sewing up a storm

i've been working in my studio (a fancy word for my slope-floored and poorly lit sewing room) everyday after work. i've been working through some old commercial patterns and trying out new ones. i have to admit, i can't remember the last time i've sewn this much for myself. i sew almost every day at my job and for the last few years, i could only commit to quick sleeveless tops or super-easy, unlined pencil skirts that i could whip up in a couple of hours and still be in bed by 11 pm. i haven't gone so far as to add sleeves to anything i've made recently (it is, after all, still summer for at least another month), but i've been working steadily though a good chunk of my fabric. to keep a log of the things i've done, i'm planning on posting about each pattern and project soon.

as much as i love the satisfaction (and compliments) i get from wearing something to work that i made the night before, i'm beginning to think that it's time i work on some more challenging projects. i'd like to make a grey wool winter coat (and perhaps a copy of the toggle coat below), some well-fitting tailored button-down shirts (maybe one in a soft chambray for the autumn), a pair of jeans that really fits, some wool pencil skirts with anthropologie-inspired details and actual linings. it's time to step my sewing up a notch and work on quality pieces to build my ideal wardrobe.