was placement of the pleats.  There are 4 pleats on mine front and back.  The number of pleats and placement is really up to you.  You just need to check your math and make them symmetrical.  I chose 4 pleats because Ping did four in the tutorial and the math was already done for me.  It hurt my brain to even think about doing the math for more.  I placed the pleats on the front farther apart and the pleats on the back are closer together because that's just the way I liked it.  I bet I spent a good 2 hours placing, pinning and trying on to get the perfect placement because well I'm a perfectionist. #noshame


The skirt waistband is finished with a side zip and two button snaps.  When I first finished the skirt I debated on ripping out the waistband and taking in the waist and sides a little because it was a little too loose.  I threw it in my to do pile.  Two weeks later it still laid in the to do pile so I decided to go ahead and get these pictures.  Today the fit is a different story, it feels just right.  I did have a big lunch though.  I hand stitched the hem while watching Sons of Anarchy on Netflix.  Anyone else watch the show?  My love for Jax that I had at the beginning of the season is starting to sour.  But who doesn't love a bad boy?

Vito says, "I'm a bad boy momma, love me please!"

I'm sure you've all by now noticed the new blog design.  I was going through a bit of a dry spell when it come to the blog, hence the month away.  I thought a new design might get me back in the spirit of things plus I think change is good.  The header is temporary.  It's just one I quickly whipped up myself.  My template was purchased on Etsy here.  Carrie has some really nice designs if your looking for a change yourself and I think the price is reasonable.  She was great to work with and very quick to answer any questions I had.

Who's in on the Crazy Dog Lady Sewing Challenge hosted by Tanya, Carlee and Sophie-Lee?  I think it's pretty obvious that I'm all in!  I've got my fabric ordered and my pattern picked out.  Follow me on Instagram for sneeky peaks!

And Carlee I'm totally borrowing your gif because it's hilarious and I think this is how Vito would like to react when I say "Bath time!!"  He hates it.