Bayou Cardi

I'm always hung up when it comes to doing my own selfish sews - I don't think I ever figured out how to dress my "mom bod" post kids, and so investing time and beautiful fabric in a wardrobe item that might not be flattering (or comfortable!) is a genuine concern. I should probably get in the habit of making muslins, but my sewing time is already so precious that I hate to spend time dithering on something I'm not excited to wear.

That said, earlier this year I did talk myself into taking the plunge on a pattern I'd been eyeballing for a long while - the Halla Essie. I'm very pear-shaped - so the circle skirt appealed, and a cardigan doesn't *have* to be flattering if it is comfortable.

I'd been hoarding 2 yards of this lovely "Bayou Flowers" print from Firefliez Fabrics for over a year, and it was time to start enjoying it on my person rather than on my shelf!

I'll admit I underestimated how labor-intensive the Essie would be, with the cuffs and the circle skirt. I always forget how long it takes just to cut out the individual parts of adult patterns. But, once I figured out the options, the Cardigan came together pretty nicely. Halla patterns have so many options, so well defined, and I adore that their patterns come with pre-printed rulers that help with grading. Here was the final result:

I do like the silhouette on me, but I sized down rather than up in the bust area, and I wish I'd gone up instead. Plus, my loving husband - who, make no mistake is 100% supportive of me and my sewing - took one look at my Essie hanging up and said in confusion, "...you made a Hugh Hefner Robe?"

So of course, now I can't un-see it. Styling it has been a bit of a challenge as a result - especially since I made it right as weather started warming up for us - but hopefully I will figure something out. At the very least, it was a good stash buster, and a chance to work with a really lovely print!