Bows, bows, bows

Well friends, this semester is almost over. I have just a few days left to finish my final project for patternmaking class and then a summer off to design, draft and sew for myself (and anyone else I see fit — but not my kid because she does not appreciate the effort that goes into making her something and has refused in the past to wear the things I've made for her. She did, however, ask me to make her a jumpsuit like the one I sewed for class, "but small — for me," she said. I don't know. It would be so cute. Like a little toddler tradesperson.) Also, it's time to restock my Etsy shop, which is almost totally empty. Summer studies at FIT sounds like a terrible idea to me. The less time I have to spend in midtown when it's 30 C, the better. I'm a broken record when it comes to how insufferable this city is in the summer. But it really is.

Anyway, I found a new place to buy fabric this week thanks to a recommendation from a Burdastyle member: Metro Textile Corp. at 265 West 37th Street, #908. You have to take an elevator up to the ninth floor, and try not to think you must certainly be in the wrong place. Once inside, a very kind man (if you follow the link, he's the guy in the mirror) helped me find the right lightweight plaid for my final project ($6/yard). This navy cotton printed with bows also caught my eye (also $6/yard), so I snatched it up though I don't know yet what to make with it.

It's lightweight, so a summer dress or skirt might be a good idea. I've also been wanting to try out gathering with elastic thread, a technique I have never attempted. So I think I may make a simple dress with gathering through the waist. Something like the Anda pattern, but with more scoop to the neckline. Any suggestions?