Blue Stripped Man's Shirt-The Vision

My DS is requesting that I make him some shirts. It's a very complimentary request since he's an adult and has witnessed my work over a number of years. The problem is that we don't live near each other. He has problems purchasing shirts that are long enough in the sleeve. I'm starting out with a short sleeved shirt, while waiting for him to provide me with a sleeve length. Men measure their sleeve length from the center of their back yoke, across their shoulder, to their wrist bone. I told him not to forget to bend his elbow when measuring.

Reference Book: "Shirtmaking" by David Coffin.

Special Feet: Felling foot and hemming foot.

Pattern: McCall's M6044, view A, collar, collar stand, front band, one chest pocket.

Fabric: Light blue/dark blue/white, even stipped (even strips will match along a right angle), 100% cotton fabric from stash originally purchased from Joann's Fabrics.

Interfacing: White muslin

Alteration: None.

Thread: Light blue.

Buttons: Seven white shirt buttons.

Gingerbread Colored Socks

Yesterday, for about an hour after work I went to my occasional knitting group. I'm learning two things ~ how to make a pair of socks and how to make them simultaneously on two cable knitting needles.

Book: "Knitting circles around socks" by Antje Gillingham.

Pattern: Anne's magic stripes.

Yarn: Hand painted 2 ply fingering sock yarn purchased on line from "Knitpicks" called Gingerbread House because of the brown background color sprinkled with six gumdrop colors. It's 50% Merino wool; 25% superfine Alpaca; and 25% nylon.

I only managed to cast on.

De-stashing

I would like to de-stash myself of twelve cardboard boxes of fabric. I'm not looking to sell it nor give it away but to use it up. I work full time, have a new husband and grandchild, and have other hobbies besides sewing; consequently, my time is limited. Even though dressmaking and tailoring are my favorite things to do, I also delve into knitting, cross stitching, gardening, and home improvement projects, as well as, getting through the details of everyday life.

I'm at an age where I want to simplify my life. There will always be beautiful fabric to be purchased at any time. My goal is to use up my stash of fabric while only purchasing components for a garment. This may be a lining, buttons, interfacing, etc. An exception is allowing myself to purchase certain types of fabric that I don't already possess. For example, knits aren't in my inventory, and I would like to construct a knit dress.

With that said, I am trying to stay out of the fabric stores. I have to keep the temptation away.