Sewing? What sewing?

If you've visited this blog in the past couple of months, you have probably remarked upon the notable absence of any sewing.
Between vacation, my grandson's surgery, going through three rough weeks of bronchitis, and, now, a discovery that why I am so worn out all the time is that my thyroid is out of whack - well I have not had either the desire or ability to sew much at all.
Not that I haven't done anything at all. In early July, I made a top from a Simplicity pattern and I have a matching skirt cut out. I also have a dress cut out, that I had to order more fabric for so I could cut out the sleeves. Well the weather has caught up with me - these are just too summerish for the upcoming fall season. Not that it gets cool here in southern Ohio very quickly, but a cotton mermaid pattern dress just doesn't work in October - unless it is the 31st!!
I also have not gotten it together to even start my coat for the Great Coat Sew Along. I was going to bow out, but visited the blog and found that there were many others in the same boat, for a variety of reasons - some have the muslin done, but some have not started. So I am not alone in being behind.
I also made another crazy patch quilt, in teal and aqua tones, for my bed. It is king size. I need to find a large enough space to spread the flannel backing and the top out and pin them.
No photos of any of these things at this point. So . . . once I get my brain chemistry back into alignment, I will get going on that sewing!

I'm Still Here

It has been over two weeks since I posted! Can't believe it has been that long.

I've been busy with my stash clean out and reorganization of my sewing room. It seems to be never-ending. BUT I am also in one of those phases when whatever you plan on doing, doesn't happen because of others who need something, or changes in work schedules, or whatever. Some times just sheer exhaustion.

However, the holiday weekend is coming up and I am - well lets say hopeful because whenever I say "planning" something happens- that I will have time to make two things - my muslin for THE GREAT COAT SEW ALONG - where I am terribly behind - and a dress from the Project Runway. I have some of the new mermaid fabric - can't remember what designer or manufacturer right now, that I am going to use for the summer dress. Wish me luck in getting what I want to do, done!!!!!!!!!!

The Great Coat Sew Along

Marji (http://www.blogger.com/profile/08695305834402487163) has put together the Great Coat Sew Along for those who would like to make a winter coat. She has sent out invitations and has about 50-60 people who have joined. More to come apparently. I have been crazy enough to sign up! Some people are doing two or three, but I don't think I will have that much time. However, I love the idea of "sewing with the stars" - building a community of women working on the same projects. Marji has broken the various activities down by month so that the coats will be completed by the end of September.

Last winter, at the clearance sales, I finally bought a long, grey wool winter coat that is comfy and warm on really cold days (and for $25 on clearance, there was no way I could make it). But, here in southern Ohio, that is about six or eight weeks of wear at the most. There are a lot of other days in November, early December, February and March where a warm, but lighter coat would fit the bill. When I was in Vancouver I succumbed to the allure of a carnation pink wool shawl that I thought would be great for the transitional times, but a real coat would be nice. .

I am considering two Burda Plus coats and a Butterick and a for this sew along. I will probably have to get fabric after I decide on the pattern.

First, is this coat from the current BP magazine. It is described as having "witty poachers pockets, a large, sophisticated collar" - and I sure could use more wit and sophistication in my life. Plus if it will make me a foot taller and blonde like the model, I'm all for it!

OR

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

The lighter color coat is a stretch satin and the dark a linen. I think it could be nice in a very lightweight wool or wool/silk mix. I would consider the pictured fabric from Fashion Fabric Club, described as "Solid Aqua Blue Jacket Weight Coating Fabric Suitable for Coats 80% Wool 20% Linen 60" Wide" of the teal "Solid Turquoise Jacket Weight Wool Coating Fabric Suitable for Jackets & Light Weight Coats 100% Wool 54" Wide"

Secondly, I'm thinking about this one from the Fall/Winter 07/08 Burda Plus. It has overcast seams and from the directions, I think they are talking about flat-felled seams. It is hard to tell, which may or may not cause difficulties. It is made from double-faced wool, which may be a bit warm for what I want. I suppose I could use the pattern and make a lining and not use double face. I did see some wool on Fabricmart that was double-faced black and aqua, which I thought would be nice, but . . . only 2 yards left! So that is out

Finally, I bought this pattern for a Butterick coat last winter, but haven't done anything with it. I quite like the long white view with the notch in the color. And the big portrait collar is lovely. I also like the assymetrical closing. A cream or pastel color wool would be nice, or either of the fabrics above in the first coat.

So my team of trusted advisors, what do you think? With which should I go ? All comments and ideas welcome.