Christmas projects/clothes for me!

Underway For Christmas:
Bassinet for Maisie-cut, half sewn
Dress for Maisie-half sewn, needs hem and possibly lining
PJs for Leo-fabric chosen, not cut
Handbag for Mum-done
Handbag for Karen-waiting for fabric
Handbag for Bunny-waitin gfor fabric
Knitting bag for Mum- fabric chosen, not cut

Underway For me:
Coat for me- needs buttons/buttonholes
Cardigan- needs embroidery
Three pairs of trousers-need hems
One top-done
One handbag-done
Knit scarf- edge crotcheted and ends in

A jacket for a Christmas Party

Here is a simple jacket I made in a hurry for my husband's "Customer Appreciation Night" for work. I am back in black in this one, but nothing beats black for an evening out- or candle light for making ANYTHING flattering!This was made using the Vogue Chanel style jacket- I will have to look up the number. It is made from some silk from FabricMart Fabrics. The silk was great to work with. It sewed and pressed beautifully.
I changed the neckline to a low V, bound the front edges and added ruched cuffs in silk charmeuse. It closes with a snap and then there are the charmeuse ties to cover it. Very simple and flattering. I didn't get a photo in it though. It was the first time my husband I have gone out together and not taken the baby. She cried and fussed with the sitter and we hurried out the door- no time for pictures.

Some sewing for myself

I have been trying to get away from the red/black colour scheme I have worn for so many years. As I get older, it is not longer flattering on me. I am trying to use brown with blue and or teal. The trouble is that my accessories are all suited to black. It is an expensive and time consuming proposition to move away from that.
I have wanted a new handbag for a while now and have not been able to find one I like. I happened upon some brown leather in my attic, left behind by a friend years ago. I have carried it around for nealy 20 years, so I figure it is mine now (she has long agreed to that, but I still resisted using it in case she wanted it). I had a style in mind, but have never made a purse before, so decided to try one right from the package. Here is the result:

The outer fabic is from Emma One Sock and it is lined with a synthetic suede from Timmel Fabrics.

I had a few problems with the binding on the top edge, but it looks Ok from the outside. I am not usually one to accept that, but this was a first attempt and a real learning experience.