Style Arc Bonanza

I've been lurking the Style Arc pattern website for over a year now. I love a lot of their designs, but the one-size-per-pattern and high shipping costs made me hesitate to push "buy". But I finally went for it with some mad money I received for Christmas this year (thank you, Aunt Wendy!).  And here's what I chose:

Clockwise from top right: Tracy Trench Coat, Emma Dress, Alisha Dress, Julia Jacket, Darla Stretch Woven Dress, Marni Ponti Jacket, Rosie Top (the free pattern for January).

Now what to make first? The two patterns that are calling to me Darla and Marni - they are the patterns I've had my eye on for longest AND I already have fabric for them.  I've got a few possible combinations for the Darla.

1) I could do the back and sides with this magenta fabric (stretch cotton sateen) and the front middle panel with the purplish grey (also stretch cotton sateen but lighter weight - I'll probably underline it with itself).

But I'm wondering if I should do something to play up the seams - piping? slot seams? - or just let them be free and unencumbered by notion-ry?

2) Option #2 for this dress is some ponte knit from my stash, a black/magenta polka dot from girlcharlee.com (I have just enough to squeeze out the front center panel and maybe the back center panel).

And Darla option #3 is an abstract grey/black ponte knit from StoneFabrics.co.uk:

What gets your vote?

The second pattern that's up at the top of the list is the Marni Jacket, which I plan to make in - surprise - a magenta double knit I found a Field's Fabrics in Kalamazoo.

I've got enough of this fabric to also make a skirt, but that might be too much magenta for one outfit. "What?" you say, "Too much magenta?" Yes, dear readers, I do know there's a limit to the amount of magenta one gal's closet can take. But in reality I approach magenta like I approach chocolate - one more itty bitty piece couldn't hurt anyone, could it?

Pattern Pyramid Giveaway!

Back in February, Debbie at Sew I Think I Can Sew ran a Pattern Pyramid Giveaway and I was the lucky winner!  So the pattern pyramid exchange started by Karen at Did You Make That? made it's way back to the States from Canada and into my hands.  I now get to run my own giveaway and I'm excited to keep this going!

Here's what arrived from Debbie:

A lovely package of patterns all wrapped up in some crepe-y aubergine fabric, topped with a fancy closure, just for lovely me.  And here are the patterns:

I think I'm going to keep the Style Sew Simple 2373, mainly because I like the collars.  I'm adding these items to the parcel before sending it on:

The pattern is one that I picked up in a thrift store a while back but I've since decided I have other patterns like it closer to my actual size.  I picked up the fabric in a different resale shope, and it's about 2.5 yards of vintage cotton (44" wide).  I already washed it but it's not really me so it deserves a new home.  I hope it will make someone a lovely summer dress or top!

Here are the rules for entry in the giveaway:

You must have an active blog.
You must leave a comment and include your email.
I will randomly select the lucky winner.
I will then post off the patterns and fabric.
The winner gets the fabric and can also pick one pattern to keep for themselves, then host their own giveaway. They will randomly select a winner, post the remaining patterns to that Person, and the fun continues!

Anyone, anywhere can enter the giveaway by posting a comment below by midnight Central Standard Time on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Let the good times keep rolling!