Fabric Rant

I gave up on the raincoat. Not because I couldn't get the fit or style down...it was the fabric! The trial and stash fabrics were just wrong - too limp, too stiff, too --- whatever. And if we found something close enough at the fabric stores, it would cost more than buying one. And honestly, I was getting a little tired and discouraged by Raincoat Round 4.

We went to Target and were ready to buy a raincoat for $35. But then clever L found a Gilligan & O'Malley bathrobe! But doesn't look bathrobe-y at all, it's above-the-knee length, has a tie belt with a rectangular belt loop in the back instead of the typical thread ones on the side. It looks just like a stylish raincoat you'd see in the magazines. I'll sew some buttons on the back like a martingale thereby securing the belt, and add some to the front to look like a double-breasted closure! For a "costume" that will only be worn for 10 minutes for the dance and since she'll be in the back (she's not a premier dancer, they get put in the front), we got out for less than $20! I spent that much plus on the patterns and cheapy fabric, with nothing to show for it, sad to say. This is probably why quilters, scrapbookers and knitters/crocheters are taking over the hobby world. There's always plenty of supplies available for them!

Fashionable sewing fabrics that make sewing worthwhile are like needles in the haystack. Something like this should have been so easy to make and turn out -- with the right fabric it would have! Sigh.